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Plans within Plans within Plans

that is how things have always been, why change what works

The continued efforts of Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga of Clan Fire Mandrill from the Clan Homeworlds as part of my AU timeline.  With the continued collaboration of Jame Tanaga I hope you enjoy this bit.

Like most of my side stories most of this will be in the core timeline however being in the Homeworlds there might be a bit of communication trouble  so it might not be presented exactly like this.

More soon

Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga Territory
Atreus, Kerensky Cluster
Clan Homeworlds
14th June 3089

   As the warm sun of Atreus bathed the world with a glorious summer Loremaster Cassandra Faraday, Kindraa Leader of Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga and a member of Clan Fire Mandrill, ignored the heat as she walked quickly alongside of Star Captain Lysa Djerassi as the former Goliath Scorpion warrior informed her of what had happened. She had long ago learned to always walk, never run, in front of her subordinates as it shows confidence to those around her as well as reduced any panic. Only when the young warrior finished did the forty-four year old Loremaster begin asking her questions.

   â€œLet me get this straight, Star Captain Djerassi. Khan Garret Sainze and Kindraa Leader Ariel Kreese, of the Fire Mandrills, have both given the dezgra Burrocks their support? Quiaff?” Seeing the younger woman nod her head, Cassandra continued,

   â€œAnd no word from saKhan Eric Carrol?”

   â€œNeg. With no communication from Shadow, we simply have no clue what is happening, Kindraa Leader,” replied Star Captain Lysa Djerassi. Both women paused as they reached the command center. Showing their respective codex to the awaiting elemental, the young star captain continued, “The only good thing is Khan Garret Sainze issued the announcement through Fire Mandrill encryption.” As she spoke the last words, they were allowed into the command center.

   Cassandra Faraday paused at the entrance while she took in the chaos that was once the kindraa command center. “Enough!” she bellowed. As the room calmed down, she continued, “I need updates people.” Seeing the separate personnel inside the command center start to yell out reports at the same time, she held up her hand. “One at a time. I understand this caught us by surprise, but we cannot, will not, panic over this. Quiaff?” Seeing everyone start nodding to her, she too nodded. “Tech Matthew, any update on contacting Shadow and the 12th Support Cluster?” she asked to the elderly Technician manning the HPG.

   â€œAff Kindraa Leader. I managed to contact Star Commander Anthony of the Hunter-class JumpShip Leaping Mandrill. He reports Kindraa Sainze has somehow taken control of the CFM Rage and the 12th is fighting a holding action so the last of the civilians can reach the DropShips.”

   Nodding to this, Cassandra asked the question that concerned her most. “Any word IlKhan Andrews or the other Khans know of what is happening?” Technician Matthew could only shrug at her in response. ‘Lovely’, she thought, but she understood only too well the problem with contacting via HPG could be. For the last two years, HPG communication in Clan Space had seemingly been brought to a stop. Only those on warships and specific worlds seemed to still work and even then, sporadically. Shadow, until now, was one of those worlds where its HPG still functioned.

   Star Admiral Theodore Albiev was next. It was clear he was still adjusting to his new rank. “I ordered the Titan Monitors to full status Kindraa Leader. I must warn you. We still do not know if the Monitors can hold off warships.” Cassandra nodded. The Titan Monitors, based on the Titan DropShips, were effectively assault ships designed to fight enemy warships and act as escorts for JumpShips and WarShips. Unfortunately, they have yet to be tested in combat. “I will be leaving shortly to take command of the CFM Warsaw Kindraa Leader.”

   â€œNot the Resolute, Star Admiral?”

   â€œNeg. The Resolute still needs another week minimum to be brought up to strength Kindraa Leader, Warsaw has proven her abilities,” answered the star admiral. The CFM Resolute was a newly reactivated New Syrtis-class Carrier from mothball. While in decent enough shape, its weaponry needed to be updated and upgraded and the crew needed time to become familiar with their new ship. Still even given his reservations of the ship, Cassandra thought the Resolute could still be brought to bear if needed, she respected Theodore’s decision, for he was the ranking officer of all naval forces belonging to Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga.

   Cassandra Faraday then looked to Star Colonel Jerald Danforth, the oldest Fire Mandrill warrior still in uniform within Kindraaa Faraday-Tanaga. Unfortunately, the two of them were political enemies in the kindraa, she had only barely defeated him the last time they had met in political opposition. Still, the aging warrior had his uses and commanded respect, as shown with his continual command of the Third Battle Cluster and the fact he was one of only two in the command center not to take part in the earlier chaos. “I ordered elements of the Fourteenth activated,” he spoke quietly. The Fourteenth, on paper, was a Regular unit, but in reality its subordinate units were not used to working together and could be trusted to arrive to battle but little else.

