Which is part of what makes a Mama Bear so deadly. Before, Natasha's motivation was mostly internal, now she has something outside of herself to defend.
Blood on the Horizon (Battletech SI)
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Chapter 92
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Chapter Ninety-Two: Swapping Stories
Kentares IV, Christmas Day 3018
“Merry Christmas Natasha!” I said as I pulled the massive white sheet off of the Nightstar we had spent months refitting. “We used the Clan Data Core that Wolf gave us to get a head start on some things, and it still takes a while on most things, but we are able to custom build things using the Argo Machine shops we duplicated, and so we specced this thing out with Clan tech, it should have the same movement profile as your old Marauder, but an incredible amount of firepower to bring to bear on anything that might decide to come after you.”
“Hmm.” Natasha walked around the base of the assault ‘Mech. “No jump jets?” She questioned with a smirk, knowing that we had argued over whether the Marauder II was a good ‘mech or not.
“You know my stance on that.” I responded with a smile. “But, what do you think?” I asked. “David helped me put together the paint job on it.”
The Nightstar had a base coat of black paint, with gold edging to reference the Marksman, and red tracing the inside of that to show Natasha’s connection to Clan Widowmaker.”
“Well, I will have to get in and drive it before I make any final decisions.” Natasha said. “But as long as you improved the linkage for the gun mounted ERPPC we should be fine.”
“Mac did the work on it himself.” I smiled, “He was actually really excited to do this refit for once.” I laughed. “I think he was secretly glad that he didn’t have to fix another damaged Warhammer.”
“Well, I can take this on a test run later.” Natasha said as she stopped inspecting the ‘Mech. “Now, you promised me some stories.”
“I did,” I sighed as we began to walk back into the Ducal house. “But I want you to promise that you will remain calm. Anything I tell you I have already retaliated or dealt with.”
“I cannot promise that.” She shrugged in response. “But I will not push to do anything rash if you have already dealt with the problem.”
“Oh, I dealt with the problems all right.” I smirked. “They’ll be reeling for a long time after the blows we struck.”
“That was scary.” David snuggled into Nat as I told her about the attempted assassination on Robinson. “And it was super loud.”
“Comstar?” Natasha asked me.
“Comstar,” I agreed. “They subverted a MASK and ISF cell on the planet in order to launch the assassination.”
“And how did you manage to convince Ian and Hanse to let you retaliate?” Natasha asked me. “That does not seem like something they would have pushed for.”
“They didn’t accept anything open and blatant.” I shrugged. “So we raided their “secret” Naval yards and took everything that wasn’t nailed down.” I chuckled, “And some things that were, there was one system that had a bunch of orbital factories, we are keeping that system.”
“Well, I approve.” Natasha smiled at me. “Now, I believe you promised to make cinnamon rolls.”
“That I did.” I said as I stood up and made my way to the kitchen. “You’re lucky I still remembered to make the dough after everything that got sprung on me in the last couple of days.”
December 27th, 3018
“Duke Hull,” Khan Ward said. “I will be returning to Clan Wolf space in a week or so.” He smiled as he shook my hand. “I plan on retiring in a couple of years. Ulric, the one I favor to succeed me, has finally achieved his Bloodname, and should be ready to be Khan by that time.”
“And you are telling me this because?” I asked.
“You have such a nice planet, I was thinking of retiring to a cabin along the beach.” He smirked. “And I would of course be a part of the militia should that come to pass.” He stroked his beard in the way that wise old masters of their craft do.
“Clanners.” I facepalmed to his great amusement. “Get off of my planet you old goat.” I made a shooing gesture at him. “Please call before you drop by, while I love that my wife’s family came by for a visit, you always leave me with more work to do any time y’all show up.” My southern accent was making a strong return as I ranted a bit.
“I shall see you in the future, Duke Hull.” He smiled enigmatically. “Be prepared for a visit in the future from myself and some other solamha retirees.”
“Just leave.” I buried my face in my palms. “I have enough to deal with as it is.”
December 30th, 3018
“Natasha! I thought you said it was just a joke!” I shouted as I walked out of the living room covering my eyes.
“It was!” She called over from the other room. “Why?!”
“Because one of the Khan’s just walked in naked.” I said. “And I don’t know how to respond to this.”
“Oh, now that is funny.” Natasha laughed as she walked into the room. “I guess they took it seriously.” She laughed a bit. “Did you do anything else?”
“I beat her in sims earlier.” I shrugged. “But I’ve beaten most people on the planet in sims, it’s not like this is anything new.”
“Well,” Natasha smirked. “I could fix this.”
“But?” I asked, seeing that she was about to pull an Ian or Hanse move.
“But frankly, I enjoy watching you freak out about this sort of thing, and I might as well get my laughs while I can.”
“You’re evil.” I pointed at her. “Pure evil.” I backed away slowly.
“Well enjoy the fallout.” Natasha smirked, “I will be spending the day with David after all.”
January 1st, 3019
“Commodore Jewel.” I greeted as she walked into the room. “I take it Bruce is on his way back with the Texas.”
“Yes sir, and we’ve finished getting quite a number of the Comstar Warships up and running again.” She told me. “You never did tell me the plan for the fleet, because I’m not certain that we can afford the maintenance fees on all of them.”
“We can’t.” I told her flat out. “The Concordat is purchasing all of the Vincent Corvettes that we have along with the Volga that we took from Ross 248.” I shrugged. “Apparently a couple of the frozen Scientists that we returned to were Warship engineers.”
“And the remaining vessels?” Jewel asked me. “What are we doing with them?”
“The Lola’s are being split between the Davions and the Steiners, with two of our Yardships being given to the Davions along with both battlecruisers and the other Potemkin.” I replied. “The Aegis class that were left in the station we moved away from Ross will be incorporated or sold when we start dismantling the station to move it to Kentares.” I said and pointed to the calculations that we had done when we moved it. “We know the general area of it, and we’re going to have to retrieve it at some point.”
“Yes sir,” Jewel replied. “We’re keeping the Age of Discovery, Manassas, Defender, Texas, and the two Faslane? She asked for clarification purposes.
“Yes ma’am.” I replied. “We’re going to be splitting the fleet into two parts, with you commanding the two Yardships and the Defender, with Vice Admiral Frye being in charge of the other half and having overall command.”
“Yessir.” Jewel responded. “Bruce being moved up to captain?” She asked me.
“He is, just as soon as he returns with the Snowden and Texas that is.” I replied. “Now go get some rest, Commodore.” I tossed her new rank pins to her. “ And try not to get into too much trouble now.”
“No promises sir.” She laughed. “No promises.”
Kentares IV, Christmas Day 3018
“Merry Christmas Natasha!” I said as I pulled the massive white sheet off of the Nightstar we had spent months refitting. “We used the Clan Data Core that Wolf gave us to get a head start on some things, and it still takes a while on most things, but we are able to custom build things using the Argo Machine shops we duplicated, and so we specced this thing out with Clan tech, it should have the same movement profile as your old Marauder, but an incredible amount of firepower to bring to bear on anything that might decide to come after you.”
“Hmm.” Natasha walked around the base of the assault ‘Mech. “No jump jets?” She questioned with a smirk, knowing that we had argued over whether the Marauder II was a good ‘mech or not.
“You know my stance on that.” I responded with a smile. “But, what do you think?” I asked. “David helped me put together the paint job on it.”
The Nightstar had a base coat of black paint, with gold edging to reference the Marksman, and red tracing the inside of that to show Natasha’s connection to Clan Widowmaker.”
“Well, I will have to get in and drive it before I make any final decisions.” Natasha said. “But as long as you improved the linkage for the gun mounted ERPPC we should be fine.”
“Mac did the work on it himself.” I smiled, “He was actually really excited to do this refit for once.” I laughed. “I think he was secretly glad that he didn’t have to fix another damaged Warhammer.”
“Well, I can take this on a test run later.” Natasha said as she stopped inspecting the ‘Mech. “Now, you promised me some stories.”
“I did,” I sighed as we began to walk back into the Ducal house. “But I want you to promise that you will remain calm. Anything I tell you I have already retaliated or dealt with.”
“I cannot promise that.” She shrugged in response. “But I will not push to do anything rash if you have already dealt with the problem.”
“Oh, I dealt with the problems all right.” I smirked. “They’ll be reeling for a long time after the blows we struck.”
“That was scary.” David snuggled into Nat as I told her about the attempted assassination on Robinson. “And it was super loud.”
“Comstar?” Natasha asked me.
“Comstar,” I agreed. “They subverted a MASK and ISF cell on the planet in order to launch the assassination.”
“And how did you manage to convince Ian and Hanse to let you retaliate?” Natasha asked me. “That does not seem like something they would have pushed for.”
“They didn’t accept anything open and blatant.” I shrugged. “So we raided their “secret” Naval yards and took everything that wasn’t nailed down.” I chuckled, “And some things that were, there was one system that had a bunch of orbital factories, we are keeping that system.”
“Well, I approve.” Natasha smiled at me. “Now, I believe you promised to make cinnamon rolls.”
“That I did.” I said as I stood up and made my way to the kitchen. “You’re lucky I still remembered to make the dough after everything that got sprung on me in the last couple of days.”
December 27th, 3018
“Duke Hull,” Khan Ward said. “I will be returning to Clan Wolf space in a week or so.” He smiled as he shook my hand. “I plan on retiring in a couple of years. Ulric, the one I favor to succeed me, has finally achieved his Bloodname, and should be ready to be Khan by that time.”
“And you are telling me this because?” I asked.
“You have such a nice planet, I was thinking of retiring to a cabin along the beach.” He smirked. “And I would of course be a part of the militia should that come to pass.” He stroked his beard in the way that wise old masters of their craft do.
“Clanners.” I facepalmed to his great amusement. “Get off of my planet you old goat.” I made a shooing gesture at him. “Please call before you drop by, while I love that my wife’s family came by for a visit, you always leave me with more work to do any time y’all show up.” My southern accent was making a strong return as I ranted a bit.
“I shall see you in the future, Duke Hull.” He smiled enigmatically. “Be prepared for a visit in the future from myself and some other solamha retirees.”
“Just leave.” I buried my face in my palms. “I have enough to deal with as it is.”
December 30th, 3018
“Natasha! I thought you said it was just a joke!” I shouted as I walked out of the living room covering my eyes.
“It was!” She called over from the other room. “Why?!”
“Because one of the Khan’s just walked in naked.” I said. “And I don’t know how to respond to this.”
“Oh, now that is funny.” Natasha laughed as she walked into the room. “I guess they took it seriously.” She laughed a bit. “Did you do anything else?”
“I beat her in sims earlier.” I shrugged. “But I’ve beaten most people on the planet in sims, it’s not like this is anything new.”
“Well,” Natasha smirked. “I could fix this.”
“But?” I asked, seeing that she was about to pull an Ian or Hanse move.
“But frankly, I enjoy watching you freak out about this sort of thing, and I might as well get my laughs while I can.”
“You’re evil.” I pointed at her. “Pure evil.” I backed away slowly.
“Well enjoy the fallout.” Natasha smirked, “I will be spending the day with David after all.”
January 1st, 3019
“Commodore Jewel.” I greeted as she walked into the room. “I take it Bruce is on his way back with the Texas.”
“Yes sir, and we’ve finished getting quite a number of the Comstar Warships up and running again.” She told me. “You never did tell me the plan for the fleet, because I’m not certain that we can afford the maintenance fees on all of them.”
“We can’t.” I told her flat out. “The Concordat is purchasing all of the Vincent Corvettes that we have along with the Volga that we took from Ross 248.” I shrugged. “Apparently a couple of the frozen Scientists that we returned to were Warship engineers.”
“And the remaining vessels?” Jewel asked me. “What are we doing with them?”
“The Lola’s are being split between the Davions and the Steiners, with two of our Yardships being given to the Davions along with both battlecruisers and the other Potemkin.” I replied. “The Aegis class that were left in the station we moved away from Ross will be incorporated or sold when we start dismantling the station to move it to Kentares.” I said and pointed to the calculations that we had done when we moved it. “We know the general area of it, and we’re going to have to retrieve it at some point.”
“Yes sir,” Jewel replied. “We’re keeping the Age of Discovery, Manassas, Defender, Texas, and the two Faslane? She asked for clarification purposes.
“Yes ma’am.” I replied. “We’re going to be splitting the fleet into two parts, with you commanding the two Yardships and the Defender, with Vice Admiral Frye being in charge of the other half and having overall command.”
“Yessir.” Jewel responded. “Bruce being moved up to captain?” She asked me.
“He is, just as soon as he returns with the Snowden and Texas that is.” I replied. “Now go get some rest, Commodore.” I tossed her new rank pins to her. “ And try not to get into too much trouble now.”
“No promises sir.” She laughed. “No promises.”
Chapter 93
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Chapter Ninety-Three: Spoils of War
Kentares IV, March 4th, 3019
“Duke Hull,” Mary called over the intercom. “Duke Sandoval is here to see you.”
“Ahh, good.” I told her, “He made good time then.”
“Duke Sandoval,” I stood up and shook his hand. “A pleasure to see you again.”
“I saw the fleet you have now.” Sandoval said, “Hard not to marvel at it at least a bit.” He met my eyes with a slightly stern expression on his face. “And it seems that the Davions have strangely acquired two Yardships and an assorted fleet, as well as the Taurian’s increasing their corvette count by two or three.” He folded his arms over his chest. “One has to wonder if you were going to include your liege lord at all.”
“That’s actually why I asked for you to meet me here.” I told him bluntly, hating this political game. “I have two more Aegis class cruisers that I have access to.” I held up a hand to prevent him from interrupting me. “But, they are in need of repairs, now, I can promise you one of the Aegis cruisers assuming that I can repair it in a timely manner, and I will also service Jumpships at a reduced rate across the Draconis March for the next two years while I am making those repairs.”
“Make it a reduced rate for five years.” He responded.
“Two and a half.” I responded, “And I’ll train up some of your people as a crew for the Aegis when it is repaired.”
“I’ll do two years if you bump Robinson up the list of Sting procurement, and you train the crew.” He haggled back.
“One and a half years of lower rates for Jumpship repairs, and I give you the first five Stings off of the new line on Layover that we’re opening in June, and I’ll still train your crew.”
“Two years, of lower rates, and I’ll take three of the Stings delivered to Robinson, with the other two being delivered to another world on the border.” He grinned, “And I want you to support a push to take worlds along the border all of the way to Dieron.” He held up his hand. “I know that we have more equipment and that we are in a rebuilding phase, I’m not arguing for us to launch a full offensive, just to push them back a little further, and if Ian or Hanse don’t go for it, we can still do limited raids across the border.”
“Fair.” I stood up, “I’ll have someone write up the contract.” We shook hands on it.
“Now that that’s done, I see your new Ducal Estate has been finished.” He looked around at the hardwood paneled office. “It doesn’t look as defensible as I imagined you would push for.”
“Looks can be deceptive.” I told him, “Now, Tell me about this offensive you want to push for.”
March 6th, 3018
“You’ve met my daughter Katheryn before?” Sandoval said, bringing her forward at the small dinner party that I was putting on. “I believe you would make a good match.”
