OBT Forum
General BattleTech => Alternate Universe => Topic started by: paulo brito on July 16, 2019, 04:28:29 AM
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Battletech CYOA – Ghostrider Revenants
This work of fiction is based on Fitzgerald’s CYOA but with some changes like the initial locations because I get ones already show in other works, and some small details to turn this a bit more interesting.
The hardware was selected using Sarna.net, TRO 3028 (yes, I know is not cannon) and some others.
This universe also include parts of the locations, people and actions / history of the HBS game Battletech – Restoration.
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Waking up with a tremendous headache even if I didn’t remember drinking a lot last night, I turned up the lights I before finding out that I wasn’t in my bedroom. What the Hell ? Looking in the mirror, I see a complete stranger looking at me, a guy of about twenties, blond, taller than I ever was and very muscular. Not at all,my usual 56 year old body that nobody says is in good shape these days.
My heart started racing before my head deciding to make a sense of everything. The last things I remember was that just a few hours back I got home from another day of boring work, repairing damaged computers and remotely assisting the few corporate clients that I still have. After dinner, I played some computer games to distract my mind from the boring life of a divorced 56 older computer programmer / technician with bad health and no close relatives or many friends. And now here I am but where am I?
Then I was hit by a series of memories that were clearly not mine - memories of another life. I’m a 20 year old male (thank God no change of sex ), named Jean-Luc Bassot, single, living in New Vandenberg, recently expelled from the Taurian Defense Force because of a scandal with the daughter of the major and therefore unemployed and to add another cliche to this list orphan. A kick look to what looks like a calendar in this house tells me that the date is January the 1st 3015.
It must be a dream – a strange one for sure. Normally my dreams don’t put me in a life of someone with so low perspectives, I am usually a king, a spy or … Someone must have a wicked sense of humor. I just hope that I wake up fast in order for me to return to my boring life.
Thankfully this loser still has a minimal bank account, so I just spend the next days wandering around the city and waiting for this really crappy dream to end.
At least I know this universe rather well – thank God my dream didn’t send me in one of the few horror or medieval movies that I sometimes saw. But if I had to be in the Battletech universe, why didn’t I dream I was in one of the big capitals, like Tharkad – forget that, too cold - or New Avalon and was a healthy noble? Not even in my dreams am I lucky, just perfect.
As the days go by – while the money fades away and depression comes – without me awakening or returning to my normal life, I get a little suspicion that this might not really be a dream but that somehow a very ‘funny’ BROB (Bored Random Omniscient Bastard / Being) send me to this body to have this crappy life. At least I don’t have to share this body with another mind – I ‘only’ got the body, the physical capabilities and the memories of Jean-Luc. The body is very fit, and in a manly way, good looking. The minus is that he isn’t a very educated person and that might be an understatement, so I don’t get many information about this new world.
I or rather this other guy – Jean-Luc Bassot – don’t have great professional capabilities and having been expelled from the military doesn’t help, as I quickly find out , after trying to get employed in five or six companies. After the incident (that’s how he refers to it), he has no friend left. And, as could be expected, my 21st century skills with computers and programming are useless (and I have no money or access to re-train in ‘up-to-date’ systems), and all the info on the Battletech lore I have can’t be used when one is a poor unemployed, without contacts, in other words, a nobody in the Periphery.
Apparently, it is very difficult in this era to get access to an education in computer programming – only the military (thanks for failing in that area, dude), a few companies or very few high level university provides it.
I finally got a job – operating heavy machinery or unloading ships by hand at the sea port. The best I can say about it is that it pays the bills but barely.
My only distractions, apart from writing everything I remember of the extensive Battletech lore (just to keep my mind sane), are hitting the local gym club, a dojo (this guy is a decent martial artist) and read everything I can put my hands on regarding history and science. I need to learn things about this universe other than the bits and pieces from the books written in another universe as there seems to be small differences between both “universesâ€. For example, one day, hearing in the news a tidbit about a small neighborhood nation, I discovered that the Aurigan Coalition exist in this universe and is ruled by House Arano. To most people here and then, it wouldn’t mean much but to me it just shows that it is not exactly a lore rigid universe and I wonder what other deviations might exist?
Another day, maybe three months after my “arrival†(it is amazing how one can forget how many days have passed), just after getting up from bed, I heard the phone ringing.
“Yes?â€
"Mister Jean-Luc Bassot?â€
“Yes, I’m Jean-Luc Bassot. Who’s speaking?â€
This is the secretary of Victor Blaise from the Law Office of Blaise, Thiers & Chevotet. Hold on please."
Great – lawyers in the morning, the perfect start for a normal day.
“Mister Bassot, good morning, we are the executors of the will of the late Edward Jeremy, from the Jeremy’s Consortium."
“The Magnate?â€
"Yes, sir. Because you are included in is will. We hope you can visit our office to discuss these maters in more detail."
I get a chance after all!!! Wait, is this that kind of situation? I have read and played several adventures that started like this – all in this universe after all.
The address provided is in the same city, so after breakfast – looking to the calendar, now is April the 3rd – and changing in the only decent outfit I have, I went to said location.
The offices of B, T & C are huge, they occupy an entire impressive building in the richest area of New Vandenberg (the capital and the planet). As soon as I say my name at the reception, I’m led to the personal office of one of the senior partners, in this case Victor Blaise itself.
I’m greeted by a distinguished old man, slender with white air.
“Mr Bassot,it is a pleasure to finally met you. I’m Victor Blaise, one of the senior partners oft his company and a close friend of you late father. Your military medical record confirms that you are related to our late client, and we received very clear instructions about you.â€
My late ‘mother’ never told me the name of my father, and because she never married, I didn’t have any way, until now, to know who he was. I still unsure about all this but managing to gain access to a military medical record shows how powerful or well introduced he is/was or they are.
“My condolences for your loss. As you might know, your late father was a very successful investor, with shares in all the big Concordat companies. What very few people know, however, is that his hobby was searching, restoring and collecting old military hardware everywhere he could find them.He decided to let you as inheritance the company that he used for that, his collection and a substantial amount of cash.â€
“And the catch? There is always one.â€
“Indeed. You can’t initiate contact with you father ‘legal’ family. You don’t tell them anything about this. And you rescind any rights on the rest of you father heritage.â€
“Is that all?â€
“Well, no. You still have the benefit of our services for life, your late father included that in our contract and he was one of our best clients, provided that it is not against his family – in that case, we would have to move away because of the conflict of interest.â€
“I have no problem with that. Would you have by chance a detailed list of what I become?â€
“Of course, it is in this data-chip. There is also a private message to you from your late father. Now, if everything is clear, and after you read the exact detail of what you get, we will have to deal with the “small†matters of you underwriting the documents….â€
“Can I see the message from my father before we continue?â€
“But of course. I will leave you alone. Call me when you are done with it.â€
Placing the disk in the reader I pushed the play button and a hologram of someone, that looks like an older version of this new body, my late father I guess appeared.
“Hello Jean-Luc. If you are seeing this, it means that I'm dead. By now, you have already been informed that I'm you father. My name is Edward Jeremy and I loved very much your mother, but because I was already engaged when I met her I couldn’t do what I should have done. Reason has its reasons that the heart must sometimes ignore.... Your mother was a very proud woman and she never accepted my help when we discovered that she was pregnant. While she broke all contacts with me, I still maintained a discreet surveillance on you, never interfering with your lifelike she desired. When you were six years old, one of my companies discovered a relic Liberty Jumpship with an DroST IIb Dropship still attached, both loaded with military hardware from the Reunification War times. Normally I would have sold all of it but at that time, the latest report I got on you were saying that you had started playing mercenary games and I thought “Why not?†and decided to use these to form the core of something that I could later give you as a gift.
Because I didn’t want to register them as a mercenary unit, after all, I was a respected businessman with no real interest in going in this new market, I had to find a way around as even for me it would have been difficult to create a hidden military force as all the governments tend to dislike people going around with big toys, I convinced my contacts that I would keep the obsolete BattleMechs for my private collection while selling them every “modern†or usable items I found.
And so, I created V4RU – Vandenberg Recover, Rebuild, Repair and Refit Unlimited – with a group of capable and dedicated people with the mission to find, obtain and restore old military hardware in order to give them to you when the time would come. They also repair and refit modern military hardware for the Taurian Defense Force and several mercenary outfits.
They are very good people indeed and they found several more modern wreckage that were sold to the government or to some selected companies. In the end, you will have a decent if only small force to play with if you still want to play mercenary. If not, you can sell them and use the money to increase your other gift, my private account, that no one knows about. I can’t tell you the value right now, because I don’t know when I will die but there is enough to sustain you and your force should you want to go this way. From the unknown father that loved you, I bid you farewell my son.â€
And with these last words, the hologram dissolved.
Let me see. Vandenberg Recover, Rebuild, Repair and Refit Unlimited – a recover and repair company with a security unit on top of it, not bad… and the ‘toys’: 1 Jumpship, 4 Dropships along with some old ‘Mechs and vehicles. All very old models, some barely useful even in the Periphery. Oh, and 280 fucking million C-Bills in a Comstar bank account!.
I’m rich, very rich. It is tempting – oh so tempting. Hundreds of millions of C-Bills and living in a nation that – if nothing changes from what I know – will stay in a state of peace for more than 50 years, up to the Jihad times. But I don’t believe that the ‘dear’ BROB that sent me here will let me escape so easily.
Well if this is not a standard setup for an adventure, I missed the memo. From what I see, our dear BROB is obviously lacking in originality. But that simplifies my life for a while, as the initial moves are easy to make having been discussed over and over in all the BT related forums in my world.
After signaling that I have ended reading the data my ‘late father’ left to me, Mr. Blaise re-enter the room.
‘So, Mr. Bassot, have you any questions?’
“For starters, I need to visit V4RU and see what they have in terms of people and assets. Only after that can I make a proper decision. Right now, I don’t know what I will do. Just not enough information, I hope you understand.â€
“That is perfectly comprehensible. When you have made your mind, please contact me back.â€
“Also, I think that I'm going to need some kind of protection.’’
“For your security, I would recommend you to contact Smith Securities, they have an office in this city and they are very good and discreet.â€
After carefully reading all the documents, and signing the necessary ones, I exited the B, T & C building to start a new life.
My fist move after that was to go to Smith Securities and after showing them a black credit card – AKA (almost) unlimited funds, one of the things that I got just after signing all the papers in the law firm- I received the full VIP treatment with personal assistant and access to the very best merchandise.
It is stupid I know, but for once, I let free my inner bad boy, rationalizing that now, I need a bit of protection. I ended buying a comfortable black outfit with incorporated ballistic armor, boot blades, shoulder holster, one Serrek 7875D auto-pistol with several clips and a box of ammo. In other words, the XXXI century Taurian version, of John Wick clothing, for short.
I also contracted, for the duration of my stay on New Vandenberg, two bodyguards.
After that, I felt better and went on doing first things, first. For example, bolstering my ego by telling my ex-boss that I quit, obviously in a very graphic way. Next, I stopped at the local computer store, and bought the best noteputer they had, several high-capacity data-chips and a portable scanner. After the boring but necessary task of digitizing all my notes, I now had to think about the future and I needed to seriously think about what I wanted to do next.
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really liked this , just wondering where your going . hope to see more updates .
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V4RU is located on the other side of the planet, which means traveling to there but thanks to being rich, it is quite easy. Taking one sub-orbital flight in first class leaves me in the nearest city and after that it is rather easy to find a VTOL and fly there. From the air, the company installations are isolated in the middle of a prairie field and includes several very big warehouses and an airfield / drop port.
The lawyers must have already informed them of my arrival as while we are landing, I can see a welcome committee waiting for me. Exiting the VTOL I saw five people waiting – three men and two woman: one is the perfect suit man, another one the bookish type. We also got the dirty mechanic, the beautiful redhead and a smallish brunette in a kind of uniform. What is this, the stereotype week?
The “suit†takes a step forward and begins speaking.
“Good morning Mister Bassot. I’m John Smith, the general manager. The people around me are the leaders of the different branches of V4RU, to my right, Bertrand Suchet is the Recover department leader – this guy just looks like many low budget stereotypes of bookish small man - , Gilbert Leloup - looking strangely like Yang Virtanen in the HBS game, even if his cybernetic arm is the left one this time - is our master technician, and at my left Sara Pelletier – a beautiful looking redhead that can easily work in the supermodel world - is the boss of the space department, that means that she is responsible for our Jumpship and Dropships, and last but not least, miss Lise Bonnel - a very interesting smallish brunette, dressed in a casual way, with a military type jacket, mirrored glasses and with a big gun on her holster is the most distant image of what I picture security or military related - is our security chief. Would you like a tour of the installations ?â€
During said tour I can see several military vehicles and ‘Mechs under works. Mr Smith informs me that one of the most lucrative businesses of the company is the repair and refit one and that they have contracts not only with the Taurian Defense Force and several small mercenary units but also a good relation with VMI (Vandenberg Mechanized Industries) to support then and even sometimes execute the final assembly and testing of new deliveries. When I asked about the military hardware owned by the company and after a small saddened look on Mr Smith’s face that vanishes as soon as it got there, I was guided to a separated group of warehouses and hangars containing several ’Mechs, Aerospace Fighters and other military hardware, but to my dismay, all dating back to the Reunification War or similar periods. In other words, antiques. Seeing my dismay face, Mr Leloup quickly added that while, the hardware might indeed seem old, they have all been extensively refitted with modern systems. They are modern versions in all but name and aspect but more importantly, they are also capable of accepting modern components and could be used in the field if necessary without risking any lack of parts or ammo. Inside of three of the hangars are also Dropships that were also modernized and are ready to be deployed. The only empty hangar is the house of the only Jumbo DropShip that the company has and that at the time being is running a contract for VMI, delivering equipment to a mercenary force somewhere in the Inner Sphere. According to Miss Pelletier, it should be returning in about three months. With it is our only JumpShip, one old but also refitted and fully operational Liberty, the one mentioned by my “fatherâ€.
Gilbert Leloup, informs me with evident pride that V4RU is one of the smallest – if not the smaller – company that can do extensive repairs and refits on DropShips. When asked about what kind of DropShip the biggest one was as it was obviously not an Union, he informed me that it was a Black Eagle, “the grand daddy of ‘mech carriersâ€. This one had like all our hardware (including the two DroST in the other hangers) been fully retrofitted with current tech and were even sometime used to deliver goods from V4RU or VMI to other planets.
In one of the repair shops, a Marauder, in the colors of the Taurian Defense Force, could be seen in the middle of the delicate and very complex operation of replacing his engine. Very few places can do that, outside of the full ‘Mech factories. Clearly V4RU is more capable than I have ever thought.
Initially I had thought that V4RU was a small company, but oh boy, have I been wrong. Yes, it is small if you compare it with the giants of the military industry like the local VMI or the much bigger Defiance Industries, but it is more a medium one than a small one, very well equipped, staffed with competent people and more importantly, it seems profitable.
Lise Bonnel, quietly points out to me with a disturbing sultry voice, that the DroST IIb is regularly used as an escort DropShip loaded with some platoons of marines and the small craft carrying them are older Intrepid Assault Craft, well armed and loaded with a platoon of said marines if necessary. Her troops have plenty of experience in anti-piracy missions.
Then, I ask Suchet about what is Recover department is doing. To my surprise he answers that they have extensive databases on the whole human sphere (Inner Sphere + Periphery and even bits about the Deep Periphery) with their focus being on old battlefields and their post battle cleaning. If they find info that some were not extensively cleaned, they send a team to that location to see if they can obtain (Recover) some usable piece of military hardware. This is where everything in my company comes. He adds with a glint in the eye that they have just found a probable location for some Taurian and/or Star League wreckage from a ground battle that could be usable. When asked why no team had been sent, he simply answered that the operation has not yet been approved by Mr Smith while looking at him with a not friendly face.
Mr Smith informs me that most of these operations are just a waste of funds and time and until now they are not a priority. In other words “I don’t plan on doing anything but if the new owner takes responsibility for it, so be it.â€
Not wanting to decide now as so far what I have seen is only old hardware which makes me less and less excited in keeping that company, after all they don’t have a real mercenary unit, I temporized and asked both to send me their estimates and that I would decide later.
Meanwhile the tour ended, and we arrived at the administrative building where the research department is located. It is right then that I was struck by a crazy idea and turning to Suchet, I asked him if in their ‘extensive databases’ they had references to a DropShip class named Argo. After a few moments Suchet answered that thanks to their access to the ‘3010 Complete Delranes Black Sea Encyclopedia’, the most comprehensive database of all black sea ships, if said DropShip class ever existed, he would find it. Soon one of is subordinates confirmed that two DropShips of that class had indeed been built in 2762, the Argo and the Myrmidon but that the Argo was lost during its maiden trip and that the Myrmidon had been broken down for parts before being its full completion.
With tremendous effort I controlled my expression… maybe it was possible… I refrained the impulse to ask about Axylus. Instead I simply asked to get full access to all the combined databases in my soon to be office.
After that came the mandatory part about what my intentions were regarding the company. Good question. However I managed to calmed down their fears that I could sell it for some easy money. I concluded by saying that for now I wanted V4RU to work like before while I take some time to analyze the books to get an idea of the profitability of the company, giving authorization to launch the operation asked by Suchet will have to wait until I get a clear picture. However what I knew but couldn’t tell them is that if I found out what I will be looking for in the cartographic database, I would really need to create a military unit before hunting down the legendary Argo and its treasures.
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The next six months passed in a blur for me.
Because the V4RU complex included several blocks of apartments for functionaries, and had some free, I took one for me. Also, after evaluating the quality of the security forces, I dismiss the bodyguards that I have contracted some days before. Next I started an intense regime to put me in condition for what I planned to do.
Small arms and hand-to-hand combat with the security team – boy firing laser and flechette weapons is fun – practicing with one of the available ‘Mechs, learn as much as possible about this universe and about the working of V4RU – I have all my days full.
While the accounting software in the Concordat in the 31st century is different from the ones used in Portugal in the 21st century – and in another universe – the basic principles are the same, and so thanks to my past life – I have needed to know how to read these numbers in previous jobs - I can easily confirm that the company turns a respectable profit, even when the projects of the Research branch generate a loss nine times out of ten (retrieving military hardware from old battlefields many times don’t generate enough ‘goodies’ to pay the expense). The company also has business deals with almost all the military companies in the Concordat.
I found out that Axylus indeed exist and was located near the Alloway system situated between the systems of Detroit and Joppa in the open area between FWL, CC, MC and the Aurigan Reach (like in the HBS game set). On the one hand, I was inclined to stay the owner of a successful company in a nation that in the next fifty years would be at peace, that is if you discount the ‘incident’ with the Reach in 3025-3028 in the HBS game. On the other , I wanted to get my hands in what was in the Argo and in Castle Nautilus. And if I followed that path, then the rest of the caches in the IS that I knew of (Helm, New Dallas, etc) would also be fair game.
But, right now, what I needed was to stick to the plan. I don’t have a mercenary force nor I'm I prepared for that kind of life but I have a lot of money, knowledge and a (profitable) company. It is a start.
I decided to authorize the Recover mission that I had been informed the day I had arrived.
Paying a little extra, I convinced several of the techs already in my service to teach me things like programming the systems of this era – not that different from what I know, more like the robotics / domotics and with a lot less UI??? than management software, but thankfully I have some experience with that – in my past in my original universe - I have done a lot of work in an animal food company, programming this semi-automated factory, so is not totally a new area for me. I also kept a rigorous regime, training with the marines hand-to-hand combat and small arms. I still remember the first day I used one of the Toro BattleMechs for the first time – so different from the videogames, but thanks to the memories from my ‘counterpart’ in this universe I managed to do it without too many problems. Even if the technician that tuned my helmet commented that I had strange, but passable, readings.
I also discussed with Leloup about my ideas to modify the Eisenfaust, turning it into a passable ‘Mech. After our discussion, he answered me that it was going to be expensive (even if much less than buying a new ‘Mech) but that he was confident that his team could do what I wanted.
I spent a lot of time looking through the different databases, which were indeed massive, trying to confirm the data I had from my previous life and catching the divergence points and general news that I didn’t know.
Soon after the confirmation of the Argo and Axylus existence, and after deciding to go for the more adventurous path, I talked with the lawyers from B,T & C in order to start the process to create a mercenary unit and more importantly to learn the ropes of running this business, what they can and can’t do. For example I could contract then to escort the V4RU jumpship and dropships – and if by chance they encountered a pirate group… all the loot was to be divided as agreed in the contract between the mercenaries and the contractor – both myself in this case. But invading or raiding systems of other nations without the authorization of the Taurian government (or any other) was a big no. Buying equipment and recruiting personnel after registering the mercenary force at the MRB was perfectly okay with the Taurian government.
And that turned my planned raids on Helm and Artru difficult as both planets were inhabited worlds inside nations, meaning that the Concordat was not going to be happy if I raided them. New Dallas on the other side (apart of the ‘small problem’ of Comstar having a permanent look in the system)– was considered a dead world and nobody would give a shit if I visited the system.
During this few months I gained a lively respect for Lise Bonnel (that small brunette was deadly in hand-to-hand combat) and she tossed me time after time around the tatami.
At last the Recover team returned home with about two hundred tons of usable pieces of diverse hardware and much more scrap. While per se it was not a good trip, we now had enough parts to rebuild a Talos battlemech, a Merkava Mk. VIII and a Marksman SPG that is if we could obtain the fusion engines for it. I authorized the order, under the protests of Mr Smith and to keep him silent, I used my private funds. With this last rebuilt, I now had six ‘Mechs – not bad, but not enough.
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Another story I have to check out in detail!
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Just then the lawyers called me back, informing me that the Revenants mercenary unit had finally been registered at the MRB and also in the local Concordat systems. I could now start buying modern military hardware, contracting people and looking for contracts if I was interested.
One thing I knew for sure was that I didn’t have the necessary experience to create and manage and much less lead into battle a mercenary unit. My own time in the military was long ago – and in a different universe. The memories from this body were up to completing the training, not enough by a large margin.
Thankfully, after reading her file, I knew that Lise Bonnel has served in one of the special forces units of the TDF and could probably help me finding the right person for the job.
After asking her to help me in that particular problem, she informed me that she indeed knew several retired officers that maybe could be interested in the job. She said that she was going to ask around but made no promises.
As soon as the Eisenfaust was declared operational by the technicians, I took it for a run in our firing range. While small, it was a comprehensive one with the full number of cameras and all the needed sensors needed to certify a ‘Mech or vehicle as fully operational.
After months of using the Toro, I could see the differences from the start; even with the updates we had made, the Eisenfaust was still a much slower ‘Mech, barely passing 60 km/h while the smaller Toro could reach almost 90 km/h easily. The weapon load-out was also different as the Toro was a long range ‘Mech while the new Eisenfaust had weapons for all ranges. My final conclusion after finishing the last run of planned tests planned was that the techs had done a good job, turning this ‘Mech into a decent if only a bit slow medium.
A month after my conversation with Lise, I received a visit.
Gervais Vasseur, retired Brigadier (in other words a Major) from the TDF (I later learned that he had retired after an accident killed his family four years ago).
Even without watching his vita, this guy screamed military with every single move he made. His look (1.75 meters, very fit with short black hair) just added to this feeling. After all, why not another cliché?
After the initial and usual jokes, he provided me with his résumé – XO in the Taurian Guards under Brenda Calderon, several deployments before that including two against pirates, nothing exceptional – but most parts of the curriculum were full so… all in all, someone with plenty of experience in the business. Interesting, no personal ‘Mech and hailing from a middle-class family, which could explain both the missing ‘Mech and the interest for the job.
After that, I explained to him that I wanted him to lead a mercenary unit, about the size of a combined arms battalion with several peculiar missions I wanted it to be able to carry.
His reaction was typical.
‘So, if I understand this right, you want to create a mercenary force to go treasure hunting in the no man’s land between us, the Magistracy and the South of the Reach.
Are you crazy ? For that you already have more than enough hardware, you don't need to buy more. Alternatively, you can contract any small mercenary force - that is much cheaper than creating one from the ground.’
‘Yes, Brigadier, but I want a force that I fully control.’
‘For that you just need to look to the MRB rates - several small merc units have a very good reputation. I think that you have too much money to spare and just want to play merc. Not a good combo.’
‘Look, Brigadier, it is my money, and in the end you will receive a very good salary for creating and commanding that force for me. If I'm wrong, you will still be paid and you will be able to drive a Heavy ‘Mech for several months. But, if I'm right...’
‘What is so important in that legendary DropShip for you to risk that much ?’
‘Other than the fact that is the size of the Behemoth, and that is was built in the last days of the Star League ? Several clues point to that it was used by the Star League Intelligence Command and that it might have inside a map of all their hidden bases in the Periphery.’
‘Even if all of that is true, what guarantees you have that said bases are not emptied when the SLDF run away or found after ?’
‘Well, that is a risk I'm prepared to take, brigadier. Do you want the job, or do I need to look for another commander?’
‘Son, it is you money, if you are willing to spend it that way, fine for me. But be prepared to pay a lot of money to buy the force you want and in the end all the adventure be a bust.’
‘Noted. And welcome to the party, brigadier.’
He had accepted the job offer but not without a last request – more exactly, demanding that the operational command had to be his, something that I fully supported.
Vasseur also asked about the hardware that I had and after I informed him, he made a quick list of the extra hardware that was going to be necessary. Thankfully I still had a good treasure chest and VMI could provide me with everything we both agreed to buy. Recruiting personnel was also going to be his job as I had no clue where to start.
After a meeting with the VMI procurement division, I returned to V4RU, with several orders placed for several very expensive military hardware. Thanks to the fact that VMI produced most of what I needed, I just had to negotiate with one company, one that has its HQ and principal factories in this planet. The drawback was that they had more bargaining power than I had.
While I had probably ordered more things and more costly than necessary for a good start, I wanted to form a company of ‘Mechs with support, something Vasseur fully agreed upon. I could get four heavies (Marauder 3R, Warhammer 6R, Archer 2R and Thunderbolt 5S), 2 mediums (Griffin 1N) four Vedette Medium tanks, four Hunter Light Support Tank and twelve Heavy Wheeled APCs. The reason behind my choice of going for four different heavies was that it meant I could get my hands on the first available ‘Mechs from 4 different production lines instead of having to wait for several months for the same 4 models to show up. A simple trick that made me smile and that ensured that my unit would be ready in the near future. I had specifically requested that everything fresh out of the factory had to be delivered to the new base that was just now being finished.
Creating a mercenary force from the roots was really expensive as for the ’Mecha and tanks alone, I had to pay 44 millions C-Bills and this price didn’t take into account spare parts and ammo! . Without forgetting that I had to let the ASF arm out of the way because getting pilots was going to be a pain as I still had no crews for the Hammerheads (not a single one) and so far only the four Intrepids were fully crewed . ASF was the only part that Vasseur wasn’t confident that he would be able to find enough personnel.
Buying the small arms, equipment and uniforms for the infantry force complement was small money compared to all the money I had just spent and I got these from several small companies in New Vandenberg. As I was a potential big customer for these companies, I could bargain “good†conditions.
Returning to V4RU, I talked with Leloup about the modifications that I wanted in the new hardware that was going to arrive soon. I wanted all the vehicles to to be vacuum certified as I planned on using to use them in the Argo takeover), which included among other things, replacing the ICE engines with fuel cells. I also wanted to modify the Marauder to the 3D variant (I liked the zombie, no ammo capability of the D). Leloup assured me that both things were rather trivial to do, even if they were going to cost some money and some time.
Any illusions that I could still have about my capabilities as a ‘MechWarrior were rapidly dispelled after several training sessions with Vasseur where he constantly defeated me, explaining to me in painful details all my mistakes after each session. But, the good news was that I felt I was learning and improving, if only slowly.
Another good thing during these days was that my team had found Farah Murad, just after her finishing her doctorates at Sian University. Paying top C-Bills, I offered her a place in my organization at V4RU or the Revenants, her choice. Thankfully, she accepted but for now only in V4RU.
In the following weeks, I continued my training and studying, while Vasseur was busy recruiting people inside the Concordat.
Vasseur was not only a veteran Mechwarrior, he was also an excellent teacher. I learned a lot about the practical side of business watching him. Following his advice, I bought four networked top-of-the-line simulators, the ones that could be programmed to simulate almost any ‘Mech (with only a few coding twists) and plenty of different environments.
VMI started the deliveries of the bought hardware, and V4RU started to modify the vehicles to my specifications; mostly replacing the ICE engines with fuel cells and adapting them to work in vacuum.
In spite of because of his rather profit oriented approach Smith was an excellent manager and managed to secure a few contracts while at same time providing the necessary personnel and company assets to execute my orders without interfering with the daily work of the company.
While recruiting personnel in the Concordat takes more time and provide you with less opportunities, particularly in the ASF arm, it also had some interesting advantages as you could spare yourself the year+ long trip to Galatea and back and it was also much easier to check the background of the candidates (to be honest, Vasseur’s good connections played a role here too).
Unlike in Galatea, none of the contracted ‘MechWarriors had personal ‘Mechs but they were all ex-members of the TDF. They were just lacking the money or the family to have their own ride into battle.
It was the same with the rest of the personnel, none came with military gear, except for some of the techs contracted. For another unit that would have been a problem but not for mine as I had already bought all the needed hardware.
During this preparation time I received the visit of a pair of agents from the Ministry of Interior (I strongly suspected that they from the Taurian Ministry of Intelligence). They wanted to know what my objectives were with the mercenary outfit that I was creating. Once they were informed that my only interest lied in ‘treasure hunting’ in unsafe places and maybe a little of pirate hunting both outside of the Concordat territory, they left.
I also executed my first orbital voyage by taking advantage of the marines training. I went along with them during one of their simulated assault on a DropShip. Thankfully, I don’t seem to suffer from space sickness – always good to know.
In early September Farah Murad arrived at V4RU and I couldn’t wait to meet her.
A smallish, a bit overweight woman, with several tattoos and a pair of intelligent eyes enter my office.
‘Good morning Dr. Murad, thank you for accepting my invitation.’
‘Well Mr. Bassot, your invitation is intriguing and you monetary proposal very interesting. I understand that you have this company and are also interested in doing some mercenary jobs ?’
‘Yes. This company does several repair and refit work from JumpShips to DropShips, ‘Mechs and all kind of vehicles both military and civilian. But I’m also creating a mercenary force that I want to use to recover some valuable items in the Periphery.’
‘What kind of valuable items, if I may ask ?’
‘For starters a lost Star League big DropShip, but the place apparently includes some kind of pirate base that use the remains at part of their base. I want to recover all the possible hardware from that ship, and if available any valuable data that the computers included. If said DropShip can be recovered the better.’
‘Interesting – what class of DropShip are we talking about?’
‘The rarest one – The Argo class.’
‘Rare indeed – if I’m not wrong only two were produced and only one ever flew and was lost during its maiden mission, right ? And you know where the remains are?’
‘Correct in both cases. As I said, I want to recover it if possible. Are you interested ?’
At the mention of such a potential treasure her eyes sparkled and I knew I had her.
‘Well, yes, of-course! You can count me in that mission.’
By mid September, Vasseur had contracted all the needed people with the exception of enough ASF pilots ; I only got two of the four needed but the prospects of getting more were low. Logical since ASF crews had always been a proverbial weak spot in the Concordat. At that time, all of our hardware had already arrived and been refitted to my specs so the time to depart to Axylus was getting close. Only the Marksman was still in the capable hands of the V4RU techs as they had problems with the replacement electronics or something like that. But against pirates I was confident that we wouldn’t need artillery.
In October 4th of 3015, we departed from New Vandenberg for Axylus, a small, airless moon in the no-mans-land between the Free Worlds League, the Magistracy of Canopus, the Aurigan Coalition and the Taurian Concordat.
-
I was a little apprehensive before my first jump mostly because I wondered if I was one of the happy few people that suffered from Transit Disorientation Syndrome (TDS). That would have sucked big time. Thankfully, I was a lucky (or normal) guy; I just suffered from a little disorientation for a few seconds after the jump.
Eight jumps and two boring months later, we arrived. Let me tell you that they are right, waiting in zero or minimal gravity, for the K-F drive to recharge is boring as Hell. However that changed just after we arrived in system when the alarm sounded as a JumpShip was detected near us!
The four Intrepids and the two Hammerheads scrambled, but strangely, no sign of activity was detected aboard the unknown ship that we had now identified as a Merchant and an attached Danais.
After boarding both, the marines informed us that they were deserted. The tech team that followed, reported that the DropShip had the drop collar fused and that the JumpShip not only had two helium seals ruptured but that several components had burned. Perhaps an electric discharge ? The K-F drive and the bridge appeared to be intact. I decided to let them behind us. If we won, we could get our hands on them.
Locating the Argo and the pirates was not as difficult as I had feared. Their base was the only place on the moon that had signals of activity and every infrared and energy readings found them quite easily. From orbit I could see the wreckage of the Argo – Yes! I found it! Boy, it was a real big DropShip, easily dwarfing the Jumbo or the Mule that was scattered nearby. However even from this afar it was easy to see that it was in bad shape and that there were several makeshift constructions in the area. I caught Vasseur looking at me with an intense stare. When I looked back, he looked away.
We landed at a safe distance as Vasseur didn't want to risk facing their potential Flak weapons. We first deployed the ‘Mechs then the vehicles. Unlike the Black Eagle, the Jumbo was not a military DropShip designed to rapidly unload military forces, which meant we couldn’t do a blitz raid on the pirates, another untold reason for landing at a safe distance.
I still drove the Eisenfaust having decided that the Marauder that I had initially planned to use would be put to better use in the hands of a more experienced ‘MechWarrior. In the few training missions with all the ‘Mechs the Revenants had, it had been easy to see that I was the less experienced of all our people and not by a small margin. For me it was positive as it meant that Vasseur had done a good job contracting experienced people.
Taking with us only the Hunters for some extra long range fire support along with the APCs, we departed in direction of the pirate base and our prize.
Near the pirate base, six ‘Mechs opposed us; the biggest a Shadow Hawk, the other five lighter models (two Wasps, two Locusts and one Commando). So, no vehicles this time, another (happy) divergence.
One thing the pirates were not was a bunch of cowards ; even against such superior force, they came to fight and died well.
I was nervous. After all, it was my first battle, this time is for real and I could be killed. Noticing my hesitation, Vasseur told me to stay close to him (not a big problem since our ‘Mechs had the same speed) and to fire on the same target.
Vasseur selected the Shadow Hawk as his target and hit him with the LRM-15 and Large Laser of his Thunderbolt. Following him as I had been instructed, I placed a shot in the Shadow Hawk with my AC/5, hitting it in the right torso, but my Large Laser missed. However before I could shoot again, dozens of LRM's fired by the Hunters landed on it right before the Warhammer piloted by Luis sent two well placed PPC shots in the already damaged torso of the Shadow Hawk, penetrating it and destroying its gyro, which brought the ‘Mech to the ground and this fight to an end. Looking around, I could see that the only ‘Mechs still standing were ours, the pirates were just piles of wreckage. The battle had ended so fast. Vasseur told me later that one thing that had helped us was that all the enemy ‘Mechs were in bad shape. For example, the Shadow Hawk entered the battle with less than half its normal armor.
Approaching the base, we only needed to deal with two makeshift remote controlled turrets that were quickly destroyed from afar as they didn’t even have long range weapons, just a pair of medium lasers and machine guns each. After that, Vasseur called the APC's in order for the infantry to secure the base while the ’Mechs made a security perimeter around it.
Our infantry had little difficulty and few losses in securing the base. Unlike the pirates, our infantry had the best Ablative/Flak Armor that you could buy in the Concordat and the NCO's were all veterans with plenty of experience in small scale CQC. They stormed the place, eliminating the majority of the pirates and capturing the few that surrendered fast enough or were caught after being put unconscious during the fight. They also found and released several slaves and the crews of several captured DropShips.
Combining the information obtained from the liberated slaves with the data ‘extracted’ from the pirates under a ‘robust’ interrogation (not a nice thing to do but they were pirates and the end justify the means), we could get a better picture of the pirate band. It was a medium one with a single JumpShip, an old Tramp, with all is docking points operational and loaded with two DropShip, a Leopard, modified to carry six Light ‘Mechs and a Buccaneer. Apparently, the most capable of the pirates were gone in that JumpShip and would return in about two weeks. Last but not least, these pirates were following a standard procedure and we learned that they always exited hyperspace near the abandoned Merchant. Armed with that knowledge, Vasseur started the planning process to try to capture this new prey.
Much different from the game.
-
Two days after the battle ended, Farah Murad entered my makeshift cabinet in the Black Eagle DropShip. We had moved our landed DropShips to the pirate base after the fight had ended. The smallish, slightly overweight Pakistani/Iranian had been very active in the past days, inspecting every place of the pirate base.
‘Boss, I’m ready to deliver my report on what we have in this system. What do you want first?’
‘Start by the JumpShip then the Jumbo and last the Argo, please.’
‘As you wish. The JumpShip has two helium seals damaged, several electronic components burned and one of the docking collars fused. Everything can be repaired if we get the necessary spare parts and helium to replenish the tanks. Expensive, but that would give us a serviceable JumpShip. The DropShip is a Trojan, not a Danais. It is fully operational but with the fused collar it won’t move until the repairs are done. The Jumbo is almost repaired, these barbarians have done a crude but efficient job. With two more days I could finish it. The Argo is bad news, I’m afraid. With its hull broken in several places, one of the big engines ripped off and the fuel tanks cracked, there is nothing that can be done. I’m a good engineer, not a wizard. That ship will never fly again, not even if you had a Star League full dockyard in orbit. It is no small miracle that the ship didn’t break in several parts.’
‘Damn. Well, if we can’t we can’t (crap, in the game she could repair the Argo, but this one is beyond repair. That sucks). What can we salvage from the Argo? Tell me that the data-cores and the machinery are intact, please.’
At that question, Farah’s eyes lit up with excitement.
’The data-cores are indeed intact, but protected by serious encryption. My guess? SLDF late period. There is Nothing we can do with the tools we have here. The machinery or rather the manufacture and repair shop is indeed operational, even if a bit banged. These idiots have used it to repair their ’Mechs and the Jumbo but they didn’t know what they had in hands. This is the most sophisticated and versatile small workshop I have ever seen, it can produce almost everything provided you give it the necessary blueprints and raw materials.’
‘So, we can’t repair the Argo but everything else is repairable? Including a JumpShip and two DropShips ?’
‘That’s my assessment, boss.’
‘Well, not a bad mission after all. Can you start repairing the ships and prepare to disassemble everything we can carry from the Argo and load in our DropShips? ’
‘Sure, boss, but that will have to wait until I repair the ships as I’m going to need the repair shop to produce components for the repairs. Thankfully the wreckage of the Argo provide us with enough raw materials for the repairs.’
‘Take your time, we are going to stay here for the time being. By the way, do you happen to know how they got fuel and water on this God forsaken rock?’
‘Oh, that’s easy. They tapped in an underground ice field giving then water, oxygen and hydrogen for fuel.’
‘Pretty clever. And lucky for them to have such ice field in the neighborhood.’
After she exited, I called Vasseur, and he told me that he was confident that some of his ‘friends’ at home could get access to good enough hardware and software to work on the files. After all, the TMI had plenty of experience playing with the SLDF encryption systems from the old days.
He also reported that our boys had been a little bit too enthusiastic in the way they had dealt with the pirates ’Mechs; they were all just good for scrap or at best to extract some pieces, none could be rebuild. Shame, they would have been a nice bonus.
We also talked about the operation against the pirate JumpShip. The only serious danger was the Leopard DropShip. To deal with it, the two Hammerheads would be loaded with rocket pods that while slowing the ASF's, would give then a lot of extra firepower against the single DropShip. If everything went right, the Intrepids would be able to board the JumpShip before the Leopard unlocked, if not, it would be the job of the two pilots to neutralize it, hopefully, without too many losses and without destroying or damaging it too much.
-
Two days before the planned arrival of the pirates JumpShip the DroST IIb stowed to the abandoned JumpShip, to delay the enemy detection when they would come out of hyperspace. With it were the two Hammerheads and the four Intrepids, loaded with the marines.
Three days later, the pirate ship returned as planned.
The problem was that it didn’t return alone. Just a few seconds after its jump, another JumpShip, a Merchant, also exited hyperspace.
Faced with two targets instead of one, the Hammerheads stuck to the plan “neutralize the Leopardâ€, while the Intrepids split in two with one pair facing each JumpShip.
But this time, luck was not with the Revenants and not only did the Leopard manage to unlock faster than anyone expected but with a lucky shot, it hit one rocket pod destroying one Hammerhead.
The other Hammerhead hit with a revenge the pirate DropShip, thanks to a concentrated massive salvo of rockets and two large lasers landing on the roof. Some shots must have penetrated the cockpit because the DropShip suddenly stopped to maneuver or to return fire, moving erratically.
While the force sent to the Merchant encountered little resistance taking both the JumpShip and DropShip with little casualties and freeing prisoners, the pirate numbers and skill extracted a bloody price from the marines trying to capture the Tramp or more precisely the Buccaneer. Only the arrival of one of the other Intrepids with reinforcements changed the situation and allowed for the capture of both pirates ships although at a high cost in personnel.
Capturing the damaged Leopard proved difficult. Not because of any organized resistance but its damaged cockpit made it very difficult to stabilize and move it. Only through the use of the Intrepids as improvised tugs and the jury-rigged repairs done by Dr. Murad’s team did we manage to stabilize the Leopard. Reattaching it to one of the JumpShips was a long and nightmarish operation.
Inside were less ‘Mechs than I had expected. The pirates had lost half their forces during a not so successfully raid and were left with one Phoenix Hawk and two Wasps, all in very bad shape and displaying the marks of a narrow escape.
The sole DropShip attached to the Merchant was an old Monarch.
Soon after, I received a video call from the men sent to capture the Monarch. Surprise... The ship was full with a Canopian diplomatic team and their leader wanted to talk with me.
Looking at me on the screen was a very striking woman – tall, a mix of African and North European traits, blue eyes, with long brow hair and a very elegant business suit, perfectly dressed, even if a few moments ago as been in pirates hands ...and I had the distinct feeling that I knew her from some place…
‘Mister Bassot, thank you for freeing us from these pirates. My name is Ana Maria Centrella and I’m leading this Diplomatic Team. We were in route to our destination when we got captured.’
That’s it! She was the Canopian diplomat from the HBS game !!!, Boy, ten years early and pretty (my twenty something body screamed “Holly Shit Shes Hotâ€, but my fifty six mind said “heck, she’s prettyâ€)
‘What I can do for you, Lady Centrella?’
‘What I would like to know is what you plan to do with us?’
‘Well Lady Centrella, since my security force are confident that all the pirates are dealt with, you and your team are of-course free to go your own way. Can I be of any further assistance ?’
‘I don’t think so. In my name and in the name of the Magistracy, I would like to thank you and your force for freeing us from these pirates. Just out of curiosity could you tell me how you found us?’
‘Well, Lady Centrella, we were executing some anti-piracy operations in the area, when you and your captors just came by. ’
‘I see. Farewell Mister Bassot,’
Luckily for her and her team, only their security team had been killed while the rest were left untouched by the pirates. Clearly they had expected to extract a big ransom from the Magistracy from this coup.
A few days later our JumpShip departed for Detroit taking with it the liberated slaves and with orders to buy enough helium and if possible spare parts to help repairing the abandoned JumpShip. Just a precaution in case Murad team couldn’t produce or repair everything.
At some point during our wait, Vasseur entered my makeshift cabinet.
‘Do you want something, Brigadier?’
‘I just wanted to make the final report for this operation, Sir’
Well, well – from son to Sir. This was going to be fun.
‘Please do so Brigadier.’
‘We captured one damaged Merchant that our techs are confident they can repair, a Tramp that is in decent shape, a Trojan, that is in surprising good shape and fully armed and can be used as soon as our techs repair the frozen docking collar in the Merchant, a very damaged Leopard that needs a new cockpit at least, a Buccaneer that can get a refit but for now is usable and a Jumbo that is also almost repaired by our resident tech wizard. You can add to this three ‘Mechs, one Phoenix Hawk and two Wasps. However, I would prefer that V4RU do a comprehensive repair and refit before any of them is deployed. The other goodies obtained from the ruins of the Argo were a small but well equipped and highly automated hospital and enough simulation pods to increase the capability we already had from lance to a full company simulation. We also got several parts from the ones that we destroyed and hundreds of tons of useful gear from that wrecked massive DropShip that we came to capture. That one is a total loss, I’m afraid. Our losses are one Hammerhead and ten soldiers, six assaulting the pirates base and the other four during the assault on the JumpShips and DropShips but we had a lot of injured people in that one.’
‘So, not bad after all, even with us failing to obtain our principal objective.’
‘Not bad? We get in one single mission more booty than several forces in a life-time! And the thanks of a high-ranking diplomat from a neighbor nation that could be useful in the future. When we present the report to the MRB, our rank is going up and not just a bit.’
‘To be fair, Brigadier, I only planned to deal with the ground forces the pirates had and if possible take the Argo. I never dreamed of also taking such so much booty.’
-
After our JumpShip returned from Detroit with enough helium to recharge the repaired Tramp (I was glad that Murad’s team had fabricated enough spare parts to repair it, because none had been found on Detroit), we started to fully load all the DropShips with all the useful items recovered from the pirate base and the ruins of the Argo.
Even if we had packed them up to the roof, enough valuable items stayed behind that I decided to organize as soon as we got home another voyage to take what was left, which meant a small team had to stay and guard the remaining booty.
Two months later, we were again in New Vandenberg, with a full cargo, three JumpShips and eight DropShips much to the surprise of the V4RU people that didn’t expect us with so many things.
The Liberty was sent back, carrying the two Jumbos and the Buccaneer, while the rest of the ships received a much needed repair / refit (pirates are not known to be good in that area, after all).
While one team worked on the ex-Argo machinery in one of our warehouses, the rest of the booty was sorted out and put to good use. The 3 pirate 'Mechs were repaired and entered the TO&E of the Revenants.
A month after we arrived home, I received a message from the Magistracy Armed Forces with a contract proposal to do a garrison and anti-piracy mission on the world of New Abilene for a full company of 'Mechs with optional ASF support. The contract would last one year and the pay seemed a bit superior to the usual in the Periphery. Someone in the Magistracy must like us, probably a thank you for freeing their diplomatic team.
After talking with Victor Blaise and with Vasseur, I decided to accept the contract. After all, it would pay some of the bills. After negotiating via HPG with the Magistracy Armed Forces representative, we agreed that the Revenants would come as soon as the Liberty returned, that would be in about three months from now.
By that time, Vasseur would have contracted enough personnel to replace our losses but I was sure the ASF would remain a problem. This is why I suggested that we could go via Herotitus trying to contract someone there or that (in the worst case scenario) we could perhaps find someone in the Magistracy. And if we didn’t find anyone, the ASF support was optional in the contract. Although Vasseur preferred a Taurian only policy, he agreed in the end.
This time, I wouldn’t go with them as I had too much to do in New Vandenberg and this was not one of ‘my’ missions after all. One of the new 'MechWarriors, piloting the Phoenix Hawk would go instead of me. The two other ‘newbies’ would stay here with the two Wasps, adding to the security of V4RU.
By then Vasseur’s friend had finally arrived. A retired professor, she had worked for the TMI (according to what he had told me in the Bureau of Analysis). After dealing with her, all I could say is that in spite of her smallish, bookish look, she had a keen mind and sharp tongue. While she asked a lot for the necessary hardware and software, I decided to pay the price but not to hire her. I didn’t want her reporting back to the TMI, those Taurians are die-hard patriots. This is why I decided to do the decoding myself – after all I had trained with the V4RU tech in using the ‘modern’ computer systems. By luck, one of the SLDF codes the professor had provided me was the correct one and I decoded the databases as quickly as the software could.
Like I suspected, the database contained a detailed map of many and perhaps of all the bases of the SLDF in the Periphery as well as the blueprints and technical manuals of the very advanced machinery that we had been busy rebuilding in the past month in the V4RU installations. The advanced workshop was very useful for V4RU and it was funny seeing many of the techs drooling around it.
It was going to take some time to figure everything out because for security reasons, I wanted to do this alone and I needed to filter the bases already found / looted. I had already put the Castle Nautilus on top of my research list as everything in my guts said that this base hadn’t been found yet.
Before I got any results, the Revenants departed to their destination, the contract in the Magistracy.
I was lucky as I really got a list of several ‘nice’ places to visit that I remembered from my original life, even if many were very distant.
The final list includes about a dozen of places only defined by a serial of numbers and letters – these were all marked as small caches in not inhabited systems – about half are relatively near the Concordat – Magistracy of Canopus area.
And bingo; Castle Nautilus was marked as a research station (?). The access codes were included and the information that about a battalion of ‘Mechs (!) should be there. So, apparently, like in the HBS game, after all.
The others that I recognized were far away – as in, about an year of voyage in each direction – ouch. It was like a Christmas list: Mundo Nublar, weapons and warship testing area; Camelot Command, naval base; Epsilon Pegasus / Columbus, research facility and operations base with an dockyard (!).
One other place that caught my eye was a small cache in the world of Celano, located in the Concordat. I remembered something about some advanced hovers found there. That one was going to be easy to deal with.
As soon as the list of bases was finalized I decided to do a test and try the Celano option. I instructed the law firm to buy a piece of land on this planet at the exact place I showed on the map. After that was done, I sent a recovery team there with precise instructions on what to do. Five months later they returned with the DropShips fully loaded and some good news: they had found a SLDF cache with several high tech weapons and spare parts, along with two dozens of Maultiers in working condition and enough equipment to deploy an infantry battalion – Mauser 960, portable SRM, even some portable PPC and lots of other gear.
I made a deal with VMI where the Revenants would get 20% of the production and I would give them the blueprints of the downgraded version of the Maultier with standard armor and a regular SRM-2. I also sold them samples of the Ferro-Fibrous armor and of the Streak launcher with its ammo. If they wanted, their R&D teams could work on them and I could make some money out of it.
After going through all the database, I decided that instead of going to Castle Nautilus, which was after all located in another nation, the first thing to do was to ‘visit’ the small bases in the near Periphery. A little calculation showed me that I could visit three in the following year, and none of these had any diplomatic or military problem attached to it. The Recover team was ecstatic, I couldn’t blame them for it.
-
Because the Revenants were out in the Magistracy playing pirate hunting, our force was a bit different; this time I took with me the Tramp, the two Jumbos and the Trojan. For extra firepower we had to rely on my own ride, the two Wasps and the Merkava tank; basically the forces that didn’t go to the Magistracy. Deep down I knew I was at risk; after all I had created the Revenants to support these kind of missions and now I was doing one without them. But I had decided that the risk was worth the reward.
X432-C775-45T0
Another airless moon, this one orbiting a gas giant in an unnamed, uninhabited system north-east of the Concordat.
During the approach, our DropShips were challenged by an automated request for an access code – thankfully the ones we had were accepted. We saw after landing how lucky we had been, because half a dozen of automated, heavy turrets were protecting the entrance of the base. Strangely, they were similar to the heavy ones in HBS game.
This base was made of a series of underground massive warehouses.
All empty…
The only thing salvageable in this operation was that while empty, the base was still operational, so we could get our hands on a massive fusion reactor, able to power an entire city, the complete computer system that the base had to manage the stockpiles, the comms array and twenty four Buster Industrial ’Mechs that we later discovered had been modified with power cells instead of the standard ICE engine, allowing them to operate in vacuum.
Not good, but not a complete disaster. Oh, we also took with us the heavy turrets and the detection systems, thanks to the Industrial ’Mechs that were very useful in dismantling and carrying them.
967P-7AV5-00X0
A small planetoid orbiting a brown dwarf star. Strange, no signal asking for our identification this time.
We were even less lucky this time; this place had been completely looted long ago. This trip had been a total waste of time. Yep, this trip was officially a total, unmitigated financial disaster. The defensive turrets were also present, but this time, they had obviously been destroyed.
C47U-231Z-603F
This time, the target was a big asteroid that these maniacs of the Star League Engineer Corps had excavated to create a store station. You could say what you wanted about them but they didn’t think or play small, no Sir.
At last, this one was not empty and it was in good conditions. Jackpot at last – well, kind off.
The problem was that it was a naval base, nothing for us, ground ponders.
We found warehouses after warehouses – some empty, some half full, but the majority at a third or less - with all types of naval grade armors from Standard one to the very expensive Lamelor Ferrous-Carbide, several capital missiles, one entire warehouse had even twenty two Killer Wales (these monsters were as big as the ICBM’s of my time) and NAC rounds of all sizes, hundreds of Helium seals and several gigantic Hydrogen and Helium tanks, some even half full.
And all kinds of electronics and other components used in the SLDF warships.
What could I do with that? Nobody outside Comstar had WarShips and there was no way I was going to talk with those crazy lunatics. Wait a minute… the Concordat still had a derelict warship – the TCW Vandenberg if I remembered correctly.
Mmmmm maybe this was an idea. I ordered my people to do a video inventory of the findings and also to make a copy of the computer inventory.
I think the Concordat Navy was going to like the news very much as I was going to be of great help in restoring their WarShip .
We took samples of each of the most valuable items, letting almost all of our ground components here to protect the treasure and we headed towards the Concordat but this time, the target was Taurus and not New Vandenberg.
Arranging a meeting with a high ranked member of the Concordat Navy was not an easy task but I finally managed to do it or so I thought. Here I was sitting and waiting in an empty room. I had completely forgotten these power games that kept me waiting for several hours in a room. Maybe they think it will work on me and it might have on the young me but the older me knew these games well enough and I had more than patience to stay here almost forever.
Finally, a young, rather pretty, blond woman in the uniform of a Cornet (these Taurians and their strange ranks, couldn’t they name a Lieutenant, Lieutenant?) came to me.
‘Mister Bassot? Space Master Shoguwa is waiting for you. Please follow me.’
Only a Space Master (Ship Captain for the rest of the world)? I had hoped to get at least a Commodore but this was to be expected
We entered a small, austere cabinet full with archives and where an older man, in his mid sixties I guess, in the uniform of a Space Master of the Concordat Navy stood behind a big desk.
‘Sir, Mister Jean-Luc Bassot.’ After announcing me, the young Cornet discretely went away, closing the doors behind her.
‘Mister Bassot, I’m very busy, so please go directly to the reasons of you requesting an audience with the Concordat Navy.’
‘Well, Space Master, in my last voyage I found a SLDF Navy storehouse. In this data-chip you will find the inventory and a video of the interior of several warehouses. I have also in one of my DropShips in orbit several samples of the items we found there. I think the Concordat Navy might be interested in getting the information about the location of said base and its resources.’
While reviewing the data provided, Shoguwa’s expression changed, a rather interesting experience as we got through the ‘his precious time part’ and he completely focused on the data, writing some notes from time to time.
‘You said you had samples in orbit? How fast can I send a team to verify the authenticity of said samples?’
‘As soon as you can get said team, Space Master. Obviously, the samples are free of charge. Do I need to say that the navigational memories of my DropShip have been erased?’
After a few quick calls, Shoguwa turned to me and extended a sheet of paper.
‘Please instruct your DropShip to land at these coordinates. A tech team is going to verify your findings. If they are true, someone is going to talk with you about making a deal. If they are an elaborate hoax, the penalty will be very high. You do understand me young man, don't you?’
‘Crystal clear, Space Master. I’m staying at Hôtel du Cygne for the time being. If necessary, you know where to find me.’
-
As soon as the Lone Raider – our Trojan DropShip - landed on the Concordat Navy base, all its cargo was transferred under military control, while several teams of scientists and technicians were busy with the samples we delivered.
Knowing what they wanted the most, I had make sure our cargo had extra samplers of Barracuda missiles, NAC/10 rounds and Ferro-Carbide armor.
While waiting for the results and the Navy decision about the veracity of the cargo, I moved to the Hôtel du Cygne – one of the best hotels in Taurus. After almost a year in DropShips and JumpShips, I wanted a bit of comfort, even if I knew deep down in me that it was going to be for a short period. The pleasures of a comfortable bed, fresh food and unlimited hot water were mine again.
I can tell you that almost a year in DropShips and JumpShips, with only a few days out in airless moons and asteroids, sucks. You can only do calisthenics to maintain your health and read, both a lot.
My mail caught with me again – the joys of long time interstellar travel. The company was doing well. During the past year they had fully rebuild the Argo machinery and hospital. They were sending me reports after reports. Boring, boring and… boring. The only interesting news was that the Revenants were returning home, after an – also boring – uneventful year in the Magistracy. Apparently no pirates had appeared in their area.
I knew that the value of my finding was much more than what I believed the Concordat was prepared to pay, so I decided to set myself a goal for the value and this from the beginning. My plan was to negotiate for about 100 million C-Bills. Not a good deal but the best price I believe I could get.
Four days later, I was called back to the Ministry of Defense. This time to talk with Marshall Joan Tharn; clearly they thought that what I found was good stuff. Good.
This time, no waiting– as soon as I registered at the reception, the same Cornet took me to much deeper in the building, to a much bigger office – I could see that rank had its privileges too.
There, I met the Marshall – a small, but energetic woman in her mid sixties I guess, with white hair and intelligent blue eyes – which was accompanied by a civilian – a tall, mid forties if my guess was right, blond with green eyes, very elegant in an impeccable business suit of the latest fashion– that the Cornet said was Lady Emma Sartre from the Exchequer. Good it could only mean one thing: the Concordat Navy was very interested if a full Marshall and someone from the Exchequer were present.
‘Mister Bassot, I’m Marshall Joan Tharn. My specialists have confirmed that your samples are indeed from SLDF vintage and the Concordat Navy is interested in obtaining the full finding – provided that your inventory report is accurate.’
‘Well Marshall, the lists detailing our findings are indeed accurate. Because of the nature of the hardware, me and my people are not interested in taking anything from you, so I’m in the position to sell you all of it… Provided the price is right.’
‘The Concordat is prepared to offer you 100 million Bulls for the entire finding’ – said the Exchequer delegate.
I couldn’t contain my laugh at that.
‘Please Lady Sartre, jokes aside we all know that is an insulting proposal. The value of the finding is way superior, easily in the billion of Bulls. We also know that the Navy is going to use it to rebuild the Vandenberg, and you won’t be able to find a similar stock of hardware anywhere around here.’
‘Excuse me, the what ?’ said Joan Tharn trying to hide her surprise. I think I would have agreed that she was good at it but I was looking for any small hints and I had seen a very fast hardening in her eyes, even if it was only for just a moment. Well, anyone that obtain that rank needed to have a good poker face, no surprise there.
‘Please Marshall – I said with a smirk in my face – this is one of the worst guarded secrets in the Concordat. A lot of people in the business know that the Navy have had that relic for decades and tried unsuccessfully to repair it. With my findings, you can finally turn that WarShip operational. So, please make me a decent proposal.’
‘It seems that you are rather well informed, Mister Bassot – said Sartre with a disgusted expression in her face – Very well. What do you want in return, young man?’
Young man – I’m more than a decade older than you b… but you can’t know that can you? -‘About 200 millions C-Bills, tax free of course. We all know that this is selling the cache on the cheap side, but I’m a reasonable man, after all .’
‘That’s outrageous. – the Exchequer representative almost jumped out of her chair – We don’t have the budget for that.’
‘Nor for repairing that ship – I retorted – but I am sure we can find a compromise – I said in an amused voice – I accept being paid over a period of five years and even in Bulls. That way you can place it in your budget without much fuss.’
After a little exchange of looks between both, the Marshall turned back to me while the Exchequer woman looked defeated.
‘You seem to have learned a lot in the recent time. I’m prepared to offer you 100 million C-Bills, paid in Bulls over 5 years. That is my final offer, Mister Bassot.’
Well, well – I was right about the value they were prepared to pay, after all.
‘I think we have a deal here. It was a pleasure making business with you Marshall and Lady Sartre.’
-
Returning home in New Vandenberg (home being a relative thing for someone that is from another time and universe), now it was time to do a little rebuild / maintenance before going again in deep space adventures.
The hardware that came with us from X432-C775-45T0 – our first visit – was put to good use.
The fusion reactor, after being reassembled, provided V4RU and the Revenants base with energy independence. A good thing for security and an excellent one to reduce the bills.
The Buster industrial / cargo ’Mechs were a welcome addition for a company that moves so many heavy items.
After analyzing the defensive turrets in detail – they were nothing special, really, only a heavier version of the more common models sold all around the IS and Periphery, even the weapons were all standard – we put them in positions to defend the most vital places of our complex.
The mainframe was integrated in our network as no company can seem to have too much computer power – even less in this God forsaken era in the Periphery.
While the Mauser 960 was an excellent weapon, it was too heavy and by far (10.5kg!!!). I ordered half to be stripped to the minimum – removing the bayonet, grenade launcher and survival kit – which provided us with a more manageable 6.5kg weapon. It was still heavy, but much better. In case of necessity, all the extras could be re-attached. That provided the Revenants with an excellent pulse laser rifle loved (yeah really) by our infantry troops.
The techs had finally brought the Marksman back to operational status but to do that, they had to create a complete new electronics package (we didn’t have the blueprints of the original which prevented us from trying to create one with the ex-Argo workshop ) – bigger, less capable, but good enough.
Another team of techs had been busy creating an expanding database of blueprints to feed the Argo workshop – apparently it could build anything they had tried so far, provided that the right raw materials were at hand and that the dimensions didn’t exceed the capability of the machinery. As far as I understood, it was like an advanced 3D printing / manufacturing system that started to be used in my time. The production was both very small and time consuming and I kept on hearing about the energy used (even if we had our own fusion reactor) but focusing its use on several components that were very expensive, rare or not available made it a real wonder tool for our company.
The small but very well equipped hospital was also useful as one can guess that with a mercenary force and a company working with dangerous items, accidents were more common than what I would have liked unfortunately. Before, V4RU had a decent infirmary with nurses but now, we contracted two full doctors. They loved the equipment they had.
As I suspected, Vasseur didn’t get any fighter jock from the Magistracy nor Herotitus. I talked with him, and we decided to try to contract some from the Outworlds Alliance, not an easy thing to do because of the distance, but our best bet.
Meanwhile, the people that had stayed on C47U-231Z-603F returned home with the Concordat Navy taking control of the place. All our JumpShips and DropShips received a complete maintenance revision, always a good thing to do if you could afford it.
With all the money that the Concordat had paid for the cache, I had more money by mid 3017 than when I arrived at V4RU, and a lot of more options and toys to play with.
Talking about money… we received a ‘surprise inspection’ from the finances department – the local IRS.
Nothing fun during several days, until they departed with dejected looks on their faces, giving V4RU a clean bill. I bet good money that this was a ‘gift’ from Emma Sartre from the Exchequer – the bitch revenge for being forced to pay more and to give it tax free (a capital offense).
I also had an interesting conversation with Dr. Murad about the Argo K-Boons. Cutting edge but an evolutionary dead end. Much bigger, complex and expensive than the normal ones, they not only needed almost the double of energy to operate compared to the standard model but they could also only be used by DropShips of 50k tons or bigger and you could only pack one for every 50k tons – but are restricted to expand the field to a mere 2k tons dropship. I had at last the explanation why the Argo had only two and why this K-Boons were never seen again.
Meanwhile, Vasseur had made deals with the local defense forces, militia forces that is, but that’s the Concordat for you – New Vandenberg is one of the most industrialized worlds of the nation but is barely defended, most of the forces being in the Hyades Cluster or in the frontiers - to make joint training exercises and if necessary to act as a second line of defense in case of invasion or raid. Since the Revenants had more firepower than the militia, we were a strange second line of defense..
More seriously, it was time to start planning: I planned to either aim at Artru and Castle Nautilus or a new round to the last set of near small caches; but these were almost at double the distance, which meant two years in a DropShip (brr) to visit all of them. Not much fun in that I’m afraid.
All that changed because of outside events – In early 3017 Thomas Calderon took the title of Lord Protector of the Realm, succeeding his mother Zarantha Calderon. Soon after, a contract to defend Althea’s Choice from Federated Suns invasions or pirate incursions was offered to the Revenants with a duration of a year, with an option for four yearly renewals.
At first I wanted to refuse as I had made plans, and accepting would have put a big delay on them, but a simple look at the commanding officers of the Revenants remembered me of the gold rule of the military: never give an order you know is not going to be obeyed. Crap – I was going to have to rely only on the Recover team. There was no way I was going to go after the Nautilus with such limited forces, so the Recover guys were going to explore the remaining caches around, but I was not going this time – no DropShip for me for a time. I had had enough of them for the time being
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Nice, really brings me back to my Samurai's Wrath days! ;)
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Samurai's Wrath ?
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The adventures of my first mercenary unit in BattleTech. Here is a chronicle of their exploits it your curious.
https://www.ourbattletech.com/forum/index.php?topic=3047.0
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Thanks, looking at it.
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~I sent the Recover team to explore FE32-YT48-XZ90, another cache about 4 months away from New Vandenberg.
During this time, I stayed home and decided to study some more. I wanted to be taken seriously when dealing with the nobility of any realm and not for some barbarian from the Periphery. This is why I contracted some teachers, to learn the basics of Chinese and Japanese as well as the the ways and mannerisms of the people of the high society. Thanks to the fact that I was already proficient in English, German and French, I would be able to understand most people without any help, even if I might “officially†need some.
Just after the departure of the Recover team, I detected that someone had accessed my personal files, without any alarm being triggered. Thanks to my paranoid side, none of the data on the SLDF list was in the computers. I had long ago placed everything in the smallest data-chip I could buy, keeping it with me, disguised in my id-tags that were now made into an alloy that had defeated all the scanning systems I put them through. An emergency backup was hidden in a hole in a remote place. I knew that if the TMI or any other intelligence agency made an extensive search on me or my movements, they would probably find one or another ; but if the situation was so far awry, I would be fxxxd anyway, so…
Other than that, everything went normal, ie boring; that is until the mission returned This one was a mixed bag, to say the least.
The location they were sent to was a depot of ground hardware, and was about a third full but only with equipment from the times of the Reunification Wars, nothing recent. And even worse, there was not a single BattleMech, just tools for mechanized and infantry forces.
We got our hands on 38 Merkava MK.VIII, 4 Thumper towed artillery pieces, dozens of trucks, APCs, jeeps. We even got 10 Karnov VTOLs as well as enough field gears and weapons to fully equip at least two infantry regiments. Good for expanding the Revenants, but nothing spectacular. And we also got some non military stuff, things like industrial / cargo ’Mechs, a central computer, a big fusion engine, defensive turrets and some comms array. What we didn’t use or convert to parts was be sold on the market providing the company with a nice extra cash.
A few days after their return, I received a summon to Taurus, to the Ministry of Defense again.
This time, not only were Marshall Tharn and Lady Sartre there but they were accompanied by a new player, a middle-aged, plain normal guy. If that guy was not from the TMI I would eat my jacket- without salt.
‘Good morning Mister Bassot’ started the Marshall, without presenting the new guy ‘I see you keep on finding interesting places.’
‘I do my best Marshall. However, I find your people well informed about my small business. May I ask why I was called here this time; we all know my latest “exploit†is nothing special’ I said in a bored voice.
‘Very simple Mister Bassot’ said Mr. X, ‘you obviously have in your hands a list of SLDF caches. You probably got that information from the Argo don’t you?. If you have more places to ‘visit’ in that list, we want to be part of it.’
‘Not bad.’ I answered, looking directly at him ‘Yes, the list is extensive and covers all the Periphery . Several places are however in the other side of the Inner Sphere. And how do you want to be involved Mister ?’
‘You can call me Mr. Smith’ he answered not even smiling ‘we want access to the list of course.’
‘No way, if I provide you with the list to you, several people are going to analyze it, and very soon everybody will know about it, with undesirable consequences for me. For now I’m the only one with it and I’m very comfortable with that. I’m open to offer participation to the TDF and TMI in the missions, if you help with the costs and the transport and lift part, but that’s all.’
‘Typical mercenary’ said Lady Sartre ‘only looking for profit, not for honor.’
‘Well Lady Sartre, a man fights for what he lacks the most. I have expenses that need to be paid and I want a profit like everybody else’ I retorted the Exchequer bitch ‘if I was only interested in profit, I would have moved to the Lyran Commonwealth long ago. They have far deeper pockets than anyone else, after all.’
‘I must insist’ said Sartre, with a dangerous look ‘we have other means to get this if necessary.’
‘Do that and my lawyers are going to love it, furthermore if you go down that path, measures have been taken to leak to the interstellar news agencies like Comstar News and Davion Press. I bet you like to go to the Circus….
‘I am sure we can find a solution.’ quickly intervened the Marshall, before anyone else could speak ‘If I understand your position, you want the Concordat to pay the bill of the traveling expenses and to keep a share of the finding ? The first point is no big deal, but how much could you consider a fair share?’
‘Now we are talking’ I said calmly ‘You can also add the expenses of my people dealing with in the operations. And for the share, about 50% with first choice.’
‘No way. 20% for you in hardware useful for a mercenary unit, with first choice for the Concordat. The other hardware, like naval infrastructure or research items, we want it all but we can pay you the equivalent of said 20% in Bulls of course.’
‘Change that for first choice for us and add to my first choice, the infrastructure / civil part . Half the payment would be in Bulls, the other half in C-Bills deposited in a Comstar account.’ I counter-offered. ‘And I want the Revenants included in the operations, I didn’t create them to see them used as a counter-piracy in the distant frontiers of the Concordat, after all.’
A small nod from the TMI guy and a emphatic negative from Sartre showed their positions.
‘I can agree with that’ said the Marshall ‘but I am afraid that I must insist that all the payment will have to be in Bulls.’
‘I think I can accept your proposal.’ I said, enjoying the cringe from the Exchequer bitch at that.
Several hours later, all the papers were signed. Thank God B,T &C - my lawyers had a filial in the capital and they reviewed and approved the new contract.
‘I think we have a deal, mister Bassot,’ said the Marshall in a much more relaxed voice ‘By any chance, does any of the places in your list have any description attached to it or are they all just locations and access codes?’
‘Some have descriptions; one is marked as an Outpost Castle, another as a naval dockyard, a third one as a naval base and another as a weapons test site.’
‘And why haven’t you ‘visited’ these “things†whatever they might be?’ asked the Exchequer bitch.
