OBT Forum

I'd assume 3 Battlemech regiments given the Succession Wars but in line with BTAs concepts. They could understrength given recent engagements with the Clans.

Think I will go with 3 regiments of Black Tigers.

3 BattleMechs Regiments or 3 Combined Arms ones?

I will get going on the rewrite soon that will meld these stories together.

Think I will go with 3 regiments of Black Tigers. BTA seemed to imply that the White Tigers of Acamar were a Chaos March creation.

The Tigers history here will be brief. Long a FedCom mercenary unit probably refitting on Outreach after action on the Clan front.

Thanks for the support. RL has slowed this a little but it's falling out of me steadily

The two additional series/film franchises also belong to their original owners. I will be posting stats for the Darkwind, Donner (Thunder One), and the Adelaide-class Patrol Ship the next day or two.

Thank you for your support DC!

Great to see you posting and looking forward to seeing more!

Wee delay in this update. There should be one further update after this one before going back to the main timeline, perhaps two I'll see how it goes.

Triple Zero Base Two
Teppokhan Prime, Noisiel
Alarion Province, Lyran Commonwealth
8th January 3122

   For three days the Triple Zeros had assisted Noisiel Rescue forces in first Search and Rescue operations at the Cacafuego and then recovery operations at the ship’s sinking point. In all two-hundred-and-twelve people had been killed by the sinking while eighty-eight had been recovered with various injuries. The Hammersley had been in the middle of these operations with the ship directing efforts to save as many lives as they could. While the Hammersley herself did not have a helipad for VTOLs to land on a passing merchant vessel agreed to act as a landing pad for their aircraft which quickly allowed casualties to be transported to the main land. So far, the sinking was a mystery and with the ship sinking investigators believed it would be months before they could find the cause.


   While the Triple Zeros at sea assisted in operations Dean Gallagher and his team along with some techs from the Nathan James and from the maintenance pool had move to what would be one of their bases of operations in the Capitol City of Noisiel Teppokhan Prime. Nestled deep within the heart of the city the Triple Zeros had taken charge of a disused firehouse which had two rectangular red doors at the front. The ground floor was painted white while the two floors above were made of red bricks with large bay windows dominating the front of the facility.

Unfortunately, while externally, it looked nice inside the building left a lot to be desired, the previous owners had failed to care for it using the ground floor as a dumping ground for rubbish. “Alright people, this ain’t gonna be the most glamours job we’ve ever had.” Dean briefed the others, “we have a few days to make this place habitable and operational before the Nathan James leaves town and leaves us to it.” He said continuing the plan was for them to operate with a small team from the capital improving response times, they planned on initially basing two ambulances, two rescue rovers and a team permanently from this base while in the future they wanted to base a small rescue helicopter here as well, in all the base would be able to house twenty people permanently and double as many over a short period. The ground floor would be for vehicle maintenance, the first-floor accommodation, food prep and storage, while the top floor would be for command and communication. “Ben, Adam, I want your team to start clearing out the ground floor.” He commanded “we need to make space for the trucks so we can bring all our gear in. I don’t care about the stairs today; we’ll sleep down here if we need to.” He explained the other two men nodded “Lara, Chase, Lochy we need to get to the roof and confirm that the lift cables are still intact, that’ll make getting out gear in easier.”

“Up the fireman’s pole we go?” Lochy joked looking at Dean the main stairs appeared obstructed by debris but the fireman’s pole, used for quick access to the vehicles stood stubbornly straight between all the rubbish around it.

“Sounds good” Dean agreed

“Gimme a boost?” Chase asked looking at Lochy and Dean who both nodded agreeing. Both took up spots beside their youngest brother kneeling down. Chase stepped into their hands, moments later his two brothers stood up and then extended their arms raising his aloft Chase reached out and grabbed he rim leading to the next floor he then pulled himself up onto the next floor. “Oh Deano, we got a lemon mate” he called down “this place is an absolute mess.”

“Yeah, mate I know!” Dean shouted back agreeing with him “but it was very cheap, chuck us down some lines so we can get up there!”

    Soon after they were all on the next level which was just as trashed as the first. At the front of the building by the large bay windows was the remains of a kitchen with four broken tables and a smashed video screen. Around the pole the guard rail had been shattered while behind there were corridors that led to accommodation and refreshment facilities. “Great, well we knew we had lot of work to do.” Dean said looking at his brothers and wife. “But we’ll make it work” he said raising his radio to his mouth “Rescue One, Nathan James, we’re set here. We’ll advise when operational.”


   Back on Thanothar there was a lot of unrest within the Gray Boy’s hanger. Moffat had been under lock and key for two days for disobeying orders but there were many who believed that he had made the right call in taking out the liner and that he had shown a successful combat test of the Lyrans new Missile-torpedo.

   During the night a soldier in combat gear approached the guard on duty at Moffat’s quarters, after a moment’s discussion the guard stepped aside and the other turned the lock opening the door standing immediately inside Moffat stood waiting “Herr Kommandant, your imprisonment is unjust, Herr Briggs had no right to interrupt with our mission.”

   “I am glad we are I agreement” Moffat replied glancing left down the corridor and then right nervously “I need my Wolf, and I need a weapon” he said referring to the attack helicopter.