   Seeing he was done, Cassandra looked to the Oathmaster of her Kindraa. Technically a Star Captain, Peter Tanaga held great authority within the kindraa due in part to his command of the sibling training companies. “I alerted the older sibbies they may see combat before they reach Warrior status. They seemed a bit frazzled and eager Kindraa Leader,” he gave a somewhat feral smile at this. Cassandra Faraday could only shake her head at the elder warrior. It was well known many newly-made warriors straight out of their sibko demanded Trials of Grievances against the Mechwarrior. To this day, only a handful could say they defeated the wily warrior, herself included.

        She looked at Kindraa Loremaster Jacob Faraday next. The large Elemental was a sibkin of hers and like her and Star Colonel Danforth, he commanded respect. Upon his assumption as Loremaster of their Kindraa a year ago, he helped her reform the touman to include Specialist Trinaries, borrowing the idea from Clan Goliath Scorpion. As Kindraa Loremaster, he commanded both the Kindraa Watch and the Reserve forces belonging to the Kindraa. Seeing him smile and wink at her, Cassandra could only shake her head and sighed, exacerbated. Not only were they sibkin, they were also occasional lovers. “I alerted all Reserve forces to be ready if needed in eight hours, Cassandra.” And only he could get away with speaking her name in a time like this. She made a note to herself to deny him the next time he wanted her. Being lovers had its advantages after all.

   She was brought out of her thoughts by Technician Matthew. “Seven JumpShips have arrived and a warship have arrived Kindraa Leader.”

   â€œA warship, quiaff?” she asked. All warships belonging to Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga were accounted for over Atreus.

   â€œAff. The CFM Rook reports it can no longer follow Kindraa Sainze and is requesting permission to join us, Kindraa Leader.” At this, everyone in the command bunker looked to her. She glanced to Star Admiral Theodore Albiev and raised an eyebrow to him.

   Theodore Albiev answered for her. “Tell the Rook we acknowledge and to come along the Firetender. Tell its commander I will debrief him onboard the Warsaw in seven hours.”

   Cassandra Faraday could only nod, proud at having seen the newly-minted Star Admiral took command as his duties demanded him to. “What of the 12th Support Cluster?” she queried.

   A few minutes passed. Then Technician Matthew answered her. “The 12th fought to their DropShips Kindraa Leader. Star Colonel Megan Angharobis reports the loss of three fourths of her warriors, however.”

   â€œAlright people. I want a full Kindraa Command meeting in 8 hours. Route any on radio or satellite who absolutely cannot be there.” Turning to Star Captain Lysa Djerassi, she whispered to her, “Wake me up in seven hours. Unless all hell is coming down on us, I am not to be disturbed.”

   Seeing the young warrior nod to her, Kindraa Leader Cassandra Faraday turned and walked out of the command center, hoping for six and a half hours of rest.

   ------

   Kindraa Leader Cassandra Faraday collapsed into the couch and sighed. The last thirteen hours took a toll on her fourty-four year old body. Star Captain Margaret Jannik, acting commander of the CFM Rook, a newly-activated Sylvester-class troopship Kindraa Sainze had activated and then fled from the dezgra Kindraa, had reported to Star Admiral Theodore Albiev of Kindraa Sainze and Mick-Kreese-Kline fought without zellbrigen against the two clusters belonging to Kindraa Mattila-Carrol on Shadow. A Sainze Watch operative leaked nerve gas into the CFM Rage, the last Lola-III destroyer controlled by Clan Fire Mandrill as well, allowing the Sainze to take command of the Rage without a shot fired. That thought still fueled fire in her veins. What was worse was the arrival of a Kumagari-class pursuit cruiser over Shadow just as the last of Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga were about to jump to Atreus. The only things known about the pursuit cruiser was that Kindraa Sainze, nor Kindraa Mick-Kreese-Kline activated it, that it was named the Kerensky’s Truth, and it seemed to be in remarkable shape.

   Fleeing Clan Sea Fox merchants had in turn informed Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga of Kindraa Mattila-Carrol’s destruction with nuclear weaponry. With this information in hand, she demanded a Grand Kurultai meeting. Now she waited while the necessary HPG stations connected with one another. She could only hope she could defend her Kindraa from calls of absorption or even annihilation in the Grand Kurultai. She thanked Kerensky her Kindraa had formed a backup plan in case of that after the laughable Ghost Bears Absorption. Her thoughts were again broken, this time by a communique from the command center.

   â€œThe necessary HPG grid for the Grand Kurultai has been established Kindraa Leader.”

   â€œAff,” she responded. Sighing, she dragged herself up, not looking forward to informing the Grand Kurultai of the dezgra Kindraa.