“Yes, we met on Robinson previously.” I said as I shook her hand politely. “Have I introduced my wife Natasha Kerensky?” I asked as I brought my wife around. “She’s been with my group here for over a decade now.”
Sandoval’s eyes widened a bit as he realized his social faux pas. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Kerensky.”
“No, the pleasure is all mine.” Natasha smirked. “I heard that my Son was almost killed the last time he was on your world.” Her smile turned wicked, “My husband is a kinder individual than I am, and while he did not take offense to your mishandling of the situation, I did.”
“I believe it is time I retired to my quarters.” Sandoval gave a small bow before making a hasty exit, accidentally leaving his daughter Katheryn behind.
“You okay there?” I asked Katheryn with a small smile. “Natasha and I aren’t upset at you, just your father for trying that type of game with me.”
“You are safe.” Natasha nodded at Katheryn. “I will not be pursuing any quarrel with you, but you may wish to persuade your father to leave sooner rather than later, yes?”
“I believe this is where I apologize for my Father’s mishandling of the situation attempt an explanation. He didn't believe that Kerensky was your wife anymore given that she was gone for four years. And Now would be the time of my hasty exit” Katheryn replied with a touch of sarcasm in her voice. “Now if you will excuse me, I believe my father may have need of my assistance.”
“That was mean, Nat.” I told her after we were alone again. “But incredibly funny to watch.” I sighed. “We may have to tread carefully around Duke Sandoval for a while after that stunt though.”
“Why would I tread carefully?” Natasha scoffed. “Is it not him who committed the breach of common courtesy here?” She asked. “Let him try to spin this, we always have cameras available to monitor this sort of situation and we will publish our view to the highest heavens should he attempt this again.”
“Nat,” I facepalmed. “We can’t just bully my liege lord into doing our bidding.”
“Why not?” She asked. “Should he try this again I will challenge him to single combat, let him try it then.”
March 10th, 3019
“I thought you were supposed to be leaving with your father not staying behind.” I told the young noblewoman sitting across the desk from me. “How did you convince Sheppard, and your father to accept you into the Marksman Military Academy?”
“By pointing out that it would be an effective way to extend an olive branch to you and Natasha after the dinner he screwed up so gracefully.” She grinned and relaxed her posture. “And this gets me out from under his thumb and able to do what I want.” She shrugged. “Let Jessica have all of the noble bullshit, she enjoys all of that.” She waved her hand. “Besides, I put my application in months ago, it’s just that I couldn’t justify it to father beforehand, and now I can.”
“Politics.” I groaned. “Go report to the academy recruit, and try not to screw it up.”
She got up and left my office. Smirking the entire way. “Mary, get me Sheppard on line one please.”
“Sheppard here.” I heard through my hardline. “What can I do for you Mark?”
“Well, for starters I want Katheryn put through the hardest classes you have.” I told him, “I want to see if she’ll quit or not.”
“Mark, she already signed up for the hardest curriculum we have.” He responded. “She’s taking the infantry to ‘Mech pilot track.”
“Damn.” I said. “Either she’s got a chip on her shoulder, or she wants to prove that she can do this without her family's support.”
“Well, when she applied, she did so with funds she had managed to raise on her own, so I’d assume she’s been planning this for a while.”
“When Dunham gets back, I’ll have him give her a tail and Mathis will put a discrete bodyguard unit in her classes.”
“I’ve got to get to a lecture hall,” Sheppard told me. “But thanks for checking up on everything.”
“See you at the monthly barbecue.” I told him. “Have fun torturing your students.”
“Mary,” I paged my secretary. “I’m taking a break for the next half hour,”
I stood up to reheat my coffee and grabbed a copy of the local newspaper to leaf through the comic section. It was always particularly entertaining to read through them in my off time.
“Well, looks like they’re back at it again.” I said as I looked at the satirical cartoon emphasizing the new “harem” that Natasha had brought, with a small cartoon showing me hiding in a closet saying “I think I’m safe now.” And then the closet door opening.
March 15th, 3019
“Well isn’t that convenient.” I muttered as the 2nd Marksman jumped into the Kentares system with two more Jumpships than they left with. “And there’s Mathis and Dunham, right on time.” The Age of Discovery was right behind.
Kentares IV, March 4th, 3019
“Duke Hull,” Mary called over the intercom. “Duke Sandoval is here to see you.”
“Ahh, good.” I told her, “He made good time then.”
“Duke Sandoval,” I stood up and shook his hand. “A pleasure to see you again.”
“I saw the fleet you have now.” Sandoval said, “Hard not to marvel at it at least a bit.” He met my eyes with a slightly stern expression on his face. “And it seems that the Davions have strangely acquired two Yardships and an assorted fleet, as well as the Taurian’s increasing their corvette count by two or three.” He folded his arms over his chest. “One has to wonder if you were going to include your liege lord at all.”
“That’s actually why I asked for you to meet me here.” I told him bluntly, hating this political game. “I have two more Aegis class cruisers that I have access to.” I held up a hand to prevent him from interrupting me. “But, they are in need of repairs, now, I can promise you one of the Aegis cruisers assuming that I can repair it in a timely manner, and I will also service Jumpships at a reduced rate across the Draconis March for the next two years while I am making those repairs.”
“Make it a reduced rate for five years.” He responded.
“Two and a half.” I responded, “And I’ll train up some of your people as a crew for the Aegis when it is repaired.”
“I’ll do two years if you bump Robinson up the list of Sting procurement, and you train the crew.” He haggled back.
“One and a half years of lower rates for Jumpship repairs, and I give you the first five Stings off of the new line on Layover that we’re opening in June, and I’ll still train your crew.”
“Two years, of lower rates, and I’ll take three of the Stings delivered to Robinson, with the other two being delivered to another world on the border.” He grinned, “And I want you to support a push to take worlds along the border all of the way to Dieron.” He held up his hand. “I know that we have more equipment and that we are in a rebuilding phase, I’m not arguing for us to launch a full offensive, just to push them back a little further, and if Ian or Hanse don’t go for it, we can still do limited raids across the border.”
“Fair.” I stood up, “I’ll have someone write up the contract.” We shook hands on it.
“Now that that’s done, I see your new Ducal Estate has been finished.” He looked around at the hardwood paneled office. “It doesn’t look as defensible as I imagined you would push for.”
“Looks can be deceptive.” I told him, “Now, Tell me about this offensive you want to push for.”
March 6th, 3018
“You’ve met my daughter Katheryn before?” Sandoval said, bringing her forward at the small dinner party that I was putting on. “I believe you would make a good match.”
“Yes, we met on Robinson previously.” I said as I shook her hand politely. “Have I introduced my wife Natasha Kerensky?” I asked as I brought my wife around. “She’s been with my group here for over a decade now.”
Sandoval’s eyes widened a bit as he realized his social faux pas. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Kerensky.”
“No, the pleasure is all mine.” Natasha smirked. “I heard that my Son was almost killed the last time he was on your world.” Her smile turned wicked, “My husband is a kinder individual than I am, and while he did not take offense to your mishandling of the situation, I did.”
“I believe it is time I retired to my quarters.” Sandoval gave a small bow before making a hasty exit, accidentally leaving his daughter Katheryn behind.
“You okay there?” I asked Katheryn with a small smile. “Natasha and I aren’t upset at you, just your father for trying that type of game with me.”
“You are safe.” Natasha nodded at Katheryn. “I will not be pursuing any quarrel with you, but you may wish to persuade your father to leave sooner rather than later, yes?”
“I believe this is where I apologize for my Father’s mishandling of the situation attempt an explanation. He didn't believe that Kerensky was your wife anymore given that she was gone for four years. And Now would be the time of my hasty exit” Katheryn replied with a touch of sarcasm in her voice. “Now if you will excuse me, I believe my father may have need of my assistance.”
“That was mean, Nat.” I told her after we were alone again. “But incredibly funny to watch.” I sighed. “We may have to tread carefully around Duke Sandoval for a while after that stunt though.”
“Why would I tread carefully?” Natasha scoffed. “Is it not him who committed the breach of common courtesy here?” She asked. “Let him try to spin this, we always have cameras available to monitor this sort of situation and we will publish our view to the highest heavens should he attempt this again.”
“Nat,” I facepalmed. “We can’t just bully my liege lord into doing our bidding.”
“Why not?” She asked. “Should he try this again I will challenge him to single combat, let him try it then.”
March 10th, 3019
“I thought you were supposed to be leaving with your father not staying behind.” I told the young noblewoman sitting across the desk from me. “How did you convince Sheppard, and your father to accept you into the Marksman Military Academy?”
“By pointing out that it would be an effective way to extend an olive branch to you and Natasha after the dinner he screwed up so gracefully.” She grinned and relaxed her posture. “And this gets me out from under his thumb and able to do what I want.” She shrugged. “Let Jessica have all of the noble bullshit, she enjoys all of that.” She waved her hand. “Besides, I put my application in months ago, it’s just that I couldn’t justify it to father beforehand, and now I can.”
“Politics.” I groaned. “Go report to the academy recruit, and try not to screw it up.”
She got up and left my office. Smirking the entire way. “Mary, get me Sheppard on line one please.”
“Sheppard here.” I heard through my hardline. “What can I do for you Mark?”
“Well, for starters I want Katheryn put through the hardest classes you have.” I told him, “I want to see if she’ll quit or not.”
“Mark, she already signed up for the hardest curriculum we have.” He responded. “She’s taking the infantry to ‘Mech pilot track.”
“Damn.” I said. “Either she’s got a chip on her shoulder, or she wants to prove that she can do this without her family's support.”
“Well, when she applied, she did so with funds she had managed to raise on her own, so I’d assume she’s been planning this for a while.”
“When Dunham gets back, I’ll have him give her a tail and Mathis will put a discrete bodyguard unit in her classes.”
“I’ve got to get to a lecture hall,” Sheppard told me. “But thanks for checking up on everything.”
“See you at the monthly barbecue.” I told him. “Have fun torturing your students.”
“Mary,” I paged my secretary. “I’m taking a break for the next half hour,”
I stood up to reheat my coffee and grabbed a copy of the local newspaper to leaf through the comic section. It was always particularly entertaining to read through them in my off time.
“Well, looks like they’re back at it again.” I said as I looked at the satirical cartoon emphasizing the new “harem” that Natasha had brought, with a small cartoon showing me hiding in a closet saying “I think I’m safe now.” And then the closet door opening.
March 15th, 3019
“Well isn’t that convenient.” I muttered as the 2nd Marksman jumped into the Kentares system with two more Jumpships than they left with. “And there’s Mathis and Dunham, right on time.” The Age of Discovery was right behind.
Chapter Ninety-Four: The More Things Change…
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Chapter Ninety-Four: The More Things Change…
Kentares IV, March 20th, 3019
“Y’all ready for the sims?” I asked the six Bondswomen. “You’re facing Natasha and myself today.” I told the six of them. “I’ll be in my standard Warhammer and you and Natasha will have your personal ‘mechs that you have available.”
We all climbed into our sim pods, and got ready as everything began to boot up.
“All systems nominal.” Bitchin’ Betty told me at the end of the boot up cycle. “You ready Nat?” I asked my partner.
“Aff.” She said through our comms systems. “What scenario are we in this time?” She asked me.
“Standard Desert, but they’ve got Clan ‘mechs while I’ve got my WHM-6RM.” I told her. “So they’ll probably have an advantage in range over me.”
“Mark, why did you not program in the Warhammer I brought back with me into the simulators?” Natasha gave a long suffering sigh. “You could have been on an equal playing field.”
“Natasha,” I said with a chuckle. “You should know by now, I thrive on a challenge.”
“Mark, I just spent the last two years training these six the way that you trained me and the Marksman.” She facepalmed audibly through the comms system. “We are going to get completely crushed if we don’t coordinate this properly.”
“This is the last trial before you cut the last bondcord?” I asked as we moved to their area. “At least that’s what we discussed a couple of days ago.”
“Yes, whether they achieve victory or defeat, it will be how they handle themselves afterwards.” Natasha responded. “Thank you for the new ‘Mech though.” Natasha, laughed. “This should be fun.”
As we crested the next hill, we had to separate, a flurry of LRM’s and lasers targeting the space we had been in.
“I thought Clanners typically fought alone!” I said to Natasha as I dodged autocannon fire and lasers from three different ‘mechs.
“They used to.” She laughed as she wrecked one of the six bondswomen’s ‘mechs with an Alpha strike. “This is fun though!”
“Yeah, if you’re a madwoman.” I yelled as I dodged a PPC and returned fire, edging away from enemy fire. “And you have more armor than me.” I scattered my lasers and LRM’s against a Summoner’s armor. “This sucks.”
“You are the one who chose that machine.” Natasha said as she tanked a brace of missiles. “Is it not your own fault then?”
“Maybe, but I admit to nothing.” I said as I moved at max speed, running away while twisting to fire off PPC shots. “I’ll draw off the three after me.” I told Natasha. “Have fun with your three.”
I turned and ran, alternating my torso rotation in order to make sure that damage was evenly distributed across my ‘mech instead of in a couple of critical places. The last thing I needed was to have a XLFE breach in either of my side torsos.
“Come at me, Clanners!” I called on the open Comms. “Catch me if you can!” Famous last words, because all of their ‘mechs could match the pace at which my Warhammer moved at.
Coming to a sliding stop in my ‘mech, I reversed course and nailed the Summoner’s cockpit, causing an immediate burial of the mech as it stopped face first in the sand, continuing on, I used the sand kicked up to try and hide as I crouched behind the wrecked Summoner in order to let it soak up some of the enemy fire. The Next ‘mech on the list, a Gargoyle melted armor off of my shoulders and center torso with its ER Large lasers and pulse lasers. Causing me to stand up again and try to go toe to toe with the Assault ‘mech.
I ran forwards, hoping the take the enemy off guard and was only partially successful, they recovered and backed up, reversing course in order to continue to lay fire into me. I rushed my ‘mech forward, and lashed out with a kick, sending us both sliding around on the sand, and causing the Hellbringer that was the final ‘mech to accidentally alpha its teammate. And also causing the Gargoyle to overheat. Allowing me to stomp on it until it was registered “destroyed” by the simulators. Sweating in my cockpit, (We didn’t use the Mithril pilot suits in sims) I turned to face the Hellbringer only to see “Simulation ended” across my screen.
Climbing out of the pod, I was greeted by the faces of four of Natasha’s bondswomen. Khan Winson, Star Captain Viola, Galaxy Commander Jane Thastus, and Star Colonel Alexandra Mackenzie were all present and waiting.
“Good match.” I told them. “Which one of you was in the Summoner?” I asked, accepting a water bottle from a Ducal estate staff member.
“That was me sir.” Viola raised her hand. “I don’t know how you pulled that headshot off, but I would love to learn how to move like that.”
“Well, stick around Viola, and we’ll learn you on some of it.” I patted the younger woman on the back. “Who did I stomp on in the Gargoyle? I asked.
“Unfortunately, that was me.” Winson stated. “I did not expect the sand to slide out from underneath us as it did.”