   “It is armed and ready Herr Moffat, we have also liberated your weapon officer, this way.” The soldier said handing him a needler pistol, short range but deadly against un-armoured targets the needler fired groups of tightly packed flechettes capable of shredding flesh. Leading him along the corridor and into the hanger where guards stood watching over the four attack helicopters.

   “HALT!” One of the guards called out her rifle pointed downwards stopping the six men in their tracks.

   “We are here to check the aircraft.” Moffat’s guard said

   “Herr Moffat is specifically not allowed near…” she began looking at the other man but before she could finish shots rang out and she was shot several times in the stomach area by Moffat’s needler pistol, the guard died before she hit the ground. With one guard shot the others began to react leading to Moffat and his weapons officer to run for the aircraft.

   “Karl, get us online” Moffat said dragging himself into the forward pilot’s chair pulling on the black helmet. Within moments the power came online to the main systems and he started the lifting propeller. Moffat could see more men entering the hanger some armed with shoulder mounted missile launchers. “I NEED WEAPONS!” Moffat shouted as the Darkwind rose off the ground hovering a few feet.

   “You have them” his co-pilot said on both sides weapon pods extended from the aircraft’s stubby wings revealing an AP Gauss Rifle and two Machine Guns on both sides. As he targeted the incoming infantry Moffat could see Briggs enter the hanger and he pulled the triggers filling the air with bullets. Many tore through the facilities’ walls but many more cut down several of the attacking infantry, collateral damage saw some of those who had helped Moffat escape cut down but he did not care. “We need to pull out!” Karl shouted from the rear Moffat nodded and pulled the aircraft backwards targeting the ammunition stores within the hanger causing an explosion which cause a partial collapse of the wall. The Darkwind weapons stopped firing and it slowly withdrew from the hanger.


   The Nathan James was flying over the airbase when the explosion blew through the runway facing wall of the Gray Boys facility. “Hell” Vince said seeing the feed from the cockpit “Captain, land us quick. Prepare the Rifles” he ordered.

   “Really?” He heard Chandler asked as the Dove circled the airfield.

   “Affirmative, I’m borrowing Lt’s Burke and Green, once we land infantry are going into that hanger heavy.” He said watching as yet more weapons fire appeared to be fired into the hanger from outside.

   “Roger, understood we are on final approach.” He replied, Leutenant Green was head of security onboard the Dove but like many of the Triple Zeros he had a past, which Vince planned on leveraging.

   “El Tee, I need you to take the infantry into that hanger, go heavy take out any hostiles. Non-lethal if you can.” Vince briefed the younger man Green had light brown hair, he was in his thirties and he was dressed in a brown jumpsuit.

   “I’m non-operational!” he objected angrily leaning into the ship’s bulkhead as the Nathan James made its final banking turn before levelling and began descending towards the runway.


“Need your help today mate, we don’t know what we’re going into you and Burky have seen combat…”

   “Not recently!” Green snapped “I saw plenty, I went to Australia for a break! This unit is supposed to be a peace keeping one.”

   “I know mate” Vince said “look I don’t like asking you…” he said taking in Burke as well “I don’t want to send either of you boys in…” He began only to be interrupted as the Nathan James struck the runway and began breaking to a stop. “I don’t want to send anyone in but this is our base now and there’s a threat there. Both of you boys have combat experience, a none of our other lads do, they were planetary militia since the day they joined up. Boys, I need help here” he pleaded with them “we’re hours from a combat ready unit getting here and pulling our ass out of the fire.” The two men exchanged glances and nodded their reluctant agreement. “Good, get in secure the hanger and get out without too many risks.” He said to them “I’m going to get both Cobras airborne; they have their lasers.”

   “Which haven’t been fired in anger in quite some time.” Burke answered the dark-skinned male was slightly younger than Green in his early thirties.

   “We’re also having the James deploy its Rifles.” Vince stated as he felt the Dove come to a stop. The standard Dove was unarmed but the James was a special case which had been modified during the Star League-era as a combat capable medical vessel. Engineers had used the arms off of sixteen Rifleman BattleMechs, the arms had been mounted in turrets four on the top of the ship and four underneath. Designed for hot evacuations this ship was able to put up resistance against enemy units while evacuating patients. While the ship was grounded it wouldn’t be as effective, due to the underside turrets not being able to fire, but it would still be able to throw out as much firepower as a lance of BattleMechs.

   The Nathan James came to a stop and the reinforced infantry platoon left the forward ramp of the Dove-class DropShip heading towards the hanger. As they did four turrets embedded in the wings of the Nathan James emerged each deploying two weapon “arms” to either side of a central structure with each arm holding a large laser and a class-5 autocannon, the primary armament of the Riflemen BattleMech. As they approached there was the sound of a sonic boom as one aircraft left the area, then as they entered the building there was a second sonic boom.

   “Strike Team to Nathan James Actual, we heard two sonic booms watch the skies, we’re heading in.” Green reported leading the men inside through one of the side doors the corridors were littered by bullets and bodies. “TRIPLE ZEROS INCOMING!!” Green and several of the other soldiers shouted “if you are not hostile lay down your weapons! We will care for your wounded” they said spreading into the facility, there was no resistance, only carnage. “Strike Team to Nathan James Actual, we need medical teams ASAP, dozens of wounded.” Green called out spotting a downed female member of staff she was dressed in the standard grey fatigues of The Gray Boys. “I’m Lt Green, you’re going to be alright we have medical teams on the way.” He said looking her over she had a bullet sound to her right shoulder which looked quite nasty. “What’s your name?”