Grand Council Meeting
Strana Mechty, Kerensky Cluster
Clan Homeworlds
15th June 3089

   Even attending the Grand Council via HPG link Cassandra Faraday could see the other Clans were tired of combat, she could also see all the empty seats from Clans that were vacant from this meeting, most notably Clans Wolf, Jade Falcon, Ghost Bear, Hell's Horse and Nova Cat all at one time or another had great influence in the Council Chambers.  She listened to ilKhan Brett Andrews speak he spoke quietly in his eyes Cassandra could see the pain that had been inflicted on him by the losses.  Each of the remaining Clans, Steel Viper, Star Adder, Cloud Cobra, Goliath Scorpion, Coyote and her own Fire Mandrill forces had taken great amounts of casualties fighting the reborn Burrock forces and their support.

   "From what we can tell two months ago the Garrison of Huntress has completely retreated from the Clan Homeworlds without communication with our Clan surrendering control of the world to Burrock forces.  Despite an extensive search we have not been able to track their movements beyond the Kerensky Cluster.  They have been declared Dezgra by our Clan."  Colin Yeh said sitting down.

   "Yet another world, my fellow Khans we must show our resolve against the weak and against our enemies, and prevail against all threats."  ilKhan Brett Andrews said passionately turning towards the Fire Mandrill table "and the reason the Fire Mandrill Clan has not attended in person is what Loremaster Cassandra Faraday."

   "ilKhan, it appears Kindraas Sainze and Mick-Kreese-Kline have both aligned their forces with Burrock forces."  Cassandra said quietly around her other members of the Kindraa did their best to remain quiet, allowing them to watch these proceedings was a violation of Clan law but Cassandra had a feeling things were about to go very badly.

   "WHAT!!" Brett Andrews screamed "TWO THIRDS OF YOUR CLAN HAVE BETRAYED OUR CLANS!!"  He continued "this is a violation of everything the Founder stood for!"

   "I could not agree more, ilKhan, I move for all Fire Mandrill forces beyond my own on Atreus are declared Dezgra..." Cassandra began before Brett Andrews broke in.

   "Neg!"  He shouted silencing her "Cassandra Faraday your broken Clan has taken one final step I am the ilKhan using wartime powers I declare your ENTIRE Clan as Dezgra.  You can save your forces on Atreus from Annihilation by alligning them with Clan Steel Viper and submitting to my command, do you agree?"

   "Neg!"  Cassandra said immediately "Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga have done nothing to wrong the Clans, we are loyal and have enough forces to constitute a Clan by ourselves."

   "Your forces are as pitiful as the Blood Spirits once were, insignificant" the Star Adder Khan said dismissively.

   "You will submit your forces..." Brett Andrew began before Cassandra cut the link bowing her head for several moments composing her own thoughts before turning to the other officers.

   "Members of Faraday-Tanaga, you heard the ilKhan, what say you?"  She asked everyone stood or sat in stunned silence "WELL!"  She shouted making several jump in surprise as the Loremaster lost her temper rarely did Cassandra Faraday show her anger in public.

   "Loremaster" Star Admiral Theodore Albiev said from his display screen, the Admiral was at this very moment on the bridge of the WarShip Warsaw "I speak for every member of Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga that we are with you and will not submit to Clan Steel Viper or any of the Serpent Clans ovKhan."  He said using the honourary rank to symbolize his words.  "What say you Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga!"  He called out

   Almost in unison every member in the command room and via several communication circuits the members of Clan Fire Mandrill spoke, for the first time in years, as one each uttering a single word "Seyla!"  Cassandra Faraday stood in the command room looking around at each member of the Kindraa in turn none showed any doubt with their decision.

   "Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga - you honour me" she said quietly her voice slowly gaining strength as she spoke once more "it is decided, we will initiate Operation Exodus Three" she said "take all you can carry to your designated Ships we are leaving the Homeworlds."

Approaching Nadir Point, CFF Warsaw (Whirlwind-class Destroyer)
Atreus, Kerensky Cluster
Clan Homeworlds
28th June 3089

   It had taken the remaining Fire Mandrills nearly a week to remove everything of worth from their command facilities on Atreus then several more days to travel to the Nadir point.  The newly added CFF Rook, the recently captured Jade Falcon vessel Ironhold Provider, a Carrack-transport, and the CFF Firetender, the Fire Mandrill's last remaining Vincent Mk 42-class Corvette, had already jumped into deep space along with several JumpShips full of Fire Mandrills there they maintained radio silence until the rest of the Kindraa joined them.  Now the CFF Warsaw and CFF Resolute escorted nearly three dozen DropShips to the remaining Fire Mandrill JumpShips which Cassandra Faraday had ordered to jump as soon as their complement was aboard, so far her Kindraa had been too lucky.