“Well, you nearly had me there for a minute.” It was only that slip up that cost you the victory on that one.” I raised my water bottle to her in a salute.
“Shall we take bets on whether Natasha takes the other two out?” I asked.
“There is no point.” Galaxy Commander Jane Thastus weighed in. “She is a much superior ‘mech pilot.”
“Oh ye of little faith.” I laughed at her. “Something that you should already know given your experience, is that there is the potential for anything to happen on the battlefield, even a shocking victory.” I laughed. “Let me tell you of an old quote, “The greatest swordsman in the world does not fear the second best, but the worst.” Do you know why that quote exists?” I asked her.
“No, I am afraid I have never heard of that quote before.” She said as she met my eyes.
“The best knows what to expect from the second best.” I began to explain. “But no one knows what the worst may draw out.” I chuckled a bit. “The best may trip on a rock, or the worst may accidentally do a master move, no one knows, and that is why anything is possible on a battlefield, even in simulations.”
As I finished, the rest of the simulator pods popped open to laughter from the remaining three, Natasha laughing the loudest out of the trio.
“That was impressive.” Natasha clapped Yvonne on the back. “I have never seen an Atlas II jump before, much less do a superman punch in order to win a battle.”
“I’ll have to watch that recording.” I said as we all relaxed after the simulated desert heat.
“All right.” I told the assembled flock of women. “I’m going to go grab the drinks.” I left the room so that Natasha could free her bondswomen and find out if they were going to be staying with us as members of the Ducal Guard or not.
Hours later…
“So, what’s the verdict?” I asked my wife. “Are we keeping a bunch of vicious Clan Marauders around?”
“I am a vicious Clan Marauder.” Nat shoved me into the bed. “Would you like me to prove it to you?”
“Not right this second.” I dragged her back into the bed. “Now, who is staying with us Nat?” I pinned her down in this impromptu wrestling match.
“All of them.” Natasha said before flipping us over. “When Mathis gets back, we shalll work them into the rotation for the Ducal Guard.”
“You did explain to them that I’m not going to sleep with them right?” I questioned my wife with a raised eyebrow.
“I may have.” She moved her eyebrows up and down while smirking. “I may have not, I enjoy the joke too much to give in now.” She cackled a bit. “I will try to have them keep the attempts at seduction down to a minimum.”
“But you won’t stop them entirely?” I asked.
“No, I enjoy watching your reactions too much to do that.” She laughed a bit.
April 2nd, 3019
“Well, good news?” I asked the two senior officers in front of me.
“Yes sir.” They both said. “You can go first.” Dunham told Stone. “My report is a bit more classified than yours.”
“Understood.” Stone nodded at the intelligence chief.
“Duke, we managed to remove the Ironsides factory and all of the feeders from Carver V with little to no issues. When we were packing everything up, a new unit claiming to be a part of the “Free State of Stewart” jumped into the system and tried to prevent us from leaving with the factory.” Stone took a sip of water. “We left without any issues due to having them temporarily blinded because of their own atmospheric entry. We got to the jump point without any issues aside from having to clean up a squadron of ASF sent to intercept us. Upon arriving at the Jump point, we boarded and claimed the two Jumpships that the Stewarts had arrived with and used them in conjunction with our own Jumpships to leave the system.”
“You did good work, Stone.” I told the young officer. “I’ll look over your report tomorrow, now you and your people need to go get some R&R.”
“Yes sir.” Stone saluted and then left the room to myself and the Intelligence chief.
“So Dunham.” I raised an eyebrow. “I take it that you had success?”
“Yes we did.” Dunham grinned. “Six copies of an HCID core that was updated with all design specs from the Age of War until the end of the Amaris Civil War.” He passed over the case full of cores to me. “And, we found 10 DroST IIb’s in the same place we found the core, along with a bunch of outdated Sarissa’s and Mackies.” He laughed a bit. “We also found two lances of Royal grade machines littered throughout the city, but they’re going to need a radiation scrub along with repairs.” He perked up a bit. “Oh, and before I forget, we found almost a hundred and fifty Merkava Mk. VII tanks in there. Along with 50 Ballista Artillery pieces.”
“I’ll have some people figure out the cost of refitting the Merkava tanks.” I said. “They could be a good addition to the militia at the very least.”
“My thoughts as well, Mark.” Dunham agreed. “I saw that there was more buildings being restored.” He prompted.
“Yeah, Nat returned while you were gone.” I shrugged. “And she brought a bunch of family and friends along with her.” I raised an eyebrow. “As well as a half dozen jumpships, and a dozen Dropships full of ‘mechs and other gear.”
“That’s quite a bit of gear.” Dunham said after a moment of silence. “Was there a reason given as to why she came back with that much gear?”
“Apparently it’s her share of some sort of miniature war she fought on her family's behalf or something.” I shrugged. “Either way, I’m just glad she’s home.”
Kentares IV, March 20th, 3019
“Y’all ready for the sims?” I asked the six Bondswomen. “You’re facing Natasha and myself today.” I told the six of them. “I’ll be in my standard Warhammer and you and Natasha will have your personal ‘mechs that you have available.”
We all climbed into our sim pods, and got ready as everything began to boot up.
“All systems nominal.” Bitchin’ Betty told me at the end of the boot up cycle. “You ready Nat?” I asked my partner.
“Aff.” She said through our comms systems. “What scenario are we in this time?” She asked me.
“Standard Desert, but they’ve got Clan ‘mechs while I’ve got my WHM-6RM.” I told her. “So they’ll probably have an advantage in range over me.”
“Mark, why did you not program in the Warhammer I brought back with me into the simulators?” Natasha gave a long suffering sigh. “You could have been on an equal playing field.”
“Natasha,” I said with a chuckle. “You should know by now, I thrive on a challenge.”
“Mark, I just spent the last two years training these six the way that you trained me and the Marksman.” She facepalmed audibly through the comms system. “We are going to get completely crushed if we don’t coordinate this properly.”
“This is the last trial before you cut the last bondcord?” I asked as we moved to their area. “At least that’s what we discussed a couple of days ago.”
“Yes, whether they achieve victory or defeat, it will be how they handle themselves afterwards.” Natasha responded. “Thank you for the new ‘Mech though.” Natasha, laughed. “This should be fun.”
As we crested the next hill, we had to separate, a flurry of LRM’s and lasers targeting the space we had been in.
“I thought Clanners typically fought alone!” I said to Natasha as I dodged autocannon fire and lasers from three different ‘mechs.
“They used to.” She laughed as she wrecked one of the six bondswomen’s ‘mechs with an Alpha strike. “This is fun though!”
“Yeah, if you’re a madwoman.” I yelled as I dodged a PPC and returned fire, edging away from enemy fire. “And you have more armor than me.” I scattered my lasers and LRM’s against a Summoner’s armor. “This sucks.”
“You are the one who chose that machine.” Natasha said as she tanked a brace of missiles. “Is it not your own fault then?”
“Maybe, but I admit to nothing.” I said as I moved at max speed, running away while twisting to fire off PPC shots. “I’ll draw off the three after me.” I told Natasha. “Have fun with your three.”
I turned and ran, alternating my torso rotation in order to make sure that damage was evenly distributed across my ‘mech instead of in a couple of critical places. The last thing I needed was to have a XLFE breach in either of my side torsos.
“Come at me, Clanners!” I called on the open Comms. “Catch me if you can!” Famous last words, because all of their ‘mechs could match the pace at which my Warhammer moved at.
Coming to a sliding stop in my ‘mech, I reversed course and nailed the Summoner’s cockpit, causing an immediate burial of the mech as it stopped face first in the sand, continuing on, I used the sand kicked up to try and hide as I crouched behind the wrecked Summoner in order to let it soak up some of the enemy fire. The Next ‘mech on the list, a Gargoyle melted armor off of my shoulders and center torso with its ER Large lasers and pulse lasers. Causing me to stand up again and try to go toe to toe with the Assault ‘mech.
I ran forwards, hoping the take the enemy off guard and was only partially successful, they recovered and backed up, reversing course in order to continue to lay fire into me. I rushed my ‘mech forward, and lashed out with a kick, sending us both sliding around on the sand, and causing the Hellbringer that was the final ‘mech to accidentally alpha its teammate. And also causing the Gargoyle to overheat. Allowing me to stomp on it until it was registered “destroyed” by the simulators. Sweating in my cockpit, (We didn’t use the Mithril pilot suits in sims) I turned to face the Hellbringer only to see “Simulation ended” across my screen.
Climbing out of the pod, I was greeted by the faces of four of Natasha’s bondswomen. Khan Winson, Star Captain Viola, Galaxy Commander Jane Thastus, and Star Colonel Alexandra Mackenzie were all present and waiting.
“Good match.” I told them. “Which one of you was in the Summoner?” I asked, accepting a water bottle from a Ducal estate staff member.
“That was me sir.” Viola raised her hand. “I don’t know how you pulled that headshot off, but I would love to learn how to move like that.”
“Well, stick around Viola, and we’ll learn you on some of it.” I patted the younger woman on the back. “Who did I stomp on in the Gargoyle? I asked.
“Unfortunately, that was me.” Winson stated. “I did not expect the sand to slide out from underneath us as it did.”
“Well, you nearly had me there for a minute.” It was only that slip up that cost you the victory on that one.” I raised my water bottle to her in a salute.
“Shall we take bets on whether Natasha takes the other two out?” I asked.
“There is no point.” Galaxy Commander Jane Thastus weighed in. “She is a much superior ‘mech pilot.”
“Oh ye of little faith.” I laughed at her. “Something that you should already know given your experience, is that there is the potential for anything to happen on the battlefield, even a shocking victory.” I laughed. “Let me tell you of an old quote, “The greatest swordsman in the world does not fear the second best, but the worst.” Do you know why that quote exists?” I asked her.
“No, I am afraid I have never heard of that quote before.” She said as she met my eyes.
“The best knows what to expect from the second best.” I began to explain. “But no one knows what the worst may draw out.” I chuckled a bit. “The best may trip on a rock, or the worst may accidentally do a master move, no one knows, and that is why anything is possible on a battlefield, even in simulations.”
As I finished, the rest of the simulator pods popped open to laughter from the remaining three, Natasha laughing the loudest out of the trio.
“That was impressive.” Natasha clapped Yvonne on the back. “I have never seen an Atlas II jump before, much less do a superman punch in order to win a battle.”
“I’ll have to watch that recording.” I said as we all relaxed after the simulated desert heat.
“All right.” I told the assembled flock of women. “I’m going to go grab the drinks.” I left the room so that Natasha could free her bondswomen and find out if they were going to be staying with us as members of the Ducal Guard or not.
Hours later…
“So, what’s the verdict?” I asked my wife. “Are we keeping a bunch of vicious Clan Marauders around?”
“I am a vicious Clan Marauder.” Nat shoved me into the bed. “Would you like me to prove it to you?”
“Not right this second.” I dragged her back into the bed. “Now, who is staying with us Nat?” I pinned her down in this impromptu wrestling match.
“All of them.” Natasha said before flipping us over. “When Mathis gets back, we shalll work them into the rotation for the Ducal Guard.”
“You did explain to them that I’m not going to sleep with them right?” I questioned my wife with a raised eyebrow.
“I may have.” She moved her eyebrows up and down while smirking. “I may have not, I enjoy the joke too much to give in now.” She cackled a bit. “I will try to have them keep the attempts at seduction down to a minimum.”
“But you won’t stop them entirely?” I asked.
“No, I enjoy watching your reactions too much to do that.” She laughed a bit.
April 2nd, 3019
“Well, good news?” I asked the two senior officers in front of me.
“Yes sir.” They both said. “You can go first.” Dunham told Stone. “My report is a bit more classified than yours.”
“Understood.” Stone nodded at the intelligence chief.
“Duke, we managed to remove the Ironsides factory and all of the feeders from Carver V with little to no issues. When we were packing everything up, a new unit claiming to be a part of the “Free State of Stewart” jumped into the system and tried to prevent us from leaving with the factory.” Stone took a sip of water. “We left without any issues due to having them temporarily blinded because of their own atmospheric entry. We got to the jump point without any issues aside from having to clean up a squadron of ASF sent to intercept us. Upon arriving at the Jump point, we boarded and claimed the two Jumpships that the Stewarts had arrived with and used them in conjunction with our own Jumpships to leave the system.”
“You did good work, Stone.” I told the young officer. “I’ll look over your report tomorrow, now you and your people need to go get some R&R.”
“Yes sir.” Stone saluted and then left the room to myself and the Intelligence chief.
“So Dunham.” I raised an eyebrow. “I take it that you had success?”
“Yes we did.” Dunham grinned. “Six copies of an HCID core that was updated with all design specs from the Age of War until the end of the Amaris Civil War.” He passed over the case full of cores to me. “And, we found 10 DroST IIb’s in the same place we found the core, along with a bunch of outdated Sarissa’s and Mackies.” He laughed a bit. “We also found two lances of Royal grade machines littered throughout the city, but they’re going to need a radiation scrub along with repairs.” He perked up a bit. “Oh, and before I forget, we found almost a hundred and fifty Merkava Mk. VII tanks in there. Along with 50 Ballista Artillery pieces.”
“I’ll have some people figure out the cost of refitting the Merkava tanks.” I said. “They could be a good addition to the militia at the very least.”
“My thoughts as well, Mark.” Dunham agreed. “I saw that there was more buildings being restored.” He prompted.
“Yeah, Nat returned while you were gone.” I shrugged. “And she brought a bunch of family and friends along with her.” I raised an eyebrow. “As well as a half dozen jumpships, and a dozen Dropships full of ‘mechs and other gear.”
“That’s quite a bit of gear.” Dunham said after a moment of silence. “Was there a reason given as to why she came back with that much gear?”
“Apparently it’s her share of some sort of miniature war she fought on her family's behalf or something.” I shrugged. “Either way, I’m just glad she’s home.”
Chapter Ninety-Five: Research and Development
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Chapter Ninety-Five: Research and Development
Kentares IV, April 19th, 3019
“Why a Timber Wolf? I asked Mackenzie. “I mean, I understand Omnitech, even if I think that there are better ways to get the functionality you need, but why that ‘Mech specifically?”
“That is a ‘mech I won all of my Trials of Position in.” She told me. “No matter the configuration, it has done well in the purpose that it serves.”
“Hmm.” I thought out loud. “That is not an answer I expected.” I told her bluntly.
“Why do you pilot a Warhammer?” Yvonne Hazen asked, the rest of Natasha’s ex clan fireteam leaning in to hear the answer. “Would not a Marauder have done the same job but better?”
“Maybe.” I shrugged. “I even had a couple to pick from.” I said bluntly, “But something about the Warhammer just clicks.” I said after a moment of thought. “And with the upgrades that Natasha made to my typical Warhammer.” I inhaled to yell across the room. “That she borrowed without asking again, even after I fixed her Marauder up nicely for her.”
“Hey!” Came from the room that Natasha was in. “I brought it back intact this time!”
The six women just looked at me like I was someone who had lost all sanity.