   “Kara Foster, Leutenant” she struggled out wheezing for breath, she probably had some cracked ribs at the least too.

   “Nice to meet you” he said as the medical teams moved in “what happened here?” He asked but Kara didn’t reply. It was carnage in the hanger, Green saw a man being pulled onto a stretcher by the medics he was dressed in white other than his left leg which was crimson red with blood from injuries and the side of his face torn open from shrapnel, Michael Briggs III was critically injured but appeared alive. Surveying the hanger Green saw two military helicopters which were damaged pinned by metal beams which had fallen from the roof of the hanger.

   In the air Stringfellow Hawke and Dominic Santini searched for Moffat and his missing Darkwind Attack Helicopter but with no success. The helicopter had disappeared along with its rogue pilot, they return to the airfield to assist in recovery efforts.

Great finding.

The Grizzly playing American Football is a good one too.

Also working on the size and story of the Black Tigers at this time. They could be on Outreach at this time recovering from raids at the behest of the Federated Commonwealth in the Deep Periphery in order to keep the Clans off balance. Not sure 4 regiments would be appropriate in size at the moment, perhaps 2?

Thoughts??

I think it all depends on how much you want them to change the scale of the conflict.

Thanks for the support. RL has slowed this a little but it's falling out of me steadily

The two additional series/film franchises also belong to their original owners. I will be posting stats for the Darkwind, Donner (Thunder One), and the Adelaide-class Patrol Ship the next day or two.

Rescue operation
Munition’s Depot, Rhegan Mountains
Noisiel, Alarion Province, Lyran Commonwealth
5th January 3122

   Following Chopper’s call emergency services had been dispatched and they had worked throughout the night to bring the fire under control. Three of the Triple Zeros Rescue Units and both Soar Helicopters had been attached to the operation evacuating twelve casualties from the fire. Now the sun was rising and a company of Battle Armour from the Armoured Toads who were securing the site. Dean shattered and resting on a broken metal beam with Lara and his brother Chase. “Back in a minute” he said pulling himself to his feet.

   “Dean, we don’t deal with investigations or with fire!” Chase shouted at his older brother but Dean was already walking off.

   “You guys got a minute?” He asked the two men and woman investigators, one of them a middle-aged man turned towards him.

   “I’m Dean Gallagher from the Triple Zeros, we called this in and we helped evacuate the injured.”

   “Ah yes the doctors for hire” he commented “I’ve heard of you, the Governor’s pets. We appreciate your assistance here but your work here is done.”

   “I just wanted to check if the information we passed on about there being an attack here was passed on?”

   “We have been appraised; however, the running belief is that there was an accident which caused the initial explosion which caused follow up explosions.” The investigator explained “quite a mess, we’re just glad that your people spotted it and were able help with the rescue efforts.”

   “We’re telling you, there was an attack!” Dean snapped leaning forward towards the man pointing him in the chest. Moments later a massive armoured figure stepped in and turned Dean around sending him away from the investigator. “You can’t cover this up! People died here!” Dean shouted angrily trying to push past, unfortunately the one-ton Battle Armour suit was the equivalent to a brick wall for someone unarmoured. Chase and Lara moved up and guided the still angry Dean away.


   As the rescue personnel helped at the fire Michelle travelled by Cobra VTOL to Elliotte Want’s airfield, with her she’d taken two squads of infantry soldiers from the Triple Zeros security contingent. The aircraft flew around the airfield once giving her an airborne view of the facilities. “Not a lot to look at” she commented mostly to herself, the hanger in use by the Gray Boys was clearly in better condition than the others, looking at it from the air she guessed that they probably had four aircraft inside. “Sergeant, take your men and recon the buildings on the airfield, but avoid the Gray Boys facility.”

   “Yes, mam” the young man said

   “Also Elliotte Want has some wild dogs, I don’t know where they are but please don’t shoot them if you can help it.”

   “Yes, mam” he repeated, it was strange to Michelle to be dealing with military trained personnel, the Hammersley crew and the Cobra pilots were all ex-Australian Militia but they were all quite approachable. The infantry troopers on the other hand were a little more stand-offish Vince had hired the reinforced platoon of them as a single unit, again straight off of Australia’s Militia but they very much stuck to themselves unlike others in the command.

   Upon landing she made her way across the ferro-crete runway and was approached by a pair of soldiers wearing camouflage fatigues, because she hadn't expected a comfortable enviroment she had worn a camoflauge green-and-brown coloured jumpsuit. “I’m Michelle LaTourneau the Director of the Triple Zeros. Mr Want said I should speak to you regarding us taking up residence on this base.”

   “You want to stay here?” One of the warriors asked

   “How is Mr Want?” The other asked, he sounded genuinely concerned for the older man.