   "Radiation spike Star Admiral!"  one officer called out Theodore Albiev looked at his screen and watched as two Sovetskii Soyuz-class Heavy Cruisers and a Dart-class Light Cruiser jumped into the system.  "The Steel Vipers have arrived."  Albiev looked at Cassandra Faraday, who had remained in her seat, the Loremaster just nodded.

   "Battle-stations!"  He called our "All Titan Monitors and aerospace fighters form on the Warsaw.  Resolute, direct your fighters to join us.  You are to screen all JumpShips from fire, do not let them close on our civilians and ground forces understood?"  He ordered there was a series of acknowledgements "good, I want the King Viper's back broken" he said designating the recently arrived Sovetskii Soyuz as his target.  The Whirlwind-class Destroyer began to close on the three Viper WarShips taking multiple capital missile hits as the Steel Vipers tried to capitalize on their distance from the Fire Mandrills.  Unfortunately for them the Titan Monitors were covered in capital missile launchers and anti-missile systems and were doing a very good job at screening the charging Whirlwind.

   "As soon as we are in range all guns are to engage the enemy, have all Monitors and fighters change from defensive screen to assault profiles once we are in range have them target all enemy vessels except for the King Viper it's mine."  He ordered such an order would make the Warsaw vulnerable to enemy fire but would hopefully bring enough fire on the Steel Vipers.

   "Naval Laser bank three not responding" one of the crew called out as they closed into weapons range of the enemy releasing all the Whirlwind-class Destroyer's weapons on the single target at once Naval Autocannon, laser, gauss rifle and particle cannon fire rippled from the Warsaw's weapon banks all targeted on the the King Viper.  From along the Warsaw's flanks aerospace fighters and Titan Monitors volley fired their naval and conventional weapons at the other Star Adder vessels opening fire into the flanks of the Crazy Horse and the Viper's Legacy opening the sides of the two vessels as they tried to close on the Resolute.  Unfortunately the Steel Viper counter fire was equally destructive with the Titan Monitors and aerospace fighters now being targeted by everything the Viper's had left, the Warsaw now not protected by the fighters and DropShips was taking many more hits.  The fire from the Warsaw tore into the King Viper shredding the Sovetskii Soyuz's armour while weapon systems aboard the Warsaw were nearly continuously being called out as damaged in the command centre.  The two WarShips slid past each other in space exchanging broadside fire as they passed.

   "Bring us around" Theodore Albiev called out as Loremaster Cassandra Faraday tried to apply a bandage to his head, she knew little about naval combat and was staying out of the command decisions instead she tried to help keep her Star Admiral standing after a console had exploded near him.  "Helm keep our damned broadside on that stavag!"  He called out as the Whirlwind began a sloppy turn, with Theodore's insistence the Warsaw turned more crisply.

   "The last JumpShip is away!"  Another crewman called out, there was a cheer from the Warsaw's bridge as they realized they had succeeded in their goal and the Kindraa would survive beyond the Homeworlds.

   "Order Resolute to jump!"  Theodore Albiev called out looking at Cassandra Faraday who nodded she understood, the Warsaw could not survive against the three enemy WarShips that remained even though the King Viper was battered beyond recognition.

   "Sir, Resolute's commander respectfully declines, they have engaged the Vipers and say they will maintain position at the Nadir point until we are in position."

   "That crazy bastard Malcolm Lynn is going to get his entire crew killed" Theodore Albiev said quietly

   "Can we make it?"  Cassandra Faraday whispered not showing her doubt in front of the crew.

   "Maybe" Theodore Albiev admitted raising his voice "Helm full burn towards the jump point, ignore all enemy targets all fire to defence. "Communications tell Resolure we are on our way they are to remain at the jump point, we will jump as soon as we can."  The Whirlwind-class Destroyer Warsaw seemed to become a sprinter at its last as everything was pushed to acceleration.  Ahead the nine hundred-and-twenty thousand ton Resolute marked the finish line as it held off two Steel Viper WarShips.  Coming up passed the two vessels the Warsaw exchanged fire with the two Star Adder WarShips taking multiple hits as it passed.

   "Main engines are hit!"  One of the crew reported "main acceleration down by one third."

   "We may as well be coasting" Theodore Albiev said slamming his fist against the panel as the Warsaw took several more hits as the destroyer moved into the Jump point "communications tell the Resolute well done" he said impressed with what the new crew and ship had done, their actions had saved what was left of the Warsaw and her crew.  "And order them to go now, we are the last ones out."  He ordered, moments later the New Syrtis-class Cruiser jumped clearing the system.  "Engineering prepare to get us out of here, Loremaster."