“Why are you arguing with Kerensky?” Winson asked bluntly.
“Because I beat her in an Urbanmech once.” I raised my voice just loud enough for Natasha to hear in the room she was in.
“You let someone get a lucky DFA one time.” Footsteps sounded ever closer, finally culminating in the door behind me opening up. “You wanna go hotshot?” Natasha asked from behind me. “I still want to put my new Nightstar through her paces.”
“Bring it.” I told her with a grin as I spun my chair around like a supervillian. “I can take you.”
“As long as you have prep time.” Natasha responded. “WIthout it, I find you a touch weak.” Natasha poked my chest a little too hard and the cheap office chair I had spun around in tipped over with me in it.
“Should we leave the room?” Winson whispered to Hazen. “I feel like we should.”
“Be silent.” Hazen whispered back. “I want to see what happens.”
April 23rd, 3019
“Jewel, can you give me an estimate on those refits?” I asked the Commodore.
“Two to three months Sir.” She responded with a slight delay over the comms. “But after that, we’ll have ten more Stings to put into action.”
“That’s good news Commodore.” I told her after waiting to confirm that she didn’t have any further information for me. “Send any updates through to Packer for now.”
“Copy that sir. Jewel out.” Our voice comms shut down, allowing me to jot something down in my notes before consulting to see what my next appointments were.
“Mary,” I called out. “I seem to have misplaced the Taurian composition reports.”
“No sir,” She replied. “Ms. Calderon borrowed them a week ago, she’s supposed to be bringing them back when she returns from Taurus.”
“Did we make a second copy?” I asked. “Because I could have sworn we did.”
“Yes sir,” Mary sighed long sufferingly. “I'll bring them up to you in a few.”
“You’re a lifesaver Mary.” I told my secretary. “Remind me to give you a raise.”
“Sir, I don’t need a raise.” She told me as she entered the room. “You pay me too much as is.”
“Mary, the reason I pay you so much is because I personally think that it’s an appropriate amount to pay you for the work that you put into making sure that this office stays organized.”
“But sir,” She tried to protest. “I only work thirty hours a week.”
“And that’s all I need you to work Mary.” I told her. “I only work five days a week after all.”
“Mark.” the five foot nothing women tried to make herself taller. “I Know for a fact that you work more than that.”
“Two hours a day filing paperwork on the weekends is not work, Mary.”
“Yes sir, it is.” She protested. “I don’t need a raise dammit, I need more work hours.”
“Do you now?” I raised an eyebrow. “How do you feel about babysitting?”
“David’s not so bad.” She responded. “He seems to be perfectly calm for you, sure, I’ll babysit for you and Natasha.”
“We’ll need you for this weekend.” I told her. “Natasha and I have a training exercise with the Ducal Guard planned.”
“I can handle that.” She said proudly. “How hard could it be?”
April 30th, 3019
“I don’t think Mary will volunteer to babysit again.” I told Natasha.
“I think you may be right about that.” She agreed and we closed the door on the massive mess that was David’s room. The two of them were asleep, but it looked like they had been physically fighting, and we weren’t quite sure who the winner was.
“Let’s go check on the new SLC complex.” I told Natasha.
“That sounds like a great idea.” She agreed, “Let us go and do that.”
Hours later…
“Hull, Natasha,” Dr. Rogers greeted the two of us. “I was just about to call you actually.”
“What’s up?” I asked. “Something wrong?”
“No actually,” Dr. Rogers said with a smile. “Something went very well actually, let me show you.”
“You gave us the prototype communications device a couple of years ago.” Dr. Rogers started her explanation. “And at first the fragility and sheer amount of miniaturization was a daunting prospect.” She grinned. “But, we were finally able to duplicated it around six months ago using extremely precise machining, and using that development, were able to bridge the gap between the fragility of the smaller components, and the hardiness of our current technology.”
“I present to you the new battlecomputer.” Dr. Rogers showed us to a room field with small computers. “With these, we’re going to be able to expand the communications rigs for all of our Mithril powered armor without sacrificing mobility like we have had to.” She pointed at a much smaller comms device. “We are able to encrypt things wirelessly with some of that prototypes technology, and with a central tower, it will be almost impossible to jam, allowing unprecedented coordination between infantry and combat vehicle units.”
“How were you able to miniaturize and maintain durability?” I asked curiously. “The reason I hadn’t handed it over before was because it was a one of a kind prototype.”
“We didn’t miniaturize quite as far as the nanosolders that were on the main boards.” She explained, and when used in conjunction with some of the known current conductors and semiconductors, we were able to retain much of the functionality.”
“There’s even limitless civilian applications as well.” She picked up a device that looked identical to an Ipad. “We can use these devices much more easily than the current ‘noteputers, and if we EMP harden and encrypt them, they can be used to help maintain inventories easier as well.” Rogers dropped the ipad style device screen down for emphasis. “See, not a scratch, and it’s operating system is much better than the current one that we use.” She looked at me. “Thank you for having Rook help us out with that by the way.”
“Not a problem, you should have heard some of the complaints that Rook and his technicians have about operating systems.” I told her.
“Well, there should be no problems with that here.” She smiled, “Rook was able to set up a programming code that could read all of the formats used by much of the Inner Sphere and Periphery and store data in those formats as well.”
“I take it you’re going to ask Sharpshooter to start manufacturing these?” I asked Rogers.
“Of course,” She replied. “This is something that could be used by any number of learning centers across the Sphere, and it doesn’t cost all that much to manufacture either.”
“Alright doc, you sold me on it.” I laughed a bit. “We’ll manufacture them for donation purposes, for NAIS and SLC centers in the Outback for now, with the chance to expand them to other learning centers.”
“That is all that I ask Hull.” Rogers replied with a smile. “Now, is there something else you wanted to talk about?”
“Yes actually, I wanted to ask about building a plant to manufacture the Sarissa, and what could be done to make it a viable second line unit that retains modern technology.” I started, and I saw her brain kick into high gear as ideas began to flow.
Kentares IV, April 19th, 3019
“Why a Timber Wolf? I asked Mackenzie. “I mean, I understand Omnitech, even if I think that there are better ways to get the functionality you need, but why that ‘Mech specifically?”
“That is a ‘mech I won all of my Trials of Position in.” She told me. “No matter the configuration, it has done well in the purpose that it serves.”
“Hmm.” I thought out loud. “That is not an answer I expected.” I told her bluntly.
“Why do you pilot a Warhammer?” Yvonne Hazen asked, the rest of Natasha’s ex clan fireteam leaning in to hear the answer. “Would not a Marauder have done the same job but better?”
“Maybe.” I shrugged. “I even had a couple to pick from.” I said bluntly, “But something about the Warhammer just clicks.” I said after a moment of thought. “And with the upgrades that Natasha made to my typical Warhammer.” I inhaled to yell across the room. “That she borrowed without asking again, even after I fixed her Marauder up nicely for her.”
“Hey!” Came from the room that Natasha was in. “I brought it back intact this time!”
The six women just looked at me like I was someone who had lost all sanity.
“Why are you arguing with Kerensky?” Winson asked bluntly.
“Because I beat her in an Urbanmech once.” I raised my voice just loud enough for Natasha to hear in the room she was in.
“You let someone get a lucky DFA one time.” Footsteps sounded ever closer, finally culminating in the door behind me opening up. “You wanna go hotshot?” Natasha asked from behind me. “I still want to put my new Nightstar through her paces.”
“Bring it.” I told her with a grin as I spun my chair around like a supervillian. “I can take you.”
“As long as you have prep time.” Natasha responded. “WIthout it, I find you a touch weak.” Natasha poked my chest a little too hard and the cheap office chair I had spun around in tipped over with me in it.
“Should we leave the room?” Winson whispered to Hazen. “I feel like we should.”
“Be silent.” Hazen whispered back. “I want to see what happens.”
April 23rd, 3019
“Jewel, can you give me an estimate on those refits?” I asked the Commodore.
“Two to three months Sir.” She responded with a slight delay over the comms. “But after that, we’ll have ten more Stings to put into action.”
“That’s good news Commodore.” I told her after waiting to confirm that she didn’t have any further information for me. “Send any updates through to Packer for now.”
“Copy that sir. Jewel out.” Our voice comms shut down, allowing me to jot something down in my notes before consulting to see what my next appointments were.
“Mary,” I called out. “I seem to have misplaced the Taurian composition reports.”
“No sir,” She replied. “Ms. Calderon borrowed them a week ago, she’s supposed to be bringing them back when she returns from Taurus.”
“Did we make a second copy?” I asked. “Because I could have sworn we did.”
“Yes sir,” Mary sighed long sufferingly. “I'll bring them up to you in a few.”
“You’re a lifesaver Mary.” I told my secretary. “Remind me to give you a raise.”
“Sir, I don’t need a raise.” She told me as she entered the room. “You pay me too much as is.”
“Mary, the reason I pay you so much is because I personally think that it’s an appropriate amount to pay you for the work that you put into making sure that this office stays organized.”
“But sir,” She tried to protest. “I only work thirty hours a week.”
“And that’s all I need you to work Mary.” I told her. “I only work five days a week after all.”
“Mark.” the five foot nothing women tried to make herself taller. “I Know for a fact that you work more than that.”
“Two hours a day filing paperwork on the weekends is not work, Mary.”
“Yes sir, it is.” She protested. “I don’t need a raise dammit, I need more work hours.”
“Do you now?” I raised an eyebrow. “How do you feel about babysitting?”
“David’s not so bad.” She responded. “He seems to be perfectly calm for you, sure, I’ll babysit for you and Natasha.”
“We’ll need you for this weekend.” I told her. “Natasha and I have a training exercise with the Ducal Guard planned.”
“I can handle that.” She said proudly. “How hard could it be?”
April 30th, 3019
“I don’t think Mary will volunteer to babysit again.” I told Natasha.
“I think you may be right about that.” She agreed and we closed the door on the massive mess that was David’s room. The two of them were asleep, but it looked like they had been physically fighting, and we weren’t quite sure who the winner was.
“Let’s go check on the new SLC complex.” I told Natasha.
“That sounds like a great idea.” She agreed, “Let us go and do that.”
Hours later…
“Hull, Natasha,” Dr. Rogers greeted the two of us. “I was just about to call you actually.”
“What’s up?” I asked. “Something wrong?”
“No actually,” Dr. Rogers said with a smile. “Something went very well actually, let me show you.”
“You gave us the prototype communications device a couple of years ago.” Dr. Rogers started her explanation. “And at first the fragility and sheer amount of miniaturization was a daunting prospect.” She grinned. “But, we were finally able to duplicated it around six months ago using extremely precise machining, and using that development, were able to bridge the gap between the fragility of the smaller components, and the hardiness of our current technology.”
“I present to you the new battlecomputer.” Dr. Rogers showed us to a room field with small computers. “With these, we’re going to be able to expand the communications rigs for all of our Mithril powered armor without sacrificing mobility like we have had to.” She pointed at a much smaller comms device. “We are able to encrypt things wirelessly with some of that prototypes technology, and with a central tower, it will be almost impossible to jam, allowing unprecedented coordination between infantry and combat vehicle units.”
“How were you able to miniaturize and maintain durability?” I asked curiously. “The reason I hadn’t handed it over before was because it was a one of a kind prototype.”
“We didn’t miniaturize quite as far as the nanosolders that were on the main boards.” She explained, and when used in conjunction with some of the known current conductors and semiconductors, we were able to retain much of the functionality.”
“There’s even limitless civilian applications as well.” She picked up a device that looked identical to an Ipad. “We can use these devices much more easily than the current ‘noteputers, and if we EMP harden and encrypt them, they can be used to help maintain inventories easier as well.” Rogers dropped the ipad style device screen down for emphasis. “See, not a scratch, and it’s operating system is much better than the current one that we use.” She looked at me. “Thank you for having Rook help us out with that by the way.”
“Not a problem, you should have heard some of the complaints that Rook and his technicians have about operating systems.” I told her.
“Well, there should be no problems with that here.” She smiled, “Rook was able to set up a programming code that could read all of the formats used by much of the Inner Sphere and Periphery and store data in those formats as well.”
“I take it you’re going to ask Sharpshooter to start manufacturing these?” I asked Rogers.
“Of course,” She replied. “This is something that could be used by any number of learning centers across the Sphere, and it doesn’t cost all that much to manufacture either.”
“Alright doc, you sold me on it.” I laughed a bit. “We’ll manufacture them for donation purposes, for NAIS and SLC centers in the Outback for now, with the chance to expand them to other learning centers.”
“That is all that I ask Hull.” Rogers replied with a smile. “Now, is there something else you wanted to talk about?”
“Yes actually, I wanted to ask about building a plant to manufacture the Sarissa, and what could be done to make it a viable second line unit that retains modern technology.” I started, and I saw her brain kick into high gear as ideas began to flow.
Chapter 96
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Chapter Ninety-Six: Welcome to the Revolution
Kentares IV, May 7th, 3019
“Zarantha,” I greeted the older woman as she entered my office. “I take it everything is going well over in Taurian space?”
“Yes actually, those Vincent corvettes are being refitted in one of our old Warship yards.” She said with a smile. “Thomas has apparently been funneling Bulls into getting our jumpship and Warship yards up and running, he only has one slip up and running for now, and it’ll be another few decades of work to get the rest of them up and running again, but it’s a start towards recovering what was lost in the suppression wars by the Terran Hegemony.”
“Frankly, as long as Thomas doesn’t freak out and assume the Davions are making plots where they aren’t, I could care less what he’s working towards.” I shrugged. “We don’t exactly get along…” I trailed off.
“A pity that.” Zarantha said with a small smile. “Your landhold on Taurus is growing, you know.” She offered as she reclined on my office couch. “The steward that you left in charge is actually quite effective with the funds you divert to him every year, and has managed to grow your assets on the world significantly.”
“That’s good to hear.” I replied. “I’ll have to make sure that he gets a raise.” I nodded. “So, my R&D department outdid themselves.” I tossed Zarantha, one of the new “ipad” clones. “Check this bad boy out.”
“Where did they get the idea for this?” She asked as she looked up after easily navigating through a series of scientific manuscripts easily. “The interface is fluid, and there is no need to have a massive list of commands memorized.” She stopped. “How much does one of these cost to make?”
“A fraction of a C-Bill is what we’re going to sell them for.” I told her. “And production is actually easier automated in this kind of work, which means that all we have to do is build the factory and monitor them.” I grinned. “I’m planning on donating them to every major learning center in the Galaxy, and distributing them to every periphery nation and the Outback of the Federated Suns pre loaded with medical and engineering courses.”
“I take it the Concordat is among the top of your list?” Zarantha asked me.
“Yes, and the real reason for distributing this around major learning centers is this.” I used the pad on my desk to “Drop” a file to her. “This is encrypted end to end, the only way you can get that is if you are holding the pad.”
“And they can be keyed to biometrics?” She asked excitedly.
“Yes, they can, allowing researchers to coordinate in the same building without having to change whatever it is that they are doing at that precise moment.” I smiled.