‘An Outpost Castle is the smaller version of the Brian Castle. I think everybody knows about these?’ I asked. After receiving nods from all I continued ‘ But to get back to your question, the answer to it is simple, the Outpost Castle, while near is in another nation and not in a no-mans-land system. As far as the others are concerned, they are all on the other side of the Inner Sphere. It takes a lot of time and it is very expensive to go there. On top of that, if they are that big and if by luck, they wouldn’t be empty, I wouldn’t have the transportation capacity to take everything with me.’
‘Well, for these, I am sure that the Navy could provide enough ships’ said the Marshall with a glint on her eyes (clearly after having heard the ‘SLDF dockyard’ part, she had stopped thinking about the usual priorities, lol) ‘the Castle is more a question for the diplomatic side but if they authorize the mission, the TDF could provide enough support for a raid I’m sure.’
‘Oh, by the way, Mister Smith’ I asked ‘was your team or another that copied my files some months ago? Because for your information, none of this dataset is on an available computer. I am no fool.’
‘‘We didn’t do it’ said Mr. Smith.
Not that he would have said otherwise if it had been TMI I thought.
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Going for holidays - returning mid September.
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Have fun Paulo, we will see ya after a great vacation!
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By the time I came back to New Vandenberg, the Revenants were also present.
To decide on the next course of action, I met the different heads of department of V4RU.
I talked with John Smith about creating the proper installations for the Revenants that were slowly expanding. My idea was that it would be better for them to be in their own “house†rather than to have to rely on the generosity of another, even if it was family. And I also had plans for V4RU that would make space there a luxury. At first he resisted this idea but in the end accept the extra work ; the new installations were to be build in adjacent land that was still to be bought and for that I knew I had to use my own money as the Revenants were not making any money and I had further plans for V4RU, plans which would need a lot of money.
Next I talked with Bertrand Suchet, asking him to find designs of civilian ‘Mechs produced by companies that no longer existed. To his questions, I answered that I planed to start a production of civilian ‘Mechs as I thought there was a market for civilian ‘Mechs in the Periphery but that I didn’t want to pay licenses / royalties to existing companies, which would allow us to improve our margins.
I also talked with Gilbert Leloup to make sure that he could get the specification of as many “advanced†tech as possible so that we could later use the advanced kit obtained in the Argo to bring some of them back into production and make money out of it. He was very interested in that project.
Last but not least, I had a meeting with Lise Bonnel to see how the security of both companies could be improved against spies and sabotage. She already had ideas for improving it and I assured that V4RU would pay for all of it, after all, the Revenants were a sort of security unit for them. She also suggested a false raid/stealth attack to look for weak points. I pitied the poor guys that would be on patrol and surveillance duty when the raid would come.
After launching these projects, it was time again to get back to the Revenants with the recruiting and rebuilding part. Thanks to the tanks, arty and infantry gear obtained in the last mission the unit could even grow substantially. It was around that time that the Fighter pilots recruited from the Outworld Alliance also arrived. Of the six, four came with their own ASFs ; two LTN-G15 Lightnings and two older, barely operational VLC-5N Vulcans; which meant that we needed to perform a comprehensive rebuild and refit before they could be operational. Expensive and time-consuming, but two capable heavy ASFs were always a good thing to have. The last two pilots didn’t have personal fighters, so I gave them the two Hammerhead that until now were collecting dust.
Before we had contracted them, we had a sort of dilemma as they formed a unit, making it an all or nothing contract. The problem laid in that we also needed to contract the wife of the leader, a MechWarrior with a Merlin. Apparently she was former test-pilot of Mountain Wolf Battlemechs and when her contract with the firm ended she could get a ‘Mech. I wasn’t too happy with getting another untested, foreign ‘MechWarrior and so was Vasseur too but in the end we needed to strengthen our Aerospace forces and I signed the deal.
During their time on Althea, the Revenants had defeated a pirate incursion but because of the contract, all the captured hardware was taken by the Concordat. The Revenants also ‘acquired’ a liaison officer, Subaltern Christine Marais; the Cornet I knew from the Ministry of Defense, which had earned a promotion along the way. Since she was a staff officer and not a ‘MechWarrior, we didn’t have an extra ‘Mech to carry with us.
Once that set, it was time to get back to our Star League business but this time, with the Taurians. While Marshall Tharn wanted to go to Epsilon Pegasus and target the dockyard / dry dock that should be there, the realities of logistics, costs and politics forced us to put the raid on Castle Nautilus on top of our list. This target fitted the Taurian agenda as the Protector wanted a confirmation that the big findings in the list were real while sending a message to the Aurigan delegates in the currently stalled negotiations.
So, by the end of 3018 we departed for Artru.
I let the fourth lance, the 2 Wasp, the Phoenix Hawk (that sometimes replaced me) and the Merlin home to ‘defend the V4RU facilities’ along with the Vulcans, that still needed a comprehensive refit, and one of the Hammerheads, taking with me 4 ASFs.
My Revenants were very happy, not only was a raid more prestigious than garrison / anti-pirate duty, but they were going to fight along one of the most prestigious Taurian units in what was for sure the most significant foreign operation executed by the Concordat in several years.
Three weeks later we arrived around Artru. I had taken with me all our JumpShips and DropShips (this was a big operation after all), while the Concordat had sent two Invader JumpShips loaded with two Jumbos, three Mules and the Iberia, a Fortress class DropShip, the pride of the Concordat Navy (another similarity with the game I had played at home), commanded by Space Master (not yet Commodore) Samuel Ostergaard.
In orbit, we had a last video conference.
‘Our plan is to land as near as the cache as possible and crush it… You seem to disagree, Mister Bassot. Care to explain why?’ said Subaltern Samamha McGrtnn (the leader of the Taurian ground forces)
‘I know that you have plenty of experience in conducting raids but we are talking about a Star League Castle with defenses that might be active and that we might not be able to deactivate from afar. I want to land at a safe distance of the Castle, allowing to deploy in force without having to disembark under fire or losing strength before we head towards the target. If something went wrong with the codes, we will need to buy time for the EW specialists to do their job and since we don’t know what we will be facing, I think it is better to play on the safer side. If there is no threat for them, the DropShips and the ASFs can always come to give us a hand
Everybody agreed with my plan and the DropShips headed towards a location some kilometers away from the Castle.
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The landing went smoothly as the Aurigans didn’t have any force defending the world, so we were unchallenged.
The ground force that had came with the Iberia was the 2nd Company of the 3rd Taurian Guard Battalion; a mix of assaults and heavies, probably the heaviest ‘Mech company in the whole Concordat and maybe in the whole Periphery. They also had with then a mix of LRM carriers, Manticore tanks and a standard company of infantry. Unlike us, they didn’t have air support.
On the negative side for the Revenants our unit had to disembark from cargo DropShips, which us took a lot of time, all under the eyes of the people my unit want to impress. Not good. I really needed to get my hand on a true military DropShip.
Because we had to deal with 3 small and one big exit, we placed 8 tanks and 1 arty piece before each exit, with the Long Tom of the Iberia ready to support any place. Each small exit also received a ’Mech Lance while the big entry was dealt by two, which left one Lance in reserve to help anyone in need.
And my initial fears were confirmed as the Castle defenses rejected the code we provided and as soon as we got that answer, drones started to exit the fort while several heavy turrets could be seen emerging from the ground.
And, boy, the memories from the game were very wrong about the strength of the defenses. The turrets were about a dozen in numbers, all heavy and with advanced weapons; the drones were modified Von Luckners heavy tanks, difficult to kill and with a heavy firepower. The only good thing for us was that in the cold climate of this planet, each of our ‘Mechs could fire at maximum rate without running hot.
As planned we launched our ASFs to help us but as soon as they approached the area to bombard / strafe the turrets, two massive laser beams were fired from the Castle, destroying one of the Hammerheads and forcing the others ASFs into a panicked retreat.
Shit! That could only be Naval Lasers, They didn’t exist in the game and they meant a death sentence for any forces flying in sight.
The only good news was that my initial plan of landing away had probably saved us from a total disaster.
The turrets survived longer than I thought and hit badly some ’Mechs and destroying some unlucky Merkavas with them the poor sods. The only way to deal with them was to use our artillery pieces to destroy them one by one but this took some time. The drones were caught in several rings of deadly fire and were most of the time destroyed as soon as they exited the doors, but not before they could at least fire one salvo and in some cases more.
Everywhere around, there was only confusion. I saw near me the four Toro in our Light Lance concentrating their PPC fire on one of the drones, delivering plenty of damage to the big tank, more than enough to destroy it.
To make things worse, the units we were fighting were the Royal variant, with a more lethal weapon load-out. “Shit, I should keep focused†was my thought as my ’Mech was hit by a salvo of cluster ammo from one of the drones, I lost most of my armor on the right side. I hastily retreat to what I thought was outside of the LBX-10 range just to be hit by another shot that ripped off my left arm and the Large Laser in there.
I saw Vasseur’s Thunderbolt going down, with one leg ripped-off by what looked like a Gauss round fired by one of the turrets.
What appeared to be an eternity later, but was just a few minutes, the TMI specialists finally managed to extract the right code and the defenses powered down.
Castle Nautilus was ours and this time, we had enough time to explore and comprehensively loot it. We were very lucky as very few people had died but several ’Mechs and tanks had been severely damaged, not counting the three destroyed Merkavas and their entire crews.
The first thing we all went to look was the ’Mech bay (call it professional curiosity). And it was jackpot: 40 ’Mechs present, all of them Royal versions. Thanks to the contract with the Concordat, the Revenants had first choice, but that meant only 20% of them, so 8 top of the line Royal SLDF ’Mechs for the Revenants :).
I selected 1 assault lance and a mixed heavy/medium one. 1 Atlas II, 1 Highlander 732b (the ones from the game, even if this was the ‘standard’ Atlas II with an LBX-10 and not an AC/20), 1 Nightstar NSR-9Jb (an unknown Royal variant with a Tacticon b-2000 Battle Computer the one you could find in the Cyclops and there was no discussion: this one was for me) and a Royal Thug (THG-11Eb), 2 Royal Crab (CRB-27b) and 2 BL-6b-KNT, the Royal variant of the Black Knight.
I caught Vasseur, with his right arm in a sling and his left leg in a cast, looking to the Highlander I had selected with the kind of look reserved for one’s bride. I was sure what his future ‘Mech would be.
They were fabulous machines all of them, even if the maintenance was going to be a headache. I was reasonably sure that producing ammo for the Gauss Rifles was going to be easy and that the Artemis IV systems could fire standard munition, just without the guidance advantages. Only testing would give me the answer about the cluster ammo for the LBX but the gun could still fire standard ammo; so, this was also not a big problem. Furthermore, the armory had hundreds of tons of ammo, armor plates for the ’Mechs and spare parts, including many DHS and I got 20% of all these, nice.
The hangars also had several tanks and ASFs, our share of the booty was four Demon tanks (Royal) and two GTHA-500b Gotha ASFs (also Royal).
The research part of the Castle had then Nirasaki mainframes and dozens of terminals from the Star League time and hundreds of datacores. I didn’t even get a chance to look at them as the TMI people quickly took control of them without any discussion possible. I heard them saying that they belonged to the Concordat, end of the discussion.
The Castle was also powered by the biggest, most powerful fusion reactor that I had ever seen (and by the expressions of the people around, it was a really big one indeed) and that one was also for the Concordat. I smiled at the greedy bastards.
They also took control of all the surviving drones, 13 in total and we also got our hands on two K-1 DropShuttles.
-
After raiding local cities, to both hide our true target and impress the Aurigans, we returned home, without problems.
The mission had been a complete success from several angles.
The Concordat had shown to the Aurigan Coalition that if the Concordat decided to invade or even simply raid them, they were defenseless putting a lot more pressure in the negotiations.
It also had validated the quality of my list of potential targets in the Concordat minds.
Even if I didn’t get access to one of the mainframes or to a copy of the files inside, we had received a lot of valuable loots, including ‘Mechs, ASFs and vehicles, lots of ammo and spares that would let the Revenants operate the advanced models for a while.
Heck, they had even paid us a nice bonus, a first one for the Exchequer.
This was also the first time that people had died because of me and that hit me hard. I wanted to write letters to the families of the fallen but Vasseur said as the operational commander, it was his job and I let him do it.
After war, it was time again to focus on business. I sold both K-1 DropShuttles to a transport company as they were useless to me and I got a nice price for them. When I was sure that Lise had finished improving our security and that it could deal with anything except a raid by a Steiner Recon Company (‘MechWarriors and their jokes), I contacted several companies, like VMI, Sterope Defense Industries and O-P Electronics and for a nice amount of cash, I provided them access to the Royal toys (‘Mechs, ASFs, vehicles and spare parts/ammo) for exhaustive analysis but on my terms: in our installations, accompanied by our techs and under a very close surveillance by Lise people. I also sold them some samples of our loot.
From the first analysis made by V4RU, and as I had suspected, the Artemis IV FCS equipped launchers could use normal ammo. That’s good, because everybody said that producing new ammo with these kinds of seekers was going to be very difficult in the next years. Gauss ammo was no problem and cluster ammo was also not complicated to manufacture, only expensive. As could be expected, the Double Heat Sinks were one of the most sought after items to study and I sold some for a lot of cash to each company for research. Unfortunately the Streak launchers only worked with Streak ammo, so until I could secure a reliable source of supply, we needed to replace then with normal ones.
In the end, I got more than 25 million C-bills from these operations, including the sell of the K-1s. And valuable contacts and favors from big companies, which was nice.
While I wasn’t exactly the owner of the rediscovered techs-, after several reunions from both sides legal teams we agreed that I was also entitled to a small fee for the use by others of these pieces of technology, not exactly royalties, but close. . The Taurian Government, that had access to same items didn’t for some reason seem to do anything with it. At least, nothing that I or my associates knew about.
Leloup and his people were in heaven poking every inch of the advanced Royal equipment we had acquired in this mission. But, at same time they were furious with me because we had sold our “toys†and they were being destroyed by strangers or at least it was what they said. I am sure that deep in himself, he agreed with my ideas.
The extensive research done by Suchet and Leloup gave us access to several designs that had been produced by now defunct companies. With a bit of cosmetic changes maybe some could be produced in the Concordat if I was able to negotiate a deal with some companies that I had good relations with now...
While at first I wanted to simply start production of these civilian ’Mechs inside V4RU, the reality was that the company was not capable of that, lacking the industrial might necessary, so I needed to make agreements. In cooperation with other companies, I spent a lot of money and VMI opened some production lines for civilian ‘Mechs (industrial, agro, cargo and security), which also turned me into one of the main shareholders of the company. V4RU got several contracts with special conditions with VMI and the Revenants even got a piece of the security contracts. Thank God, the unit had expanded because I still needed a substantial force for the expedition missions. Even after detaching forces for securing V4RU and VMI, I still had about a combined arms battalion to use for whatever I wanted with about a company of ’Mechs at its core.
After our success, the Navy was preparing for the long range mission and some of my forces would go with them. However, I wasn’t going to spend two years or more in space, so I decided that for the time being I would stay on Vandenberg, letting Vasseur lead our part in this long raid. After having recovering from his wounds, he was more than happy to go and do something. .
-
In the talks with VMI, I had insisted on security measures and at first VMI people had grumbled that me and my team were paranoids because of the, in their words, excessive backup and security measures I had managed to implement them via the admin board where I had my seat. And those saying that were Taurians.
But, after a very strange fire in the research area, that consumed several of the new prototypes, they changed their minds. Because of my ‘paranoid’ measures, almost no data was lost and the research were almost not delayed.
For me, it was a signal that Comstar was starting to ‘look’ at (or should I say interfere with?) my actions. Not good at all as I expected to have more time before getting their attention.
With the added work hours needed to manage all the projects and with the need to deal with the VMI people I got little time to train (or some would say play) with my new ’Mech. It was a pity as it was a real pleasure to run it on the range field and it was very different from my old but still operational Eisenfaust, that right now was for a new ‘MechWarrior. The SLDF Royals were indeed equipped with the best toys; everything was so much better than the normal models. I even got an advanced neurohelmet and a cooling suit both of Royal grade. The difference with the equipment that I had used before was brutal. Lighter, more comfortable and working much better, it was on par with the Royal monster I now had. The comms and sensor suit alone put it in a very different class, I could easily manage with it a complete battalion, provided I had the capability for it. After all, this ‘Mech was the big brother of the Marauder and especially designed to be used by unit commanders. The weapons were in a different league too: this ‘Mech was a supreme sniper, with at the same time plenty of ammo for the pair of Gauss Rifles and an ERPPC to add more fun to the party. At this time, my ’Mech was the only Royal design that stayed home as all the others departed with Vasseur for the long raid. V4RU had been busy repairing all the hardware damaged on Atru and by the time of the departure of the Revenants, almost all of it was operational again, even if most of the repaired designed were staying on New Vandenberg for the different defensive contracts they had.
One side effect of entering the board of VMI (that was a much bigger company than V4RU) was that I was now a public figure, invited to several social events, including and some I couldn’t refuse. Most of the times, it was a total waste of my time but some of these events provided me with useful contacts. This made me glad that I had taken etiquette and protocol lessons.
Creating new lines in VMI as at same time easier and more difficult than I had thought. Easier because the requirements for civilian models were much lower and easier to satisfy than those for military ones. And more difficult because creating several new production lines was still a very complex operation and because some parts were still difficult to get. What I had in mind was automated control units, high precision machinery that were needed to produce ‘Mechs of decent quality and in meaningfully numbers. Luckily, the advanced machinery at V4RU was up to the task most of the times, even if some components were too big or if we didn’t have the necessary blueprints, forcing us to get the needed data from other companies.
By early 3020 the first commercial line started operating, producing an variant of the Buster, with enough improvements to compete with the Powerman being sold inside the Concordat with the added advantage that being produced locally meant less taxes and transport fees and therefore a lower price. Two months later, our variant of the Jabberwocky also entered production followed by other models in the following months. Like I had hoped, they were very successful, the only limitation being our production capabilities. This success secured my position on the board of directors of VMI, providing the company (and me) with a new and stable influx of money.
Because I was a bit paranoid about Comstar, one of the first jobs of the team that operated the ex-Argo machinery was to try to reproduce it. But unfortunately, while several parts were no problem, the core of the equipment was impossible to reproduce. Way beyond what my tech could defeat or understand. Pity.
-
The exploring team missed the two years return mark. I knew that we couldn’t communicate with each other because of the secrecy needed around the mission. The only option was to wait and hope for the best. While there could be a margin of error, after three months of delay I really started to worry.
Meanwhile, the business was doing good. V4RU was only growing a little but at least it was in comfortable economic conditions while VMI had considerable success in the civilian market. They were selling all the ‘Mechs they were able to produce on that specific market. Already some new lines were in different phases of construction.
Because of that, my proposal to add lines to produce all types of exoskeletons was well accepted by the board of directors. While the civilian applications and market were for now the objective, I had the idea that as soon as the program went in smooth progress I could start the development of Battle Armor. The pure research part had already started in V4RU.
The part of the Revenants that stayed back was also doing ok. We had used these two years to train together, and we were now a well cohesive group. Since we had about two dozen ’Mech simulators for only a company of ’Mechs on our side, we had the luxury to be able to train others with us or against us. The specifications of the advanced ’Mechs had also been introduced in the simulators, which proved a difficult job for my programmers, but had already been done by early 3021. One thing that I had trained myself to now was leading a ’Mech company, putting to good use the amazing capabilities of my ’Mech in that area. I had also improved significantly my marksmanship. Thanks to the help of and training with Georgina Martins, the Merlin Mechwarrior and former test pilot at Mountain Wolf, I had learned a lot about how to pilot a ’Mech. This woman was a mobile encyclopedia on ’Mechs and knew a lot about how you could execute several combinations of movements that I had never dreamed about.
After ensuring that all the lines producing industrial ’Mechs and exoskeletons were in full activity, I started to look to the Vandenberg Shipyards ruins in orbit around Lompoc (New Vandenberg IX). The opinion of the techs that made the survey (lead by Dr. Murad herself) was that while right after its destruction, many came here to extract salvage, the core of the shipyards was not in such a bad shape and could be repaired. However, it was going to cost a lot and take at least a decade. The principal problem was obtaining the funds since the technology and trained technicians already existed in the Concordat. I started trying to create a consortium of companies to take on the job, but without the support from the government, very few were interested and my contacts ended in nothing.
Finally, two and a half years after their departure, the team returned to New Vandenberg with no loot but very happy.
While reading Vasseur’s report, I discovered that the mission had gone even better than my wildest projections.
Not only had they found the hidden dockyard but also a Congress class Frigate inside almost ready to be launched, with an advanced but empty Lee DropShip attached to it. Apparently, the K-Boom had fused. On the ground, while much of the base was empty, they had found enough spare parts to repair everything. The highlight of the operation was the discovery of an operational HPG. A lot of human remains told the story of a fight between several elements and the holes in the walls meant it had been severe, perhaps explaining why the WarShip was never repaired.
The repairs and learning how to do them were the reason for the 6 months delay. But after doing that, they managed to load everything (and by everything I meant every single piece of equipment of the dockyard) they could in the massive cargo bay of the SLS Admiral Perry (the given name of the Frigate) and loading to the max all the DropShips they returned home.
As usual, I had to go to Taurus for the negotiations regarding our part of the share. This time Christine Marais, our liaison, came with me.
‘So mister Bassot, you deliver again.’ where Marshall Tharn’s welcome words.
‘Well, Marshall, I like to satisfy my customers and partners. I understand that we might have some problems with my part of the share ?’ I said, knowing full well that that there was no possible way the Concordat could provide me with any of the recovered items.
‘I’m afraid so,’ said the Marshall ‘by the Lord Protector orders, the Congress, the dockyard the Lee DropShips and the HPG are considered strategic items for the Concordat, and their existence also falls under the Protect Secrets Act.‘
‘Oh, rest assured I don’t want to contest that’ I said with a calm face, to the surprise of the other party ‘I just want to negotiate the way the Concordat fulfill its side of the contract. I don’t want nothing of these ‘hot’ items, I don’t have a desire to paint such a big target in my back. But, the value must be in the billions, even for my small part. I have thought about the problem during my trip to here and I might have a solution. You could provide me with this from the Navy Reserve, let’s say one Invader and three DropShips. Since many of the ships in the reserve are only destined to move the Guards in case of open war, right now, they are collecting dust. I can even agree to let them return to the Navy if and only if a state of open war with the Fed Rats occurs. As the operation in Artru showed us, I need transportation for my forces.’
At first the Marshall was in shock, but after a few moments collected herself.
‘That kind of decision can only be taken by the Lord Protector Mister Bassot. But with this clause, I think it could be possible.’
‘Great. Next, I want the Exchequer to provide me and my associates with fiscal incentives while we try to rebuild the Vandenberg Shipyards. With that, the Concordat will not only get a shipyard since you should easily be able to convert that dockyard in a fully functional shipyard but also a second one , in New Vandenberg. Our nation needs it. Oh, and by the way, Lady Sartre, some money from your side could also be of some help. I also want one of these nice Nirasaki mainframes since my people are doing some research that could benefit a lot of more computer power.’
Lady Sartre got an interesting red color, but before she could open her mouth, a voice came from the Marshall’s communicator on the desk.
‘You think big, boy. But I agree. Make it so.’
The way both Tharn and Sartre reacted I was more than ready to bet good money that it was Thomas Calderon, the Lord Protector himself.
Nice, I think while trying to contain a smile, apparently Calderon likes me. Good to know.
‘And what is your next adventure, Mister Bassot ? Another forgotten treasure ?’ asked Sartre with a smirk.
‘Marshall, Lady Sartre, I think that is time for you to provide my people with a contract to clean the Pirates’ Haven Cluster. That area is old Concordat territory and I am sure that the Navy still has detailed cartographic charts of the area. On top of that, the pirates that we captured in the Althea’s contract were from there, so you or TMI got an updated chart for sure.’
‘And why would you want to go there ?’ asked Tharn with an interested look on her face. I also noted that miss Marais was also paying more attention.
‘To be frank, for two reasons – first I despise pirates. And second, my people need a combat contract, they are getting rusty with only long range exploration and security missions.’
‘I think we can do that. For the rest, well, you heard lord Calderon agree, so we just have to wait for the legal departments to finish the details.’
‘Oh Marshall? If I were you, I would take good care of these toys. Don’t let an incident like the one of the Tripitz ruin your day.’
‘Any particular reason for that advice, Mister Bassot ?’
‘Well I like to study history, and one of the interesting things I noticed is that every time a discovery of a big relic of the past, some unknown forces raid and destroy everything, only never to be seen again. The logic behind these different raids is that someone with unlimited access to intelligence and resources must be playing some kind of game. I don’t see many powers in the Inner Sphere or the Periphery that would be able to do that.’
‘Are you accusing Comstar of that ? They are a civilian neutral company for God’s sake.’
‘Neutral… remember they read all the communications in all human space. That provides then with a lot of power and temptation..’
‘Interesting idea. But without any proof...’
‘Oh, for sure. But someone very well-equipped has done it. Someone never seen again. Just take that in consideration and adapt your security measures. I don’t think that Comstar will be pleased to know that the Concordat has a functional SLDF class A HPG to play. Don’t let them know about it.’
In the end, I received ‘my’ Ships, which thanks to the combo of one Invader, one Union, one Triumph and one Leopard, increased our mobility. The only drawbacks were that they were all staffed with Concordat Navy crews, call this an insurance measure, and can only use then in TDF / TMI approved missions. I also got the mainframe and the Exchequer even provided me with bonus of 25 million C-Bill (again in Bulls, but that was okay for me).
By mid 3022 I was starting the planning to go against the Pirates’ Haven right after receiving the ships.
-
Before departing, I had a meeting with all the V4RU department chief officers. There was nothing really new as everything was going rather well but it was always better to leave instruction before leaving and it showed people that I did care about the company too. Unfortunately for them, I had a shopping list.
‘John, I want you to represent me in the meetings with the leaders of the other companies in the Shipyard project. Now, that the government has agreed to give everyone participating a package of fiscal benefits and taxes exceptions, I think it will be easier to make the other companies accept the project.’
‘It’s not going to be that easy, Sir, but I think I can manage.’
‘Good. I let that in your very capable hands.’
‘Bertrand, I want you and your team to look at everything necessary for TMM to restart production of the Snowden. From financial aid to technical expertise.’
‘No problem, but why ? As far as I know you don’t have any shares in that company.’
’Not yet, no. But that kind of station is useful for the Concordat and for us in order to obtain several more resources. I want to know what is necessary to build more.’
‘Gilbert, could you work with Bertrand and find designs, free of any patent, of course, of some security and police ’Mechs ? I think those are going to be the next generations of VMI designs.’
‘Sure boss, easy to do.’
At the end of the meeting I asked Lise to stay.
‘Lise, I have a delicate mission for you. You and a selected team of your choice are going to take the Trojan and go along with the next VMI delivery to the League world of Kalidasa. I have arranged for one of the worlds on the route to be the abandoned New Dallas. You and your team will exit the JumpShip there and go to the planet. Your objective is an underground installation in Caddo City, below the military barracks. I want the datacore from the Hegemony Intelligence that is supposed to still be there. Don’t forget to study the return timetable of the VMI JumpShip because it will be your only ticket out. For VMI, your cover is that your are looking for some loot for Bertrand’s group, like you have done several times in the past. If you get something useful to show the better, but it is not really important.’
‘Very strange mission, boss. Why keep it a secret and why don’t you go there with the Revenants or in a combined mission with the TMI ?’
‘First I’ll be busy hunting bandits in the Pirates Haven’s Cluster and I plan to be very visible. Second, if that datacore still exists, I want that data for us. Both missions with VMI and the TDF showed us that they are very adept at taking all the good toys; leaving us with the scraps.’
‘Very nice scraps, boss.’
‘Yes, that’s right, but they are nothing compared to the real value of the things we provided them with. I want this to be very discreet as I fear that someone has taken an interest in us and not a healthy one, I’m afraid. You are going to need anti-rad suits and some cargo / excavator ’Mechs.’
‘Ok, boss, I think I can do that. I will take some time to put together a team and get ready, but I can do it.’
‘Thanks, Lise, and remember we never had this conversation.’
Before departing, I asked Dr. Murad if she was interested in coming with us. Boy, I never saw anyone packing his things so fast.
When I was in the corridor, Subaltern Christine Marais came to me with a confused expression on her face.
‘Mister Bassot, why do we also have to transport a team from the University of New Vandenberg ? As far as I know this is a purely military mission.’
‘Well, Subaltern Marais, we have two missions, one military and another civilian. While you have been fully informed about the military side of the operation, it seems that you somehow missed the civilian side. The specialists from the University are going to analyze if the planets Badlands and Lorkdal are still considered viable to establish colonies after we clean them of pirate presence.’
‘And why didn’t I get info about that mission ?’ asked the beautiful blonde with a stress on her normally suave voice.
‘Merely a failure of communication I guarantee you. Because that part is purely civilian, it seems some of the papers were not send to you. I ask for your forgiveness, Subaltern.’
-
February 23, 3023
A few seconds after jumping in Pirate’s Haven Badlands Zenith jump-point, a collision alarm could be heard.
‘Proximity sensors report two objects near!’
‘Sensors, identify them now! Prepare to launch ASFs.’
‘Aye, Aye, sir. Identification coming… wait, they are both Leviathans.’
Leviathans ? I thought that they were all retired long ago. Nice, if I remember right, they had eight Docking Collars each. I started to think what I could do with so much capability.
‘ASFs and Assault crafts launched! No reaction from the bogies.’
With luck, we could capture both with little damage…. Stop dreaming, when did things go so easily?
Two hours later, the news weren’t good. Yes, we had captured both JumpShips without opposition. But that was only because they were both derelict, none in working condition. Members of Dr. Murad’s team that were with us on this mission are busy inspecting then to see if they could be repaired or not.
Let’s hope that the team that inserted through the Nadir jump-point will be more lucky.
Four days later after landing in Badlands
Two pirate locations had been detected from orbit, one much bigger than the other. Vasseur took our more experienced force (with all the Royal ’Mechs except mine) against the big one, with full ASF support and I took one lance with vehicle support against the small one.
My warning system informed me that a pirate Rifleman was targeting me. Without giving it a thought, I sidestepped to the left, making the pirate miss me while at the same time turning the torso to put a Gauss round and an ERPPC shot right in the torso of the pirate ‘Mech. It seems the last years of training had paid, finally. Not designed to survive that kind of punishment, and already in bad condition, the pirate ’Mech collapsed with its center torso destroyed. Two of the other pirate ’Mechs, a Commando and a Vindicator had already been neutralized, but the last one, a fast Locust was running away. I couldn’t let it escape. I carefully targeted it and with the extended range of my weapons placed a solid Gauss round on is right leg, making it splash on the ground and letting it unable to move. The pilot must have been knocked-off.
Just like on a training ground, I directed our long range support (four Hunters) a bit behind, to drop fire on a group of enemy vehicles, mostly technical ones according to my battle computer that were the only forces left in front of us. After softening them, we advanced and quickly destroyed the last remains of the pirates.
Meanwhile, the other group provided the bigger pirate force with what could be expected from a SLDF, Royal equipped veteran force: a lot of pain. We took no losses, just a few soldiers of our infantry forces were injured. I do hope that we will be so lucky in the next missions.
Some hours later I got the final report of the Badlands operation.
The other team had indeed luck, capturing a lightly damaged but still operational Merchant. Unfortunately for us, it was a Concordat ship, so we had to return it to its real owners, ‘only’ getting a rescue bonus. We also captured two DropShips, one Danais and one Mule. But again they were both sailing under Concordat flag. On top of that we also freed several civilians, including the crews of the JumpShips and DropShips.
Not a bad result, even more when taking into consideration that Dr. Murad said that maybe, with a lot of effort and extra spares, many of them we might have to build specifically as nobody had them anymore, her team could perhaps repair one of the Leviathans. The other one had its K-F drive cracked and was only good for scrap. Even if said drive had so much refined germanium in it that extracted it could alone pay for the full mission. Since both were of unknown origin, it was worth a try.
This mission also proved that Badlands was still viable as a colony, so the Concordat could settle the system if it wanted.
I had high hopes that we could get our hands on more loot on Lorkdal
Two weeks later, Lorkdal Zenith jump-point.
‘Sensors ?’
‘Nothing near captain.’
‘Understood, detach the DropShips.’
Three days later in orbit around the planet
‘We detect a small settlement near the Equator. Energy readings show that at least a lance of ’Mechs is present. No DropShips detected and because no JumpShips were found in the system, our analysis is that their main force is out there raiding.’
‘Understood. I propose that the ASFs do a strafing run while we land near. We have more than enough forces to deal with such a small group.’ Said Vasseur during the planning meeting.
Following Vasseur‘s plan, our forces easily captured the pirate base. I didn’t even fire a shot this time. One of the disadvantages of the Nightstar was his speed and before I could come into range, the others had already secured the pirate base and dispatched the five ‘Mechs protecting it, no fun.
Interrogation of the few captured pirates reported that they had an Invader JumpShip but that is was already late from its estimated time of return from a raid in Estuan in the Federated Suns. We waited one more month, but the pirate JumpShip never returned. Years later, we got the information that they had been captured by FedRat forces during that raid.
Apart from the Leviathan (if we could repair it), we got our hands on one Shadow Hawk, one Commando (made with parts of two) and the Locust whose leg I had destroyed. The rest was only good for scrap, except for the Rifleman that could be repaired if we could get a new gyro as my shots had completely destroyed it and nobody in the Concordat made them.
The conclusions of the university team on both planets were that both were still viable to support colonies and that they were perhaps even better than before as with hundreds of years with almost no human on these planets, the biosphere had developed in a way that was favorable to the human beings.
-
Returning to New Vandenberg by early 3023, I had some news waiting for me.
First, Smith had done a good job and the partnership of companies to start repairing the shipyard had been formed and the work on it was starting right now. Curiously, Jeremy’s Consortium, the investment company of my (in this universe) late father was also in, even if for obvious reasons, I hadn’t looked for them.
We also heard news of a coup in the neighbor Aurigan Coalition, and a bloody one it seemed, with House Espinosa removing House Arano from power killing in the process all the Arano bloodline The small nation was renamed the Aurigan Directorate and was going as far as making new contacts with the Concordat.
Nobody understood why I wasn’t happy with that.
The decision to repair the Leviathan was taken after analysis of the cost and capability of producing the necessary parts. The JumpShip was going to be shared by VMI, V4RU and the Revenants with VMI taking precedent unless the Revenants had a Concordat approved mission. Custom production of the necessary parts started at once with the leader of the project being our resident genius, Dr. Murad.
Because buying from the Fed Rats was deeply frowned upon, I used the Revenants funds to buy a gyro for the captured Rifleman in Galatea, the Principal Mercenary Star. For that, I had to use the services of the Concordat representative in that system. The estimated time to receive said Gyro was more than five months, but I was in no hurry, and in the end the Revenants received a new heavy, dedicated anti-air ’Mech. And for the first time, they paid the repairs from their own funds.
During a working dinner with Dr. Farah Murad I asked her about her estimation of the time needed for the Leviathan to be once more operational.
‘Well, you see Boss, first we need to get the necessary spare parts. Some we can produce here or at VMI, but several needs to be made by O-P Electronics and these might take time to be available. My best estimate is that we can get everything we need in about six months. Then, you have a six months trip from New Vandenberg to Badlands and back and you can add two months to do the repairs and refuel. This is obviously if everything goes without surprises.’
‘So, you are saying that in the best case, we get that JumpShip ready in 12 to 14 months?’ I asked the resident wizard.
‘Very much that, Boss. I’m supposed to depart in about six months and return eight or ten months later.’
‘If that is the time needed, so be it. I will order the DroST IIb with 6 ASF’s to go with your force to provide the appropriate protection. ’
The following day, I called Bertrand and Gilbert to my office.
‘Gentlemen, I was thinking about the Snowden project and the status of these asteroid fields in the system. By your early report, TMM has lost the orbital infrastructure needed to build new Mining Stations and about the same time, a saboteur destroyed all the copies of the plans of the Snowden, was that correct ?’
‘Yes, Boss’ answered Bertrand. ‘ That was basically the reason that TMM stopped making new ones; that and a lack of funds to restart the project.’
‘If I’m right, our system asteroid belts are almost untapped and even if we put twenty Snowden there, in a hundred years, they will only have done a small dent in the resources present, is that correct ?’
‘Well, yes, but in all the Concordat there are only 18 of them and they can’t build more.’ Said Gilbert, looking attentively at me.
‘The Snowden is a station that is too complex for what I want. I want you and your teams to design a much simpler version of it. For starters, it won’t need a K-Boom, as it will only be used locally. Next, this system is well patrolled and the last raid was hundreds of years ago. So, I think we won’t need armor nor weapons, as there is several ASF patrols in the system. On top of that, if the stations are only to be used locally, they won’t need comprehensive repair facilities and I think that the smallest Grav Deck will be enough. We can rotate the personnel faster after all. I believe that with these specifications, you can design a much cheaper and simpler station that could be more easily produced and deployed locally. What are your thoughts on this idea?’
They stayed silent for a while and after looking to each other, Gilbert broke the silence ‘Well… yes that is going to be a much cheaper and simpler design. But even so, we don’t have the resources nor the money to produce these.’
‘Design then and present me a plan to use some of these with estimated costs and benefits. As far as I am concerned, obtaining the money and resources for the project is my job.’
At the end of the reunion, Maud Gerard, my personal secretary entered my office.
‘Mr. Bassot, you wanted me to remember you that tonight you have a ball in the capital. Mr Beaudoin’s daughter is going to be presented officially to the society and it has been confirmed that Edward Calderon is going to be present. Mr Beaudouin is one of your strongest allies in VMI and it is one of the first time that Edward represents his father, so don’t be late.’
‘Thanks Maud, I promise to be a good boy.’ I said with a smile.
She retired after presenting me with a look of light disapproval. At 56 years and a widow, she was the best secretary I could dream of.
-
Later that night at the party in the Beaudouin’s mansion in the New Vandenberg capital.
God, I really hate this kind of social events. I never liked them in my past life and I still don’t in the new one.
Years of experience, mostly in my past life gave me enough abilities to be able to fake sufficiently and not make a faux-pas. Circulating around and doing my damned best to escape the usual social butterflies that are attracted to this kind of events. I even had a glass of Glengarry Reserve in the hand while doing so and if I may so, this is really a good whiskey.
Josselin Beaudouin, barely 1.60m with high heels, with raven hair, large but not fat, her bone structure didn’t give her any gifts and anyone would hardly call her a beautiful young woman. However the determined look in her face said that she was soon going to be an asset for her family.
After exchanging the usual platitudes with her, I was free to pursue my own agenda and start looking for Edward Calderon, to speak to him and convince him to support me and my agenda.
It took me some time to find him, as he was also trying to dodge the socialites and the kiss-ass people, attracted to people like him. This time, thank God, I wasn’t the top dog in this competition.
‘Lord Calderon? Funny, I never thought I would see such a high personage play the hide-and-seek game to escape the socialites. I’m Jean-Luc Bassot, at your service.’
‘Please to meet you Mr. Bassot. ’ He replied with a harm smile.
‘Would you mind us looking for a quiet place outside of this circus?’
Having been here several times, I was now familiar with the mansion and I easily found my way to a quieter room.
Upon entering the room, Edward Calderon placed a white noise generator on the small table between the chairs and turned it on, signaling that this conversation was going to be ‘off the record’.
‘So, Jean-Luc’ started Edward Calderon, after sitting down in a comfortable chair, ‘would you care to explain to me the enigma of your actions?’
‘What enigma?’
‘On the one hand, you provided the Concordat with WarShips, Royal ‘Mechs and top-of the line equipment that benefit our nation greatly on the military side’, started Edward Calderon with a very serious look on his face ‘but on the other hand, all you created on your own was in the civilian side. Do you care to explain?’
‘There is no enigma at all. I provided the Concordat with the items that I found but what I really want is to improve our economy. If you enlarge the military first, you cripple the economy, but if you do it the other way around, you can easily enlarge the military at a later time while first making the civilians richer.’
‘And you think that we have time to do it that way?’ asked Edward with an interested look on is face.
‘Sure. It is a simple multiplayer game. House Davion principal enemy is Kurita, followed by Liao. The principal enemy of House Liao is Davion and the secondary is Marik. House Marik is preoccupied with Steiner first and Liao second and House Kurita with Davion and Steiner. House Davion, because of his nascent alliance with Steiner also has to deal with Marik. In other words, all the House Lords of the Inner Sphere are too much preoccupied with each other to look towards the Periphery.
It is no coincidence that in the past hundred years nothing bigger than small raids and counter-raids has been done here.’ I said with a reasonable voice.
‘And the worlds that Davion took from us?’ asked Edward Calderon looking at me intensely.
‘After two hundred years? Let us be real. With so much time of Davion indoctrination and with much migration from other Davion worlds these are now Davion worlds, not ours under occupation. No revolts, no manifestations, no heavy troops presence. Should I go on? I don’t like it, you don’t like it and I'm sure your father hates it, but is the cold reality. Even if was the other way around, even if we could triplicate the power of the TDF, we still wouldn’t have enough forces to take them back. House Liao, the weakest of the Inner Sphere realms is still way more powerful than us, so I’m afraid that we don’ stand a chance in that area.’
‘In some circles, that could be considered traitorous...’ said Edward Calderon.
‘If said circles don’t like reality, it is their problem not mine.’ I coldly answer. ‘But if you want to improve our military with a small investment, just open some aerospace academies. The TDF is weak in that arm, even if VMI and Pinard produce ASFs.’
‘And where would we find the instructors for said academies?’ asked Edward Calderon.
‘In the same place I found most of my pilots, just contract them in the Outworlds Alliance. They are not hostile to us and have a very good aerospace force.’ I said.
And the look in Edward face showed me that they hadn’t thought about it.
‘On another topic, what are your plans for the future Jean-Luc? I don’t believe you are happy with what you already got.’ said Edward Calderon, conceding the point, more or less.
‘Glad that you asked that. You see I have this idea...’
Several hours later heading home, I was reasonably convinced that Edward Calderon could be now counted as an ally, and maybe, with a bit of luck, he could convince his father to finance / support my space program.
-
Some months later, Lise’s team came back to New Vandenberg.
The official version was that they had found two Mackies 6S that were so obsolete that they could only be donated to museums, the first one being the New Vandenberg War Museum and the other one a BattleMech Museum on Taurus.
The real important price was that the data core was now safely multi-copied and in my hands.
While it contained lots of full blueprints for military hardware, including several Royal grade equipment; the real treasure were the blueprints for many different kinds of factories, shipyards and vehicles. Unlike the military hardware, these were mostly of the non-Hegemony sort, meaning very few if any were state-of-the-art automated ones, but even so they were so much better than what the Concordat had right now.
To be honest, the hundreds of advanced hardware blueprints were utterly useless right now as the Concordat like most of the Inner Sphere and the Periphery could barely produce ‘standard’ hardware. Much more interesting were the blueprints of the ‘black boxes’ in use in the automated systems of today factories. With that, I could greatly contribute to the improvement of almost all the industrial park of the Concordat and that gave me a lot of leverage.
One thing that couldn’t be built right now were the factories that produced advanced items. That meant no Endo Steel, no Ultra or LB-X guns, no Extended Range energy weapons, etc. While I had the plans for several of these factories, several critical components were beyond our capability to produce. And without the science behind to understand them, it would remain so for the near future. I needed the Helm or the Niops cores, the ones with the data on the principles and science behind these technologies.
I had also checked to see if I had any blueprints for the Nighthawks. But no, top-of-the-line hardware of the Hegemony were not included. Bugger. Oh! Well, we would try to get these from Niops in the future, if everything went right, after all.
By the way, several designs of ‘obsolete’ WarShips, JumpShips and DropShips, all obsolete by SLDF standards were also included. Many of these I had never seen in my original universe. One of the gems I found were the full data specs of the Leviathan JumpShip and thanks to it, we would be able to make a full refit of the JumpShip that Dr. Murad’s team was trying to repair in the Badlands system.
Some civilian items came to my attention, one was the Super Caravan transport cargo plane; an improved version of the Antonov An-225 from back home. With 6 hydrogen powered engines, it could carry up to 200 tons of cargo and loaded, it had a range exceeding 15,000 km. Few were produced because by this time, the cheaper to operate fusion powered alternatives started to appear. But in a universe where fusion power engines were not so cheap (like right now), maybe they could have a future. The other interesting civilian items was a mix between a cargo shuttle and a short range DropShip. It could carry up to 2,000 tons of cargo to orbit or to a moon while having articulated, powered arms much like the space shuttle of my universe. It was the perfect design to support and expand an orbital industry. It too fell in disgrace with the massive DropShips entering full production.
These industrial blueprints provided me with several options to create production lines in VMI for almost everything from DropShips to ‘Mech for civilian or military use. That is, if I could secure the necessary funds.
Before I could make any decisions on how to best use this new data, I was ‘invited’ to go to Taurus to ‘consultations’ with the Lord Protector. Joy.
Before I departed, I left instructions to my team to present the VMI board with options for possible upgrades and I took with me the latest plans of the future Snowden Lite prototype. Unlike the other times and because of a fortunate alignment of JumpShips, I managed to do the voyage in just about two weeks.
The reunion with Thomas Calderon, his son Edward and Grover Shraplen turned very differently from what I expected. Thomas, while very suspicious of House Davion, wasn’t totally paranoid about them but Grover has a profound hate against the FedRats as he kept saying. On the other side, Edward wanted to reduce the tension between both realms and perhaps to start with some commercial openings, a position I was more than inclined to support. After several hours of discussions and negotiations, it was decided that the Concordat was going to try to open commercial relations with the Federated Suns but only of civilian products and if VMI wanted to participate, the earnings would have to be invested in new military lines whose production would be sold to the TDF at a reduced cost. While I couldn’t decide for VMI, I was only one of several shareholders after all, I was asked to convince them to follow the plans made by this small council.
I also learned that the Far Lookers were going to be directed to the ex pirate location that I had recently cleaned. The two systems were viable and already had a small infrastructure after all. But this time, they would have to do it with only private financing, no funds would be diverted from the government.
Returning to VMI on New Vandenberg, I got involved in several meetings with the board of directors. In the end, the decision was taken to go along the will of the Protector. The new lines that would be created would be for modernized Toro and Talos BattleMechs. These tried and venerable Taurian ‘Mechs would probably create a morale boost in the ranks of the TDF while the research part had already been done at V4RU, allowing V4RU to earn a percentage of the sales and also cutting the price down.
Unfortunately, all this forced me to delay the shift to the air and space assets I wanted to produce.
After all was taking care of, now it was time to start doing some marketing research on the Federated Suns. Not really an easy or a small task.
-
Having inside intel, I decided not to wait for any treaty and began looking for opportunities in the Federated Suns.
As I suspected, the market for our Industrial ‘Mechs existed and was indeed huge, even if most of it was in the core worlds, the ones near the Concordat being too poor only ordered a few. Some months later, I received information from Taurus, that a limited commercial treaty had been signed between the Concordat and the Federated Suns, allowing only the trade of civilian goods in both directions with inspection from both side naturally. While that could seem fast, it just showed that the Suns didn’t care about the Concordat and anything that improved the peace in the area and better commerce was considered good enough for New Avalon, so they didn’t delay such limited treaty.
Before the end of the year, V4RU presented a refit of the Talos, replacing the AC/10 and its ammo with 1 PPC, 2 Medium Laser (in the left arm), 1 extra ton of ammo for the LRMs and 4 heat sinks. This version fixed the problem of an ammo dependent ’Mech and became a hit in the TDF, with orders being placed for 50% of the operating Talos to be refitted to this model by V4RU. Considering that this refit was paid at full price (by the Ministry of Defense) but received a full factory support, it was a very good sale for V4RU (much like the AMG / Mercedes relation I knew from back home).
With all of this happening, the arrival at V4RU of the gyro for the Rifleman captured to the pirates was almost unnoticed, even if that result in another Heavy ’Mech for the Revenants.
The sales of Industrial ’Mechs to the Suns largely surpassed even my wildest dreams, most of them being sent to the richest core worlds. Basically they wanted every single one we could sell them as there was no production in the Federated Suns, the factories having been long ago converted to the production of war material.
There was such a demand (as orders also came from the Concordat, the Magistracy and the FWL), that new lines were planned. To fulfill their part in the increased orders, O-P Electronics not only expanded their production in Brisbane, but started a new factory on New Vandenberg. This was only possible because all other nations, including the the Concordat before I financed the new production lines, had focused long ago on other productions like the example of the Federated Suns had shown us.
Thanks to the New Dallas data core I also had access to several formerly lost designs of several other civilian ’Mechs, some too advanced for VMI to produce, some too old, but several just with the right tech level and capabilities to be added to the company growing portfolio. As a bonus almost all the unknown models were from companies that had long ago disappeared, so no problems with the royalties.
By mid 3025 business was booming, the repaired Leviathan had returned to New Vandenberg. Thanks to the profits made, my position inside the VMI board had improved.
So far, I had successfully maintained the Hegemony core a secret, but I knew that sooner or later someone was going to report it or leak its data to the TMI or to another organism of the Concordat government. Until then, I had used several of the blueprints to upgrade as much as possible the production lines of VMI while selling a bit later the same upgrades to other companies inside the Concordat.
I wanted to share the knowledge I had with the Taurian Concordat while making a profit out of it. After all, I wasn’t much of an idealist. Being on the board of VMI, running my own treasure hunting company and having connections among the government was all I needed to be able to speak to several boards or directors about a deal. In exchange for money, shares, production licenses, I gave them access to these “new†upgrades. At the end of the ‘tour’, I gifted one copy of the core to Edward Calderon, thus cementing my relation with the ruling house. While I had no doubt that the Calderons were going to put the core to good use, increasing the competition for VMI, I knew it was impossible to hide the use of said core forever once it started to be used so it was better to make the best out of it.
I used a big chunk of the money obtained that way to buy VMI shares from several sources and with my alliance with the Beaudouins, I got effective control over VMI.
For the gift of the core to the government (technically speaking to Edward, but it was just another name for the government) , I got the title of Baron but because we were in the Concordat, it didn’t mean much in terms of money while carrying some other interesting advantages.
One thing that I was aware of was that the New Dallas data core didn’t provide any help on the theory, on the math or science side, just some blueprints. With that, me and the people I provided said blueprints to could copy several things, but not deviate from the ones in the core or innovate without a massive investment in R&D, something that House Davion could do with the NAIS but that was nearly impossible in the Concordat. For that I needed the Helm data core or the one from Niops. Better even, both.
The lostech front was also a waiting game for now as I wanted the most valuable of all items, Double Heat Sinks. I had the full blueprints for several models, including the latest Star League and even one not so advanced from Davion as well as the schematics for their production lines. What I was still lacking was the capacity to produce out of laboratories, the complex crystalline matrix that was at the heart of all the models.
One interesting bit in the Hegemony core was that it contained all file formats, data structure, file compression standards known at the time, even if very exotic, rare or obsolete. It could be useful for me later.
At this time, I began hearing rumors about a terrorist organization operating inside the Aurigan Directorate under the name of the Aurigan Restoration and commanded by Kamea Arano that seemed after all to be alive.
VMI finally started to build the production lines for the Super Caravan and for the Star-Lifter (the big cargo shuttle). Estimates put the first design to be operational by early 3026 and the second one by mid 3027.
I still didn’t have a clue of how to deal with Helm, so I decided to take a different direction.
-
Remembering that the Perdition Massacre should be around this time, I contacted ‘Mr. Smith’ from TMI. Obviously, I couldn't give him too much detail but I informed him that one of my contacts had heard about a terrorist cell planning an attack on Perdition. When asked about details, I answered vaguely about business contacts of one of the companies I was dealing with.
Unfortunately a month later Victoria succeeded and not only did she successfully executed the chemical attack, she also managed to escape without a trace.
To make matters worse, the ‘evidence’ that Santiago Espinosa presented against the Federated Suns was quite convincing but that had to be expected as the special effects / movie tricks team used was very competent.
And that brought a lot of problems to me and VMI. The trade agreement with the Federated Suns was broken by the Taurians, which caused us to lose our largest foreign market and a huge setback in the detente policy that Edward sponsored. Because the Magistracy supported Kamea, something that the TMI had quickly discovered, it created a tense situation between the two nations when Thomas decided to openly support Santiago.
However, by not accepting a contract offered by Espinosa for mercenaries to support his forces, I was able to prevent my Revenants from getting involved.
With great efforts, I was able to very discreetly contact Anne-Marie Centrella, saying her that Kamea should pay special attention to the 'Madeira files'.Having done all I could, I could only hope that she would find the evidence that would clear the Federated Suns while implicating Santiago at the same time.
This whole situation caused a great deal of economic damage to the actual and future plans I had made for VMI and took much of my time, forcing me to postpone for a long time any expedition to Niops, which was my next objective. I couldn’t get away for so long at this point and this was the kind of mission I couldn’t delegate.
This whole situation was problematic inside the unit too. One day, Vasseur came into my office clearly annoyed.
‘Boss, why did you turn down the contract by House Espinosa against the terrorists on the Aurigan Protectorate?’
‘Vasseur, do you think Hanse Davion is stupid or incompetent?’
'I never heard anyone accusing him of that,' replied Vasseur with a surprised look on his face.
‘So think a bit, this deal with the Concordat is clearly good for him. It lowers the tension on one of his borders and creates a new source of trade and money.'
‘So far I'm following you, Boss. But what does this have to do with the Protectorate? '
‘If it is good for him, why would Hanse, who in your words is not incompetent, kill it shortly after it was signed?’ I asked quietly.
'If you put it that way I see no reason,' replied Vasseur, who had obviously not yet reached the conclusion I wanted him to reach.
'On top of that, chemical weapons are not Davion style, they use assassinations or military raids.' I explained 'On the other hand, Santiago Espinosa came to power through a rather bloody coup and clearly needs our support to stay in place.'
‘Are you suggesting that Perdition was a false flag operation performed by House Espinosa?’ asked Vasseur with a startled air.
‘Cui Bono. Of the two, Hanse does not benefit at all from the attack, while Santiago needs our help. It is very convenient for him that House Davion decides to perform this type of operation when it is most needed, don't you think? And the only 'evidence' there is was provided by Santiago.’
‘Maybe, but about some Davion patriots operating independently?’ asked Vasseur.
‘’Possible,’ I answered calmly ‘but usually they act against Kurita first, Liao second, and the last raid against us was how long ago? Not in the last century if I remember correctly.’
Vasseur was silent for a few minutes, analyzing the implications. ‘Do you have any proof?’
‘If I had, I would already have submitted it to the Lord Protector. But this smells a lot like shit, and I don't want to get involved.’ I answered.
Visibly calmer ‘You're right, Boss. It was really better not to accept this contract.’
Not helping at all, Hanse Davion launched Operation Galahad a few weeks later, greatly increasing the tension in the border, even if it only moved troops to the Capellan and Draconis borders. But Grover Shraplen was quick to use the fear of a possible invasion … not the best time I had in this universe.
-
While the actions of House Espinosa had caused a lot of damage to my plans, in a strange way, Galahad was good for me and my business.
Betting that it would be equal (or at least quite similar) to the operation I knew from the fiction in my universe, ie that Davion forces would not invade the Concordat, I took advantage of the fact that a Concordat noble was expected to be ready to defend the Concordat and its people and preemptively made the Revenants available free of charge for the defense of the borders. Of course, it was quite a popular gesture in patriotic circles, making it impossible for the TDF to turn my offer down. The result was that a company of ’Mechs with tanks, ASFs, and infantry support was sent to MacLeod's Land under Vasseur’s command, while another unit, similar in strength, went to Pinard under my direct command. This forced me to leave several instructions on both V4RU and VMI to be followed during my absence, but the advantages far outweighed the drawbacks.
For me, provided that Hanse did the same that he had done in my novels, it was a pure public relations operation that would make things better with Thomas Calderon, who liked this kind of patriotic attitude. However for my men, it was a very serious affair, after all they were almost all Taurians and patriots. That was made obvious by the serious looks and small talks I observed during the movement to the border areas.
Another side of Galahad that benefited me was that due to the perceived risk, the Concordat government increased the budget for military expenditures and ordered several new ’Mechs from VMI and some refits from V4RU. Due to the escalating international tensions, several mercenary companies also placed orders with both companies, making good use of the modernization of production lines that we had just finished at great cost.
Another advantage I had not realized was that unlike in the HBS game, the expeditionary force operating in the Aurigan Directorate and commanded by Commodore Samuel Ostergaard was called back. For several reasons, most of which I had caused (like the disappearance of the Argo and its databases before he would go for it), Ostergaard had no personal vendetta against Kamea Arano, nor did he ever find her, and he returned home smoothly.
Three months later, with the end of Operation Galahad and the returning home of most of the Davion forces, the situation in the frontier cooled down a bit.
VMI sales department in Galatea following my instructions had tried for several months to sell equipment to the famous Wolf’s Dragoons, but to no avail. I wanted a contact with the Dragoons for the future. But by the end of 3026, they finally managed to make a sale, even if it was a small one.
The Leviathan was currently operating on the busiest commerce lines within the Concordat. Old or not, it was the JumpShip with the biggest cargo and DropShips capacity in all the Concordat and this by a wide margin. The next ones were two Star Lords, with almost all the rest of the fleet being of the Invader or Merchant classes. To protect the ship against any pirate having bad ideas, one of the collars was taken by a Leopard loaded with two ASFs and marines (instead of ’Mechs).
Later on, two old Tigress that were being used in patrol duty in the New Vandenberg system were refitted and placed in two of the four small craft bays of the JumpShip. Part of the refit was to equip them with several rocket pods and armor piercing warheads, guaranteeing a very bad day for any pirate DropShips they would engage. The marines were quartered in the passenger area, freeing the much needed collar for another cargo DropShip.
During my time on Pinard, I also negotiated several deals with Pinard Protectorates Limited, Pinard-Dicolais Electronics and Wingman Enterprises Limited, ranging from partnership to exchange of licenses. For example, VMI received the rights (and blueprints) of the Sabre light ASF from PPL in exchange for those for the Toro light Battlemech.
Interestingly, PPL take on the Toro was different as they replaced both LRM-5 by one SRM-4 and torso mounted jump-jets, creating a ’Mech similar in capabilities to the popular Combine Panther.
No company started producing new units as at this time as all were busy with current orders or involved in the shipyard or Snowden / Snowden Lite long term projects. Their recent upgrades had cost them a lot of resources and they needed some return on investment before doing anything else.
-
Just before the return of the expeditionary force to the Aurigan Directorate under Ostergaard’s command, some news arrived that completely changed the scenario.
Fred of having to deal with Concordat forces, Kamea got her hands on the Madeira files and obtained the proof that the Perdition Massacre had been planned by Santiago Espinosa and executed by his daughter Victoria. Unfortunately, I heard that Alexander Madeira hadn’t survived the extraction mission.
Saying that Thomas Calderon took these new badly was the king of understatements. He went ballistic and sent the already ready force under Ostergaard to the Aurigan territory, but this time to defeat and capture the Espinosas. To support the Guards, he wanted to recruit a mercenary force and I accepted the job, securing the Revenants participation, which not only help me improve my relations with the Calderon family but also allowed me to play my part in the end of the Espinosa regime, AKA the Aurigan Directorate.
At the same time, Edward Calderon was tasked with fixing the relations with the Federated Suns, a difficult job, but if anyone could do that it was him.
Coordinating our actions with Kamea, through the good offices of Anne-Marie Centrella, we managed to make all the forces converge towards Coromodir for the final showdown.
Coromodir, February 23, 3027
This time the Taurian forces were much bigger than the early expedition (that one only included the Iberia), with one Fortress, the Iberia, two Unions, two Leopards and one Triumph transporting a full ’Mech battalion of the Taurian Guards and support forces.
The few Directorate ASFs, four in total, were quickly swept away by the combined Guards and Revenants escorts, opening the way for the capital of the Arano Directorate. Kamea’s forces, wanting to be the first to land, pushed their DropShips to 2g moving ahead of us and messing with the approved plan for the sake of ‘honor’ or pride..,
Four days later, near the planet capital.
Like the Revenants, the Taurian Guards were firm believers in combined arms operations. Thanks to superior training and better coordination, the resistance of the Directorate forces against us had been so far rather weak. To be honest, they were also busy with the more numerous but poorly equipped Restoration units that had arrived earlier.
Advancing with my Command Lance, with my Nightstar, Georgina’s Merlin, Ruben’s Thunderbolt (that was earlier Vasseur’s own) and Pauline’s Marauder, against a detected enemy presence ahead of us, I suddenly saw Kamea and Victoria fighting.
‘That Catapult K2 is mine, engage the rest!’ I ordered on the mic, advancing against Victoria’s ’Mech that had just destroyed the left leg of Kamea’s Kintaro and was getting ready to deliver the final blow.
An interesting consequence of me mixing with everything was that both had their original ’Mechs. Kamea had never received the Atlas II from Nautilus and Victoria never lost the Catapult nor received the King Crab. I had always thought that Periphery small lords getting her hands on such a ’Mech outside of a SLDF cache was impossible, but game mechanics… Reality was different.
Taking advantage of Victoria’s focus on Kamea, I carefully aligned my shots and let loose with all the weapons available at that range, both Gauss Riffles and the ER PPC.
I got lucky as all the shots hit, the ER PPC and one of the Gauss hitting on the right side, destroying one of the K2 main weapons while the other Gauss round hit in the center, causing damage to the gyro and putting Victoria in serious trouble.
Showing just what a good Mechwarrior she was, she turned my way and fired all of her weapons, while I tried to move sideways and out of the line of fire.
Her PPC barely missed but both Medium Lasers hit my ’Mech in the center, making two deep scars in my pristine armor, but not penetrating. This baby was made to take and survive much heavier damage.
From a semi upward position, Kamea fired all of her surviving weapons at the back of Victoria’s ‘Mech and at least eight of the SRMs hit sending the Catapult to the ground.
Not giving her time to recover, I carefully targeted her legs and put one Gauss round and a laser beam on each, destroying both and ending her struggle.
Looking around I realized that my teammates and the only survivor of Kamea’s unit had finished dispatching Victoria’s unit and that in this area, the war had ended.
‘Are you okay, Lady Arano?’ I asked with concern in my voice.
‘Just a bit bruised, but I will survive. Let's end this.’ Is the answer.
Before resuming our advance in direction of the capital, I sent instructions for our infantry to capture Victoria. Soon after a pair of Maultiers arrived and two platoons of heavily armed and armored infantry quickly disembarked. They took care of Victoria, that until then, under the sights of my ’Mech weapons, had in her cockpit. After their arrival, my lance could advance again.
Three days later in the Coromodir palace.
‘Milady Kamea, my orders are very explicit. I have to return to Taurus with both Santiago and Victoria Espinosa cuffed or in coffins.’ said Ostergaard to Kamea while I stayed a little away. I was only a mercenary and even if socially I was superior to the good Commodore, he was in charge of the Taurian forces.
‘As a proof of the good relations that should be from now on between our nations I give you both of them, Commodore’ answered High Lady Kamea Arano.
A few hours later, when the official ceremonies were over, I received an invitation for a private meeting with the High Lady.
Arriving at the small office, I was surprised that Anne-Marie Centrella was also there. I would need to play my game the best I could.
The following afternoon (and dinner) was very agreeable. In company of two beautiful, sophisticated woman we discussed the present and future of the region and what that meant for the Aurigan Restoration. They were in a weaker position than before, with the economy in pieces, the industry seriously damaged and several ex-directorate forces turned pirates. The relations of the Concordat with their respective nations were also discussed. I had the felling that I was in the middle of an interrogation by at least one expert (Anne-Marie) and I was afraid that I might have revealed way more than I wanted while getting very little in return.
At least I successfully deflected the questions about how I knew about the Madeira Files, making a tale of how with the Madeiras being very able at politics and very close to the ruling clan at the time I had considered very likely that they had tapped in the surveillance cameras in the castle and even added some new ones, to get leverage on others. If Kamea and Anne-Marie believed a single word of what I said, I didn’t know, but apparently they accepted the story.
Anne-Marie was way too well-informed about the Concordat in general and my business in particular for my liking. I put a good bet that she had dropped the MIM on me long ago.
All in all, I returned to my DropShip satisfied but with too much to think about.
-
Before I got back to the Concordat, I didn't miss an opportunity to perform one more coup. After the conflict ended, the mercenary force known as the Markham Marauders was in a much worse position than in the video game. Without access to Argo or SLDF ’Mechs and with the number of Assault ‘Mechs in the Periphery not being inflated as in the game, they had suffered severe casualties.
In fact, at this point, they only had one injured MechWarrior (Jessica Chernovskaya, call-name Glitch) and their only surviving ’Mech (a Griffin GRF-1N) was more junk than ’Mech. What they had, and what I was interested in, was a good team of technicians, an excellent DropShip pilot, and a Leopard.
It wasn't hard for me to convince them to sign for the Revenants, a superbly equipped force, by Periphery standards and with much more means.
Even Darius had his usefulness, after all, he had good contacts in mercenary circles and in some less legal areas. You never know when these contacts would be useful.
As I suspected and as the Marauders files confirmed, they had found in Panzyr the hulks of about a hundred Griffins GRF-1N. The Directorate had used the available parts to repair about a company, but they didn’t have the expertise and industrial resources for the rest, as far as I knew, nor the Restoration or the Magistracy. Only a few companies in the Concordat, including mine, could do that. The others that were capable of that were all in the Inner Sphere.
Just as we entered Concordat territory I had one message waiting for me: Proceed to Taurus at full speed. The Lord Protector wants to talk with you, ASAP.
While I went to Taurus, the Revenants returned to New Vandenberg for a well-deserved R&R. The return trip went smoothly, but Taurus was clearly on high alert when we arrived, something had happened during my absence.
Calderon Palace
Thomas and Edward immediately received me, another sign that something serious had happened.
‘Welcome back, Jean-Luc. I regret to inform you that Concordat is in a much worse situation than when you left.' Thomas began by going straight to the point 'when Edward was charged with fixing our relations with the Davions, Grover had a fit of rage. Using forces that he managed to trick, he tried to take over the two Warships to use them to attack the Federated Suns. In the ensuing conflict, we managed to stop him, but both the ships and the dockyard were seriously damaged. We lost several of our special forces that day. The first estimates for the repair of the ships and the dock is a decade and that is the best scenario we have.'
Edward leaned towards me 'If you have any more miracles or hidden bases to visit, now is the best time to inform us. The Concordat needs a backup immediately. Right now we don’t have any way to stop any of the Great Houses if they want to invade us, outside of massive use of nuclear weapons'.
‘It is the exact situation as before the WarShips turned operational, isn’t it?’I asked, not seeing the big problem. Then I remembered that the existence of the operational WarShips played a big part in reducing Thomas’ fears and paranoia regarding a Davion invasion.
‘Well, yes, but right now we strongly suspect that at least one if not more of the IS Houses know that we have ships and that they are no longer operational. It is only a question of time until one or more of them try to grab them. We even suspect that Liao has already done that.’
‘Why do you suspect Liao's hand in the Grover case?’ I asked puzzled.
‘Well, we don’t have any proof, mind you’ said Edward, after looking at his father and Thomas silently nodded ‘but TMI found some advanced electronic codebreakers, of very recent Liao manufacture, on the bodies of some of his men. Codebreakers that were used to gain access to the WarShips’ computers. Also several of these people couldn't be identified and the reports talk about a high number of very capable fanatics.’
‘In other words, Death Commandos or ROM Rho’, said a small part of my brain that I tried to keep quiet with effort. Crap. Liao or ROM, both use the ships to start a war between us and Davion. Any of them would love that. ‘I can only recommend increasing the defenses there.’ I said softly, was my answer.
Damn, that was not good at all. I took a quick decision.
‘In fact, I know some places we haven't visited yet, but they're all distant or complicated.' I replied as I began to see the scale of the disaster.
‘Whatever is needed and that the Concordat can provide is yours.' was Thomas' answer.
‘Ok, let’s play cards on the table then. I know the location of a weapons test place of the SLDF Navy.’ At that mention, both Calderon looked to me with hope in their eyes. ‘There is no guarantee that any WarShip will still be there to be looted but it is possible that we find something useful.’ I said in a calm voice.
‘And the catch is?’ asked Thomas, ‘because if it was easy, you would have already taken action.’
‘For starters, it is further away than the place where we found the dockyard’. I said and I saw the look between both Calderon's good news is that I also have four possible cache locations that could be ‘visited’ during that voyage.’ With that being said, I was sure to get what I wanted.
‘It is a long voyage, but we can provide you with the same force used in the previous mission’ said Thomas, while Edward nodded in agreement ‘let’s hope that they will find useful things there then. We won’t forget your help on this, Jean-Luc. Are your forces also available for this mission?’
‘Not this time, my Lord.’ I said ‘I want them for some missions including trying to obtain more Star League files. They are also vital, after all.’ I explained.
‘Changing subjects, about the Arano case, if we leave the area alone, the Magistracy will not take control. They already have immense influence over Kamea, I think it is better to try to counter it.’
‘Mmmm’ Thomas looks at me pensively ‘and what do you propose?’
‘While I’m not trying to dictate our diplomacy in the area’ I started (yeah, right, I thought very quietly), ‘I think that providing some support is going to do us a lot of good. Like helping Kamea with the nascent pirate problem or help her rebuild these Griffins the Directorate found on Panzyr.’
‘You are funny, I give you that’ Thomas laughs, ‘in the first case your mercenaries are the best option and in the second one, your company is tailor-made for the job.’
‘I never said I didn’t want to gain something from the area’ I said lightly, looking at Thomas in the eyes. ‘But the truth is that both options will help us immensely with the Aranos and help us to reduce the Magistracy influence so close to our borders. By the way, before I forget, before you execute the Espinosas, can TMI obtain their Combine contacts? That can be useful in the future.’
‘Sure, I already said I like your style,’ said Thomas in a good mood.’ But it is up to you to secure both contracts from High Lady Kamea. If you want it, you will have to work for it.’
‘In that case, I need two things’ I asked Thomas. ‘One is a comprehensive team of ex-TMI people, which covers security, infiltration, code-breaking and interrogation. Because of the needs of chain-of-command and deniability, I can’t take any current unit, but because I’m going to operate in another nation and with a third one operating in the area, I want these capabilities available to me’. I know full well that they are going to report back to TMI / Thomas but that is a price that I’m comfortable to pay.
After a few moments Thomas answered ‘No problem, I can arrange that for you. And the second one?’