   "Jump" Cassandra Faraday ordered it was her last order in the Clan Homeworlds but it was hers to give the battered Whirlwind barely resembled the ship it was at the beginning of this fight but the Warsaw and her crew had done their duty and Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga would survive for another day.  With a flash of light the Warsaw disappeared from the Atreus system for the last time joining the rest of the Kindraa in deep space beyond the Homeworlds

Beyond the What ?

Don't like or mildly confused?

No it just that the last line of the story goes  deep space beyond the  . I am wondering what ?

Fixed that some moron

<<<<<<

Didn't copy last word of txt or checked it sorry

My own writing is at a all time low but James Tanaga has been busy.  With a little bit of cleaning up here is the next part of the story of the survival of Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga of Clan Fire Mandrill and a glimpse of where they are heading in the future.

Unclaimed system
Nueva Castile, Deep Periphery
12th September 3089

   Star Admiral Theodore Albiev rested comfortably in his seat on the bridge of the CFM Resolute deep in thought. For the past three months, Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga had been shadowed by a fleet of unknown strength since their exodus from Clan Space. Only luck and the suspicions of Cassandra Faraday allowed them to identify a Bug-Eye-class surveillance craft tailing the fleet.  The only thing they knew for certain was the ship not controlled by them, nor was it controlled by Clan Sea Fox, for their small trading compound on Atreus had evacuated with the fleet and therefore did not need to tail the retreating Kindraa. Therefore, an unknown faction was monitoring their movements. It was likely one of the Serpent Clans from the Homeworlds hoping to catch the Fire Mandrills during a recharge cycle or force one of the ships to  breakdown.

   Their luck had held out long enough for his Kindraa to reach their new home located on a small, barely habitable moon orbiting a gas giant in a system rich in resources.  Technically the system laid within the borders of the Nueva Castile but the locals hadn't exploited this system either because it was beyond their ability or be their interest.  While the system was not populated, its proximity to the Hanseatic League and its abundant resources made it the ideal world to restart the clan while keeping a small profile. For the past four days, Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga had begun building a settlement on the moon, even while building what would likely be much-needed defensive positions. His clan will make a valiant defense of its new home.

   He was suddenly brought out from his thoughts. “Radiation Spike! Fourteen vessels!” reported a tech on the bridge. As he and Star Commodore Malcolm, the Resolute’s commander, glanced at each other, the technician continued his report. “Three warships confirmed! Repeat! Three confirmed!” At this, he paused, gathering his wits, it seemed. “Fleet is mostly from Clan Fire Mandrill,” he spoke at last.

   â€œQuiaff?” Theodore asked. Seeing the technician nod his head, he turned to the Scientist manning the communications. “Get me the Kindraa Leader now!”

   Not half a minute later, the older Scientist replied, “The Kerensky’s Truth is hailing all frequencies Star Admiral.” Without being told, the Scientist transferred the hail to his screen.

   â€œ-s Khan Garret Sainze of the only true Fire Mandrills. I lead the entirety of Sainze forces against you, Cassandra. The blood feud between us and our two kindraa ends today with your death and the death of your dezgra kindraa! This I promise to my dying breath! With what forces will you pitifully die with, stravag? Or are you coward enough to flee like freebirth children in the faces of true warriors? Of true clansmen?”

All across the bridge, no one spoke. No one needed to. For everyone shook with unrivaled passion and fury at their Kindraa’s historical and most hated rival within their shared clan. Minutes passed by until another image popped up in his personal monitor. This one, however, was one he was proud to die for. Cassandraa Faraday spoke quietly, determinedly. “We are not cowards. We do not run.  Come to these coordinates, if you so wish your death.  You will find neither stravags, nor dezgra among us. Though I know you cannot say the same, Sainze barbarian. Seyla.”

   For two days, the Faraday-Tanaga forces awaited the dezgra Sainze forces. And during them, Theodore Albiev and his brethren planned and completed preparations for the defense of their kindraa and its new home.   â€œTen minutes to combat. Repeat, ten minutes to combat,” sounded on the intercom throughout the CFM Resolute. In CIC, Theodore Albiev waited patiently. He could see the crew members around him diligently going along with their duties. He was impressed. Despite having only been together for three months, many of the crew was handpicked by both he and Star Commodore Malcolm Lynn, they had melded together well. While Theodore would command the space battle down here, Malcolm would command the ship in the battle.

   He was interrupted in his thoughts when Cassandra Faraday’s voice came on in the intercom. “Members of Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga. Hear me. The destiny of our Clan is in our hands. In your hands. Work together. Fight hard. And we will emerge victorious. Seyla.” Theodore smiled as he heard the numerous crew members in the room and down the hall shout out seyla. Only Cassandra Faraday could give a speech that short and get the best out of people.

   He spoke loudly. “You all heard her. Seyla.”  Throughout the ship the word echoed as it was repeated by every member of the crew.