“And there isn’t any more risk than there would normally be because researchers are typically at risk anyway, and you could restrict specific pads to stay on the premises.” She stopped. “And this would simplify logistics as well, not having to have physical paper to note everything down, or use easily screwed up commands to file requests or documents.”
“I know.” I said as I leaned back in my chair. “Welcome to what I am going to call, “The Information Revolution”.”
May 23rd, 3019
“Watson!” I greeted the man. “How goes getting the Ironsides and Centurion factories up and running?”
“Everything is on schedule for an opening in the next year.” He told me. “And I think if we do it properly, we can produce two separate variants.” He opened one of our new devices and sent me a file. “With our current technology base, we can produce a version of the Ironsides that is comparable to the Royal variants that the SLDF had produced.” He showed me the specs. “The Centurion lines that we bought will be up and running in a couple of months, Jalastar was eager to sell them to us.”
“Now, the Centurion is an older fighter, but with the new electronics that Dr. Rogers just released allow us to do a lot more with an older fighter as far as electronics packages go, it’ll take a bit of refitting to set up the lines to manufacture them, and to get things set up, but I think it’s a viable plan sir.” Watson laid out his vision for our Aerospace division for me.
“Your plan looks solid Watson.” I told the very happy man. “I thought you were sick of setting up factories.”
“Oh, I was.” He looked me in the eye. ‘But this one is interesting.” He smiled, “I’ve never set up aerospace lines before, and I always wanted to learn how to fly.”
“Well, to each their own.” I shrugged. “I make a habit of jumping out of perfectly good dropships from orbit.”
“Crazy sumbitch.” He looked at me with a strange look in his eye. “That’s called bailing out, and if you do it then something went wrong.”
“Not if you’re trying to rapidly deploy to a planet's surface.” I smirked at him. “Go have fun Watson, I’ll try to slot you one of the first Ironsides off of the line.”
“Yes sir,” He replied with a grin. “Going to go set up factories now.”
June 6th, 3019
“You’re starting to look grizzled, Mark.” Natasha told me. “I think you need a beard trim”
“Just because you still look like you’re in your twenties doesn’t mean we all age that way.” I told my wife. “Be glad that silver is just now starting to show up in places.” I told her. “Trimming things will only conceal it for a little while.”
“Hmm,” Natasha looked at me for a second. “When was your last checkup with Dr. Hale?”
“When I messed up my foot with David.” I told her.
“That does not quite count.” She told me. “She only does a vitals check whenever it is an emergency.”
“It counts in my book.” I told Natasha. “I’m perfectly fine, I’m not in any pain, and can still kick it with the twenty year olds in training.”
Natasha just raised an eyebrow at me and stared…
“Fine, I'll set up an appointment with Dr. Hale.” I grumbled, “But when she tells me that I’m healthy I reserve the right to say “I told you so.””
“That will not happen.” She said confidently. “Instead, she will recommend some sort of treatment, and you will accept it.” She stared at me for a little bit. “I will not outlive you by a decade or more, it is forbidden.”
June 10th, 3019
“Dr. Rogers, you wanted to see me?” I asked the woman in front of me.
“Yes, I hope you have lawyers ready, because we finished the Sarissa design plans.” She looked me in the eye, “Getting that Centurion factory was a great idea.” She told me, “With it, we have the ability to put a 240 fusion engine in both of the machines, and we can double up on production, the Sarissa can be manufactured in an industrial mech factory aside from the armor electronics, and weapons systems.”
“What did you come up with?” I asked her.
“Well, seeing as it’s designed to be a second line unit or a garrison unit, we decided that lasers would be a good choice, and so we mounted A large laser, four medium lasers, two machine guns for anti infantry with a half ton of ammo. All of this cooled by the only advanced technology in the entire ‘mech, fifteen freezers.” She shrugged, “The Inner Sphere freezers, not the clan based ones.”
“How long will it take for us to get it into production if we can get the license from Corean?” I asked.
“The next day.” She told me, “It won’t take long to reconfigure one of our five industrialmech factories to produce the ‘mech.”
“That’s good to hear,” I told her. “And the amount of them that you think we can manufacture in a year?”
“Twenty five if we devote two of our Industrial mech factories to them.” She started. “I assume that any produced for our militia will be upteched variants.”
“Yes, so we should probably get those set up as well.” I told her, “But have those drawn up quietly for now, I want to sell this ‘mech everywhere.”
“The new electronics packages will allow us to update that as well for much cheaper.” She told me bluntly. “I would recommend that we install that in the middle of production, it’ll make it easier to produce.”
“Sounds good Dr. Rogers.” I shook her hand. “Thank you for all of your hard work.”
“This isn’t work for me Hull,” She laughed. “This is what I call fun.”
Kentares IV, May 7th, 3019
“Zarantha,” I greeted the older woman as she entered my office. “I take it everything is going well over in Taurian space?”
“Yes actually, those Vincent corvettes are being refitted in one of our old Warship yards.” She said with a smile. “Thomas has apparently been funneling Bulls into getting our jumpship and Warship yards up and running, he only has one slip up and running for now, and it’ll be another few decades of work to get the rest of them up and running again, but it’s a start towards recovering what was lost in the suppression wars by the Terran Hegemony.”
“Frankly, as long as Thomas doesn’t freak out and assume the Davions are making plots where they aren’t, I could care less what he’s working towards.” I shrugged. “We don’t exactly get along…” I trailed off.
“A pity that.” Zarantha said with a small smile. “Your landhold on Taurus is growing, you know.” She offered as she reclined on my office couch. “The steward that you left in charge is actually quite effective with the funds you divert to him every year, and has managed to grow your assets on the world significantly.”
“That’s good to hear.” I replied. “I’ll have to make sure that he gets a raise.” I nodded. “So, my R&D department outdid themselves.” I tossed Zarantha, one of the new “ipad” clones. “Check this bad boy out.”
“Where did they get the idea for this?” She asked as she looked up after easily navigating through a series of scientific manuscripts easily. “The interface is fluid, and there is no need to have a massive list of commands memorized.” She stopped. “How much does one of these cost to make?”
“A fraction of a C-Bill is what we’re going to sell them for.” I told her. “And production is actually easier automated in this kind of work, which means that all we have to do is build the factory and monitor them.” I grinned. “I’m planning on donating them to every major learning center in the Galaxy, and distributing them to every periphery nation and the Outback of the Federated Suns pre loaded with medical and engineering courses.”
“I take it the Concordat is among the top of your list?” Zarantha asked me.
“Yes, and the real reason for distributing this around major learning centers is this.” I used the pad on my desk to “Drop” a file to her. “This is encrypted end to end, the only way you can get that is if you are holding the pad.”
“And they can be keyed to biometrics?” She asked excitedly.
“Yes, they can, allowing researchers to coordinate in the same building without having to change whatever it is that they are doing at that precise moment.” I smiled.
“And there isn’t any more risk than there would normally be because researchers are typically at risk anyway, and you could restrict specific pads to stay on the premises.” She stopped. “And this would simplify logistics as well, not having to have physical paper to note everything down, or use easily screwed up commands to file requests or documents.”
“I know.” I said as I leaned back in my chair. “Welcome to what I am going to call, “The Information Revolution”.”
May 23rd, 3019
“Watson!” I greeted the man. “How goes getting the Ironsides and Centurion factories up and running?”
“Everything is on schedule for an opening in the next year.” He told me. “And I think if we do it properly, we can produce two separate variants.” He opened one of our new devices and sent me a file. “With our current technology base, we can produce a version of the Ironsides that is comparable to the Royal variants that the SLDF had produced.” He showed me the specs. “The Centurion lines that we bought will be up and running in a couple of months, Jalastar was eager to sell them to us.”
“Now, the Centurion is an older fighter, but with the new electronics that Dr. Rogers just released allow us to do a lot more with an older fighter as far as electronics packages go, it’ll take a bit of refitting to set up the lines to manufacture them, and to get things set up, but I think it’s a viable plan sir.” Watson laid out his vision for our Aerospace division for me.
“Your plan looks solid Watson.” I told the very happy man. “I thought you were sick of setting up factories.”
“Oh, I was.” He looked me in the eye. ‘But this one is interesting.” He smiled, “I’ve never set up aerospace lines before, and I always wanted to learn how to fly.”
“Well, to each their own.” I shrugged. “I make a habit of jumping out of perfectly good dropships from orbit.”
“Crazy sumbitch.” He looked at me with a strange look in his eye. “That’s called bailing out, and if you do it then something went wrong.”
“Not if you’re trying to rapidly deploy to a planet's surface.” I smirked at him. “Go have fun Watson, I’ll try to slot you one of the first Ironsides off of the line.”
“Yes sir,” He replied with a grin. “Going to go set up factories now.”
June 6th, 3019
“You’re starting to look grizzled, Mark.” Natasha told me. “I think you need a beard trim”
“Just because you still look like you’re in your twenties doesn’t mean we all age that way.” I told my wife. “Be glad that silver is just now starting to show up in places.” I told her. “Trimming things will only conceal it for a little while.”
“Hmm,” Natasha looked at me for a second. “When was your last checkup with Dr. Hale?”
“When I messed up my foot with David.” I told her.
“That does not quite count.” She told me. “She only does a vitals check whenever it is an emergency.”
“It counts in my book.” I told Natasha. “I’m perfectly fine, I’m not in any pain, and can still kick it with the twenty year olds in training.”
Natasha just raised an eyebrow at me and stared…
“Fine, I'll set up an appointment with Dr. Hale.” I grumbled, “But when she tells me that I’m healthy I reserve the right to say “I told you so.””
“That will not happen.” She said confidently. “Instead, she will recommend some sort of treatment, and you will accept it.” She stared at me for a little bit. “I will not outlive you by a decade or more, it is forbidden.”
June 10th, 3019
“Dr. Rogers, you wanted to see me?” I asked the woman in front of me.
“Yes, I hope you have lawyers ready, because we finished the Sarissa design plans.” She looked me in the eye, “Getting that Centurion factory was a great idea.” She told me, “With it, we have the ability to put a 240 fusion engine in both of the machines, and we can double up on production, the Sarissa can be manufactured in an industrial mech factory aside from the armor electronics, and weapons systems.”
“What did you come up with?” I asked her.
“Well, seeing as it’s designed to be a second line unit or a garrison unit, we decided that lasers would be a good choice, and so we mounted A large laser, four medium lasers, two machine guns for anti infantry with a half ton of ammo. All of this cooled by the only advanced technology in the entire ‘mech, fifteen freezers.” She shrugged, “The Inner Sphere freezers, not the clan based ones.”
“How long will it take for us to get it into production if we can get the license from Corean?” I asked.
“The next day.” She told me, “It won’t take long to reconfigure one of our five industrialmech factories to produce the ‘mech.”
“That’s good to hear,” I told her. “And the amount of them that you think we can manufacture in a year?”
“Twenty five if we devote two of our Industrial mech factories to them.” She started. “I assume that any produced for our militia will be upteched variants.”
“Yes, so we should probably get those set up as well.” I told her, “But have those drawn up quietly for now, I want to sell this ‘mech everywhere.”
“The new electronics packages will allow us to update that as well for much cheaper.” She told me bluntly. “I would recommend that we install that in the middle of production, it’ll make it easier to produce.”
“Sounds good Dr. Rogers.” I shook her hand. “Thank you for all of your hard work.”
“This isn’t work for me Hull,” She laughed. “This is what I call fun.”
Chapter 97
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Chapter Ninety-Seven: Pocketful of Bad Ideas
New Avalon, Federated Suns, August 15th, 3019
“Hanse, Ian.” I greeted the two Davions with Natasha by my side. “A pleasure to see you two troublemakers again.”
“Mark, stop being dramatic.” Hanse told me flat out with an unamused look. “We literally invited you here to celebrate David’s birthday.”
“Alright,” I chuckled as my dark and mysterious moment was ruined. “Why do you always have to ruin my fun?”
“Because you keep making me have to do more work.” Grumbled Ian. “Every time I think I’m free, you pop up again with more insanity.”
“Speaking of which,” I butted in. “Ian, how do you feel about tweaking the Dragon’s nose a bit?”
“Is it just the Dracs this time?” He asked me. “Because I had to ask a very angry ambassador from the Free State of Stewart to leave the other day when he started ranting about stolen Jumpships. “ He raised an eyebrow at me. “But you wouldn’t know anything about that would you?”
“Actually, yes” I smiled cheerfully. “Would you like to hear about them threatening my forces and instead of us killing their whole regiment before it entered the atmosphere we let them live?” I asked with a small smile on my face. “We had the assets to kill them all, but instead we simply stole their Jumpships, they should be grateful that we let them live.”
“Whoa, hold on a minute.” Ian said as he realized he’d set me off a bit. “I kicked the Stewart Ambassador out of the palace, you’re good.”
“Sorry about that.” I said after a minute. “I hate it when my people get threatened.”
“We Davions are the same way.” Hanse said with a small smile. “Now, what’s this about a plan to tweak the Dragon’s nose?”
“Sandoval has been pushing for an offensive against the Dracs yes?” I asked the two of them. “Well, I have a plan to push and kill a couple of birds with one stone, while messing with Sandoval a bit as well.”
“I’m interested.” Ian said as he stroked his chin. “I assume that you have a plan for Stewart as well?”
“Yes actually” I smiled wickedly. “Have you heard of the Gladiator?”
“I vaguely remember something about it being a failed Combine Mech project.” Hanse replied. “Why?”
“Because the only lines left that produced it are on Alula Australis” I grabbed a slate off of the table and brought up the most recent political maps of the Inner Sphere. “Which is currently in the territory that Stewart is claiming.”
“I am very glad that you are on our side.” Hanse said. “What’s the rest of your plan?”
“I’m sending Stone and the 2nd Marksman on the Stewart run.” I told them, “While I have Paterson and the 1st Marksman hit Sverdlosk to steal the decommissioned Von Rohrs lines that are located there.”
“I’m almost scared to ask what you and the Kentares Guard will be doing.” Ian asked. “I’m assuming something ballsy.”
I’m taking the Ducal Guard and the 1st Kentares RCT to hit Galedon.” I smirked. “I think that will be plenty enough to satisfy Sandoval.”
“You’re insane.” Ian said with a laugh.” What are you doing to get Sandoval? It can’t be anything militarily damaging.”
“No, I already set in motion my revenge against him.” I laughed. “I bought the old Swordsman factory and am having engineers go over it now to update the machine.”
“I’m not sure I like that.” Hanse frowned. “That ‘mech has a bad reputation here.”
“I’m aware of that.” I said while waving their concern away. “Sharpshooter can tank the hit to it’s coffers for a bit, and the updated ‘mech being produced on Robinson is bad PR for him.”
“But you’re basically handing him factory fresh medium ‘mechs.” Ian pointed out. “How does that work against him?”
“It works against him when I sell them at a discount and his forces are now fielding a ‘mech that was used against the Davions in the civil war…” I trailed off.
“Why haven’t we put you in intelligence yet?” Hanse asked me. “MIIO would love to have you.” He led me away to talk.
“Natasha,” Ian greeted the woman who had been silent the entire time. “I didn’t expect Mark to seek out revenge in this matter after you made Sandoval run with his tail tucked between his legs.”