‘I also need to know your intentions about the Aranos and Centrellas – while in theory, I’m going as a mercenary/ industrialist, we both know that I’m also a Concordat noble with close ties to you. So, I need to know what you want or plan for that area to not put myself in a delicate or contrary to your intentions position.’
‘That reasonable. Well what I want his...’
-
One of my pet projects as soon as I took control of V4RU was the Omni vehicle.
Thanks to the great experience of the V4RU technicians in retrofitting systems and the fact that the Revenants had several Merkavas, I decided to make this experiment based on that chassis, which thanks to the age of the design was a bug-free and very sturdy one.
The Merkava design had several advantages that made it possible to convert it to an Omni vehicle.
The chassis is already using a Vlar 300 fusion engine, and the engine compartment is big enough to accept an ICE or fuel cell type instead, no doubt because the older variants used ICE ones and even a primitive fusion – thank god they don’t changed much the dimensions. Even so, the V4RU technicians need several years of tinkering and testing to arrive at a solution that lets change more easily between all types. While swapping ICE with fuel cell engines and vice-versa is a no brainer, changing to a fusion one takes a lot more time and need to also replace several electronic boards in the crew compartment. But is possible for a decently trained tech team even on field conditions provided they have the necessary tools – and time.
Then, apart from the front mounted MG, all weapons and ammo were mounted on the turret. Thanks to this, with a simple change of the turret – and replacing some electronic boards in the crew compartment - you could get a completely different weapons load-out. The complicated part was the interface, electronics in the crew compartment that needed to be upgraded to accept the more-or-less plug-in boards.
The crew compartment is like the one in my timeline the T-14 Armata – full inside the frontal area of the chassis, with an extra layer of armor.
After this “small†works, the tank could be swapped between different configurations. The basic one was like the Merkava Mk.VIII but with Concordat produced weapons and electronics, the next one used a Thumper, the third a Sniper cannon in the turret for SPG role, followed by another that used three AC/5 and dedicated anti-aircraft sensors and electronics, like a smaller (but still very capable) version of the Partisan. Yet another replaced the AC/5 of the Merkava by one PPC, but this one could only be used with a fusion engine limiting the design because of its cost. And, finally, one used the Arrow IV launcher system. This last one could only be designed after we got our hands on the Hegemony data core of New Dallas. I always thought that it was strange that everybody forgot how to produce the Arrow IV missile. The guidance packages and advanced warheads, sure, but the missiles per se were not that complex nor was the launch system. Both could be produced with the current Concordat tech level without any problem.
For this first production run, the missiles were unguided as we couldn’t produce the guided system but several warheads were provided, HE, FRAG, incendiary and smoke being available from the beginning of the project. Later, HE-FRAG and thermobaric followed in the mid-thirties by sub-munitions and scatterable small mines were also produced. Guided, SAM and AAM (this one for ASFs) variants of the Arrow IV missile were being studied, but again the problem was the advanced warheads needed, something that the Taurian Concordat military-industrial complex was not yet capable to produce outside of labs even with the upgrades that I had given it.
When I presented the results to the VMI board of directors, they first thought that I was crazy, but after showing them the prototypes working at V4RU, the possibilities were understood by most of them.
So, in late 3027, the Leclerc, the first Omni vehicle started production at VMI. The Arrow IV variant was only produced by late 3029 and at first only for the Revenants or the Taurian Guards. So, the first batch offered two MBT (AC/5 or PPC), two arty and one flak variants that could be changed from one to another, even with the small mechanic support unit that the poorer militia or mercenary unit normally had. For them, it meant doing it in the rear areas but capable units could do the swap on the field. Only the PPC variant was less accepted than the others and that was because of the increase in price that put it outside of the pocket of most customers, but even that one got several orders.
Nothing high tech was needed to create this very successful tank, just clever design and the ingenuity of the V4RU technicians, which meant that the attention from all around the Inner Sphere and the proposals for license production offered by firms all around the Inner Sphere meant more money for V4RU. Unsurprisingly, Wolf’s Dragoons were very interested in the design and ordered a lot of them, for a merc unit that is.
In late 3029 two extra configurations are offered – one use 3x Doombud LRM-20 in the turret essentially re-creating an LRM carrier – even if a costly one, and another – that need the fusion engine, also turning it costly and unpopular – with a turret with a pair or Sunglow Type 2 Large Lasers and two Magna Mk.I Small Lasers (for anti-infantry support) and the electronic, radar and tracking systems of the 3x AC/5 / Flak variant. Neither is popular nor generate big sales, but they added an extra layer of versatility and both the Revenants and Taurian forces – both Guards and militia – bought several.
-
Still in Taurus, I exchanged a long - and expensive - series of messages with my companies and mercenaries in New Vandenberg.
Like almost all the royal houses in power, the Calderon's had shares in the main military industries of their nations. In a support demonstration, Thomas gave me (temporarily, duh) the right to use his in VMI, increasing my control over the company. With this support, I launched two new lines - not full production lines, but different variants/assemblies. One was the factory production of the Talos modification that the V4RU was already doing, making this model cheaper - and with higher production - and freeing the V4RU specialists for other jobs. Of course, Smith (the V4RU manager) was not happy about this, but he had to settle for the small license that VMI started to pay the V4RU for the use of the model.
The other was the modification that PPL had released for the Toro - again paying for a small license - after all, both the Toro and the Talos were VMI drawings. Because both were 'only' variants, the creation of these new lines was much more economical - and faster - than a completely new and total 'Mech' line.
Having dealt with this, I set off again for Coromodir and sent instructions to the Revenants to go there as well. Another of the messages informed Vasseur of the new recruits that he should wait.
Even before he left, Edward informed me that the Federated Suns ambassador had not only announced the Galahad 3027 exercises but also invited observers from Concordat to attend - clearly so that these exercises would not create tensions between the two nations.
The trip took place without history, arriving in the capital of Aurigan Restauration in the middle of August 3027.
I was immediately greeted by Kamea - good news, I didn't have to suffer the usual - waiting for power games - who welcomed me alone in a small office in the palace instead of the usual social reception in the noble hall. Clearly Kamea wanted to treat something with me urgently and without much apparatus - good, that went against my plans.
Moments before I was received in the palace, I received a call from the new Taurian ambassador, informing me of the latest local news. The main one for me was that Anne-Marie had returned to Canopus, having been replaced as ambassador by a new and in the opinion of the ambassador, less capable and not so highly placed member of the royal family.
On the one hand, I was sorry, Anne-Marie was an interesting woman and a more than capable adversary, but if Canopus decided to make it easier for me who was I to protest.
My proposals for Kamea covered three areas:
V4RU proposed to repair all the Griffins that had been found in Panzyr. When Kamea countered that her nation couldn't afford it, my counter-proposal - the payment could be a Griffin company, leaving Restoration with two full battalions - took her by surprise as she clearly didn't expect it.
V4RU and VMI would participate in the repair and upgrading of the military-industrial complex in Mechdur, the payment is made in shares and not in C-Bills which I knew the nation of Kamea was greatly lacking.
And finally, the Revenants would perform various anti-piracy missions - basically eliminating the various surviving Directorate groups. Not surprisingly, Kamea again admitted that she could not afford my mercenary force, but this time she asked what my proposal was because obviously I already knew that.
My proposal was simple - if the pirates surrendered without resistance, Kamea would take possession of their equipment, but if they showed resistance, all the equipment of the said pirates would belong to the Revenants, that being the payment. Elements of liaison with Kamea could accompany my forces to confirm operations - and report places suspected of pirate activity.
'Why are you doing this Jean-Luc?' asked Kamea looking inwardly at me. 'First, you provide the information that prevented our nations from going to war, then you saved my life on the battlefield and now you propose to help my nation in this way? And don't think I don't know that the fact that Thomas suddenly decided to forego any compensation for Perdition is to do with you.'
"I think you're giving me too much credit, Kamea," I replied softly. 'Thomas knows perfectly well that your nation cannot afford to pay any compensation at this time, so he decided it was no use increasing the tension between the two nations.' Kamea's gaze showed that she did not believe much in it, but she did not respond. 'Second, I gain something from all my proposals, I do not do this for your beautiful eyes or for the welfare of your nation, even though peace at the borders of Concordat is beneficial to me.’
I don't think that's all,' replied Kamea with a strange gleam in her eye.
And suddenly she leaned over to me and kissed me directly on the lips.
What the hell did I get myself into was my last rational thought before I got too busy. Note to self - Kamea kisses very well.
-
The next week was 'interesting'.
During the day both I and Kamea, both workaholics, had a lot to do. She ruled her kingdom, I handled the multiple details of our arrangement. From planning with Mechdur managers to the imminent arrival of both VMI and V4RU technicians and specialists for the planned upgrades and repairs, to arranging for Griffins to be sent to New Vandenberg for repairs by V4RU. Luckily, VMI produced the model and I was sure that if some extra parts were needed, access to them wouldn’t be a problem. Not forgetting the long sessions with Kamea's military consultants to get information about the possible locations the former troop of the Directorate or should I say the pirates?
Being both fitness fanatics, a common feature of many ’Mechwarriors we ended up training together several times. Thanks to the fact that I hired some of the best coaches money could get me in the Concordat and to the good natural basis this body had, I was in an enviable shape but Kamea was not behind me.
The nights ... I never thought Kamea would be such a demanding and experienced mistress with a little kinky taste. Who knew the High Lady had that wild side? Thank God for this new, athletic body, with plenty of stamina, or I could never have kept up with her.
With the arrival of my staff, I moved from the organization phase to action, taking as usual the command of one of the Revenants combined-arms battalions.
The first system we visited was a flop as to the Aurigan advisors great embarrassment, the location was deserted,.
The second one put my forces against a group that had some infantry, more or less motorized and 4 'Mechs but nothing too big (1 Locust, 2 Wasps and 1 Phoenix Hawk). At first they tried to escape, but after putting a Gauss round on the back of the Locust, the rest of the group surrendered quickly. Because they didn’t surrender immediately and I needed to fire on a ‘Mech, they were considered as having resisted and the Restoration didn’t get access to the captured hardware.
In the third system, we found once again an abandoned base. Same story in the fourth one.
In the fifth system, the former Directorate troops surrendered as soon as they saw our forces and I must say, it was to the Aurigan liaison great relief because they could finally take care of some and much needed military hardware. Not that it was much, but when you need anything, 2 Wasps and several APCs and trucks were better than nothing.
At the last place on the list (Vasseur had another list and was 'visiting' other possible pirate activity locations in other systems), we found something different. Fro starters, this group unlike the others had a JumpShip, an old Merchant, which we captured without much difficulty. Intrepids loaded with marines were really useful for this kind of operations. While heading down towards the pirate base, we located at high altitude that they had 2 DropShips, an Union and a Jumbo. With us having captured their JumpShip, there was no fear that they would escape far away, but just in case, I put the ASFs on standby to prevent any escape with the DropShips.
The approach to the pirate base was running smoothly until we got close to a hill. Lieutenant Joshua Pride, who was driving one of the two Royal Black Knights the Revenants had and who due to the
specifics of this hunting mission I had traded with Vasseur (both Black Knights being in his battalion) for Antony Rubens and his Thunderbolt. because of the very useful Beagle Active Probe capacity the Royal ’Mech had, reported that a couple of ’Mechs were hidden just over the hill. Suddenly, a pair of Griffins rose in the air and fired their PPC... At a distance greater than the maximum range... and they both hit the unfortunate recon Toro that was in front, One of their shots beheading the ’Mech and killing Sergeant Raul Lagarde.
A quick glimpse at my sensors confirmed what I already knew, - we were facing ‘Mechs with advanced weapons. Oh, shit.
‘General alert! We have Star League ’Mechs ahead. Proceed with extreme caution.’
Changing the channel (so you want to play rough? I'll give you the rough game) I called our artillery giving them the coordinates where the Griffins had landed again, behind the hill. Changing channels again, I called our ASFs who were on patrol and ordered a strafing pass with rocket pods, which I knew they had loaded ,in the same area as soon as the artillery finished their mission.
Fortunately for me, the ASFs on patrol were the two Vulcan that the Revenants had, both types being ASFs particularly good on support missions as they were able to carry a large number of rockets and had a pair of AC/10 that gave an extra 'punch'. As soon as the ASFs started strafing, my ’Mechs advanced at full speed with Georgina being the first to climb the hill, making excellent use of her Merlin jump-jets. When I finally reached the top of the hill thanks to my Nightstar's cursed slug speed, it was all over here, the two Griffins were destroyed, having been hit several times by all kinds of weapons.
Fortunately, the rest of the enemy forces had no more advanced weapons, making their defeat easier thanks to the use of our extra long range weapons adding to our account, 1 destroyed Thunderbolt, 1 captured Cicada, 2 Withworths (one captured and one destroyed) and 2 destroyed Locusts. Luckily, I didn't lose anyone else in this battle, even though several ’Mechs were damaged and two ’MechWariors were wounded. As anti-climax, both DropShips surrendered without any further troubles, realizing that against my ASFs, artillery and with the capture of their JumpShip, it was useless to try to escape.
After the battle, I took some time to check the only ER PPC still intact but I couldn’t link it to any model that was in my database, which had every version from the first ever made by the Hegemony to the beginning of Amaris’ Crisis. Where the hell did this gun come from? Unfortunately both ’MechWarriors were dead and couldn't enlighten me.
The report from the intelligence team that was with me, which included an in-depth analysis of the DtopShips and JumpShip computers as well as 'robust' interrogation of the surviving pirates only reported that they had recently had contact and equipment exchanges with a notorious black market group controlled by a Notker Baumann. Was this the supplier of advanced equipment of unknown manufacture? I had to find out now that the last pirate group that Kamea military had indicated to me was eliminated.
-
Returning victorious to Coromodir in January 3028, I had a 'mixed' reception. On the one hand, Kamea was pleased that a danger (pirates and ex-Directorate forces) to her weakened nation was eliminated and pleased with the addition to her forces (9 ’Mechs in total (2 Shadow Hawk, 2 Griffin, 2 Wasp, 2 Locust and 1 Panther) plus a varied group of vehicles) but on the other hand, the fact that the JumpShips and DropShips so needed by her nation were only for me, did obviously not please her.
Vasseur had also done a good work, eliminating all the encountered threats (more than I did) without losing any ‘Mechs, (even if the “destroyed†Toro was salvageable since VMI produced enough spare parts to supply me with a new head) something I had expected as his unit was packing 75% of our Royal ‘Mechs and had better ‘MechWarriors (and he was better trained in warfare than I was). Apart from 18 ‘Mechs and several tanks and support units, he had also captured 1 Tramp, 1 Invader, 1 Union, 1 Mule and 2 Leopards.
Thanks to everything we got our hands on, the Revenants would be able (after the much needed repairs for the captured hardware) to field a third combined-arms battalion and after the payment in Griffins, perhaps a fourth one.
The problem at this stage for me was going to be hiring enough ’MechWarriors. Despite our good relations with the TDF and the Taurian militias, a large part of the Taurians who wanted to become mercenaries would still prefer to go to the Inner Sphere, reducing the number of Taurians available. Similarly, even some of the Dispossessed in Galatea and other recruiting places twisted their noses at the idea of working for a force that only operated in Periphery. And most of those that accepted, didn't pass the scrutiny of my security forces. I needed to talk with Kamea about the possibility of hiring people from her realm.
After 'tough' negotiations with Kamea (who would have thought that she was a fan of 'pillow negotiations'? I thought the Canopians were the masters of that technique) we came to an agreement: I would create a transport company that would operate in Aurigan Restoration space with 2 JumpShips and 2 DropShips and I would also lend one of the Leopards to the Royal Guard. In return, I would receive significant tax advantages and exemptions, including for companies I owned or was a shareholder in and a noble title. Given Thomas' instructions to increase Concordat's influence in the region and my personal interest in Kamea, I thought it was a good deal.
Meanwhile and much to Kamea’s delight, the arrival of two repaired Griffins companies meant her ‘Mech forces were given a major boost. That was the good ones, the bad one was that these were the easiest to repair, meaning the other four companies would take substantially longer to deliver.
Among the messages I received while in Coromodir were several interesting ones. The first Snowden L (lite) had just been built and started activity in one of New Vandenberg asteroid belts in the middle of January. The first major orbital station had also been completed thanks to the good services of the Star-Lifters. It was partly a base for ASFs, partly a training center for space operators but also and in the greatest secrecy I could; the first Endo Steel factory built in Concordat since… . Even using the simplest model to produce from the New Dallas database, about half the components for the production units were custom-built. But the final results was that it would be able to produce small amounts of Endo Steel for the Royal ‘Mechs used by the Taurian Guards and the Revenants and also if enough were in stocks, it would allow me to produce new ‘Mechs Since business was going well and looking at the sheet of available funds, I gave the order to begin the construction of the SB-27 Sabre ASF line.
The news that caused me the most shock was linked to an old flag I had put on the MRB news. The Gray Death Legion having accepted a contract with the FWL, had just captured Sirius V.
Damn, my time was running out if I wanted to do something about Helm and THAT data-core.
With a quick farewell to Kamea, I hadn’t given her too many explanations, something she clearly did not like, I set off with my forces for Helm on the fastest possible route.
Before leaving, I called Pascal Allais, the leader of my intelligence team and sent him and his forces on the hunt for Notker Baumann. Their mission was to get as much information as possible about advanced hardware and to confiscate as much as he could. Vasseur and the first battalion were to be available to help him should he need some back-up.
-
Even before the first jump, the cruel reality of numbers hit me like a sledgehammer: considering what I knew of the Gray Death Legion story, I would never make it to Helm in time before they left for Galatea. The only chance to get a copy of the database was to intercept them in Galatea and convince Carlyle to give or sell me a copy of the data core. As for the hardware, it was better to forget about it, that ship was already gone and out of reach.
May 20th, 3028
Galatea VI, Galatea City
One of the advantages of having to wait for GDL to arrive in Galatea was that I finally had time to take care of business.
Several companies from all States had shown interest in obtaining production licenses for the Leclerc line. They clearly had a good idea of the value of a line of Omni combat vehicles as the proposals were all (or almost all) interesting.
Due to the current political situation, it was impossible to negotiate with anyone from the Federated Suns or after the 'warships incident' with anyone from the Capelan Confederation as for the Calderons House Liao was behind said incident.
The Earthwerks Incorporated representative of the FWL was the first to make a proposal with several production license agreements rang in from full Mechs to components and/or a considerable amount of money. We agreed on a mix of both and although no specific design was selected (they didn’t interest me at all), the license to produce several components and a considerable amount of money sealed the deal.
On behalf of Draconis Combine, Luthien Armor Works representative, an old negotiator, sealed an agreement in exchange for the production license for the Jenner BattleMech and for the excellent Lord’s Light PPC.
The first offer from the Lyran Commonwealth came from Defiance Industries new representative, obviously a problematic but influential young man who had been dispatched to Galatea not to cause problems elsewhere. God, rarely had I met someone so arrogant and ill-prepared. Only rigid self-control prevented me from sending him out, but clearly we didn't do business, nor did I intend to even though we left with 'after I study your proposal, I'll get in touch'.
Strangely enough, a few hours later, the representative of Coventry Metal Works presented herself to negotiate the same subject. Although CMW did not have a line of vehicles, they seemed interested in entering this area of business and found nothing better than my Leclerc Omnis. Unfortunately they produced nothing of particular interest to me, so we came to an agreement in which I gave them the rights in exchange for a massive amount of kroners.
I was not expecting anything from a common proposal from Aldis Aerospace and Krupp Armament Works. If at first I had no interest in selling Omnis to ComStar, a second thought told me that sooner or later they would get all the necessary information and that it would be better to get something from them.
From this unexpected deal, I obtained the production rights for the Kamov VTOL and Schrek PPC, various types of weapons and equipment as well as some money.
Two other companies contacted me to acquire the rights for the Leclerc: MMM of Canopus and Blackwell Heavy Industries of New Valencia. MMM had nothing that interested me nor did they have the money to buy the licenses, so initially their offer was very weak. Until I proposed that if the Magestracy wanted my licenses so badly, it could pay in Arano Restoration bonds, to the great perplexity of the MMM representative. After exchanging messages with Canopus, my proposal was accepted and I received a private message from Anne-Marie 'Well played, Jean-Luc, well played. And congratulations on your relationship, she's well worth it.’
BHI was a different case - although technically located in Federated Suns territory and as such covered by the sales ban, their exclusivity with the Wolf’s Dragoons made them legitimate for the Concordat.
My initial proposal was an exchange of Leclerc licenses for Badger or Bandit, but this was not accepted. In their counter offer, they gave me the Marauder II (3012 model). Even though I did not have access to Omni tech based on ideas by technicians from the Clans, which was my real goal, I decided to accept the proposal.
Having finished the series of negotiations (and quite pleased with the results), I noticed that a young woman in a spent uniform of Chu-i had just left the Toro-2C simulator (the Panther-like model). With a certain curiosity, I asked the person in charge of the simulators who she was and what her results and impressions were.
Apparently ex-Chu-i Kaneda Arisa came every day to use this simulator, taking advantage of being one of the very few with free access in Galatea, a practice of the manufacturers when they were eager to promote a new model, like VMI Toro-2C. As for her impressions and results, she considered Panther slightly superior (not surprisingly) and had by a comfortable margin, the best results in the simulator. Asking more about her, I found out that she was the last survivor of a force that had attacked a Steiner world during one of the various 3rd SW raids and that she had been reported dead. After being released by the LCAF, she had come to Galatea in search of a contract. But without a ’Mech, she hadn't succeeded until now.
Considering her grades in the simulator, it was not difficult to make her an offer the next day when she showed up for another session, offer that she accepted after asking for a few clarifications.
June 4th, 3028
After several days of waiting, the Gray Death Legion finally arrived. So far so good I thought, at least I was going to be able to talk to them and hopefully, as in the original story, they had copied the data core or it would have been a long and expensive trip for nothing.
And suddenly, there he was, tall, thin and blond, well muscled, the perfect image of a 'MechWarrior, the legend himself, Grayson Carlyle. Accompanied by a tall beauty with long blond hair - Lori Kalmar
'Colonel Carlyle? Lieutenant Kalmar ? My name is Jean-Luc Bassot, I'm from the Taurian Concordat. May we speak in private?' I said, directing them to a luxury limousine. ‘I believe I have a proposal that might be of interest to you.’
‘For sure, Mister Bassot, do you have somewhere in mind?’
‘Yes, you see I have access to the installations of VMI in this city, one of the biggest military manufacturers in the Concordat. I believe we can talk calmly there. I promise you, I am not going to waster your time’.
Some time later in a comfortable room at the VMI facility in the city.
While at first I didn’t tell them about my position, the people at the reception desk at VMI had addressed me by my title, meaning they both knew I was one of VMI bosses.
'Colonel, Lieutenant, I'll get straight to the point. I know about the data core you got in Helm and I have a reasonable idea of its contents. I also know that Duke Ricol of the Draconis Combine has a copy and that you have been distributing it through the Inner Sphere, not trusting ComStar for obvious reasons. My goal is to get a copy to take to the Concordat. We need the data inside, that kind of information is vital to revitalize our nation. So, name your price and I'll do my best to satisfy it.’
'For someone from the Periphery, who has never met us, you are very well informed, Mister Bassot.' was Carlyle's response after a short pause and an exchange of glances between the two of them. 'We've just come from Helm, and you are already here, coming from much further away, and knowing everything?’
‘Well, to be precise, I arrived here two weeks ago on a routine visit when I was informed about the Helm Crisis. As you might have guessed, someone in my position has access to above average means of information for a price. Knowing that you were coming here, I delayed my departure, so I could receive you and make you an offer on behalf of the Concordat. Nothing extraordinary on my part, unlike your adventure.' I said with my best innocent face.
Apparently they accepted my explanation.
Carlyle was going to start talking but Lori put her hand on his arm, and he let her talk. 'This information doesn't come cheap, Baron. After all, it cost us many lives to get it. How much is the Concordat willing to pay?’ she asked with a calculating look on her beautiful face.
Oh, man, and I was expecting to play on Grayson's idealism, but I had no luck. Well, since I couldn't go back now and really wanted the data core,while being pretty sure I could pass the bill on to Thomas, I decided to play the game 'ten million in C-Bills or the 'Mechs that are available at this facility for sale, 2 Talos one 2B and one 2C (the standard model but upgraded to current tech and the modified version) and 2 Toros one B-2 and one C-2 (again the standard model but upgraded to current tech and the modified version), all factory new.
LOL, it was nice to see the two of them shaking, looking at each other and smiling. This time; it was Grayson who answered. 'On behalf of the Gray Death Legion, I accept your proposal, Baron. Ah, we will go for the 'Mechs.'
‘It was a pleasure doing business with you, Colonel, Lieutenant.’ with that part done, now came the second one ‘Tell me, would you be interested in a contract in the Concordat? It would be mostly a guarding and training one, with options for some anti-piracy missions. You would benefit from the support of VMI and V4RU, for new ‘Mechs and repair/refit operations. I think you would greatly appreciate the level of support they can provide to your forces.’
Carlyle and Kalmar again looked at each other but this time it was Carlyle that took the initiative. ‘To be frank, we need time to rest and refit before taking any contract, Baron. And I’m a bit more inclined for a contract with one of the big Houses of the Inner Sphere. I have nothing against the Concordat, mind you but it is a bit far away. But, for the sake of argument, what kind of payment and contract are we talking about?’
Ok, let’s talk about numbers, I really want these guys on my side. ‘The contract would be for one year, starting as soon as you arrive, with options for renewal. The transport costs would be included, your DropShips can take a ride on my JumpShips and I’m scheduled to depart next week, as well as the services of V4RU and with the possibility to buy from VMI at preferred client prices, that’s about 20% discount. All that with a line of credit and any activity not included in the guard and training contract, like raids against pirates would be negotiated as a secondary contract. For the rest, I would offer standard options.’
After a few moments, Carlyle look me in the eyes and asked a question ‘Why us, Baron? You already have your military unit and there’s no lack of other units here, many with good reputation. I can understand the data core business, but why this contract?’
‘For starters, you are one of the few units specialized in combined-arms operations, with an well deserved reputation in that area. My unit is also one of that kind, so you have the experience to train it. I’m prepared to pay you a bit above standard fares (well, in truth, more than a bit) because I understand few units want to go to the Periphery or to pass so much time in transit. I think my conditions are good enough? At the end of said contract, your unit would be fully refitted, that must count for something, Colonel.’
‘Oh, the conditions are good, no doubt. But before I accept, I need to talk to my people, if you don’t mind Baron.’
‘No problem at all, Colonel, lieutenant. When you achieve a decision, be it in my favor or not, please call me back. You know where you can find me, after all.’
With that they both departed.
-
The next day while I was studying what I should produce from the obtained licenses as I didn't have the money for everything, they announced the arrival of Grayson, Lori together with a small train of vehicles.
I gave the order to bring them to my office while I closed for now the spreadsheets with the unsolved production problems.
From the looks of whoever came in besides Grayson and Lori, (if I was right, Davis McCall and Hassan Ali Khaled), the meeting would go well or they were all excellent actors.
My doubts were quickly set aside as the GDL was interested in the contract I had proposed them and after we cleared up some doubts and details on both sides, the contract to guard VMI and V4RU and train the Revenants was signed. The reason the four came was quite simple, it took four ’MechWarriors to take the 'Mechs that were the payment for the delivery of Helm datacore, which they brought with them on a truck. The only extra point they requested was to leave only a week later, in order to give Grayson and his troops some time to rest and the opportunity to do some recruitment. From what I heard and knew, Grayson was much better at recruiting new staff than I was, which was not a real surprise, lol. The other option was that he was less concerned with security measures than I was. Personally, I think his charisma and growing reputation were far superior to my money, but I'd better not worry too much about that.
The first time I connected to my copy of Helm datacore was a shock as even though it included about 250 exabytes of data, the information was all mixed up with no file list or index, a maze of the worst kind. WTF? was my first reaction. Then I remembered the theory proposed by Chris O'Farrell in my universe and supported by many BT fanatics that the problem was due to the fact that the system used an unknown file structure in these times.
Thanks to the fact that I was a computer technician in my previous life, not to say a 'geek', I took my notebook, on which I had downloaded all the file structures / databases formats that existed in the New Dallas datacore and praying quietly, I connected it to the Helm datacore. After a “long†waiting time– during which the phrase 'analyzing structure 'please wait' passed in small letters at the top of the notebook, suddenly everything changed to ‘loading SLDF-EC 2740.R3C format’ and access was finally obtained… in all its glory, in an easily accessible format, with a huge list of themes, with all the data well organized and structured. I couldn't contain myself, and in the silence of my office, at the top of VMI facilities in Galatea, I laughed profusely.
The day before we returned to the Concordat I saw on the news that Edward was going to be at the wedding of Hanse and Melissa, representing his father (and the Concordat). Apparently, the relations of the Concordat with the Federated Suns were improving.
Before embarking on the long journey back - about 5 months, brrr, I sent my instructions regarding what it was to produce.
Karnov VTOL, Lords Light PPC, Vlar 300 fusion engine and Vulcan heavy ASF, obviously modified to use equipment produced by VMI / Concordat.
There was no way to build a production line for the Marauder II, they were too expensive and the production numbers would be too low when compared to the rest of the hardware that was going to be put into service, even though the 'fame' of producing the first Assault 'Mech on the periphery was an idea I toyed with for a time.
Considering what I knew, I planned our route to avoid the conflict zones as much as possible, conflict that would escalate in the 4th Succession War in no time. Due to having planned the route correctly, even if it meant being underway for a little longer, we avoided being caught in the first waves of the invasion of the Capellan Confederation by the Suns in August, arriving in early November to New Vandenberg.
The report by Vasseur and Allais was interesting but in the bad sense of the word.
Allais’ group had found one of Baumann's bases but before they intervened, a force of 'Mechs belonging to the notorious Bounty Hunter had appeared. Fortunately Vasseur who was waiting for the call had a superior force and managed to defeat the group of mercenaries and to take control of the base. The hardware they found in it was intriguing to say the least, several weapons as advanced or more than the most modern of the Royal regiments, which included several ER Medium Lasers,weapons I knew never existed at that time and an unknown model of Assault 'Mech with a symbol that caused me shivers, a wolverine head with claw marks making a cross… The mark of the Wolverine Clan, the famous No-Named Clan. Oh, shit.
Having taken over Baumann's base and with him having ran away and taken a very low profile and with the Bounty Hunter gone to other areas, I was left with the hardware in my hands and a lot of unresolved issues…
Having taken advantage of the trip back to study a lot of information that was in the data core obtained by the GDL in Helm, I left some instructions in New Vandenberg, before going to meet with the Calderon family. Among the information I left were detailed instructions on how to build with absolute priority a production line for DHS, which included the information for the so far elusive crystalline matrix with the absolute maximum of confidentiality and security and fuck the price, I was sure that I would negotiate this with the Calderon before I got back. Having the control over most of the auctions had some advantages, mainly that it would be some time before the opposition took action and if I could get the Calderon to go along with me, I could say bye bye opposition and hello extra funds.
-
A few days later, in the Calderon’s palace.
'So unless you have access to the file structure I found in New Dallas data core, it will take years to extract the information in a usable way, while we have it fully available and perfectly organized.' My report on Helm datacore concluded this way, before the incredulous eyes of Edward and Thomas Calderon.
'I still can't believe the amount of information this finding has...' Edward said in a dreamy tone 'it will enable us to raise our nation technologically almost to the level of the Terran Hegemony at their best.'
'It's not that easy as unfortunately we don't have the necessary funds to build everything' replied Thomas.
'How is the investigation on the HPG we discovered in 3021 going?' I asked.
After a look between the two Calderon, Edward replied, 'We have managed to replicate it, having now two more operational. The cost is astronomic, as the most complex parts have to be handmade by highly skilled technicians and the failure rate is really high, but I think that with the information this new database has it will be easier from now on. This is extremely secret, of course'.
‘Hmmmm, I bet that next year, if the invasion of 'our' neighbors continues at this rate, Comstar will find some excuse to interdict Davion.' Before the astonished eye of both Calderon, I explained 'The First Circuit likes the situation to remain as it has been until now, with all the Inner Sphere nations carefully balanced, something that a final victory of Davion over Liao would spoil. A ban would be a way to not only interrupt the conquest, but to cause tremendous damage to Davion economy'. Hanse and Katrina would be particularly sensitive to a proposal that would give them the means to circumvent future Tiepolo’s interventions. And they would pay almost any price we ask, giving us not only the means for a major Concordat reform, but also focusing all of Comstar attention on them and the source of their new HPG research, which would give us some time to build safely our projects.’
‘Interesting in theory, but your entire plan is based on Tiepolo’s interdicting Hanse in the coming year.’ Thomas countered ‘for the moment this is just a theory.’
'Hey, plans for the future are based on possible events most of the time. I'm no fortune-teller, but I think it's a good probability.' And I've only read about a zillion books and fan fictions about this universe, duh 'After all, we won't have to do anything if there isn't an interdiction. Anyway, as long as hostilities last, it's best to stay alert and to not create waves.’
'By the way, I want you to start production of the Marauder II at VMI. The TDF would greatly benefit from having a local supply of Assault 'Mechs.' said Thomas.
'I'm sorry Thomas, but the company has no funds available for that, as you well know. With the new productions we just started, we stretched our funds to the limit, if not beyond them. But, if you want that, I can propose a way. The government gives VMI a loan, one with a low interest and long term payment, enough to pay for that production line and about half the cost of the DHS one. Let’s say that then the TDF puts an order for the first two years of production from both lines, apart from a dozen DHS a month for my Revenants. This way, VMI shall be able to produce your monster toys with a bonus, that is upgrading the Marauder II Heat Sinks and giving it an extra pair of Medium Lasers’ I counter-offered.
Edward trembled, but Thomas nodded. 'If it's the only way, I'll have to open the purse strings.' he said grudgingly.
'What about the production of systems for purifying the atmosphere and producing potable water?' Edward asked 'Are the models and techniques described in this database technically and economically feasible for us?’
'I think so, but they're not in my area of expertise.’ was my answer 'You will have to consult both technicians and financiers, people that might keep it secret.’
‘Well, now that these business are done, only missing the ceremony of your investiture as a Count and you're receiving the control of the system of New Vandenberg.’ said Thomas calmly.
‘Wait, what ?’ was my only answer, looking perplexed to both.
‘Politics, I’m afraid’ Edward clarified ‘ You are already well-connected in the military-industrial complex, you are also a strong voice supporting the detente with the Davions and were instrumental in the re-alignment of the Aurigans with us. Not counting what you have provided the Concordat, WarShips, datacores, HPGs. You are also the noble with the most powerful independent military force. After the Shraplen case, we need a proof of support for the detente and you are already know to support this position of mine. The last governor of New Vandenberg was a close ally of Shraplen, so the position is now open and you are one of our best choices.’
‘So, you are rewarding me to provide you with better allies?’ I said after a few moments, and after seeing both looking at me ‘i can do that.’
Now, if only I had some free time to visit Coromodir and Kamea… but unfortunately my very busy schedule didn’t allow that for a few months. I hoped Kamea wasn’t going to be unhappy and that she would understand.
Predictable, for me that is, the first training mission that put the GDL against the first Revenants battalion ended with a defeat to Vasseur.
While his unit was made of former Taurian Guards veterans and half his ’Mechs were Royals, they were neither prepared for the tactical brilliance of Grayson, nor for the clearly unorthodox use of anti-’Mech infantry tactics that he had unleashed on the unaware first battalion.
I just hoped that they could learn fast and that there would no bad feelings from their defeats while they were learning.
-
Thomas gave me a team of civilian servants to help me take control of New Vandenberg. The catch was that they were loyal to Thomas and not to me personally, but those were the rules of the game. After taking control of the system,, the ex-ruler and his loyalists had already departed, not even waiting for the formal ceremony , and gaining some knowledge of the ongoing activities,which took about a month (thank God the team Thomas provided me with was made of people with former experience in system government), it was time to have a talk with Dr Murad. One of the interesting differences in government from what I knew was that in reality the noble that received the control of a system didn’t need to do much as most of the time, they had a team that did all the work, some nobles went as far as no even providing general guidelines, enjoying a life of relative privilege (as long as they paid the bills and were able to more or less defend their holdings).
Running her usual magic, she had managed to make the operations on the shipyard in orbit of Lompoc (New Vandenberg IX) move ahead of schedule and at a lower cost than projected. According to her estimate, it would be fully operational in the middle of 3030, starting to build one Invader per year and in 3035, it would be able to produce 2 Invaders per year as more and more parts of the old shipyard would be restored. No stranger to this ambitious goal was the discovery of a big asteroid extremely rich in Germanium coupled to the almost finished unit that would process that ore and produce K-F cores. As far as I understood, that was the real bottleneck for the production of new JumpShips and before the people in charge of that area gained enough experience (and expanded the hardware) the number of cores per year was going to be small.
The construction of Snowden L was also running at full speed, at this time two were in activity and two others in advanced stage of construction, which improved the availability of resources. Rebuilding the old shipyard had taken a lot of time, the central part was very complicated to restore and running. Now that that area and one of the slips were finally operational, rebuilding other slips was relatively easy and fast, but without the industrial infrastructure to feed them everything was useless. And building that industrial infrastructure would take time as was of the needed training of the staff needed to operate the various elements. While everything was not ready, the slips could be used to provide maintenance to the aging commercial fleet operating inside the Concordat.
Part of our conversation had to do with the only structure in Arano Restoration capable of performing maintenance on JumpShips, which was in orbit around Mechdur. At the moment, according to the data I had and that Farah was reading, they were only able to perform their operations on one JumpShip at a time, with an efficiency of about 60%. After reviewing the data, Farad said that with our support and with what she and her team had learned in Lompoc, it would be possible to update the dockyard for greater efficiency but that it should also be possible to expand it to work on up to 2 JumpShips simultaneously. Of course, this would only be possible with great support from Concordat, and only after Lompoc was finished, which meant probably around 3035, although preliminary work could start as soon as Lompoc was up and running, i.e. after 3030. But for that I needed Thomas to accept to provide the necessary support. Maybe, he would inclined to do so because it would also give the Concordat an extra capability maintaining/repairing its JumpShips.
Saying goodbye to Dr Murad, I took a look at the reports on the Revenants and Grey Death. After a somewhat troubled beginning, they had created a good relationship and everything indicated that the efficiency of my forces had increased considerably. Because I was now the ruler of the system I opened to both units all the training areas that the local militia and TDF forces had access to since until now they only had access to about half of them with the most remote and most diversified biomes being unavailable for them. It was not difficult to extend the contract with GDL to training the militias and the regular TDF forces in system as for them it only meant being paid for the same job. For me, I was using the planetary defense funds to improve the capacity of the local forces, a move supported by both the TDF and the local militia commanders.
The analysis report for the BSK-MAZ Bull Shark Assault ‘Mech had proved that its technology was actually superior to the latest Royal 'Mech to which I had access, which it had probably been created by the Clans and possibly by Clan Wolverine, because of the markings on the ’Mech. What the hell was this technology doing on this side of Periphery? As far as I knew the Clans were on the other side of IS…
On the positive side, my technicians were confident that with the technology provided by both data cores and the ER Medium Lasers models found on that 'Mech, they could recreate those advanced weapons as long as enough money was available. Which, of course, wasn't in the years to come.
What was really interesting was written in a confidential memo saying that Argo could reproduce all the advanced laser types we had obtained in the operation against Baumann: ER Large, Medium and Small and also Pulse Large and Medium. We only had blueprints of ER Large and all the pulse ones, but extensive analysis of the ER Medium and Small allowed my experts learn how to scale down the advanced lenses used in the ER Large to create the same effect in the Medium and small models. Obviously in limited quantities and at high cost but still. At the moment they were not able to reproduce other types of weapons, but ongoing investigations were taking place. One of the first ’Mechs to receive these upgrades was the Highlander 732b of Vasseur, with the switch of its three Medium Lasers for extended range versions. The decision was taken to upgrade the ‘Mechs of the Revenants but with maximum secrecy.
Meetings with leaders of various companies in all branches, universities and hospitals led to the distribution of selected parts of both data cores in accordance with the Calderon’s directives to disseminate the technology, advising everyone to invest in security so as not to avoid taking unnecessary risks. I took the opportunity to inform those present that similar initiatives were taking place on other planets, the impact of such initiatives being depend on the money others companies were investing. One of the companies that would gain substantially from this was Pinard-Dicolais Electronics, which in addition to building a subsidiary in New Vandenberg, was producing to the maximum of its capacity advanced security and surveillance systems, models I had provided them with previously. Without forgetting that during my visit to Pinard, during the alarm caused by the Galahad 3026 exercises, I had obtained a stake in the company. Another pleasant news from P-DE was that they were planning to start limited (and expensive) production of Artemis IV warheads in mid 3030 followed by the guidance systems by late 3030 or early 3031.
The reunion with the Board of Directors of VMI went rather well. After all, since I had begun to lead it, the company had grown a lot, adding several new lines to its production capacities, ranging from vehicles to ‘Mechs and ASFs and was right now the biggest military company in the Periphery and not bad when compared to those of the Inner Sphere. The latest report from the VMI R&D team was also interesting. After years of work on the samples of Ferro-Fibrous, Streak launchers and ammo provided by the Celano operation and with the help of the data cores, they were finally confident that they could start the production of these advanced items. Once more if the budget was there. Unfortunately, there was for now no available budget to start these projects.
-
As soon as the series of meetings with the various companies was over and after having given the final instructions to â€my†government, I started preparing myself to leave for Coromodir. The day before my planned departure, I received a message from Thomas requesting that I went to Taurus ASAP. Showing what ASAP meant, he had arranged for a ‘Pony Express’ chain of JumpShips to accelerate my arrival.
What now I wondered. I had “just†left and many things could also be discussed via HPG.
The trip was happily without surprises and two weeks later, I was on a DropShip approaching the capital of Taurian Concordat.
The first news I received while still in flight was that ComStar had Interdicted the Federated Suns due to an attack on the HPG in Sarna. I smiled and muttered 'We happily continue to follow the script, I see. Hopefully ComStar will remain busy with the Inner Sphere for a long time.' I saw the stunned look of the captain of the DropShip, who restrained himself and did not comment, while I swore for saying that out loud.
As soon as I landed, I was brought to Thomas’ private cabinet, and the reason behind the emergency became crystal clear. Anne-Maria Centrella was there with both Calderons.
It turned out that Magestrix Kyalla Centrella had decided to fix her relations with the Concordat and had sent Anne-Marie to work out the details.
The proposal that the Magestrix was making me was that my companies would upgrade Magesty Metals and Manufacturing (MMM) to the same level that VMI had been, help rebuild the Dragonfly line and sell as much of VMI production as possible (obviously the one not already sold by firm contracts in the next two years) to the Magistracy. Thanks to the new construction lines (not only of ‘Mechs and ASF but also vehicles and components), the upgrades of older lines and the capacity to order parts from companies inside the Concordat that had also been upgraded, VMI now had a lot of untapped production capability, which would for the first time be pushed to its limits. The Magistracy wanted to buy everything at real market price, not even asking for a discount for such big order, with the only condition being that the operation should be kept secret as long as possible. Clearly, Thomas was okay with that, otherwise he wouldn’t have called me here. Apart from that confidentiality clause and the size of the order, it was a normal contract and one that provided VMI with the necessary funds for some expansions / research I had in mind, so I had no problem signing it (furthermore with the blessing of the Protector).
I was also informed but with no details that the Magistracy and the Concordat had signed a treaty of non-aggression and several commercial accords. Ah, and that the last part of the Aurigan debt still in Magistracy hands had been transferred to the Concordat...
My inner thoughts told me that Kyalla Centrella had understood how fragile House Liao was and was already planning her future offensive against it. No doubt that she had already talked with Catherine Humphreys. But, for going as far as launching this offensive, she needed the Concordat help to beef up her military forces and to give her quiet borders, so it was obvious that she would want to be in good terms with the Concordat or turn them into allies. In order to do that she was ready to let split her last piece of influence / interest in the Reach.
With the political questions already addressed by Thomas and the technical side also dealt with, my principal question was if the Concordat would be going into that total mess that was the Andurien Crisis as I knew it.
When I asked Thomas in private (I didn’t want Anne-Marie to know that I might have a clue about their plans) about that (putting the case as hypothetical as I couldn’t say how much I knew about this universe), he answered that, for now, the Concordat was going to stay away, but that depending on the performance of both sides, maybe it would try a quick land grab. Hypothetically, of course. While I was not informed on the guarantees or reasons Anne-Marie gave the Calderons that the Concordat would not be the target, both of them seemed to consider them good enough.
Even before Anne-Marie departed for Canopus, the issue of the new relations between the Concordat and the Aurigan Restoration was addressed. A message was sent to Kamea ‘inviting’ her to come to Taurus to negotiations, with a possible clearing of the Aurigan debt that is now in Concordat hands to attract her and providing her with the same ‘Pony Express’ fast travel I had received. Kamea arrived at Taurus after Anne-Marie had departed, conveniently removing the Magistracy from these negotiations.
To the surprise of the Aurigan leader, she was received with all honors and treated like an important chief-of-state and not like the leader of a small nation being called by the local super-power.
Instead of demands, she received a proposal for a formal alliance with her as the junior partner, but with offers of financial support and access to technology and production that her nation so desperately needed. The Concordat gained access to the for now, poor Aurigan market, and one of the secret clauses was that should there be a war between the Concordat and the Capellan Confederation, Concordat troops would be able move freely through the Aurigan territory.
The offer included a selection of the data in the data cores focusing on agriculture, civil industry and medicine as well as the repair and expansion of the dockyard in orbit of Mechdur, the expansion of the military-industrial complex on the same planet with the creation of lines for production for conventional fighting vehicles and fighters and some low tech parts to sell to the Concordat and Magistracy military forces. That Concordat companies (including VMI) gained partnership with the Aurigan companies – and in some cases like in Mechdur control over them - that received support was one added condition.
Until now Kamea had made good use of her time, consolidating the power in her hands (among other actions she had ordered that all belongings of the now extinct House Espinosa would be given as repayment to House Arano) and rebuilding what she could of her nation. But it had been badly damaged during the civil war and the ongoing Fourth Succession War did not help at all in the development of trade, the Aurigan so desperately needed. So, the proposal from the Concordat was the solution to her problems, even if it turned the control of substantial parts of her economy to Concordat hands.
To Kamea’s surprise, (the issue had already been talked with me before with Thomas securing my agreement) Thomas also wanted us to marry, sealing the alliance of both nations. He didn’t offer the hand of his son, because the Aurigan Restoration was a minor nation compared to the Concordat but going through me was still a way to link both nations.
The last part of the deal was the clearing of all the Aurigan debt, Thomas had already secured the part that I and VMI controlled. One of the benefits for the Concordat was that it secured that part of the border, gained a junior partner and many low tech industries in the Concordat had access to a whole new market.
Without revealing anything, Kamea asked for some time to think, which obviously was granted and left for the Aurigan Embassy.
Without much surprise, the next day I received an invitation requesting me to visit her.
As soon as I arrived at the embassy, I was immediately directed to her room. She received me as the perfect High Lady, nothing in her attitude, pose or tone of voice would make me think that we had been lovers.
I was subjected to a long questioning about the proposed deal, whether it had been my idea, what my plans were, what I thought of the situation and how I saw the future of Aurigan Restoration in case the proposal was accepted, what Thomas planned to do in the future, etc.
I answered as best I could, without revealing secrets and trying my best to maintain an equivalent tone and pose to the Kamea’s one.
Finally, and without revealing anything about what she planned to do, Kamea dismissed me.
'This is not going very well Jean-Luc' was my thought when I left the embassy.
Two days later I was called back by Thomas.
Thomas, Edward and Kamea were already there when I arrived.
Fortunately and contrary to what I had feared, Kamea had accepted the proposal. And when she said so, she looked at me and winked and smiled (a warm smile).
‘One of these days that girl is going to be my death’ I murmured to myself.
‘Did you say anything ?’ Asked Edward with the air of someone who was having immense pleasure painted on is face.
I answered back with the best innocent face I could manage. ‘Nothing, my Lord, I’m just very happy with the decision of her Highness’.
The next day, me and Kamea departed for Coromodir and Edward to New Avalon, no doubt to make a very interesting proposal to Hanse Davion.
-
We got to Coromodir without any problems.
The wedding was in the oldest (and largest) cathedral of Cordia City, and as was to be expected for the wedding of the queen of the kingdom, very dignified and with the presence of all the nobles and representations of all nations that had contact with the Arano Restoration.
I looked back at what I had achieved, going from a nobody in my original world, to the governor of one of the richest planets of Concordat and being married to the monarch of a nation that had 23 systems, even if it was the smallest and poorest of the Periphery nations. Not bad in 15 years in this universe.
One of my wedding gifts to Kamea is the complete rebuild of her KTO-18 Kintaro ‘Mech – an KTO-18 Kintaro – that as had been severely damaged in the last battle in Coromodir. Part of the rebuild included the replacement of all Single Heat Sinks by Double ones, resolving many of the limitations the ’Mech had.
As I had expected, Kamea was not prepared to share her control over her nation, I was a prince consort, and she made it clear from the beginning.
Fortunately for our relationship, I wasn't in the least interested in having that burden or in dealing with it myself, as I told her in a very open conversation we had. For me, controlling one system, 2 companies and a mercenary company was more than enough for me as was living with a beautiful woman with a somewhat wild side. This last sentence made her smile but she made me pay for the joke later… Wild and vengeful no doubt. Well, my intimate moments of marriage were certainly not going to be boring...
During one of the relaxing times after such moment, a time when Kamea enjoyed discussing delicate situations had to do with my more than normal access to information about advanced technology and how much I could provide her kingdom without betraying my oaths to Thomas... Kamea was undoubtedly an intelligent woman and had already understood that I knew where to find very valuable information.
After giving it some thoughts, all the while she did her best to 'distract' me, I eventually told her that if her nation sent negotiators to Niops, a small, single system independent nation, on the other side of the Magistracy, they should be able to find something very interesting.
Kamea thanked me in more than one way but I will stop here...
A month later, we received information that not only had Andurien separated from the Free Worlds League but that he had allied himself with the Magistracy beginning an attack of the Capellan Confederation.
Kamea, always so perceptive, managed to notice that I was not really surprised to receive the news and discreetly asked me what would most benefit our realm.
My answer was simple. “Don't get us in this mess and provided we had enough strength, take advantage and 'absorb' independent, but self-sustained, planets like Detroit or Herotitus.†She immediately asked if my mercenaries were available for a contract. By this time the training with The Gray Death Legion was over, and despite my best efforts, they had gone back to the Inner Sphere in search of more 'prestigious' contracts, and since Thomas had not (yet) made any decision about intervening on the Capellan Confederation, and the Revenants don’t have any contract at the moment, I answered yes.
Kamea immediately offered me a contract that basically consisted of sending my forces acompanied by several of her infantry regiments to 'free' several systems between her realm and the Magistracy. After a quick and quiet calculation of probabilities, I accepted.
-
Because Mechdur didn’t have the capacity to produce any “advanced†technology, the equipment supplied to the units of Kamea’s army was limited. The tanks, APCs and IFVs only had ICE engines and missiles (SRM and LRM), cannons (AC/5) and machine guns (HMG) were the norm for their weapons and energy weapons (lasers and PPCs) the exception. Likewise, the infantry had decent ballistic weapons and rockets (LAW and SRM) and Flak armor with energy weapons or ablative armors being almost non-existent.
That said, with the support of my Revenants, I was confident that we could succeed and on the 25th of January 3031, 4 infantry regiments supported by the Revenants invaded Herotitus in order to claim the planet on behalf of the Aurigan Restoration.
Gabriel Fur' Seng-Gang, the Planetary Ruler, had little more than a small police force to maintain order, despite is best efforts to obtain a ‘Mech mercenary unit to beef-up the planetary defenses, and was not exactly stupid. As soon as he learned of the number of forces that had landed and of their goal, he declared his allegiance to Kamea and immediately accepted the integration of Herotitus into the Restoration, thus ensuring his position and a peaceful transition.
Although Herotitus was a Mercenary Star, even if on a much smaller scale than Galatea, there were almost no mercenaries present when the Revenants arrived, due in no small part to the war going on between the Magistracy allied to Andurien against the Capellan Confederation that had attracted almost all the mercenaries in the area. What was left was too badly equipped or had such a low reputation that no one wanted them, not even Seng-Gang. Interestingly, a good percentage of them left the system soon after we arrived and took control...
Herotitus was important to Kamea not only as a source of income but also because it exported food, something that unfortunately was still very much needed by the Aurigan Restoration, in spite of the improvements over the recent years.
As soon as the situation on Herotitus was stabilized, which thanks to the “cooperation†of the local authorities took only a few weeks, we departed for our next target: Detroit. On the 4th of March 3031, we arrived at Detroit. With one regiment staying on Herotitus, our forces were slightly smaller.
Unlike Herotitus, Detroit didn’t have a centralized government, but this doesn’t mean we had it easy to secure the planet as the opposition being several independent forces, it took us time to secure the planet, since we had to deal with all of them.
And one of these groups had advanced weaponry… that is for the era. Fortunately for us, they were few in numbers and little more than thugs leaving us the full advantage of superior numbers, training and material.
This time we didn't capture any 'advanced Mech', we ‘only’ found several 'Mechs, or more precisely what was left of them, with different pieces of very advanced equipment. The 'robust' interrogation of the survivors of that group, as well as the detailed analysis of their computers and records, revealed not only that, as I had been expecting, they had obtained the equipment from Notker Baumann but it also gave us the location of Baumann’s base, a group of coordinates in the Mantharaka system, 41.3 light-years away from Detroit.
The first prize of this conquest was that several groups, including the one with advanced equipment and another one formed by survivors of the forces from Espinosa had several JumpShips and DropShips in the system, allowing us to easily capture an Invader, a Tramp, two Unions, one Triumph, one Jumbo and one Leopard. However, unlike last time, Kamea had looked at the contract and made it so that any captured JumpShip or DropShip would be delivered to her, meaning I just got the salvage left by the ‘Mechs and vehicles.
However, the real prize was the world itself. Detroit was by a wide margin, the most industrialized independent system in the area, almost as much as Mechdur and in some areas even better. On it were the repairable ruins of an Earthwerks Limited facility capable of producing light, medium and heavy units, ranging from tanks, to Mechs or even Aerospace Fighters. In the lore that I remembered from my universe, it was the basis for the Detroit Consolidated group of factories built in the 3060s. It would probably take time and money (a lot of both) but the Aurigan Restoration and perhaps I too would have something to play with.
As soon as the system was considered safe enough and after exchanging messages with Kamea, (It is strange how these independent systems all had HPGs, while many systems in the Aurigan Restoration didn’t), I left one of the Revenants battalions with Kamea’s regiments in Detroit and left with the others three for Mantharaka.
-
Two jumps later we arrived in the Mantharaka system, at its nadir jump-point. During our burning to the planet, the sensors detected three more JumpShips, two in the zenith jump-point and one in what could only be a pirate point.
In front of us, four DropShips were on an approach route, all ahead of us: two Unions accompanied by a Mule would land in two hours and an Overlord 6 hours later but still 4 hours before us. All these units, both the JumpShips and the DropShips, had their IFF / identification off, never a good sign.
Being this time in command as Vasseur had stayed in command of the forces in Detroit and considering the forces an Overlord and two Union could carry, I thought it best to land a little further away and to regroup my forces before moving towards Baumann’s base, the obvious destination of all forces.
Apparently, only one of the groups ahead of us had Aerospace Fighter support, with 6 Light Fighters, most likely for the unit that had landed with Overlord. My forces included a dozen Aerospace Fighters, a mixture of Heavies, Medium and Lights Aerospace Fighters. For the moment these were executing CAP on my forces during our advance. I didn’t want to engage any of my forces before knowing who and what was ahead of me.
As soon as we got close to the base location, we began to find wreckage of 'Mechs. Every single ‘Mech we met was lacking a distinctive unit insignia or a specific painting, something I expected from Baumann's forces, but unless they were the only ones to have lost 'Mechs, the force that had landed first seemed also eager to remain hidden. Meaning they were either a pirate force or someone that wanted to remain in the shadows.
When we reached the base location, we found out that the base had been destroyed and the noises of the combats were increasing, meaning some heavy action was going on.
The first 'Mech we saw was a jet black Shogun firing at a more distant bright green Archer. Oh shit, I thought, at least one of the forces was the Black Widow Battalion.
Although tremendously proud of my Revenants, I knew perfectly well that they were not playing in the same league as Natasha Kerensky's unit. Even with the support of our mechanized forces, artillery and infantry and twice as many Aerospace Fighters, I had no doubt who would win the fight if we had to fight them. This was not a video game after all.
‘Revenants, don't shoot at the ’Mechs painted in black, unless they shoot at us first. The others are fair game.'
Meanwhile, I jumped from one frequency to another, trying to get in touch.
‘Major Kerensky?’
Natasha Kerensky's unmistakable voice responded almost immediately.
'Isn’t this the prince consort of the tiny Aurigan Nation? What do you want, little prince? I'm busy, withdraw your forces from the battlefield if you don't want to be destroyed.'
Yep, Natasha Kerensky's charm and diplomacy remained the same as I remembered them...
'Major, I have nothing against your presence, my forces are there to eliminate the smuggler Baumann and his forces.'
'First, it's Colonel Kerensky, pup and second that problem has already been solved. I am in the middle of setting up a personal matter. Last warning, withdraw or I open fire on your toys.’
Fortunately I stopped right in time before answering what I would have wanted to say, which would have brought us in combat against one of the deadliest units of this time. Not that it was easy to stay mute. During this time, I had seen the Shogun decapitating the Archer, however I could also see a few more 'Mechs further away exchanging shots, most in black, the few others in green.
Bright green, fighting against the Black Widows, and Natasha said it was personal, why did it ring a bell in me?
…
Crap, the other force must have been the Bounty Hunter group. But Michi Noteksuna was right now the Bounty Hunter, wasn’t he ? Either something really wrong had happened or this was another divergence from the story as I knew it.
Not willing to take too much time in case there was no time left, I switched channels again.
‘Revenants, cease operations and regroup at Baumann's base coordinates. Let's wait there for these two groups of egomaniacs to settle their disputes.’
A series of nervous laughters was the only answer I got as my forces retreated towards the destroyed base. As my forces began establishing a defensive position, my technicians scoured the wreckage to find something worth scavenging.
While the CAP reported that Natasha's forces were wiping out the last 'Mechs of their opponents, we took control of the destroyed ‘Mechs around the base and found the body of Notker Baumann with a card left as a signature, a 7 of Spade...
Damn, I swore. Not only had I forgotten that Natasha had been promoted to Colonel when the Black Widow’s Company had been upgraded to a Battalion, but I had also forgotten that the 7th Kommando had been added to it! I quickly ordered our DropShips to execute a short flight and land near the ruins where we were located, adding their firepower to ours and reducing the risk of them being captured or sabotaged by the 7th Kommando, if Natasha decided to focus on us.
Shortly after, our air cover reported that the battle was over and that Natasha’s forces as expected had won. After dealing with her “private matterâ€, I was afraid that Natasha would come for us or at least finish destroying Baumann's base. My bet was that she would be eager to destroy everything linked to the Wolverines (she was a good Clanner after all) … that is if she knew what was present there.
To my great amazement and pleasant surprise, the reports I got were that Natasha's forces boarded and left shortly after the end of the battle, taking with them the captured DropShips, without even a word in our direction. Was it possible that she had only come here to settle her dispute with the Bounty Hunter, without knowing what was nearby? Not that I would complain, even if the way we'd been dismissed was humiliating.
Having remained alone in the area, we spent the next few days doing a thorough search of the base and the battle sites. For those, Natasha had taken everything of value, leaving us with not much to loot, with the exception of the 'Mechs destroyed near the base and a lonely green Marauder that had been stripped of anything useful and was left with its cockpit smashed, but we found no body in it. In the base and after several hours of search, we found a carefully hidden entrance to underground levels where we found several hundred tons of hardware, some very advanced, most of it 'normal', although not a single 'Mech. Interestingly enough, we found several data cores with advanced encryption, which we didn’t have the material to crack on site. At first, it looked like a variant of the latest versions of those used by the SLDF, meaning that they were either Royal or had to have been used by Clan Wolverine, wich meant they were likely to come from the same place where Baumann had found all his hardware.
Thank God I had talked with Kamea about the need to return for a while to New Vandenberg to manage some business, dispatch some of my responsibilities as I was after all the governor of the system and maybe even going to Taurus to talk with the Calderon, as the only place where I could hope to decrypt the data cores was New Vandenberg.
-
The return to New Vandenberg went without incident.
Almost two years had passed since the last time I had been in the system and some changes were evident. The shipyard was in operation, with the first JumpShip, called New Life a few days away from officially entering service, a ceremony was even planned.
By now six Snowdens were already in operation with two more almost ready. Although only one slip of the shipyard was used to build new JumpShips, two more were in operation, maintaining JumpShips. Curiously, one of them belonged to a Federated Suns company.
While the mainframe was decoding the data cores, I was upgraded to the latest news. The technicians from VMI and V4RUhad finally reached a final prototype for the Concordat version of the Marauder II and it was ready to enter production.
Using the latest available technologies, it packed an Extended-Range PPC and a Medium Laser in each arm, a Medium Pulse Laser in the center torso and an LRM10 with a ton of ammunition in each torso. 20 Double Heat Sinks cooled it with the rest being equal. The production of ER PPC had started three months ago although at a limited speed.
For the launch of the New Life, which was the first JumpShip built in the Concordat but also in the whole Periphery, in the last hundreds of years, Edward had come.
'Edward, tell me how did the negotiations with Hanse and Katrina go?' I asked him as soon as I had a chance to be alone with him, in a place protected from wiretapping.
‘It is true that you weren’t in the area in the last months. What I can tell you is that I arrived in New Avalon when the ban was already doing a lot of damage to the economy, so our proposal to provide a HPG class A SLDF with full blueprints, manuals and tech specs couldn't have come at a better time, as you had anticipated. The possibility of both kingdoms being free from Comstar control in the future led to very interesting concessions being extracted'.
'And can you specify them, or is it a secret I don't have access to?' I asked, because he hadn't gone into details, just put on an air of satisfaction.
‘Well, normally the details would be secret, but my father gave me the permission to let you know because of your involvement. We got a credit of one trillion kroner, available over the next 10 years, full access to NAIS, various business concepts and production licenses and access to markets. In both nations, or if you want in the new Federated Commonwealth. And finally a better relationship on the military side'.
'Not bad, not bad at all. And by the way, what's a Davion JumpShip doing in our brand-new shipyard?
'Oh that? Part of the deal included maintaining House Davion's JumpShips, they were put under a lot of pressure with his little war.'
'Very cute. And where are ours repaired? They need a lot of maintenance too, as you know.
"Jean-Luc, Jean-Luc, you're forgetting that our shipyard on Taurus is also operational, even though it won't be capable of built new JumpShips until the end of the year, for now it can only do maintenance. And we're investing in Mechdur in your wife's kingdom. I'm sure we can maintain some there too, which will help both nations businesses,' replied Edward with a calm and satisfied air.
'Since we are talking about the kingdom of Kamea, we found in Detroit an old Earthwerks factory, that is repairable, with very interesting capabilities. If someone brings the money, I can get the technicians to repair it. Do you happen to know anyone who might be looking for a good investment?' I quietly counter.
"Jean-Luc, you know perfectly well that this money is to improve Concordat not other nations..." replied Edward with an exasperated look.
"Come on Edward. We both know your father's idea is that in the next generation, if not before, we will merge both kingdoms as Davion and Steiner did. If I’m not wrong, we tried to sell that before to the Centrellas, but they didn’t buy it. I'm just looking after your interests for when you will be Lord Protector. ‘
After a quiet pause, Edward answered.
'Perhaps something can be arranged, but I must speak to my father first.' Edward replied with a thoughtful look and not denying my statement.
Since I had his attention, I asked one last question
‘And what about the long range expedition to the SLDF Navy test base? Have they returned?’
‘God, you are relentless!’ said Edward with a laugh. ‘Yes, they have returned, three months ago, to be precise. They returned with a modified Soyal Heavy Cruiser. The SLDF was apparently experimenting with sub-capital weapons and this cruiser had some installed. And we also found a partly disassembled advanced dockyard that we took with us and we decided to use it to repair the one in Bolthole. And before you ask, we found enough hardware to create at least two regiments of ‘Mechs, several regiments of armor, mechanized infantry and diverse support units from the various caches along the way.’
With a laugh he added
‘That is if you want to use hardware from the Time of War. We also got about a company of late Star League ‘Mechs and lots of spares for army and navy.’
After the ceremony was over and Edward had returned to Taurus, I was able to analyze the data cores obtained from Baumann's base and to do this alone
They were in pretty bad shape and much of the information was not recoverable, but they included part of the captain's logs of a JumpShip, the SLS Dobrev and parts of the route to a destination, which looked like the Pentagon worlds with a return route from there to this side of Periphery. Unfortunately the maps were all badly damaged and it was impossible to establish the exact location of the Clans worlds or the exact route to there. The logs included pieces of the history of the Wolverines, which were similar to what I knew from the Betrayal of Ideals novel and with talks about a destination beyond Periphery on this side. Unfortunately it contained no details and the maps were not usable or complete missing a lot of information.
For VMI the last two years had been very good. All the production had been sold, Andurien had been added to the list of clients, meaning probably that the Concordat government wanted to weaken the Capellans as much as possible as several other military industries in the Concordat were also selling their production to both the Magistracy and the Andurien military, providing both forces with more options than in the story I remembered and allowing them to be in much better shape while making the Concordat and my companies richer.
-
My share of the material from the long trip I had recently discussed with Edward had been a battalion of obsolete Shadow Hawk 1R. Although they were not very valuable as front line units, my plan was to offer them to Kamea, as garrison units, a role in which they would still very useful with a slight retrofit, most of all in the Periphery, and I knew she would appreciate this gift as her realm was lacking ‘Mechs.
The next thing I did after ensuring that the battalion was shipped to Kamea was to read the security report I had received from my TMI liaison and it contained good news.
Thanks to the continuous improvement of safety standards, and better surveillance equipment, the number of sabotages, and 'incidents' in the Concordat had decreased substantially in recent years. The number of spies and saboteurs caught had also increased, though almost none were caught alive. A fact known only to a group of few people, in which I was included, was that some of these spies ans saboteurs were ROM. However, they had reduced their activities in recent years. I didn’t believe that our defenses were that efficient, my theory (and hope) was that the Federated Commonwealth had become their top priority and that they had to reduce their efforts in the Concordat.
While in New Vandenberg, I took the opportunity to check personally and on site the status of several projects I had started.
For example, one project I had started in 3015 was battle armor research and development, but until recently it was only awarded a small budget.
Starting with only few things efficient for a real battle armor, a fully articulated two-hand exoskeleton, high-density batteries, mid-range sensors and armor efficient only against light infantry weapons and an upper weight limit not exceeding a ton, progress had been slow and difficulties numerous.
Using the strongest industrial myomers available for the body and “muscles†and medical myomers used for artificial limbs in the articulated hands that needed to be capable of performing precise operation, the first powered armor prototype produced, worked only for a short time before shutting off and its armor was still very light, only efficient against light infantry weapons.
One of the main limitations was that the myomers used could not support more weight, which would have solved both the problem of protection and of the greater battery capacity. Extras such as magnetic clamps and scaled up infantry jump packs were only starting the testing phase.
The existing prototype at the end of 3031 weighed 650 kg, was able to withstand moderate infantry fire, but not any from a 'Mech' weapon, was reasonably agile and capable of using most infantry weapons although some had to be modified. Its autonomy was still small and the software had too many bugs for anything more than laboratory tests or a very small field test.
Another program launched, but that was only in the design phase, was an advanced Aerospace Fighter weighing 90 tonnes and packing 20 Double Heat Sinks as well as 16 tons of armor. It had an ER PPC in the nose, with one ER Large Laser and a LB10-X in each wing with two tons of ammo and 2 Medium Lasers firing backwards. Another interesting feature were the two large bays for internal weapons I had requested and that were designed so that each could carry 2 elongated Arrow IV. These Arrow IV, still in experimental phase, were aimed at taking care of bigger space threat thanks to a rocket booster and an advanced seeker. If the Fighter had to deal with ground targets, 'normal' Arrow IV could be used.
The prototype would be using parts that we couldn't yet produce but I had managed to acquire over the years (and the several caches visited) a small stock of ferrous-aluminum armor as well as different things found on ‘Mechs unable to run like a 270 XL taken from a Hussar HSR-200Db a Beagle Active Probe or a Guardian ECM unit.
The problem with the advanced Arrow IV missiles was that the new seeker, that can provide an anti-Fighters and anti-DropShip capability was still in early test phase at O-P Electronics but if we could produce a prototype, “regular†Arrow IV missiles would be available.
If you added to all these problems, the fact that no one on New Vandenberg had any experience in designing a new Aerospace Fighter from the ground up, the obvious conclusion was that my project was way too advanced for the Concordat in 3031, but developing a new Fighter took years, and I was confident that when the aircraft would be ready to roll up, the technologies would be mastered.
The last project I looked after was a Heavy 'Mech, an advanced Penetrator. The differences with the PTR-4D in my universe was the use of an Endo Steel chassis that had allowed it to pack two more Heat Sinks and a Guardian ECM. Apart from the fact that it was still impossible to produce the Guardian ECM or Anti-Missile System (even if I could always “salvage†some from other designs or from stocks I had) and that the quantities of Endo Steel produced were quite small, even if they had doubled since my last stay in the system, the main obstacle to the development of this ‘Mech was that I only had vague memories of its specifications, which was obviously insufficient to tell the engineers what I really wanted and made its development a trial and error process. However, if you also added to that the lack of experience of VMI in producing new designs, the overall delay seemed to me not so bad as we were now in the final stages of building the first prototype, even if the Guardian ECM and AMS systems were from the diminutive stock of these components I had from early cache raids.
The only program that had reached production phase was my idea of a modular weapon, similar to but better than the much vaunted, and very heavy, SLDF Mauser 960.