   “To answer both of your question Mr Want is recovering well from his illness and he should be able to return to the base within the next few days. And yes, we’d like to use this as a base of operations, there is enough hanger space her for our equipment and the facilities could be brought back into life. There is also a hospital at Bethany’s Warf which we could work with.” She suggested, while Thanohar, where the airfield was located, was an isolated area there was one town nearby. It had direct access to the Asterion Sea, and it was in range for supply runs to the capital and other settlements when using the Cobras or the new Beaufighters of the SkyMed unit. Dean and Vince had already done some work with fitting one of their Apocalypse Rovers within the Cobras making them even more deployable over greater distances while Vince had also floated the idea of leaving their GESV, its trailers and maybe two of their ambulances within the capital.

   “That’s good to hear, Mr Want is a good man, his dogs have missed him.” The soldier said as the other stepped away using his radio.

   “He has missed them as well.” Michelle confirmed as another male approached them, he was Clearly older, he wore a white suite with a white shirt and tie underneath, he also wore a pair of specticles.

   “Good afternoon, Ms LaTourneau, we’ve been expecting you my name is Michael Briggs the third.” He said introducing himself “shall we take a walk?” He asked indicating for them to walk along one of the overrun runways.

   “Thank you for seeing me” she said “my people are assisting the health and security systems across Noisiel. After having discussions with Mr Want, we think this airfield would be perfect for our operations.”

   “My people are contracted by the Lyran Government to test different forms of fuselage and different flight characteristics.” He explained “these forms of flight are highly experimental and classified, we would welcome your people to this base but with the understanding that no-one is to enter out facilities and that when we have a requirement to make a flight, we have clear airspace to do so.” He said laying out the requirements for the joint operations.

   “We could work around that for cargo flights, however if we have an emergency we may need to launch quickly.” She cautioned him, the likelihood of the need of a quick launch was unlikely especially if they left assets in the capital which Vince was trying to secure.

   “We will work our assets around this where we can, we don’t need the airspace most days.” Brigs admitted “my pilots are quite discrete.” He agreed “unfortunately the airfield you will have to renovate yourselves, we don’t have the finances or personnel.”

   “My people aren’t afraid of hard work” Michelle said glancing around there were two primary runways, one of which was capable of servicing DropShips. There were two landing spaces for spheroid DropShips, like the runways both needed cleaning up. Three hangers along that runway could serve smaller aircraft, they were structurally sound but probably needed work. While the accommodation block was half falling down, it really was a bit of a dump but it was also something that her unit could get for a cheap price and something that wouldn’t necessarily serve most units. “I would say we can live with this.” She said turning offering Briggs her hand which he shook in agreement. Michelle LaTourneau returned to her waiting Cobra and waited for the infantry to return, for now they would return to the Nathan James and they would return when the entire unit was ready to return.


   While Briggs met with LaTourneau his executive officer was still within the hanger. “Herr Kommandant Moffet, our target has boarded the NS Cacafuego at Niem heading for Averroe.” A young woman with curly long hair said to the man with short dark hair. “Thunder One is continuing monitoring the signal from them.”

   “Very good, prepare Wolf One” Moffet ordered watching Briggs speak to LaTourneau “as soon as they are gone, we will launch.” He said turning towards the aircraft in the hanger, there were two black coloured sleek attack helicopters and one smaller helicopter with a large cannon under the nose and two rocket pods along with several cameras and sensors.

   “Shouldn’t we get permission from Herr Briggs?” The woman asked glancing at the doors, suddenly the man spun toward his face full of anger as he raised his finger and pointed it into her face.

   “I have authority to launch my aircraft, prepare the aircraft!” He snapped, the younger woman turned and rushed away while Moffet glanced at Briggs watching the woman return to her own aircraft. He headed over towards one of the two black attack aircraft, he glanced at his co-pilot a dark-skinned male with short black hair, the two made eye-contact and Moffet nodded the other man then rushed onboard.

   As the visiting Cobra VTOL took off to leave and turned south heading back towards the capitol the hanger door at the rear of the facility was opening allowing Moffet’s aircraft to be wheeled out. As Briggs re-entered the hanger he watched as the aircraft took off. “Where the hell is he going?”

   “Thunder One has reported our target has gotten onboard a civilian sea vessel the NS Cacafuego, Herr Kommandant Moffet is heading to intercept.” The young woman advised him as Wolf One disappeared over the horizon.

   “Intercept?” Briggs asked as he walked over to one of the hanger’s desktop terminals looking at the information displayed. “The Cacafuego is carrying three hundred civilians!” Briggs said “Base to Wolf One, what are you doing?” He transmitted trying to raise the airborne aircraft, as two more pilots walked in one was in his late thirties the other ten to fifteen years older. “Damnit! Hawke, get Wolf Two online! Stop that son-of-a-bitch before he kills three hundred people to get to ONE!” He said rapidly, the younger of the two many nodded and they then both rushed to their aircraft.


   Sometime later Stringfellow Hawke and his copilot Dominic Santini were heading across the skies of Noisiel at high-speed heading for the approximate location of the NS Cacafuego as they skimmed over the sea the sun was going down and the lights of the sea liner were clear to see in te distance. “Wolf Two this is Wolf One, respond!” Hawke called out as his aircraft chased the other, they couldn’t see each other but they were definingly both out here. “Wolf One, there is no authorisation to fire! Repeat, you have no clearance to fire!” He snapped but still there was no answer “Moffet, listen I will fire on you if you attempt to sink the Cacafuego.” He laid it out “you do not have permission to kill three hundred people.”