“I was angry at that moment, but it soon passed.” Natasha shrugged. “Mark was negotiated into pushing for an advance into Draconis Combine space.” She sighed. “He was content to remain in a rebuilding phase, but instead, now we are going to war.”
“And you can’t bring David with you.” It clicked in Ian’s head. “You’re not letting Mark do this alone are you?”
“No, I am not.” Natasha said. “We will either both fall together on the battlefield or in old age, but not separated.”
“I see.” Ian said. “I’ll go ahead and give me authorization on the offensive that Mark is pushing for.” He sighed. “But I want you to make sure that he doesn’t get carried away.”
“You should be more worried that we seize the planet and the surrounding worlds.” Natasha laughed. “We have only increased in strength since the last time we were deployed.”
“I saw the reports on the Summer issue.” Ian said. “They didn’t even have to fight, the militia just rolled over for them.”
“A good reputation is just as important as being lethal.” Natasha told him with a smirk. “And we have the best reputation in the Periphery and the successor states.”
“I don’t think you have a good rep with the Capcon.” Ian pointed out. “Or the combine for that matter.”
“No, but they know our reputation for being elite soldiers, and that we routinely pull things off that would not be considered by lesser units.”
“Fair point.” Ian agreed. “A fair point indeed.”
August 23rd, 3019
“Duke Hull,” A younger woman saluted me in her Northwind Militia uniform. “I would like to speak to you, I have a request.”
“That’s fine, do you mind if I inform my wife though?” I asked.
“That would be fine.” She agreed. “I am not currently on duty and merely have a request to make.”
I sent Natasha a quick text on my slate, letting her know I would be a bit delayed.
“Duke, I heard some rumors that you were getting ready to launch an offensive against the Draconis Combine,” She straightened up. “And me and my Infantry company want in.”
“Do you have authorization from your unit commander?” I asked the young woman.
“Right here sir.” She held up a sealed letter with a seal on it that had the Northwind Militia insignia. “He just asked us to make sure we were covered by the best unit we could find.”
“Well, welcome to the Kentares Guard.” I shook her hand and winked, “Temporarily that is.”
August 30th, 3019
"We're sorry Duke, but we're not going to allow you to purchase a license for the Sarissa at this time." The Corean representative told me. "We would actually like to purchase any of the Sarissa 'mechs that you currently possess for well over the standard rates. And we would like to purchase the updated design from you as well."
"Fine," I looked at the representative. "I'll accept turning over the modernized Sarissa design for no less than a 150% markup of what it cost to pay my engineers. but I'm not handing over the Sarissa's we salvaged and refit to our standards, and I want rights of first refusal for the Kentares Militia."
"Let me make a call." The representative stepped out of the room, and was gone for five minutes. Five minutes in which I had time to enjoy a pleasant cup of coffee.
"I'm authorized to accept." The representative said as he stepped back in. "I'll have our lawyers contact Sharpshooter Inc within the hour."
"Pleasure doing business with you." I said as I shook his hand."
New Avalon, Federated Suns, August 15th, 3019
“Hanse, Ian.” I greeted the two Davions with Natasha by my side. “A pleasure to see you two troublemakers again.”
“Mark, stop being dramatic.” Hanse told me flat out with an unamused look. “We literally invited you here to celebrate David’s birthday.”
“Alright,” I chuckled as my dark and mysterious moment was ruined. “Why do you always have to ruin my fun?”
“Because you keep making me have to do more work.” Grumbled Ian. “Every time I think I’m free, you pop up again with more insanity.”
“Speaking of which,” I butted in. “Ian, how do you feel about tweaking the Dragon’s nose a bit?”
“Is it just the Dracs this time?” He asked me. “Because I had to ask a very angry ambassador from the Free State of Stewart to leave the other day when he started ranting about stolen Jumpships. “ He raised an eyebrow at me. “But you wouldn’t know anything about that would you?”
“Actually, yes” I smiled cheerfully. “Would you like to hear about them threatening my forces and instead of us killing their whole regiment before it entered the atmosphere we let them live?” I asked with a small smile on my face. “We had the assets to kill them all, but instead we simply stole their Jumpships, they should be grateful that we let them live.”
“Whoa, hold on a minute.” Ian said as he realized he’d set me off a bit. “I kicked the Stewart Ambassador out of the palace, you’re good.”
“Sorry about that.” I said after a minute. “I hate it when my people get threatened.”
“We Davions are the same way.” Hanse said with a small smile. “Now, what’s this about a plan to tweak the Dragon’s nose?”
“Sandoval has been pushing for an offensive against the Dracs yes?” I asked the two of them. “Well, I have a plan to push and kill a couple of birds with one stone, while messing with Sandoval a bit as well.”
“I’m interested.” Ian said as he stroked his chin. “I assume that you have a plan for Stewart as well?”
“Yes actually” I smiled wickedly. “Have you heard of the Gladiator?”
“I vaguely remember something about it being a failed Combine Mech project.” Hanse replied. “Why?”
“Because the only lines left that produced it are on Alula Australis” I grabbed a slate off of the table and brought up the most recent political maps of the Inner Sphere. “Which is currently in the territory that Stewart is claiming.”
“I am very glad that you are on our side.” Hanse said. “What’s the rest of your plan?”
“I’m sending Stone and the 2nd Marksman on the Stewart run.” I told them, “While I have Paterson and the 1st Marksman hit Sverdlosk to steal the decommissioned Von Rohrs lines that are located there.”
“I’m almost scared to ask what you and the Kentares Guard will be doing.” Ian asked. “I’m assuming something ballsy.”
I’m taking the Ducal Guard and the 1st Kentares RCT to hit Galedon.” I smirked. “I think that will be plenty enough to satisfy Sandoval.”
“You’re insane.” Ian said with a laugh.” What are you doing to get Sandoval? It can’t be anything militarily damaging.”
“No, I already set in motion my revenge against him.” I laughed. “I bought the old Swordsman factory and am having engineers go over it now to update the machine.”
“I’m not sure I like that.” Hanse frowned. “That ‘mech has a bad reputation here.”
“I’m aware of that.” I said while waving their concern away. “Sharpshooter can tank the hit to it’s coffers for a bit, and the updated ‘mech being produced on Robinson is bad PR for him.”
“But you’re basically handing him factory fresh medium ‘mechs.” Ian pointed out. “How does that work against him?”
“It works against him when I sell them at a discount and his forces are now fielding a ‘mech that was used against the Davions in the civil war…” I trailed off.
“Why haven’t we put you in intelligence yet?” Hanse asked me. “MIIO would love to have you.” He led me away to talk.
“Natasha,” Ian greeted the woman who had been silent the entire time. “I didn’t expect Mark to seek out revenge in this matter after you made Sandoval run with his tail tucked between his legs.”
“I was angry at that moment, but it soon passed.” Natasha shrugged. “Mark was negotiated into pushing for an advance into Draconis Combine space.” She sighed. “He was content to remain in a rebuilding phase, but instead, now we are going to war.”
“And you can’t bring David with you.” It clicked in Ian’s head. “You’re not letting Mark do this alone are you?”
“No, I am not.” Natasha said. “We will either both fall together on the battlefield or in old age, but not separated.”
“I see.” Ian said. “I’ll go ahead and give me authorization on the offensive that Mark is pushing for.” He sighed. “But I want you to make sure that he doesn’t get carried away.”
“You should be more worried that we seize the planet and the surrounding worlds.” Natasha laughed. “We have only increased in strength since the last time we were deployed.”
“I saw the reports on the Summer issue.” Ian said. “They didn’t even have to fight, the militia just rolled over for them.”
“A good reputation is just as important as being lethal.” Natasha told him with a smirk. “And we have the best reputation in the Periphery and the successor states.”
“I don’t think you have a good rep with the Capcon.” Ian pointed out. “Or the combine for that matter.”
“No, but they know our reputation for being elite soldiers, and that we routinely pull things off that would not be considered by lesser units.”
“Fair point.” Ian agreed. “A fair point indeed.”
August 23rd, 3019
“Duke Hull,” A younger woman saluted me in her Northwind Militia uniform. “I would like to speak to you, I have a request.”
“That’s fine, do you mind if I inform my wife though?” I asked.
“That would be fine.” She agreed. “I am not currently on duty and merely have a request to make.”
I sent Natasha a quick text on my slate, letting her know I would be a bit delayed.
“Duke, I heard some rumors that you were getting ready to launch an offensive against the Draconis Combine,” She straightened up. “And me and my Infantry company want in.”
“Do you have authorization from your unit commander?” I asked the young woman.
“Right here sir.” She held up a sealed letter with a seal on it that had the Northwind Militia insignia. “He just asked us to make sure we were covered by the best unit we could find.”
“Well, welcome to the Kentares Guard.” I shook her hand and winked, “Temporarily that is.”
August 30th, 3019
"We're sorry Duke, but we're not going to allow you to purchase a license for the Sarissa at this time." The Corean representative told me. "We would actually like to purchase any of the Sarissa 'mechs that you currently possess for well over the standard rates. And we would like to purchase the updated design from you as well."
"Fine," I looked at the representative. "I'll accept turning over the modernized Sarissa design for no less than a 150% markup of what it cost to pay my engineers. but I'm not handing over the Sarissa's we salvaged and refit to our standards, and I want rights of first refusal for the Kentares Militia."
"Let me make a call." The representative stepped out of the room, and was gone for five minutes. Five minutes in which I had time to enjoy a pleasant cup of coffee.
"I'm authorized to accept." The representative said as he stepped back in. "I'll have our lawyers contact Sharpshooter Inc within the hour."
"Pleasure doing business with you." I said as I shook his hand."
Chapter 98
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Chapter Ninety-Eight: Dragon? All I See is an Overweight Lizard
New Avalon, September 1st, 3019
“We’re leaving David here with you.” I told Hanse and Dana. “I left all of the schoolwork he has here, and some tips on helping ensure he’s too busy to get into trouble.”
“We got this.” Hanse told me with a chuckle. “I’ll have MIIO keep an eye on Corean too.” He gave me a smile. “If they see any hint of the Sarissa showing up in what’s left of the FWL we’ll bring the hammer down on them quickly.”
“I take it NAIS has been waiting to take apart the automated factory to see how it works?” I asked with a smile.
“Their Valkyrie plant and every single one of the automated factories that we recovered from Versailles.” Hanse chuckled. “Have Sharpshooter ready, because if Corea steps out of line, you may need to fund another company in purchasing them outright.”
“Yeah, we’ve got our hands full right now as is.” I shrugged, “What with trying to salvage and relocate the New Rhodes Shipyards.”
“Those are able to be restored?” Hanse asked incredulously. “We never had anyone go survey them for that purpose because they always seemed too destroyed.”
“Turns out, the damage is repairable, it’s just going to be a money sink for five years to a decade until they are back up and running again.” I told the surprised Davion spare. “In return, I’m building another Crockett line there, and will see about purchasing a Marauder license to build another couple of lines for that ‘mech as well.”
“So you’re just going to be spending money like water?” Hanse asked, “Where are the funds for all of this coming from?”
“Hanse, I’m not sure if you know this, but we have the Sting on backorder for the next twenty years, and we’ve added two lines for them at Layover. We also just bought the Centurion aerospace lines that were mothballed by Jalastar, and are getting an Ironsides factory up and running, that along with Mithril and Sting licenses mean that we currently have more money than we know what to do with.” I shrugged, “We’ve also got some jumpship yards at Alarion that we repaired and are up and running, and are part owners in a couple of factories on Loxley and Solaris currently.”
“I can see why you’re trying to get more done.” Hanse said with a shrug. “Plan on breaking into the civilian market at all?”
“Nothing except for Dropships and Jumpships probably.” I responded. “Unless you count the Hospitals and learning centers that we’re building in the periphery and outback.”
“Those don’t count.” Hase agreed, “I heard that you were planning on donating some of the “Slates” that I’ve seen all of your people use to NAIS.”
“Yes actually, we’re starting a nonprofit called White Dwarf to distribute them properly in conjunction with our learning centers.” I told him.
“Well, I think that’s your cue to board Mark.” Hanse pulled me in for a hug. “Come back alive you hear.” He patted me on the back and then watched as I boarded the Messenger.
Kentares Jump point, October 30th, 3019
“We got your courier.” Packer’s voice sounded through the comms systems on the Messenger. “Sheppard’s taking over the 2nd Kentares to make sure that we’re covered should anyone try and attack while we’re gone, and Stone departed with the 2nd Marksman about three weeks ago.”
“Is Peterson ready?” I asked Packer. “Because we’ve got one hell of a job to do this time.”
“Everyone should be at the jump point in a couple of days.” Packer responded. “I hope you plan on bringing the Defender along on this crazy scheme of yours.”
“I’m bringing the Defender and a half dozen Sting’s with us.” I told him. “We should be ready to rock and roll here as soon as we can move on to Galedon.”
“Yes sir.” A delay finally introduced itself. “We’re combat ready.”
Galedon, Draconis Combine Regional Capital, January 30th, 3020
“Send someone to the HPG, we must alert the coordinator to this attack.” Tai-Sa Richard Ahrmram told one of his staff officers before turning to Colonel Andrew McGee of Mcgee’s Cutthroats. “We must prepare our forces for this incoming invasion.”
“Yeah, I guess we should.” Mcgee replied. “Why weren’t we warned about this beforehand though?” He asked the critical question. “Shouldn’t a force trying to get here have been noticed before this though?”
“I have been getting reports that the entire border with the Davions has been hit with either raids or invasion forces.” Tai-Sa Ahrmram informed Mcgee. “But I received orders to remain here, and so I shall, and it is possible that they used dead systems wherever possible in order to get here unseen.”
“Well, I got your back in whatever the contract specifies that we do.” Mcgee said. “Me and my boys and girls are ready.”
“Alright people,” Packer told the entire 1st Kentares Guard. “We are dropping on the world of Galedon V, our intel tells us that we are up against the 3rd Proserpina Hussars and a mercenary unit called McGee’s Cutthroats.” Packer inhaled. “We are up against two regiments of ‘mechs, and whatever there is to support them.”
“We’re assuming that they have a lot of aerospace assets available.” Packer briefed the officer teams. “So we’re sending Sting’s ahead of the group loaded with Infantry and escorted by the squadrons that Strider is in charge of. It will be their job to draw out any aerospace assets and to secure a Landing Zone for us.”
“The Ducal Guard will be operating as an independent battalion.” I stepped up. “It’s the 1st Kentares Guard’s job to make sure that this invasion goes well, it’s mine and the Ducal Guard’s job to make sure that we leave them guessing and unable to predict what any of our plans are.”
“Any questions?” Packer asked the assembled officers.
“Just one sir.” Romano Liao said. “Where do you want my company?”
“You’ll be rolling with the Infantry we brought with us, and the Mithril suits that you’ve been training in are yours to keep.”
“Copy that sir.” She responded.
“Anyone else?” I asked. “Good, then let’s go kick a Dragon’s nose.” I said after no one asked any further questions.