V4RU had started with a striped down version leaving only the pulse rifle, but with still 6kg to carry and with the help of Pinard Protectorates Limited (PPL), the Taurian specialists of small weapons, they had designed a lighter version, weighing only 5 kg, that was capable of taking modules thanks to a system similar to the one used on the modern assault rifles of my universe and the rail system they used to add extra functions and tools. This allowed all the extra options of the Mauser 960 (advanced optics, grenade launcher, bayonet, even the survival kit) to be added in almost any possible combination, in the field (if one was ready to go for a really heavy assault rifle). It took some time for V4RU and PPL to finalize the design and to iron out the quirks, but what we got in the end was the first true modular pulse rifle in this universe.
They even improved the model by creating a more dense / capable battery, that doubled the number of the shots, its only drawback is that cost considerable more than the standard one, or putting a connector for an external power pack which together with the replacement of the standard insulator with a more capable one, could transform the weapon into a real machine gun. Another improvement was an adjustable multi-position telescopic butt stock, offering six different lengths of pull.
Even the internal components were designed to be easily replaceable, making it an instant favorite of all armorers. Showing the prototypes to the TDF, in a private, and very discreet demonstration, generated a big order. I also ordered enough to equip my Revenants with it.
After analyzing the hardware found in Baumann’s base, something interesting was found, an ER PPC but a kind of enhanced version, which dealt more damage. If I remembered correctly, the Wolverines had developed those, and they were a midway between the original ER PPC and the Clan ones. So far, my people were studying how to produce these advanced models.
While reviewing everything, I also hold several reunions not only with the people I had put in charge of governing the system for me but also with the local representatives of various companies.
One of the things that I had placed a lot of importance on was how to reduce or if possible eliminate the dependency of New Vandenberg on other systems. In the last years, for example, the local production of medicines had grown to the point that New Vandenberg exported them to the rest of the Concordat. .
While the other big shareholders in VMI were very satisfied with my performance they didn’t want to invest in the factory complex in Detroit until the Calderons showed the way. It was the same for the investment company that my in-this-universe father had, they were interested but didn’t want to get involved without reassurances from the Calderons. For that, I needed to wait for Thomas’ decision. Maybe if Thomas decided to go that way, would the others follow.
Exiting the last reunion of the day, I received a phone call from my secretary on an urgent matter. This phone call probably saved my life because it made me head into another direction, as a car that was parked near mine exploded. Without these steps in another direction, I would have been caught in the full blast of the explosion. Thanks to this and the fact that my civilian suit was made of very discreet but advanced personal armor, I only got some cuts, burns and a concussion. This was not the first time that I was in danger, I had been several times in battle but this was different, and I would lie if I said that it didn’t affect me.
Unfortunately, the subsequent investigations never found the culprit / organization behind it.
However, Lieutenant Fisk, the head of my security apparatus went completely (in my opinion) bananas. Not only were the number of goons that followed me every place I go doubled, but a lot of restrictions were place on what I could and couldn’t do. When I tried to change that a bit, I got a message from Thomas saying ‘shut-up and take care, we don’t want to lose you’. The bastard even sent two specialists from his personal guard to analyze my security and implement the procedures they thought were needed.
Two weeks later, having taken care of everything I could in New Vandenberg, I decided to go back to Coromodir, leaving behind me (or, so I hoped) someone dedicated to killing me .
-
Just before departing for Coromodir, I asked Thomas to provide me with the Combine contacts obtained during the interrogation of Santiago Espinosa. Then, I talked with John Smith to see if we could use these contacts to try to acquire several DEST suits.
In early July 3031 I arrived in Coromodir where a pleasant surprise was waiting for me: Kamea was pregnant.
With the child to be born at the end of August if everything went well, I basically went into 'nervous father' mode. I requested from New Vandenberg the latest medical equipment for maternity hospitals, the latest Star League ones that were being brought back into production and from Canopus the best medical team I could get my hands on. This was despite Kamea assuring me that they had competent staff in Cordia City, but I was not willing to take any risks.
Fortunately, my fears were unfounded, and on the 27th of August 3031, Sara Arano-Bassot was born, a beautiful, healthy girl.
To commemorate the birth of her daughter, Kamea decreed that the Restoration was complete and that the nation would be called Aurigan Reach again.
The Shadow Hawks were being upgraded with modern armor, myomers and weapons in Mechdur. Unfortunately, doing so for the electronics and engines proved impossible, but they were still a much appreciated booster.
The delegation that had gone to Niops had successfully obtained a trade treaty. That wasn’t easy, mind you as the Niops ruling elite was very isolationist and suspicious. And if her people could get a copy that information would be hers, and with a bit of luck, some of that information would be new, not included in the Helm and New Dallas data cores, and could be traded at full value, with no need to negotiate with Thomas for scraps. From the beginning of this operation I had informed Kamea of the difficulties and possible winnings, so she could understood that it was gong to be a medium to long time operation as it couldn’t be easy, nor fast as I didn’t have any idea where that information could be located on the planet and I didn’t believe negotiations would get us through; meaning she needed to send a long term infiltration and spec ops team, because I didn’t believe that she could get it through negotiations. But the first contact was already made, and she now had a base of operations on system, namely the Embassy that she had secured.
The DEST suits arrived at New Vandenberg, and it was soon discovered that I had been had. While they were indeed what I ordered, the very expensive order was of second quality, with many of the components replaced by ones of sub-par or obsolete ones. But, my team in V4RU was confident that they could replace all the bad or sub-par parts with ones made locally, and as soon as they would have finished the refit, they would send them to Coromodir.
In the middle of 3032, it was evident that the invasion of the Capellan Confederation was at a turning point. Even with the support of the Concordat, Romano Liao’s troops were better and that was showing on the battlefields.
To my amazement, Thomas, who so far had wanted to stay out of this conflict, sent us a personal envoy, evidently unwilling to entrust this type of information to Comstar, informing us that he would begin operations against the Confederation in early January and that he 'expected' Kamea to do the same.
Kamea was not at all pleased with the 'suggestion’, but she was a politician and realistic enough to know that she had no alternative if she wanted to continue in Thomas' good graces and continue to receive the economic aid that her nation needed.
Thomas targets on the first wave were going to be Rollis, Larsha and Corodiz, and he expected that Kamea’s forces, supplemented by the Revenants would hit Ward. The objectives for the second wave were Yuris, Zanzibar and Muridox and for the Aurigan forces, Hurik. That is everything went well. The main objective was to secure the South East salient of the Capellan Confederation while at same time relieving pressure from the Canopian forces. Kamea would get two worlds for her participation and almost no border with the Capellan Confederation. And the thanks of Thomas and Kyalla. Oh, and probably the hatred of Romano Liao, but such is life, after all.
Further objectives were not planned but that could change depending on the results.
At the end of December 3032, the Revenants with the support of two of the few mechanized infantry regiments Kamea had at her disposal arrived at Weldry on the border between the Capellan Confederation and the Reach.
In 9 January 3033, we jumped on Ward, just two days after the Concordat forces started their operation, invading Rollis, Larsha and Corodiz in the first wave. Because Romano Liao’s forces had been involved for some years in war with the Canopians and Andurien, and before that had been severely reduced in the 4th Succession War, she had left only light, poorly equipped forces to protect this side of the border. The long time defenders of Ward, the Kamakura’s Hussars were supposedly on Turin, the only forces left were some Home Guard units, AKA, Capellan national militia. At least, that was the intel gathered by the TMI and the AIS (Aurigan Intelligence Service).
The first part of the operation went well, our run to Ward VI, the only planet inhabited in the system, was unopposed.
We dropped a few kilometers from the capital, our recon flights not detecting any opposing forces in the area.
Approaching the capital, my force was ambushed by a group of Manticores and Vedettes supported by a company of ’Mechs. Normally, one of my Beagle equipped Black Knights should have detected the ambush force, but severe interferences prevented that from happening. Several of the Revenant ‘Mechs were damaged, including mine. I saw Cornet Kaneda Arisa executing a Death from Above on top of a Liao Vedette, while at same time discharging her PPC on one APC. God, that woman was really good! Only the massive armor of the Nightstar saved me, from PPC hits from two Manticores. After placing two Gauss rounds in one of the Manticores, I changed targets for one Cataphract, in the colors of Warrior House Lu Sann, because the second Manticore was already a smoking wreck, I didn’t see who destroyed it. WTF were ‘Mechs in the colors of a Warrior House doing on this forsaken planet? As usual the ‘Intelligence’ services had it all wrong, shocking, really. The bastard fired first and hit my ’Mech on the left torso, reducing the already damaged armor to dangerous levels. My returning fire penetrating its center torso, killed it. As soon as the Cataphract was destroyed, the interference terminated. Wait, was that one of the very rare, CTF-0X? I quickly placed an order to secure the wreck and searched for another target, this time selecting an already damaged Marauder, a 3L variant or so say my computer. The unfortunate ’MechWarrior was busy fighting against one of Revenants Thunderbolt, so I got the luxury of taking time to make a carefully placed shot on his left torso, destroying it with two Gausss rounds and a shot of my ER PPC for good measure. All the ambush force had been eliminated, and we continued advancing towards the capital. By sheer luck, we caught the Home Guard Mine-layer infantry just finishing deploying a minefield, and so we quickly eliminated them before avoiding the dangerous area.
No more forces appeared to challenge us, so we captured the capital and Lord Whitt Ricardo surrendered the system to us. All in all, while the battle was intense, it was also very short and our losses light. Kamea’s regiments had no time to engage before we eliminated the defenders and had suffered no losses.
A few days later, Whitt Ricardo was found dead, assassinated during is sleep. The security team in charge of his protection never saw the culprits, and the body had a sign saying å›åœ‹ç½ª - ‘Traitor to the Nation’. And this was just the beginning as we quickly discovered that several small units of infantry from the House Guard had dispersed, no doubt with some veterans from the Warrior House and began playing a guerrilla campaign against our occupation in the following months, inflicting several losses on the forces we kept for garrisoning the planet, mostly to the infantry regiments. Thank God, the civilian population was mostly calm or things could have gone ugly very fast, because we didn’t have enough troops on the ground to control them.
After an extended infield analysis, the first ‘Mech I had destroyed was indeed one of the very rare CTF-0X, electronics was thankfully intact, so I sent it to New Vandenberg for analysis.
In early February arrived the time for the second wave and we departed for Hurik. Thankfully, we had received reinforcements, two extra Aurigan infantry regiments had arrived to take garrison duties bringing also the planned replacements for the losses for the units of the first wave and two lances of the refurnished Shadow Hawks 1R. So, we departed with a full force again, the Revenants had even had the time to repair the damaged ‘Mechs.
Just before our departure for Hurik, a DropShip arrived from New Vandenberg. Inside it were three ‘Mechs – the prototypes of the PNT-1TC Penetrator, the prototype of the MAD-5TC Marauder II and the BSK-MAZ Bull Shark. Like the two prototypes, the Bull Shark, after being microscopically analyzed was being deployed for battlefield testing.
Aurigan Reach Military
At this time – Early 3033 the Aurigan Reach Military consists of
5 and a half battalion of ‘Mechs – one and a half survivors of the civil war, with none bigger than medium, three battalions of Griffins and one of Shadow Hawks 1R
6 regiments of mechanized infantry – equipped with light / medium tanks, SRM and LRM Carriers, APCs and IFVs and some towed arty.
40 regiments of infantry – militia / Home Guard, with small arms and transported by trucks, with a few LAWs and SRM-2.
One battalion of ‘Mechs plus one of the mechanized infantry make the Royal Guards, the only force that has a small number of atmospheric fighters / fighter-bombers.
The Royal Guards and the mechanized forces are all veterans of the civil war, experienced troops. The rest are green, and about half of dubious loyalty.
The Aurigan Armed Forces don't have ASFs, nor DropShips or JumpShips. When in need, civilian ones are commandeered.
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I always wondered how big the military of the Rimward Territories (as I call them) would be. Minuscule compared to the InnerSphere and local Periphery states.
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And you need to take into consideration that from these, the 3 Griffin's and the Shadow Hawk battalions are provided by the SI. In the House Arano sourcebook, they have about a battalion and a half if so many, 'Mechs.
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I always wondered how big the military of the Rimward Territories (as I call them) would be. Minuscule compared to the InnerSphere and local Periphery states.
+1 ;D
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Hurik, unlike Ward was a cold, harsh planet with a population barely a million.
The intelligence services had reported that it was defended by a Home Guard regiment, but we only found about one battalion of poorly equipped and trained militia. Unlike Ward, it didn’t have an HPG. After defeating the Home Guard, we raided the only valuable thing in the world, a mine of titanium, taking with us several tons of raw and processed ore, before returning to Ward.
We return to Ward without problems. Two weeks later, we detected two JumpShips at a pirate point, a few hours away of the planet. No doubt a military force, the fact that one of the DropShips launched was a Overlord was a dead give away.
More data came from the space sensors: the invading forces was composed by an Overlord, 3 Unions and a Triumph. Was this merely a raid in force, were they stupid or they've bad intel ? That force couldn’t carry more than two battalions of ‘Mechs with a bit of support. With the reinforcements, I had almost 5 companies of them, plus support. Unless this was some kind of elite force, there was no way in Hell they would retake the system from us...
Near the planet we intercepted the attacking force, covered by 12 Aerospace Fighters, in the colors of the Kamakura’s Hussars, but the Revenants had more of them and also more advanced ones, leading to the total destruction of the Liao Fighters for only 4 of ours, even if almost all of ours took some kind of damage.
Knowing who our opponent was, was a good thing. Consulting the Intel we had on the CCAF prior to the invasion, mostly obtained from the Magistracy and the Federated Suns, we found out that they were a second line unit, two battalions strong, with mostly lights and mediums ‘Mechs, and with a penchant for frontal assaults. That changed our operational plan as they were not an elite force like the Death Commandos, just the force stationed here before the start of this not so little war. So, it was probably just a raid in force or they had real bad Intel. Or they were stupid, something that couldn’t be discounted.
Near the atmosphere, our fighters severely damaged the Triumph, that disintegrated while trying to land. And there went the support force for the enemy ‘Mechs...
The Capellan DropShips landed near the capital. Soon after, a force of 'Mechs, about two battalions of them, came to meet us, in a frontal and massive attack. Although they did not lack courage, it was the worst tactic against the Revenants who had a considerable amount of long-range weapons and heavier ’Mechs to better absorb damage. Starting to retreat slowly as soon as we entered combat we tried to keep our advantage of a greater range for as long as possible, keeping the Assault and Heavy 'Mechs in front because they had more protection and could buy us more time. The enemy, while continuously approaching, used every bit of terrain to negate our advantage in range. They were not that suicidal after all. Pity.
My support forces with long range weapons (LRMs, arty, and a few unguided Arrow IV), placed behind the Revenants ’Mechs were adding their firepower to the ‘Mechs, turning the Capellans life miserable, and at same time my ASFs are strafing then.
The enemy forces was indeed a mix of lights and mediums with a few heavies, they had advanced faster than we could retreat.
At same time, a small force appears from the jungle, in our back, two ’Mechs and a small group of infantry, in the colors of House Lu Sann. So, the survivors had decided to join the battle? Fine for me, we could make a clean sweep this time.
One thing you could say about the Kamakura's Hussars and Lu Sann warriors is that they didn't lack courage, and they knew how to die well. And dying, that's what they did that day up to the last 'man.
The Lu Sann ‘Mech force, one Locust and one Wasp, at first destroyed some vehicles and killed a few infantry, but soon find themselves under the fire of two Leclerc flak (3xAC/5 each) and four Merkavas. Lights don’t survive much time against that kind of firepower, and the enemy infantry, few in number, is destroyed soon after. And so end Warrior House Lu Sann.
About a company of 'Mechs from the Revenants had been severely damaged, with only four destroyed during the battle, but because we had taken control of the battlefield, our technicians took over all the wreckage and were of the opinion that they would be able to repair / recover almost all our ‘Mechs and even increase our numbers with what they would recover from the opponent ’Mechs.
Among them was an almost intact VND-1R Vindicator, with its head destroyed by the Penetrator. Luckily for us, another CCAF Vindicator, this one with is center torso cored, laid near, and his head could be used to repair the first one, so this one could be used right now, the rest needed to be sent to New Vandenberg to possible rebuild. The Penetrator, Marauder II and Bull Shark had all performed well in combat and none had been destroyed, even if they all had taken some kind of damage.
Shortly after the end of the battle, the opposing DropShips took off, soon accompanied by another Overlord, probably the hidden Lu Sann one, that we hadn’t found before.
Our surviving Fighters harassed them all the way to the JumpShips, but didn’t destroy any, just doing them more damage and as soon as they docked to their JumpShips at the pirate point they left for an unknown destination.
While again in control of the planet, the Capellan forces had publicly executed a number of people that had collaborated with the Reach forces, sending a clear, if gruesome message“Death to the traitorsâ€. Unfortunately for then, this changed the mind of many, from neutral / indifference to hating they former masters, turning the integration of Ward in the Reach easier.
With the Capellan Armed Forces defeated a second time and the guerrilla forces eliminated, the local situation calmed a lot. So far we had successfully destroyed some Capellan units and because of that, we did our job to support the Canopian and Taurian forces, and for us it hadn’t been a bad campaign. I and Kamea never had any illusions on what we could probably get from this, but we had taken a decent world, for Periphery levels, that is, for a relatively small price.
-
During the last few years the Taurian Defense Forces had quietly created several Taurian Guard regiments, each expanding an existing battalion. They had not only received reinforcements in Aerospace Fighters, an area where the Concordat had traditionally been weak, but they had also received Assault 'Mechs. The entire production of MAD-4A Marauder II had gone to the Guards, as had the Royal 'Mechs battalion obtained in Artru and the remaining models had received most of the upgrade kits (DHS, extended range weapons), produced by Concordat companies like VMI, TTI and TMM.
With most of Maskirovka attention traditionally focused on the Federated Suns and the Free Worlds League and as soon as Romano took power, with the successive purges it had suffered and the war against the Magistracy and Andurien, it was understandable that the Capellan Confederation Armed Forces had little or no knowledge of the size and quality of the Taurian Defense Forces.
For these reasons, its counter-attack against the invasion by Concordat failed miserably, having not only failed to expel the invaders, but suffering severe losses during the operations.
The defeat suffered by House Liao had also substantially reduced available reserves for new operations against the other offensives going on. It did not help that Hanse chose this time to conduct (limited) exercises near the border with House Liao, forcing the units in that area to be unable to move and even making them call for reinforcements.
This reduced offensive capacity gave the Magistracy Armed Forces enough time to consolidate their forces, receive reinforcements and prepare for the expected counter-attacks. In August 3033, these attacks began to focus against the Andurien forces, using the Warrior Houses and McCarron's Armored Cavalry (MAC) on the front line. This situation continued until the end of 3033, with the remaining fronts virtually at peace with only small raids made against the planets occupied by the Canopians.
In early December 3033, the 2nd Taurian Guards raided Victoria, destroying the forces that protected the planet, the Home Guard and a battalion of Mechs from Ishara's Grenadiers, which was undergoing a rest and refit period, after some hard battles against the Andurien forces. After defeating the defenders, the Taurian Guards had 'visited' the various factories on the planet, more specifically Trellis Electronics (removing all components ready for delivery), Shengli Arms (taking care of the data cores with blueprints of advanced designs) and Earthworks Incorporated (components and parts) leaving shortly after with a considerable and valuable loot.
From Mars to December, the Revenants have been busy, raiding several Capellan worlds among them Cavalor, Renown and Pojos, never using more than one of combined arms battalions for that, as we always kept a strong force on Ward.
On December 18th, in Ward, I barely escaped an assassination attempt, as infiltrators penetrated our security and attacked the HQ. Several officers were killed among them Vasseur and I escaped with burns on my left arm and two broken ribs. A good thing I wore ballistic armor even on an supposedly pacified planet.
None of the enemies escaped and further analysis of the bodies revealed they were Thuggees, their tattoos making them easy to identify.
The Taurians hadn't attacked any more planets after the raid on Victoria. Either I was very wrong, or Thomas had achieved his goals and after having helped the Magistracy, had limited himself to defend the conquered area…
For our part, if we could maintain Ward for the Reach, it was a good thing as so far the losses had been few and Ward was a reasonably industrialized with a considerable number of industrially trained population for Periphery levels, making it a good system to get. After the second battle in February things had calmed down, the population staying calm and apparently not caring about the change in ownership.
The Concordat intervention in the war and the excellent performance of the its armed forces had caused some attention from the intelligence services of several nations on the Concordat, which until now was like most of the Periphery nations rather unworthy of any attention. While almost all agencies send more operatives to the Concordat, the increase in numbers was not big due to the fact that ROM, LIC and MIIO were involved in an intense and bloody, shadow war, that absorbed a large part of their resources. SAFE as usual had its best operators occupied in internal guerrillas and was more focused on Andurien because of the secession, and ISF and O5P were very distant and had few operatives in the area.
Due to the good relations between the Concordat and the Federated Suns, the Sunny Boys had provided the Concordat with all the information they had about the Capellan Confederation, giving access to everything but their agents on the ground. They had also participated in the disinformation campaign about the Concordat capabilities.
The maneuvers that Hanse Davion had performed at a strategic time were also part of that collaboration, something unthinkable a few years earlier.
In return, a copy of the Victoria data cores from the Shengli Arms factory was handed over to Davion, as well as access to a detailed study of the Cataphract CTF-0X wreckage captured by the Revenants.
-
With the situation calming down on our part of the border, in January 3034, the Revenants were sent to a well-deserved and necessary R&R after a year of operations. Half went with me to Coromodir, the other part to New Vandenberg. In our place, a battalion of Griffins and a company of Shadow Hawks moved to Ward. The two Shadow Hawks lances that had been there since February of '33, also went home.
In January 3034, the shipyard in New Vandenberg activated the second slip for the construction of Invaders, having at that time three extra slips for maintenance.
VMI had during 3033, doubled the production of Double Heat Sinks, increased the production of Endo-Steel by 50% and started the production of Ferro-Fibrous. O-P Computer Electronics had started small scale production of Guardian ECM and Beagle Active Probe. It was planned to upgrade the ER PPC production to the more advanced version designed following the Wolverine design and to launch small-scale production of Extended Range Lasers for the end of 3034.
All these production lines were highly secret and only for the Taurian Defense Forces and Revenants use. Thomas was not prepared to make public such advanced equipment. Their development and production was only possible thanks to the massive funds provided by the HPG accords with the Federated Commonwealth. These funds also provided for the nascent capability of producing advanced water purification, massive civilian fusion reactors (perfect for the needs of cities) and the expansion on the shipyards and the ultra-secret HPG program.
Although these tech and the Taurian capacities were (we hoped) still secret, they would probably not remain so for long. During the last months the number of infiltration attempts detected had skyrocketed. So far, we knew of no success but all the security experts knew that it was only a matter of time.
As a result of the operations against Liao, MRB had updated the Revenants ranking to Veteran / Reliable, with a small note questioning whether they would soon become an House Unit, the question was whether Taurian or Aurigan.
The ‘fixed’ DEST suits finally arrived in Coromodir. The contacts that Santiago Espinosa got on the Combine are interesting to say the least. They had access to advanced combine ‘Mechs and hardware, but I bet good money that they were not official ones. Yakuza maybe? Half were distributed to the security apparatus in charge of me and my family security, the rest being sent to the team in Niops, with a package containing advanced electronic spy / commando gadgets, to help them when / if the data core was discovered.
V4RU teamed with OP- Computer Electronics and VMI to produce an Concordat version of the suits. Obviously, TMI was very interested in acquiring some.
On March 12th, 3034 in Coromodir I received a visit from Colonel Nikitch, a member of the Wolf’s Dragoons.
The official reason for the visit was the purchase of several ‘Mechs by the Dragoons, but the conversation was interesting...
‘Your Highness, the Wolf’s Dragoons are interested in acquiring several units of the 'Mechs that your unit recently used against House Liao, more specifically the new variant of Marauder II, the new Heavy and the new Assault. As well as the much advanced weaponry as you could sell us, specifically the extended ranges energy weapons and the Double Heat Sinks'.
'Well, as usual Wolfnet is well informed, they were quick.' was my thought before I answered.’I’m curious Colonel. VMI is in New Vandenberg, not in Coromodir, and they have an excellent sales department. So why do you come to see me and not go to New Vandenberg?’
‘That’s true your Highness, and I did go there first, but they said they don’t have authorization to sell said items, so I came to you, to see what was necessary to smooth any problems with us buying so new hardware.’
'I'm sorry Colonel, but the sales of such hardware are not allowed outside of the Concordat by order of the Protector Calderon. I am sure you understand why' I didn't deny or confirm anything, it was useless. ‘Until he allows that market to be open, VMI hands are tied. Anyway, at the moment we are just starting the production of the second variant of Marauder II, for the Heavy, which is called the Penetrator by the way, we still have some production kinks to fix, and the Bull Shark is too expensive and sophisticated to produce, ot is one of a kind, we found in the Periphery .
‘Just curious, why did you change the Marauder II, that is a pure energy Assault ‘Mech to one also using LRMs ?’
‘Oh, that is an interesting story, colonel. At first, with the replacing of the heat sinks with Freezers, the idea was to upgrade the Large Laser for an PPC, creating an Awesome with jump jets if you want. But several MechWarriors wanted to add the indirect fire capability, and they got a very good case. The 5TC is the result of they brainstorming.’
'Interesting. About the Bull Shark, can I know where you found that 'Mech, or is it a secret?' Nikitch asked, trying to be merely curious.
‘Curious, he was found in a bunker at Baumann's smuggler's base during the operation we ran into your Colonel Kerensky. Unfortunately because Kerensky killed Baumann and destroyed most of his base, where Baumann found the 'Mech will always be a mystery. Our conclusion is that it is an advanced model of the SLDF Royal Branch, it was painted in Wolverines’ colors after all.'
'Wolverines? What do you mean?' asked Nikitch with an intense eye and a sharp change of position, although he tried to disguise it, but since I was expecting a reaction I knew when it would appear.
So, you're one of the Clanners... interesting. That was my thought. 'Oh sorry Colonel, Wolverines is how the 331st Royal Battlemech Division was know, and the Bull Shark was painted in their colors and had its symbol. Ancient history.' I replied with an innocent smile. 'They were in New Vandenberg in 2764, so it's not strange to find a 'Mech of them in this region... sorry to bothering you with ancient history, but it is a hobby of mine and that's how my late father and I started the Revenants, finding equipment from that time.'
Nikitch relaxed visibly after hearing my explanation.
'But, can I interest you in something else, Colonel? Both in New Vandenberg and Mechdur we have several maintenance slips for JumpShips and if I remember correctly the Wolf’s Dragoons have a considerable fleet that should need maintenance. I think you capabilities in that area in Outreach are limited…’
‘Excuse me your Highness, but that is a bit more than four months on each direction…’
‘Yes, but unless I’m wrong, you have an excess of lift capability right now, Jaime Wolf has not yet activated several units, after the losses sustained against the Combine. And the shipyards in the Federated Commonwealth are at full use, heck, we are even doing maintenance of several Davion ships on New Vandenberg. So, I think you could take advantage of our slips in Mechdur for a while, without reduction of your capabilities…’
‘Mmmm. I see that you are as well informed as your reputation says, your Highness. I will pass your proposal along. So, no luck in providing us with some advanced technology or some of these advanced ‘Mechs?’
‘Maybe, Colonel, maybe. If Jaime Wolf give us, and by us I mean the Concordat and the Reach, access to some of your technology, like the production rights of some of your exclusive hardware, and say, first choice in contracts when your regiments return to active duty, after their contract with House Davion, of course, at a decent price, I am sure Thomas Calderon could add the Dragoons to the few units that have access to our latest toys...’
And so the conversation shifted to safer topics...
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In April 3034 I was called to Taurus for 'talks' with the Lord Protector. Some days before that, Jaime Wolf had sent a message, agreeing with the terms spoken between me and his representative.
As was becoming customary, a Command Circuit was established for a quick trip between Coromodir and Taurus.
‘Well Jean-Luc, although our campaign against Liao was a success, we have a problem. The fact that so much advanced technology was used was noted by several governments and questions and demands are being' with these words Thomas indicated the subject of the conversation.
'I'm not surprised. Until now only the Revenants used Royal Grade hardware, and never outside the Periphery, but the fact that the Guards used three regiments against Liao with better equipment than everyone in the Inner Sphere, on top of my Revenants destroying two Liao units couldn’t go unnoticed' was my unsurprising response.
‘Hanse Davion citing the deals that gave us access to NAIS and a multitude of businesses in his realm as well as the funds that he and Katrina Steiner injected into our economy 'demands' access to it. VMI on New Vandenberg in particular was chosen to be the company to be visited by several Davion and Steiner technicians for information sharing. We expect your employees to collaborate'. Edward added with a serious look.
'And my guess is that it was chosen because New Vandenberg is outside the Cluster, there are already Davion JumpShips visiting the system, and that way we won’t have foreign agents looking at the most secret factories and shipyards in the Cluster...' I thought aloud, noticing the assents of both. 'It's good because the Wolf’s Dragoons also want access to our technology with a good price for it and accepting a discount for future contracts with us as soon as their regiments are available and they will be giving is access to some models so far exclusive to them.’
‘Well, if even mercenaries already know what we have, it's safe to say that the secret no longer exists for everyone’, Thomas said resignedly. ‘What we don't have is the production capacity to meet external orders at the moment, as you know very well, Jean-Luc'.
‘Well...' I said with a 'disinterested' air, 'if Detroit were to receive some help to repair its production lines, and VMI was allowed to move the most basic production lines there it will free up capacity to expand the most advanced production lines in New Vandenberg.’
Thomas and Edward looked at each other and laughed.
'And the fact that this factory is in your wife's kingdom and that so far you didn’t have the money to repair it has nothing to do with your proposal, does it?' asked Edward with a funny look.
‘I can’t deny what you are saying,' I replied with an innocent air, 'bit it will allow you to expand the advanced production lines in New Vandenberg without losing the more traditional ones. I'm sure Kamea will accept a partnership with VMI in Detroit, that is if she retains control of the company.
‘And are you sure of that, because you have already discussed the possibility with her?' asked Thomas cunningly, to which I replied with a nod 'very well, the money will be made available as well as the authorizations. We have another more delicate matter to deal with you'.
"Oh?" What might be more delicate, I thought.
‘Clearly Davion is preparing to attack Kurita in the next few years. Even if at the moment he is our ally, it is not in our best interests that they should win too easily for he will become too powerful.'
I nodded, not revealing that it should be in 3039 if it ran like the story I knew. 'And I suppose there is a plan to prevent such a great victory and that I will be involved in it?'
'Curiously the Ambassador of the Draconis Combine is also interested in getting access to our products,' began Edward 'For obvious reasons, we cannot officially give them access to as the Federated Suns would be furious, but if your companies were to suffer a leak, with data for Freezers and ER Lasers being lost on their way, not only the specifications but also info on the production techniques, I am sure that our dear ambassador would pay an appreciable sum of money for that information...'
'And if House Davion were to find out, the excuse would be that the ISF or the O5P got lucky and we would tell them that we've been investigating, but that we couldn’t find the leak yet?' I asked calmly.
"Exactly. Thomas said 'that way you'll have get more funds, which you can invest wherever you like, we have an excuse in case Davion finds out and House Kurita will be stronger when Houses Davion and Steiner attack.
'And I thought Kamea had a twisted mind... I'm glad I don't get too involved in politics.' was my comment.
'Unfortunately, you'll be called more and more often to play the game, Jean-Luc.' said Thomas with the look of someone that knew too much about these games.
-
After sending a quick message to Kamea something along “sorry Dear, I'll be late again, work dutiesâ€, I left for New Vandenberg.
Granting Davion’s and Steiner's technicians access to the various departments of VMI created a number of problems, not only security but also for many old school Taurians who did not see the situation with good eyes and only the fact that it was a direct order from Thomas led them to collaborate even if with a lot of grumbling.
This, in turn, facilitated the second and most delicate part of the instructions Thomas had given me.
One of Pascal Allais' team members, posing as an official disgusted with the situation, got in touch with a member of the local Combine embassy which by “mere†luck turned out to be part of the spy cell operating there. In return for an exorbitant sum, he handed to the Combine the plans for the ER Large Lasers and Freezers as well as the production line blueprints for both.
To convince Pascal and his team member to do it, I needed to show them Thomas Calderon’s orders and only then did they agree to participate in this operation.
Some time later VMI security â€found out†about the leak and â€investigated†it. If MIIO and LIC believed it, I never knew, but the Davions did not make a scene about the case.
With Thomas' permission and the release of some of his personal funds, however small, the migration of the older / low tech lines from VMI with ‘Mechs such as the Stinger 3R and Griffin 1N production to Mechdur began as well as the collaboration with Kamea to participate in the reconstruction of the Detroit factories as well. The amount obtained from Combine was fully applied in Detroit. The initial idea had been to send the ’Mech production lines to Detroit, but the fact was that while Mechdur had the auxiliary factories to support said production lines, for several years Detroit did not have this capacity and we decided to change the initial plans.
From the material captured in the two battles in Ward, V4RU with the support of components supplied by VMI, had been able to rebuild 13 'Mechs, one being a Cataphract 2X that last one had been done using parts of a 2X and of the 0X. A new ‘Mech company was created by the Revenants, a mixture of Concordat and Reach ’MechWarriors and it was sent to Ward to participate in their defense and to get some experience in real operations. After all apart from their lack of experience, these Mechs, unlike the others used by the Revenants, had no advanced components and this company had no other support elements.
Meanwhile, TTI on Taurus had expanded its DropShips building capacity (while New Vandenberg had focused on JumpShips) and launched a new and much improved version of Jumbo, called Jumbo II, demonstrating a total and expected lack of imagination for new names. In the area of military DropShips thanks to the help provided by Federated-Boeing under the cooperation agreements the production of Overlords had started.
In June 3034, the DropShip carrying Edward Calderon suffered a take-off failure,and only the high quality and quick response of the crew prevented this accident to turn into a total catastrophe. Even so, they suffered several deaths and Edward was seriously injured, being hospitalized for several months. An exhaustive analysis of the wreckage indicated that the probability of sabotage was quite high but produced no indication of who could have done it.
By September 3034, the Andurien last forces had been expelled from the Capellan territory with severe casualties and Romano began planning a counter-invasion, but was informed that the FWL would side in the conflict with the Duchy of Andurien, leading Romano to turn her attention against the Magistracy.
-
While I was at my office at VMI headquarters, my mind wandered how these days my life was complicated, with too many hats to use. From Prince Consort in the Aurigan Reach to Governor of New Vandenberg to CEO of a big conglomerate (to simplify my life I had negotiated for V4RU to be absorbed by VMI, increasing along the way my shares and consolidating my hold on the company) to owner and commander of a mercenary unit (which by the way remembered me that I needed to find a competent replacement for Vasseur, his second in command, while a genius at administrative work and real good at the logistics side was unfortunately sub-par in the combat side of the business) and to member of the inner circle of Thomas Calderon. Sometimes I didn’t even know which hat I was wearing at a given moment…
In a blur, I shook my head and told myself to get back to work as I had a lot to do with as always a lot of ambitious and far reaching plans that would probably go further without me.
The first phase would be to start the Penetrator line, now that the problem of the AMS production had finally been resolved.
Once this model was in production, the Marauder 3R line would be deactivated and upgraded to the standards of the Royal 2R, followed by the upgrade of the producing lines for the Warhammer 6R (Royal 7A) and Thunderbolt 5S (Royal 5Sb). These lines were relatively easy to upgrade, even if it would be expensive and time-consuming because the complete blueprints for both ’Mechs and production lines were part of the New Dallas data core.
The Archer 2R model would then be upgraded to the ARC-5TC wit a new Endo-Steel Chassis, Freezers, CASE in both torsos, Artemis IV for the LRM and a little more armor. The upgrade of the production of the Marauder II from the 4A to the 5TC would only take place after the peace with the Capellans. Before that , the Concordat military wanted all the Assault ‘Mechs they could get and were unwilling to have the production line interrupted, even if the CCAF was performing at a lesser level than initially expected. After so many years without any capacity to produce Assaults, I think they just wanted as many as they could get their hands on during this conflict.
All these upgrades would take years to complete and require a very large amount of cash, but VMI in recent years had made a lot of money and Thomas wanted the upgrades, so the plan would be approved one way or another.
I had just reviewed the plan when Dr Murad came into my office. A quick glance at the clock confirmed that time had passed quickly and that it was indeed time for the meeting she had requested.
'Boss, by the end of this year we should have finished the third and final slip for the construction of the Invaders. We also have 3 slips already fully operational dedicated to maintenance of JumpShips, that can take any model from the Scout to the Monolith. So, what are the plans for the future? Continue to expand both the construction and maintenance areas of the shipyard, or are we going in a different direction?’
‘While some of your team can go to Mechdur and do a upgrade of the maintenance facilities there, with an eye for future expansion, I have another job for you, my dear Doctor. The priority on New Vandenberg is to increase and improve the production of military material. With plans to upgrade several production lines to royal grade, we will need a much larger production of Endo-Steel, Ferrous-Fibrous, Freezers, Ferro-Aluminum, at least four times the actual production more if possible, all the while we will be creating the lines to produce 270XL and 300XL engines.
Farah kept quiet for a few moments absorbing the news. 'Ferro-aluminum and XL engines… Do you also want to modernize the Fighters lines ?' after me nodding, she continued ‘Can do, boss. That is going to take some years, I assume that our space operations are going to stay at current capacity for that time?’
‘Well… when you are confident that your people have everything controlled, you can go to our installations in Illiushin, and look at the Union production line that VMI has on that planet. See if you can improve the output or add the CV variant. Give me a report before taking any action.’
‘Ok boss, it seems I have plenty to do up the end of the decade.’
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Extracts from The Periphery vs. Liao - New Avalon Press, 3047
Chapter XXI- The Mercenaries War
In the middle of 3035, the Magistracy of Canopus had lost the initiative and was clearly on the defensive. With her army exhausted and her treasure spent, Kyalla Centrella asked Thomas Calderon for help, any help that Thomas could spare.
To the amazement of many, Thomas sent mercenaries. More precisely, almost 4 regiments of them: Gordon's Armored Cavalry (GAC), the Revenants but also the Black Widow Battalion and the Beta Regiment of the famous Wolf’s Dragoons.
The fact that Thomas Calderon was able to secure a contract with the Wolf’s Dragoons and that it was the first time that they accepted a contract for a kingdom of the Periphery amazed many.
Instead of coming piecemal, the mercenary forces converged on Mechdur, and after they had all arrived, departed to New Roland.
Of note was that for the first time the commander of the Revenants was not with them, the prince regent of Aurigan Reach had decided to stay on Coromodir, the motive was soon know as High Lady Kamea informed the Inner Sphere a few days later that she was pregnant, and his regiment was placed, as well as the GAC, under the orders of Colonel Alicia Fancher, commander of Beta Regiment of the Wolf’s Dragoons.
This force arrived on New Roland two days before the Capellan Confederation Defense Forces, joining the 2nd Canopian Cuirassiers, commanded by Emma Centrella and the 1st Canopian Light Horse, the only Magistracy Armed Forces units on world. Both MAF units had been mauled in the previous battles and together they had less than a battalion available. For political reasons, the overall command was given to Emma Centrella but the operational command stayed in the hands of Colonel Fancher.
At this time all other Capellan worlds captured by the Canopians had been lost to the CCAF, meaning that for reason of national pride, it was likely that New Roland would be targeted and the Capellan forces didn’t deceive the joined Taurian/Canopian forces by sending an invading forces, consisting of all McCarron’s Armored Cavalry regiments and of Warrior House Dai Da Chi.
In theory the Capellan forces were superior in numbers, however, unlike the forces sent by Thomas, which were fresh and with enough spare parts and ammunition, the Big MAC, like the MAF units, after several years of constant war operations, was a shadow of its former self. Instead of 5 full regiments, it had slightly less than 3 regiments, mostly composed of Heavies and Medium ‘Mechs, with less than 15% of their number Lights and almost no Assault units , furthermore most of their 'Mechs were in dire need of a complete overhaul. While initially a force well maintained, the constant war and the fact that House Liao had been dealt a heavy blow in its production capacities when Davion took Tikonov forced the Big MAC to deploy its forces in less than acceptable conditions. Even the capture of the some Andurien depots in Prix was not enough to fix this problem (see Appendix 4 - TO&E on both sides), because, unfortunately for the MAC, the Andurien forces had escaped with more than half the depots. House Dai Da Chi was also in a depleted state, fielding a bit more than a company of 'Mechs and just a few infantry forces. Files later captured, confirm that the Maskirovka missed the deployement of the Taurian sponsored mercenaries, leading the Strategos to think New Roland was an easy target.
In a continuing battle of movement, always denying a decisive battle and using the greater reach of the Revenants advanced 'Mechs to kill Liao most aggressive 'MechWarriors, Alicia Fancher led the CCAF forces in a wild race, executing small and well executed ambushes, one after the other. However, thanks to their advanced electronics, the Capellans escaped from about half of said ambushes. During this time, in the air, the Dragoon and Revenant Fighters were slowly winning the battle, focusing more on preventing anyone leaving the planet and making everything ready for the final act.
About a month after the start of the hostilities on New Roland, the forces led by Fancher, now with clear air superiority and having reconfigured all of their Leclercs to artillery versions (Sniper, Thumper or Arrow IV), suddenly changed direction and advanced against the exhausted Capellans, destroying one regiment in a well-planned ambush that made full use of her superiority in artillery and Fighters, as well as of the superior range of the Revenants 'Mechs. Now in clearly inferior numbers and with their ammo running low after a month of hide-and-seek games, the Capellans tried to escape, the long way back to the DropShips being marked by the wreckage of several Capellan 'Mechs. However meanwhile Kerensky's battalion, with the support of several Revenants 'Mechs with advanced ECM capabilities had moved along a path not detected by the Capellans and captured most of their DropShips. What she didn't capture, she destroyed, with the exception of two lucky DropShips that managed to leave, meaning that House Liao forces were trapped on the planet with no possibility of escape. Just over a battalion of Light 'Mechs managed to escape including two Ravens in their ranks, making later contact with the two DropShips that had evaded capture.
The image of Natasha Kerensky's Warhammer over the ruins of Marcus Barton's Marauder was one of the most famous images of this conflict. There are serious indications that several 'Mechs of the Wolf’s Dragoons had also received advanced technology (Appendix 6- business between the Wolf’s Dragoons and the Concordat) and reports of the battle between Natasha and Barton indeed point out that Natasha's Warhammer managed the temperature much better than one would expect.
Archie McCarron, and Ian MacPhearson, that were not part of this operation as they had been busy creating a network of trading companies to support the mercenary unit, were executed when they tried to stop chancellor Romano Liao to incorporate what remained of the Big MAC, a battered battalion, in the CCAF, thus ending the story of the infamous mercenary force (Appendix 8 – The end of the Big MAC).
It is worth of interest that unlike many battles between mercenaries, this time no quarter had been asked nor given.
After this operation the Black Widow Battalion was not available for contracts until up to today, with the most diverse rumors about its current status running; from acting as a training unit for the other regiments, to being expanded to a regiment, to being modernized with advanced technology provided by the Concordat.
With the destruction of the Big Mac and House Dai Da Chi, Liao forces were exhausted and there were no more operations on this border.
After their defeat on the Taurian border, the win on the Andurien border and the recovery of almost all worlds on the Canopian one, all this at great cost, the Capellan Confederation decided it had had enough and changed to a defensive posture, clearly aiming at recovering from an exhausting war.
The big winner of the Periphery battles against the Capellan Confederation was undoubtedly the Taurian Concordat, with 6 systems conquered, followed by the Aurigan Reach with 1. The Magistracy of Canopus had also captured one, New Roland, but its army was exhausted, while Andurien had not only failed to secure any Liao system but was soon to be reabsorbed by the Free Worlds League.
Sidebar
Why did the Big MAC operate in a way so different of their normal conduct ?
Post-battle interrogation of the few survivors and analysis of the data captured showed that they only had a limited knowledge of the mercenaries contracted by the Concordat after landing. Furthermore because of the exhaustion of the CCAF, the Big MAC had been under tremendous pressure from Romano Liao to take more conventional duties, unlike their normal heavy raids / free hand. They were also quite confident in their capacity to deal with any opposition having a surprising number of advanced weapons, not only the EW equipment displayed before by the Capellan Confederation Armed Forces but also Artemis guided missiles, Narc Missile Beacon, a few Pulse Lasers and more surprisingly, several Freezers of Steiner manufacture. That last piece of information was later passed to the MIIO and the LIC and generated several arrests including Simon Kincaid the owner of Kincaid Defiance Industries and closing the access of the CCAF to Freezers for a while, until they managed to launch their own production (Appendix 9 – Aftermath).
Of particular interest is the way that both sides fielding more advanced systems in the field than any other conflict for a long time, used them to gain advantages or deny said advantages to the other side. A prelude to what would be later seen in the War of 3039.
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I could see the Taurians attempting to retake their world from the Capellans even if it is only one world. However that could be bad news for the Aurigan Reach if the Taurians are reclaiming old territory.
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On December 4, 3035 Kamea Arano gave birth to two twins, Paul and Peter Arano-Bassot. A special holiday was decreeted in all the Reach.
The delicate, and very secret (no one trusting ComStar for its good services on these matters) negotiations between the Taurian Concordat and the Aurigan Reach, concerning the merger of both nations finally reached an agreement on March 12, 3036.
At first Kamea had little interest in negotiating anything but the fact that she had absorbed two independent systems making her realm an enemy of the Capellan Confederation, the fate of Andurien, who had just been reabsorbed into the League, the Magistracy, which without Thomas’s help, would have been invaded by the Capellan Confederation and even the fate of this later, which after suffering defeat at the hands of the Federated Suns, had been attacked from all sides, had changed her way of thinking. Even if she didn’t forget that she had been 'forced' into this war by Thomas Calderon, she tried to stay objective and realistic. To be honest, we also had long discussions on this matter and reality was that our nation was too poor and weak to have a great future alone, if any. So, reluctantly at first, she agreed to come to the negotiation table to discuss what was in the end, the integration of the Reach into a richer and more powerful realm.
Surprisingly, the conditions negotiated with Thomas were quite generous, both in terms of autonomy and in financial terms. Without the guts to surrender the independence of the nation the fought so hard to take control of, she managed to delay the absorption to the next generation. After all, the myriad of small but vital details was going to take some time to be dealt with. When the next generation would come to power, the Aurigan Reach would become a province, albeit with great autonomy, of the Taurian Concordat, governed in perpetuity by the Arano-Bassot family. In return, the Concordat committed itself to invest heavily in the Reach infrastructure starting today. It was obviously not a relationship of equals like the integration of the Federated Suns and the Lyran Commonwealth as in this case the Aurigan Reach was clearly the secondary member, with everything it implied.
Part of the agreements was that the facilities in Mechdur would be upgraded to become the third - fourth counting the “secret†base of the Concordat Navy in Bolthole (a system that did not exist in the official charts, although it was already known to some nations, Liao for example, and Comstar)- shipyard with the capacity to build JumpShips in the Taurian Concordat. The military-industrial complex in Detroit would also receive the necessary means and funds to be able to build 'Mechs, even if the forecast was not before 3045 for Mechdur and 3042 for Detroit. While these investments were very big and almost impossible to do if undertaken by the Reach alone, with the help of the Concordat and the time we had, it would be manageable.
Why was the Concordat so interested in the fusion with the Aurigan Reach is a question that was often asked when the news broke out. The industrial output of the New Vandenberg system alone, granted one of the richest systems in the Concordat, was superior to all the production of the Reach combined. Also the only dockyard in Mechdur needed considerable investments from the Taurian to be converted to a shipyard and the limited military complexes in Mechdur and Detroit also needed considerable investments to be useful for the TDF.
But, few people are more nationalist and prideful than the citizens of the Taurian Concordat.and since more than half of the systems of the Reach were ex-Taurian colonies, recovering them peacefully was a mater of national pride for the Concordat when the opportunity presented itself.
In the Magistracy of Canopus, the situation was worse as the end of the war with House Liao had left the armed forces exhausted, the coffers empty, with only one system captured and with a great debt to the Concordat. But, with both the Capellan Confederacy and the Free Worlds League as a not friendly neighbors, it was necessary to rebuild the MAF one way or another. With many people in positions of power unhappy, it was without great surprise that on the 7th of July 3036 a coup put Emma Centrella in power, dethroning her mother.
Apparently, Kyalla jealous of the crescent popularity of her daughter, lauded as a hero of the Magistracy, while she was being accused of disastrous decisions, tried to frame Emma for an espionage conspiracy, only to discover that even her personal guard preferred Emma to her.
By this time Andurien had been completely reabsorbed into the Free Worlds League.
Meanwhile the Fighters development went well with several projects going forward.
The first prototype of the HDK (Hell Duck Heavy ASF) flew on October 21st, 3036. With 90 tons, 16.5 tons of Ferrous-aluminum armor, 270XL engine, 20 Freezers, 1 ER PPC on the nose, 1 ER Large Laser and 1 LBX-10 A/C with two tons of ammo on each wing and 2 Medium Lasers facing the rear, it was a killing machine. A Guardian ECM and a Beagle Active Probe completed the equipment. Besides the usual hardpoints for bombs and rocket pods, it also had two internal bays with capacity to carry 4x Arrow IV AAM. In the CAS configuration, these were replaced by 4x 'normal' guided Arrow IV, if there was a unit equipped with TAG in the area, or non-guided if none was available. The immense concentration of advanced technology had greatly delayed the development of the ASF, and the cost was 14.350 million of C-Bills. But simulations against other Fighters in interception or ground support missions showed that it was money well-spent , being the most capable Figher in service in the Concordat by a large margin.
The Hell Duck, although more capable than any other Fighter was a bit a Big Toy and because of his price and high technology he was only produced in small numbers – at least until the Clan Invasion – and only delivered to units loyal and with excellent technician support., more specifically, the Taurian Guards, the Revenants and the Wolf Dragoons.
At the opposite range of the Aerospace Fighter range, the Canopian model that VMI had obtained license to produce, the Dragonfly, was produced in great numbers and was an instant sales winner. For the cash strapped customers, like the MAF for a time, the MM1 was a decent Ligh Aerospace Fighter with an all energy weaponry and for the ones that could pay extra, the MM2 was an excellent choice. For those with more money, the VMI top model was the Dragonfly MM3, an in-house upgrade, unlike the MM1 and the MM2 that were Canopian designs. With an upgrade to a 160XL Engine, the addition of an extra Freezer and improved electronics, providing the already good MM2 with improved performance in combat and better heat management.
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Located 27.53 LY south of Taurus, the Bolthole system had no habitable planets. Due to this, it had been chosen as the secret base of the Taurian Navy and the place for R&D and production of the HPGs.
After producing its first 6 HPGs, 2 of which were of class A, the Concordat had changed the R&D focus to work on the production tools needed to produce in large scale HPGs. Finally, in early 3037, the program had reached the point where the production of HPGs of class A and B was fully industrial, with no components to be manually produced by highly skilled technicians. This both increased the number of parts available and dropped the number that did not meet the required quality.
Much of this development and research had been done in conjunction with NAIS in New Avalon, one of the few areas where both nations collaborated fully and in the utmost secrecy. At the moment the production of new HPGs was kept at low numbers, partly because of the high cost or the low number of components, but also because at the time being it was not planned to install a full operating network of HPGs independent of Comstar as it would attract unnecessary attention. But thanks to the stocks of components we were slowly building (to try to keep a low profile as much as possible), this possibility existed in the near future.
To provide the needed resources through extracting raw materials in the two in-systems asteroid belts, 6 Improved Snowden, a new model, mixing the traditional model equipped with K-Boom and modernized technology for better performance, were also present.
Due to the components brought in from Mundo Nublar and the continuous investments made by the Concordat (a large part of the black budget was applied to this system), Bolthole had a fully operational shipyard capable of processing ships up to 2 million tons. The three Concordat Navy warships were present, the TCS New Vandenberg, a Vincent class Corvette, the TCS Samantha Calderon a Congress class Frigate found on Epsilon Pegasus and the TCS Amanda Calderon a modified Soyal class Heavy Cruiser found on Mundo Nublar. Completely rebuilt and in perfect condition, they served as Bolthole and Taurus guards (Taurus being only one single jump away) and as training ground for various navy crews.
Although the construction of new WarShips was, for now, out of the capabilities of the Concordat because of the tremendous costs of building one and because building the powerful and complex intra-system engines that any Warship needed had proved extremely difficult, curiously much more than working on the K-F compact cores, the Concordat was slowly building all the necessary infrastructure for their future production.
To ensure the maximal secrecy, the safety level in the system was far more than paranoid even for standard Taurian levels (which shows how serious things were). Several Aerospace Fighters and Tigress gunships squadrons, mostly armed with Alamos, patrolled the system and 2 space marines regiments provided the security, together with an impressive TMI security apparatus.
Communication between Bolthole and Taurus was done via a pair of HPGs of the Concordat. Its location in the Taurus system had been extensively studied with all types of sensors and at several ranges, which made a location on the other side of the more distant Taurus moon a safe place to operate it. At this distance and location if the best sensors owned by the Concordat (Star League tech for this test) had only been able to barely detect the transmissions from the Comstar HPG, it was reasonably safe to presume that Comstar couldn’t detect anything. Probably.
Any JumpShips arriving at Bolthole had previously to be announced by one of these communications, with the list of people and cargo onboard coinciding, any deviations being treated as saboteurs or dangerous cargo. If a ship arrived without clearance, it was immediately dealt with by the TDF in a not “soft†way. So far, ‘only’ two ships had gone through such treatment.
In spite of all the precautions, there were some incidents delaying the overall production or research. So far, nothing had been proved but there was not a month without someone being reassigned or imprisoned (did I mention that only a few selected officials could leave the system?), a reminder not to let our guard down.
Although the production of WarShips was for a not yet foreseen future, since 3035, the Concordat had started on a small scale the production of BattleSats,small armed stations of 1,500 tons, equipped with a NL55 and a tiny crew. Several of these already protected both the shipyard and the other facilities in the system. In the future, they were also expected to be placed in the Taurus system and other systems considered strategic for the Concordat. The ground version, a small (relatively) fort with a fusion reactor, one or two NL55 and the necessary tracking systems and heat sinks was in final phase of testing. If I were in another universe, I would say “just imagine the Ion Canon on Hothâ€.
Unlike full Warships, that for now don’t exist plans nor budget to produce any, plans for producing a Pocket Warship, based on the Union DropShips were well advanced. Removing the ’Mech bays but maintaining the ones for the Aerospace Fighters and the weapon systems, two Killer Shark launchers and 16 capital missiles were added. This project would quickly gave an extra punch to the Concordat Navy at a much lower price and well inside the budget capabilities available right now. A further bonus was that the missiles could also carry nuclear warheads (Santa Ana variant), an obvious plus. For simplicity and lower price, the normal weapons systems and armor had not been upgraded, at least for the prototype phase.
After extensive analysis of the Lee DropShip found at the same time the Congress Frigate, it was considered too complex and expensive to produce, so it was send as a “gift†to the 1st Taurian Guards Regiment.
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For Kamea's 39th birthday (January 2nd, 3038), I offered her the first Warhammer WHM-7A produced in New Vandenberg. Typically of her, she comment that 'only you would think of offering a war machine to a woman on her birthday'. Not that it would stop her from spending endless hours practising until she mastered it, or later thanking me conveniently between sheets. My demanding wife, for you.
The investment of time and resources in Niops finally paid off, when the infiltration team returned with a series of datacores.
Locating the database of the technocrats who ruled the system had been difficult, as it was in the deepest levels of the citadel that was simultaneously the local government palace. Curiously, it was not protected or watched over, it was just difficult to discover and they had concluded their mission without being detected.
Contrary to what I expected, it contained no military information, much less anything about Nighthawks PA(L). It had, however, an immense amount of films, music, songs and documentaries, as well as an enormous amount of scientific texts and the formulas of almost all the vaccines developed until the time of the creation of Niops in 2700, as well as numerous plans of civilian equipment. Much of which was not included in the Helm or New Dallas datacores.
The media part - films, music and documentaries - was given to a company to be distributed in the Inner Sphere and other kingdoms of the Periphery, which were more than eager to pay for the whole and still make some profit out of it.
The rest was used to improve the conditions in the Aurigan Reach, and delivered at an advantageous price to the Taurian Concordat. For the first time, the Reach was in a position to provide knowledge which did wonders for Kamea's ego as well as to the nation coffers.
Although my plans to obtain the Nighthawks were a complete failure, the Jack's were going into initial limited production.
At 800kg, and able to withstand the fire of all light (infantry) weapons, machine guns, flamethrowers and small lasers, they were a great improvement over normal infantry armor. With much luck and if the angle was correct, they could perhaps survive a medium laser shot. Not in the same class has Clan Battle-armor, obviously.
Having two fully articulated and powered hands, they could only use weapons specifically designed for them. All attempts to use normal infantry weaponry had failed. The current version, the Jack JK-1A, had a pulse laser in the right arm based on the one used on the Mauser 960, but connected to the armor main batteries which allowed it to do much more standard shooting. Weapons created for its use included: HMG, flamethrower, sniper/anti-materiel heavy rifle, disposable one-shot SRM-2 (normal or Infernos), a semi-portable PPC and a hatchet, unlike the Kurita and their fascination with katanas, the weapon chosen for boarding combat had been a small (relatively) hatchet. With the strength of the pseudo-muscles of the armor behind it was a terrible weapon in small, confined spaces. To help in mobility the Jack could pack magnetic-clamps or a jet power pack capable of making jumps up to 30m. Both were extremely useful in space or against 'Mechs.
Currently, the small production was only for the use of the Taurian Guards and the Revenants, both because this prototype was still a secret and because of it being a prototype, we wanted to evaluate it and come up with a version 1B after limitations and problems were inevitably found and hopefully corrected.
One of the Concordat's problems was that they did not produce a specialized DropShips to transport troops or vehicles. Instead of starting the production of the Triumph class, for example, a new version of the Union was chosen to solve this peculiar problem. All ’Mech space was modified to transport from heavy or light vehicles to all kinds of infantry - mechanized, normal, jump, etc. The Union had the advantage of being a well known model in the Concordat, already in production in several systems, which would make its construction much more economical than the Triumph, although it was a much less capable DropShip for the new job. TTI and VMI that already produced other variants of the Union were also selected to produce this one. The big advantage was the use of existing facilities and spare part, since it was “just†a new variant line in the already existing ones.
Ana Maria Centrella had not done well with the change of government. For many years, one of Kyalla's trusted elements, she had lost her place in the Magestrix coup. Since she had never cultivated a relationship with Emma Centrella, she was looked on with the distrust that (almost) all the elements of the previous government suffered and she was cut from all the places of power. Recognizing that she did not have a future in Canopus, she soon traveled to Coromodir, trying her luck with Kamea. She was lucky because Kamea needed someone with experience in diplomacy and because of Ana Maria's origin and history, it was obvious that she was perfect for that. When her closest advisers objected to including Anne Marie in the Aurigan Reach diplomacy Kamea replied that if she had a husband who was a nobleman from another nation, she might as well have a foreign diplomat on her personal service.
Meanwhile the Revenants had grown. With their share of the Big MAC spoils and new production, the two first battalions received an extra full company of ’Mechs. The other battalions received upgrades in the form of extra units of infantry and / or mechanized and tank forces. Karl Stone, a retired XO of the 1st Taurian Guards, took command of the 1st Battalion while Karen Andris, The Hero of Panzir, took control of the second one. More and more ex-Taurian Guards personnel and also people from the Aurigan forces that wanted to try a mercenary life applied for a place in the the Revenants.
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16th July 3039, Balcony of Kamea's private apartment in the Arano’s palace, Cordia City, Coromodir VI, 6.30 am.
'So you think that this time Hanse Davion bit off more than he can chew?' Kamea asked calmly while we had breakfast.
'It seems Theodore Kurita apparently has more forces than everyone outside of the Combine thought, and Atreus and Sian started to move too.' was my response as I consulted the latest news and personal messages on my noteputer, enjoying looking to my wife, who in a semi-transparent summer kimono was particularly sexy.
‘Sian and Atreus? Well, if they're focusing on the Federated Commonwealth, that means we're safe, right?'
'Relatively. They both started small raids, and Hanse Davion sent his mercenaries to fight back. More precisely, the Highlanders against the CCAF and the Wolf’s Dragoons against the FWLM. Oh, this is new! A job offer for the Revenants.' I said with astonishment after reading the message twice.
"What does Thomas want now?" asked Kamea with an air of boredom.
"It's not Thomas', luv, it's from the Federated Suns and the mission is to run a series of raids against the Capellan Confederation.
"The Federated Suns?" It was kind of fun watching Kamea spit out the orange juice with the surprise. "There's no way I'm letting you go," said Kamea looking at me with a deadly serious look.
"Relax luv, my adventurous times are over, as are yours," he said trying to calm her down.
'Unless we get invaded...' said Kamea very low.
"Unless we're invaded," I calmly agreed.
"Show me this proposal" demanded Kamea with her hand out.
Without a word, I handed her the noteputer that continued with the proposal open on screen.
'Mmmmm, basically a deep raid with the details at your description and excellent payment and salvage conditions... Hanse Davion wants you to distract Romano Liao while he takes care of Theodore Kurita?' It was Kamea's conclusion after carefully reading the contract. "Are you thinking of accepting it?’
'Why not? The Revenants are a mercenary force after all, the conditions are good, excellent in fact, and the first and second battalions are well equipped and have good commanders, the proposal came via MRB, it's legitimate and the price is good,' was my answer after some thoughts. 'The third can stay in New Vandenberg and the fourth remains in Ward.’
'As long as it's clear that you're staying here with me...' Kamea said very low without looking at me.
To change her line of thinking, I asked 'by the way, how is Ana Maria's Blond Bimbo Brigade doing?'
Kamea almost choked. Looking at me with a patient look, she replied 'first, most are not blondes, second bimbos is not a correct term to define highly qualified agents and last brigade? They're a very small number to be a brigade. Other than that, the group of former MIM agents who decided to follow Ana Maria instead of working for Emma Centrella, are doing an excellent job, I'm glad you ask. Blonde Bimbo Brigade, frankly.' Kamea ended with a tolerant smile.
When Emma overthrew her mother and assumed power, she purged it of Kyalla's few loyalists. A small group of former MIM agents had decided to risk their future with Ana Maria and not Emma. Coming to work for us, Kamea had quickly created a fiction in which they worked on their own, selling technological secrets, civil blueprints that we provided them, from the New Dallas and Niops datacores, to finance their operations. Some of the money went to Kamea, and the rest actually financed their activities. They were actually quite capable and had quickly started to create a network that provided us with an interesting amount of information from all over the Inner Sphere. The last thing I knew about was that they had sold several plans to build water purifiers to Chandrasekhar Kurita in exchange for a large sum of money.
‘Good,' I replied, pleased to see her smile, 'by the way, production of the first 'Mech in Detroit, the Jenner JR7-D, is due to start in January next year. Around the same time in Coromodir V we will also start the production of Freezers, those that go to our forces will be updated, those for exportation, not'.
'At last the investments in Detroit are starting to pay off," said Kamea, looking pleased.
-
"This is a nightmare, it can't be true," thought Force Leader Mo Ling. A month ago Chancellor Romano Liao had ordered the Death Commandos and House Imarra to give a harsh lesson to those Aurigan Reach barbarians who had once again dared to invade the sacred kingdom of the Capellan Confederation.
Commandeering the use of various civilian JumpShips, they had arrived at the capital of Aurigan Reach much earlier than was possible for the mercenaries who were at this time still in the middle of the Confederation.
And then everything started to go wrong. An until now unknown orbital station that was in geostationary position over Cordia City, the capital and target of this raid, had destroyed the two Overlords that transported not only the main bulk of the forces but also the command structure of both units, before the escort Fighters could destroy it.
The Death Commandos had continued with their original plan and dropped over the enemy palace. That was hours ago and after initial warnings of heavy turrets and enemy ’Mechs, no more transmissions came from then.
Now, Mo Ling was leading what was left of House Imarra forces, in the middle of the inferno that was Cordia City.
It was evident that the opposing force did not play in the same league as the Death Commandos or the Imarra warriors, but they did not lack courage. Countless times SRM Carriers or even infantry had poured Infernos salvos on Liao force, while more distant LRM Carriers kept harassing them, and while they caused tremendous casualties to the defenders, as they advanced towards the palace which was the main objective, they also suffered serious losses. Mo Ling already thought at that time that no one would survive to return to Sian.
Jasmine’s Withworth had been lost to an enemy SRM Carrier, Patrick’s Phoenix Hawk had been destroyed by a Kintaro, that Ling executed too late, and countless others had fallen in this trice damned city. The infantry had not survived as not only the enemy had more infantry to oppose then, but they had also several IFVs and APCs and even some strange armored units, too big to be infantry, too small to be ’Mechs, that had managed to kill many of is compatriots with almost impunity. Li had hit one but for his amazement, the strange unit had survived his small laser fire and ran away before Li could change to more heavy weapons.
Now, finally arriving at an avenue that led to the front of the fortress, Ling faced the last two defenders, a huge ’Mech that looked like a Marauder on steroids and that his computer claimed to be a Nightstar and a Warhammer similar to his own, among several wrecked ’Mechs in the Death Commandos colors, and many more in the Royal Guard ones. A bit afar, the destroyed parts of several turrets could be seen on the walls of the palace. As soon as Mo Ling’s survivors resumed the advance and long before they were in range, the enemy ’Mechs fired. Like the ’Mechs of the mercenaries who were deep in the Confederacy, these two had long-range weapons and firing at the same time as Ling’s unit, the enemy Warhammer had destroyed one of his teammates, by placing two ER PPC shots in the Vindicator, one destroying the left torso and the other penetrating the center of Zhang Kang's ’Mech and finishing it off with this single salvo. Ling had a chill in the spine, it's true the Vindicator had suffered damage in battle, but the Warhammer shouldn't have been able to do such damage with a single salvo. The returning fire from the Vindicator had destroyed the SRM-6 launcher of the enemy Warhammer and Ling fired at almost the same time, hitting the center torso and right leg of the Nightstar, but the armor of the ‘Mech was not penetrated, which could cause problems later on (if there was a later) as it was obviously not left behind in terms of letality and although obviously struck several times, with several marks on its thick armor, the left arm ripped off and a pronounced limp, it had lost several of his weapons, the ‘MechWarrior who piloted him was a superior warrior, no doubt like the one driving the Warhammer, they have survived against the Death Commandos after all. If the Mask was right, Mo Ling would have laughed at that good joke if he had the time to do it, they were the regents of this savage Periphery nation, and the principal targets of this cursed operation. With a salvo of a Gauss Rifle and an ERPPC, the Nightstar destroyed the other survivor of Mo Ling's lance, a Raven, leaving only Mo Ling to face both opponents with his Warhammer 6L. Accelerating his ‘Mech to full speed, Ling managed to get within range of all of his weapons before his opponents could fire again, placing two ER PPC shots on the enemy Nightstar, time destroying its left leg and sending the big brute to the ground with a crashing sound that could be heard even inside is cockpit. At almost the same time his ’Mech shook violently, as the Nightstar returned shots, destroying the right side of his Warhammer. Shifting focus to the enemy Warhammer, in the colors of the Arano Royal Guard, Li moved just in time to evade the fire of his adversary, and fired all his surviving weapons, but the ER PPC missed. Another pilot could panic after being hit by flamers, but not this one. The enemy Warhammer rotated calmly to stay centered on Mo Ling’s ‘Mech and let go with all its weapons, totally unaffected by the heat.
And this is when Mo Ling found himself in the air, the self-ejection having saved him from the destruction of his ’Mech.
Soon after, the Liao DropShips took off, except one Triumph that had been damaged by artillery and , scuttled by its crew before they were captured. With no forces to oppose then in space, the DropShips re-united with the JumpShips and some time later departed the system.
For the records the Aurigans tried, they really tried, but without powerful enough thugs, and very short time, the best they could do was to redirect the free falling Overlords to almost uninhabited areas of the planet: one crashed in one of the oceans and the other in a rural area, causing a few unfortunate deaths.
The victory cost dearly to the Reach. When the shots ended, the Royal Guard had been gutted with only the ’Mechs of Jean-Luc and Kamea were still operational, and to say so of the Nightstar was feeling . And the infantry units were also almost completely destroyed as well as whole areas of Cordia City.
It was a very close call. Jean-Luc and Kamea only survived because many of the Royal Guards interposed their ‘Mechs between the rulers and the Death Commandos. The Jacks proved to by lethal against even elite infantry, but also demonstrated they were not yet ready to go against ’Mechs. Of the twelve Jean-Luc had in Cordia City, only three survived.
-
Three weeks later, a military convoy arrived at Coromodir. It was carrying the 5th Taurian Guard Regiment, an extra ASF squadron and was escorted by the TCS New Vandenberg, a Vincent class warship.
Comptroller Jacob Ponce at the reception with the ruling family not only handed over his orders, which were to help defend the system until Kamea's forces are reorganized, but also a personal missive from Thomas to Kamea and Jean-Luc, of which he knew nothing (according to him)
'Kamea, Jean-Luc, I'm very disappointed with both of you. What were you thinking, when you decided to accept Hanse Davion's contract? Did you ever think about the consequences of provoking someone like Romano Liao? Or did you just look at the money, unable to see anything else? I do hope it will be a lesson For you. Hanse, without losing a single soldier, destroyed two elite Capellan units, had the CCAF occupied for months, and you paid the bill, even worse, your people paid it. Frankly, I expected more from both of you. Start thinking about the implications of your actions if you want to survive in these dangerous times.’
After reading the message, Kamea took a deep breath and turned to Jean-Luc. 'Thomas is right, your decision to accept the contract was stupid and I did not act better by agreeing with you. You'll spend a few nights on the couch to learn and I want to see you and your companies very visible helping the reconstruction of Cordia City.’
I still thought about asking why only I would be punished, but a look on Kamea's face silenced me just in time. I was glad the couch was comfortable…
What was hard to swallow was that both Thomas and Kamea were right. I had not thought beyond the contract, I had never realized that Romano could react as she did, although I knew she was vindictive to say the least. And the consequences of my mistake had been paid for by the people of Cordia City.
By December, the full-scale conflict had ended, leaving only a few systems challenged. The result had been somewhat better for the Federated Commonwealth that I remembered as they had won 11 systems and only lost 2. The incursions of the CCAF and of the FWLM had not succeeded in capturing any system, being neutralized by the use of mercenaries by the AFFC.
