Aerospace Expansion
As the initial Trails raged for OmniMech production in Clan space the Snow Ravens and the Cloud Cobras forwarded a motion to the Grand Council. Their joint proposal formally expanded the Quicksilver Program to include the Clan aerospace industry. Touching on the merits of such an expansion both their Khans cited “the barbarians of the InnerSphere†and their near equal performance during the aerospace engagements of Operation Revival. With examples like Tyra Miraborg they accused the ilKhan and his Wolves as being too shortsighted and failing to explicitly include OmniFighters as part of his renewed armament project.
Of course the Ice Hellion under the direction of Khan Asa Taney, himself an aerospace pilot, played right into their scheme further scolding the Wolves. The Goliath Scorpions merely pointed out the tactical advantages of such an endeavor while Star Adder agreed on the military necessity of maintaining aerospace superiority. Burrock too recognized the importance of a strengthened fighter force. Diamond Shark proudly cited Karen Nagasawa and with eyes on future profits backed this venture. Nova Cat and their aerospace Khan, Severn Leroux, foresaw the potential benefits as well. Lastly Ghost Bear spoke and backed its allies no doubt realizing its asteroid mining would fuel such expansion.
Despite a majority of Clans (9) coming out in support of the suggestion the Wolves angrily reacted to any dispersions made by these “Home Clans†and harshly denied any plot against further fighter development. The Coyotes immediately backed their long time allies especially because of the Cloud Cobras’ involvement. Steel Viper was much cooler in their opposition merely stating its satisfaction with their current organization and equipment. No doubt they were motivated by the Snow Ravens planned aerospace expansion and wished to block their rival’s ambitions. However, even among these three (3) opposing Clans there was a tacit acknowledgement of the value of such an idea.
While a clear majority was formed in the Council early on five Clans were caught in the middle so to speak. The Jade Falcons and Smoke Jaguars desperately wanted to retaliate against the ilKhan and vote yes but they immediately recognized the political ploy and were wary of future industrial commitments. Blood Spirit thought aerospace expansion was a good idea but had spent so much on ‘Mech development they initially hesitated. Fire Mandrill, always divided, had some enthusiastic aerospace Kindraa but were drowned out by larger more conservative Kindraa. Finally Hell’s Horses had reservations about backing their rivals plan but admitted it had merit.
To discourage any future refusal the Ravens and Cobras actively campaigned for further support. Fiscal backing from the Diamond Sharks and the Nova Cats to the Blood Spirits sealed their support. With its allies in many Fire Mandrill Kindraa they were next to fall in line although some remained unconvinced. Assuring the Crusaders that development of a single OmniFighter for every available weight class (17) would limit the extent of this project in comparison to the OmniMech Program (51) got them on board. Only the Hell’s Horses remained loyal to their Clan allies and refused to be swayed. The final vote in the Grand Council would be 25 for and 9 against.
The ilKhan admitted the idea had merit and declined a Trail of Refusal (of course grievances followed) on the grounds that it would squander resources. In truth with nearly 3 to 1 advantage in any such trail such a battle would have been difficult at best. With the likely arena to be aerospace and the best Clan forces serving as champions such an effort becomes even more daunting. However it must be said that there was never any evidence that the ilKhan would not eventually extend the program to the aerospace industry. Thus this ploy by the Ravens and the Cobras only ensured such a move but did so by building on the ill will garnered by the initial Quicksilver Trails.
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Topic: Filling the Gaps (Clan OmniMechs) (Read 37246 times)