   Kindraa Leader Cassandra Faraday sat in the cockpit of her Summoner, waiting for the Sainze to come to her. There, her mind had wandered a bit. She, a clanswoman at forty-four years of age, many considered a legend. Her talent for identifying the possible actions, consequences, and outcomes, both inside and outside Clan Fire Mandrill, had secured her lineage. But even she could not have foreseen Kindraa Sainze being the ones chasing them. One of the Serpent Clans surely would have come?  Clan Coyote just did not have enough warships and JumpShips to target her kindraa, nor did she believe they had the drive or the wish for her destruction.  The dezgra Burrocks were too focused in Clan Space to likely chase after them too focused on their own quest for destruction and death.  But not Kindraa Sainze, she could not think of any reason why the Sainze would chase her Kindraa down to Clan society her forces should no longer matter they should be abjured, she couldn't argue against that, but Sainze's actions amounted to a Trial of Annihilation it was far beyond a blood feud. 

   As her thoughts drifted through what had happened, what was happened and what was going to happen she realized it didn't matter she had failed, her people were at risk and it was due to her actions, now she had to work out what to do next and find a true safe-haven for her Clan.  She knew that this new home despite its resources was no longer the place her people needed.  She knew that she had a decent enough chance of a victory today despite being outnumbered nearly two to one in mechs.   Kindraa Sainze was at this very moment being harried by Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga’s abundant air support, each minute each second cost the Sainze forces a little bit more.  The dezgra Sainze leaped at the chance to fight and had mistakenly went after Star Colonel Megan Angharobis and the remnants of her 12th Support Cluster into the plateau below her and the majority of her Kindraa. The plateau, surrounded by large hills, was crucial in her efforts to defeat the dezgra Sainze.

   Clicking her radio, she spoke, “The Sainze are here, everyone keep with the plan, and we will be victorious today.  If I should fall, Star Colonel Jerold Danforth will take command. Quiaff?” As her fellow warriors confirmed this, Cassandra could only grimace in distaste. Though she was grooming Star Admiral Theodore Albiev to one day be her successor as Kindraa Leader, she had easily recognized the Star Admiral just did not have enough ground combat experience to carry today, something she would have to rectify after the coming battle.  She easily recognized Star Colonel Aemelia of the 14th Support Cluster and Star Captain Lysa Djerassi could both easily assume command of the battle if she passed. Unfortunately Aemelia, a former Smoke Jaguar warrior, had long ago refused to become a bloodnamed warrior after the death of her former Clan and she still had not fully converted to being a Fire Mandrill even after twenty-six years of being a member of the Kindraa.  Star Captain Lysa Djerassi had the skill, but not the rank to be the second in command, today needed more than the skills. She commanded the Specialist Trinaries in the battle as an ad-hoc cluster, however and would likely need to pass a Trial of Position to the rank of Star Colonel after today.

   That left only Kindraa Loremaster Jacob Faraday and Star Colonel Jerold Danforth with the skill and rank to assume command. Of the two, she easily preferred Jacob Faraday over Jerold Danforth. Unfortunately, with the survival of Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga at stake, she needed Jerold’s forty years of experience in the battle to carry the day.  He was primary political enemy within Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga since her ascension to being Kindraa Leader twenty-two years ago meant this was particularly insulting to her. He, like Aemelia, just refused to die.

   She was brought out of her thoughts by her screen coming to life with the face of said Star Colonel. “Star Colonel Jerold Danforth, I was just thinking about you,” she spoke diplomatically. His answer with his patented cold stare unnerved her, so she continued, “Are the 1st and 3rd Battle Clusters ready Star Colonel?” Her question was answered with a simple nod. After a few moments he cut the transmission on his side. Always an odd one, she thought. No sooner than the thought entered her mind did she see the Sainze had started to charge across the plateau.

   â€œAll artillery guns! Fire!” was her command. She didn’t need to give coordinates, having given that duty to Star Colonel Aemelia. As the 12th Support Cluster finally reached what everyone had come to call the Wall, she could see in her scopes the artillery started to have an effect. Aemelia, for all of her keeping to the Smoke Jaguar ways, was an excellent artillery commander, the concentrated artillery strikes were focused on the flanks of their enemy forcing the Sainze mechs closer to one another.  The tactic was honourless, there was nothing any of her Warriors would happily take from today, but then Sainze's actions had already ruled out an honourable fight.