With the return of the Revenants and their staying for now in Coromodir and a replacement BattleSat also arriving, that needed to be moved from its defensive location, because no ‘free’ one is available at the moment in the Concordat, the 5th Taurian Guard and the New Vandenberg returned to the Concordat, leaving only the ASF squadron to provide support. Several Industrial ’Mechs had arrived from New Vandenberg, greatly helping with the efforts in Cordia City and as requested they bore my marks/colours.
The Revenants had suffered very few losses, mostly because the worlds they hit with few exceptions only had Home Guard units and even those with more units had no more than a company of ’Mechs, none of them upgraded or modernized. After all, the objective was to distract CCAF forces, not to engage front-line units. In that, it was a success. They had good intel on the targets, courtesy of the combined efforts of the MIIO, DMI, TMI, and MIM, and so the planets had been hit hard and fast with them quickly moving to their next target and never staying more than the minimal necessary time on each system.
The wreckage of the different units that had fought on Coromodir had allowed a company of ‘Mechs to be rebuilt. Meanwhile 6 Dragonfly M2 had been 'offered' by Thomas as well as a company of ‘Mechs, leftovers that had been replaced by Royal level ones, to help rebuild the defenses. From the Reach factories in Mechdur and Detroit enough Mechs arrive to help rebuild the Royal Guards to they former strength.
Repairing Kamea’s ‘Mech had been easy as it was a model under production on New Vandenberg, which meant easy access to plenty of parts. Mine, on the other hand, was an unique one, with the parts needed to be custom made. Because of that only in February of 3040 was it fully operational again. I took the opportunity of that repair to upgrade the ER PPC to the enhanced version we had developed.
By the end of December 3039, the modernization of the production lines in New Vandenberg had been completed, including the Marauder II line. Not only did they produce Royal class ‘Mechs, but the quantity produced was equal to Star League best. The VMI facilities in New Vandenberg were probably the most modern of the Inner Sphere and Periphery - except that is for some on Earth.
Talks with the Magistracy led to the Dragonfly M2 to be also produced in Mechdur and Detroit, in exchange for a discount price for the MAF, basically selling them at production cost plus transport. This last move finally provided the Reach with an in-house source of ASFs. The production lines were to be operational by mid 3042 at earliest.
The fact that both Kamea and I took part in the defense of Cordia City and that I was later quite visible in the reconstruction of the city as well as elements of my companies made us quite popular, cementing our rule.
With about half of Royal Guard pilots dead and most of the rest gravely wounded, it was difficult to rebuild the unit. On the one hand, as soon as the “veterans†came back from the hospital, we gave them a ‘Mech (one of the only luxury of having more BattleMechs than ‘MechWarriors). On the other hand, the recruitment of new elements was time-consuming, with the amount of security checks and the necessary indoctrination that an unit of this type required. It was not before mid 3040 that the unit was at full strength again.
All the embassies present in Cordia City had all reported back the use of the BattleSat, and so, they all started crash programs to replicate the design, the militaries being quick to understand the value of such a cheap unit.
The Concordat was keeping ahead with a more capable version having been studied, the BattleSat II, which was bigger at 3.500 tons with better armor and with 6 Arrow IV AAM/SAM and 12 AMS. The ‘problem’ was its cost, the triple of the original model, and so, only a few are ordered.
A modernized version of the Tigress started production in 3038 in the Concordat. With advanced weapons, the big advantage was that because of its bigger platform, it could carry up to 6 Arrow IV AAM or 3 Alamos, turning it into a very nasty surprise for anyone trying to invade a system defended by some of them.
After losing two elite units in the Reach and not obtaining any results in the raids against the Federated Commonwealth, the Capellan Confederation took the only road available with an ambitious plan of upgrading and expanding the CCAF, at the cost of almost everything else.
-
In March 3041 I was called to Taurus for a meeting. It had to be for urgent reasons, as a Command Circuit was provided.
Among the presents with Thomas and Edward were also several ministers, including the head of the Exchequer and the ones responsible for the TMI and TDF. This meant serious business.
‘A week ago, the Federated Commonwealth announced the existence of a network of HPGs connecting not only New Avalon to Tarkad, but also to all the March and District capitals. At the same time they presented several WarShips more precisely one Davion Block II Destroyer and two Mako Corvettes'. Started Jennifer Lalande, a middle age brunette, Minister of Interior and head of the TMI.
Looking at the data provided, I gave my own conclusions without being requested to but since I was the local expert, I knew it didn’t matter ‘Probably, old ships recovered, not new production. In terms of firepower, we still have an advantage. Do we know the reasons for such announcement?’
‘Officially, no' replied Edward 'but it seems that ComStar found out about the existence of the network and its size and called all the main Precentors to Hilton Head for consultations just before it was made.’
'In response ,the Combine stated that the DCA had reactivated several Narukami class Destroyers, numbers unknown. So we have an imminent communications crisis and several states introducing WarShips' concluded Thomas.
‘I wouldn't put much trust in the news from the Combine, the information that I have is that it would be almost impossible to make the Narukamis operational’ was my response after digesting the news. 'On the other hand, I don't think ComStar reaction to the public announcement of a competing HPG network is going to be pleasant.’
‘Ummmm, I don't know, in the case of our Vincent, a lot of people also thought it wouldn't be possible to make it operational and there it is' countered Edward 'It remains to be seen how many more WarShips thought to be irrecoverable are out there and in which hands. I think it's only a matter of time before we see new constructions, don't you think Jean-Luc?'.
'Well, you and your father here have access to more information than I do, but from what I know of Bolthole, it's harder than it looks to build a new WarShip, and repairing one depends on the state of the ship and the available resources' was my answer. ‘By the way, if I may ask, how's our naval program doing?’
This time it was Richard Muller, the head of TDF, who replied 'The design of the new upgraded Concordat class is finished, but not all the needed production units are operational. The best estimates put the start of the construction of the first one around 3045, if more delays don’t appear. It has been a bottomless pit in our budget, but as we have seen, with other nations suddenly showing WarShips again, the project is more than justified and since we only retrofitted and improved an existing design it is still cheaper than building everything from the ground up.'
'Just out of curiosity, and to help our budget, do we plan to sell HPG technology to the Combine? I bet they would pay well for that,' asked Lorie Fournier, the Minister of the Exchequer, with a calculating look.
'No. Although we could undoubtedly extract a good sum of it, the risks are too great for both ComStar and the Federated Commonwealth being very upset' replied Thomas with some regret in his voice. ‘And we have another potential problem: the CCAF has been rebuilding much faster than expected. We need to move more forces to their border.’
‘Let me guess, they suddenly have several regiments of ‘Mechs, models that they never built before and all SLDF related, right?’ I asked in a calm voice.
‘How would you know that?’ asked a stunned Jennifer Lalande, ‘we only had this intel a few days ago.’
‘Just look at all the new ’Mechs ,the DCMS also showed during they recent war with the Federated Commonwealth. The information shared by the Fedcom intelligence shows that the ones they captured were produced during the Star League times and were not newly produced. Care to guess who also uses these ’Mechs and has also a force mostly composed of ex-SLDF hardware?’ I asked her back in a bored tone.
‘The ComGuards… of ComStar.’ she said after a stunned silence.’Are you saying that ComStar is providing both the Combine and the Capellans with several regiments of ‘Mechs? And for what reason?’
‘To maintain the equilibrium of forces, of course. Just out of curiosity, how big you think the ComGuards are?’ I replied.
‘Difficult to say, they deploy forces in small groups all over the Inner Sphere and Periphery, protecting their HPGs. Starting with the forces they deployed both in the Concordat and the Reach, and with the information shared by the MIM and MIIO, and extrapolating for the other nations, I can give you a number between 25 and 50 ‘Mech regiments supplemented by several hundred of infantry and mechanized ones.’
‘So, a force stronger than the TDF by a wide margin. And about their fleet? I know about they Explorer Corps and they also have several transport JumpShips and DropShips.’
‘Again no official number. They move the ComGuards using their ships, and because the unis are moved over short periods of time, I can only assume it‘s huge, but no hard numbers. They have also bought several regiment sized orders of vehicles from the Magistracy to supplement their forces, helping greatly the economy of that nation, and showing that they have a big military budget.’ concluded Jennifer.
‘So, they are rich, have a strong ‘civilian’ navy and an army bigger than all the Periphery nations combined. The only missing info on their strength is how many WarShips they could have. From what I could gather in the different databases I looked at, they have at least the shipyard on Sol, I think it was called Titan Yards and was perhaps of military grade at least during the Star League. We need to know that. It is hard to believe they wouldn’t have any.’ was Thomas conclusion.‘With the very tense situation between the Federated Commonwealth and Comstar, I think it would be useful for us to know the respective strengths of these potential opponents, just in case. We already have a roughly understanding of the might of the AFFC, we need to know how powerful the ComGuards are. On paper at least.’
After a few seconds, Thomas looked at Edward, and after that, ordered Jennifer to do just that. And returning to Muller ’What are our preparations in case of ComStar forcing a Global Interdiction or only on us?’
‘We have already constructed the local infrastructures for the planned HPG first priority network, we only need to assemble said HPGs. All of them are also marked to receive a ground based Naval Laser fort to help defend them, but for now any further progression is awaiting more funds and the order will only be sent if the situation further deteriorates.’ said Muller.
‘Funds approved, I don’t like the actual situation’, said Thomas, while Fournier wincing visibly. ‘Also make plans to take control of the Comstar installations and capture their personnel, if they take action against us, just in case. With the end of their monopoly in HPGs nobody knows how they are going to react, and the actual Primus is not known for taking extreme measures.’
Having ended with the Comstar contingencies, Thomas continued ‘How are the new ‘Mechs models doing? The light and medium ones you promised us to replace the not upgraded Toro and Taurus?’
‘Well, several companies have send us prototypes for evaluation, including yours Jean-Luc,’ answered Muller, ‘care to fill the details?’
‘The new Toro II is basically an improved Wolfhound, with Jump Jets. The Talos II is also an energy only ‘Mech with good protection. Both are ready for production, they just need the evaluation of the TDF and your go-ahead. With these models, all our light and medium lines are modernized and also important, the need for ammo is much reduced.’
‘And the new military DropShips?’ asked Richard Muller again.
‘Well, VMI has already started the production of both the Union CV and PW. The prototype of the Assault variant, that uses a reinforced frame, double armor and fuel and the SLDF Pentagon weapons suit is to do its maiden flight in two months. What TTI is producing or developing you need to ask them, not me.’
‘And how is the shipyard on the Reach developing?’ asked Edward.
‘We just started building the Germanium processing unit. If everything keeps on track, we can start building Invaders by 3046.’ was my conclusion.
‘Thank God the economy is progressing well’ said Lorie Fournier, ‘or we wouldn’t be able pay so many and so expensive military toys’.
‘Growing by leaps and bounds’ was my tought, but I refrained to say something aloud, the distaste of the Minister of the Exchequer for any defense expenditures was long known.
Looking to his datapad Muller said ‘To reduce costs and simplify the program of a new WarShip, the TDF had taken advantage of the design of the old Concordat class Frigate, retrofitting it by modernizing the secondary armament and heat sinks and exchanging 4 small crafts for Fighters. 20 of the 60 marines were supposed to use Jack battle-armor, increasing the boarding capabilities considerably.
The new Toro II is basically an improved Wolfhound, with 1 ER LL and 3 ML, Endo Steel and Ferrous Fibrous. These changes let VMI add enough Jump Jets for it to jump up to 180 meters, giving it an amazing agility. Unfortunately VMI wasn’t able to replicate the full head ejection system that TharHes Industries used, so the Toro II had to use a more traditional one. The Talos II is also an energy only ‘Mech, with 2 ER LL and 4 ML without forgetting good protection. I’m comfortable with that.’
-
We never knew what happened. Much of what we know was obtained from extracts from various HPGs and interrogations from various Comstar adepts.
On March 27th, 3041, a series of contradictory orders was issued from the HPG on Earth and after that all went silent for quite some time.
From the First Circuit orders were issued for a general Interdiction to be carried out by all HPGs without exception, and without explanation.
In the Concordat, emergency plans were activated and the TDF advanced to take control of the HPGs who refused to resume activity. As had been expected, several were damaged, although two weeks after the crisis started, all operational HPGs in Concordat were in “our†hands.
While said HPGs were armored and protected by elements of the ComGuards and ROM agents, the superior number the TDF could deploy had prevailed. For example, in the Concordat, only the Taurus HPG had more than one lance of ‘Mechs protecting it, most of the others barely had a lance or only infantry. Against these defenses, the TDF brought their Royal level ’Mechs together with Jacks battle-armors and several support units.
HPGs were well defended locations, but no fortress, nor designed to survive fire from ‘Mech units. In some, like the Taurus one, the defenders survived long enough for the Adepts inside to utterly damage beyond any hope of repair the HPG itself. In New Vandenberg, on the contrary and much to the amazement of the TDF when they arrived, the ComGuards had taken control of the compound and maintained it operational, but informed the Taurians that any tentative of taking its control would result in the defending forces destroying the unit. For a time, the TDF restrained to invade, while both sides waited for clarification orders.
By mid April, of the Comstar HPGs in the Concordat, one, the HPG of Pinard, was captured intact. 60% were captured but had been damaged beyond the possibility of repair with the spares available, 20% were operational and in ComGuards hands 15% were in ComGuards hands but not operational at the moment and the rest was completely destroyed. Taurian technicians swarmed the HPG on Pinard to analyze in microscopic details how it worked and the differences with the ones of the Concordat. A couple of things were made evident really fast: first, each station had very few spares and almost none in several key areas, being all dependent from deliveries from Earth, second even if the core of the HPGs was similar, the control boards were very different from those built following the blueprints of the Star League and third, not all the installations shared the same internal design.
In Coromodir, we were more or less taken by surprise by the shutdown of the HPG. Sure, I had the reunion with Thomas with talks and plans about that, but I really never believed that Comstar would be so bold as to implement a full wide Interdiction. Contingency plans, like in the Concordat had been made, and soon Aurigan forces moved against the HPG. At 4AM, while a company of ’Mechs was moving slowly to get all the attention of the defenders, every single Jacks available, 6 in total, after taking painful care to arrive near the walls without being detected, stormed the compound jumping over the walls and immediately engaging the defenders, while the single lance of ComStar ‘Mechs, all light and regular models, were caught between the fighting inside and the ‘Mechs outside that at same time accelerated to launched their attack. From another side, a company of Jump Infantry from the Revenants also jumped the walls and proceeded at maximum speed towards the inside, ignoring the defenders if possible, trying to capture the control room before any sabotage orders were sent. Unfortunately, the control room that they stormed was a decoy one, the real being deeper inside and the Adept in the post did its job and the core unit was completely useless by the time the Aurigan and the Revenants forces had taken the compound. The only option now was to send a JumpShip to Taurus to inform them of the failure and wait for a HPG unit from the Taurian factories when one would become available.
In all the Aurigan Reach, only the HPGs of Mechdur and Detroit were working at the end of April, both in the hands of the ComGuards.
JumpShips arriving from other nations told us that in the Magistracy, Federated Commonwealth and even in the Capellan Confederation, the Interdiction order had been issued as as well.
The situation was creating an immense mess as all areas, from diplomacy to business, to intelligence, was being affected by it.
In the Reach, of the 26 systems, only 14 have HPGs, right now only two of these are operational. In the Concordat 21 systems didn’t have one and in the Federated Commonwealth, several systems in the Davion Outback and others in the ex-Rim Ward Republic were also without HPGs. The situation was more or less the same in all nations as the HPG network while very wide never, not even in the Star League time was deployed in all systems.
-
Interrogation of the captured Adepts and consultation of the Logs, demonstrated that the orders for the Interdiction issued on the 27th of March had the seal of the First Circuit. These orders indicated that subsequent instructions for ROM agents would follow and that the ComGuards should help ROM as much as possible. About 40 minutes later, a message sent by the Precentor Martial instead gave orders for the ComGuards to take control of the facilities, place all ROM agents in custody and resume communications. So, the supreme commander of the ComGuards was in the opposing side of the First Circuit, good to known that ComStar was suffering a kind of Civil War. No instructions for ROM could be found – there were two options, or they were not sent, which was considered doubtful, or they were destroyed immediately and the records erased.
As far as the TDF / TMI was able to find out, no communications from Earth HPG reached the Concordat after the one of the Precentor Martial.
In the Taurus HPG compound, after the technicians made sure it that the ‘core’ HPG was operational, a replacement of the ComStar control boards and software with Concordat equivalent was tested. To the surprise of some and to everyone liking, the HPG accepted the new hardware and software and was able to send a message to Bolthole and receive one, confirming the suspicions that the HPG 'core' was the same, or at least compatible, and that ComStar had 'just' exchanged the software and control boards. This was great news, because in most captured HPGs the core system was intact, leaving 'only' to produce the respective control boards. It would take months if not years for every HPG in the Concordat and the Reach to be operational but it would still be a lot faster (and cheaper) than to build complete HPGs from scratch.
However, the lack of communications was causing delays and increased costs because of the need to use an unusual number of JumpShips to transmit messages, like the Pony Express. Fortunately, since it wasn't the first time Comstar used an Interdiction, most if not all nations activated the contingency plans that existed in case they would be targeted by it, most plans resolving around a kinf of Pony Express service.
What no one had planned or anticipated was a total Interdiction. In contrast, the interrogations showed that Comstar didn’t have, or only had very basic plans to counter one or more nations taking over the HPGs. Perhaps because, until recently, they were the only ones capable of producing and understanding then enough to operate them. But, in the Concordat – and the Reach by association – and in the Federated Commonwealth, this was no longer true.
With the 'war' against Comstar 'declared' and the fact that the production of native HPGs had become a top priority, the controller board designs needed to convert the ex-Comstar HPGs to our standard HPGs and put them in operation under new management as soon as possible, effectively ending the Interdiction, were transmitted to all companies in the Concordat with the technical capability to produce them. O-P Computer Electronics and Pinard-Dicolais Electronics with the help of other companies and generous emergency government funds were planning to start limited production of the first series in early 3042.
During April, 3041, a series of high tech companies were attacked or sabotaged by unknown forces, that everybody suspected were ROM teams, and at the same time some important or well placed people were killed around the Concordat. Well, not all the Concordat, more specifically, in worlds that had Comstar HPGs…
One of these attacks was against the V4RU department of VMI, targeting the advanced ex-Argo machinery. While in the end, thanks to the surprise and advanced technology, specially in the stealth department, they succeeding in destroying or damaging much of the present equipment, the attackers were all eliminated, thanks to the numerous defenses, that included security ’Mechs, Jacks, military grade defensive turrets and the company security team, even if our forces suffered more casualties than had been expected.
And the mystery of the attackers deepened, when their equipment was inspected as it was an unknown type of PA(L) armor, with more than decent protection and exceptional stealth capabilities. When the results of said inspection was send to me in Coromodir, I identified it as a Tornado PA(L), used by ROM elite strike / infiltration / assassination teams. I immediately sent orders, with the dammit delay that we had in this troubled time, to send these to the R&D teams for further and deeper analyzes and to try to replicate these advanced suits. I only had to hope that VMI research teams would be up to the task.
While they caused a lot of damage, by the end of July, these ‘terrorists’ groups inside the Concordat were all terminated or gone in hiding.
The ComStar compounds inside the Concordat and Reach that were in the hands of the ComGuards but not operational, were soon also captured by TDF forces. In a few, the ComGuards presented little resistance, but in most of them they fought to the bitter end, against forces much superior in numbers. One particular system got more attention. From the beginning me and Kamea found it strange the disproportionate number of personnel in the Aea ComStar compound.. While its HPG had been sabotaged like so many others, the computers and data files were captured intact. And we hit jackpot in that system. This was the HQ of the Rimward Operations Area of the Explorer Corps, with plenty of data on systems that nobody other than ComStar knew about. Unfortunately, the locations of the DRUM network Skyward HPG relays in the area were not in the files we got our hands on.
-
Aurigan Reach, Coromodir, Cordia City, Arano Palace, High Lady Accommodations
'From what I can conclude from the data obtained, the Magistracy, the Capellans, and the Leaguers are not taking control of the HPGs, regarding the Outworlds Alliance and Rasalhague, we don’t have any information. On the other side, we, the Concordat and the Federated Commonwealth are at war with ComStar and regarding Kurita, the information is contradictory to say the least' was my summary regarding the current crisis.
'It's a good thing that in the last decade the Concordat has been producing Invaders, or the situation would be much worse,' Kamea said, not contesting my conclusions 'even if it has been at a huge cost to the Reach’.
'I detected something strange in the communications with Davion - anything commercial or sent and received by us, takes the right time if you know what JumpShips they're using for mail, but the FedRat ambassador gets his orders from New Avalon and Tharkad clearly faster than they should be, compared to the other messages' Kamea said, looking at me, 'do you know something?’
‘Well Kammy , for starters, that ambassador is sloppy, to reveal that piece of information so easily, but there are rumors that they have an alternative messaging system since the end of the latest Succession War, slower than HPGs and with very limited traffic. That could be it', was my answer. ‘After all, the researchers that both we and the Concordat have studying at NAIS have noted that several Davion and Steiner top researchers in the field of communications rarely appear at NAIS, the intelligence services here and in Taurus think that they are probably involved in another program.’
'A program that officially does not exist, but is active and allows limited communications and alternatives to the HPG network?' asked Kamea, to clarify, and after I agreed, 'of which so far there are only rumors, but the speed of diplomatic messages seems to confirm its existence. As far as I know the Reach has nothing to negotiate for an entry into that program, and the Concordat?’ asked Kamea.’So, Professor, ’she has the guts to wink at me,’ in your extensive databases that you like so much to look, is there anything at all that could give us some help negotiating with the FedRats?’
‘Not that I know of either, but maybe there's something the Federated Commonwealth is interested in.’ Kamea without speaking, raised an eyebrow, inviting me to continue 'on the list of secret SLDF bases, which the Argus database contained, there was one that I never investigated because of its location, but as far as I could tell, it was never discovered after Kerensky left. The reason I never visited it was that, unlike the others that were all in the Periphery, this one wad deep inside the Lyran Commonwealth, relatively close to Tharkad, and very far away from our borders'.
‘And do you think that such base will have something of interest to our 'friends'?" asked Kamea with an interested look.
'I have no way of knowing, of course, the database only has the location and type of base. But what I did find was that this base or another in that area, one that I never found anything about, has been used to repair WarShips by Kerensky during the Amaris Crisis, and it never appeared in any report or any history book or study on SLDF after that, at least none that I could get my hands on. Everything indicates that whatever was there must still be there.’
After thinking for a while Kamea turned to me again and decided 'Pass that information to Thomas, let him decide. The last time we took initiatives of this size the results were not pleasant to say the least, and he was furious with us'.
But all of this suddenly moved to second place when a Comstar JumpShip arrived at Taurus system with a diplomatic team.
-
12 Mars 3042, Taurus, Taurian Concordat
The meeting with Comstar representatives was a surprise from the start.
First, they didn’t have the usual robes, but rather expensive business suits. Secondly, they informed us that they were representing the Terran Government, not the extinct (!) ComStar. Apparently Earth was now governed by a Joan Stark, someone that nobody in the Taurian side had ever heard about.
However, their technological advance was still there; the Terran delegation had a permanent HPG contact with Earth, an impressive feat since many of the HPGs in the line of communication were damaged or in the Taurian or FedCom hands, which made this network an unlikely mix of Magellan JumpShips and comsats from the DRUM network, with a few operable HPGs (mostly inside the Capellan Confederation) but one that was still efficient. From what we understood, similar contacts were being established at the same time with the leaders of all the Great Houses. The Concordat was the only Periphery Realm contacted because of their mastery of their “own†HPG network.
Apparently the dispute between the religious / ROM fanatics and the secular / ComGuards had been won by the ComGuard - with a little help from the Comstar Navy, a fact only known later. With the WarShips and a large portion of the military DropShips lined up on one side, the religious fanatics and ROM had stood little chance as soon as ComGuard was able to concentrate its forces.
During the conflict ,both leaders were killed and the emerging faction in control, instead of continuing business as usual, decided in collaboration with other big corporations, and the different factions that formed the Earth government under Comstar, to take a new direction. Under the leadership of Joan Stark, they assumed the control of the Sol system and after a small interregnum to put the house in order, started to contact the other nations.
Initially, they pushed for a return to the old status quo, ie that the Concordat would return control of the stations it had captured so that the HPG service could resume under their control. Obviously, the Concordat representatives responded in more courteous and diplomatic language, hell no.
Honestly, that is what the Terran representatives expected, so they changed the negotiations, to their true objective, ie to try to negotiate inter-state communication protocols and fees, extract as many of the ex-Comstar people (and hardware) that might want to come to Earth and obtain rights for they massive civilian JumpShip fleet to operate inside the Concordat while trying to obtain a trade agreement for several civilian products that Earth apparently was going to start producing.
With my arrival at Taurus, almost at the beginning of negotiations with Earth, the information that Davion had an alternative FTL communications system had an interesting effect.
Claiming he had to confer with Kamea, which gave him the opportunity to delay negotiations whenever he wanted, since there was no working HPG link between Taurus and Coromodir, Thomas discreetly called the ambassador of the Federated Commonwealth, and after informing him that Concordat already knew about his alternative communications system, proposed a joint negotiation of both nations, which would obviously bring advantages to both. And by the way, he gave them all the information that the Commonwealth had about the new Director-General (yes, she had returned to the Cameron era title), Joan Stark, which was close to none.
Ten days later, the ambassador returned with an answer , that was not as good as Thomas expected. It was divided in four relevant parts - a) He informed Thomas that the FC didn’t have any data on the new Earth leader, b) that the FC JumpShips had detected no less than 12 WarShips in orbit around Earth, at least 2 of them being Battle Cruisers or larger, c) he recognized that the Federated Commonwealth was indeed in negotiations with Earth, not including any details and finally d) that obviously if such a strategic technology existed, details for a potential alternative FTL comm system would not be shared with anyone.
When pressed to give a date on their estimation for resuming normal communication activities, and after speaking with Earth, the representatives of the new Terran Government recognized that unfortunately during the fight, the industrial complex that produce HPGs (and parts) had been severely damaged, and that on top of that the few (their words) “fanatics†that had escaped taking with them a considerable part of the existing stock of spares. This meant that the repair of the HPG network was going to take time and would probably not be concluded before the end of 3045 or even later. Since the estimates of the Concordat were that by that time, it would have already repaired its network, no further collaboration was offered from both sides on that particular area.
In a gesture of good will, the Earth representatives informed us that the ex First Circuit had gifted about five hundred ’Mechs of SLDF origin to the CCAF, thankfully none of them (unless handling errors) Royal. So far, Romano Liao had used these forces to bolster his defenses which needed this help and hadn’t not (yet) entered in new adventures. During this time, a deep analysis of the control boards, and software, of captured Comstar's HPGs revealed that they had hidden codes that allowed messages to be sent without registration or even knowledge of the station operators. Another interesting piece of data was that also it was possible to send messages to some addresses, that didn’t exist in the official database of HPGs, and messages send to these ‘hidden’ address were automatically treated without registration also. Comstar secret bases ? So secret that only a small core would know of their existence? So far the mechanism that let the HPGs ‘know’ where to send these messages had not been found.
Because the FedRats had not proposed to share info / use of they alternative FTL comm system, no information on the possible SLDF base near Tharkad, nor the findings of the secret codes in the HPG network was shared and it was decided that a later mission lead by TMI to the location was to be planned.
Over the next years, the ex-Comstar, renamed Earth Communications, ECOM for short, for now operated in all the nations outside of the Taurian+Reach and the Federated Commonwealth. It was observed that the people that had believed in the religious side of the organization had disappeared in great numbers, destination unknown. Several of the ComGuards – now also renamed Earth Defense Force, deserted the organization, but in their case, they mostly turned mercenary, or applied to the armed forces of their former nations.
Earth started to offer high tech products on the market taking advantage of their big and modern industrial capability and commercial fleet, taking a not small share of the most profitable area of the Concordat exports and of mine.
Because of the need for many JumpShips to operate as replacement for HPGs during the crisis, and because a complete change in the production planing of several industries was need to prioritize the replacement / production of parts for the new Taurian HPGs, several new and expansion industrial complexes were delayed in the Concordat + Reach. Including on that list were the shipyard on Mechdur that was delayed by two years at minimum, the new lines of DropShips in Illiushin, the new high tech factories in Coromodir V and several military and civilian production lines all around both nations.
If the objective of Earth was to maintain the control of the HPG network outside of the Taurian Concordat and Federated Commonwealth for a long time, they failed miserably.
By mid 3043 it was known that the fanatics had moved to the Free Worlds League and had been welcomed by Thomas with open arms. The reasons became know very soon, when in early 3045, the League took control of its HPG network and also used several WarShips – all ex-SLDF Navy designs.
By late 3044, the covert mission led by TMI to Odessa had discovered that indeed a repair / mothballed base indeed had existed in the system, but had been emptied recently…
By mid 3046 the Draconis Combine went dark for two full months. When communications were resumed, the HPG network was fully in the Combine hands.
By the end of 3046, this let only the Capellan Confederation, that was too poor and under the reign of Romano Liao, not stable or lucky enough to embark in such long term and expensive research program or to get it from spies and the other Periphery Realms using the Earth HPG network.
It was later discovered that Romano had decided to invest more in rebuilding the nation shipyards, and constructing a new one , capable of producing WarShips in the Sian system, instead on put money and resources in developing they independent HPG network.
So far, all nations had agreed to use ECOM protocols and to talk with each other, but how long this was going to last was anybody guess.
By late 3045, the construction of the Concordat class Frigate had started in Bolthole.
-
Between 3042 and 3046 much changed in the Aurigan Reach.
The reconstruction following the damages caused by the civil war and the later Capellan attack was finally completed. Many new industries started their activity, even though the vast majority of them was not even close to state of the art technology, but they provided the necessary services and products for the local economy.
While the big (relatively) industrial centers were Mechdur and Detroit, I had done my best to put as much state of the art technology, both civil and military, on the industries on Coromodir V, which were directly managed by my family, after the civil war and the end of the House Espinosa. For that, after a lot of meetings and a mix of pressure and fiscal incentives, VMI had created a filial in Coromodir V, but not for old products but for top-of-the-line ones.
Thus, the small (compared to New Vandenberg) local production of Freezers and Endo-Steel was made there, as well as the most advanced state-of-the-art electrical components.
A part of the Griffins produced in Mechdur were then modified, with their 12 Heat Sinks being replaced by 10 Double ones and 2 Medium Lasers. It was not much but at the moment we still did not have a local production for the ER PPC, which was initially planned for 3049, due to delays caused by the HPG crisis. Until that date, they had to be imported from the Concordat, for a few upgraded ’Mechs, mostly for the Royal Guards.
In Detroit, we had started the production of the Vali, which was a cheap option to increase the artillery component for various forces and therefore a good option for export, even if the buyer could not buy the Arrow IV guided version, since for now Detroit could only produce the simplest version, leaving the most advanced one to other firms like VMI.
At the other end of the scale, VMI in New Vandenberg began production of the Pantsir, the 50-tons version of the Vali, with fusion engine, network capabilities (like an early version of the C3 tech) and using the SAM version of Arrow IV. Although it was not cheap, it added for those able to pay a much needed defensive capacity against ASFs.
The news that other nations had WarShips and that at least two of them, Earth and the Federated Commonwealth, had built or were beginning to build new WarShips, led the Concordat to review its plans.
Thus, the shipyard in Taurus, instead of increasing the production of Invaders, began a much more ambitious expansion, which in 3052 would allow the Concordat to produce WarShips. In New Vandenberg, after years of studies, the second phase of expansion of the shipyard began. Instead of producing Invaders, the new program (that should be ready by 3055) would be able to produce a modernized version of the Leviathan JumpShip. With the experience gained in the maintenance of the Leviathans belonging to my companies and with the gathered data on the latest versions of the old JumpShips, which had already solved many of the problems of the old lady, a modernized and updated version, would be built in this shipyard. The first batch would be for the service of the Taurian Armed Forces, adding a much needed transport capacity. The only increase in the production of Invaders would therefore be from the shipyard in Mechdur.
These years were also good for the Revenants which expanded during this period while going through an important reorganization. All the elements that were not Taurian or Aurigan had their contracts not renewed, making the force 100% native. Kaneda Arisa, had meanwhile married one of her colleagues and obtained the Aurigan nationality. She was the commander of one of the ’Mechs companies, and continued to be by a wide margin, the best ’MechWarriors of the Revenants. At the moment she was using one of the few Toro II that the RCT had. Yes, a Regimental Combat Team. The unit had grown in number and even though it was from the beginning a combined arms unit, not only the fact that the Taurians were great supporters also of combined forces, but I particularly was a great supporter of that concept, led me to prefer the RCT format used by the Federated Commonwealth instead of following the traditional Taurian model, even if at the moment two of the ’Mech battalions were under-strength, as well as the ASF component. That also gave us the added benefit to help training the TDF against RCTs, in the hypothetical case of a war against the Federated Commonwealth. In the transportation area, unfortunately, they only had the capacity to move about one third of the forces unless they resorted to external JumpShips and DropShips. They had also changed in another area - they had discreetly dropped their mercenary classification to 1st Aurigan Guards RCT, nicknamed the Revenants. With the future JumpShips production in Mechdur and the expansion in DropShips production all around the Concordat, I was sure that in a few years the transport limitation would be over.
-
Factory by factory, world by world, the Concordat had been upgrading and expanding their industrial capability in the last decades.
That was helped by the continuous production of Snowden and Snowden-L mine stations, which provided said factories with raw materials and were by mid 40s present in almost all the systems in the Concordat and Reach that had a rich asteroid belt. Some ere even start to appear in Oort Clouds in the Taurus and New Vandenberg systems.
That also led to the expansion of the internal market and the overall growth of the Taurian economy.
While many of the other nations had followed a similar path, the Concordat was still ahead thanks to its early start and having access to almost every blueprints of every factory and products (civil and military) of the Star League, Very few outside the Concordat knew its real economic power, they knew that the Concordat can produce advanced tech since it was selling them on the open market but not the volumes it can produce.
One area in special started to benefit from that – big, advanced DropShips.
While before the Concordat Navy only used standard Union models to reduce costs and improve the availability of spare parts, now after a nasty “war†for securing the defense budget, the Lee was selected as the new standard DropShips for the TDF / Navy. It was an incredibly expensive DropShip (hence the “warâ€), and very high-tech, but the benefits were also great, mostly because of the different variants available
When compared to the Overlord, the mainstay of almost all other States, the ‘Mech Transport variant could carry 4 extra ’Mechs, about 900 tons more of cargo, had better armor and weapons, all this with a better acceleration.
The ordered variants were ‘Mech Transport, Aerospace Carrier, Vehicle Transport, Cargo Transport and Pocket Warship. Except for the latest one, all others were late SLDF models, and the blueprints are already available.
The Pocket Warship configuration replaced the cargo space that normally carried 40 ’Mechs and 6 ASFs with 6 AR10 tubes in the nose and 78 Killer Whale and 12 Barracuda in the standard load-out but could be any mix of Barracuda (30t), White Shark (40t) and/or Killer Whale (50t) up to 4.260 tons.
The Navy was a deciding factor in selecting the Lee over less expensive solutions in the budget wars as what a Concordat Frigate could do with a pair of PW and another of CV (or any combination of the two types) was a wet dream for all the admirals and all that at for less money and faster production time than any traditional bigger WarShips, something they were eager to explain over and over.
With these expensive DropShips starting production for the TDF / Navy, the production of Unions and Overlords switched to being sold only to foreign powers or to mercenary. With the increasing tension all over the Inner Sphere and the Periphery, the demand was there.
In the civilian market, the long time pet project of Dr. Murad also entered in production in late 3046. The Starlifter, heavily inspired by the massive Mammoth DropShips, had all its components produced by VMI in Illiushin, where the assembly was also done. Like the Lee for the military and the Union before, it was to be produced in several variants, Standard cargo, Heavy cargo, Liquid transport;, Liquid gas transport, Passenger transport and Troop transport (which a more streamlined sub-variant of the Passenger transport one). While each taken individually was expensive , the fact was that with them entering in service the number of needed collars was reduced dramatically.
That the Concordat could start both projects in the mid to late 40s, was a demonstration of both the advanced technology it had mastered as well as power and capability of its industry.
In January 3045 a representative of the Wolf’s Dragoons visited VMI Headquarters in New Vandenberg. His purpose was simple, Jaime Wolf wanted to start the production of the Shogun Assault ‘Mech and proposed this business to VMI. If on the one hand the company was very interested in producing the model, on the other hand the intransigence of the Wolf’s Dragoons that it would be produced exclusively for them killed the deal. Even at best, with 5 regiments and two independent battalions, the number of ’Mechs produced would not be enough to offset the expense. Too bad as I was interested in deepening relations with the Wolf’s Dragoons, but not at the expense of a bad business that would also affect my CEO position.
Between 3045 and 3047, I was involved in two other VMI matters.
The first was related to the prototype of the second assault ’Mech model to be produced by the company and the first totally original of the company. Continuing the 'zombie' ’Mech line that was the signature of the latest VMI original product series, the Hellfire was going to be a scary machine for anyone facing it and a wonder of technology.
HEL-TC2 Hellfire
Technical specifications
Weight: 85 tons
Cost: 8,454,685 C-bills
Movement: 3/5
Engine: 255
Heat Sinks: 20 DHS / Freezers
Armor: 16 tons
Weapons: 2 ER PPC (LT and RT), 2 LPL (LA and RA), 1 TAG (Head), 1 Guardian ECM (CT) and 2 SL (RL and LL).
As usual,it was only proposed to the TDF, which accepted it with open arms after thoroughly testing the prototype.
The following subject had to do with the Tornado PA(L) wreckage captured in the VMI attack in 3041. The Stealth / Adaptative Camo System was very advanced and out of VMI production capabilities. , even though research continued. The models were clearly tailored to the users personally, something that was also considered inefficient if reasonable production and non-astronomical cost were to be desired. In the end, after 5 years of research and testing, a similar model (without advanced camouflage), and slightly less capable in other areas but that could be mass-produced entered testing. Of course, both the TDF and the TMI were very interested in this project.
How did the TC achieve these capabilities ?
For starters, they were the only nation to get the Helm AND New Dallas data cores.
The others got access to the Helm one but would need about 10 years to decrypt it while the TC got it fully decrypt from the start.
The New Dallas Core not only had a lot of Royal / late SLDF blueprints / designs but more importantly (in this universe) was a repository of industrial espionage, with an immense collection of data, blueprints on all kinds of industrial goodies - from factories to tools to final products - military and civilian, from the time of the Terran Hegemony to the late SL days - just before the Amaris Crisis.
Another factor was that like the Terran Hegemony, it invested a lot in space extraction industries - Snowden and alike.
In this universe, Thomas was not that maniac against the Federated Suns and because Edward survived, the relations with FS / FC were much better.
The result was that in the second half of the 40s that they were very advanced and that these advanced industries could produce a lot of shinny things.
It took them about 20 years, but they did it years before other nations.
-
January 4th, 3048
Coromodir System
Overlord DropShip Chieftain
On route to Coromodir VI, capital of the Arano Province of Taurian Concordat (three months after the unification)
'Jaime, explain me again why we have to satisfy this little prince's desire and come to a meeting with him in person, for something that could be handled by an administrative official?' asked Natasha Kerensky with a bored look.
'Natasha' Jaime responded with a patient air of long years of experience dealing with the infamous redhead 'first, the proposed business includes several items that are of interest to us, including the production of Assaults that Jamison so badly wants, and which Blackwell cannot supply becausethey have dedicated a big part of they resources, first to upgrade the factories in Outreach to Clan specs, and later using said factories to produce Omnis, at a very slow rate. While we / Blackwell continue to produce ‘standard’ ’Mechs and equipment, our resources are finite, and the Omnis lines take a big chunk of these. Omnis that we cannot put into service as you well know.' After Natasha acquiesced Jaime continued 'The prince's companies, as you call them, not only do the maintenance to our JumpShips and DropShips but are already one of our largest suppliers of equipment, principally of advanced technology, outside of Blackwell. If he also wants to negotiate a contract for training his forces and asks for our presence, we might as well satisfy the request, don't you think so? So, please don’t accuse him of been a Wolverine, ok? Wolfnet has concluded that the hardware he got was obtained from the Baumann’s cache.’
‘That is why you were chosen to lead our small gang, I do not have the patience for political or palatial games.’ Natasha answered ‘Ok, ok, I promise to behave’.
Upon entering orbit, the Chieftain passed near TCS Zarantha Calderon.
'The Taurians showing their newest toys?' commented Natasha.
‘Considering that this is the first WarShip built in hundreds of years, it is natural that they want to show it, in the capital of their new province’ answered Jaime.
The Chieftain was directed to a military spaceport, landing next to a similar looking, but much bigger DropShip.
‘Why do I get the impression that someone is trying to give us a not very subtle message?' asked Natasha with an ironic look.
‘Or someone important, like one of the Calderons came to pay a visit, which would explain both the WarShips and that one' replied Jaime calmly, looking with an envious look at the huge Lee class DropShip next to his Overlord DropShip. 'I wouldn't mind having some of these in our TO&E.’
A luxurious and discreetly armored limousine was waiting for the pair and took them immediately to the palace.
The protection of the palace was impressive, with several heavy defensive towers, several ’Mechs patrolling the area and battle-armor and PA(L)s at the entrances.
‘Now this is definitely showing off the new toys - that I know nobody outside the Concordat and Comstar uses battle-armor or PA(L)s' exclaimed Natasha.
'Comstar and by association the new Earth government have PA(L)s too, but you are right, ' replied Jaime looking at the defenses, 'and if I am not mistaken some of these ‘Mechs are Royals. There is definitely something going on,' he said.
Without making them wait, they were immediately brought to a large and comfortable office, very well-equipped, but without ostentation with two PA(L) outside of the door, . At the desk was a tall man, in his fifties, without a white or gray hair over in his blond mane, ans with a military air that the civilian suit he wore, with a comfortable yet good cut, couldn’t disguise, who stood up to welcome them.
'Colonel, Colonel, welcome to Cordia City, the capital of our province. I apologize for the excessive security you saw, but because Edward Calderon is currently in conference with my wife, the security had to be increased. Please sit down, and we have a lot to take care of'.
'It has been a while since we met, your Highness.’ said Natasha ’17 years, if I am not mistaken. That time it was in 'my office', so to speak'.
‘Mantharaka, 3031, good memory Colonel, or should I say Star Colonel Natasha Kerensky of Clan Wolf ? We have a lot to talk about the weather in Strana MetchiMechty and what the Crusader Clans are planning to do, and your position on that, don't you think?’
-
Boy, I had been dreaming for so long to say this to their faces...
The silence then the silent denial, followed by the understanding was going on like I had foreseen it. And I had everything recorded from various angles and in high resolution... unfortunately not in 3D/holographic as the equipment for that was too big to hide well.
A few minutes latter
‘How?' asked Jaime, keeping a calm air, but his eyes and tone of voice indicated that the time for joking was over.
‘It is a damn Wolverine, it has to be with the ’Mech and equipment that he showed more than a decade ago,' Natasha almost screamed with a very dangerous look, forgotten the Wolfnet information that debunked that theory, and almost jumping out of the chair.
‘First, thanks to confirm that information’ I said in a calm voice with a small, tense, smile. ‘How? It is quite simple, after all – after you stopped communicating home in early 3020s, the Smoke Jaguars sent a ship to investigate. Fortunately for us, said ship suffered a misjump and ended stranded deep in the Periphery, with almost all the electronics fried, and all people dead. About two years ago, one of my teams, searching for hidden SLDF bases, found it. Like I said, both the JumpShip and DropShip electronics were fried and all aboard were dead, but the personal data crystals are another story. And in the captain’s cabin we found several heavily encrypted crystals, with a variant of late SLDF codes. A few months ago, the decoded files arrived to my hands, and they told me a very interesting story about your little group. Your mission, your TO&E, including several WarShips that you never showed, a lot about the political and history of the Clans – interesting stuff, Trueborns and Freeborns, Bloodnames, Wardens and Crusaders, and a not-named Clan, that I believe is the Wolverines, by your reaction, - and their mission, finding you to discover why you stopped sending them intel. So, I will ask you one more time, why did you stop send information back, and what are your intentions these days?’
‘And what do you intend to do with that information?' asked Jaime after a long exchange of glances with Natasha without answering my question.
'Good question - in reality what is really of interest to me is what you intend to do, when as I predict, either the Crusaders – that I infer just want to invade - win the majority, and decide to mount a campaign to ‘free’ us, or the Terran Explorer Corps come face to face with one of the worlds of the Clans? From what I know, and from what I got from the Wolverines data, I have a good idea of the location of the Clans worlds and the TEC is getting close. From what I know, the Clans have equipment superior to the best that even the Royals had. So I ask you again, when the Crusaders invade, what do you plan to do, and in case it's helping us, when do you plan to start?’
This was followed by a prolonged silence with several exchanges of glances between the two.
Since they didn't decide to talk, I added 'as far as I know the last time you carried out a resupply mission and received more Clan personnel was almost 30 years ago, so, what happened? You decided to stay, or you received secret orders from your Clan to stop all contact?’
‘Eliminating you will not solve this issue, will it?’ asked Natasha, but her posture and stance made it clear that she didn't intend to do something stupid.
‘Apart from these PA(L)s just outside that door, there is also a WarShip in orbit. Let’s say that if you try something violent, you won't leave this system alive, so spare me the useless menaces, ok?’ after a moment, Natasha acquiesced, and I continued ‘If I understand what I read about the society that the Clans have created - you don't have a future there in case you want to come back, right?’
Again, a prolonged silence with the respective exchange of glances. Finally, Jaime looked at me.
'We have a lot to think about, before making a decision that affects the totality of the Dragoons, can we have a few hours?’
'A reasonable time, yes but not a single minute more.’ was my answer.
‘We will come back to you, before the end of the day’ say Jaime Wolf, and with that they both departed for their DropShip.
-
The integration of the Aurigan Reach in the Taurian Concordat was finally concluded on October 4, 3047, eleven and half years after the Agreement in March 3036.
The changes to the Aurigan side were fewer than one would have expected, mostly because the Aurigan legislation was loosely based on the Taurian one and because we were already partly economically integrated..
However, some problems needed to be addressed. For starters, the fact that there wasn’t a ‘Province’ in the whole Taurian Concordat or anything close to that. After that, that said Province was to be governed hereditary by the Arano-Bassot family also needed to be included into the Taurian law. And many other big or small details, all vital for the good and pacific integration of both realms. Thomas took advantages of the need for so many changes in the Taurian laws to add a few of his owns with some of them being discarded after later review by the Concordat Courts. One of the big problems caused by the integration was that the Arano-Bassot were at the top of the power families, just under the Calderons, something the other families didn’t like very much for obvious reasons. A lot of political soft power and a few behind the scenes negotiations were needed to get the legislation to pass, and even then with a closer margin than Thomas liked or would have thought (which probably meant more troubles ahead of us) Thankfully, for Thomas, the status of the rest of the Reach nobles, already left without much power by Kamea, was not touched upon by the new legislation, and they were considered as the equals of the Concordat ones. On the negative side, all these nobles were a group of unhappy people with some power, that sooner or later would need to be dealt with.
While many problems still existed, the decision to advance with the integration was made from both sides and from history, it was known that wanting all the problems to be fixed would mean running the risk of the unification never happening. After all, the Federated Commonwealth merge occurred with plenty of problems to be fixed.
During these eleven years a subtle campaign to win the hearts and minds of the Aurigans (and the Taurians) to the new future was run, with a remarkable success, aided, no doubt by the Aurigan royal family doing everything they could to ease the transaction – they would be governing the province after the unification, had signed the accords, and were not interested in troubles, after all.
The fact that during the past twenty years, first the Bassot companies and in the last decade the Concordat, had invested heavily inside the Reach, also helped. For example the shipyard in Mechdur, that before could barely repair a JumpShip at once, turned before the unification in a full shipyard, starting producing Invaders, while at same time being able to provide maintenance to six JumpShips at the same time. In reality, it had been planed that the first JumpShip should be built before the integration, but the Comstar / HPG Crisis had delayed that. And even if the population of the Reaches might still be lacking the skills to work there, they benefited from all these investments.
With so many things that still needed to be done, it was going to take several decades for the worlds to be fully integrated in the Concordat, but the process that had started eleven years ago, was coming to a new phase.
The ceremony held for this unification was festive in Taurus, and dignified in Coromodir – understandably, the ruling house had less to celebrate as they adjust changed from the supreme rulers of a nation to rulers – with a superior – of a province.
Soon after, the TDF forces and the Taurian diplomats started to ‘visit’ the free / independent worlds in the area that existed near Detroit and Herotitus. These worlds that the Aurigan Reach had in the past considered too poor to annex and that had mostly been abandoned by the Concordat, the Capellan Confederation or the Magistracy of Canopus long ago, were now from a security point of view, to be absorbed.
After all, it wasn’t a good idea to have independent world inside the Concordat, and unlike the Reach or the investment program going on, they could be taken and brought to better standards without crippling the finances.
-
As agreed, Jaime and Natasha returned to my office at the end of the day. By the serious, closed expressions, I got the idea that it wasn't going to be an easy conversation, and that it was better to be extremely careful with what I was going to say.
After the usual banalities, I went straight to the point - 'I assume you made a decision, can I know what it is?’
'What the Dragoons are and do, only concern them' answered Natasha with clenched teeth and a bellicose look. This is not starting well was my immediate thought.
'We are not confirming anything, Your Highness but Natasha is right and the Concordat has nothing to do with the internal affairs of the Dragoons.' replied Jaime in a calmer tone, but looking me straight in the eye and with a posture and tone of voice that left no room for doubt that I was on the road to big troubles if I kept on this path.
'Understood' was my immediate response as I processed the position of both.
‘With that, I think it is time for us to leave.' asked Natasha standing up with a challenging look.
'Of course, there is no conflict between the two parties' was my answer to Natasha 'but I think that the initial reason for your coming here could still be discussed, don't you think?' I continued, trying to get something out of this mess.
‘I must say you are not lacking...' replied Kerensky with a laugh, starting to get up in order to leave, but was interrupted by Jaime.
‘He's right, Natasha,' Jaime answered without getting up and with a thoughtful air, 'after all, we came here to discuss contracts and options of equipment production, not politics or loyalties.’
‘You've got to be kidding me,' murmured the famous Black Widow as she sat down again.
'For my part, I'm interested in hiring for six months, Natasha's forces for advanced training' I was interrupted by a short laugh and a funny look from the red hair legend 'and as for the construction of Assault ’Mechs, I see no problem in creating a production line for the Shogun, if the sale is authorized for the TDF, which will make production profitable. For other customers, subject to your permission, of course'.
After an exchange of glances between Jaime and Natasha, Jaime replied 'Unfortunately Colonel Kerensky's forces are unavailable for the foreseeable future' to train the Dragoons in Clan tactics, it was my thought 'however I could give you Zeta or Epsilon for that job.' Jaime replied 'As for the Shogun, I think we can come to an agreement.’
‘Zeta? Please, Colonel, Zeta is the kind of blunt instrument that you aim at a target and say “Zeta, smashâ€' Natasha laughed at this ' but it is not the kind of unit that is useful in training other forces, Epsilon is acceptable. As for the Shogun, I was thinking of producing an updated version, like the -2H'.
‘The initial SLDF model?' asked Jaime, after I agreed, he continued, 'if the first production run is for us we have an agreement.’
‘I think that access to advanced technology is out of the question?' I asked without much hope 'In your dreams', was the answer in an ironic tone from Natasha, while Jaime more diplomatically shook his head.
‘’And regarding your “findingsâ€, I think you will keep them for yourself? After all, I think I read this sort of crap by dozens by now.’ said Jaime.
‘Why not? After all, we are business partners and it is not as if we were on the verge of being invaded’ was my conclusion.
As I watched the Chieftain heading into space, I thought that I hadn't achieved much with this meeting, this is what you get when you underestimate your opponents. At least I didn't have to give complicated explanations to anyone.
Still thinking about it and even if I had been at first confused by the refusal of Jaime and Natasha to help the Inner Sphere so far, it was not that surprising.
Jaime was a very bitter man at this time as I saw it. He was founded to hate three of the four Houses of the Inner Sphere and this might explain his “refusal†to carry out his orders:
Kurita - for their breach of honor and backstab of both troops and dependents.
Marik - for the death of his brother and maybe his children as well as of innocent civilians, even if it was repaid in blood and fire, the bitterness could still be here..
Liao for hiring the Dragoons off to Marik as shock troops for the rebellion and using them as tools in their little games.
Or he could have had a problem of foreseeing how to do it alone without a real proof of the Clans and without the possibility to harm innocent ones back “home†if he told everyone about it.
-
Good to see your still working away on this paulo brito!
-
In 3049 and knowing that all the IS nations - including Terra - had and were building WarShips, and in the case of Terra and of the FWL - thanks to the now Word of Blake - larger and more powerful ones than those owned by the TDF, a new construction plan was decided for the Navy.
The admirals wanted Battleships or at least Battle Cruisers and a substantial modernization of the Concordat Frigates, that were still under construction.
The realities of the budget quickly put an end to these dreams of greatness.
Ships larger than the Concordat were out of the question, not only because they were prohibitively expensive, but they took too long to build, which would lead to very few ships available.
After several heated discussions, a construction plan was decided that would allow a (relatively) versatile Navy with a reasonable number of ships without breaking the Concordat budget.
The Concordat Frigate would be improved to mod.III, even if it was not as much as the Navy wanted.
The armor would be replaced by improved ferrous-aluminum and not by lamelor ferro-carbide - too expensive - and it would not receive a mobile HPG. However, it would receive 24 AMS, 6 Arrow IV SAM, the LRM get Artemis IV, the Large and Medium lasers were upgraded to pulse models, 12 ASF were added and the 7 Naval Lasers would be all of the NL55 model. They also received 2 AR-10 launchers, and the Taurians being the Taurians, every ship would carry some ‘special’ warheads for the capital missiles.
All these upgrades came at the cost of reducing the cargo capacity, the cargo could ‘only’ carry 30k tons, instead of the just over 50k tons on the standard model.
Using the same base design - to save on costs, research, and construction speed - a carrier version would be built. Removing the NAC/20 and the respective ammo allowed it to receive a total of 36 internal Fighters. The modifications also included CAG installations, flagship installations, advanced communications and sensors, and a mobile HPG while armor, naval lasers and defensive systems equaled those of the Mod.III. The fuel capacity was doubled, and spares, ammo and fuel reserves for the ASF greatly increased.
The complement of DropShips would be 4 Lee-CV, which together with the internal ASF would give this carrier a staggering 196 ASF, more than enough to dominate any adversary force. And if that was not enough, you could always add the 36 extra ASF from the three escorting Concordat Frigates. And any ASF that the DropShips loaded in said frigates could carry.
To complement these ships, it was decided that a modernized version of the Pinto class Corvette - with the 80 MG replaced by 24 AMS and the 800 SHS by 600 DHS - would be produced in large quantities.
The main purpose of this ship would be to patrol Concordat systems as it was more than capable of dealing with any pirate or any force not accompanied by WarShips, which would free the other ships for other duties.
The result of Dr. Murad's team ingenuity (in reality heavily based on a design from Nebfer at SB), the Mriya was a fast armed military transport. Incredibly expensive, it was to be only for use by the TDF and took two years to be completed, the first to be delivered in 3052. Because of the price, only a few were ordered, enough to move a quick reaction team the size of a reinforced combined arms brigade.
Mriya JumpShip – Fast Military Transport
Weight: 400,000 tons
Cost: 2,274,159,434 C-bills
Heat Sinks: 142 DHS [284]
Fuel Points: 742 (297.0 tons)
Armor: 100 (Capital Scale) (Improved Ferrous-Aluminum) – 167 tons.
Equipped with lithium-fusion battery system.
Armed with 12 ER LL,8 ERPPC,12 MPL and 12 AMS
Carrying Capacity
Aerospace Fighter (2 doors) - 2 units (2 recovery open)
Small Craft (2 doors) - 4 units (2 recovery open)
Cargo Space (2 doors) - 724 tons
Dropship Capacity: 4
Grav Decks: 1 (100 m)
Escape Pods: 0
Life Boats: 19
With all the changes and alterations needed on the shipyards, none of these new ships – the Concordat Mod.III, the Concordat Carrier, the Pinto and the Mriya – was planned to start construction before mid 3051 at least.
At 200 tons, the Flanker was a replacement for the Tigress, an enlarged, much more advanced one. Using the latest technologies available, it was armed with 3 ERPPC in the nose, 1 Gauss Rifle on each wing, with 2 tons of ammo each, 2 rear facing Medium Lasers and 1 AMS with 2 tons of ammo. It was also equipped with a Beagle Active Probe and a Guardian ECM while being protected by 20.5 tons of Ferro-Aluminum, and using 18 DHS. It could also carry externally, under the wings, 6 Arrow IV AShM/AAM or 2 Alamos.
Its production would start in mid 3049. This TDF only unit would be deployed at the zenith and nadir jump points.
The integration in the Concordat led to the production of Griffins in Mechdur and Jenners in Detroit being modernized.
The Griffin -1N production line was upgraded to the -2N model (Royal) and the Jenner was redesigned with an Endo-Steel chassis, Ferro-Fibrous armor, 10 DHS, its SRM-4 being replaced by 2 Streak-2 and CASE to protect the ammo.
The Leclerc series of vehicles received a new variant. In the fusion engine ones, the AC/5 and LRM15 were replaced by a Gauss Rifle with 4 tons of ammo.
In 3049, although the full production of the PA(L) specializing in infiltration / stealth had not started, some had been built. Like those from Comstar / Terra / WoB, they were extremely expensive and had to be produced manually by specialized technicians, however ours were extensive modifications of the standard models and not personally customized. The main utility of the two built was to be used as OpFor for sensor tests capable of defeating their advanced stealth systems, or for counter infiltration training by organizations that had this technology. At first TMI was very interested in some stealth PA(L), but they balked at the price and maintenance hours. This was a very maintenance intensive ‘toy’, after all. After some complains, they managed to get their hands on some of them, as they were ideally suited for their black ops.
An interesting side of PA(L)s production was that it greatly helped solving several problems affecting other battle armor models. The new Jack-II included several improvements and corrections and it was superior in all aspects to the previous models. Unlike the old one, the Jack-II could to use the new Light TAG that was coming into service on the TDF in 3049.
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Outreach
Harlech City
Early 3051
Office of Colonel Natasha Kerensky
Natasha Kerensky and Elizabeth Nichole were in a comfortable looking sofa, sampling the contents of the well equipped whiskey stock of Natasha.
‘So, Nichole, how is it to train the Reachers?’
‘That depends, Natasha. The former Royal Guards, now the Reach Guards, are a standard battalion of moderately competent fanatics, but lacking in imagination and with standard equipment. They take the punishment and might one day improve’.
‘And the little Prince’s pet troops? Are they a decent adversary?’
‘The Revenants? God, they are a nightmare. They have hardware you don’t find in other forces, Battle Armor, almost a battalion of these buggers, Fighters armed with AAM and AShM variants of Arrow IV missiles, a lot of EW equipment and other things that nobody has. And they are starting to know how to use them.’
‘Well, everyone is starting to produce these new toys, it is just a matter of time before we also get some. I’m confident that you will find a way to overcome these toys.’
‘Well, while everybody is indeed starting production of these, and the key word is starting, the Revenants have already plenty of them and are developing a doctrine to use them and they have used us to test it and train their personnel. They also have another variant of the Arrow IV, the FASCAM one, that deploy minefields on demand. Real nasty, until now I have see that one at ‘home’. On top of that, they also have a new arty smoke shell. This one also messes with IR, Radar and Lidar. Some of my techs think they use a mix of hot, persistent particles, magnetic ones and a new type of aerosol with a real impact on Lidar systems. They successfully mixed all these in a single warhead and when fired in numbers, they turn your forces almost blind. They like to use them just before launching an ambush or to stop a rush.
‘I see I need to arrange some exercises against them, I always liked a challenge. Something more to report?’
‘The troubles begin in space, with these heavy Fighters loaded with their special missiles, they can defeat many invaders there. After that, they have these armed satellites and SDS lite forts with Naval Lasers. I’m telling you, only a force with WarShip support could invade a world like that. And that is just the beginning.’
‘Oh? Tell me more.’ said Natasha refilling the cups.
‘The Revenants have a bigger than normal Aerospace Fighter component. All, even the light ones are armed with these dammed missiles. On top of that, in the atmosphere, they use some modified old cargo planes, with DropShips like sensors and comms, that give them better sensor range and allow for better coordination of the Fighters. Normally they are very fragile, but you can’t get to them. If you try, you end in a trap against Heavy ASF with plenty of these triple dammed missiles. I only was able to win against them a few times.’
‘New toys and new doctrine. I see the Little Prince has been busy.’ commented Natasha.
‘Don’t tell me. As soon as they achieve air domination, they deploy high altitude – out of the range of ground weapons – high endurance drones, with passive sensors, IR and neutrino detectors my techs speculate so that they can detect our forces anywhere.’
‘Have you tried scenarios without them having air domination?’ asked Natasha after a bit.
‘Yes, they are eager to try these also. No good. It is slightly better, because they don’t deploy these radars, but our own aerospace forces couldn’t do much as they deploy a lot of Leclercs in the flak configuration supported by Valis with SAMs. My aerospace forces hates the Revenants by now. They are trounced most of the time.’ said Nichole with a melancholic air.
‘And other than the these bad news, what new surprises do they have in stock?’ asked Natasha, after emptying the cup and with an interested look.
‘Let me see… They love arty. Between these smoke shells and minefields on demand, they can stop any assault very fast. Trying to destroy it is complicated as it is very mobile and always protected by strong forces. They like to use the new Leclerc variants for that, one that is equipped with a Gauss Rifle and can do nasty things to the Light ‘Mechs sent against the Arty. Somehow, they also have a new heavy camo net, that can help conceal the tanks way better than the normal ones.’ said Nichole, taking the bottle and refilling her cup.
‘And on the ’Mechs side? Also bad news?’
‘Apart from the fact that they have a lot of them equipped with Beagle or Guardian ECM units, and that they most of the time refuse decisive battles, not so much. The Prince as you like to call him, prefer to send fast units to deal with our depots and kill us with a thousand cuts strategy. He has modified some of the Maultier hovers to fast carry battle-armor, using them to execute said raids to destroy our depots. The silver lining is that they are just starting using that new doctrine and toys, so, we got them several times because of failed coordination, wrong sense of timing everything that happens when you are not yet proficient in a job.’
‘Ouch.’ said Natasha with a sympathetic look ‘and how did the Arano-Bassot behave on the battlefield?’
‘Only the daughter fought. Kamea is busy ruling the Province, and Jean-Luc is more in the HQ, coordinating his brainchild. But I have seen both in the range and they are good, very good in fact. The young one is not bad for her age and experience, piloting one of these new Toro ’Mechs they started to deploy which is basically an advanced Wolfhound with jump-jets. By the way, my ’MechWarriors want to get some of these.’
‘What I think is strange, is that they are showing you, well us, so much new hardware and their new doctrines. Normally these are state secrets, not show in front of mercenaries, much less ones that are resident in another nation.’
‘Oh, the Prince, wants us to know his ideas, he calls them Air-Land Battle 3050 and he want your and Jaime’s input. In fact, he asked to know what you both think about the results if they were to be used against forces from Home.’ looking intensely at Natasha, Nichole continued ‘I think that the Prince considers a serious possibility that an invasion will take place in the near future.’
‘So, he knows something and is preparing. That makes sense in a way. The Revenants are gearing to a very different kind of warfare and we need to adapt or be left behind.’ Said Natasha refilling her cup again. ‘Any bright-side on that depressing report, Nichole?’
‘Some. For starters, we are a better unit than the Revenants, if you remove the fancy toys and novel doctrine. They are still adjusting / learning to implement it and several times it failed. It is also very expensive to implement and much of that demand that they obtain early air supremacy. My suggestion is that we invest in EW and enlarge our aerospace arm. We also need to advance with our Battle Armor program faster.’
Wolfnet analysis and conclusions – no recommendations at this time
Technologies that started to be produced by several nations.
Battle-armor
AAM Arrow IV
SAM Arrow IV
Technology / designs used by Comstar / Terra / WoB / Taurian Concordat
PA(L)
Technology / designs only used by the TDF / Revenants - The Revenants because of their close association with VMI get almost all the Concordat tech early on
AWACS - cargo plane with DropShips class sensors and comms suit. It is not a factory made conversion, more a field modification, probably made by the V4RU VMI department. Only one observed.
Drones - long endurance not manned drones that fly at altitudes higher than any ’Mech weapon can reach with IR and Neutrino passive sensors. Factory made, only 3 observed. Probably prototypes / first production run for field test. Numbers show not enough for a continuous field survey.
Heavy / advanced camo net - similar to late SLDF Royal models, but apparently a bit more advanced.
FASCAM - minefields deployed by arty / Arrow IV.
Advanced 'smoke' shells - smoke shells with hot particles + magnetic particles and a mix of improved aerosol that do a mess to any laser system (Lidar, rangefinder, or other)
Maultier BA - modified Maultier hover transport modified to move Battle Armours Factory made models.
AShM Arrow IV - very good to destroy DropShips, outside the range of said DropShips weapons.
While other nations use passive deployed sensors, the Revenants use more and more advanced ones.
Note – While the Revenants are integrated in the TDF after the merging of the Aurigan Reach with the Taurian Concordat, they still have a considerable margin of independence.
Wolfnet considers unusual that the Revenants show so much new hardware and doctrine to the Wolf’s Dragoons. It seems that for unknown reason, the decision makers from the Taurian side or the Arano-Bassot regents want this knowledge and their capabilities to be known and understood by us.
-
Note: In this chapter, several of the shipyards and WarShips being built have nothing to do with OTL / Lore. The differences are significant. Note that it is the initial phase of construction, of new designs, with the exception of some cases pointed out, which means that the first ones produced are still many years away from being considered operational.
TMI Report regarding the construction of WarShips by other nations.
Federated Commonwealth
New Corvette design in Port Simon Naval Shipyards (Galax) and Ioto Galactic Enterprises (Gibbs).
New Heavy Cruiser or Battlecruiser design in Port Sydney Naval Shipyards (Alarion)
New Heavy Cruiser or Battlecruiser design in Kathil Shipworks (Kathil) - different design from the one under construction in Alarion.
Capellan Confederation
New Heavy or Light Cruiser design in Saroyan Shipyards (Sian).
Free Worlds League
New Corvette design in Illium Shpyards (Atreus).
New Heavy Cruiser design in Illium Shipyards (Atreus and Ionus).
Draconis Combine
New Corvette design in Midway Shipyards (Midway) and Terada Warship Yard (Dieron).
New Frigate design in Midway Shipyards (Midway).
Narukami class Destroyer (Block II / modernized?) in Luthien Naval Yard (Luthien).
Samarkand class Carrier (Block II / modernized?) in Luthien Naval Yard (Luthien).
Earth
New Destroyer design on Titan Yards (Sol).
Dante class Frigate in Titan Yards (Sol).
Apart from the Frigate produced in the Sol system and the Destroyer and Carrier under construction in Luthien, all these are new models, all in the initial construction phase of the first model of their class and it is most likely that they will suffer from delays as well as problems before real production can begin.
TMI estimates that none of theses new designs could be operational earlier than in five years.
In the case of the FWL, the considerable fleet of ex-SLDF WarShips is maintained by a new dockyard in orbit of Gibson, the system gifted to the WoB by Thomas Marik. That said ships are all still crewed by WoB operatives and that none were transferred to the FWLN is a source of tension between both groups.
The race-to-arms in the dark navy explains mostly why we don’t see many new ’Mech designs, the other nations military are content with upgrading the current models with refit kits , or upgrading the lines to include the new technologies for the next production runs.
Addendum – The mystery of the new JumpShips deployed by the Magistracy of Canopus
While not WarShip related, it came to our attention that during the last decade the MoC has deployed several more JumpShips than it is supposed to have. The first ones were old ones, but their origin is still today unknown. In the last two years the MoC started to deploy more brand new Invaders than their only shipyard in the Canopus system can produce. We couldn’t find any link with other nations making a purchase unlikely . TMI postulate that the MoC has a hidden shipyard, somewhere. So far, none of our ships that routinely visit the MoC to deliver goods, has found anything. If you add to it, the six months disappearance of the Second Canopian Fusiliers eleven years ago, it is probable that the MoC has found a lost colony in the Deep Periphery, one with a functional shipyard, and managed to conquer it.
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I always wanted to do a warship salvage program for the Great Houses at the time of the invasion rather than just build new. As you study the old memory core wouldn't be good to try to restore some of the old derelicts sitting around your empire? It stands to reason that a few were in poor shape as a result of the Succession Wars but with the Gray Death discovery working its way around why not try to restore some of your old fleet before or while building new??
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Some chapters ago I reported that both the FC and the DC showed some older warships. the TC also found some old ones. These are repaired / refit at a great cost.
The DC construction of old designs is based on the fact that they have units of these models in a bad state, but good enough to be studied and copied.
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The Federated Commonwealth, sick of the pirate attacks launched from the Tortuga Dominions, finally decided to settle the matter once and for all.
The Lexington Combat Group brigade was sent, with extensive support from CV DropShips, assault DropShips, the first Pocket WarShips built in the FC - Overlord A-3 - and the two Mako Corvettes, that fortunately had just undergone a complete refit.
A large group of space marines, special forces, and several tug-class DropShips were also sent.
A force perhaps excessive to eliminate pirates, even considering the size of the groups that operated from Tortuga, but the AFFC Navy took advantage of the occasion and the fact that it was a relatively low intensity operation, far from the usual opponents eyes, to test new doctrines and gain much needed combat experience.
Note: Because in this AU the collaboration between the FC and the DC don't exist (no Clan invasion so far) the Overlord A-3 has 2 AR-10 tubes instead of 1 AR-10 and 1 Kraken-T.
The operations started with almost simultaneous emergence at both Nadir and Zenith jump-points of Tortuga Prime. At each site, one Mako Corvette accompanied by an Invader JumpShip carrying 1 Overlord A-3, 1 Avenger and 1 Leopard CV exited hyperspace and quickly took control of the present JumpShips and the few forces that the pirates had locally.
Two hours later, the rest of the invading force emerged at the Nadir jump-point, and immediately headed for Tortuga Prime III.