   “I knew you didn’t have what it takes. Veterans of fighting the Clans and yet you cannot take the actions required to kill an enemy of the Lyran state!” The response came a few moments later. Hawke scanned the air outside his Darkwind’s cockpit but he couldn’t see the other aircraft which was running with full stealth systems engaged.

   “You may have one enemy but to kill them at the cost of three hundred innocents is unacceptable.” Hawke reiterated turning back to his co-pilot who sat in the rear of the compartment. “Dom, find him now!”

   “On it, String! Thunder One, Thunder One do you have sight on Wolf One!” The older man replied quite cheerfully, they had flown together with the Thirty-second Lyran Guards against Clan Jade Falcon. This assignment had been a plumb one, far from the front lines, looking after their home from threats and testing some of the most advanced aircraft available to the Lyran State.

   “Negative Wolf Two, we have no sight on Wolf One, we are still tracking the Cacafuego.” The other pilot replied like them the pilot on Thunder One was a Lyran Guard veteran who had been recruited into this command, he and Dominic had been wingmen.

   “Understood Murf” Santini replied seeing String look back at him “be advised Wolf Two is rogue… repeat rogue.” He said as Wolf Two approached the location of the Cacafuego below.

   “Too late Hawke, like always Gewehr!” Wolf One transmitted in his natural German tongue as the other attack helicopter launched first one and then two flights of missiles.

   The Lyran Commonwealth had been using the Darkwind Combat Aircraft as a testbed for new technology, the aircraft was faster than most conventional aircraft it was capable of more than one hundred-and-eighty kilometres per hour. Incorporated advanced electronics for defence and for searching for targets, the aircraft also had a heavy payload of weapons which utilised both Clan and Inner Sphere technology.

   The weapons employed by Wolf One were part of the Darkwind program was developing new ammunition for the Long-Range Missile system. The two flights of five missiles each flew briefly on rocket motors deploying small glide wings as they did. When the missiles struck the water two of the missiles on the first flight and one from the second crumpled into pieces due to the impact while the remaining seven continued on as torpedoes. Unfortunately, due to the additional mass of the engine and the wings the range of the torpedoes had been reduced to that of an extended-range medium laser.

   The shorter range actually worked against Hawke as he spun Wolf Two into a dive and headed towards the sea below “Dom! Missile launch directly in front of those torpedoes!” He snapped

   “String it’s not going to work” Dominic complained while he prepared the missiles from the under-hull launcher.

   “It’s all we’ve got!” He said as the Darkwind closed on the water below two flights of regular long-range missiles were fired, the missiles flew straight into the water detonating as they struck, while they did not destroy the torpedoes below the surface they did scatter them. Of the remaining seven missiles three continued towards their target,

   “This is why you are the wrong man for this project Hawke” Moffet taunted as the torpedoes slammed into their target causing three explosions below the waterline. “Let’s not take any chances” he continued firing off another volley of Long-Range Missiles as Hawkes aircraft looped around to come back towards Moffet’s aircraft. The missiles flew through the air bursting into flames as they reached the now sinking Cacafuego coating the ship in flames. “Switching to guns” Moffet announced, even over the radio all of the others could hear that he was savouring the attack.

   “Stop this now Moffet” another voice said over the radio as another helicopter flew onto the tail of Moffet’s aircraft.

   “Stay out of this Murphy.” Moffet cursed

   “You’ve done enough Moffet, don’t make me open up on you…” the other man said calmly, the last thing he wanted to do was engage the larger attack helicopter.
   “Murphy, don’t be a fool your aircraft is slower, not as well armoured or armed. Do not get involved.” Moffet cursed keeping his weapons aimed at the burning and sinking vessel. “Our target is still on that boat; our mission is to eliminate him.”

   “Negative Moffet, our mission wasn’t authorised” Hawke said adding his weapons to Thunder Ones “you cannot stop us both. Heave too and follow us back to the base.” Hawke ordered on his sensors he could see Moffet realise that he could not do any more. “Maday! Maday! Maday! NS Cacafuego is on fire and taking on water, people overboard! Thirteen kilometres south of Averroe” He called out on all general channels. Hawke looked down at the now capsizing Cacafuego “what a mess…”

Medical Bay, Nathan James (Dove-class DropShip)
Teppokan DropPort, Rhegan Mountains
Noisiel, Alarion Province, Lyran Commonwealth
4th January 3122

   While the Triple Zeros DropShip, Nathan James, was still parked at the Teppokan DropPort it was not a quiet place. The health service of Noisiel had learned that the Triple Zeros were available and the units four Simca Ambulances and their two Soar Helicopters had been busy bringing patients to the ship for treatment giving the hospitals on the world some respite.

   One of the longest patients on board was Elliotte Want who was entering his fourth day in the hospital care unit. While he was no longer considered to be in a life-threatening position the doctors did think he needed more treatment before being allowed to return home. As he rested Michelle LeTournaeu approached the bed “Mr Want, how are you doing today?” She asked smiling she had visited him every day since his arrival.

   “Michelle it’s Elliotte please” he said smiling, it was nice to have a friendly face “the company is a bit boring though.” She said indicating to Wheezer who lay beside him and appeared to be sleeping.

   “I heard that Old Man” Wheezer replied opening his eyes glancing over “I’m just trying to sleep before your next war story.”