Author's note: Quite a bit of Exposition in the first bit of this chapter, but I'm not sure it could be avoided. Anyway, I'll be splitting the next chapter into three to four parts, with each part dealing with a separate section of the conflict. One section will involve Stone hitting the Stewart worlds, one section with Peterson and his looting, one with Hull and the Kentares Guard, and probably a chapter detailing the entire offensive that Ian just launched across the entire border.
New Avalon, September 1st, 3019
“We’re leaving David here with you.” I told Hanse and Dana. “I left all of the schoolwork he has here, and some tips on helping ensure he’s too busy to get into trouble.”
“We got this.” Hanse told me with a chuckle. “I’ll have MIIO keep an eye on Corean too.” He gave me a smile. “If they see any hint of the Sarissa showing up in what’s left of the FWL we’ll bring the hammer down on them quickly.”
“I take it NAIS has been waiting to take apart the automated factory to see how it works?” I asked with a smile.
“Their Valkyrie plant and every single one of the automated factories that we recovered from Versailles.” Hanse chuckled. “Have Sharpshooter ready, because if Corea steps out of line, you may need to fund another company in purchasing them outright.”
“Yeah, we’ve got our hands full right now as is.” I shrugged, “What with trying to salvage and relocate the New Rhodes Shipyards.”
“Those are able to be restored?” Hanse asked incredulously. “We never had anyone go survey them for that purpose because they always seemed too destroyed.”
“Turns out, the damage is repairable, it’s just going to be a money sink for five years to a decade until they are back up and running again.” I told the surprised Davion spare. “In return, I’m building another Crockett line there, and will see about purchasing a Marauder license to build another couple of lines for that ‘mech as well.”
“So you’re just going to be spending money like water?” Hanse asked, “Where are the funds for all of this coming from?”
“Hanse, I’m not sure if you know this, but we have the Sting on backorder for the next twenty years, and we’ve added two lines for them at Layover. We also just bought the Centurion aerospace lines that were mothballed by Jalastar, and are getting an Ironsides factory up and running, that along with Mithril and Sting licenses mean that we currently have more money than we know what to do with.” I shrugged, “We’ve also got some jumpship yards at Alarion that we repaired and are up and running, and are part owners in a couple of factories on Loxley and Solaris currently.”
“I can see why you’re trying to get more done.” Hanse said with a shrug. “Plan on breaking into the civilian market at all?”
“Nothing except for Dropships and Jumpships probably.” I responded. “Unless you count the Hospitals and learning centers that we’re building in the periphery and outback.”
“Those don’t count.” Hase agreed, “I heard that you were planning on donating some of the “Slates” that I’ve seen all of your people use to NAIS.”
“Yes actually, we’re starting a nonprofit called White Dwarf to distribute them properly in conjunction with our learning centers.” I told him.
“Well, I think that’s your cue to board Mark.” Hanse pulled me in for a hug. “Come back alive you hear.” He patted me on the back and then watched as I boarded the Messenger.
Kentares Jump point, October 30th, 3019
“We got your courier.” Packer’s voice sounded through the comms systems on the Messenger. “Sheppard’s taking over the 2nd Kentares to make sure that we’re covered should anyone try and attack while we’re gone, and Stone departed with the 2nd Marksman about three weeks ago.”
“Is Peterson ready?” I asked Packer. “Because we’ve got one hell of a job to do this time.”
“Everyone should be at the jump point in a couple of days.” Packer responded. “I hope you plan on bringing the Defender along on this crazy scheme of yours.”
“I’m bringing the Defender and a half dozen Sting’s with us.” I told him. “We should be ready to rock and roll here as soon as we can move on to Galedon.”
“Yes sir.” A delay finally introduced itself. “We’re combat ready.”
Galedon, Draconis Combine Regional Capital, January 30th, 3020
“Send someone to the HPG, we must alert the coordinator to this attack.” Tai-Sa Richard Ahrmram told one of his staff officers before turning to Colonel Andrew McGee of Mcgee’s Cutthroats. “We must prepare our forces for this incoming invasion.”
“Yeah, I guess we should.” Mcgee replied. “Why weren’t we warned about this beforehand though?” He asked the critical question. “Shouldn’t a force trying to get here have been noticed before this though?”
“I have been getting reports that the entire border with the Davions has been hit with either raids or invasion forces.” Tai-Sa Ahrmram informed Mcgee. “But I received orders to remain here, and so I shall, and it is possible that they used dead systems wherever possible in order to get here unseen.”
“Well, I got your back in whatever the contract specifies that we do.” Mcgee said. “Me and my boys and girls are ready.”
“Alright people,” Packer told the entire 1st Kentares Guard. “We are dropping on the world of Galedon V, our intel tells us that we are up against the 3rd Proserpina Hussars and a mercenary unit called McGee’s Cutthroats.” Packer inhaled. “We are up against two regiments of ‘mechs, and whatever there is to support them.”
“We’re assuming that they have a lot of aerospace assets available.” Packer briefed the officer teams. “So we’re sending Sting’s ahead of the group loaded with Infantry and escorted by the squadrons that Strider is in charge of. It will be their job to draw out any aerospace assets and to secure a Landing Zone for us.”
“The Ducal Guard will be operating as an independent battalion.” I stepped up. “It’s the 1st Kentares Guard’s job to make sure that this invasion goes well, it’s mine and the Ducal Guard’s job to make sure that we leave them guessing and unable to predict what any of our plans are.”
“Any questions?” Packer asked the assembled officers.
“Just one sir.” Romano Liao said. “Where do you want my company?”
“You’ll be rolling with the Infantry we brought with us, and the Mithril suits that you’ve been training in are yours to keep.”
“Copy that sir.” She responded.
“Anyone else?” I asked. “Good, then let’s go kick a Dragon’s nose.” I said after no one asked any further questions.
Author's note: Quite a bit of Exposition in the first bit of this chapter, but I'm not sure it could be avoided. Anyway, I'll be splitting the next chapter into three to four parts, with each part dealing with a separate section of the conflict. One section will involve Stone hitting the Stewart worlds, one section with Peterson and his looting, one with Hull and the Kentares Guard, and probably a chapter detailing the entire offensive that Ian just launched across the entire border.
Chapter Ninety-Nine: Invasion(Galedon)
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Chapter Ninety-Nine: Invasion(Galedon)
Galedon V, February 5th, 3020
“We took out their aerospace cover.” Packer reported, “We own the skies unless they get reinforcements.”
“That’s good to hear.” I responded from the Mobile HQ I was in. “I’m overseeing the Ducal Guard now, and I expect to hear good things from you.”
“You’re going to try and pin down the Mercs right?” Packer asked, “Because we can handle the Hussars.”
“We’ll get the Cutthroats focused on us, yes.” I replied, “Just worry about making sure this doesn’t turn into a drawn out brawl.”
“Copy that sir.” He replied. “We’ve got it handled.”
The two forces had split up, with the 1st Kentares Guard trying to draw out the 3rd Proserpina Hussars by landing close to the capital, and myself landing close to an old base that the Cutthroats were operating out of currently.
“Let’s move it people.” I commanded as we finished disembarking. “We may have left some satellites in orbit to help monitor, but we’re going to have to do this the old fashioned way.” I paused, “Remember that we didn’t bring any arty with us, so we’ll have to stay mobile and make sure that we can’t be pinned down by the Cutthroats and ripped to shreds.”
“Aff.” came the response from Natasha’s fireteam of Clanners in their Omnimechs. “Copy that sir.” Mathis weighed in, “We’ll go to ground and keep an eye out for any arty we can capture.”
“Good to hear it.” I replied. “ Major Kerensky, you’re in charge of the Combat vehicles.” I told my wife, “I’m going to coordinate between you and Mathis, and if I need to, I’ll step into play in my Warhammer.”
“Understood Hull.” Natasha replied, all business now. “Hazen, you are to follow Hull’s lead.”
“Aff Kerensky, I will comply.” She responded.
“Alright people, we know the general location and layout of their base, and I’m expecting fixed defenses along with them to respond with numbers.” I told them, “Remember, they’re a Veteran unit and therefore may have some tricks up their sleeves.”
“Understood sir.” The various officers replied.
“Mathis, we’re leaving a company of vehicles and Infantry to cover our Dropships.” I told him.
“Yes sir,” He responded “We’re ready to move out when given the command.”
“Mount up then,” I told him. “We’re going hunting.”
Same time…
Tai-Sa Ahrmram was concerned, the enemy invasion forces had split into two, and had apparently landed the lesser force in front of the Hussar’s main base.
“We will go out and strike them.” The Tai-Sa commanded. “We have confirmation that what is against us is the personal guard of Duke Hull of Kentares IV.”
The Samurai of the 3rd Proserpina Hussars mounted up into their ‘mechs, ready to go out and fight the enemy that had brought itself to their gates.
“We will bring these Davions death by our swords” Tai-Sa Ahrmram told his men after he mounted up into his Battlemaster and had powered everything up. “And shall prove ourselves better than the Sword of Light, for we shall actually bring destruction upon one who thinks he can attempt to stand against the Dragon.”
“Hull,” Packer sounded a little harried. “We’ve got a problem.” You could hear the sounds of war in the background. “Apparently, you managed to land in front of the Hussars, and not the Cutthroats as we expected.”
“Well, I guess it’s time to see if the Clan Tech we loaded into the Ducal guard holds up then.” I responded. “Because we can’t back down from this fight.”
“I’m diverting some Stings your way regardless.” Packer replied. “We don’t need four of them providing coverage over here anyway.”
“Copy that, air support will be welcomed.” I replied as I stepped out of the mobile HQ. “Kerensky, I’m getting into my Warhammer now, we’re up against the Hussars instead of the Cutthroats.”
“Understood,” She replied, “I will ensure that our Vehicle company is able to provide adequate support.”
We had managed to acquire more down-teched Alacorns over the last several years, and Natasha had made sure that they were all transferred into the Ducal Guard. Which meant that we had well over a dozen Alacorns in the Ducal Guard, backed by Von Luckners and LRM carriers.
“Just remember to make sure the area is clear before you fill it with the heavy metal.” I reminded her. “No friendly fire on this op.”
After I said this, we came across a scout lance. Three Locust’s led by a Pheonix Hawk.
“Burn them.” I ordered the Ducal Guard. “They already know that we’ve got less numbers, and I’m not playing cat and mouse with them.”
As soon as the first words left my mouth, Natasha’s Nightstar lashed out with both Gauss Rifles and it’s ERPPC, coring one Locust, and crippling the legs of two more. Natasha’s Combat vehicle company followed suit, sending LRM’s and Gauss Rifles into the lance, and bringing them down in short order.
“Alright people, that’s four ‘mechs down, a hundred and four left to go.”
“Move that vehicle company up.” Packer commanded from his HQ, “The Cutthroats are reeling, and so are the supporting militia units.”
“Sir, one of our ‘mech companies is pinned down in a street, and is requesting Mithril and Sting support.” One of the staff officers told him while listening to his headset.
“Give them the support they need, but have our people watch the collateral damage, if this turns into a conquered planet situation, then we’ve got to deal with it afterwards.”
“Roger that sir, diverting support.”
“Have Major Lamb push around in a flank.” Packer ordered, “If we can pin the Cutthroats down, they may surrender.”
“Copy, relaying the message.” The comms officer said. “Sir, we’re hearing reports of suicidal tankers using inferno gel on their own vehicles before ramming them into our ‘mechs.”
“Good thing we’ve got freezers then.” Packer replied. “Have our people pull back where they’ve been using Inferno Gel, and have them isolate the area, the last thing we need is a panicked civilian running into that area and dying because of it.”
“Yes sir.” Her hands flew across the slate as she navigated to various comms channels.
Then their HQ rocked as it was hit with what felt like an SRM.
“I thought this area was secured!” Packer said as he sealed his Mithril and grabbed a rifle before kicking the mobile HQ door open. “Ahh, nevermind.” He said to himself as he gunned down the sword wielding person in front of him. “DEST, or an ISF cell.” He shrugged to himself as he shot the remainder of said squad. “This is why you don’t try and kill someone in armor like this with a steel katana.” He muttered to himself as he snapped one of said katanas with his armored gloved hands before climbing back into the HQ.
“Have a couple of Mithril fireteams check the immediate area again, we apparently missed some ISF units.”
February 10th, 3020
“Natasha, we’re bringing the party to you.” I said as I maneuvered my Warhammer out of the way of autocannon and LRM fire, twisting around to snap off an ERPPC at the Battlemaster that had been harassing me for the past couple of days.
“Now would be a very good time to help me out.” I called out on the Comms as the Battlemaster and the lance following him edged closer with their fire. Finally, after a PPC bolt connected to my left shoulder, I had had enough. Twisting into a slide in my ‘mech, I used the Clantech targeting computer to group my PPC’s into the Battlemaster’s left torso, hitting the SRM bins, and triggering an ammo explosion that threw the ‘mech into a rock formation nearby.
Turning to the next ‘mech in the lance, I was pleasantly surprised by Thastus’ Mad Dog having finished that ‘mech off, along with Mackenzie’s Timber Wolf scything its ER Large Lasers into the Awesome that was another part of the lance.
While I left Natasha’s Clanner fireteam to clean up there, I moved onto the Battlemaster that had been thrown into the rock formation when I hit its SRM bins. “Hey Mathis, get me a couple of Mithril people over here, I’m fairly certain that this is what Tai-Sa Ahrmram was piloting.”
“Yes sir, diverting infantry now.” He responded. “Eta five Mikes.”
“We’ll provide cover.” I told him, “We’ve cleared out about half of the regiment so far anyway.”
“Yessir, but MCallister told me that if your Warhammer needs the usual amount of repairs that he was moving you into an Assault ‘mech.”
“Well, good thing I’m light on damage this time then isn’t it?”
“Yes sir, Salvage and recovery teams along with Mithril are on their way.” Mathis told me.
“Copy that, keep me updated on what’s happening with Packer as you get updates yourself.” I told him, “I don’t like being disconnected from the information that I might need.”
"Yes sir," Mathis replied. "Kerensky is reporting that she wiped out another pair of lances, but lost two combat vehicles in the process."
"Good to hear, but we can't replace those losses easily right now." I told him. "Have her pull back into the cover of the dropships, and tell those Sting pilots to go shred that company that your infantry spotted."
"Yes sir, spinning up Close air support now." He replied. "God have mercy on them, because we won't."
Galedon V, February 5th, 3020
“We took out their aerospace cover.” Packer reported, “We own the skies unless they get reinforcements.”
“That’s good to hear.” I responded from the Mobile HQ I was in. “I’m overseeing the Ducal Guard now, and I expect to hear good things from you.”
“You’re going to try and pin down the Mercs right?” Packer asked, “Because we can handle the Hussars.”
“We’ll get the Cutthroats focused on us, yes.” I replied, “Just worry about making sure this doesn’t turn into a drawn out brawl.”
“Copy that sir.” He replied. “We’ve got it handled.”
The two forces had split up, with the 1st Kentares Guard trying to draw out the 3rd Proserpina Hussars by landing close to the capital, and myself landing close to an old base that the Cutthroats were operating out of currently.