Even though the operations at the jump-points was very favorably to the Federated Commonwealth, at least one pirate JumpShip was stationed at a pirate jump-point, very close to the planet and because they detected the invasion in time, managed to escape.
The rest, even if they fought viciously and with the energy of despair, knowing well what was waiting for them, had no chance. The mercenary unit in charge of this operation had recently modernized their equipment, and easily won total space and air superiority. Paula Trevaline's body was taken from the wreckage of her Banshee, Lady Death.
This situation was repeated in the other five systems of Tortuga Dominions - Morgan's Holdfast, New Port Royal, Fletcher's Feast, New Hati and New Gascony. For some obvious reasons, the few pirates that escaped each time did not alert their fellow groups in the other systems of the Dominion, preferring to depart to distant and safer places at full speed, rather than facing once more the Federated forces (I guess this is what you get when you use a hammer to smash a nut with a sinking morale). In the end, only 3 JumpShips carrying half a dozen DropShips escaped destination unknown. Several thousands of slaves were liberated, about a dozen JumpShips and two dozen DropShips were captured in diverse state, some needed parts and a tender ship with skilled technicians to be operational again, but that could be arranged.
Note: In this AU, there was no 'clean-up' operation in 3042, executed by 9th FedCom RCT – at that time the FC was distracted with the HPG Crisis. And as such, Paula Trevaline is the leader of the pirates in 3051, when this operation is executed.
Following up, several regiments of militia / second rate units took home on the just conquered planets, and a half supported program of colonizing the 6 systems started with some terraforming and water purification systems being delivered.
How does the Taurian Concordat know about this ?
During the last decade the ex-agents of MIM that moved to the Reach had started a school in seduction, compromising and infiltration, to be attended by selected members of the Reach Intelligence – very beautiful woman with the right mentality. This school was later expanded to the full Taurian Concordat, and a full collaboration with TMI started.
One of the best results was the seduction and subsequent compromising of a high level clerk with very high classified clearance in New Avalon. The information of said source was transmitted back to the Concordat via selected JumpShips of the growing Taurian commercial fleet, that routinely visit the Federated Commonwealth.
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Note.: ships designs courtesy of Adventwolf.
The TMI report on other nations shipbuilding plans as well as the report on the AFFC starting using WarShips in combat operations, caused a major shake-up in the TDF leadership.
Two nations - Earth and the FWL (although in this case more precisely the WoB) already had not only larger navies, but also bigger ships. Worse, all the large neighboring nations, the FWL, the FC and the CC, were building Cruisers, a type of WarShip that the TDF had decided not so long ago, it would not need.
The need for a proper navy in a few years was made evident and the construction plans had to be changed accordingly, following the wishes of the Admiralty that like all good naval officers always aimed at the biggest machines possibles
Two new types of WarShips were added. One was the very modernized and extended version of the old Taurian Cruiser class Winchester, the other was a completely new design.
Class: Winchester II / Cruiser
Mass: 770,000 tones
Armor Type: Improved Ferro-aluminum
Armament (Capital): 11 NL55, 2 NAC/30, 8 NAC/20, 1 NAC/10, 6 AR-10 Launchers.
Armament (Secondary): 10 ER Large Lasers, 20 LB 10-X AC, 16 ER Medium Lasers
12 ASF and 6 small crafts
3 DropShips
LF Battery
Class: Ajax / Fast Destroyer
Mass: 390,000 tones
Armor Type: Improved Ferro-aluminum
Armament (Capital): 3 NAC/20, 10 NAC/10, 9 NL55, 2 NL35
Armament (Secondary): 16 AMS, 20 LB 10-X AC, 22 ER Large Lasers, 6 LRM 20+ArtIV
18 ASF
2 DropShips
LF Battery
While the construction of the Winchester class, was not a major problem from a technical point of view, the Ajax suffered from all the problems that a new design had - delays, cost overruns, glitches on the first ship, etc.
As the budget was not unlimited, even after the information of the construction plans of the neighboring nations, the number of Concordat (Frigates and Carriers) had to be reduced in order to provide means for the construction of the new ships.
The two Concordat variants (Frigates and Carriers), the Cruiser, and the new Destroyer, were all LF battery equipped, allowing task forces equipped with these WarShips to have great mobility, unlike the Pintos, already relegated to patrol and anti-piracy operations.
To accompany / refuel the task forces, a fleet train equipped with Mriyas, each carrying three Starlifter DropShips (50k+ monsters), was planned, as they were the only type of JumpShips equipped with LF battery, and thus able to cope with the speed and range of these task forces.
Although the TDF had a clear preference towards using their new standard Lee class DropShips, these were tremendously expensive, and with most of the available funds allocated for the construction of WarShips, the use of more economical DropShips had to be accepted in some areas.
Thus, a new variant of Union (Union-BA) was accepted, with a capacity to carry 72 battle-armor troops, and to rearm, repair and maintain the BAs.
Another was a (relatively) cheap version of Leopard. Eliminating the cargo capacity, it was equipped with a NL35 spinal mounted, thus creating the cheapest (and not ammo dependent) pocket WarShip in service on the TDF Navy.
Meanwhile, the shipyards at New Vandenberg and Mechdur were in the middle of the upgrading / expansion to be capable to also build Pintos. The bigger WarShips for now, could only be produced in the shipyards at Bolthole and Taurus. In Badlands and Pinard, two new dockyards were in the early phase of construction.
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Several studies and simulations showed that although the Taurian WarShips were better defended than the SLDF ones against Aerospace Fighters (including those carrying Alamos), they still needed increase defenses to stand a chance to survive against a determined adversary.
While having a lower range and power than the capital missiles and without the capability of being armed with nukes, the Arrow IV SAMs were still very effective against ASFs. They were also much cheaper and took a lot less of volume and mass compared to the more conventional options. And until the heavy AMS systems reached production phase (which was still a long way to go), they were the best defense option available.
ABRD (Arano-Bassot Research and Development), based on Coromodir, was working on adapting the tracking and targeting systems of the AMS to be used with Pulse and ER Lasers. The difficult part was to let the weapons switch from AMS mode to the ‘normal’ one and vice-versa. If / when successful, these systems could be used in WarShips and DropShips, to defend them against all kind of missiles from SRMs and LRMs, to Arrow IV anti-ship, or even capital missiles, greatly improving the defenses of said Ships. While very promising, the program still had several problems to resolve.
Because of this, a change in the configuration of the new Winchester II Heavy Cruiser was submitted just before it entered production, changing the layout of the weaponry.
Winchester II - final weapon configuration
Capital Weapons - 11 NL55, 4 NAC/30, 8 NAC/20, 2 NAC/10, 6 AR10 Launcher
Secondary Weapons - 16 ER Medium Laser, 22 ER Large Laser, 20 LB 10-X AC, 12 Arrow IV SAM
At the same time, all WarShips models, including the ones already in service (except the low-cost Pinto) also received 12 Arrow IV SAM, to substantially increase their defenses against ASFs.
This change was not well received by the shipyards as it would create delays in the construction of the first WarShips with all the needed changes in planning and logistics, without forgetting increases in the costs.
Meanwhile, things were moving ahead on the political front too. The immense power that the Arano-Bassot family had in the Concordat was not seen with good eyes by the other groups, with the exception, of course, of the ruling family. This led to continued protests, and in order to calm down the situation, Thomas ended up withdrawing the New Vandenberg government from Jean-Luc and hand it over to one of his most influential supporters groups that was against the situation.
Jean-Luc and Kamea, who had been waiting a long time for this to happen, were neither surprised nor offended by the position Thomas had to take, viewing it as a necessary measure to maintain power. Just as it was clear that it did not affect Jean-Luc's position in the various companies in which he had a stake, this being much more important for the family.
The exception being the Arano-Bassot shares in the New Vandenberg shipyard, that they are also ‘forced’ to sell to a conglomerate controlled by the politicians that had forced the relinquish of the government of the same system. The Arano-Bassot family, instead of fighting that in the tribunals, accepted the deal pacifically and immediately invested the received funds in the shipyard in the Mechdur system. That group also wanted to buy the Arano-Bassot shares in VMI, but they didn’t have enough funds for that after having to buy the shares of the family in the shipyards. For now. They had a lot of political pull and financial might, but not enough money to pay for it. Their goal was to keep the Arano-Bassot within the Reach province.
However, their plan would lead them to nothing as in the last decade, Jean-Luc had used his influence and Kamea tax incentives and in some cases subsidies, to attract several Taurian companies in the Reach to create branches, if possible in Coromodir V, the former planet of the Espinosa family now fully controlled by the Arano-Bassot family.
The TMI was also getting better at finding info about the other powers even in the Inner Sphere.
For example, in recent years the intensity and severity of attacks by pro-Capellan guerrilla groups on the worlds that the Concordat had captured in the war in the 3030s, had increased substantially.
Unfortunately for the Concordat, their security forces had little experience in counterinsurgency operations (COIN). Only in Ward, which had been captured by the Reach, was the situation slightly better. This was due to the fact that due to years of having to deal with pro-Espinosa fanatics, Reach security forces had more experience in COIN operations.
During their regular exchanges with the MIIO, the TMI discovered that the same thing was happening in the Sarna March, Romano Liao had clearly adopted a different strategy this time, one that made raids in retaliation unlikely.
On November the 2nd, of 3051, Hanse Davion suffered a mild heart attack. Although he recovered almost completely, he was forced to reduce his work rate substantially, with Melissa Steiner-Davion taking over many of her husband's duties. At that time, Victor Steiner-Davion who was on active duty in the 12th Donegal Guards RCT, had been called back to New Avalon, but it was apparently decided that he would not take the throne before gaining more experience.
Curiously, around the same time, Katherine Steiner-Davion also entered NAIS for prolonged medical treatment, but it was not specified for which illness.
Rumors were that the AFFC had started to field ’Mechs equipped with more variants of Ultra and LBX cannons – LBX-2, 5, and 20 and Ultra 2, 10 and 20. So far none had been confirmed, but if one took in consideration the ‘love’ the Davions have for ballistic weapons, it has to be expected.
The TMI confirmed that all nations had initiated searching programs where there had been ancient naval battles, apparently looking for wrecks of WarShips that were possible to recover. At the moment, they had no information on the results, only that the ongoing searches were extensive.
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From the very beginning of her reign, Kamea had decided that Coromodir V, the old Espinosa home-world, not touched by the civil war, and now directly controlled world by her family, would have its already impressive (impressive for the Reaches that is) industrial infrastructure expanded, while Coromodir VI, the capital world, was going to be restored to a non industrially-polluted world.
At first, progress was very slow, in no small part because othe lack of funds. But bit by bit and after a while with my help, when I located as many of my companies as possible in Coromodir V, the world evolved to a very respectable industrial powerhouse. At first, in the civilian side, but bit by bit, the infrastructure and support industries for a military-industrial complex were created. Now, in the early 50s, the results were evident.
Thanks to the investments of the Arano-Bassot family in Coromodir V, the production line of the Shogun SHG-2H started in February 3052 instead of in New Vandenberg.
Coromodir V in 3052 also had operational production lines for the Karnov VTOL, the production license had been secured in 3028, the Cobra VTOL in its Command and MASH variants and the Vector VTOL in its Scout, EW and Attack variants. Two production lines of industrial ’Mechs also went operational in February 3052.
While the Cobra being an old and common design was no problem with its license, the Vector was a General Motors one. Luckily for Arano-Bassot, they had a very good relation with GM, so negotiating the license of production was relatively easy.
The fact that, except for the Shogun, which was produced by the local VMI branch, all these designs were VTOLs produced by a new industrial group, Coromodir Heavy Industries, Ltd (totally controlled by the Arano-Bassot family).
In Coromodir V, industries capable of supporting the production of 'Mechs, ASFs and other diverse military equipment had been built, with only the assembly lines missing, since only the one for the Shogun was available.
Thanks to the big investments in the shipyard in Mechdur, it was foreseen that in 3055, it would be able to produce 3 Pintos and 4 Invaders per year, keeping 6 other slips available for maintenance.
To solve the problems with the terrorist groups of the Maskirovka / Death Commandos units, the TDF resorted to hire several groups of mercenaries specialized in counter-insurgency operations (COIN). Less known and discreet than the large units that used '’Mechs, these mercenary forces like all specialized forces had their use. Fortunately, several groups were available in early 3052, and although they had to pay a (relatively) higher price because some didn't want to go to Periphery, all the available units were hired by the Taurian Concordat.
By this time a new wave of pirates had started to target the Concordat JumpShips. Every tentative of protecting them with military DropShips and / or armored marines failed. The pirates apparently had too good information and didn’t target the protected ships. Since no one from crew returned or no member of these pirate groups was captured, no information on them was available, but the TMI suspected because of their efficiency that they were Capellan sponsored.
In retaliation for these operations and the insurgence groups, both suspected of being Capellan sponsored, Thomas authorized TTI to help HildCo Interplanetary in St Ives to (re)build the production lines of the Pillager PLG-3Z, something that the Federated Commonwealth has not helped the small nation with. The price of said help was the production rights of the advanced Assault ‘Mech for TTI, turning them into the second company to produce Assault ‘Mechs in the Concordat.
VMI was Thomas’ first choice but the political in-fight inside the Concordat forced him to select TTI, that not only was based on Taurus, but also was not controlled by the Arano-Bassot.
Due to the implosion of Comstar and by association of the MRB, MRBC succeeded it with a base in Outreach, basically the same as Jean-Luc remembered.
The second generation of ground defenses i the Concordat was a bigger fortress with a pair or two of Heavy NPPCs, greatly improving the capability of defending the word they were installed in against light WarShips. Ground based batteries of Killer Whale capital missiles started to be installed at the same time, even if for now they were in small numbers and only in strategic worlds, providing an extra capability against any orbital menace.
News of a new civil war in the FWL began to circulate in March 3052.
From what was known, in early March 3052, units from Regulus had tried to capture WoB WarShips in the Gibson system. Tried and failed. In retaliation, WoB WarShips had executed an orbital bombing of Regulus shortly after, showing to everyone what the Word of Blake really was, that is a group of trigger-happy bastards. The escalation, as well as the number of deaths caused, led many to rise up against such action, and against the WoB, in the Parliament in Atreus. Shortly after, the FWL was again involved in a civil war, with the forces loyal to Thomas and supported by the WoB being the only ones with WarShips.
But not everything was going well for the loyalists and the WoB. One of their WarShips, the WoBS Herald of Retribution, an Aegis class Heavy Cruiser, was destroyed by a violent attack executed by several squadrons of ASFs in retaliation for Regulus and if rumors were to be believed with the use of several Alamos.
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TTI (Taurus Territorial Industries), a long time adversary of VMI, now had a solid support in the political group that opposed the Arano-Bassot family inside the Concordat, heavily lobbying for selling their own production to the TDF and the militia.
The principal focus of the company had been in the last decades the aerospace and vehicles divisions, with their ‘Mech department being neglected. However, in the last years of the 40s they had upgraded their production and assembling lines and by now, they were able to produce not only the brand new and advanced Assault ‘Mech, having got the contract for the Pillager -PLG-3Z but also Locust (1V) and Wasp (3A), while still producing older designs. Thanks to their investments, they were able to produce about 10 new ’Mechs per month, on each line.
But their true jewel was the new Wolverine WVR-7TC, replacing the old 6R line. A brand new variant, the result of the in-house research team and a very capable medium even if a bit too ammo dependent.
The engine had been replaced by a XL model and the armor upgraded to FF, while both torso sides received CASE. For weapons the SRM-6 was kept, while the Medium Laser was replaced by a Pulse one and the AC/5 by a Gauss Rifle. The Heat Sins were also upgraded to 10 Freezers, turning the ’Mech in an oversinked one, capable of pushing its limits even in the most demanding grounds. The only limitation was that both the SRM-6 and the Gauss Rifle only had one ton of ammo each.
After evaluating the first prototype, the TDF ordered two changes before it would buy some. They wanted the Laser to become an ER one and the Gauss Rifle ammo to be increased to two tons. The changes were easy to implement and once done, the TDF immediately bought the entire first year of production.
The cheap Wasp and Locust were bought in bulk by the TDF to fill the quotas of Light ‘Mechs in several units and the rest was sold to Militia units or exported, for cash strapped mercenaries that needed ’Mechs but didn’t have the money for the most expensive ones.
Pinard Protectorates Limited (PPL), that already produced the Toro II under license, started the production of several variants of the Phoenix Hawk. The budget one was the standard PXH-1, the other two were the PXH-TC1, that removes both machine guns and respective ammo, upgrading the Heat Sinks with Freezers, while upgrading the Laser to an ER one while adding a Small Laser and a Beagle Active Probe. The TC2 only differed from the TC1 by exchanging the BAP for a Guardian ECM Suite.
Continuing their long policy of cross-licensing with VMI, PPL traded the licenses of these ’Mechs in exchange for the rights to produce the Jack II and the Colibri (the PA(L) produced by VMI), also with Coromodir Heavy Industries, even if for now VMI and CHI didn’t have the budget to start the production of new lines.
Several mercenary units with long-term contracts with the TDF like Gordon’s Armored Cavalry were also offered to become house units, meaning that by early 3052 the number of mercenary formations inside the Concordat was at an all-time low, none bigger than a battalion.
At the same time, Jean-Luc found evidences in the files from the Taurian R&D that decades ago a team had found out a leak towards making sub-capital weapons and even produced some workable models. After the mandatory cursing, he began working on securing the funds needed to produce these weapons while passing the information to the teams working on WarShips and Pocket WarShips.
Note.: ‘Mech production in the Taurian Concordat in mid 3052
Light - Jenner (DHS), Toro II (Wolfhound F-2 with FF, ES and JJ), Stinger (3R), Locust (1V), Wasp (3A)
Medium - Shadow Hawk (DHS), Griffin TC (ERPPC, LRM10, 2ML, DHS), Talos II (2ERLL, 4ML, DHS), Phoenix Hawk (-1, TC1, TC2)
Heavy – Archer (4M), Marauder (2R), Warhammer (7A), Penetrator TC (2 more DHS and ECM), Thunderbolt (5Sb)
Assault - Marauder II TC (2ERPPC, 2ML, 2LRM10, JJ), Hellfire (2ERPPC, 2LPL), Shogun (2H), Pillager (3Z)
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‘Emma must have access to an advanced equipment source somewhere in the Deep Periphery' concluded Anne-Marie at the end of her report on the Magistracy of Canopus. 'Otherwise how did she get about two regiments of ’Mechs, all late SLDF or unknown designs, as well as the dozen Dictator DropShips that appeared at the same time?’
'And your sources couldn't find out their origin?' asked Kamea leaning forward with an interested look.
‘Not yet. The first series of JumpShips and DropShips, we now know about, came from the Alexandrian Covenant, Emma captured an intact shipyard there, as well as several operational Ships. Letting this information leak out is an indication that the Magistracy is probably done with the place, as they do hope that other intel agencies will waste time and resources looking in the place. SOP for the MIM. We still don't know exactly where the installation has been bought but it likely to be in an uninhabited one near Canopus' replied Anne-Marie consulting her notes 'Regarding these new forces, my sources are adamant that this new equipment comes from another place. Apparently, they got several civilian DropShips, about a dozen JumpShips, Star Lords and Monoliths, a dozen Dictators, and I think an operational WarShip'.
‘An operational WarShip?' I asked, astonished 'what are you basing this on?’
‘Well, Emma, in recent years, has been very insistent in negotiations to get some WarShips from Thomas' answered Anne-Marie putting down the documents and looking at us 'more recently, she basically no longer press on this issue, and I’m reasonably sure that no other nation is even willing to sell WarShips. My conclusion is that along the rest, they probably also found at least one operational or in a state that Emma thinks she can repair without help'.
‘Aunt Anne-Marie, couldn’t Emma just have changed priorities or simply have no money to buy one?’ asked Sara, that had just recently started to participate in these reunions.
‘Yes, in both cases, Dear’ replied Kamea ‘but with all her neighbors getting WarShips or already having some, and that nasty civil war on her border, it is difficult to believe that Emma don’t want one or two also.’
‘But, how can we be certain Emma got one WarShips?’ asked Sara again.
‘There are at least two ways’ answered Kamea ‘ TMI can get that info’ as these words were pronounced we could hear a snort from Anne-Marie’s side, ‘yes, Dear I know MIM is still way better than TMI even if TMI has improved a lot but I am sure they could do it.’ and without a pause, Kamea continued in stride ‘The other option is sending a ship to look for us in all these uninhabited systems near Canopus, the most probable location of the hidden shipyard and logically said WarShip.’
‘But Mother, if a WarShip is in one of these systems, don’t we risk losing the searching JumpShip?’
‘No, if it is a Mriya as they have LF battery, and could escape before interception, Dear. But, it is both a time-consuming and expensive operation a,d I don’t know if Thomas would authorize that. Anyway, we don’t have any Mriya or any orders to give to the TMI, so it is not up to us.’ finalized Kamea.
‘As for the origin of these supposed WarShip, I've never heard of a colony in this area with that kind of equipment and the SLDF list of bases doesn't include anything either' I replied thoughtfully, looking at my notes in my personal noteputer. ‘That leaves us with some options, none of them good. First, a base or a colony created after the Amaris Crisis, and that for this reason is out of the Argo database. Not impossible but unlikely because at that time, the Star League lacked the resources for new colonies, and new bases would have been in areas closer to the conflict, not in a remote area. Second, it may be related to the SLS Dobrev, which was more or less lost in this area'.
‘The SLS Dobrev? I've never heard of it, Jean-Luc' replied Anne-Marie with a curious look, while Kamea and Sara also leaned towards me with an interested look 'what are you talking about?’
'Do you remember when the Revenants captured that Assault Mech, the Bull Shark? At the same time we fought pirates having advanced weapons.' They all agreed, and I continued, after looking again at my notes 'Good, when we captured the base of the smuggler who was behind those weapons, a Notker Baumann, we also found the records of a JumpShip that belonged to SLDF, the SLS Dobrev. This JumpShip was totally wrecked, had supposedly left with Kerensky in the SLDF Exodus, but was found for some reason, by Baumann South of our border with the Deep Periphery. Now, we know that Kerensky went North, so something must have happened. Stranger is that the shipping records, even if damaged, recorded part of a voyage coming from a location far in the North. It could be a second Exodus, from part of Kerensky's forces, that went wrong, somewhere South of the Aurigan Reach'.
Kamea and Anne-Marie looked at each other with a thoughtful air.
‘It may be, but it seems a bit far-fetched,’ Kamea said, then turning to Anne-Marie, 'See if your connections can find out more about this equipment. An increase in the Magistracy power, even if at the moment, a friendly nation, is always to be looked at with caution.’
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On August 27, 3052, Thomas Calderon abdicated the throne of the Taurian Concordat and Edward Calderon took over. The official line was 'health reasons', but only a small group knew that Thomas had been diagnosed with a degenerative brain disease, for which there was no cure, only palliative care.
The civil war in the FWL continued, with the rebels, i.e. the anti-Thomas Marik / WoB faction, even though they had no WarShips, confronting this “über†weapon with a high number of Aerospace Fighters, much more than they were supposed to have. Those who paid close attention could notice that many of these extra Fighters were models that could easily be found in the nations bordering the FWL, even if they were not the most advanced variants.
Even if it was at the costs of great loses, this threat and its efficiency were enough to cause sufficient damage to the Word of Blake Warships and to force them to be more cautious.
In September, 3052, news started to circulate that Thomas was not the real Thomas Marik, but a substitute, certainly inserted by a shadow organization, be it the Word of Blake or more probably the extinct Comstar.
Although few believed at first such a rumor,Thomas Marik’s supporters denied everything, calling that a desperate attempt to undermine his position. But the fact that no one was able to get access to the original tests of Joshua and Isis Marik, tests said to come from the Atreus Central Hospital and that no further test was made to deny the accusations, gave credits to it with more and more people starting to believe them
An unofficial / non factory produced version of Dragonfly MM-3, was created specifically for the Revenants. The Large Laser on the nose was replaced by an extended-range one and the armor by Ferro-Aluminum, making the MM-3R (Reach / Revenants) considerably more lethal than the already deadly MM-3. And also turning a very expensive Light Fighter into a even more expensive one.
In November 3052, Andrea Stirling (CO of Sterling Fusiliers) and Tony Rubensky (CEO of Cosara Weaponries in Northwind) visited Coromodir VI.
Both of them and the Elders of Northwind (which Andrea represented), were dissatisfied with the level of support the Federated Commonwealth provided to Northwind. On one hand, Cosara Weaponries wanted technical support to modernize the factories in Northwind, so that they would be able to produce the most advanced variants of Crab and King Crab and increase their production capacity without forgetting the creation of a HGN-732b production line that the company had bought the rights for and that the Northwind Highlanders regiments wanted in large quantities. On the other hand, both the Northwind Highlanders and the Elders wanted to build a dockyard in the system to support at the same time, the various JumpShips that the regiments had and the commercial ones that various companies in the system controlled.
In both cases, the FC had provided little more than vague promises. Knowing the good relations of Coromodir with the Wolf’s Dragoons and the solution that the St. Ives Compact had obtained from the Taurian Concordat for the modernization of their production lines, both planned to obtain similar conditions for Northwind.
While several championed the idea to go directly to Taurus and Edward Calderon, to negotiate, other rightfully pointed that, while Northwind was a semi-independent world, it was not a fully independent one, with connections and obligations to the Federated Commonwealth. Having these kind of negotiations with a foreign power, even if it was one at the moment friendly with the Commonwealth would probably cast a shadow on the relationships with the Federated Commonwealth. On the other side, Jean-Luc Bassot was known to have made several deals with the Wolf’s Dragoons without repercussions while Outreach was a world with a status close to the one of Northwind, . And everybody knew that his companies had the necessary expertise. In the end, the council decided to go to Coromodir and negotiate with the Arano-Bassot family.
After several days of tough negotiations, an agreement was reached that benefited both sides.
Coromodir Heavy Industries was awarded the production rights of the Crab, King Crab and Highlander, and for the next ten years a Northwind Highlanders regiment would serve in the Reach, rotating home each year to be replaced by another. In return, CHI would provide technical support, training, the high-tech components needed to upgrade the Cosara production lines in Northwind as well as helping to build a dockyard in the system. None of the help from the Aurigan partners was financial.
On January 13, 3053, the first Pinto class Corvette was launched by the shipyard at Mechdur. After a few political maneuvers, it had been decided to name the ship TCS Keona Arano after the first High Lady of the Aurigan Coalition.
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As soon as she heard of the deal between Northwind and the Arano-Bassot, Melissa Steiner-Davion always the consummate diplomat, made a “counter†proposal by which the FedCom would pay half the upgrade costs of the Cosara lines in exchange for a preferred status for 25% of its production and 50% of the dockyard against preferential rates for using it.
That proposal was very well accepted by the council of Elders in Northwind and by the administration of Cosara Weaponeries.
After all, why should Melissa and Hanse be preoccupied by the Arano-Bassot deals? They had helped rebuild the Wolf Dragoons, improved the production for St. Ives – a client state at best – and now they were upgrading the factories in Northwind and providing tech support for the construction of a dockyard in a world that belongs to the Federated Commonwealth – at a time that the FedCom had its tech capability fully used on other projects. For the Steiner-Davion this sounded like a good deal.
At least that was the official version but who really knows what is going on behind the scenes?
After a long and tortuous investigation, TMI was reasonably sure that it had discovered who communicated the targets to the 'pirates'.
After providing them with an interesting target - a Leviathan carrying an extremely valuable cargo - the trap was set, and all we had to do was to wait for them to show up.
This time, everything went as TMI had predicted - the pirates, disguised as civilians in one of the DropShips carried by said JumpShip, tried to capture the JumpShip, but instead of a valuable cargo, they found a force of marines equipped with battle armor and PA(L)s. Once the signal was given, the suspected location in Taurus was also stormed by special forces. Said special forces also used in large quantity PA(L)s and some VTOL transported battle-armor that dropped through the roof at the same time. So fast and brutal was the operation that some 'pirates' were captured alive, but unfortunately, their unknown equipment was destroyed, even if some state-of-the-art code-breaking and listening tools from obvious Capellan origin was found. After a 'robust' interrogation (including narco-interrogation), nothing of interest was revealed, except for that it was a classic cell system well compartmentalized, that communicated with others only via coded transmissions, dead drops and other similar means, making it impossible to identify the final destination.
The 'pirates' captured on the JumpShip had with them another prize in their logs, the coordinates of destination, an uninhabited system near the border with the Capellan Confederation.
The coordinates were immediately sent to a task force that was waiting on standby, and that on February 12th, 3053 entered the system simultaneously at the nadir and zenith jump-points.
At the nadir jump point, the TCS Samantha Calderon a Congress class Frigate, carrying 2 Lee-CV arrived accompanied by 1 Mriya, while at the zenith jump-point, the TCS Cyrton, a Pinto class Corvette, carrying 1 Lee-CV arrived accompanied by 1 Mriya. In both locations, the TDF quickly took control of the JumpShips waiting there , while the DropShips were launched in the direction of the 'pirate' base location.
Unfortunately, a Scout JumpShip was near the base at a pirate point, and before the Taurian DropShips arrive, a DropShip departed from the pirate base and soon after a series of explosions destroyed it. That DropShip successfully docked the Scout JumpShip and departed the system under the impotent but furious Taurian sights.
Their only consolation was that the base had been put out of service. Analysis of the base debris didn’t give any usable information.
Only three JumpShips and five DropShips were recovered, the rest according to the surviving “pirates†having been sold or sent away.
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Gotta get to reading this in detail paulo brito, glad to see you posting!
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During 3052, the Marian Hegemony launched several raids on Lothian planets. With her defending forces losing power, Dame Lorelei Logan asked in January of 3053 the Taurian Concordat for help, fearing that a full invasion would be soon taking place as the Civil War in the FWL allowed the Marian Hegemony some liberty on that border.
Edward Calderon decided to help in two ways. First, the Taurian Concordat contracted several small mercenary units, company and lance size, in the name of the Lothian League. These were to delay the Marian forces long enough for the Taurian forces to arrive. Secondly, he sent an expeditionary force, composed of two ’Mechs battalions from the 3rd Taurian Guards Brigade, with their combined arms support, escorted by the TCS Zarantha Calderon, the first Concordat Frigate to go through the latest refit program. That the Zarantha Calderon could easily carry 2 Lee CV with 80 modern ASFs, and 2 Lee PW for this particular mission, to provide aerospace support was also taken into account. The TDF didn’t want to lose any WarShip like the WoB, because of a lack of support.
The equipment of the expeditionary force was obviously up-to-date with the latest Concordat.
With the expeditionary force went also one Leviathan JumpShip carrying 7 Starlifter DropShips, loaded with enough supplies, spares and ammo for an extended campaign, and one loaded with two-way HPG satellites, to create a direct link between the Concordat and the Lothian League. Said satellites, were a relatively recent product of the Concordat HPG research, to supplement the planet based HPG stations and to replace the older Comstar DRUM network in the Concordat area of interest.
The need to don’t cross the Capellan Confederation and Free Worlds League territory, added about ten weeks to the voyage, but even so, the Taurian force arrived on Lothario by the end of 3053, a few weeks before the Marion Hegemony started the invasion.
Meanwhile, in the FWL the Civil War had changed drastically, Oriente, until now a reluctant supporter of Thomas, changed sides in a spectacular way.
A fleet of several JumpShips suddenly appeared at a pirate point in the Gibson system, near the dockyard. Not wasting time, they launched several Assault DropShips, while many CV ones started to launch waves of ASFs.
The dockyard wasn’t left without protection, with several squadrons of ASFs and a lone WarShip, WoBS Blake’s Redemption, a Vincent Mk.39. The defenders did what they could, but the raiders were superior in number and had Assault DropShips supporting them. The Vincent, like most designs of SLDF origin, was not good at fighting Aerospace Fighters and the attackers were heavily loaded with Alamos. While the more agile fighters dealt with the defending ASFs the heavies attacked the lone WarShip. Hit by several nukes, the Vincent was quickly destroyed but it didn’t go alone having taken dozen of Heavy ASFs with him. Soon, Alamos started to rain on the dockyard, on the docked WarShips, and on the infrastructure that was being built to expand the dockyard to a full shipyard.
But, the ASFs, Pocket WarShips and Assault DropShips that were based on Gibson managed to intercept the waiting JumpShips before they could jump again, and they did so with a vengeance, letting the Oriente forces trapped in the system. Now, without a place to flee or refuel-and rearm they were easy targets and none escaped alive.
In exchange for seven JumpShips , 4 Star Lords and three Invaders, ten Vengeance DropShips and an unknown number of Assault DropShips and Pocket Warships and a bit over four hundred ASFs, four WarShips had been destroyed – Blake’s Redemption (Vincent), Deliverance (Essex), Divine Command (Naga) and Immortal Spirit (Aegis). The dockyard and all the infrastructure under construction to upgrade it to a full shipyard had been also destroyed. This blow executed by the full space force of the Fusiliers of Oriente had reduced the active Word of Blake Navy to only four WarShips. Without a home base, they were now dependent upon the few shipyards controlled by Thomas Marik, as the order has none left.
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Lothian League
Lothario System
February 23, 3054
Zenith Jump-Point
Eight JumpShips suddenly emerged, transporting the I Legio of the Mario Hegemony. Caesar Sean O%u2019Reilly believed in going for the jugular, so he had decided to start the invasion of the Lothian League by directly invading the capital world, thinking that after securing Lothario, conquering the rest of the League would be little more than mopping up.
After a year and half of constant raiding, he was confident that the enemy forces were exhausted, even if the number of mercenary units under Lothian colors had been superior to what was expected.
However, less than half an hour of the emergence, just as the DropShips had formed and started to move itowards the distant capital planet, the alarms sounded %u2013 an emergence jump-point was detected almost on top of his forces.
What emerged was a WarShip, one that immediately launched four big spheroid DropShips, easily bigger than the only Overlord of the I Legio, and a continuous number of ASFs.
On all frequencies the same message was heard %u2013 %u2018This is Space Master Adam Ostergaard of the Taurian Navy. The Lothian League is under our protection. Surrender (pause) or be destroyed.%u2019
TCS Zarantha Calderon Bridge
%u2018Don%u2019t be stupid, power down%u2026%u2019
%u2018You said something Ensign?%u2019
%u2018No Sir. Sir, they are accelerating in our direction!%u2019
%u2018So, you chose Death. So be it. All ships, open fire.%u2019
The first ship hit was the Overlord Maximus, flagship of the Marion Hegemony Expeditionary Force. Stricken by 3 Naval Lasers 55, it lost power immediately, venting atmosphere from several places. It was quickly followed by two Unions, hit by several NAC/30 shells, while two Triumphs and another Union were hit by several Killer Whale, fired by the two Lee PW.
During this time, the 32 ASFs from the I Legio were targeted by 52 Heavy ASFs, a mix of Hell Duck, Vulcan 6N and Thunderbird D36b, all loaded with AAM.. Even before they got in range, the Marian Fighters were all killed, each hit by two or more Arrow IV missiles, while the light erASFs, Sabre 27b and Dragonfly MM-3 stayed behind guarding the Taurian Fleet.
%u2018This is not a battle, it is a massacre.%u2019
%u2018You are right, Ensign, but it was their choice, I asked then to surrender. They decided to attack.%u2019
%u2018Sir, the radio. They are asking to surrender.%u2019
%u2018Put me on.%u2019
...
%u2018Reduce the relative speed to zero and shutdown your engines. Prepare to be boarded. Any resistance will be dealt with deadly force.%u2019
%u2018Well, I see that our ground-ponders friends are going to be disappointed.%u2019
%u2018Navy Rules, Sir.%u2019
%u2018Navy Rules, indeed.%u2019
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If the Taurians could project such force they would truly be the Great Protectors of the Periphery. On to the Liberation of Alphard?
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Stop reading my notes.
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The writing is on the wall. 8)
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Note.: This chapter is chronologically before chapter 79, this is what happens during the time the Taurian task-force is moving into the Lothian League.
In August 3053, a high-level Canopian delegation arrived in Taurus for negotiations following the evolution of the situation in the Free Worlds League, the Marian Hegemony with the aim of dealing with these peculiar situation and with the territory between both nations.
The fact that the Magistracy and the Concordat had an excellent relationship since before the beginning of Emma Centrella's reign, and had complementary objectives and very few conflicts of interest, eased the negotiations considerably.
By the end of September they had agreed on the following, the systems West of a line Liu's Memory - Fronc (including both) would fall under the sphere of influence of the Magistracy, while those East of said line would be for the Taurian Concordat.
Regarding the Marian Hegemony, it was decided that as soon as the Marian Armed Forces invaded the Lothian League (something that both nations took for granted), the MAF would invade the systems of Islington, Algenib, Mariu's Tears, Horatius and Ballalaba, while the remaining systems - Bacallieu, Pompey, Suetonius, Stafford, Alphard (the capital), Addhara and New Venice would be occupied by the TDF. As soon as the MAF had available forces, it would also clean Astrokaszy from the pirates present there.
The goal of the Concordat was to either add â€its†worlds to the Lothian League while at the same time turning it into a client state or to create a Concordat enclave if negotiations with Lothian League were not to its liking, while all the Magistracy wanted was to eliminate a troublesome neighbor (and win several systems), taking advantage of the fact that the Free Worlds League was busy with a nasty civil war and couldn’t do anything.
To allow for this decisive strike,, the Magistracy had to authorize the movement of a considerable number of Concordat forces through its territory, in order for them to arrive on time. This was taken into account in the new military alliance between both nations, which considerably expanded the treaty in force since the end of Andurien Crisis / Periphery Wars of the 3030s.
Among the forces sent by the Concordat were the 1st Battalion of the Revenants and the Reach Guards (the former Aurigan Royal Guards) as well as 3 other battalions of ‘’Mechs, all with combined arms support. Sending so many of the core Arano-Bassot forces was a move from they political enemies, hoping that they would suffer grave losses, and at same time let Coromodir with weak protection. That was swiftly counter-balanced by Kamea, contracting the St. Cyr Heavy Assault Group, that had just ended its contract with the Federated Commonwealth. An expensive move, no doubt, but in the end the defense of Coromodir was even increased.
Part of the agreements included the Concordat providing equipment and training to Magistracy technicians to develop, implement, and maintain a native HPG network.
The biggest surprise, however, was the Magistracy informing the Concordat that it had acquired two WarShips, the MCS Coranna and the MCS Kossandra. While the first was a Whirlwind class Destroyer the second was a Texas class Battleship. The problem was that although the MAF was able, at the limit, to maintain the MCS Coranna, the repair of the MCS Kossandra because of serious problems to the keel was far beyond the capabilities of Magistracy. Due to these problems, the Magistracy proposed to exchange the ship for two Concordat class Frigates and two Pinto class Corvettes as well as training personnel to maintain and crew them.
After deliberations ,the TDF Navy, always eager to get its hands on a bigger WarShip, agreed on the idea but only after a close inspection by Taurian technicians to know if they could do something out of it.
Of course, the Concordat was also very curious to know how the Magistracy managed to get its hands on such WarShips or the advanced ’Mechs they had recently deployed.
The answer was a fascinating story, that the Magistracy didn’t share right now but the truth emerged years later. Some years ago, an exploration ship in Deep Periphery South of Magistracy, had found a system with a dead colony. In orbit, there were several JumpShips and two WarShips, while on the ground, nothing indicated that there had been a conflict. Taking the maximal protection (use of advanced Hazmat suits for everyone stepping on the planet), the exploration ship found out after investigation that all these were the remains of a ghost colony, clearly in the middle of expansion phase by the look of the infrastructure. Only after a hospital had been found, they were able to get a picture of what had happened. According to the records that were found, a native virus spread in the colony 5 years after they had landed. By the time they noticed the problem, it was already widespread and people were dying at a very high rate. The records ended with no indication of a cure or of any survivors.
As for the origin of the colonists, they seemed to be the survivors of a Second Exodus, calling themselves SLDF in Exile / Wolverines. The WarShips in orbit were the SLS Yukon (destroyer), now the MCS Coranna and the SLS Bismark (battleship), now the MCS Kossandra.
Due to the care needed to prevent the people involved in the removing of the hardware, to catch the lethal virus that had killed the colony, it took years to transfer the equipment and ships back to the Magistracy, something that at this moment, mid 3053, was in the final phase. Not only did they have about a regiment of advanced ’Mechs, including several models never seen before (among them the Bull Shark), but also a fully automated ’Mech factory, that had been transferred to the Magistracy and was currently working at full capacity.
What the Magistracy got from the dead Wolverine colony apart the hardware, was a treasure trove of information. The stories of the Exodus, the Pentagon Civil War, Operation Klondike, the creation of the Clans, the Trial of Annihilation of Clan Wolverine, and their Second Exodus to the doomed colony near the Magistracy, where the last ones had died. Also several technical datacores with information on iron wombs, advanced weapons like the Enhanced ER PPC and ER Medium Laser that until now were only produced by the Concordat and several advanced designs like the already mentioned Bull Shark, or the Pulverizer, Stag I and II, Mercury II and Wolverine II. But the most important information was the location of the Clans Homeworlds and the full maps of the Exodus Road, the original one and the reverse one taken by the Wolverines during they return to the Inner Sphere and beyond. That information was shared with the Concordat, in exchange for support in several projects, including terraforming and help in building/upgrading strategic (civil and military) industrial complexes. It was decided between both nations that this information would not to be shared with other, at least not for the time being.
Jean-Luc also wanted access to that information and to more designs. While thanks to being part of the Concordat elite, he was granted access to much of it, he couldn’t get access to others as the Canopian protected their advanced automated factory, that apparently was even more advanced than the late SL ones that the VMI and CHI had. Even after negotiating with Emma Centrella and in exchange for sending technicians to help creating a battle-amour factory in Canopus and providing production rights of the Dragonfly MM-3 and 3R, Jean-Luc only got the blueprints and production rights for the Mercury II, but no data on the automated advanced factory . On the plus side, the Canopians also shared the full specs of the Nighthawk Mk.XXII (not the XXI or XXX, the ones with stealth armor, if they had access to it, these were MIM only) in exchange for helping building a factory to produce them.
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Parents being parents, one of the biggest problems for Jean-Luc and Kamea was that Sara was currently serving in the first battalion of the Revenants - part of the expeditionary force that was invading the Marian Hegemony. Both had taken risks on the battlefield and the 1st battalion was one of the best equipped and full of veterans but they were still worried.
Not wanting to show any preferential treatment, the solution they found was to make use of the fact that this was also the battalion where traditionally Jean-Luc's companies tested their new models.
Thus, a Lance was added, officially for testing new models that would be chosen for production, unofficially with secret instructions to stay close to Sara’s unit. This experienced unit had at its disposal 2 Jenner JR9-TC3X (DHS, endo-steel, Ferro-Fibrous, 1x experimental SRM4 Streak and CASE), 2 Locust LCT-2ERX (DHS, Ferro-Fibrous, 2xERML and 2SL) as well as 2 Dragonfly MM-3R1 (equal to MM-3R, but with capacity for an Arrow IV AAM or AGM). The experimental lance had ’Mechs that could keep up with Sara's Toro II but this was obviously only mere coincidence.
Meanwhile, Jean-Luc had ordered his best technicians to analyze the Mercury II blueprints in detail, with special attention to the plug-and-play components and everything that eased replacements.
Without much surprise for Kamea and Jean-Luc, while the other forces of the TDF received Pocket WarShips support and the one that was already on its way to the Lothian League even had a WarShip, the forces of the Reach, targeting Addhara and New Venice didn’t get any support. The political enemies of the family were working at full force. Even if the Marian Hegemony didn’t have any kind of real navy, Kamea didn’t want to take any risk and she made available two (relatively) old Union PW, which belonged to the defenses of the Reach, weakening them.
The only advantage in a way was that the opponents of the family were burning political favors at great speed, and would force Edward to soon take a position, which could put them into a unfavorable position.
While the TDF was performing its operation against the Marian Hegemony, the entire fleet of the Concordat had planned, for reasons that would be obvious to anyone, to conduct very visible exercises near the borders
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Note: At this time and in this AU, the MHAF only has the I, II and III Legio – all veteran forces, the IV, V and VI have not been created so far. Their remaining forces are militia, poorly armed, equipped and trained, when compared to the Inner Sphere, Taurian Concordat or Magistracy of Canopus regular units.
May 12, 3054
New Venice
Marian Hegemony
Contrary to the cautious estimates made when deciding to launch the offensive, the Marian Hegemony forces didn’t have Pocket WarShips. They didn’t have any real forces with few Aerospace Fighters or ‘Mechs,the majority of the defenses being composed of several mechanized units with material outdated by the MAF / TDF standards. Even if it was a good training exercise in deploying units far away someone would have to answer for this totally wrong estimates.
In the New Venice system, the TDF forces landed unopposed, not a single ASF having challenged the approach.
Four days after landing, the 1st Battalion of the Revenants was advancing towards the world capital, facing only sporadic attacks from the few surviving MHAF forces present, a mix of the III Legio and local militiat, he majority of the defenders having already been destroyed.
Outdated material or not, the III Legio units, unlike the local militia, were competent enough to have to be taken seriously during the offensive. The day before, the heiress of the Aurigan Reach had been wounded in an attack by Gladius Hover Tanks and was resting in a field hospital. Attacking by surprise from a well camouflaged position, that somehow had escaped detection from the ASFs flying high (this is what happens when you get too lenient and contemptuous of your opponent), the fast hovers had spread confusion in the scouting elements of the Aurigan unit and only the fact that two lances were present instead of one had allowed the Revenants to get the upper hand in this encounter. Hit several times in the head by rocket salvos, Sara Arana-Bassot’s Toro II had fallen with the pilot injured. The ambush had however cost the defenders dearly, since only one Gladius had escaped.
Note: due to the fact that the Marian Hegemony in this AU did not have access to AC/10 (in OTL they were imported from Taurian Concordat), the Gladius are equipped with rockets and / or SRMs.
The landing on Alphard had been lightly contested with a dozen ASFs trying to prevent it. Obviously without much success, since they had to fight one WarShip and close to a hundred ASFs all of them carrying much more advanced technology.
With Sean O'Reilly captured on Lothario together with his eldest son only 14, the regency was in charge of Livia O'Reilly.Until now her job had been to manage Alphard Trading Corporation, however she tried her best to defend what remained of the Hegemony with her ordering the II Legio stationed on the capital world, while the remaining systems were defended by the III Legio and militia forces. But since the Marian Hegemony only trusted in might, she had to deal with among others the Prefect of the II Legion, which had been left in charge of the II Legio and all units on Alphard by Sean O’Reilly.
This Ron Brown was very aggressive and was only used to fight in the nearby Periphery without understanding the changes he was facing with the advanced weapons and numerical superiority enjoyed by the TDF. This is why he decided to contest the landing of the TDF forces, without regard for Livia O’Reilly’s advice, that it would be better to disperse, given that the invaders had WarShips support and a clear command of the air following the destruction of the airfields, which at this time had only atmospheric fighters, and of all the MHAF ASFs in space, executed by Naval Lasers, in a clear demonstration of force that didn’t reach the Prefect mind.
Although the II Legio had numerical superiority over the Taurian forces that had just landed, the difference in technology and even in mass, both in normal average and because of the use by the TDF of a Company worth of Assault ‘Mechs was much larger than the MHAF thought.
Adding artillery, including Arrow IV, Battle Armors and ASFs with air-to-ground weapons, made the battle for Alphard a fast, brutal and incredibly one-sided one.
At the end of the day, the Marian Hegemony capital was in the hands of the TDF, with the rest of the reigning family captured as they tried to escape.
In Pompey, the local commander of the III Legio, seeing that the invaders (the Reach Guards) were mostly composed of Griffins decided to move as quickly as possible to a close combat option, guessing that the PPCs and LRMs of the invaders would have great difficulty in reaching his lighter, but faster ’Mechs at such short distance.
Unfortunately for the defenders, the TDF Griffin's were the TC variant, with Enhanced ER PPCs with no minimum range, and two extra Medium Lasers. Instead of fighting the invaders to their advantage, the III Legio was massacred.
In the other systems, the invasion went better than planned - the defenders being fewer in numbers, with bad equipment equipped and virtually no air support.
Within one week, the Marian Hegemony had been totally occupied.
Following the discovery of some advanced systems among the captured equipment of the I Legio in Lothario, ongoing investigations were trying to find out from whom the MHAF had acquired them.
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While the purely military part of the campaign had gone better than expected for both the TDF and the MAF, including the important yet often overlooked transportation and logistics component, the intelligence part had been a disaster.
The only good news was that the mistakes had all lead to an overestimation of the capabilities of the MHAF. An in-depth analysis in both the TMI and the MIM showed that because none of them considered the Marian Hegemony a serious danger , the offices in charge of this nation were either composed of second choice operatives and analysts, or the dumping place for the most incompetent agents. Curious that both nations suffered from the same bias and had used the same place to deposit the trouble cases.
Following the invasion, the Magistracy of Canopus sent both civil and military personnel to ensure a smooth transition from pure military occupation to being a part of the Magistracy.
For the Taurian Concordat, the next step was to negotiate with the Lothian League the 'offer' of the systems that the TDF had won
While Dame Lorelei Logan was satisfied that the invasion of her Realm had failed and that a troublesome neighbor was no more, the truth was that she did not have the needed resources to absorb the systems that the Concordat 'offered' her.
To do so, she would have to hire more mercenaries (something her exhausted treasure did not allow) or accept the Concordat proposal that the TDF forces could be used for that, keeping those systems de facto under the military control by the Concordat, even though they nominally belonged to the Lothian League.
Of course, if she did not accept the Concordat proposal, the risk was to have the Concordat indefinitely as her neighbor, a nation much more powerful than the now defunct Marian Hegemony, and which had justly demonstrated the ability and willingness to invade and conquer small nations.
On the other hand, even if the Concordat had absorbed, peacefully and apparently in agreement with the local rulers, the Aurigan Reach, it also had invested heavily in the new territory, and the old rulers were still in power locally, which was a sign that the Concordat was an honest partner even if bigger nations had no morale when it comes with dealing with smaller ones.
But, in the present situation, Lorelei knew that she herself had asked the Concordat to intervene, begged was a more precise term, because the alternative was to have her kingdom conquered by the much more aggressive Marian Hegemony. The presence of the Concordat in this region of space was entirely her fault. And to be honest, the terms were not bad at all when compared to the alternatives : to replace the HPG network with one controlled by the Concordat, to have a military base in Alphard and preferential trade agreements. In return, they would provide help in defending the nation and fighting local pirates. The Concordat also planned to build a dockyard in Alphard, which would be of vital importance to local JumpShips, as none existed nearby.
However, Dame Lorelei Logan knew that this was the first step into becoming a Taurian protectorate and that she might have exchanged an obvious danger for a more pernicious one.
In August 3054 the Federated Commonwealth executed the Galahad 3054 exercises. The bulk of the maneuvers were, as expected, on the border with the Draconis Combine, although the other borders were not left without demonstrations of force. These large scale operations involved more troops than all those available in the combined TDF and MAF. Of particular importance was the number of WarShips involved, including for the first time some of their new models. At least one of the new ones, a big one, probably a Battle Cruiser or a Heavy Cruiser, got some problems, and needed assistance. 4 Mako class Corvettes were also detected, which indicated that either the Federated Commonwealth had recovered two more, or more likely that they had a shipyard producing them (be it an unknown one or an existing one).
Obviously, getting that information became another one of the top priorities of the TMI, a TMI that was becoming overextended.
In the FWL civil war, with both sides exhausted, the tempo of the operations slowed, but the number of sabotages and assassinate attempts grew.
While starting later and while not considered a strategic program like in the Concordat, the Federated Commonwealth also had a program to revisit abandoned or dead worlds inside their frontiers. For that, they had bought, at discount prices, several Magellan JumpShips from the Earth government, that having severely reduced the explorer missions, had a surplus of these. These were obviously sold without the HPG system (promptly replaced by one of FC manufacture) but with the LF battery still present.
So far, the results were three worlds rediscovered, two worlds that had their residual population that has regressed to primitive levels.
But in a system relatively near New Avalon, they found a world, very much alive and with advanced technology. The only problem being that the local population was aligned with the Word of Blake. The explorer ship, one of the Magellan JumpShips, barely escaped from capture, thanks to the use of the LF battery, and spread the word , which gave way to a quickly organized invasion by the AFFC. Thanks to the relatively proximity to New Avalon, first class units, like the Davion Assault Guards RCT, were available.
Supported by several lesser regiments and at least four Pocket WarShips, the invading force landed in September 4, 3054, after dealing with the ASFs defending the system. Luckily for the invading forces, the Word of Blake already facing the needs of the civil war in the Free Worlds League wasn’t able to help Versailles with real WarShips or Pocket ones and the forces in place were also minimal, mostly a cadre of trainees and the respective instructors.
What the FC found after securing the world, in mid October, was that they had captured a severely damaged Star League Royal grade massive ’Mech factory with everything needed on world to supply it.
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The conclusion of the team that had examined the MCS Coranna / SLS Bismark was that repairing the WarShip, while possible, was more of a complete rebuild than a repair / refit.
Still, the Black Navy of the Concordat was much interested in the ship, reasoning that a rebuild of this size, while expensive and time consuming, would bring immense information and experience in maintaining, and even building large WarShips.
In the end, the 'purchase' of the WarShip from the Canopians was approved, and it was transferred to Bolthole, where it would be rebuilt.
Meanwhile, the troops that had participated in the conquest of Marian Hegemony were coming home, being replaced by second-line forces, since the mission now was more a peacekeeping one, under the Lothian League flag.
Sara Arano-Bassot, had returned earlier, courtesy of a semi-Command Circuit, landed on Coromodir in September 3054.
Thanks to the best Canopians specialists in cosmetic surgery, the scars she had gained in the campaign, were eliminated without a trace.
The Taurian population and the political opponents of the Arano-Bassot had also noted that they had been the only noble family to send private forces for this campaign. The population did approve of it while the political opponents of the family took good note of this campaign which fueled even more their anger and their arguments against the Reach.
While Jean-Luc stayed 'at home', dealing with the expansion of industrial capabilities in Coromodir V, Sara went with her mother to Taurus, part of her training to one day replace her as regent of the Reach province.
By mere luck, or perhaps not, Edward's eldest son Anthony (call me Tony) Calderon, who by this time was doing his military service in the Concordat Navy, and who was also being trained to replace his father, was at home. Both youngsters found the other fascinating, and conversations between the two were constant.
In September 3054, the MAF executed the long awaited 'cleanup' at Astrokaszy. If on the one hand it did not employ WarShips, as for the moment it only had one, at both nadir and zenith jump points appeared simultaneously JumpShips loaded with combat DropShips that started launching shuttles with marines and ASFs,
This time MIM had done its homework, and a JumpShip also appeared at the most common pirate point and relatively close to Astrokaszy III, immediately launching DropShips to capture the JumpShips stationed in that area.
Even before the first troops set foot on the planet, the mission was already a success, with 7 JumpShips captured, 4 Invaders, 2 Merchants and a Tramp, and 2 DropShips, both Jumbo class, showing that they too could conduct efficient space operations.
Shervanis City had close to a battalion of ’Mechs defending it, but the defense was short-lived. The MAF had indeed learned, and had sent a combined force, supporting their advanced 'Mechs (including 4 Bull Shark Assault ones) with artillery, armored vehicles, infantry and ASFs, All of them well-trained and equipped forces, very different from the pirates and near-pirates who opposed them.
At the end of September, having achieved its objectives, the MAF withdrew from the system. .If in space they had captured only two DropShips, in Shervanis City they had captured ten more, taking with them eight in lift-off condition and destroying the last two before leaving. Between the material captured and the pirate groups destroyed or fleeing, it was a major blow to the pirates in this area, the survivors left for less hostile areas.
Meanwhile, similar, albeit smaller operations had taken place in the space between the Taurian Concordat and the Magistracy of Canopus, with all systems known or suspected of harboring pirates receiving 'visits' from the MAF or the TDF. August and September 3054 was a bad time for pirates in this part of the Periphery.
When news came out in October 3054 that communications with the Greater Valkyrate and the Oberon Confederation had been lost, everyone thought that the Federated Commonwealth or the Draconis Combine had also eliminated these pirate dens, even though the Oberon Confederation was a more or less legitimate kingdom by this time.
Only Jean-Luc, when he got the news, knew what was coming.
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Only found this story today, good read Paulo Brito, I look forwards to reading more.
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Four months after the loss of contact with the Great Valkyrate and Oberon Confederacy, I was looking at the reports about modified Portable PPCs for use with battle-armor and preliminary research reports on miniaturized gauss rifles also for battle armor, when I was ‘asked’ to participate in a war council with the leaders of both the Taurian Concordat and Magistracy of Canopus and their close advisors.
In the old days, that would have included fast traveling to Taurus via command circuit. Now, thanks to the military HPG network created just for that, it was a matter of going to the secure office in the palace where our end of said network was.
Thanks to the infiltration of the rear / administrative echelons of the AFFC, pioneered by the Reach Intelligence and largely expanded by the TMI and MIM, we had a good idea of what was happening inside the Federated Commonwealth, military wise.
This program focused on infiltrating / compromising secretaries and / or data operators with security clearances high enough to deal with confidential / sensible data, but low enough to be virtually invisible, as they were so many of them in the administration making everything work.
Even if the relationships between both nations had been getting better in the past decades, the Federated Commonwealth was still the principal focus of the TMI.
Not that the spy game had gone completely one-sided. Several agents had been caught inside the Federated Commonwealth and been traded quietly for MIIO / LIC ones caught inside the Concordat. For obvious reasons, both nations preferred a quiet and civilized resolution of these problems.
According to our reports, some unknown forces had started invading the Federated Commonwealth from the North, near the Free Rasalhague Republic. Because the FRR served as a buffer state between the Federated Commonwealth and the Draconis Combine, the best forces of the AFFC were not deployed in that area, nor any WarShip, at least according to the reports of our intelligence services. The invaders were using unknown equipment, but from the videos that our intelligence got their hands on, they were identified as the Jade Falcons, one of the Clans, the descendants of the SLDF, reported in the Wolverine data files.
At the same time, we got news through the Magistracy and Concordat offices in Outreach that the KungsArmé had placed several contracts for mercenaries, paying better than they normally did, and indicating high risk missions.
To me, that indicated that the FRR was also invaded and I expressed that opinion. However while the majority agreed with my statement, we didn’t have any confirmation so far. Nor any information if the Combine was also invaded as I suspected if everything went like in OTL.
Like I thought already a few moths ago, the invasion of the Inner Sphere by the Clans had started.
Because of the data found on the Wolverines planet, both Periphery nations knew that this was an invasion by the descendants of the SLDF that had departed with Kerensky. A force that both nations didn’t particularly like. Hated would be more exact. Both considered hilarious that this time the war was fought on the territories of the Inner Sphere nations and not on theirs.
Edward Calderon and Emma Centrella both decided that because the invasion was on the other side of the Inner Sphere and on Inner Sphere territory, they would for now wait and see. Evidently, defense preparations and expanding the budget were approved, but no information was shared with the Inner Sphere nations under threat. But knowing that the Clanners ultimate objective was the control all the Human Sphere and that if they conquered the Inner Sphere, they would come to the Periphery after, they already knew that some measure of collaboration with the Inner House would be needed to be necessary, but later. For now, both sides could exhaust themselves.
In the FWL, a bomb attack killed Thomas Marik and several of his supporters, creating chaos in his faction.
The Wolf’s Dragoons called all their units home, activating the escape clauses of their contracts, without explanations to anyone.
Both the TMI and the MIM detected movements of troops inside the FC, in direction of the invasion area, but considerable forces were still kept on the common border with the Draconis Combine. For now, no movement of WarShips reported, but access to that information was (still) very limited.
The aid from VMI / CHI to MMM to help them built the NightHawk factory provided both companies with insights in ways to help and improve the construction and design of the related but slightly inferior Colibri PA(L) design series.
One of the things that caused concerns in both Periphery nations was the number and types of WarShips the invading Clans had. Unlike the powers of the Inner Sphere, they had several Battleships, including several of the Texas and Mckenna classes, something that no-one had with the exception of the ex-SLS Bismark that was starting to be analyzed in Bolthole, but that would probably take a decade or so before being declared operational. Obviously if everything went right with the refit / update.
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Notes: Much of this information was obtained much later. In this AU, the Overlord A3 has 2 AR-10 tubes, not 1 AR-10 and 1 Kraken. Kraken Missile does not exist at this time (invented in 3057 OTL), and there is no collaboration between the FC and the DC. To simplify things, even if Hanse Davion is still alive, the Fox class maintain that name.
In April 3055 the first local counterattack of the Federated Commonwealth against the Clans was launched.
In the Derf system, recently occupied by the Jade Falcon Galaxy, two WarShips, the FCS Ian Davion (Fox Class) and the FCS Lisa Steiner (Mako Class) appeared at a pirate jump point, and immediately moved towards the only habitable planet, around which the JFS Hawk Eye (Aegis Class) orbited.
Before they reached weapons range, the FCS Ian Davion launched its DropShips - 2 Overlord A3 pocket WarShips and 3 Vengeance CV.
Immediately, the DropShips and the Fox Corvette launched all their ASFs, a staggering flight of 144 Fighters (12 from the Fox, 12 from the Overlords and 120 from the Vengeances).
The JFS Hawk Eye launched all its ASFs in response, a tiny group by comparison of 20 Fighters. They stayed with the WarShip, while another 64 Fighters rose from the planet. When both groups merged, they advanced on the AFFC ASFs, with the WarShip slightly behind.
The lighter and more agile Federated Commonwealth units focused on the Falcon Fighters while the heavier targeted the WarShip that identifying them as the most immediate and dangerous forces started to launch Barracudas against them, while launching White Sharks at the advancing pocket WarShips, that began also returning fire.
At extreme range, both WarShips started to exchange shots, while the surviving heavy ASFs made their first attack pass on the JFS Hawk Eye, which lead to a nasty surprise for the Falcons as several of the ASFs were loaded with Alamos and the Heavy Cruiser did not survive more than a dozen nuclear impacts.
But it didn’t die alone, the FCS Strong Arm (Overlord A3) took several hits that destroyed it, the FCS Lisa Steiner received heavy damage and the FCS Ian Davion only light one.
Freed from their nuclear payload, the Stukas helped the Seydlitzs in eliminating the remaining Omni Fighters, losing 76 of them against the 84 from the Clans. To these you had to add the 12 destroyed by the Barracudas fired by the Jade Falcon WarShip, making the losses of the Federated Commonwealth go up to 88 ASFs, one Pocket WarShip destroyed, one Corvette heavily damaged and another slightly damaged, against one Heavy Cruiser and 84 Fighters. Advantage in raw numbers and nuclear weapons count, after all.
Shortly after, several JumpShips appeared at the same pirate jump point, carrying the Davion Heavy Guards RCT, the 1st Kell Hounds Regiment and the 10th Lyran Guards RCT, all units fully upgraded with SLDF and Royal tech.
The counter attack against the Clans had begun.
Enraged by the use of nukes, the Falcons didn’t offer safcon and disregarded zellbrigen, because they considered the AFFC forces dezgra.
This is why they launched an immediate and furious attack on the disembarking forces. So enraged were they that the picket units deployed to protect the landing zones couldn’t do their job and were so quickly obliterated that they couldn’t warn the 10th Lyran Guards that was caught still disembarking. The Jade Falcons further pressed their surprise advantage by combining their speed, with EW masking their approach and Battle Armors riding the Omnis as taxis directly into battle.
The final result of the attack was that the 10th ceased to exist as a viable force with only 10% of its members surviving, including the Archon-Prince that was seriously wounded when he ejected his Victor VTR-9D.
Unfortunately for the Falcons, that not only put then in range of the Guards DropShips weapons, but also gave time to the other two units to unload and catch then from behind.
In the furious melee that followed, no quarter was given or asked from both sides and ended with only two Clan ‘Mechs surrendering- more or less, both on them doing so only when knocked to the ground with a gun pointed at their cockpit.
Both the Heavy Guards and the Kell Hounds took heavy damage and would need months to be considered operational again. On the plus side, they had captured a lot of Clan salvage, including DropShips.
For the first time too, the Soldier Battle Armor was used in great numbers, the Federated model was a copy (illegal of course) of the Taurian Jack design. With a fixed jump pack that let it jump 60m and a fixed LMG on the left arm to deal with infantry, its main weapon was either a Single Shot SRM-2 or a scaled-up pulse rifle, the first useful against ’Mechs, the second against Battle Armors.
The comparison with the Clan Battle Armor showed that it was inferior in all ways, but it was still better than not using any. Its biggest problem was that the pulse rifle lacked enough penetration power against the Clan Battle Armors.
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By 3055 in all aspects, the FWL had fragmented into several small nations. Marik and Stewart were perhaps the largest group, controlled by what remained of the Marik family and the increasingly junior Word of Blake partners, the latter much weakened after losing almost their entire fleet of WarShips and their industrial capacity on Versailles. Regulus and Oriente, although independent, remained allied against Marik-Stewart for the sake of survival.
Andurien at this time was trying to remain independent, hoping that no one would look too much in her direction, and was trying, although without much success, to re-establish the alliance with the Magistracy.
The rest was in an undeclared state of war in which the larger groups tried to force the smaller ones to go along with them.
In late April 3055, Sun-Tzu Liao seized power in the Capellan Confederation after a coup that killed Roman Liao, Tzeng Shang and Kali Liao.
Even though Sun-Tzu blamed outside forces for the coup (without mentioning any name), an exchange of information between TMI, MIM and MIIO confirmed that the coup had been orchestrated by Sun-Tzu or forces loyal to him.
On May 14th, 3055, I received a message from Edward Calderon, informing me that he had received an invitation from Jaime Wolf, to a meeting of leaders in Outreach, for which Command Circuits had been established. Edward, had invited Emma Centrella. They would meet in Coromodir before traveling together in Taurus One, a highly modified Lee. Edward expected me to join them there too as he wanted my presence as a consultant in the industrial and military areas, and due to the fact that I was probably the only one in the area that “knew” the leaders of the Wolf’s Dragoons well (sort of).
Edward had brought his eldest son Antony and Emma had brought Danai, her heir-designate. Kamea even though she was not going to participate in the trip to Outreach, managed, easily from what I observed, to include Sara, much to her and Antony's delight.
During the trip I had several conversations with Edward and Emma, in which I tried to convey what I knew about the Wolf’s Dragoons' relationship with the Clans in the form of theories that unfortunately sounded a lot like most of the rumors about them that could be heard in the Inner Sphere
As we arrived in Outreach, the presence of several WarShips immediately caught our attention with an impressive fleet in system made of 1 Aegis, 1 Congress, 2 Lolla III, 1 Sovetskii Soyuz and 1 Vincent. Apparently Jaime had recovered his WarShip fleet and made its existence public.
Not since the marriage of Hanse and Melissa in 3028 had so many leaders (and their heirs) been gathered in a single system, even if the success rate was not of 100% as no one was there from the Free Worlds League or its remains and Sun-Tzu couldn’t leave his realm and hadn’t sent any representatives.
What changed from my memories was the presence of Natasha Kerensky, Morgan Kell (with Phelan, meaning something didn’t go as planned for Clan Wolf) and of Joan Stark, the ruler of Earth. Adding to her mystery and even if her presence was logical, she didn’t bring any relatives.
I had the feeling that this was going to be quite different from what I remembered.
By their expressions, it was clear that Hanse (and family) and also Theodore knew, or at least suspected, the origins of the Wolf’s Dragoons. Of everyone present, only Joan Stark and the Rasalhague representatives displayed any signs of surprise when Jaime Wolf admitted his past connection to the Clans.
The reason for the call was made quickly clear and the Dragoons were finally taking a stand, and that was to fight the Clans. The reason for the timing, was that during the last DCMS counterattack in Luzerne, the DCA had destroyed a Black Lion (CSJ Streaking Mist) and severely damaged a Texas, the CSJ Veiled Huntress, which was carrying the ilKhan, Leo Showers, who although he survived had been wounded in the attack.
While admitting that the losses had been high, Theodore did not go into details.
Because of this attack, and in light of the defeat the Falcons had suffered, in which they had also lost a WarShip, Showers had ordered a grand council of the Clans to better plan the invasion, and activate more Clans. Since Showers had decided to held it in Strana Mechty, the invasion was paused, making this meeting in Outreach possible.
The sharing of information showed that in the case of both Federated Commonwealth and the Draconis Combine, the invasion had been considerably less successful than what I remembered. For the Free Rasalhague Republic, it was about the same.
When Jaime Wolf proposed training the heirs in the ways of the Clans, both Hanse and Theodore immediately refused the offer, Hanse saying that the role of the Wolf’s Dragoons, was to set up a program to train the armed forces of the present states and to give whatever information they had on the Clans, a proposal which was immediately supported by all the leaders present.
At first Jaime and Natasha refused to share any information but Hanse and Melissa, told them that unless this information was shared, they would have no other choice but to consider the Dragoons as hostile. A declaration that was supported by all the present leaders.
As both groups confronted each other, Joan Stark commented, that a good deal of this information could be obtained on the battlefield anyway, from captured enemy equipment. It would just take longer and cost more lives. After a short pause, Jaime nodded and against his will accepted to release the data-cores with Clan tech the Dragoons had but informed them not to expect miracles, it would take years to convert factories to the more advanced Clan technology.
Surprising everyone, Joan informed those present that the EDF (Earth Defense Force) would send 10 brigades, each one equivalent to 1 RCT, to help defend the FRR, and that it would accept orders for military equipment from the invaded nations, concluding that if the ultimate goal of the Clans was to conquer Earth, it was better to begin the defense now, and not only when they appeared on the Sol system.
After a quick consultation between the two, Edward and Emma, also agreed to accept orders to buy military hardware, provided that both nations also received the Dragoons’ /Clan data cores and Dragoons’ anti-Clan training, but at the moment neither offered military forces. In fairness, none of the invaded nations had asked for forces from them. I received orders from Edward to crank up the production of both VMI and CHI to their maximum.
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One point that came up quickly was the location of the Clans Homeworlds. At first, when Jaime admitted that they no longer had that information, due to it having been purged from their navigational computers in the last contact in 3019, this news was met with astonishment and a general drop in mood, until, shortly afterwards, Emma Centrella informed that the Magistracy and the Concordat had not only the location of said worlds, but also the route used.