   “I thought you liked my stories about the Clan Invasion?” He said faking the surprise in his voice.

   “I do…” Wheezer began to answer the old pilot.

   “Dancing around the fire laid down by the Clan WarShips was not something to be trifled with…” He began but trailed off to a smile seeing Wheezer’s frown, he’d told the other man so many stories so far Wheezer had no idea which ones were true.

   “And how are you doing Wheezer?” She asked the younger man who was flat on his back.

   “Well, it’s not as bad when I broke my back…” After being struck by the Hammersley’s boat his pelvis had been broken resulting in him being currently immobilized in bed.

   “Oh, this story again…” Want replied chuckling seeing Wheezer’s expression.

   “I see you’re both lovin’ life then.” Michelle joked joining in, she was glad to see the two of them were getting on at least. “Well, I’ll leave you gentlemen to it.”
   
       “Oh, don’t go Ms LaTournaeu” Want pleaded “young Wheezer here has been telling me that your unit is looking for a new home?”

   “Well,” Michelle said glancing at Wheezer “yes Elliotte at least for the next few months our unit is on a ‘prove it’ contract with the Governor, so far it is going well but we cannot continue to operate out of the DropPort.”

   “Well,” Elliotte repeated “my airfield is not perfect but Thanohar is located between Teppokhan and Mahoken” he said naming the three continents. “The runways could do with a little cleaning and the hangers a little maintenance.”

   “A little…” Wheezer whispered his eyes were closed again.

   “Okay quite a bit, but if your people were interested in a little work and a little investment then we could come to a very reasonable agreement.” He suggested “there’s one little issue, you’ll have to clear it with my other tenants the Gray Boys. They are reasonable boys; they’ve actually wanted me to get other tenants for a while…”

   “So, if I were to travel to your airfield you would be happy if I spoke to them?”

   “Of course, as long as you do me one favour and visit my pups and make sure they are looking after them.” He requested from her.

   “I can do that.” Michelle agreed with him, even checking out the base, some facilities which were relatively cheap to access would be nice. She turned and stepped away but stopped and turned back “Mr… Elliotte, we also have a ship that will need a place to dock…”

   “I’ve got something that could work for that too…” he said smiling devilishly, Michelle chose to leave it there for now and trust he wasn’t yanking her chain, since it was damaged in combat the Hammersley had been repaired and was back at sea but they really needed their own facilities. In a recent meeting with the Governor and the Head of the Health Board the indication was that their contract was going to be extended by a minimum of another six months, already DropPort fees were hurting the unit as were the Port’s management who wanted less traffic from the unit through the Port’s airspace and roadways.

   
While Michelle was considering a home for the unit and the Nathan James was busy the rest of the Triple Zeros were busy across Noisiel including having two teams at the Conventional Racing League: Race of Noisiel which had travelled from Solaris VII to Noisiel. With pilots testing themselves in the Teppokhan Mountains. At the base camp for the Racing event Vince Marchello, Jay “Chopper” Chopra and Crystal Highway were enjoying a day off and taking in the sights. With the Racing League travelling along went entertainment, such as singers, a carnival of games and plane sellers. For the most part these were local producers with single propeller fighter aircraft used in the Noisiel Races but there was one that had caught pilot Chopper’s eye a twin-engine beast which was named the N1945 Beaufighter. The aircraft had two propeller driven engines, half way along the plan’s hull there were two open bomb bay doors while the nose of the craft was made of glass giving an observation dome.

The N1945 Beaufighter was another reproduction of an ancient Terran fighter design which pre-dated human spaceflight. Almost eight-and-a-half tons it had a crew of two and plenty of capacity to carry the gear the medical teams would need. “You like it?” Vince asked glancing over at the Indian descended man who looked at the big plan.

“Oh yeah” he admitted, “she’s beautiful, we wouldn’t need the bomb bay.” He said pointing out the open doors mid-way along the hull. He said glancing down at a plackard which had stats for the aircraft. “She has more than enough capacity for everything we would need equipment wise and enough for a few passengers.” He said, glancing at Vince “so far all we’ve seen have been too small or old rust buckets that would need a lot of work. This is a brand-new aircraft.”

“The Wooden Wonder” Crystal said glancing over at them questioning “it doesn’t look like it’s made out of wood.”

“It’s the name of the plane it was based off of on Terra” one of the selling staff explained “this is not a new design but it is a re-imaging of an ancient design made out of new materials including the engines.” He said continuing “they look like older Internal Combustion Engine Models but that is purely cosmetic in fact due to Noisiel Environmental Laws these are hybrid fuel-cell-electric engines. Due to the use of a fuel-cell the aircraft can travel further than the original design and it can carry more cargo.” He explained “if you have one fusion engine these aircraft can be recharged over one hundred times before needing a servicing, which we can include in our selling price.”

“How about a test run?” Vince asked “we have some specific needs, so ensuring the pilot and his passenger are going to be comfortable with her is real important to us.”

“I think we have a cargo variant here at the show…” the staff member said smiling broadly extending his arm “Ricardo Riera” he introduced himself. He was older than all three of them, modern medicine had slowed people’s physical aging but he looked like he was in his sixties to seventies.

“Vince Marchello of the Triple Zeros” Vince replied shaking the man’s hand, Vince could recognise someone who understood the business side of a transaction as well as well as the practical side. “However, I’m not the one you need to convince. This is Jay Chopra, he’s the pilot.”