   As the Sainze warriors reached a kilometer from the Wall, Cassandra could see the artillery suddenly shift away from the Sainze flanks, blasting into the front of the now tightly packed column. Still the Sainze poured into range. Cassandra did not need to give the order to fire each of her people knew what was at stake. All across the wall, missiles, gauss shells, lasers, and PPC’s were fired into the oncoming Sainze formation, and were quickly answered in kind. The Wall, mostly a huge dirt hill with bunkers and foxholes buried into it, soaked much of the fire as mechs crouched down or moved into a bunker preventing some of the damage but Cassandra could see her people were taking losses a light Adder OmniMech take an autocannon blast to the chest and fall to the ground.  Cassandra had no chance to see if the pilot was able to bring the Mech back to its feet as her own Summoner was under as much fire.

   The battle continued and was unlike any Clan Trial Cassandra had every experienced continuous fighting retreats and charges as each side assaulted the other in a brutal fashion the Khan had been right in his description this was a blood-feud no quarter asked none given.  The forward Sainze elements were almost upon the Wall causing her forward line to bend and buckle.  Cassandra could see the Sainze Elementals start jumping off the first mechs as their forward forces valiantly tried to make a beachhead through her lines.  Even as she avoided weapons fire from several directions Cassandra was aware enough to tell the artillery had stopped, signaling to the Faraday-Tanaga forces and her of the vast majority of Sainze forces being within 800 meters of the Wall everything now would be up to the individual warriors, their skills and their luck. This was confirmed shortly afterward when Star Captain Lysa Djerassi radioed her to inform her of the Specialist Trinaries were being deployed to surround the mass of Sainze warriors.  Everywhere one looked there were Mechs, vehicles and Elementals firing pouring over the defensive Wall.

   Cassandra quickly took stock of the fighting and radioed all her forces. “Phase three now!” She barked into the transmitter pase three was the order for Star Colonel Jerold Danforth and his two clusters to scurry from their hiding places on the other side of the hills surrounding the plateau and pin the Sainze forces between her forces and his as fast as they can.  Unfortunately, it meant that for roughly 5 to 7 minutes, her forces would still be fighting at least a two to one handicap. All around the edges of the plateau, artillery smoke rounds started landing, covering the movements of the 1st and 3rd Battle Clusters if the Sainze forces realized what was happening they could try to fall back and slip out of the trap her people were setting.

   As she and her forces awaited their arrival, she could see the line thinning in the middle to left side of the Wall. Knowing behind the Wall laid the Fortress-class DropShips providing artillery fire and then the Faraday-Tanaga settlement where their civilians resided, Seeing the gap Kindraa Leader Cassandra Faraday quickly led her command supernova into the gap.  Firing her Extended Range Large and Medium lasers in an alpha strike, she destroyed a badly damaged medium Huntsman.  She saw a barrage of missiles being destroyed by her two anti-missile systems. As she waited to fire her medium lasers, she saw a Warhawk looming towards her, firing three PPC’s at her. Using her Mech's jump jets, she avoided two of the PPC’s, but the third slammed into the lower half of her Mech's leg damaging the ankle actuator.  Landing behind the eighty-five ton mech, she again fired at the Mech using everything she had the heat within her OmniMech's cockpit shot up as her heat sinks were overwhelmed.  As the Warhawk turned to face her, she saw three of her star mates turn and fire lasers, autocannons and missiles at the assault Mech. Suddenly she felt the back of her Mech get hit. Looking at the screen and the warning sings blaring out, she saw a sixty ton Predator BattleMech behind her. Lovely, she thought, for the second-line BattleMech was very deadly in close quarters, with its two Heavy LB-X Autocannons. As the Mech fired its two medium lasers at hers, she again used her jump jets shooting up heat in her cockpit again. This time she landed on top of the Mech and then on her Mech’s feet she felt the Summoner's actuator buckle under the landing forcing her seventy ton Mech into a stumble.

   As she tried vainly to control her Summoner she fought to turn back to face the Predator, right then her mech was slammed in the torso by PPC fire from the Warhawk, knocking her and her OmniMech to the ground.  As she fought to bring her Mech back up she missed the Warhawk's death as her star mates concentrated on the OmniMech's destruction.  As she tried to get her Mech back up, the Sainze Predator fired its twin autocannons at her Summoner, causing her to hit her head on the screen hard, knocking her out.

   As she came to, Cassandra saw a blurry head in her view. Forcing her body up, she was held down as she heard a voice talk to her. “Easy Kindraa Leader. You have a severe concussion and stitches in your head, neck and chest.  You're probably going to have a couple of new scars.”

   â€œWhat happened?” she asked, collapsing back into the bed her head thumped continuously.

   A different voice answered her this time. “You were knocked out securing a hole in the Wall just as my cluster and the 1st met the Sainze. We followed the plan and defeated our Kindraa lives,” answered Star Colonel Jerold Danforth. “I personally fought and defeated Garret Sainze.”  He said proudly Cassandra knew he would be using this victory today, his victory, for years to come against her.

   Grimacing at him, she asked, “what of our losses?”