This announcement was met with astonishment by all the presents and an almost growling 'Wolverines' from the side where Natasha was standing.
The fact that the distance was about 1,000 light years, and that in spite of this the Clans had mounted an invasion, caused general astonishment, quickly followed by variants of 'how do they plan to maintain a supply train of that length?' from various sides.
Immediately, both the Federated Commonwealth and the Draconis Combine started talking about the possibility of raids along that long supply line. Reality quickly kicked in, however, and the fact that the number of available WarShips was minuscule put a damper on those plans. It was a good idea, but not for the next few years. Until that, raids would be conducted using advanced JumpShips with LF batteries and Assault and CV DropShips.
For the moment, and since the vast majority of the WarShips used by the Clans were of SLDF origin with weak defenses against ASFs, (if not retrofitted) what was needed was large numbers of Heavy Fighters and Alamos to bring them down. Everybody knew that without eliminating this threat first, any attempt to liberate occupied worlds or defeat an invasion that included one or more WarShips was doomed to fail.
Because of this, among the hardware produced, the first to be ordered in large numbers, were like in most factories the much needed Aerospace Fighters. For the Concordat, it was Thunderbirds and Hell Ducks Heavy ASFs. Questions as to whether the Concordat or Earth were opened to selling WarShips were answered with a quick 'at the moment no' from both nations.
During breaks in negotiations and planning, the Dragoons several Clan OmniMechs that they were capable of producing although in small numbers. Since most of those present were or had been 'MechWarriors, the interest was evident, and everyone wanted to try out the advanced war machines the Clans were using.
Other events that draw a lot of attentions were the mock battle sessions between those present. With so many elite 'MechWarriors present, the level of battles was amazing, and even though I expected it, I quickly discovered that I was among the weakest present. Okay, I was better than Victor, Hohiro and Ragnar, but all the rest were better than me. And in the case of those I beat, I had the suspicion that it was more due to the fact that I had much more experience, than talent. Particularly hard to swallow was the string of defeats against Natasha - the damn woman was by now 82 years old, ffs. How someone of that age could still be so lethal in a 'Mech was almost incomprehensible. And she did that while still driving her Warhammer, an upgraded one, but still, not using a Dire Wolf.
Initially I thought Hanse couldn't pilot a 'Mech due to his poor health, but apparently he had recently received a heart transplant, something that had been successfully kept secret until now, and was active enough again that the doctors allowed him pilot his BattleMaster from time to time.
In another class of simulations, the Toro II that Sara was using was of particular interest to Daniel Allard and Phelan Kell, both excellent pilots of Wolfhounds. The Toro II was, after all, basically an advanced Wolfhound with Jump Jets, thanks to a lighter chassis, which used Endo-Steel. This ended with the Kell Hounds placing an order for several.
Another series of divergences from the universe I knew was that Justin Allard still drove Yen-Lo-Wang, even if it was the modernized version, with Gauss Rifle, pulse lasers and experimental triple-strength myomer. Kai, while a very good 'MechWarrior, was not at the same level of Natasha, and piloted a Pillager 3Z.
In this reality, the Dragoons offered no OmniMechs, and Victor and Hohiro, kpet on using their Victor (9D) and Grand Dragon (5K).
Theodore, still used the Command version of the BattleMaster that he had started using during the War of 3039.
In the following meetings the industrial capacity of the Clans was analyzed, as well as the size of their fleets, both WarShips and transports. Much depended on the number of Clans participating in the invasion. Too many, and it would be almost impossible to contain or defeat them. On the other hand, their transport capacity was likely to be the hard limit of what they could do, and even though the Dragoons' information was more than 30 years out of date, it was a good starting point, and everything indicated that it would be impossible for more than 10 Clans to invade at the same time. And that number would put a big strain on their supply lines. If political differences and natural distrust were added to this, it was estimated that no more than 7 Clans would participate in a renovated full-scale invasion. We would soon find out if these predictions were right and by how much.
It quickly became apparent that both the Federated Commonwealth and the Draconis Combine were receiving information from multiple occupied systems. As this could only be possible via Black Boxes, after a short exchange of opinions with Edward, I put on the table the 'request' for this technology to be shared with the other nations present. Something, which evidently, Joan Stark immediately supported.
Both nations didn’t agree to that and this topic was put under the table.
Business was quite profitable. Even if quantity discounts were negotiated, by my estimates, both VMI and CHI would make a lot of money, and so would Kamea and I, indirectly. For example, any 'Mech that had Extended Range weapons and even upgrade kits were ordered in large numbers, with the payment/credit mechanisms being decided between the nations' leaders. As for battle-armor, orders exceeded by far the production capacity, and for the next few years, the Concordat and Magistracy military factories would be operating at full capacity to keep up with the demand.
Without surprise, the St. Ives Compact declared that it would support the Federated Commonwealth with equipment and troops within its means. Edward and Emma, while not providing troops, agreed to provide equipment to all invaded nations. In return, in addition to orders that would keep their factories busy for years and bring immense wealth to both nations,they would receive sample or even transfer of Clan tech, not only from the Wolf’s Dragoons but also from the nations with whom they established contracts, including production rights of current designs they wanted to be produced in the Periphery to expand the number of designs available for production.
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The rest of the meeting in Outreach dealt with information sharing protocols regarding the Clans between the nations involved and an informal truce, due to Takashi being the ruler of the Draconis Combine and not Theodore, it was not possible to sign a formal one.
As soon as the truce was decided, the best regiments from both the Federated Commonwealth and Draconis Combine, that were still facing each other, started to move from their garrison locations, almost all at the respective borders, to the new priority conflict – The Clans.
Unfortunately for the Federated Commonwealth, both the Capellan Confederation and what was left of the Free Worlds League these days, did not participate in the Outreach meeting, and so, no truce deal with these nations was found. So, the AFFC still needed to maintain a considerable amount of forces on those borders.
Back in Coromodir (again via Command Circuit), I wasted no time in sharing the technical data from the Wolf’s Dragoons database.
The consensus among both VMI and CHI technicians was that it would be necessary to create the tools first and then build from scratch new factories and assembly lines capable of producing Clan tech.
Not only were the precision and tolerance levels more demanding than the best we did today (for the Royal or Wolverine tech) but many of the components made greater use of rare components, which were difficult to obtain.
Fortunately for the Concordat, because of the much expanded mining program in space, we had wider access to most of them than other nations. That was at least the analysis of my specialists.
The general opinion, was that it would be advisable, to prioritize building weapons first and only after that ‘Mechs, ASFs and vehicles.
Even in our best estimates, it would take at least 5 years for the first models to roll off of the assembly lines. As for the ‘Mechs/ASFs/vehicles, it would take at least 10 years before the first ones could be produced.
And that was for VMI and CHI. Estimates for other companies indicated that more time would be needed.
In the meantime Edward had opened the purse strings. Due to the Clan Invasion Crisis, (and thanks to the large number of orders placed by both the Federated Commonwealth and the Draconis Combine, that in turn represented an increase in tax revenues for the state) the defense budget was greatly expanded. 10 new brigades were created and the number of WarShips and Lee DropShips ordered was greatly increased.
A Concordat brigade was similar to a Federated Commonwealth reinforced RCT, although the integration/distribution of forces was somewhat different, with the brigade having a larger artillery and air defense component and also a lot more Battle Armor and PA(L). PA(L) were something that only the TDF and MAF deployed on the battlefield, Earth and WoB never moved past the Infiltrator custom-build units, and the other nations didn’t produce PA(L).
The result of a program whose objective was to build the cheapest WarShip possible, the Type 055 - Orca, was something never seen before even if it failed to be cheap in its final, approved version.
The first proposal was a very small ship, 75K Tons, with 2 NL35 and 2 Barracuda tubes. No DropShip Booms, very spartan, with a cost a little over a Monolith.
Evidently, the Concordat Navy although interested in the design, proposed many modifications. The main one was that against any opposition present, it had neither the ability to evade nor the means to defend against anything more than an Assault DropShips, it didn't even have defenses against ASF's.
From interaction to interaction, we came to the time of the Clan Invasion. No longer a small, low priority, low budget pet project, that never passed the concept/ design phase. With the need for a very long range / autonomy warship / raider arose to attack the Clans' very long supply line to their Homeworlds, the latest version was no longer an economical WarShip, due to its use of an LF battery, but met all the requirements for a raider.
With 80K Tons, a LF battery, 2 NL55, (one on the Forward Left and one on the Forward Right bays) and 2 Killer Whale tubes (each with 24 missiles) on the Nose, it was also able to carry two DropShips and had an autonomy of 2 years. Being so small, it had intra-system engines adapted from those used in Starlifter DropShips (50K tons+) which gave it anemic mobility when compared to any WarShips, ASF or most military DropShips, but far superior to any Jumpship.
If it encountered any opposition, the doctrine was that it would use the LF to execute a jump and flee the area, avoiding combat. Without opposition, it was more than capable of destroying any Clan resupply convoy.
With all these modifications, it cost almost 9 billions of C-Bills, but it was the only WarShip / Raider capable of operating deep on the Exodus Road without support (not counting the two DropShips it could carry) for an extended period.
Four were ordered, and received top priority for construction. Taurians, being Taurians, several of the Killer Whale missiles have ‘special ordnance’, aka are nuke tipped (Peacemakers with a 500 kiloton warhead).
While expensive, it was surprisingly fast to build, because with the exception of the compact K-F drive and LF battery, that were unique, everything else was off-the-shelf components, already in mass production.
Because of the disintegration of the Free Worlds League and the internal wars that was damaging much of the military-industrial infrastructure / complex, several companies that until recently only existed inside the League, started to look to create branches or even migrate to other nations, or risk the fate of so many that have been destroyed during the first and second succession wars. One of these companies was Irian Technologies. Unlike many others, that looked to the Capellan Confederation, the Magistracy or the Federated Commonwealth, Irian Technologies started negotiations with Kamea Arano to create a branch in Coromodir V, the place that offered the best tax and incentives inside the Concordat and also already had a comprehensive secondary industry and infrastructure capable of supporting said industrial complexes.
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While handling orders management for both the Draconis Combine - which had just placed an order for 50 Jenner JR9-TC3 (DHS, EndoSteel, Ferro-Fibrous, 4 ML, 1x SRM4 Streak and CASE), and the Federated Commonwealth, amidst the various requests from mercenary forces came one from an old acquaintance.
Grayson Carlyle, the leader of the Grey Death Legion, had an irresistible proposal.
The GDL had suffered badly in several hard fights against the Jade Falcons, and needed urgently some advanced equipment to rebuild its forces. Knowing that it could not match the volume of orders (and their priority) from the major nations and bigger mercenary groups, and as such, being right at the middle or end of the list to receive upgrades / replacements, it proposed that in exchange for some of its stock of Clan hardware, obtained at great cost on the battlefield and which was to all intents and purposes impossible for it to maintain, he could get a line of credit for our most advanced equipment with top priority to delivery.
Even though we all had received the Wolf’s Dragoons' datacore, the info in it was some 35 years old and perhaps a bit too much Wolf oriented. What Carlyle offered were examples of current equipment from the Jade Falcons, another Clan. Not that I believed that it was going to be much different, but some differences in models and preferences were always possible. Even though in the agreements signed in Outreach, it was defined that the Concordat would receive Clan technology samples, it was clear that this would not be one of the priorities of either the Federated Commonwealth or the Draconis Combine, they would more than probably keep said samples to themselves for their companies to analyze first. The FRR, would hand theirs over to the Earth forces as expected, since they were the ones who had put troops on the ground to help them.
After a quick conversation with Kamea as she was after all the other partner in the CHI company , we decided to satisfy Carlyle's order.
This matter led me to have a conversation with Edward, regarding precisely how to obtain technology from the Clans.
It was decided, that even though the Taurian Concordat would not officially send forces, a volunteer brigade would be created from carefully selected elements of the TDF, that would act under the guise of a mercenary unit and whose goal would be to obtain Clan hardware and secondarily gain experience fighting them outside of training with the Wolf’s Dragoons.
But, soon the politics and prejudice ugly head raised again. Even with the last decades of good relations between the Concordat and the Commonwealth, very few in the Taurian Armed Forces considered the option of serving under the Federated Commonwealth orders and since the Combine didn’t have a good reputation with mercenaries, we were in a stalemate. The Taurians didn’t accept less than independent command and full salvage rights, something the Kuritans were against on principle. Also, to guarantee that said force was not subject to limited access to supplies, something that mercenaries were always exposed to the Taurians needed to provide almost all of the needs of such force and that greatly expanded the supply train. The conclusion was to only a full TDF Task Force, with WarShip support would fit the bill. In the end, with all disguise left out, three full TDF Brigades with WarShips support and a large supply train was organized. For interaction with the Kuritans, both accepted to use the same protocols and rights that the old SLDF had when operation in the Houses territories, that have been dig up by the DCMS archivists. A Liaison Officer was accepted, but to ensure coordination and communication services with the DCMS and DCA and with no controlling power.
In Coromodir, the negotiations with Iran Technologies ended without any accord. While their presence represented an expansion on the industrial capabilities of the province, the conditions that the Irians requested were not acceptable for Kamea. They also didn’t accept that everyone and everything needed to pass the very demanding vetting process that the Kamea security forces had.
Part of the problem, was that the Irians still thought that they were in the dominant position, and that the local rules were going to roll over themselves to have their industries on the local planets, and getting all the usual and shady perks they had inside the League. Kamea on the other side, while very interested in expanding the industrial capabilities of her territories, was in no mood to compromise the control and security of said territory.
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What started with a ‘not involved, just selling’ posture before becoming a ‘volunteers only’ was now a full effort of the TDF to deploy the most modern and capable of its forces for a prolonged period of time against the most advanced and dangerous enemy and far far away from home.
The 2nd, 3rd, and 5th Taurian Guards, that were going to be the core of this expedition, were currently in Jamestown, training against the Wolf’s Dragoons Epsilon Regiment and the Revenants. The 2nd Canopian Cuirassiers were also present for training, even if they were not scheduled to depart to the Inner Sphere (call it a gift to the Magistracy).
While the Concordat and the Magistracy were for now not involved in the conflict, they got during the Outreach Summit, the services of one of the Wolf’s Dragoons regiments to train their forces in anti-Clan operations. The other regiments were dispatched to the nations involved in anti-Clan operations. Edward and Emma managed to secured one of the regiments to train their forces as they were there and they had agreed to sell military hardware to the other nations involved.
At same time these units were replacing all their vehicles that didn’t have fusion power, with more advanced ones or were busy refitting them. The objective was that the expeditionary force would be full fuel independent, ie 100% fusion powered. While expensive, this change freed them from the need to secure / transport fuel and gave the units more range while at the same time allowing them to operate in vacuum environments and to simplify and reduce the supply train.
Similarly, all the ASFs of the expeditionary units were upgraded or replaced with more advanced models, the objective being that they should all be capable of deploying Arrow IV AAM and/or A2G.
The infantry was also upgraded with all the Battle Armors being the latest Jack 2C, the “normal” units receiving Colibri PA(L). To give it even more punch, a few prototypes of the newest Heavy Battle Armor (2 tons) were added, for evaluation under fire.
The DropShips were all replaced by Lees, except for a few Union-BA, dedicated to transport/insert of Battle Armor units.
The JumpShips of the expeditionary force were all marked to be Mriyas, which forced some units staying home to give away theirs and receive less capable Invaders, until new ones were constructed.
To achieve all this, several units of the TDF had been ‘forced’ to transfer their more advanced hardware to the leaving units, which also received top priority in the new deliveries instead of the planned recipients.
The Naval escort force was also in the middle of a refit, upgrading its capabilities, with the DropShips and ASF components receiving equivalent upgrades.
Taurians, being Taurians, the number of Alamos and capital missiles with ‘special ordnance’ was very high. In fact, the Alamos were all of a new series, with improved seekers and ECM. In theory their efficiency was greater than the standard model, but the future battles would be the final judge for that.
The supply train would be made of 20 Leviathans that could carry an impressive 160 DropShips force, mostly Starlifters, the heavy cargo ones.
One of these Starlifters was right now being fully modified to have an assemble/disassemble/repair ‘Mech and vehicle unit, equivalent of the most advanced only normally seen in ’Mech factories. Another was in the process of being converted into the most advanced mobile hospital ever constructed – well, outside of the top of the Star League, that is.
The very exigent training regime included replacing those that not could achieve the new much higher standards with new people, being transferred from other units.
The end result was the creation of a truly elite force, easily the very best the TDF could deploy, even if at the cost of the morale in those staying behind and siphoned of their best personnel and hardware was not so high.
In February 3056, with the news that the Clans had resumed attack operations, and the presence of several new Clans in the front-lines, the Taurian Expeditionary Force departed for Luthien, expecting to arrive about six months later.
The supply train departed a month later, escorted by four Pinto class Corvettes, three of them with Union-CV and the last one with a Union-BA. At almost the same time the first Orca raiders, built in record time, departed Bolthole, destination, the Exodus Road.
-
With data from OmniMechs provided by the Wolf’s Dragoons, and analysis of the Mercury II, VMI in collaboration with CHI, created the first Omni with IS tech.
Starting with the Marauder II 6TC, the most complicated part was the creation of a programmable Gyro. Next was the creation of OmniPods, that had the same interface as the Clan systems, so they could be compatible and later replaced or upgraded with captured Clan tech.
After much testing and false starts, the first prototype began extensive testing in April 3056. A record time for such advanced technology, with the obvious results that it was still a prototype with lots of custom-made components, and really far from being ready for production or from being free of errors and glitches.
To simplify things, the Jump Jets were fixed, present in all variants.
Primary configuration (equal to 6TC)
1 ERPPC and 1 ML on each arm, 1 LRM 10 on each torso (with 1 ton of ammo each) and 1 MPL on the CT.
Alternate A
Replaced both LRM10 and ammo with an ERPPC on the left torso, upgraded the two ML to MPL, added a Guardian ECM and an AMS with a ton of ammo.
Alternate B
Replaced the ERPPCs with ER LL, the ML with ER ML and upgraded both LRM10 to LRM15.
Alternate C
Replaced both ERPPC with ER LL and the ML with ER ML and replaced both LRM10 and respective ammo with a Gauss Rifle in the Left Torso with 4 tons of ammo.
At the same time, VMI and CHI provided technically support for MMM' new ’Mech project - the M3 and M4 variants of the Bull Shark Assault ‘Mech
The M3 swapped all the armament for 4 LRM20s, while the M4 installed 2 Arrow IVs, both with plenty of ammo and heat sinks for continuous fire. For now, like the Omni Marauder II, they were just test-beds, mass production being something for the unforeseen future.
Information coming from the Clan front reported that more Clans had been added: it seemed that the Steel Vipers, the Nova Cats, the Diamond Sharks, the Snow Ravens and the Hell’s Horses. This was worrisome because not only did it include two more Clans than I remembered, but one of them, the Snow Ravens was known for its very strong naval component.
The Steel Vipers joined the Jade Falcons - a strange connection, as I remembered them hating each other, the Nova Cats joined the Wolfs, the Diamond Sharks joined the Ghost Bears, and the Hell’s Horses shared their corridor with the Smoke Jaguars. WarShips of the Snow Ravens had been seen in all invading corridors, but so far no ground forces.
Obviously many decisions of political rather than military nature had dictated such changes.
The information was scarce, and so far no true partnership had been detected. Apparently, while sharing the same invading corridors, the Clans operated independently and on one case forces of one Clan let the Inner Sphere forces escape and didn’t come to the help of they supposed ally.
On the Free Worlds League front, while the Concordat and the Federated Commonwealth basically stopped their arms deliveries and the Magistracy severely reduced them, Capellan equipment was now detected in bigger numbers, Sun Tzu was obviously active on that front.
-
August 9, 3056
Luthien System, Zenith Jump Point, Draconis Combine
Bridge of the CSR James McKenna (McKenna Class BattleShip)
Star Admiral Hinda Shu was thinking about her options before addressing her officers.
”Warriors, now that we have secured this Jump Point, we have two options : go right for their heart or jump somewhere where our Dezgra opponent might have set traps and win only a few days but at the potential cost of several units.
We are Snow Ravens, we are the Clans, we deploy our wings, and we will let fear strike in the hearts of our opponents as they witness us going for them.
Full speed ahead.”
August 17, 3056
Luthien, Draconis Combine
Eight days earlier, a huge Clan fleet had appeared at the Zenith Jump Point.
Quickly dispatching the forces protecting it, it had advanced towards the capital of the Draconis Combine, ten days away at 1 G, as the defense forces around it were preparing to intercept them.
The DCA Home Fleet was by no mean light with the Destroyers Asama and Izumo (Narukami Class) and the Frigate Kyushu (Kyushu Class), which was still undergoing trials, accompanied by 6 Assault DropShips and about 400 ASFs and faced them within two days of Luthien IV.
Unfortunately for the DCA, the invading force consisted of 7 WarShips, the Smoke Jaguar CSJ Snow Leopard (Congress Class Frigate), the Hell Horses CHH Bucephalus (Congress Class Frigate), and the Snow Raven Swift Wing Naval Assault Star, consisting of the CSR James McKenna (McKenna Class BattleShip), the CSR Blizzard (Cameron Class BattleCruiser), the CSR White Cloud (Sovetskii Soyuz Class Heavy Cruiser), the CSR White Terror (Aegis Class Heavy Cruiser) and the CSR Spur (Lolla III Class Destroyer).
Demonstrating that they had learned something from the previous battles, the Clan WarShips were accompanied by Assault DropShips and CV ones, from the Pentagon, Vengeance and Titan Classes, as well as a considerable number of ASFs, while the fleet of DropShips carrying the various Galaxies came considerably behind, escorted by the ASFs of the respective Galaxies.
Even though the more agile Kuritan ASFs had managed, at great cost, to open a gap for the heavier ones loaded with Alamos to get into range, the WarShips were far away enough for the Capital Missiles and the Pentagons to destroy many of the Combine ASFs before they reached the distance where they could launch the Alamos, almost exhausting their stocks of capital missiles
In the end, less than a dozen Alamos were launched, destroying one of the Pentagon DropShips and damaging the CSR Spur.
The last Kuritan ASFs were destroyed, but the Clan OmniFighters had also been severely reduced in number, now numbering less than a hundred.
The Assault DropShips were massacred by the long-range weaponry of the Clan forces, more precisely the Naval Lasers and Naval PPCs of the Ravens' heavy ships, without having done much damage.
Now, only the DCA WarShips and the surviving ASFs were left against a much superior force.
Unfortunately for the Kuritans, with their use of nuclear weapons, the Clans considered them dezgra and the rules favoring individual combat were no longer followed. Their greater range and firepower made themselves quickly felt, when the CSR James McKenna put a massive broadside of HNPPCs on the DCS Izumo, crippling the ship. The Asano managed to hit CSJ Snow Leopard's flank with its HNPPC, but the armor held, even if barely. The Destroyer paid dearly for its actions, being hit next by the Heavy Cruiser White Cloud, which destroyed part of its left broadside, with a salvo of NAC/20, NL45 and MNPPC, in a display of good shooting precision. Meanwhile, the Kyushu was trading shots with the CSR Blizzard, and by luck or superior skill, was doing more damage than it was receiving. That ended suddenly, when the CHH Bucephalus moving alongside it, with a maneuver few captains can equal, unloaded an entire broadside volley on its engines, greatly reducing the maneuverability of the Frigate.
After finishing off the Izumo with a long range heavy salvo of HNPPCs and NL55, the CSR James Mckenna demonstrated why the Mckenna Class was considered the zenith of BattleSghips, destroying the lamed Kyushu at close range with a devastating salvo from its NAC/40s. The Asano, managed to hit the CJS Snow Leopard again, causing moderate damage, before finally being destroyed by the CSR White Terror.
After recovering their surviving DropShips and ASFs and running SAR operations, the Clans resumed their advance towards Luthien IV.
Soon after the battle, the Taizai, a lone Overlord class DropShip departed Luthien heading towards the pirate Jump Point behind Orientalis, one of the four moons of Luthien IV, where a Scout JumpShip was waiting, ready to transport Minoru and Omiko Kurita to New Samarkand.
-
Arriving at the Nadir Jump Point the Taurian Expeditionary Force, was first received with hostility, because the Kuritans thought they were a second wave of invading Clanners. One Battlesat fired at the Taurian ships, but luckily, the shot hit the armor of the TCS Ajax that shrugged the damage. Before the Taurians answered in kind, both sides identified the other, and the situation calmed a bit. As soon as they identified the new visitors, the Kuritans requested their help in dealing with the invasion. Thankfully, for the Kuritans, all the ships were equipped with Lithium-Fusion batteries and after receiving the coordinates, they executed a second jump to the nearest Pirate Jump Point, the one to where the Tenzai was running. For a short moment Marshall Daniel Ostergaard toyed with the idea of sending a single WarShips to deal with the clan JumpShips that were at the Zenith Jump Point, but by this time they were likely to have already recharged, and he was probably going to need all his WarShips to deal with the Clan force.
After a quick exchange of words with the Tenzai as they crossed each other path, the WarShips set course aiming to intercept the Clan WarShips, while the JumpShips launched their DropShips that immediately headed for Luthien, to help defend against the impending invasion.
In response, the Clan WarShips also changed course, their objective being evident - to fight the TDF WarShip force.
The TDF war fleet was composed of the Heavy Cruiser TCS Pinnard (Winchester II Class), the Frigates TCS Parin and TCS Detroit (Concordat Carrier Class), TCS Fury and TCS Marantha Calderon (Concordat Class) and the Destroyers TCS Ajax and TCS Perdition (Ajax Class). This force represented about 60% of the available TDF WarShips, without counting the Pintos, and it had been a risky decision to send such a force on such a long voyage but the Taurian Concordat thought it was worth the risk.
While all this was going on, a considerable portion of the ASFs escorting the Clan DropShips changed course and approached their fleet of WarShips, which slowed enough to catch them before they reached the Taurians range, the Clanners commander had obviously decided that he needed a bigger escort after the losses suffered against the Kuritan fleet.
To the Clanners surprise, the number of ASFs the Taurians launched was much higher than they expected, over 600, while they even with the reinforcements, had about 400. Worse, even before they got within range of the weapons the OmniFighters had at their disposal, and which had so far granted them superior range, the Taurian ASFs launched massive salvos of AAM missiles that proved deadly to the OmniFighers, having some sort of seeker that kept them in sight outside of the most violent maneuvers, or the few clan OmniFighters also equipped with ECM units. But the surprises didn't stop there, since a considerable number of ECM systems, reducing the range the Clan radars could lock weapons on the Taurian ASFs, negated their usual long-range advantage.
Again, the heavier ASFs advanced towards the Clans WarShips, leaving the task of fighting the OmniFighters to the lighter, more agile ASFs. However, this time they were not coming alone. Capital Missiles salvos launched from DropShips that stood at a great distance (Lee Pocket WarShips) were rapidly reducing the Clan escorting DropShips in small leftovers of nuclear explosions. Unlike the dueling ASFs, these not only had massive ECM protection, but the capital missile magazines available for the defense of the Clan WarShips had been considerably reduced in the previous combat.
In desperation, the Clan WarShips began using their Naval Lasers to try to destroy the approaching ASFs, and managed to shoot down a few more.
Radical maneuvers, and in the case of the CSR James McKenna, six Goalkeeper Mk.V, prevented the worst, but even so, the CSR Spur, the CSR White Terror, and the CSJ Snow Leopard were destroyed by nuclear explosions, while the CHH Bucephalus and the CSR White Cloud were damaged. The improved Alamos that the Taurians were using, proved that they have a better lock ability than the normal ones.
Note: the Goalkeeper is a non-Lore, small craft, which appears in Delranes Fighting Ships 3061 - pages 85/87.
But now some of the WarShips were within extreme range of each other, and the long range weapons, Naval PPCs and Naval Lasers in the case of the Clans and Naval Lasers and nuke typed Capital Missiles in the case of the Taurians began to be used, the Clans having exhausted their Capital Missiles. Seeing the damage his forces had already done to the clan fleet, Marshall Ostergaard, ordered his WarShips to avoid combat if possible, planning to let the job of terminating the Clan WarShips to his still numerous ASFs that were right now returning home to re-arm and refuel as he didn’t want to risk a conventional battle against much heavier and more experienced adversaries.
Having run out of Clan DropShips and ASFs to destroy, the Lee PW, tried to concentrate their weaponry on enemy WarShips, using nuclear warheads. Unfortunately for the PW Lees, the HNPPC and NL55 had superior range to the capital missiles, and the Clan WarShips dedicated some of their long range armament to destroying them. Of the initial 8 Lee PW, only one survived. Clearly, Pocket WarShips had no business to do in a fight of WarShips.
Meanwhile, the Clanners were getting into range. Being the largest WarShip of the Taurian fleet, the TCS Pinnard received the attentions of the CSR James McKenna, and in the first exchange of fire unlucky, her armor been penetrated in several places by the heavy weapons of the Mckenna, at least not mortal. The TCS Fury was also in bad luck, being hit at the same time by the HNPPCs from the CSR Blizzard and several shots from the NL45 and the MNPPCs from the CSR White Cloud, and ended being penetrated at several points.
CSR Blizzard luck runs out when a Peacemaker hit the battle-cruiser bow, destroying its entire forward section and ending its long career.
The last Taurian capital missiles with nuke warheads finished off the CSR White Cloud, the battle from this point on would be decided with conventional weapons.
At this point, only the CSR James McKenna, incredibly nearly intact, and the severely damaged CHH Bucephalus remained, against seven Taurian WarShips, even though one of these was in equally bad shape.
The two Taurian Destroyers, the only Taurian warships still in combat range, concentrated their fire on the damaged CHH Bucephalus, finishing it off, even though both received several shots in return, leaving the TCS Ajax slightly damaged and the TCS Perdition moderately so.
At this phase in the battle, all the Taurian WatShips were now out of range from the McKenna, with orders to let the ASFs that were right now in the process of rearming deal with the mighty WarShip.
At the same time, pleas for the surrender of the Clan WarShip were broadcast by the Taurians, that clearly wanted to capture the mighty WarShip if possible. They were left without answer either because the Clan WarShip was left without communication means or because it was trying what to do after suffering such a beating.
Soon, about two hundred heavy ASFs, loaded to the gills with Alamos approached the sole Clan survivor. Salvo after salvo of Alamos hit the mighty Warship until it was little more than a wreck in space, venting atmosphere from several places, with the engines destroyed and without power.
SAR operations were immediately launched, while the Taurian ships started their repairs and the TCS Marantha Calderon (Concordat Class Frigate), undamaged, being the first to move in direction of Luthien IV, to help with that part of the battle.
-
On approach to Luthien IV, both the TDF and the Clan DropShips carrying the respective ground forces were in a race to see who would land first. The Taurians landed later, but having the advantage of landing in a spaceport, with friends near could deploy faster, while the Clan DropShips needed to land in an unprepared ground, under heavy fire and constant attack by Kurita and Taurian ASFs.
The first battle, was once again, in space, between the ASFs and the OmniFighters, about 400 on each side. And once again, the side with Arrow IV AAM - the Taurians - had the first massive victory, destroying about a fourth of the opposing force even before the OmniFighters could fire. This time the TDF ASFs not having to carry Alamos, had loaded all external hard-points with AAMs - and all the ASFs present could carry at least one AAM with the heaviest could carry 4 of them. Only the fact that the Omnifighter pilots had seen the result of the first massive dogfight, and as soon as the Taurians fired, started to execute radical maneuvers, reduced the number of kills. But, doing so broke their formation and the Taurians took advantage of it to inflict several more losses and to get closer without any major problem.
While this battle was going on, the first line of defense of Luthien, capital of the Draconis Combine, went into action. Luthien had 20 BattleSats - based on the BattleSat model first seen in action on Coromodir several years earlier - and all those in position and in range began firing on the approaching DropShips, with the larger ones, specifically the Overlord-C, being their priority.
The few Omnifighters that stayed with the Clan DropShips advanced at full power and started to destroy the Kuritan Battlesats, that being so small, lacked armor or defenses against ASFs.
But, the defenses of Luthien did not stop there, once the DropShips reached the upper levels of the atmosphere, ground based Naval Lasers replaced the satellites in the mission to destroy as many DropShips as possible before they could land, in a desperate bid to reduce the numbers of the invaders. Several big submarines equipped with Killer Whales capital missiles are in construction, to further add to the defenses, but unfortunately none is operational yet.
Aggravating the Clanner problem, the capital city was protected by 2 ground based Naval Lasers, forcing the surviving DropShips to land more distantly or to drop their load before being hunted down and to scatter them more than e initially planned
Of the five Galaxies that had begun the operation, a force more than sufficient to conquer the planet, little less than three, composed of remains of the five, managed to get on ground But their ordeal was not yet over as the TCS Marantha Calderon (Concordat Class Frigate), as soon as it arrived in orbit, a few hours later, started to use its Naval Lasers to destroy the grounded DropShips, and the forces caught still unloading. It was this confused, demoralized, and disorganized force that finally faced the defenders on the Tairakana Plains.
Against them were present the 1st Sword of Light, the Otomo, the 2nd Legion of Vega and the Dragon's Claws - the first two being fully modernized, the others, only partially. These forces were joined by the elements of the 2nd, 3rd and 5th Taurian Brigades, all fully modernized, that had already unloaded their DropShips, not waiting for the rest of the taurian forces, still unloading.
To further widen the gap, only two dozen OmniFighters had survived, and they could not stop either the Taurian ASFs or the last reserve of Kuritan ASFs and conventional fighters from continuously bombarding their forces - the Taurians with advanced Arrow IV A2Gs, the Kuritans with more conventional bombs, rockets and strafing.
As they were getting into range, they were now subjected to massive Arrow IV, tube artillery attacks and had to go through minefields after minefields.
The exhausted Clan Warriors who finally came within firing range of the defenders, had almost all their ’Mechs and Battle Armor damaged at one point or another, and faced a numerically superior force, equipped with weapons of almost the same range and power, their equipment in perfect condition, rested and in excellent defensive positions.
Two days later, the last of the invading forces had been captured or destroyed. The Clan JumpShips that had so far been waiting at the Zenith Jump Point departed back to uncertain destination, almost certainly back to the occupied zones, before any Taurian WarShip could trap them.
-
The following days were very busy in Luthien.
Fortunately the Clans had not interfered with Luthien Naval Yard, probably thinking that their capture would be a given after conquering Luthien IV. Because of this, all available tugs could be used for SAR / recovery missions and the Taurian WarShips could receive light repairs - the most important ones would be done in one of the Concordat shipyards to prevent secrets from being revealed and also while the Kuritans didn't have the necessary components.
Among the wreckage, two Overlord-C hit by Naval Lasers had missed the planet, and were captured, drifting in space, with much of the equipment intact or slightly damaged inside.
Understandably, Takashi and Theodore were very interested in not only buying large quantities, but also obtaining the production rights to the advanced versions of the Arrow IVs used by Concordat - AAM, SAM, A2G/AGM, Thunder/FASCAM, AShM and Advanced Smoke. Admiral Ostergaard, for reasons that would be known in the near future, delayed the negotiations.
To that end, they offered not only first choice on all Clan equipment captured in the battle, but access to Black Box technology, which they knew Concordat wanted to obtain.
Interrogation of the prisoners revealed that not only had the IlKhan been present at the battle, but also the Khan of the Smoke Jaguars. A closer check of the identity of the numerous bodies recovered confirmed that both Leo Showers and Lincon Osis had died. Sarah Weaver, the Jaguars saKhan, had not been present, and was therefore the highest ranking Smoke Jaguar still alive. The number of Bloodnamed Warriors captured or killed was quite high, indicating a more than likely succession crisis within the Clan.
Meanwhile, the Draconis Combine had gone into full propaganda mode, not only announcing in every possible way the extent of the victory, but also performing impressive ceremonies to honor both the fallen in combat and the victors - including awarding honorary titles to several Taurians.
For obvious reasons, the TEF (Taurian Expeditionary Force) extended its presence in Luthien, rather than quickly moving on to the front line. It had to wait at least until the WarShips had completed their emergency repairs and the supply fleet train arrived, which happened in mid-September.
When it arrived, it also brought something else of vital importance as it had along the way established a direct line of HPG satellites capable of communicating directly between Taurus and Luthien, without going through the HPGs controlled by the Federated Commonwealth. Many of the satellites previously used to communicate with the Lothian League and taken back after, had been re-used in this new, secure line of communications. The advantage was that the Concordat could deploy said HPG network without the knowledge of the Federated Commonwealth intelligence services.
Like the TEF before, the supply train used uninhabited systems during its pass over the Federated Commonwealth territory. During the movement through the Federated Commonwealth, both groups (the TEF and the resupply convoy) got a FedCom JumpShip escort, to ‘help’ the crossing. In reality to guarantee that nothing unusual would happen. That made necessary some creative / precisely calculated positioning of some ships of the supply train to mask the launch of the HPG satellites, or sometimes the ship with that task suffered from a “misjump” to execute the operation after the FC JumpShip already departed.
The fact that the Concordat had not only sent 7 WarShips with the TEF, but 4 more with the supply fleet, even though the latter were Corvettes, did not go unnoticed by the DCA, which at this point had an acute shortage of WarShips.
With a secure line of communications with Taurus established, negotiations regarding the licensing / sale of Arrow IV advanced technology, proceeded apace. At this time the Combine also wanted to buy at least two WarShips, preferably four. They were ready to buy anything including Pintos as they had to replace the losses suffered in Luthien. After all, the Concordat Navy had 11 WarShips at Luthien, while the DCA total inventory was 6 WarShips, all on the front-lines and for those under construction, the closest to being delivered was still 9 months away from being fully operational.
In return, in addition to Black Boxes technology and first choice in captured Clan equipment, they were also offering sharing their development on OmniMechs with local technology and a wide range of Combine equipment production licenses. Basically, anything the Concordat wanted related to licenses and research, in exchange for some WarShips and the desired technology.
Edward, after a long conversation with Kamea and me, made a counter-proposal that basically guaranteed for the Concordat everything that this expedition was intended to obtain.
In exchange for two Pintos, the two Ajax, which the Combine would have to repair, half the Arrow IV ammo types that the supply train had brought, and an order for several Arrow IV advanced types of ammo, which would take at least five years to be fully satisfied, at an excellent rate, the Draconis Combine would deliver a battalion of Omnimechs and the equivalent of another battalion of miscellaneous Clan units, full access to the Black Box tech and Omni tech developed by the Combine, as well as a choice of Clan prisoners to be delivered to the Concordat, an extensive list of production licenses and a considerable amount of C-Bills. The contract would provide the Combine with enough missiles during the time they needed to built the local factories, and for these to achieve cruise production levels, to cover their needs.
For unknown reasons, the HPG network between the Combine and the Concordat stopped working two months later. Ping testing, confirmed the problem was with one of the satellites inside Federated Commonwealth territory. Several months later, a TMI Mryia JumpShip arrived at the location with a replacement, but instead of a dead satellite, and after a very exhaustive search, only found what could only be the result of said satellite self-destruct activation. The consensus, was that the FC escort ship had detected at least that launch,and that a team had been sent to analyze or capture the satellite, causing the explosion. The replacement satellite was placed in a very distant place in the same system, and the network was calibrated. The TMI ship had now the undesirable task of verifying all the nodes of the network inside the Federated Commonwealth territory searching for tampering.
-
Wolf Clan Occupation Corridor
Rasalhague
October 2, 3056
Khan Ulric Kerensky was not having a good day/week//month/year.
First the invasion had been costlier than even the worse simulations had predicted. After that, Clan Wolf had been forced to share its corridor with the Nova Cats. Not exactly enemies, but not friends also.
Then the IlKhan had been killed, during the first turns of what was turning into an Inner Sphere counter-attack, creating a lot of confusion, with calls to return to Strana Mechty to elect a new one, something clearly impossible during an enemy attack. However, a council had to be carried on as soon as possible, but the only way was to use a HPG holoconference, something that the Clans still at home for pure political reasons strongly disagreed with.
While not affecting him directly, the number of Bloodnamed Jaguars killed, including the Khan, and the IlKhan, caused such chaos inside that Clan that he almost pitied them. Almost.
Two weeks ago, the Federated Commonwealth had appeared in force over Twycross and his own estimates was that even the much vaunted Falcon Guards, even supplemented by several second line units had few chances to survive and even fewer to win.
Right now, it was his turn to face a thread. A few hours before, a massive fleet had arrived at the Zenith Jump Point.
While the Wolfs had the CWS Werewolf (Mckenna class), CWS Dire Wolf (Sovetskii Soyuz class) and the CWS Nature’s Wrath (Lola III class) in orbit and the Alpha and Gamma Galaxies on the ground, the forces moving against them were superior in numbers.
So far the WarShip component had been identified as the ENS (Earth Navy Ship) Defender of Earth (Farragut class) the ENS Lady Shandra (Cameron class), the ENS Earth’s Vengeance (Sovetskii Soyuz class), the ENS Bordeaux (unknown class) and the ENS Defender of Humanity (Essex class).
Note.: The ENS Bordeaux is the ex-CSV Bordeaux (Dante class), a type of WarShip the Clans don’t known. The ENS Defender of Earth is the OTL WoBS Righteous Justice (no SLS name known), but in ITTL it was recovered and massively refitted by the Earth Navy. The Cameron keeps its original name, the others changed the Comstar names to ones more in line with the new owners – many of the Comstar WarShips didn’t have an original SLS name in Sarna.
Note ii.: The refit of the Farragut consisted in adding a LF battery, HPG, Naval Comm-Scanner Suite Large, replacing the 22 Killer Whale tubes with AR-10 ones with very deep magazines, replacing the 40 LL with 40 LPL, 12 LBX-10, and 36 AMS. The 36 ASFs were expanded to 72, and the 10 small crafts were Goalkeeper V – yes, Earth also has that design / tech - and doubling the fuel capacity. For that, the cargo as been ‘reduced’ to 140.ktons. That refit was executed in the Titan shipyards, the only one capable of such feat at this date.
Following them, were a number of DropShips that could easily transport up to four or five Galaxies, some with FRR IFFs but the majority with EDF/ENS IFFs.
Ulric was still dealing with the shock of the massive defeat that the Jaguars, Ravens and Horses had suffered in Luthien, and now this. The Khan was slowly understanding that the Clans have bite more than they could, he had already ordered several Clusters of garrison units to be moved to the new territories, to help pacify them, and had also ordered the activation of all the reserve / mothballed WarShips of the Clan, but the felling that it was too little, too late didn’t disappear. The fact was that they have very little WarShips or even on JumpShips production capacities, and the Inner Sphere had showed them that the data collected by the Wolf Dragoons until 3019 was now obsolete, and the Watch efforts so far provided little results.
‘Open a channel to the enemy commander’, Ulric commanded.
An older woman, with a deep blue uniform, appeared in the holotank.
‘I’m Admiral Cynthia Ferguson, of the Earth Navy. With whom I’m speaking?’
‘I’m Ulric Kerensky, Khan of the Wolf Clan, and the leader of the forces defending this system. I ask for Hegira.’
In the holotank, the admiral listened to some advice from out of vision range ‘And why I should let you depart free?’
‘Oh, you have enough forces to win the battle in space no doubt. And because you are no Clan, no doubt you will use your surviving WarShips against my forces on the ground. That forces me to deploy inside the cities, to negate that. The following fights are going to be not only very bloody, but will irreparably damage the infrastructure of the planet you want to capture, and do an immense number of casualties to the civilian population. If that’s what you want, fine I can deliver you that kind of battle, but I think we would both benefit from a more civilized solution.’
Several unintelligible arguments again from outside of what he could see, while Ulric waited patiently, not showing any reaction on is perfect poker face.
Finally, the leaders of the invading forces achieved a consensus ‘I grant you Hegira. Cynthia out.’ was the only answer and after that the comms was cut.
-
The wolves are ever the pragmatists.
-
The wolves are ever the pragmatists.
Nobody ever accused Ulric of being stupid. Is by a wide margin, the best clan leader.
-
The Aurigan province of the Concordat had not only fully recovered in late 3056 from the ravages of the civil war, but in many areas had far surpassed its previous status.
All systems had modern hospitals, sufficient food, potable water, and power to ensure a standard of living equal to or higher than Coromodir had in 3023.
The number of JumpShips and DropShips operating within the province was at that time, more than three times any number recorded since before the fall of the Star League, and all systems also had an HPG for the first time ever.
Military equipment production was centered in three systems - Mechdur, Detroit and Coromodir (V), by contrast, civilian industry was fairly spread across all systems in the province.
The shipyard in Mechdur, which at the moment was building Invaders and Pintos, had an ambitious expansion underway, which by 3060, would also allow it to build Ajax class Destroyers (2 slips), and a higher number of Invaders (4 more slips to a total of 8). The construction of Pintos (4 slips) would remain unchanged.
Initially, Kamea had ambitions to build a shipyard on Coromodir V as well, but funds were not and would not be available in a reasonable time frame, and the decision was made to go for a complex capable of building several types of DropShips, civilian and military.
These included a variant of the Leopard (PW1), which had removed the 4 ’Mechs bays and in their place had installed 2 SCL/3s, the first operational use of sub-capital weapons. The remaining armament had also been upgraded - 2xERPPC, 3xLRM20 with Artemis, 7xERML and 5xLPL, the armor now being Ferro-Aluminium and the Heat Sinks being upgraded to double ones. It was a relatively inexpensive Pocket WarShip, which could also be used effectively against ground targets.
Another variant (PW2), kept the advanced weapons and improved armor of the PW1, replacing the two SCL/3s with 4 Arrow IV AAM/SAM launchers and 6 AMS, both with deep magazines, as anti-ASF / escort.
The PW2 variant was ordered in large numbers, as Pocket WarShips, by the Taurian Navy, and after delicate negotiations, by the DCA (Draconis Combine Admiralty - Combine Navy) and the Magistracy Navy. Sales to the Combine and Magistracy were still in C-Bills, and not in Bulls or in their currency. Even, with the fall of Comstar, the C-Bill had not disappeared. At first, there had been theories that Earth would move on to use a currency of its own, perhaps return to the SL Dollar, but the fact was that inertia, huge replacement cost, and weight of large Earth banks, had kept the C-Bill in use for interstellar exchanges, even though it had suffered a devaluation.
Sara, having finished her military service, went on to learn the art of governing from her mother, (unlike me, the 'kid' had a natural knack for it, obviously taking after her mother for that). Meanwhile, the twins had finished the academy and had begun serving the nation, Paul in the Revenants, Peter in the Reach Guards (ex-Aurigan Royal Guards), both ’MechWarriors, and both piloting brand new Penetrators - a gift from relatives. For obvious reasons, they were not both in the same regiment.
The Capelan Confederation announced the commissioning of the first Feng Huang Heavy Cruiser in November, 12 3056. This was the first Capelan Navy WarShip in over 200 years, the Confederation being the last major nation to have WarShips - at this time there was doubt as to how many WarShips the WoB had, estimates ranged from 2 to 4 not knowing how many would be operational and to what extent.
Note: For the sake of cost (and production capacity) even though everything else was the same as the OTL class, the armor is Improved Ferro-Aluminum and not Lamellor Ferro-Carbide.
To compensate for having only one WarShip, the Capelan Navy has a robust program on Pocket WarShips, DropShips-CV and ASF, even if it was at the cost of reducing the ground forces substantially.
This slow reinforcement of forces was possible because Aerospace Fighters had become the main weapons against WarShips but at huge human cost making it impossible to maintain a continuous offensive because of the shortage of pilots and Fighters, even with the extension of all academies and priority on construction. That was the reason behind the actual lull in operations against the Clans, after the recent activities in Luthien and Twycross and some relatively small raids from the Vipers and the Bears. For now, the best estimates was that the number of ASFs in the front line was going to be enough for new offensives by mid 57 – that is if the Clans didn’t launch big operations of their own.
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On January 4, 3057, Thomas Calderon, who had been in an asylum for the mentally ills for several years, died.
Note: He had been hospitalized since 3052, see chapter 76.
In February '57, Sun-Tzu began a charm campaign, trying to create an alliance with the Taurian Concordat and the Magistracy of Canopus.
The best that could be said is that it was not successful. The Capellan Confederation had nothing interesting to offer, was viewed with great suspicion by both nations, and even if relations with the Federated Commonwealth were not always good but they were good and important enough not to be sacrificed for a gain that was dubious to say the least. The Taurian Concordat also had excellent relations with the St. Ives Compact, which would also suffer from such an agreement.
In March, mercenaries who had hitherto defended Furud and Shiro, suddenly changed alliances and revolted against the few forces Andurien had present. Obviously, this was part of a plan, as in the same week, Warrior Houses Fujitsu and Hiritsu with major support from ASFs and Pocket WarShips, appeared in both systems for 'peace-keeping' and managed to take control of both systems for the Capellan Confederation, without any opposition from the 'revolted' mercenaries.
Despite the protests of Dalma Humphreys, the Duchess of Andurien, the reality was that Andurien could do nothing about it, not having sufficient forces to oppose them, with what little remained of the Defenders of Andurien, after the hard fighting of the still ongoing Civil War, stretched to the limit defending the various borders.
As was to be expected, the return of the Capellan Confederation to offensive operations / invasions of neighboring nations, at a time when everyone (minus what was left of the Free Worlds League) was busy with the Clans, was viewed with considerable concern.
On March 5, while analyzing the belongings of the deceased victim of a traffic accident , confidential data from Concordat Aerospace Limited, the company that controlled / managed the shipyards in the Taurus system was found . The ensuing investigation could not identify the victim, nor who she worked for / spied for. Also, even the most exhaustive spy-hunt, didn’t give any hint about how she could get in possession of said confidential information.
During February and March 3057, the number of Clan WarShips in the Inner Sphere / invasion corridors increased substantially, much more and faster than the most pessimistic predictions had foreseen.
The reason for this was identified when the Taurian Orcas began operating along the Exodus Road, which was much less protected than what had been feared. This caused an unusual number of losses for the various Clans, at no cost to the Taurian raiders. On two occasions they even captured a considerable amount of equipment. The Orcas operated from a base in Gravenhage, on the Northern border of the Draconis Combine, very close to the corridor used by the Smoke Jaguars, which didn’t manage to discover it.
During this period of time, the number of SpecOps units inserted in the worlds captured by the Clans increased constantly, creating a never-ending number of problems to occupation forces that were not trained or equipped to deal with this type of problems.
In late March, 3057, our people working in the military shipyard of the Magistracy witnessed the arrival of two JumpShip, quickly followed by a badly damaged, barely operational Mckenna class WarShip. That the Canopians didn’t even try to hide its arrival from our people supported the theory that they knew that they couldn't repair it alone, and that in the near future were going to ask for our help.
It was later known that after exhaustive analysis of the Wolverine records,MIM had found the location of the SLS Zughoffer Weir, that the Wolverines had been forced to abandon, because they couldn’t repair it. Knowing the exact level of the damages it had suffered, the Magistracy sent an expedition with enough technicians and spares (and fuel, food, etc) to bring it back.
Note.: Concordat technicians are helping the Magistracy expanding the shipyard, to be capable to build warships. Right now is capable of building JumpShips and servicing WarShips up to 1Mtons.
OTL the WoB needed 3 to 5 years to repair it on the Titan Yards (found it 3061, entered in service in 3065), but the MoC is going to need more time.
In Mechdur, the Concordat started to built the Block II of the Pinto Corvette, replacing all the conventional weapons (5LL, 10ML, 48SL, 80MG, 10 AC/5 and 4 AC/20) with 16 LPL, 16 MPL, 16 AMS and 4 Arrow IV SAM tubes, and replacing the 800 SHS with 500 DHS. Plans for upgrading the armor to Improved Ferro-Aluminum were delayed to the following Block III, because of the involved costs. After all, the Pinto class was supposed to be a (relatively) cheap WarShip.
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Just speaking canon wise on the whole Trinity Alliance versus what you have here - I find yours much more realistic. I had no problem with Sun Tzu being able to seduce the Canopians in canon but the Taurians turn toward the three way never made even the slightest of sense to me. Keep up the good work!
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In Luthien, discussions regarding the next step to take led to the conclusion that it was best at the moment to concentrate offensive operations against the Smoke Jaguars. Not only had the IlKhan been one of them, but they had also been the Clan that had led the invasion - at least in the Draconis Combine.
It was decided to attack 3 systems, systems that the infiltrated forces had reported were not protected by WarShips and the local defenses were about a Cluster of front line forces strong, already worn down by constant guerrilla and commando attacks.
Jeannete
Defender - Fourth Jaguar Dragoons
Attacker - 5th Taurian Guards, 10th Ghost Regiment, Ryuken-yon and the ex-TCS Ajax, now the DCS Benjamin
Easy victory, not only were the Smoke Jaguars tired and under-resourced due to constant attacks by guerrillas and the various infiltrated DEST teams, but their immense aggressiveness led them to a suicidal frontal assault on the invading forces, pathing the way for their destruction within hours.
Chupadero
Defender - 214th Jaguar Dragoons
Attacker - 2nd Taurian Guards, 7th Ghost Regiment, Ryuken-Go and the ex-TCS Jerome (Pinto class), now the DCS An Ting
Unlike the 4th Jaguar Dragoons, the 214th was more careful and tactically flexible (for a Smoke Jaguar unit), which led that it was only 15 days later the system was considered safe, meaning casualties were also higher.
Jeronimo
Defender - 3rd Jaguar Cavaliers, Nu Galaxy, the CSJ Korat (Liberator Class ) and the CSJ Lioness (York Carrier Class)
Attacker - 3rd Taurian Guards, 6th Ghost, Ryuken-San and the TCS Detroit (Concordat Carrier Class)
By a fluke of bad luck, two days before the invading force arrival, Nu Galaxy escorted by 2 WarShips had appeared in the system. The DEST cell operating the black box that maintained communications with the outside was destroyed, leading to the reinforcements not being reported.
Note - unlike OTL, Nu Galaxy has been reconfigured as a front-line unit, with the most modern equipment the Smoke Jaguars were producing at this time, and was composed of the latest generation of Trueborns that the sibkos had trained.
To further make things worst, the Kuritan and Taurian forces emerged right on top of the Smoke Jaguars' WarShips, with no way to escape.
The Detroit only managed to launch about half of its ASFs before the combined fire of the Korat and the Lioness destroyed it.
Adding to the difficulties, these Clan WarShips had good defenses against ASFs, and a higher number of ASFs than usual. The first wave of ASFs, could only do limited damage to both WarShips, which by now were beginning to pound down the DropShips that were speeding at full power towards Jeronimo, trying to escape.
Only the use of all the ASFs of the 3 regiments, and the fact that the 3rd Taurian Guards carried nuclear weapons , allowed both WarShips to be destroyed, although 2 Lee (Taurian), 3 Overlord and 1 Triumph (Kurita) were destroyed, as well as a considerable part of the ASF component of the 3 regiments.
While these new classes of Warships (both the Liberator and York classes being post-SL Clan designs, not previously seen in the Inner Sphere until now)had considerable anti-ASF weaponry, they still lacked dedicated AMS systems, making them vulnerable to Alamos salvos.
Unaware that a Galaxy was present on the planet, the attacking forces decided to continue the mission to liberate Jeronimo in spite of the losses suffered, that amounted to 4 ’Mech battalions and 2 vehicle battalions, during the run towards the planet.
Unfortunately, when they landed, they were confronted by the full might of the Nu Galaxy, 3 brand new, fully equipped, front-line Clan Clusters, reinforced by the Cavaliers (Cluster size force), all the while with the Clans enjoying a comfortable superiority in ASFs, which was a total reversal of the usual situation
A week later, one of the Mriya arrived at Jeanette, making use of its LF, with news of the disaster, prompting a quick rescue force including the WarShip present (the DCS Benjamin, Ajax class Destroyer) and the 5th Taurian Guards (that used Mriya JumpShips with LF) to be launched. During this time, the forces on the planet were trying to survive, executing a continuous running battle, and denying, if possible, the decisive battle the Jaguars wanted so badly. While they had lost much of their ASFs, they still had many of the Flak/SAM units, thus negating partially the Clan air superiority, even if that meant they had to concentrate some of their forces, making them vulnerable to ground forces.
When the relief forces arrived, the plan was only to extract the allied forces. However since the majority of the Smoke Jaguars had decided to press on their attack after the detection of the incoming forces, with the hope that they could destroy the survivors before having to face a new battle, they offered an easy target for orbital bombardments before being finished with a daring combat drop of the Taurian brigade on top of those still fighting the allied forces. Around one battalion strong was rescued just before collapsing, the only remains from two DCMS regiments and a Taurian brigade (equivalent to a full RCT).
The few forces that dispersed, were later tracked and destroyed, thanks to the use of the Taurian high altitude drones with neutrino emission detectors, that were able to find even the most well hidden units, as long as they had their Fusion reactor activated. Unfortunately for the Clanners, they didn’t have much experience in ‘going underground’ and two weeks later the planet was declared safe.
Note.: The Taurian high altitude drone with passive neutrino sensors was already shown in chapter 68 - first used against the Wolf’s Dragoons (in training).
In the last quarter of 3057, the infiltrated DEST teams started to report that Clan Ghost Bear and Clan Hell Horses units were invading worlds that until now were under control of the Smoke Jaguars. By the end of the year, no force of the Smoke Jaguars could be found on the worlds where the Draconis Combine had eyes on.
Only much later was it learned that because of the severe losses this Clan suffered (3 Galaxies in Luthien, another in Jeronimo and enough front-line Clusters to amount for another Galaxy), the death of the IlKhan and the Khan, the other Clans, sensing a weakness, decided to take advantage of it. By February 3058, the Smoke Jaguars were no more, having been absorbed/destroyed by the other Clans.
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Poor Jags, they never make it out alive. Love to hear more on who absorbs them here.
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Ever since I had appeared in this universe (3015) and had been given access to a computer, I had been thinking of what could be done by adding the technology from the universe I had come from.
It took me decades to be able to do something. My first company, V4RU, had nothing to do with computers and even when I became first a member and then the CEO of VMI, I had the same problem as it was not a company dedicated to producing / developing computers.
Only when I bought a stake in O-P Computer Electronics in the 30s, was I able to start investigating other chip building techniques. Finding / hiring like-minded researchers was extremely difficult, not even counting the limits imposed by extremely tight security.
It didn't help that my background was as a programmer, with little knowledge in this peculiar field.
Only in the mid 40s did we see the apparition of new techniques by some small laboratories , which allowed for the reduction of chip sizes.
But it was only in the early 50s, with a company / lab specifically dedicated to the problem and built on Coromodir V, that the first components, smaller and faster than the original ones, started to be produced. Obviously because of the lack of applied researches in this field for centuries, they were fragile and could only be produced at a small scale and were not yet up to the military specs, meaning they could only be used in some places that needed much computer power and were considered safe. Fragile, being for me a very relative term, since by my standards, they were incredibly robust, but by local standards (with BattleMechs lasting hundreds of years), they were fragile and short-lived.
It was also in the 50s that we finally started building industrial models of the equipment we had taken from the Argo. For all intents and purposes, they were a kind of highly advanced and versatile 3D printers, capable of building almost anything within the dimensions of the unit, provided (quite obviously) they had access to the necessary raw materials and blueprints. Difficult and time-consuming to build, extremely expensive, they were the ultimate state-of-the-art technology from the Star League. A small factory on Coromodir V was, to my knowledge, the only one that produced them in 3058, and even then, less than a dozen unit per year.
Whether integrated in the Concordat or not, Kamea's plans (and mine) were to make the Aurigan Province as independent in terms of resources, factories, universities and even military capabilities as possible. To this end, Coromodir V, Mechdur and Detroit had been chosen as the major industrial centers. Since Coromodir V was personally controlled/owned by our family, I had spent the time from the early 30s until now quietly moving as much as I could of new and/or more profitable departments of the companies I controlled or had a stake in there or into the province
Not that we were planning to get our independence back, far from it, but we wanted to leave a solid and secure inheritance to our children and Kamea would always consider the Aurigan Province as her own.
However, we (me and Kamea) only achieved a partial success in that objective. For one side, while the Calderons and Edward in particular were our allies and friends, ultimately, they were the ruling family of the Concordat, and to maintain / secure their power they couldn’t let any other family, not even their closest allies gain excessive power. So, several of the movings we had planned had been blocked, and several big contracts distributed to competitors. The construction of the Concordat class frigates or of the Winchester II Heavy Cruisers and the work on the Texas battleship, were awarded to shipyards controlled by the Calderon family, for example.
And while our political opponents, while good at this game but lacking in the industrial ones, were not blind enough to let us grow too much, without some counter moves. In that they were supported by the Calderons – to a point.
Evidence that the Calderons had started to take measures to guarantee their supremacy was pointed to me by Kamea – I’m a bit blind in that area, I confess. She noted several facts that seemed to prove it:
- in the Marian Hegemony Crisis, we didn’t receive any benefits, even if our forces (with our Heir included) were the only ones apart the federal ones involved.- following the creation of the Fronc Reachs – the territory between us and the Magistracy / FWL, no world was added to the Aurigan Province with the best ones directly under the Calderons’ control and the rest ‘gifted’ to our political adversaries.
- while we needed to pay in full the upgrades in the Mechdur shipyard to be able to make Ajax Destroyers, the one in New Vandenberg received generous federal subsidies for that.
- only federal units had been sent to fight the Clans, gaining experience and controlling the advanced tech captured. That turned in a spectacular blow-back with the disaster in Jeronimo.
Yep, the Calderons had started to limit our growing and to secure their position as the leaders of the Taurian Concordat.
Note: the following is based on some ideas I get reading the excellent Cannonshop Ngoverse.
I had launched several pet projects to expand the capabilities of the Coromodir system. These included a new variant of the Snowden-L, with a bay for more mining ‘Mechs of a variant that used cheaper fission reactors, a special type of DropShip / thug that was basically a cockpit, engines, K-boon connector and an articulated rib-cage that could ‘capture’ the Snowden and move it to the desired position and / or transport it via JumpShip to another system.
To complement these, a ‘ferry’ was designed – a very small JumpShip, using a very old, experimental, type of K-F drive that could only jump up to 3LY, (thanks to the use of modern alloys and techniques of construction) with two K-boom connections and super-capacitors in place of LF battery, to transport the above mentioned units to the Coromodir Oort cloud.
That type of K-F drive, with only 10% of the range of those in use today, even if it used much less energy, had long been considered an evolutionary dead-end and abandoned, but for the ferry job between the inner part of a system and the distant Oort cloud, it was perfect, being much cheaper and smaller than a conventional one.
All of these models were the product of the work of Dr. Murad, the locally resident genius.
So far, none had moved past the theoretical design and / or proof of concept, but together, they would greatly facilitate the expansion of the local economy, provided that we could develop and produce them locally. After all, the tech, tools, trained personnel, and raw materials were already there, I was “only” missing the budget to finish these projects.
The idea of the ferry type JumpShip came out during a dinner with the Murad family. Her adopted daughter, Gabrielle, was working on K-F drives theory and was a very good story teller. She talked about the early 15LY range drives, the experimental 50LY one and even about the tentative to obtain one more compact, simpler and less energy hungry. The last one proved to be an evolutionary dead-end that never exceeded the 3 LY range, quickly forgotten by almost everybody. At the time I was starting to look on the resources of the Oort cloud – too distant to be obtained by DropShip only and using conventional JumpShips would be too expensive and attract too much attention. The story brought me some fresh perspectives and was the start of this project.
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When we were also excluded from the contract to expand the Quatre Belle shipyard in the Outworlds Alliance, and from the to help Magistracy repair / refit the ex-SLS Zughoffer Weir (no MCS name assigned yet, that we knew of) Kamea decided it was time to activate the Deep Space Resources program. The first step of this program was the exploration of the Oort cloud in the Coromodir system.
To this end the production of at least four 'Ferry' class JumpShips was authorized.
The first one was built on the Orca prototype chassis, to keep costs low (after all this program had a limited budget) since both designs had the same dimensions were similar. It helped that with everything required already being produced in Mechdur, the production of future Ferry would be considerably less expensive than any other JumpShip design.
The main difference with a classical JumpShip was that we removed all armament, LF Battery and compact K-F drive in favor of a short range K-F drive. This type of drive had some interesting features, for example, being made of only 80% of the usual Titanium-Germanium alloy while the remaining 20% wre various metal alloys, neither exotic nor expensive to produce. Even if it had a maximum range of only 3LY and a minimum of 0.05LY, it could be 'charged' in just one day via fusion reactor safely and did not need a solar sail to do so. Because of residual effects, there was also a minimum period of 6 hours between each jump, making the implementation of super-accumulators for a second jump in a row useless. Its size was basically the same as a compact K-F drive, but at the cost of a 'civilian' K-F drive, making it much more economic provided you had the space to put it into any ships.
It also had a higher jump error margin, about 10% than standard drives, with the pilots calling it suicide to use one to reach the smallest pirate points.
Only the final step, installing the new K-F drive, was performed in Coromodir V, everything else was done in Mechdur at the facility that also built the Orcas.
Testing with the Ferry 001 began in March 3059 with some jumps between one of the Lagrange points of Coromodir V (the biggest one) and various areas of the Oort cloud system and back.
The funds for this project came partly from the provincial budget, partly from the Aurigan Central Bank controlled by our family, and partly from our personal funds.
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The much anticipated continuation of the Federated Commonwealth counter-offensive against the Clans began in February 3059.
Hanse and Morgan Hasek-Davion had gathered 50 of their best RCTs near the border with the Jade Falcons, reinforce by extra artillery and Battle-Armor units. All units had been upgraded to the latest technology and the assault had received a full naval support with WarShips (80% of the Federated Navy being deployed for this operation), Pocket WarShips, Assault DropShips and extra units of ASFs.
The remaining WarShips, the second echelon regiments and mercenary forces would remain behind to protect the borders.
The delay before launching the attack came from all sort of logistical and organizational problems. For example, in order to maximize the impact, the Federated Commonwealth took the risk of producing two vessels of their newest and still untested designs, even before fixing the design quirks. Other units had to go through a complete retrofit of existing units like one Mjolnir that had serious problems with the intra-system engines.
Another basic “problem” was that the moving of so many RCTs took time and this without taking into account the time spent upgrading the units and re-training the personnel, even if it had been backed up by the massive industrial capability of the Federated Commonwealth. Luckily, in the two last decades, the number of JumpShips in all the Inner Sphere had grow considerably, which, unlike in the 4th Succession War, allowed to move so many forces at the same time with only minor disruption in trade.
Such delays had also given a boost to the Fighters branch with more Royal grade Stukas available for the FC Navy (and for some RCTs) while the first full production run of AAMs reached the frontline units.
As with the Draconis Combine and the Concordat operations, and prior to any offensive moves, several units of the Rabid Foxes and Loki had been inserted into the targeted systems. Now, months later, had they not only identified the Falcons bases, ammunition depots and parts, but they had also prepared sabotage and assassination operations for when they would be activated. Thanks to communication through the Black Boxes, the AFFC High Command had a fairly detailed picture of the forces present. It had also been decided, from the very beginning, to attack only one Clan, in an attempt to drive it out of the Inner Sphere, or to weaken it enough to make the other Clans turn against it.
On February 23rd, 3059, 10 systems controlled by the Jade Falcons were suddenly invaded. Each system, received the full might of 5 RCTs with extensive support. At the same time, infiltrated units were ordered to do as much damage as they could.
Black Earth, Golandrinas, Somerset, Apollo, Wotan, Maxie's Planet, Butler, Romulus, Seiduts, and Evciler had been selected because none of them was protected by more than 2 Clusters and therefore they were quickly cleared, with the Falcons losing about 3 Galaxies (out of the 10 they had in the Inner Sphere) as well as the WarShips CJF Black Talon and CJF Blue Talon, with 4 other WarShips escaping with varying degrees of damage.
Particular attention had been directed to neutralizing the Snow Raven Storm Crow Naval Pursuit Star CSR Mountbatten (Texas), CSR Kerensky's Hope (Cameron), CSR Ark Royal (Conqueror), CSR Storm Crow (Sovetskii Soyuz) and CSR Nestling (Carrack), which was stationed at Planting, and could counter-strike, even if records of Clan cooperation were nearly non-existent – with the exception of the attack on Luthien. To deal with this threat, a Strike Fleet had been gathered with several heavy Ships, the FCS Alexander Davion and the FCS Lucien Davion (Avalon), the FCS Mjolnir (Mjolnir), the FCS Fox and the FCS Ian Davion (Fox), the FCS Jaipur and the FCS Midale (New Syrtis block 2) and the FCS Invincible (Tarkad). All the Federated Commonwealth WarShips were equipped with LF and positioned at Derf.
Note.: The New Syrtis Block 2 Class is a modernization of the previous Class, with LF, AMS, DHS and Ferro-Aluminum Armor
At the last minute, the MIIO lost track of the Snow Raven combat group, which had vanished. Much later, it was discovered that the Snow Ravens had made a deal with the Ghost Bears and moved to help defending their territories in the Inner Sphere, in exchange for getting the Bears territories in the Homeworlds, with the Bears moving their entire Clan to the Inner Sphere.
Unlike in OTL, the deal between the Snow Ravens and the Ghost Bears includes the squadron of Snow Raven warships that until now patrol the area controlled by the Jade Falcons and Steel Vipers, to move to patrol and help secure the area controlled by the Ghost Bears. The helping build the Leviathans and moving the Ghost Bears population to the Inner Sphere (the OTL deal), is also included. For that the Snow Ravens receive all the Ghost Bears territories in the Homeworlds, and access to any future shipyards that the Bears built in the Inner Sphere. The reason of the different deal is caused by the inclusion of the Snow Ravens in the invasion, by then IlKhan Leo Showers.
On March 17th, 3059, at Romulus Nadir jump-point, a big Jade Falcon force, including several WarShips emerged, immediately heading for the inhabited planet. As soon as it was detected, a message was sent to Derf. A few hours later, the Federated Commonwealth Strike Fleet also appeared at the Nadir jump-point, immediately beginning the pursuit.
Because the Jade Falcons were indeed heading towards more offensive operations, with most of the units already embarked or in their way to gathering areas, their reaction was faster than had been expected, all the Falcon Khan had to do was to change the objectives from invading new worlds to attacking where the AFFC was now.
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Interesting, like to see how this FedCom counter assault and the Falcon's reaction to it play out.
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The past year had been a nightmare for Marthe Pryde. First, was Elias Crichell’s scandal of his false combat certifications, which had led to his execution and Marthe's promotion to saKhan.