“Chopper” he said shaking Riera’s hand, he could recognise another pilot when he saw one.

“Vixen” the man replied sharing his own callsign.

“So, Chopper, how would you like a test-flight?” He asked looking from the pilot to the plane.

“I’d love to” he admitted rubbing his hands together “you guys want to come?” He asked glancing at Vince and Crystal. “We need to make sure it works for our purposes.”

“No, naw” Vince said nervously raising one hand to his forehead “it’s not really for me…”

“We need a patient” Crystal said looking at Vince who only scowled in response “male, early fifties, little over-weight…” she said describing Vince but doing so with a smirk on her face, finally he raised his arms in surrender agreeing to join them.


   Soon after they were airborne on board a N1945-C (Cargo) Beufighter. The differences between the C-model and the standard were the nose cone was solid, there were no bomb-bay doors and there was an access door on the rear right hand side of the fuselage for access and egress. In the cockpit Chopper was sat in the left co-pilot seat while Vixen sat in the piloting seat controlling the aircraft behind them in the cabin Crystal and a more than a little nervous Vince sat quietly as Vixen spoke.

   “This plane is identical to the model we have at the Fair in flight performance the differences are all internal.” He explained both hands on the controls “as you can see the controls are as modern as any other modern conventional aircraft.”

   “It’s very comfortable.” Chopper admitted, despite the trappings of it being an ancient design the Noisiel Aircraft had ensured that it was an attractive aircraft to any modern flyer. He looked longingly at the controls; it had been a long couple of months.

   “Want?” He asked glancing over to Chopper and then to the controls.

   “Oh yeah!” Chopper exclaimed reaching forward “I have control.” He said taking the reins of the aircraft he felt it jump forward slightly and felt the plane react to his foot-pedal movements. “Responsive” he said glancing over towards Vixen with a smile then back at Crystal and Vince. “You guys alright back there?”

   “Yeah, it’s perfect for our needs Chop” Crystal said

   “Peachy” Vince muttered, for someone who had travelled from one star system to another he hated flying, especially in something this small.

   “Hold on, time to test her out” Chopper said glancing at Vixen this time smiling wider as he toggled the rudder and flaps turning the aircraft to the left and then the right. Chopper heard Vince shout something but he ignored him instead he spotted a canyon and dived the aircraft down into it. Chopper kept the aircraft more than fifty metres from the ground, low enough for him to feel the thrill but high enough so it was not overly dangerous.

   “Someone knows how to fly” Vixen remarked his hands mirroring Choppers but he had no control over the aircraft. Chopper continued to smile as he banked the aircraft sharply from left to right through the canyon. “And enjoys it” he said smiling himself knowing that they had a sale with this pilot “It’s able to do more than this...” he suggested without hesitation Chopper pulled back on the stick and brought the aircraft into a climb.

   “Sorry Vince!” He called back bringing the aircraft into a steeper climb.

   “Chopper NO!” Crystal shouted but he could hear her laughing as he brought the aircraft into the inverted position and then completed the manoeuvre by finishing the loop.

   “Oh, I love this plane” Chopper finally laughed as he brought the aircraft level glancing over his shoulder seeing a smiling Crystal but Vince was a different story.

   “Oh mate, I’m going to kill you” Vince said looking at Chopper who laughed and banked the wings again left to right this time more gently than before. Despite Vince’s dislike for the pilot’s joyride, it was clear the Beaufighter was perfect for their needs and the Triple Zeros put in an order for six aircraft with Noisiel Aircraft, now they just needed an airfield to operate from.

   “Wow, what the hell?” Chopper exclaimed suddenly seeing flashing of light in the distance. “We need to divert…” he said banking the aircraft to the right turning the plane. In the distance Chopper was sure he was seeing missiles being fired from the air down towards a ground target. “Are there any firing ranges in this region?” He demanded of Vixen

   “Negative, no-one is allowed to fire weapons during the Racing Competition” he said, while there were other areas on Noisiel where weapons were being used it was the rule was quite clear, no-one fired weapons near the race so none of the pilots were unduly distracted. Following the purple and red terrain Chopper brought the Beufighter over an area of Noisiel’s surface which was just a sea of fire. “Oh my god, who did this?” Vixen whispered looking down at what had been a munitions bunker and fuel dump.

   “I don’t care we need emergency services out here ASAP, we need Rescue Teams” Chopper said glancing over at Vince who nodded his agreement “this is Noisiel Aircraft Flight Three, mayday, mayday, mayday!” Chopper communicated clearly over all channels “we are six kilometres north of Race Course Rock Peaks we have an out-of-control fire from what looks like an ammunition and fuel dump. Possibly due to unauthorised weapons discharges! Send fire services and rescue services.”