   â€œOur second-line forces are down to barely cluster-strength. They and the remnants of the 16th Assault are currently operating under Star Colonel Aemelia’s command. My cluster is at eighty percent while the First is at about seventy. We lost Star Colonels Megan Angharobis and Christopher Tanaga."  He said furthher blows to their people.  "Star Colonel Stephanie Bush of the First is in surgery as we speak, but is likely to survive. Star Captain Lysa Djerassi is crippled and has asked for permission to commit seppuku.”  Cassandra winced at the thought of a warrior wishing to commit suicide and at the losses her people had taken.

   Alarmed from not hearing anything about her lover, she asked, “What of Loremaster Jacob Faraday?”

   At this, the usually solemn star colonel answered with a feral smile, “He is currently entertaining Garret Sainze.”

   â€œEntertaining? Wait, I thought you defeated and killed him? Quiaff?” she asked.

   â€œNeg, I said I defeated him. We need answers why the dezgra Sainze came here. So I ensured his capture. Cost us six warriors, but I believe their loss will be worth it.” Seeing Cassandra pale, he reached down and handed her the trash can. After she threw up, he spoke. “Get some rest, Cassandra, I will ensure things continue until you are ready. Our battles with one another can wait until our Kindraa is safe.”  Cassandra Faraday nodded to him as he left.

   â€œHow well is this information?” Cassandra asked Jacob Faraday. Around her bed, the leadership of Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga either sat or stood, aside from Stephanie Bush and Lysa Djerassi, the former just out of surgery and resting; the latter crippled and paralyzed from the waist down.  Cassandra had refused Lysa the right to commit suicide her time would come but not today.

   â€œVery. Directly from former Khan Garret Sainze himself,” he answered.

   As she took this in she looked at Aemelia and Jerold Danforth. Both were close to the door likely not wanting to be in her presence today was not a good one this news combined with the news being presented to her made her people's position her even more tenious. Star Colonel Jerold Danforth answered then “Kindraa Mick-Kreese-Kline and Sainze together joined this Society in return for Clan Fire Mandrill being rewarded a leadership position when they would take over Clan Space. When we up and left, the Society apparently demanded Garret Sainze personally go after us to ensure we do not escape for some reason. Even after our victory here, we can only assume they will still be after us since the Bug-Eye surveillance craft jumped as soon as the naval battle had ended,” he summarized which was the next sore point Sainze's naval forces had caused death and damage that could not be repaired in a hurry.

   At this, Cassandra could see most were apprehensive about waging another battle. After all their Kindraa lost half of its warriors during the previous battle Aemelia voiced their thoughts then. “We cannot continue to take these kinds of losses.” Cassandra could see the elderly woman look around the room and then continued, “I say we up and leave this rock for the Inner Sphere.”

   Cassandra and the others looked at each other, though no one spoke. At last, Jacob Faraday spoke up. “Your reasons for this, Smoke Jaguar?” he asked in a condescended way "we are hardly in a position to invade the Inner Sphere."

   Seeing a fight about to break out between the two, Star Admiral Theodore Albiev walked in their way. “Star Colonel Jacob Faraday, need I remind you Star Colonel Aemelia has been a warrior for longer then you have been alive?” Seeing the younger warrior looking embarrassed, the older warrior continued, “She is merely suggesting her opinion and it is a good one. One that I am for as well if we approach it correctly.”

   After seeing the others in the room start to nod at this, Cassandra decided to it was time to make a decision. “It is decided then. We head for the Inner Sphere. Does anyone have an idea where to go to,” she asked, looking directly at the lone Sea Fox member in the room who was there purely as an observer but now his testimony could be pivotable for the Kindraa.

   At this, he nodded. “There is a small nation of planets that exists on this side of the Lyran Commonwealth. One of them recently re-declared their independence the Rim Collection.  The world of All Dawn has everything that your people need.  The Rim Collection will be able to defend themselves but if you can secure All Dawn you will be in a good position to bargain with the Rim Collection for a permanent holding in the area.  Your people's positioning on All Dawn and your willingness to work with the people of the Rim Collection could be the perfect way to secure your futures.

   â€œWell,” Cassandra asked to everyone in the room. Seeing some nod while others shrugged she glanced at Star Colonel Jerold Danforth only to be answered with a stare.

   At last, he decided to speak his own opinion. “I am a Crusader. I am the acknowledged leader of the Crusaders within the Kindraa. If this gets me closer to fighting in the Inner Sphere and closer to taking Holy Terra, I am in.  Working with these people could be difficult but we will see."

   â€œIt is decided. We head to the planet. All Dawn. And let Garret Sainze and the other Sainze warriors we captured in the battle rot here.  I want none of them with us we are Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga our future is in our own hands."  She declared.