After that, in a gambit to augment the available WarShips, the clan moved several ones that were playing escort roles on the Exodus Road to the front lines.
That backfired spectacularly, when the Taurians raiders started to hit the area, with the Falcons losing several JumpShips. In particular, the loss of the CJF Arrowhead (a Star Lord), with enough equipment to equip two full front line Clusters, had delayed the resuming of the invasion by several months. That the other Clans had also reported losses and also had to delay their operations was of no help. The only answer was to to move the WarShips back to protect the supply lines, removing several warships from the front-l lines.
Then the Federated Commonwealth launched its offensive, just as Vandervahn Chistu was about to order the new offensive operations. By the end of this operation, not only had the Clan lost 10 systems and about 3 Galaxies, but also 2 WarShips with 4 others being damaged. The counterattack had been a disaster, with the ambush on Romulus and the subsequent destruction of 2 other Galaxies and 4 more WarShips, including CJF the Turkina's Pride (Cameron) and the CJF Falcon's Nest (Texas), as well as the death of Vandervahn Chistu, promoting Marthe to Khan of the Jade Falcons. The fool had advanced blindly in the jaws of the Federated Commonwealth trap, never understanding that the technological gap had been reduced and that the forces he faced were first class, not second rate ones, like during the first stage of the invasion.
It was of little comfort, that he and his force had died well, concentrating all the OmniFighters, from the Warships and Galaxies alike, to protect the force to arrive mostly intact to orbit, and them, for the ground forces to land. Unfortunately for them, the AFFC forces have dispersed or hidden, not presenting a viable target to the warships weapons. And them, the AFFC warships arrived, and in the following space battle, the clans are defeated, even if extracted a heavy toll, enough to force the Federated Commonwealth fleet to return home to much necessary repair, removing the massive warships from the front-lines for several months, if not years.
On the ground, the battle as not gone much better, the numerical superiority of the AFFC, supplemented by great numbers of artillery and some space support, from the surviving and still operational warships, dictated the victor.
Demonstrating their numerical superiority, the AFFC had resumed its attack, occupying 6 new systems and destroying 3 more Galaxies, and 2 other WarShips, the CJF Green Lantern (Congress) and the CJF Lightning Strike (Vincent). Again, they launched 3 RCTs in each one of their target, leaving the more damaged / exhausted units to defend each of the recently conquered / freed systems.
Left with only about 2 Galaxies, one of which was composed almost entirely of second-line forces, and with the Steel Viper moving to take advantage of their weakness, Marthe had had no choice but to abandon the Inner Sphere and return to the Pentagon, to try to recover and survive.
To that end, she had given orders to Samantha Clees, her saKhan, who was in Eden, to launch a crash training program for the Trueborns of the last generation who had failed the tests as MechWarriors and even to test Freebrons who showed qualities. At the same time, he had given her orders to open the Brian Caches available to equip all the forces thus created with whatever they obtained from the Caches, since the Falcons with only 4 Galaxies, 3 of which being mostly garrison forces, desperately needed more troops and equipment, unless they wanted to suffer the fate of the Smoke Jaguars.
Now, Marthe just hoped to get to the HomeWorlds in time, to prevent the Clan absorption, and if possible rebuild her forces. One thing was certain - it would be many years before she could return to the Inner Sphere.
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Having driven the Jade Falcons out of the Inner Sphere, or at least, out of the occupied Federated Commonwealth territories, the AFFC offensive stopped because it had run out of steam. Most of the WarShips involved were in need of repairs, large ones for most units. The squadrons of ASFs that had supported said WarShips had suffered heavy losses and needed to be replenished. Even though about half of the RCTs involved were still at over 90% capacity, Hanse Davion and Michael Hasek-Davion, were not prepared to begin operations against another Clan without clear superiority in all combat compartments.
While the Steel Vipers had wasted no time in occupying the systems left empty by the Jade Falcons, that the Federated Commonwealth had not liberated, the Wolves and Nova Cats, who also had territory in the Federated Commonwealth occupation zone, had instead withdrawn from some systems, letting most of the systems in direct contact with the AFFC to be owned by the Steel Vipers.
On the Draconis Combine front, the Ghost Bears had followed a similar path, with the Hell Horses taking over several former Smoke Jaguar systems and abandoned Ghost Bear systems, letting them in contact on most of the 'border' with the Combine.
It was clear that some Clans were creating buffer zones with the Inner Sphere to give them enough time to react should further offensives be launched. That other Clans were being used as cannon-fodder was just another proof of their survival of the fittest mentality.
On the other hand, scout missions indicated that several systems in what had been the Oberon Confederacy, the Elysian Fields and the Great Valkyrate were receiving considerable amounts of Clan ships, apparently consolidating their position and according to some analysts, they could be creating a industrial base closer to the current operation zones, making them independent of their more than 1000LY long supply/support line.
On the other side of the Inner Sphere, the Taurian Concordat benefited from contracts to supply both the Draconis Combine and (to a lesser extent) the Federated Commonwealth with military hardware. While from the FC side it didn’t receive any Clan equipment, on the Draconis Combine side, not only due to the TDF forces operating in the area (including the Orca raiders), but also because of the agreements with the ruling family, large amounts of Clan material were sent to the Concordat laboratories for analysis.
Although with limited access to Clan material, due to the current cabal against our family, we still received some, but the real gold price was getting access to the blueprints for the first generation of Combine OmniMechs with a direct contract with the two first years of production already bought by the DCMS.
In January 3060, Capellan forces supported by two WarShips CCS Aleisha Kris and CCS Elias Jung, both Feng Huang Class Cruisers, accompanied by Pocket WarShips, Assault DropShips and extra squadrons of ASFs took control of the Andurien worlds of Conquista and Lugartan. The defenders while fighting viciously, had no chance against the more numerous and better equipped Capellan forces. Of interest was that Capellans, used their WarShips to rain heavy orbital fire onto the heavier defenses, a practice more and more common these days, demonstrating that any side lacking WarShips, after losing its ASF component, had very little chance of surviving, much less of winning against even a single WarShip.
It was later discovered that a shipyard was operational in the Capella system, apparently they had rebuilt the old Delhi Warships Shipyard, without anyone discovering it until now, providing House Liao with two shipyards, both capable of building WarShips and JumpShips.
MIM spies inside the Duchy of Andurien reported that the CCAF has deployed native designed battle-armor, and that the organization of the Capellan Hussars had changed, moving into something akin but not like the Taurian Brigades and the Federated Commonwealth RCTs.
While the other ex-FWL provinces, noted with apprehension that the Capellans had started to invade bit by bit the Duchy of Andurien, that wasn’t enough for them to try to re-unite against a common foe or to send forces to help against the Capellans, they still considered their neighbors and former friends to be more dangerous. On the other hand, the Canopians had started to very discretely provide the Anduriens with some ASFs and Alamos, models that couldn’t be tracked back to the Magistracy, of course. The Concordat, while observing the situation with a growing preoccupation, hadn’t yet moved to support the Duchy, but plans were prepared, and forces were moving openly to the area as a not so subtle reminder to the Capellan Confederation that there were lines not to be crossed. Just in case.
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Between mid 3060 and late 3062, the conflicts on the various fronts were little more than light raids / reconnaissances “en force”.
One of the reasons was that all participants were busy repairing / refitting WarShips, in order to give them better defenses against attacks from ASFs loaded with Alamos.
On the Draconis Combine front, by late 3060, the Taurian Concordat had rotated its forces. Three new brigades of Taurian Guards had replaced those hitherto on the Clan front, and among the replaced WarShips had been dispatched the TCS Amanda Calderon a modified Soyal class Heavy Cruiser (see chapters 40 and 51), which had meanwhile been converted to a Heavy/Fleet Carrier, after extensive trials had resulted in the decision to remove the Medium Mass Driver and take advantage of the space to increase the ASF force to 72 units, with abundant fuel, spares and ammo.
The 11th Taurian Guards Brigade faced the Hell's Horses in Nykvarn in March 3061, in the biggest battle of these period, defeating the 12th Mechanized Cavalry Cluster, part of the Alpha Galaxy, and capturing the heavily damaged CHH Gold Knight (a Lola III class Destroyer). The Taurians superior number of ASFs, the presence of the TCS Amanda Calderon, as well as the large number of Battle Armors - more than twice as many as the Clanners had locally - contributed to this victory, even though several new BA models - including some up to 1,500kg (Rhino and Gnome) - deployed by the Hell's Horses were an unpleasant surprise.
The fact that for the first time, a Clan used AAMs, and in great numbers, was a warning of what the future would be. On the positive side, the Taurians captured models of the new BAs and the AAMs used by the Hell's Horses, which they immediately sent to the Concordat for analysis.
The TMI finalized the re-deployment of the HPG satellite network that connected the Concordat to the Combine in March of 3061. All satellites were moved to other uninhabited systems and at same time, replaced by more modern models, with improved stealth, anti-tampering protections, and longer duration fission reactors. As the Concordat suspected, some had been tampered by the Federated Commonwealth, to let them listen to the traffic between the Concordat and the Combine.
In the Coromodir system, although it was not possible, for the moment, to build a shipyard, a large dockyard was taking shape around Coromodir V, equipped with a dozen slips and able to service the Concordat largest civilian and military ships. A smaller one is in construction in the Detroit system, planned to be operational by 3065.
In 3061, both Jaime Wolf and Natasha Kerensky retired from active service, due to their advanced age . Jaime was replaced in overall command by Mackenzie Wolf and Natasha by Maeve Wolf, who promptly changed the name of the unit to Wolf Spider Battalion.
The Wolf’s Dragoons had the same problem as other nations that had ex-SLDF warships - they had to upgrade them with defenses against ASFs. However, Outreach was lacking a shipyard, and the Federated Commonwealth had theirs occupied for a very long time, meaning they had to turn to my family.
This explains why in late 3061, the WDWS Alexander (Aegis class) docked onto the shipyard at Mechdur, for a refit. The other Wolf’s Dragoons WarShips were to be modified one at a time, so as not to overload the shipyard, which already had a long list of orders. The quid pro quo for such a service remained secret for some time.
On September 12, 3062, Takashi Kurita passed away, being officially reported to have died in his sleep.
On October 22, 3061, Dalma Humphreys, the Duchess of Andurien escaped an assassination tentative. The assassins were stopped at the last minute by MIM agents that had been ordered by the Magestrix to protect the Duchess.
The assassins, later identified as Death Commandos with cyborg-like enhancements, were defeated by the PA(L)s of the MIM agents. Unfortunately (for the Magistracy), they couldn’t hide their presence in the Duchy of Andurien any longer.
Having their two last WarShips finally repaired and refitted, the Marik forces used them, with a massive escort of ASFs, Assault DropShips and Pocket WarShips to renew the war with Oriente.
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Note: The first part is based on a discussion in Cannonshop's excellent War is a Grave, regarding FASAnomics.
Thanks to a policy of financial incentives and tax breaks, coupled with a subtle but effective propaganda campaign, we had attracted to Coromodir a high percentage of the skilled space personnel working in the Concordat, some from the Federated Commonwealth, and even a few from the Earth asteroid belt, that could not find work anymore in such places.
Meanwhile, in the rest of Concordat (and the other nations) the Trinity of Corruption / Regulation / Taxes, controlled by the military-industrial complex in power, had substantially reduced / not allowed the development of large-scale resource exploration outside the habitable planets, this exploration being seen as a thread to their position.
Because of this, while other nations, and even the Concordat outside the Aurigan Province, had problems with costs and obtaining materials to maintain the current WarShips race, we were increasing our capacity at a good rate, only limited by local budget and time to train personnel, while the actual cost of building JumpShips and WarShips within the province was slowly but surely coming down.
At Coromodir V and Detroit, the local dockyards were slowly upgraded to full shipyards, only using hardware produced in the Province for two reasons, the blockade of exports from the core of the Taurian Concordat because of the internal political fights and our will to be fully independent. It was slowing down the development but the end result was much better.
A major contributor to this was the fact that Aurigan Province, had great autonomy (as did Provinces, Marches or equivalents of other states with the exception of the Capellan Confederation) as long as it paid its federal taxes, contributed troops to the TDF, and obeyed federal laws, which it did scrupulously.
A series of new WarShips began to appear in late 3062, early '63.
The Concordat had almost finished the Texas refit, which was scheduled to enter service in early 3064. Thanks to a reduction of its cargo capability, the changes included replacing the NL45s with NL55s, greatly increasing the missile magazines for the AR-10s, upgrading the Killer Whale tubes to AR-10s, doubling the number of ASFs to 80, and adding a considerable amount of anti-ASF and anti-Missile weapons. These consisted of 16 Arrow IV SAM tubes, 64 LPL, 32MPL and 64SPL. For the first time, the pulse lasers added an extra anti-missile capability in addition to their normal mode of operation, the Small ones replacing the standard AMS while the bigger ones added extra capability against capital missiles, Alamos, and even Arrow IV types.
A LF and armor upgrade to Lamellor Ferrous-Carbide completed the changes.
The EDF, meanwhile, showed an improved Mackenna, (see Delrane's Fighting Ships Revised page 41), that every intelligence service said was a new construction, and not a refit of an ex-SLDF one, packing considerable anti-ASF defense and many other changes. It first appeared in orbit around Rasalhague in December 3062, to replace the Farragut there, which returned to the Sol system for maintenance.
On the Clan side, for the first time, a Fleet Carrier had been seen, in use by the Snow Ravens, tentatively identified as the former SLS Formidable (Ark Royal Class - see Delrane's Fighting Ships Revised page 81), now the CSRS Storm Talon.
The Federated Commonwealth being busy building WarShips that already had decent anti-ASF and capital missile defenses, didn’t focus on new classes, freeing resources for other projects.
Clearly the time of 'easy' victories in space by squadrons of Inner Sphere ASFs against enemy WarShips was coming to an end.
As a result of the growing collaboration between the Taurian Concordat and the Draconis Combine, the Concordat had received models and plans to build C3 Master and Slave units, and in return the Combine had received the pulse laser anti-missile technology.
Another result of this collaboration was the launch of the Light Cruiser Dart II, built by both navies, although in small quantities due to its high cost. The Dart II was the result of a plan to built an WarShip that would be fully ammo independent.
Dart II (Light Cruiser)
Mass: 680,000 tons
Length: 703 meters
Sail Diameter: 10,135 meters
Safe Thrust: 4
Maximum Thrust: 6
Armor Type: Improved Ferro-aluminum
LF Battery : Yes
24 ASFs
6 Dropships
120 Marines (half with Battle armor)
3750 DHS (to manage a very heavy energy weapons system)
Armament:
21 NL45
21 NL55
8 Heavy NPPC
14 Medium NPPC
16 Large Pulse Laser
32 Medium Pulse Laser
16 ER PPC
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Note: The first part is based on a discussion in Cannonshop's excellent War is a Grave, regarding FASAnomics
I will have to give this and that a closer look. It is always an interesting subject.
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February 23rd, 3063
Aurigan Reach, Coromodir VI, Cordia City, Arano Palace, High Lady Accommodations
While our younger sons, Paul and Peter, were busy trying out the new versions of the Penetrator 5TC and Highlander 732b TC1, Kamea and I had a chat with Sara.
The Penetrator 5TC was a hybrid, the first 'Mech to use Clan tech produced at the Concordat - and that we knew of in the entire Inner Sphere, outside Outreach - if only partially, only the guns and Heat Sinks were Clan tech, everything else was IS tech, albeit of the more advanced version.
The armament was basically the same, with 2 ERLL and 6 MPL, but these being Clan tech, they had greater range and did more damage. The AMS had been replaced by an SPL (also Clan tech) but for the first time in a 'Mech, one able to have anti-missile capability. The DHS were also Clan tech, which allowed more to be deployed because they were more compact and the reduced weight and volume of the weapons allowed for more free room and weight.
The Guardian ECM had already been upgraded to an Angel ECM, the result of a collaboration between the Draconis Combine and the Taurian Concordat - more accurately, between Coromodir Heavy Industries and Chandrasekhar Kurita's Hachiman Taro Electronics.
Note: in the OTL, it was the result of collaboration between Draconis Combine and Comstar.
The Highlander, on the other hand, was a more modest upgrade, having only replaced the MLs with (Clan tech) ERML.
Note: The only Clan tech we are currently capable of producing are ER and Pulse Lasers and Heat Sinks.
'Mom, Dad, I understand that this is a political proposal and not one out of love, and as such I think we should discuss the situation. Antony Calderon has sent me a formal marriage proposal.'
Calmly I opened my wallet and passed a 50 Bulls bill to Kamea, who took it it with a smile.
'It was to be expected daughter' Kamea said, as Sara looked at us with an amazed look, 'since the attempt to economically strangle us failed, Edward is now trying to ensure that the next generation will be loyal to him. I'm just amazed it's taken so long.'
'And you have nothing against it?' asked Sara 'From a personal point of view I kind of like him, he's a good man, funny and cultured, easy on the eyes, but the reason is political not personal.'
'The options are to accept, and you will have to ensure that you maintain as much autonomy as possible - as we have done' I replied, 'or to refuse which will be considered like a declaration of war, for which we are not prepared. Not in the next 20 or 30 years, at least. And that would be going against all of our plans and ideas for the future anyway. Accepting is by far the best option, I'm glad you two are compatible.'
'Yep, you share a room when you've been together for at least 5 years' Kamea said with a twinkle in her eye at Sara's indignant look. ‘You two are not properly subtle or discreet about that over the years, at least, according to your security detail, which happens to be also working for me, if you had forgotten it.’
'Mom! Dad! How... never mind' Sara said with a now resigned look.
'Sara, don't forget that besides our daughter you are also the Heir-Designate - you are both in fact, keeping a watch on both of you is SOP' I replied calmly. ‘ I bet good money that Edward also knows almost everything about your relationship.’
‘Our objective isn’t to get independent again, but to grow and protect the Reach while being as autonomous / independent as possible. We are too small to survive alone, just look at the Duchy of Andurien. The result of the efforts of the last 30 years is that we have the best education of the Concordat, we are almost fully independent in the food, education, medical and industrial areas, but we still need to be part of the Concordat to survive against the big predatory nations that are some of our neighbors.’
'Now,' continued Kamea 'we have to study how you are going to maintain maximum autonomy. See if you agree with...'
In March 3063, production of Lee DropShips began on Coromodir V. A small group was however of Block 2 - only for the moment for the Aurigan Province forces, more specifically for the 1st Aurigan Guards / Revenants.
Lee Block 2
removed 200 tons of cargo space - now 767 tons.
The 8 ERLL are upgraded to Clan tech
The 26 ML are upgraded to Clan MPL - with the new AMS mode included
The 5 AC/20 replaced by LBX-20
Armor is upgraded to Improved Ferro-Aluminum Armor
Added 50 DHS.
Added 4 Arrow IV launchers - capable of launching SAM, AShM and all other variants.
It also has a brand new scaled up ECM unit - 50 tons, capable of denying lock to all kinds of missiles, from capital ones to Arrow IV, Alamos, LRMs and SRMs (Artemis and Streak included). This unit is in the final phase of tests to also be integrated in the Concordat WarShips.
The Lee Block 2 had much greater survivability, and an expanded ground support capability, but it was substantially more expensive than the already very costly original model.
After the two years of full production allocated to the Draconis Combine had past, we could now start to sell some of the Kuritan-designed Omnis (Avatar, Black-Hawk-KU, Owens, Raptor, Strider and Sunder) that we produced to the TDF and to use some for the Revenants. With these and the Marauder-II Omni, I created a 5th battalion of 'Mechs, pushing the unit to a full 200 'Mechs (5 reinforced battalions each with a command lance). About 50% of the vehicles were Leclercs (all fusion powered), which also gives us a massive flexibility upgrade. In the other 'Mech battalions of the unit, many of the 'Mechs were quietly upgraded with Clan weapons, when possible (ER and Pulse Lasers for now).
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3063 was not a good year for military operations, at least from the point of view of the Taurian Concordat.
In April, the CCAF launched a final assault on Andurien, supported by the two Feng Huang Heavy Cruisers they had.
With a powerful escort of Pocket WarShips - which for the first time included 2 of a type never seen before, in the region of 25,000 tons – plus Assault DropShips and ASFs, they had no difficulty reaching orbit.
Although discreetly reinforced by the Concordat, the Magistracy and the Federated Commonwealth, there was little the Andurien forces could do against the CCAF, which not only used several Warrior Houses in this operation, but also a large number of advanced equipment, which until then had only been seen in WoB hands.
With the battle lost, the royal family tried to escape in extremis, to a Canopus JumpShip that was waiting at a pirate point, but their DropShip was destroyed by one of the big Capellan Pocket Warships, that not only showed an acceleration in excess of 5G, but was armed with a (spinal mount?) HNPPC. Observations, later shared by the Canopian JumpShip, that only escaped thanks to being equipped with a LF battery, reported that said ships also had 6 AR-10, 12 ASFs, and a robust conventional weapons suit.
Confirming that the WoB had settled into the Capellan Confederation, a TMI reconnaissance operation using Mryias and Orcas (both with LF) detected a previously unknown shipyard in a supposedly uninhabited system, 29.3 LY of Sian.
Two WarShips undergoing repairs were detected, a Baron (ex-SLDF Destroyer) and a Vincent (ex-SLDF Corvette), as well as several JumpShips receiving maintenance, including 2 Magellan.
In the Free Rasalhague Republic, a planned offensive to liberate Gunzburg from the Clans ended in a bloody battle in space, and the invasion/liberation was aborted.
It seemed that Clan Wolf had more WarShips present than reconnaissance had indicated and that they had a credible anti-ASF / anti-Missile defense together with OmniFighters equipped with ECM and AAMs, nullifying the advantage enjoyed by the Inner Sphere forces.
Also detected for the first time in use by the Clans was a pocket WarShip, based on an Overlord-C, equipped with 4 Barracuda tubes, which had been dedicated to attacking the larger ASFs.
As if that wasn't enough, news broke out that one of the Clans not previously involved in the invasion, Clan Goliath Scorpion, had begun invading the Outworlds Alliance. What was strange about this invasion was that they seemed to be using almost only second-line equipment, i.e. SLDF upgraded with modern systems, what were called IIC variants.
Consultations with the Wolf's Dragoons allowed the identification of the Rho Galaxy, usually acting as a garrison force, supported by only one WarShip, Potemkin class, the rest being JumpShips.
Desperate calls for help from the Outworlds Alliance reached Taurus, and it was decided to send a support force, consisting of the 1st Aurigan Guards (the Revenants), supported by 6 Pinto class WarShips. The reason of so many Pinto escorts, was that Mechdur alone built 4 each year, every year. Each Pinto had a Union CV so the number of ASFs of the expeditionary force was not bad. Unfortunately, better ships were already busy inside the Draconis Combine or occupied defending the Concordat.
With the marriage of Antony Calderon with my daughter Sara Arano-Bassot decided, the relations between both the ruling families had once again improved.
In the recent years, the new management of the Wolf's Dragoons (Mackenzie Wolf and Maeve Wolf) had lobbied long and hard for the Dragoons to be accepted in direct offensive operations against the Clans and not only assigned to training roles. That they could, in theory accept missions from the Capellan Confederation or any side of the ex-FWL, was well know, but they also knew that if they were to do that, they would be placed in a not contracting list by all the big players. And finally, they had the ban on anti-Clan operations lifted by mid 3063.
That coincided with the order by Edward to send the Revenants to the Outworlds Alliance, and I quickly secured the first WD contract, obtaining the services of the Wolf Spider Battalion to go with the Revenants. That the WDWS Alexander (Aegis class Cruiser), that had just finished its refit was also available was just perfect. I obtained the WD contract rather cheap and easily, because they needed to pay for the WarShip refit, and this contract was the perfect way to do so.
Note.: The Wolf Spider Battalion is a Battalion only in name. In reality it is a Clan Cluster unit, with about two thirds of the ’Mechs being Omnis, the rest fully equipped with Clan weapons and systems. The rest of the unit is made of OmniFighters, BattleArmor (Clan) and stealth PA(L)s in the case of the Seventh Kommando. They are transported in two heavily modified Overlords.
The reason of my actions was that the leader of one of the Revenants Mech battalions was my son Paul Arano-Bassot, going for the first time in harms way. A quick series of talks both with Edward and the TDF HQ solved any problems that my initiative might have had. That I paid the Wolf Dragoons bill, in good part sealed the deal with Taurus.
The Revenants only had 1 Lee, the first Block 2 produced, the rest of the DropShips were mostly smaller ones, because so few Overlords were produced in the Concordat.
At the last minute the Alexander also took 2 Leopard PW (the model with a spinal Naval Laser), because the Dragoons only had 2 of is 4 collars full with their units.
Unfortunately, the Aurigan Province and the Revenants didn’t have any Mriya, so the civilian JumpShips were almost all improved Leviathans (8 collars each).
My departing gift to Paul was my Mech (a modified Nightstar 9Jb), that received one last upgrade. Replacing both Medium Pulse Lasers with Clan ER Medium Lasers, provided free weight for an Angel ECM suit, and the Small Laser being replaced by a Clan Small Pulse Laser with AMS capability at the cost of half a ton of armor.
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Nice update, I like all the naval action you got going on.
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For Clan Scorpion Goliath the invasion of the Inner Sphere had been a strange experience.
Deeply in the Warden faction, and one of the smaller clans, they had not participated in either the first phase of the Invasion, or the call for reinforcements that had followed.
The defeat of the Smoke Jaguars in the Inner Sphere, and their subsequent Destruction / Absorption had been a wake-up moment for them: one of the most powerful and aggressive Clans had fallen.
Khan Ariel Suvurov also noted that Clans such as Clan Wolf and Clan Ghost Bear had managed to capture a large number of systems, partly in the Periphery, partly in the Inner Sphere, that added considerable population and resources to them.
The return of the defeated Jade Falcons forces, had saved the Clan from the same fate as the Smoke Jaguars, with Martha Pryde defeating attempts to absorb her Clan at the proverbial last moment.
In both cases, the battles had been incredibly hard fought, with a savagery only seen in the No-Named Clan Annihilation Trial. Clearly. the Invasion of the Inner Sphere had changed the mindset of the invading forces.
It was clear that within the HomeWorlds Clan systems, the Goliath Scorpions had no room to grow, and the Inner Sphere was a very risky area, where even powerful Clans had suffered heavy defeats. Sooner or latter, some bigger Clan would look at the Goliath Scorpions and try to absorb them.
That Clan Ghost Bear, Wolf, and Snow Raven were, even if It was in a stealthy way, relocating their populations to the conquered territories, a fact that the Clan Watch branch as detected, didn’t help them at all, because they were the strongest of the Clans “friendly” to the Goliath Scorpions.
Galaxy Commander Julian Kirov, after stating that he had had a vision of the Clan future, proposed an alternative: according to the information accumulated by both the Wolf’s Dragoons earlier, and the Watch during the current Invasion, there was a nation in the Periphery that had neither large forces nor WarShips - the Outworlds Alliance. All information reports pointed out that it was is a low industrialized nation, mostly inhabited by pacifists, which meant probably that the local resources were probably not exhausted.
The problem would be to launch the invasion undetected by the other Clans, which would otherwise react immediately and violently to this potential change in the overall equilibrium.
Again, Galaxy Commander Kirov had a proposal stating that his Rho Galaxy, would be enough for the operation, while the other forces would continue to protect the Clan enclaves. To camouflage the operation, some of their equipment would be replaced by stocks from the Brian Caches and the OmniMechs by IICs. To create the illusion that the Galaxy was still present, Kirov went so far as to propose that about a third of his forces should be replaced by Sholama units, with those remaining in Roche, being assigned the best equipment and ‘MechWarriors.
Against any other adversary, this plan would have been considered as a crazy one, but all available information indicated that the Outworlds Alliance was badly equipped and had few forces to confront the expedition. Because some reports showed the quality of the ASF squadrons of the OA, and because of the analysis of the conflicts in the invasion of the Inner Sphere, the number of refitted ASFs sent with the expeditionary force was increased as much as possible.
To avoid detection, and since the Alliance had no WarShips and Clan has so few of them, only the CGS Prometheus (Potenkim class) would be used, accompanied by half a dozen JumpShips.
It was clearly a low-cost, high-risk proposal, and both Khan Ariel Suvurov and saKhan Nelson Elam, after studying the plan and meditating on it, supported the initiative.
One of the problems was that in order to avoid being detected by the other Clans, they could not use the HPG satellite network that linked the HomeWorlds to the Inner Sphere and since Clan Goliath Scorpion lacked the means to establish a dedicated network, this left the expedition without contact until a JumpShip could be deployed for the long return trip and report back.
The operation was carried out in the utmost secrecy, and apparently without any other Clan finding out, and about a year later they reached Antallos, on the border of the Outworlds Alliance, and a well-known center of piracy, one that even the Clans had heard about.
During the long voyage, Galaxy Commander Julian Kirov had worked hard to turn his force into a cohesive, well trained force. The techs had been busy using the store of parts and weapons to upgrade the SLDF ’Mechs to Royals or when possible even to IIC variants.
The occupation of the system went without incident as the pirates had nothing capable of stopping a WarShip, and in a stroke of luck, all the JumpShips present were captured in a two tier operation. While the Prometheus with 5 of the 6 JumpShips emerged at the Nadir position, quickly capturing all the JumpShips present there, the CGS Azur, a SLDF modified Tramp, (with LF and carrying 4 DropShips), emerged at same time at the Zenith location, launching one Sassanid, one Achilles and two Carrier and capturing the unfortunate JumpShips present. Adding to this auspicious start to operations, the local HPG was down for maintenance, which allowed the occupation of the system without any news escaping.
Because it was a pirate world, the Goliath Scorpions did not bother with Zellbrigen, and while they used “inferior” SLDF / IIC equipment, which was still superior to what the locals had, the quality of the combatants from both side was far from equal, with a clear advantage for the Clanners. Only the fact that there was no central government and so each and everyone of the city-states had to be captured, delayed the full conquest, but, two months later the planet was secured.
Analysis of the datacores of the captured JumpShips and interrogation of the (few) pirate leaders captured, lead to the discovery of Rezak’s Hole – a pirate controlled system 73.1 LY of Antallos. The Azur was sent with enough forces to deal with the pirates present.
That mission went without any incident, and thanks to the use of old SLDF records, a small cache, containing among other things, two lances of ’Mechs was also found on the system.
Now, the Goliath Scorpions controlled two systems in this area, and despite of not having a ‘Mech factory, they were capable of producing armor (but no FF), ammo (but no Streak nor Artemis IV) and myomers and they had access to several repair / maintenance facilities, that the local pirates had possessed, even if they were basic and in bad condition, but the Clan technicians managed to fully repair/ upgrade them.
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The last few months had been interesting for Galaxy Commander Julian Kirov.
After the conquest of Antallos and Rezak's Hole, the Goliath Scorpions had finally turned their attention to the Outworlds Alliance.
The three systems captured so far had not offered much resistance. On Risin and Dneiper, the HPG messages transmitted prior to their capture had reported that they were under pirate attack, and on Prinis Prime, only raiders had been reported. Unlike the initial attacks by the other Clans, the Goliath Scorpions had neither proclaimed their identity nor launched batchalls when they jumped into the systems. In the first two systems, the defenses had been second or third rate militia units, that didn’t even have ’Mechs, just a few tanks and mostly support vehicles. Prinis had a little more with a Lance of old ‘Mechs and a company of tanks defending the system.
So far, everything was going according to Kirov's plans. The longer it took to identify that it was a Clan invasion, the longer it would take for the Outworlds Alliance or anyone else to notice them, the longer it would be before any serious reaction could happen. This was a lesson Kirov had learned by studying the reports from his Clan Watch section.
The downside of focusing on the Outworlds was that all the systems were sparsely populated, with almost no industry and that the population was composed of Ommiss - pacifists and anti-tech.
Not having the strength not the time to try to impose the ideals of the Clans, and deciding that this task was for those who came after him even if that was going to be more than two years in the future, Julian Kirov did not try to change the way of thinking and acting of the new subjects of the Clan. His priority was to gain a sufficient number of systems so that the Clan could prosper. To do this, he needed all his forces, leaving other matters for when the rest of the Clan arrived.
With five systems already captured, a JumpShip had been sent back to inform of the success of the operation, and for the second phase to be initiated - moving the Clan into the new territories.
One more system, and he would stop the offensive operations.
However, Rushaven did not go as smoothly as the previous worlds.
For starters, the locals correctly identified the invading force, to be a Clan one, even identifying correctly the Goliath Scorpion Clan, and the local HPG sent a message in time, ending the secrecy of the operation.
And this time, the defenses were more capable. For the first time they encountered ASFs from the Alliance Military Corps, the Outworlds Alliance military and they proved to be at least as capable as those of the Clan.
The mercenaries defending the capital, had ’Mechs with some advanced weapons - SLDF level - which made combat more difficult.
However, the final outcome, had never been in doubt, only the cost of capturing the system had been a bit higher than planned.
The battle ended with Kirov's Highlander IIC taking out the Marauder-5D of the leader of the mercenaries defending the planet.
What was curious from Kirov’s point of view was that of all the systems captured, only Antallos, a pirate nest, had any advanced industry and was the most populated, while all the other systems from the Outworlds Alliance only had raw resources.
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A Scorpion Outworlds mix is interesting. Both factions are resource poor but militarily strong in their own limited way. The Scorpions may even be a better fit in the Outworlds Wastes picking through the leftover of the Star League expansion zone.
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A Scorpion Outworlds mix is interesting. Both factions are resource poor but militarily strong in their own limited way. The Scorpions may even be a better fit in the Outworlds Wastes picking through the leftover of the Star League expansion zone.
just what I was thinking, great minds.....
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Two and a half months after the Revenants left for the Outworlds Alliance, news arrived - via TMI - that the Alliance Military Corps (AMC) had executed an operation against the Clans on Rushaven. Information was sparse, only that some of the best ASF units had participated, and there had been no news since.
This was obviously an operation with political components and it was likely that someone important in the AMC or in the government did not want to wait for the help of the Concordat and show that they were more than able to solve the matter by themselves.
It seems that something didn't go right, as no more news came until the Revenants arrived on Alpheratz.
Reinforced by ASF units from the AMC, the Revenants and the Wolf’s Dragoons arrived at Rushaven, where they found a mystery.
At the Zenith Jump point was the wreckage of a battle, which included many ASFs, 6 DropShips and two JumpShips, The strangest thing was that the Clanners had pulled out of the system, and taken the core of the local HPG with them.
An exhaustive survey of the battlefield, indicated that they had lost about a hundred ASFs, all conventional models since no wreckage of OmniFighters was to be found. The remains of the DropShips and JumpShips were part of the AMC forces that had tried to liberate the system a few months earlier.
The Goliath Scorpion had also collected anything useful, leaving only wreckage.
Risin, Dneiper and Prinis Prime had also been evacuated by the Clanners, which had taken not only the HPGs but also everything they could remove from what little industry there was.
The Clanners having left the Outworlds Alliance, it was decided, after some discussions, that the Taurians and Dragoons would stay for six months training of the AMC forces, but would not go on a possibly futile quest to find out where the Goliath Scorpions had gone.
Meanwhile, four of the six Pintos that had come with the expeditionary force were sold to Outworlds Alliance, creating an embryonic naval force that would aid in the defense of the nation. The remaining WarShips and JumpShips went through Quatre Belle, which had finally entered service, receiving some maintenance.
Meanwhile, in the Taurian Concordat, the marriage of Antony Calderon to Sara Arano Bassot had taken place in Taurus on September 12, 3063, bringing together the two most powerful families in the Concordat.
Because the wedding of our children represented a shift in the balance of power in Concordat, exceptional security measures were taken so that nothing would interfere with the ceremony. Fortunately, everything went well, and it was a dignified ceremony with evident popular support.
Interestingly, it was the opposition itself that carried out an internal purge, removing the most radical elements/ against the new alliance. Clearly the more pragmatic elements of the opposition had won.
And to add further support to this wedding the TCS Thomas Calderon (former SLS Bismark) entered Taurus orbit during the ceremony, being at least declared ready for service after a lengthy rebuild, modernization and shaking cruise.
Part of the works done on It included facilities for performing as a flagship together with Black Box and Naval Grade ECM suit.
A new WarShip of the same class was already under construction, using much of what the Taurian shipyards had learned during the Thomas Calderon operation.
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A mysterious smash and grab. Me thinks they are up to something in the Wastes. ;)
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If by the Wastes you are talking about the systems of the OA that have been abandoned - and several maybe still be capable to sustain life, them yes.
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In early 3064, after having absorbed the Duchy of Andurien, the Capellan Confederation turned its attention to the Zion Province, trying to capture more territory from the fragmented ex-FWL, trying to take advantage that it was still embroiled in a civil war and that the other neighboring nations were still busy with the Clans.
The timing was perfect as at this time, the Marik faction, who had the last WarShips in the region, was busy invading the Duchy of Oriente, leaving the small province consisting of the Zion, Kirkbacken, Asuncion and Suzano systems virtually defenseless.
In February 3064, CCAF forces, supported by WarShips, Pocket WarShips, Assault DropShips and large numbers of Aerospace Fighters ,invaded the Zion, Asuncion and Suzano systems, with a mix of House Units and regular Regiments. At the same time, Word of Blake forces, albeit without WarShip support – as the ones they had were in maintenance/repair deep inside the Capellan Confederation - but using their powerful Pocket WarShips and also with large numbers of Fighters, invaded the Kirkbacken system.
In all these systems, the defending forces, struggling with the few resources available to them due to the prevailing civil war, were quickly defeated by the more numerous, better trained and better equipped invaders, who also dominated space and the sky.
By early April 3064, the Zion province had been completely captured by the Capellan Confederation.
The TMI, MIIO and MIM agents present there reported the use of large quantities of AAMs by the CCAF and the WoB, helping them quickly to quickly destroy the few defensive ASFs present with barely any losses at all. In the CCAF it was evident that the House Units had better, more advanced and larger quantities of equipment than the regular forces.
Of particular interest to the agents was the fact that the House Units had more advanced battle armor than the regular forces, and that the WoB was using, albeit in small numbers, what were tentatively described as cyborgs. WoB apparently don’t use battle armor. They deploy great quantities of PA(L)s instead. While the capellan House Units have new designs of mechs, the regular forces and WoB only deployed SLDF and traditional designs, even if the WoB are more like royals.
Of course, these aggressive Capellan initiatives created great concern in their other neighbors: the Taurian Concordat, the Magistracy of Canopus, the St. Ives Compact and the Federation Commonwealth. Both the Concordat and Magistracy moved more troops (and WarShips) to the Capellan borders. The FC deployed several mercenary units to the area and hired two regiments of Wolf Dragoons – all with WarShip support. St. Ives also contracted several mercenary units to bolster their defenses.
To no one surprise (especially after the Capellan operation), the number of 'pirates' on the Confederation borders had in the meantime more than doubled. It was clear to everyone that they were black units controlled by Sian to keep its neighbors occupied, even if a relatively small portion of them were identified as remnants of ex-FWL units destroyed during the ongoing civil war. However, this strategy was not as efficient as one could have expected as unlike similar tactics in the previous years,the better in-house communications and the increased used of WarShips meant that many of these would-be pirates were quickly and effectively eliminated.
Also, the 'liberation movements' that had begun right before the invasion of Zion operating on former worlds controlled by the Capellan Confederation and now part of the Concordat and Commonwealth were not very successful. Both the TMI and the MIIO had access to more advanced surveillance technology and great experience dealing with these types of organizations, from similar attempts in the past.
But on the whole, both the 'pirates' and the 'liberation movements' did what Sian expected of them - they distracted both nations for a time, opening a window of opportunity for the CCAF and WoB to execute the occupation of the Zion Province unimpeded.
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It was always hard for me to believe the Capellan ability to retake lost worlds given their low military strength.
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It was always hard for me to believe the Capellan ability to retake lost worlds given their low military strength.
They only go against the weakest parts of the ex-FWL that is in a civil war. And in this case, they have support from the rest of the WoB.
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I hear ya. The Cappies are pretty much in the same situation in my Salient Horizon setting.
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An unexpected (or not) consequence of the Capellan Confederation invasion of Zion Province was the end of the civil war in the former FWL.
The two major groups – the Duchy of Oriente and the Marik Commonwealth, having absorbed/conquered basically all the remaining survivors, and being too exhausted to achieve a clear winner and , with the threat of Capellan Confederation continuing to conquer systems while they were busy with each other, finally reached a ceasefire / truce.
In a rare (for a civil war) display of pragmatism, taking into account their situation, they finally decided, albeit begrudgingly, to recognize the other side as an independent nation and no longer as rebel provinces.
This agreement led to a significant number of troops from both sides moving to their borders with the Capellan Confederation, although (due to the trust in each other) a substantial number remained on the common borders.
At the end of 3064, both States launched new WarShips. Interestingly, both were Zechetinu II class Corvettes.
When they tried to resume the official contacts with other nations, the situation was curious. For starters, in a bit of schadenfreude, nobody gave any side the older ex-FWL embassies, with, curiously, all nations using the argument that that the older Free Worlds League was no more and that they were new nations. Also, both sides were much poorer, in debt, and weaker than the FWL ever had been. So, it was obvious that they wouldn’t/couldn’t get the level of respect and/or attention they expected. In the end, both ‘new’ nations needed to find and equip new embassies in the other nations capitals but also consulates in several important systems or province capitals. Not surprisingly, because they were neighbors, the Duchy of Oriente got some interest from the MIM, while the Marik Commonwealth received more attention from the MIIO. Neighbors will always be neighbors, after all.
Meanwhile, in the Aurigan Province, with Sara and her new husband staying at least two more years on Taurus, and unsure that she would not be too influenced by the Calderons, Paul in the Outworlds Alliance, Kamea was busy training Peter to, should the need arise, handle the provincial government.
I, meanwhile, was busy creating a second RCT for the Revenants, taking advantage of the excellent production of the Province (and of my companies abroad) and of the surplus of trained personnel coming out of the local military schools. At this time, several infantry units, including Battle Armour, Jump, and Mechanized ones, as well as armored units were already undergoing training, while the BattleMech battalions were just starting theirs.
On the equipment front, the first generation Heavy Battle Armor we had been developing had been canceled, with many unresolved problems. Now, with the collaboration of Luthien Armor Works in the Combine and of Magesty Metals and Manufacturing in Canopus, a new design had been completed.
Inspired by the Marauder Mech, at 1,500kg but running only 11km/h, the MiniMad - as it immediately came to be known - had a Support PPC and an Anti-Personnel Weapon in each arm, a Light Recoiless Rifle or Battle Armour level Gauss Rifle in the right torso together with a Light TAG. It also had Magnetic Clamps which allowed it to be carried by friendly units.
Depending on the missions, the APW could be a Heavy Machine Gun, a Micro-Grenade Launcher or a scaled-up infantry Pulse Laser Rifle. The Light Recoilless Rifle had three types of ammunition - HE, FRAG or thermobaric.
While basically useless against Mechs and heavy armored vehicles, it was deadly against all types of infantry, PA(L) and BA, as well as unarmored or lightly armored vehicles.
Note: Basically a slightly improved/more versatile Marauder Battle Armor created OTL in 3110 by the Marian Hegemony.
In May 3064, CHI began industrially producing Clan level ER PPCs and Gauss Rifles.
A positive side of our research into new (ie from my home universe) chip production techniques was that it was easy for us to reproduce Clan electronics, such as Targeting Computers. As for Angel ECM and Bloodhound Active Probe, the ones we were starting to produce weighed half a ton and a ton less respectively than the standard ones. Prototypes in the lab weighted only one ton and two tons and occupied only one critical slot, but so far none had achieved – by a wide margin – the levels of ruggedness necessary for military components.
As for C3 Master and Slave Computers, LAW in collaboration with CHI was finalizing the second generation, which would be produced by both companies.
In September 3064, the shipyard at Coromodir V went into operation, starting to build, in 3 slots, Invaders. It was planned that by 3068, it would also be capable of producing Ajax Destroyers.
As for the shipyard in Detroit, it would become operational in 3066.
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Since the beginning of the invasion, the Inner Sphere (and the Periphery) nations were trying to gain access to the communications of the Clans.
By August 3065, both the Federation Commonwealth, Terra (which means including the Free Rasalhague Republic) and the Draconis Combine (with their allies, the Taurian Concordat) had finally succeeded in finding and altering some Clan communications satellite (HPG two-ways).
The missions to find and hack them had been executed by Magellans and in some cases by Orcas. It had been no easy task since several were in systems with WarShip presence, forcing them to hasty retreats (easy to do since both types of Ships had Lithium-fusion batteries), while others had self-destruct when the attempts to hack them had failed.
The technology and sophistication level the Clans used was a bit better than the very late SLDF – probably thanks to advanced prototypes that they took with them in the Exodus – updated with more recent tech. The only area where the Inner Sphere powers were ahead was encryption and decryption technology, thanks to the centuries of continuous warfare.
After a rocky start, when all sides found out that the others also had access to Clan comms, the Inner Sphere started a program to share the information obtained. For that, an organization was created formed of members of the different intelligence units of the different nations having access to this intel, tentatively named Allied Intelligence Service, or AIS for short. For now, their single function was to share the information and to make the best out of it.
One of the immediate results of said program was the postponement of any offensive, when a thorough analysis revealed the sheer number of WarShips and ASFs present in the occupied systems.
Clearly, the next offensive would require more resources.
However, it appears that the Clan side was not idle on the information war front. A crescent number of Bug Eye (JumpShips) and Pueblo (DropShips) had been spotted in and near the contested areas. So far, none as been captured or destroyed, but the hunt was on.
Some information was also obtained about what was going in the Clan Home Worlds. Apparently, a war started when the Home Clans clashed over the control of the territories vacated by those that had fully moved to the Inner Sphere (and near Periphery). While it stated in normal Clan fashion, things escalated when they also tried to absorb the defeated Clans that had returned home, like the Jade Falcons with nukes being used in space.
While for the Falcons, after years of war in the Inner Sphere, using nukes outside the 75k km limit of any planetary atmosphere, was now a normal fact of war, for the Clans that never participated in the invasion, is a dezgra move, that caused retaliations in kind.
What came to a surprise for the Home Clans was that the Snow Ravens also used the same tactics and weapons. Even after sustaining some losses in combat and with their fleet divided, the Ravens still had one of the biggest fleet in Clan space. Their use of nukes, and the fact that they were ahead in improving the anti-ASF and anti-missile defenses of their WarShips cemented their superiority in space. That they decided to side with the Falcons was also a nasty surprise for the other Clans.
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Khan Ariel Suvurov did not wait for news from Galaxy Commander Julian Kirov to begin preparations for the migration of her Clan to new territories.
As soon as Kirov's forces departed, a very discreet but continuing upgrade of the available naval means began. Gradually, in the utmost secrecy, and using different explanations, such as replacing another WarShip, or planned maintenance, their fleet was brought to a full state of readiness being able to quickly move to any location.
At the same time, the various civilian JumpShips, available to all the Castes, received an overhaul in order to put them in the best condition possible for such a long journey.
Tremendous effort was made to hide their preparations from the Watch , in which they were helped by the fact that the best operatives were focusing on the operations in the Inner Sphere and the nascent conflicts in the HomeWorlds made the few operatives remaining there unavailable for anything else.
Dismantling the factories and preparing the necessary reserves for the trip was time-consuming, even more so, because the necessity of doing it discreetly, but fortunately it also went without incident.
Unlike the Ghost Bears, the Goliath Scorpions did not have the naval means to move the entire Clan, forcing Ariel Suvurov to make the difficult decision to leave behind the elders, the incapacitated and a few volunteers, who had the difficult mission of maintaining the illusion that the Clan was still present for as long as possible, while representing less than 10% of the total population of their Clan.
Still, it took tough negotiations with several Clans (some allied, some merely neutral) to gather everything needed. Fortunately everything went secretly enough even if not perfectly and the Goliath Scorpions managed to obtain the necessary equipment to begin the long journey, without their enemies or any predatory Clan discovering their true intentions before it was too late. In order to do that, they had to cut deals that were far from optimal and to give away most of their possessions.
On Dadga, they gave away their part of the system to the Star Adder, in exchange for JumpShips and DropShips, keeping only a small force on ground to create the illusion that they were present. Their natural allies, Clan Wolf, was also transferring forces to the Inner Sphere and had to use the same trick..
On Huntress, their territories went to the Jade Falcons and Star Adders, in exchange for JumpShips, DropShips and specific equipment.
On Marshall, a complicated game of moving units continuously was played to trick the forces of Clan Fire Mandrill and Clan Ice Hellion present on-world and this up to the last moment. They were helped in this game by Clan Star Adder.
On Roche, since both Clans Wolf and Goliath Scorpion were leaving the HomeWorlds around the same time (even though the Wolves had started earlier), the withdrawal was peaceful, which left the system abandoned until the other Clans found out and fought among themselves for the system.
Clan Goliath Scorpion gave up their enclaves on Tokasha to the Diamond Sharks, in exchange for JumpShips, DropShips and the CDS Speculator (Volga Class).
Note ...: the DropShips obtained were all civilian versions, which the Clans valued less but were still the best choice for transporting the population and equipment the Goliath Scorpions were able to carry.
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The offensive launched by the Ghost Bear, the Wolf and the Snow Raven Clans in 3068 took everyone by surprise.
Due to the extensive, but careful use of highly modernized Bug Eye spy ships, the they knew in detail the location and composition of the various EDF /EN (Earth Defense Force / Earth Navy) task forces within what was left of the Free Rasalhague Republic.
On July 12, 3068, each of these task forces was attacked and destroyed, by squadrons of WarShips from all three Clans, operating together for the first time.
Of note, all the WarShips used by the Clans had been massively modified, having been given robust defenses against ASFs and missiles, while the numerous OmniFighters used ECM and AAM in quantities never seen before.
Among the WarShips used in this operation were the CSRS Storm Talon (Ark Royal Heavy carrier, see chapter 107) and at least two massive WarShips, one of which, later identified as the CGBS Great Bear (Leviathan II Heavy Battleship class), destroyed the ENS Defender of Earth (Farragut class).
Several other WarShips of unknown model (and not of SLDF origin) were also used, in a clear demonstration that at least these Clans had an active production of WarShips.
With the way open for invasion, Rasalhague was the first system to fall, having been assaulted by 12 Galaxies, 8 from Ghost Bear, and two from each of the other Clans.
In a radical departure from common Clan practices, no batchall was offered, and few of the Clan Mechwarriors indulged in single combat.
The Clan ground forces had also changed – While only a few new OmniMechs designs are spotted, various new Configurations of the know ones were present on the battlefield, many of these with more and/or improved EW equipment. One spezialised Omni extremely rare until now, was now present in great numbers, the Naga,. Also, many new types of Battle Armour were now deployed. Even OmniVehicles, which until now had almost only bee used by Clan Hell Horses,were being seen in some numbers. Among them were arty (Arrow IV or tube) or SAM ones (Arrow IV SAM or an Omni variant of the Pollux ADA), and a few were even EW dedicated. The Clans, or at least these three Clans, had radically changed their behavior, and in a very lethal way. It seems someone had found some SLDF manuals on combined military operations and read some chapters of it.
By December 22, 3068, the whole the Free Rasalhague Republic was in the hands of these Clans, and what was left of the EDF withdrew to the Sol system, having lost all the WarShips involved in defending the FRR, with only a few remaining, rumoured to be less than a dozen in the solar system. As ground forces were concerned, the EDF had lost the equivalent of 10 divisions, leaving it greatly weakened.
Military operations stopped at that date, the Clans being apparently satisfied with their new conquests, or not wishing to invade another nation.
Note: In this alternate universe, the Clans Ghost Bear, Wolf and Snow Raven were conentrated in the FRR, not occupying systems in either the Draconis Combine or the Federated Commonwealth, leaving the invasion/occupation of those nations to the remaining Clans involved in the invasion. These three Clans had also occupied several systems in the Periphery, north of the FRR, while only the Snow Ravens still holding territories in the HomeWorlds, with the Ghost Bears and Wolves having, at this date, completed their full transfer to their new domains in the Inner Sphere and Near Periphery.
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Note..: chapter highly influenced by the excellent works of Cannonshop in his excellent Ngoverse.
One of Jean-Luc's long-term investments from the beginning had been to try to attract as many spacers / belters / rockajackers as possible to New Vandenberg first, and then to Coromodir.
By 3068, this effort had resulted in a spacer population of about 250 million in the Coromodir system, which was the third system with the most spacers in the Inner Sphere/Periphery, being only surpassed by the Sol and Kowloon systems.
Arriving in small groups, they had come from large concentrations such as Sol, Cambiano and even Kowloon, and also from small communities that existed in all nations, with some even coming from the Kuritan space.
The end result was the availability of a huge population trained to work in space and with the investments made at Snowden and Snowden-L in equipment to both explore the asteroid belts and the Oort cloud, the shipyards at Coromodir were not short of either trained personnel nor of resources that in other systems would be rare and expensive.
Adjusting the legislation to support the specific needs of these communities had contributed a lot to the attractiveness of the whole system.
Another factors that helped attract several of these groups was the excellent repair and maintenance conditions offered at the dockyards and shipyards, as well as excellent credit conditions for the purchase of JumpShips for spacers, as long as they worked a large part of the time within Concordat. / Aurigan Province. Or the building of a complete teaching/healthcare system in selected asteroids. Since their needs were usually not taken care of and the spacers viewed all governments with suspicion, it took a lot of discussion and negotiations to put everything on tracks..
Another area of interest for spacers was skinsuits. A modern factory had been built in Coromodir to produce the best possible design. To this end, a competition had been instituted in which each improvement, each bug fix, was rewarded, leading to several spacers communicating their personal improvements.
The end result was a model superior in quality, autonomy and comfort to any other in existence. They were sold at a low profit to the local community, which was so large (in the millions), that the factory still made a small gain, but the reason was mostly politic, leading the managers to be overruled by the ruling family when they wanted to increase the price. Obviously, the price of the ones sold outside the Coromodir system was more in line with the desires of the company.
A side effect of these measures was that even JàrnFòlk's JumpShips began to appear in Coromodir with the first contact being made in 3065.
Reaching such results had been neither easy nor short journey, on the contrary. In the beginning, and in the first few decades, this policy had to face the many suspicions and distrusts of the belters and rockajackers, more than triple burned and deceived by successive governments in the Inner Sphere.
But, thanks to the same focused politics being pursued overtime accompanied by constant consultations with the interested parties, results were reached until we gathered in 3068 what was the third-largest concentration of spacers ever created.
From Kowloon, the biggest enclave outside Sol, spacers only started to arrive in numbers after the Clan invasions, any attempts before that only got very small results.
One thing interlinked with spacers is their JumpShips. You couldn’t have ones without the others.
While the Concordat has five full shipyards – Bolthole, Taurus, New Vandenberg, Coromodir and Mechdur – all capable to deliver WarShips and JumpShips, they also had two more – Detroit and Pinard – that could only build Invaders. What they had in greater numbers were dockyards, that couldn’t make new ships but were vital for the maintenance and small repairs of the growing fleet.
For example, in 3068, Coromodir had one full shipyard over Coromodir V, a dockyard on the asteroid belt that mostly served the spacer community, and was busy building another dockyard (that was planned to be latter transformed into a full shipyard) in the Oort cloud.
That network of dockyards was part of the reasons the spacers were eager to move to the Coromodir system as they knew their fleets could be maintained at a rhythm and price not possible in other nations, thanks in no small part to the accords with the Arano-Bassot. Outside Coromodir, they had, like in other states, to ‘fight’ to obtain access to said dockyards and shipyards, even if the Concordat treated them better than the other nations.
Another really important factor was that the space lanes inside the Concordat were much safer than in any other nation, a thing much appreciated by the spacer communities. Much of this came from the Pinto Class WarShips.
The growing fleet of Pintos Block 2 (with the 80 MG replaced by 24 AMS and the 800 SHS by 600 DHS – see chapter 68) was mostly used for ‘Coastal Guard’ missions, aka, patrolling against piracy / contraband and helping ships in distress. Even with some sold to the Magistracy, the Draconis Combine and even to the Outworlds Alliance, the remaining fleet was big enough to be the reason that any pirate would consider the Concordat space Death Ground and departed to less dangerous territories.
Apart from the increased number of people to work in space oriented jobs inside the Coromodir system – one of the reasons said system is economically growing faster than any other – the presence of the spacers JumpShips also accounted in no small part for the increase in trade inside the Aurigan Province and the rest of the Concordat. Inside the Province they represented about 20% of all commercial Jumpships, while in the Concordat they are about 10%. And more ships meant more trade.
By 3068, the Taurian Commercial Navy – and private companies- were doing business with all the Concordat territory as well as all the systems up to the Magistracy of Canopus, the old Lothian League and Illyrian Palatinate (these two now Taurian territory or Taurian vassals in all but name), the Circinus Federation, the Federated Commonwealth, the Draconis Combine, the Outworlds Alliance and the news states in the ex-FWL, and Earth.
Basically, they only didn’t do business with the Capellan Confederation and the Clans. The Concordat was also selling WarShips to the Magistracy, the Outworld Alliance, the Combine and after the disaster in the Rasalhague space (and in urgent negotiations) with Earth, and was the only nation to do so.
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Good to see you back paulo brito!
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Note..: Second part of the heavily based on Cannonshop works. Now, the WarShip toys...
As was to be expected, the sale of WarShips, even the lighter classes, to Earth, was not well accepted at first by the Taurian elites. However, once the high price per WarShip was known– along with the various advantages that the Concordat got, ranging from an obscene amount of licenses, to a complete copy of the Prometheus database version or to various exceptions in taxation, the opposition to the sales died quickly.
What was not announced in the media on Taurus, was that since only the Aurigan Province produced Pintos, the bulk of the (financial) slice would go to them.
In the meantime, a new type of Corvettes, the Tribal class, began to enter service in the Taurian Concordat based on the experience earned from the sales of the Pintos to other nations, what they had learned in the meantime from the growing population of spacers and the feedback from the different war missions of the Orcas and Pintos.
Highly based on the Pinto design, the differences were nevertheless immense.
For starters, the armor was Heavy Ferrous-Aluminum. It was equipped with LF, the latest Black Box generation available to the TC and with one of the most compact HPGs ever produced (similar to the 14 ton SL mobile HPG for ground forces). The sensor and communication suites were also state of the art.
The armament was also quite different - 4 NL55, 2 LNPPC, 2 Light Naval Gauss, 2 AR-10 tubes (loaded with “standard” missiles in normal, anti-piracy and patrol missions, with nuke loaded missiles when heavy fights were foreseen). 16 LPL and 16 MPL provided it with AMS and anti ASF capability. It kept the 12 ASFs and the DropShip docking collar from the Pinto.
The targeting computer used with the Light Naval Gauss, took in consideration, that in space, the range of the weapons was basically unlimited, and could calculate very long ranged shots – another first for a space navy.
In fact, tests/exercises made to validate the design, showed that with a competent crew, hits could be achieved at more than 3 light-seconds – the actual record against a moving target (that didn’t do fancy maneuvers, that is) was a bit in excess of a million kilometers. That exercise was against an invading DropShip moving in a usual (aka, predictable) trajectory… and the shooter was never detected during said exercise.
To ensure its safety and for anti-piracy and boarding missions, it carried 48 Marines, with a combination of PA(L) and Battle Armour.
The other difference was the massive use of Radar Absorbent Material (RAM) on it giving it both a black paint and a black sail.
Nothing too over the edge but the layered materials were able to absorb as many electromagnetic spectra as possible, including frequencies above and below visible light. it's an absorptive, rather than reflective tech. Because it's less concentrated, and has to have 'tuning elements' spread throughout to convert received signal (into the radio spectrum) into electrical power, the sails are unusually large for the mass of the vessel, and require some care when retracting, often requiring crew to be on the surface of the ship in hard vacuum to prevent snags and address malfunctions in the retraction gear.
Finally, it had the most advanced jump-point calculator/advanced navigational computer available thanks to the many lessons passed on by the spacers.
Another factor was that both the crew and the Marines were prepared/trained from the start to fight in vacuum, with the atmosphere drained.
Simulations, and careful testing had demonstrated that the survivability of a WarShip rose brutally if this training took place, allowing it to keep on operating in situations that would have destroyed any other WarShip.
The RAM coating/black paint was also very good at absorbing/hidden the heat signature, turning the ship very stealth, unless under very focused active search from modern systems. The negative side was that it made it mandatory to have two sets of maneuvering thrusters – the ‘standard’ high energy/hot plasma and a low power one, using high pressure cold gas, virtually undetectable unless at very short range. Another problem, was that in order to hide the heat signature, a massive internal heat sink/dump system was needed, that could only be activated for a couple of hours, until its capacity was exceeded, and the radiation vents had to be reopened. But, during these hours, it was the most stealthy WarShip known by the Taurians.
Obviously, this WarShip was not included on the “available for other nations” lists.
Another much less technological challenging ‘WarShip’ was also brought into production for a specific use in the Coromodir system, first and later also in Bolthole and Taurus.
In short, this cheaper vessel was a modified ferry short JumpShip, with an HNPPC spinal mounted, 12 LPL in dual mode, and four Killer Whales in single shot tubes. Taurians being Taurians, these were in reality, Peacemakers. Since they suffered from the same limitations as the ferries – aka, imprecise and short jump, only a few were constructed to help patrol the system. But to act, as a single system patrol and as a first line of defense, they were good enough. Contributing in no small part to their efficiency was the fact that their existence was not publicly known with only few people outside of the high ranking officers being informed. They were only deployed to the Taurus system, Bolthole, and to the Coromodir system and with no official existence.
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Coromodir System
Nadir Jump-Point
Olympus Station
12th January 3069
The duty station started like all others for Ensign Julius Silva. Monitoring the traffic on the Nadir Jump-Point of the Coromodir system was a busy job, but not a properly exciting one. Until now.
“Unscheduled emergence wave. A big one! Confirmed several big ships!’
‘Sound the alert!’
‘Interference on the Box! Can make the bloody thing work.’
‘Switch to radio signals! Fast.’
‘Can’t, also massive interference.’
‘Activate case Zulu, prepare the emergency secure laser data-links for communication with both planets. Whatever is arriving is big and is serious.’
‘Time count… already passed the megatons class jump, incoming is going to be a very big WarShip, or various ships arriving at the same time.’
The force that arrived was composed by 4 WarShips, more precisely, 2 Aegis class Heavy Cruisers, 1 Lola III and 1 Baron class Destroyers. None with active IFF, a sure sign that they were hostile.
The forces present at the Nadir Jump-Point tried to do something, they really tried, but they didn’t have any WarShip and the only Pocket Warship, a Leopard CW, only had a single NL55. To be fair, it got a clean shot on the Lola III, without any visible damage other than a scar on the Destroyer armor.
The answer destroyed all the defending forces present, including the Olympus station with one Ensign Julius Silva, but not before he successfully sent the composition of the invader force via secure laser data-link to both Coromodir V and VI.
After that, several hours later, in Coromodir V, the nearest inhabited planet, (Coromodir VI being on the other side of the system at this time) potent optical telescopes were pointed to the location. Soon, they confirmed the composition of the invasion (or raider) force and also detected a late arrival wave with a very rare Falsane Yardship, 1 StarLord, and 6 Invaders.
Furthermore, the DropShips, that by now, were deployed were a mix of Assault, ‘aerospace carrier and infantry transport, which indicated a will to capture targets.
As usual in these emergencies, any JumpShip present at the Nadir that could immediately jump out, did it, and the poor ones that couldn’t were destroyed.
The JumpShips at the Zenith Jump-Point, as soon as they learned of the invasion also jumped out if they could.
That let the system without any (civil) way of alert the near systems, because of the unprecedented and unexpected jamming of the FTL communications.
Their objective quickly became obvious as the force moved in direction of Coromodir V.
Whoever they were, they didn’t try to go for the stable pirate jump-point near the planet, having no doubt been well-informed about the (relatively) massive defenses covering it (as well as the stable pirate Jump Point around Coromodir VI).
Note..: OTL/Lore the HPG/BlackBox and radio interference/jamming can be caused by the massive 1000LY ranged Super-HPGs that WoB used in the Jihad.
The forces defending the system included the Winchester II class Cruiser TCS Daniel Calderon, and two Corvettes – the Tribal class TCS Tribal, first and so far only operational ship of her class, and the Pinto class TCS Mandalas, as well as several Pocket Warships. Also present were 3 Carcajou class Cutters.
Because of the jamming, the nature and numbers of the invaders and the location of the forces present, it was decided that the TCS Mandalas that was near the Coromodir VI jump point would jump to the Guldra system and from there alert all the forces in range to provide support.
Only later was it discovered that both Guldra and Itrom, the two inhabited system at less than 30 LY from Coromodir, had also been hit by the same jamming. The defense had thus been deprived of a WarShip for nothing.
In the Coromodir V shipyards, 2 Tribal class Corvettes, 2 Ajax class Destroyers and 6 Invader class JumpShips rested in varied stages of construction and represented without any doubt a very tempting target for the invaders/raiders.
The 'journey' to Coromodir V was not easy for the invaders.
Captain Mary Li, commanding the TCS Tribal pulverized the previous range record and while it took her the full ammo of her Light Naval Gauss to take down three DropShips, she managed to destroy them, at over 5 million kilometers. Of course, not all the shots hit, but the ones that did were enough to destroy a Union-CV, a Titan and a Triumph.
Due to the fact that the distance between the Nadir Jump Point and Coromodir V was about 9 days, and that the locations had more JumpShips and ferries than a system without shipyards (or spacers) would normally have, a series of immense navigational feats moved several military DropShips from Coromodir VI, that at this time was on the opposite side of the system, and under normal conditions wouldn’t be able to send help in time, a fact more than probable know by the invaders, to Coromodir V, with the very capable navigators making full use of the Pirate Points near both planets.
Normally, more than half of these jumps would have make anyone navigation licenses removed but this was a special circumstances.
The end result was that several Pocket WarShips, Assault DropShips and Heavy Carriers, the latter carrying a considerable number of ASF and small crafts - small crafts in this case being Flankers-F, 200 tons of pure malice equipped with 3 ERPPCs and a dozen Arrow IVs, in a mix of AAMs and AShMs, were moved from Coromodir VI to the orbit of Coromodir V, greatly reinforcing the local defenses.
Note: This was only possible due to the fact that both planets (Coromodir V and VI) had moons of reasonable size which created Lagrange Points, AKA stable Pirate Points, at a short distance from the respective planets. These were the kind of Pirate Points that ferries could - at the limit, and only with high-class navigators - operate. In reality, the ferries were not certified for these operations, but military emergencies...
Two days away from Coromodir V, the forces on both sides faced each other.
The first line of defense were the ASFs and small crafts, leaving on the Coromodir side the WarShips, Pocket WarShips and Assault DropShips for the second wave.
But what the first wave lacked in mass, they had in numbers and the numerical advantage for the defending forces was obvious from the start. Some 200 ASFs - all SL models, though many clearly upgraded, were up against just over 300 ASFs and 70 small crafts. The two WarShips and DropShips of the invading force did what they could to support their escort.
Clearly the invaders also had AAMs and ECMs, which balanced the forces somewhat, but after the first pass, the invaders had lost more than half of the ASFs, for a loss of ninety two from the defenders. Even if none of the DropShips or WarShips had been destroyed in this attack, all of the invading WarShips and several of their DropShips had been hit badly.
Now it was the turn of the defender heavyweights to enter the game with 1 Winchester II class Cruiser, 1 Tribal class Corvette, 3 Carcajou class Cutters, 4 Lee Pocket WarShips, and 6 Leopard Pocket WarShips.
In terms of mass, this fleet was not impressive. But unlike the attackers, they still had full magazines, and undamaged armor. And being Taurians, they carried lots and lots of nukes.
Whereas the attackers would have basically emptied their magazines to defend themselves and have little anti-missile capability left after stopping the Alamos salvos from the first attack.
Or so the defenders thought. In fact, the two Aegis had been extensively modified, and not only had a comprehensive anti-ASF and AMS defense, but, also much deeper magazines for the capital missiles.
The 4 Lee concentrated on one of the Aegis, and between them, they had enough AR-10s to saturate the Heavy Cruiser defenses. They were destroyed, but the Cruiser died along with them, hit by 3 Peacemakers.
The Baron showed what a Destroyer was capable of against Cutters. It destroyed two and heavily damaged the last one, but did not survive the encounter, hit by Heavy Naval PPC and Peacemakers.
The Cutters, while clearly not designed to fight against true WarShips, survived long enough to do lethal damage, even when they were hit by enough fire that a ship double that size had no chance to survive.
The other Aegis and the Lola, were busy dealing with the Daniel Calderon, and destroyed it, even if in the process, the Cruiser had been moderately damaged and the Destroyer heavily damaged.
This left only the TCS Tribal with some PW Leopards again the invaders – that and several ASF and small crafts with their ammo depleted.
But, in their planning, the invaders had forgot one tiny, small detail that proved to be critical – the jamming worked for the outgoing and incoming messages. Like all important Concordat systems, Coromodir has two HPG networks – one the civilian one, based on the old Comstar HPGs, and another, full Taurian made, for exclusive military transmissions with transmissions being made on a regular basis just in case. When several systems begin losing contact with Coromodir, in both networks, it was evident that something bad was happening there.
And several WarShips were send. Since all the WarShips of the Concordat Navy, with the exception of the Pinto class, had LF batteries they could move fast, helped in this by a network of recharge stations constructed in the last decades at great expense.
The end result, was that when the TCS Tribal was apparently alone against the invasion force, several jump points became active in the system. And from these, emerged several WarShips, including the recently operational TCS Thomas Calderon (a modified Texas class), that arrived with its escort group – 2 Winchester II Heavy Cruisers, 2 Dart II Light Cruisers, 2 Concordat Frigates, and 4 Ajax Destroyers, that were in exercise nearby. While the Thomas Calderon and its group arrived at the Zenith jump point, said jump point had a recharge station, so the fleet could jump to Coromodir V in as short time, negating access to the shipyards to the invaders, which understood it too.
Instead of trying a useless continuation of their mission, the invaders changed directions, moving to the nearest point past the jump limit they could achieve.
But, when they, some days latter, were near the jump limit, the Thomas Calderon task force jumped there, having already recharged its K-F drives, thanks to the Zenith recharge station.
Confronted by a massively superior force and with no escape possible, the invaders destroyed their ships, exploding the reactors (or the nukes that they had inside) committing suicide in the act, so as not to give clues about their origins.