So I think I've made a creative decision here. I'm going to include the Black Tigers right from the start of this scenario. Previously I had envisioned them joining after the Fifth Battle of Terra but if I am really honoring BTA then it is only proper to have the Black Tigers in this right at the beginning. I'll try to get an outline together for the conflict soon.

blacktigeractual
Re: Blakist Assault on Terra Repulsed!
« Reply #1 on: August 24, 2008, 09:38:54 AM »

   Nice T, Similar to my old group's tale.
   In ours a conspiracy of Hegemony restorationists existed since the fall of the Star League.  Thier infiltration of the Phone Company (Tigerspeak for ComStar) is so complete that when the WoB break up happens several of thier key members hold Blakist positions.  When the 21st Centauri is taken hostage Wolf's Dragoons 7th Commando is hired to bust them loose.  The Dragoons are hired along with several regimental sized units to supplement the Terran forces both home raised and existing units to counter the assault.
Pro Terran Forces include:
The Blue Star Irregulars (Escape clause in contract.)
Bolton's Rangers (AWOL from FWL)
Sirian Lancers (Same deal.)
The Eridani Light Horse (After Coventry)(A stretch but the we were always fond of them.)
The Black Tiger RCT (Escape Clause in contract)
       The 90th Royal Dragoons (The original Black Tigers of New Vandenburg.)
       The 42nd CAAN (The Tigersharks)(Non canon unit)
       The 1st Ryukaze (Guess who.)
       The 12th Hussars (The White Tigers of Acamar)(Our Acamar campaign occured slightly earlier than was written in the RPG module.)
Plus five local ComGaurd units whose commanders were loyal.
       Six day long (Real Time, not in game. I took vacation for this (Yes I am a TOTAL nerd.)battle ensues.
       To make a long story short Operation Odysseus fails badly.  On Terra and many former Hegemony worlds popular uprisings restore these worlds to rightful Terran rule.  Under Director General Mitchell Stuart, ComStar is granted International Organization status and maintains it's Hegemony facilities as "Necissary to combating the Clan Threat." However military production is shifted to support of the HAF.
        The Sirian worlds seceede to the Hegemony.  Thomas Marik does not object.
        The BSI becomes the 1st Royal RCT, the Black Tigers; the 2nd.
        Low level warfare between the Cappellan Confederation and the Terran Hegemony over former Chaos March worlds begins.
Unrest on Dieron comes to a head during The Black Dragon Crisis. Black Dragon attacks on Dieron use chemical and biological warfare killing DCMS troops and civilians alike.  1st Royal RCT deployed as "Peacekeepers" despite Combine protests. Hegemony troops hunt the Black Dragons down and publicly execute them while Terran aid heavily influences the populace despite the best efforts of the VOTD.  Dieron seceedes along with several other worlds.
Situation simmers without resolution
        The Star League is reformed as per Canon. Eridani's join SLDF with Terran Blessings. Mitchell Stuart and Theodore Kurita argue about Dieron.
        Everybody decides to pound the Smoke Jaguars.
        The 1st Royal RCT joins Operation Bulldog, 2nd Royal RCT joins Operation Serpent.
        Events of the Twlight of the Clans occur.
        ISF loses contact with Dieron.
        Northwind Treaty of Neutrality signed.
        Wolf's Dragoons official pardoned for thier ancestors part in the Great Betrayal.  General Maave Wolf swears alegeance to House Stuart the 1st Terran BattleMech Division (The Wolf Dragoons Division) is formed.
       HAF warfleet led by THS Alexander anihilates a WoB fleet at Procyon.
       Real Thomas Marik found by SAS Team 1 having commited suicide after evading CIB agents for two years.  As per a secret agreement the body is buried quietly in a SLDF graveyard under the name Albert Humphries.
       St.Ives conflict smoulders out as with support from both the FedSuns and the Terran Hegemony prevent Cappellan troops from ever gaining a foothold.  Morgan Kell marries Candice Liao.
      FedCom Civil war erupts with the failed attempt by Katherine Stiener to assasinate Victor.  Sandovaal launchers his attack during the Ghost Bear war.  The FedSun manage to restore the 3025 border while the 'Neutral" Terrans consolidate thier hold on the new Dieron Sector.  The Skye Revolt plays out with the Free Skye govenment appealing to the Hegemony for support.  Hegemony troops reinforce Skye.  Falcon Invasion makes greater headway than in Canon.
     Tikonov revolts against FedSuns fueled by the Skye Revolt and the Civil War and an apparent atrocity by Davion Troops.  When this is revealed to have been set up by the Maskirovka the entire region goes haywire.  The Wolf Dragoons sent in by Terra at the request of Vassily Chernenko, leader of the Tikonov Union.
       Loki agents assasinate Duke Robert Kelswa-Steiner.
       Diplomatic negotitions with the Ghost Bear Dominion begin to have profits.
       Katherine Steiner deposed by Peter.
       Skye joins the Hegemony.
       Proof of the Mask's Tikonov operation is brought before the Star League Council.  House Liao is censured.
       Tikonov joins the Hegemony.
       Hegemony-Confederation War begins.
      Our game ended with the Tigers defending against thier old nemisis The Big Mac.
     Cute huh?

I'll also be trying to integrate as much of BTA's original outline together with mine.
,
Hegemony Restorationists aren't a bad idea but I need a name something like Terra Prime or Terra Invictus. Not sure what role I'll have them play in the battle itself perhaps the core of a new Central Intelligence Bureau.

Also working on the size and story of the Black Tigers at this time. They could be on Outreach at this time recovering from raids at the behest of the Federated Commonwealth in the Deep Periphery in order to keep the Clans off balance. Not sure 4 regiments would be appropriate in size at the moment, perhaps 2?

Thoughts??