“Let’s move it people.” I commanded as we finished disembarking. “We may have left some satellites in orbit to help monitor, but we’re going to have to do this the old fashioned way.” I paused, “Remember that we didn’t bring any arty with us, so we’ll have to stay mobile and make sure that we can’t be pinned down by the Cutthroats and ripped to shreds.”
“Aff.” came the response from Natasha’s fireteam of Clanners in their Omnimechs. “Copy that sir.” Mathis weighed in, “We’ll go to ground and keep an eye out for any arty we can capture.”
“Good to hear it.” I replied. “ Major Kerensky, you’re in charge of the Combat vehicles.” I told my wife, “I’m going to coordinate between you and Mathis, and if I need to, I’ll step into play in my Warhammer.”
“Understood Hull.” Natasha replied, all business now. “Hazen, you are to follow Hull’s lead.”
“Aff Kerensky, I will comply.” She responded.
“Alright people, we know the general location and layout of their base, and I’m expecting fixed defenses along with them to respond with numbers.” I told them, “Remember, they’re a Veteran unit and therefore may have some tricks up their sleeves.”
“Understood sir.” The various officers replied.
“Mathis, we’re leaving a company of vehicles and Infantry to cover our Dropships.” I told him.
“Yes sir,” He responded “We’re ready to move out when given the command.”
“Mount up then,” I told him. “We’re going hunting.”
Same time…
Tai-Sa Ahrmram was concerned, the enemy invasion forces had split into two, and had apparently landed the lesser force in front of the Hussar’s main base.
“We will go out and strike them.” The Tai-Sa commanded. “We have confirmation that what is against us is the personal guard of Duke Hull of Kentares IV.”
The Samurai of the 3rd Proserpina Hussars mounted up into their ‘mechs, ready to go out and fight the enemy that had brought itself to their gates.
“We will bring these Davions death by our swords” Tai-Sa Ahrmram told his men after he mounted up into his Battlemaster and had powered everything up. “And shall prove ourselves better than the Sword of Light, for we shall actually bring destruction upon one who thinks he can attempt to stand against the Dragon.”
“Hull,” Packer sounded a little harried. “We’ve got a problem.” You could hear the sounds of war in the background. “Apparently, you managed to land in front of the Hussars, and not the Cutthroats as we expected.”
“Well, I guess it’s time to see if the Clan Tech we loaded into the Ducal guard holds up then.” I responded. “Because we can’t back down from this fight.”
“I’m diverting some Stings your way regardless.” Packer replied. “We don’t need four of them providing coverage over here anyway.”
“Copy that, air support will be welcomed.” I replied as I stepped out of the mobile HQ. “Kerensky, I’m getting into my Warhammer now, we’re up against the Hussars instead of the Cutthroats.”
“Understood,” She replied, “I will ensure that our Vehicle company is able to provide adequate support.”
We had managed to acquire more down-teched Alacorns over the last several years, and Natasha had made sure that they were all transferred into the Ducal Guard. Which meant that we had well over a dozen Alacorns in the Ducal Guard, backed by Von Luckners and LRM carriers.
“Just remember to make sure the area is clear before you fill it with the heavy metal.” I reminded her. “No friendly fire on this op.”
After I said this, we came across a scout lance. Three Locust’s led by a Pheonix Hawk.
“Burn them.” I ordered the Ducal Guard. “They already know that we’ve got less numbers, and I’m not playing cat and mouse with them.”
As soon as the first words left my mouth, Natasha’s Nightstar lashed out with both Gauss Rifles and it’s ERPPC, coring one Locust, and crippling the legs of two more. Natasha’s Combat vehicle company followed suit, sending LRM’s and Gauss Rifles into the lance, and bringing them down in short order.
“Alright people, that’s four ‘mechs down, a hundred and four left to go.”
“Move that vehicle company up.” Packer commanded from his HQ, “The Cutthroats are reeling, and so are the supporting militia units.”
“Sir, one of our ‘mech companies is pinned down in a street, and is requesting Mithril and Sting support.” One of the staff officers told him while listening to his headset.
“Give them the support they need, but have our people watch the collateral damage, if this turns into a conquered planet situation, then we’ve got to deal with it afterwards.”
“Roger that sir, diverting support.”
“Have Major Lamb push around in a flank.” Packer ordered, “If we can pin the Cutthroats down, they may surrender.”
“Copy, relaying the message.” The comms officer said. “Sir, we’re hearing reports of suicidal tankers using inferno gel on their own vehicles before ramming them into our ‘mechs.”
“Good thing we’ve got freezers then.” Packer replied. “Have our people pull back where they’ve been using Inferno Gel, and have them isolate the area, the last thing we need is a panicked civilian running into that area and dying because of it.”
“Yes sir.” Her hands flew across the slate as she navigated to various comms channels.
Then their HQ rocked as it was hit with what felt like an SRM.
“I thought this area was secured!” Packer said as he sealed his Mithril and grabbed a rifle before kicking the mobile HQ door open. “Ahh, nevermind.” He said to himself as he gunned down the sword wielding person in front of him. “DEST, or an ISF cell.” He shrugged to himself as he shot the remainder of said squad. “This is why you don’t try and kill someone in armor like this with a steel katana.” He muttered to himself as he snapped one of said katanas with his armored gloved hands before climbing back into the HQ.
“Have a couple of Mithril fireteams check the immediate area again, we apparently missed some ISF units.”
February 10th, 3020
“Natasha, we’re bringing the party to you.” I said as I maneuvered my Warhammer out of the way of autocannon and LRM fire, twisting around to snap off an ERPPC at the Battlemaster that had been harassing me for the past couple of days.
“Now would be a very good time to help me out.” I called out on the Comms as the Battlemaster and the lance following him edged closer with their fire. Finally, after a PPC bolt connected to my left shoulder, I had had enough. Twisting into a slide in my ‘mech, I used the Clantech targeting computer to group my PPC’s into the Battlemaster’s left torso, hitting the SRM bins, and triggering an ammo explosion that threw the ‘mech into a rock formation nearby.
Turning to the next ‘mech in the lance, I was pleasantly surprised by Thastus’ Mad Dog having finished that ‘mech off, along with Mackenzie’s Timber Wolf scything its ER Large Lasers into the Awesome that was another part of the lance.
While I left Natasha’s Clanner fireteam to clean up there, I moved onto the Battlemaster that had been thrown into the rock formation when I hit its SRM bins. “Hey Mathis, get me a couple of Mithril people over here, I’m fairly certain that this is what Tai-Sa Ahrmram was piloting.”
“Yes sir, diverting infantry now.” He responded. “Eta five Mikes.”
“We’ll provide cover.” I told him, “We’ve cleared out about half of the regiment so far anyway.”
“Yessir, but MCallister told me that if your Warhammer needs the usual amount of repairs that he was moving you into an Assault ‘mech.”
“Well, good thing I’m light on damage this time then isn’t it?”
“Yes sir, Salvage and recovery teams along with Mithril are on their way.” Mathis told me.
“Copy that, keep me updated on what’s happening with Packer as you get updates yourself.” I told him, “I don’t like being disconnected from the information that I might need.”
"Yes sir," Mathis replied. "Kerensky is reporting that she wiped out another pair of lances, but lost two combat vehicles in the process."
"Good to hear, but we can't replace those losses easily right now." I told him. "Have her pull back into the cover of the dropships, and tell those Sting pilots to go shred that company that your infantry spotted."
"Yes sir, spinning up Close air support now." He replied. "God have mercy on them, because we won't."
Chapter Ninety-Nine: Invasion(Stewart/ Aura Astralis)
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Chapter Ninety-Nine: Invasion(Stewart/ Aura Astralis)
Alula Australis, December 4th, 3019
“Listen up, we jumped in at a pirate point in order to decrease the time it took to get down to the planet.” Stone informed his officers. “We’re going in hard and fast, I want to loot and then scoot, I know that Hull only wanted us to hit this world.” Stone paused. “But I want revenge against the Stewart Fuckers who decided that us not killing them was an insult.” He grinned, “After we loot the Gladiator factories from this world, we’re moving on to Stewart itself, and when we leave Stewart, we’re taking the Trebuchet ‘mech factory and the Gotha Aerospace fighter factory with us.”
“Now, if any of you want us to simply stick to what our assigned mission is, then let me know now.” Stone said, “But if the rest of you want to kick some teeth in just as much as I do, then this is how we’re going to do it.”
“We’re all in Colonel.” Stone’s XO, Major Richard Vance spoke for the entirety of the unit. “Let’s get some payback.”
“We only managed to cut down the time by two weeks using the pirate point.” The Jumpship captain informed Stone.
“We still have around fourteen days before we hit the atmosphere, that means they’ll be ready for us.” Stone said, “We need to get our plan absolutely ready so that we can get our main objective done ASAP.”
December 20th, 3019
“Wardog and Stings, Stone commed. “I need that aerospace section gone ASAP.”
“We finally found their location after their last run.” Blaze reported. “We’re sending the Sting’s in for grid square removal.”
“They’re isolated enough for that?” Stone asked for clarification.
“Yes sir, hidden base in the hills, infantry found and confirmed it.”
“Then you have my authorization for grid square removal. We’ll have packed up the factory and be ready to leave in about a week. But we might lose all of it if enough of the fighters remain.” Stone replied.
“Escorting Stings to pick up the ordinance and refuel now.” Blaze responded.
–
–
“Alright Drifter and Casting Shadows, Wardog is going to escort you on this run, you got the grid locked in?”
“Yes sir, the grid is locked in. We are ready to deploy when over the location.” Drifter replied.
“Then let’s get these birds in the air, Stone wants these enemy fighters gone.” Blaze responded.
“Lifting off now.” The duo of Stings took off with Wardog squadron close behind. “We’re going to have to keep an eye out for any enemy fighters launching to try and stop us.”
“We’ve got you covered either way.” Blaze responded. “Let’s go kill some stuff.”
The two Stings had their bomb bays filled to the brim, and when they neared the drop zone, they were met by a solid portion of the enemy aerospace wing. Twelve of the eighteen fighters met the full wing that Wardog had brought with them in order to escort the Stings.
“Thanks for the cover Wardog, we’ve got people manning our guns as well, if they get too much for a pilot then send them our way.”
“I don’t think we’ll have to worry about that.” Blaze smirked as he took his Royal Stuka into the enemy formation, utterly shredding two light Aerospace fighters with a flash of his ERPPC’s and his AC/20 before flipping his Stuka around and moving onto the rear of a Marik Eagle. Shredding the tail armor until it diverted away from the Drifter.
“Edge, try to stay on my tail.” He told his wingmate. “I know we’re playing escorts, but I need you to keep up.”
“I’m trying Blaze.” She grit her teeth as the G-Forces impacted her. “But you’re better at tanking G-Forces than I am.”
“Well, keep up, we’ve got bogeys trying to stop our mission.” Blaze teased, knowing that she was as good a pilot as any they might be up against.
“Just keep flying.” Edge retorted. “I’ll keep up.”
The Wing that Wardog was in charge of had managed to cover the Stings long enough to let them drop their bombs. And what a sight it was. Everything that might have been the smallest part of the base going up in a massive plume of smoke and explosions. There was the equivalent of 2-3 MOAB’s dropped on the hidden base and once the Sting’s bombing run was finished, they turned their attention onto the remaining Aerospace fighters. Which signaled the end of any potential resistance on the planet.”
–
–
“Remind me to never piss our Sting pilots off.” Stone told Major Vance as they looked at the explosions in the distance. “The last thing we need is to have them angry at us.”
January 30th, 3020
“We’re having the Mules that are loaded down with the Gladiator factory head back to Kentares with one of our Invader Jumpships and a Sting for an escort.” Stone told his troops. “We’re going to be moving on to Stewart, and it’ll take us a little over a month to get there.”
“Copy that sir.” Major Vance replied. “We’ve got enough to send an escort, but do we have enough capacity to take the Gotha and Trebuchet lines off of Stewart?” Vance asked.
“We’re going to be able to take one of them at the minimum according to what the engineers tell me.” Stone replied. “If we manage to capture some enemy dropships we should be able to take the second one as well, but we’re going to prioritize taking the aerospace fighter lines over the ‘mech lines”
“Aye sir.” The responses came in.
“Now, let’s go show these Stewart SOB’s that we’re not to be trifled with.” Stone rallied his overstrength regiment.
Stewart Jump point, March 7th, 3020
“Launch.” Blaze told his wing of Aerospace fighters. “I want the void cleared for our Stings to uncouple and render assistance.”
“Copy Blaze/Copy lead” Came back to him on his Royal Stuka’s comms systems.
“This is where it gets real people,” Blaze informed some of his newer pilots. “We’re probably up against a Veteran or Elite unit that has been waiting for us. Stick by your wingmen and make sure to move close to a Sting if you’ve taken extra armor damage.”
“Yessir.” They responded and began ensuring that the space for their Dropships was clear before moving into escort positions.
“Blaze, get us on the ground safe, we’ll do the rest.” Stone told him over the command channel.
“I’ll do the best I can.” Blaze responded. “We’ve got enough birds to do some heavy damage here.”
“That’s what we’re here for Blaze, heavy damage.” Stone chuckled. “See you on the ground.”
“See you on the ground.” Blaze agreed.
Alula Australis, December 4th, 3019
“Listen up, we jumped in at a pirate point in order to decrease the time it took to get down to the planet.” Stone informed his officers. “We’re going in hard and fast, I want to loot and then scoot, I know that Hull only wanted us to hit this world.” Stone paused. “But I want revenge against the Stewart Fuckers who decided that us not killing them was an insult.” He grinned, “After we loot the Gladiator factories from this world, we’re moving on to Stewart itself, and when we leave Stewart, we’re taking the Trebuchet ‘mech factory and the Gotha Aerospace fighter factory with us.”
“Now, if any of you want us to simply stick to what our assigned mission is, then let me know now.” Stone said, “But if the rest of you want to kick some teeth in just as much as I do, then this is how we’re going to do it.”
“We’re all in Colonel.” Stone’s XO, Major Richard Vance spoke for the entirety of the unit. “Let’s get some payback.”
“We only managed to cut down the time by two weeks using the pirate point.” The Jumpship captain informed Stone.
“We still have around fourteen days before we hit the atmosphere, that means they’ll be ready for us.” Stone said, “We need to get our plan absolutely ready so that we can get our main objective done ASAP.”
December 20th, 3019
“Wardog and Stings, Stone commed. “I need that aerospace section gone ASAP.”
“We finally found their location after their last run.” Blaze reported. “We’re sending the Sting’s in for grid square removal.”
“They’re isolated enough for that?” Stone asked for clarification.
“Yes sir, hidden base in the hills, infantry found and confirmed it.”
“Then you have my authorization for grid square removal. We’ll have packed up the factory and be ready to leave in about a week. But we might lose all of it if enough of the fighters remain.” Stone replied.
“Escorting Stings to pick up the ordinance and refuel now.” Blaze responded.
–
–
“Alright Drifter and Casting Shadows, Wardog is going to escort you on this run, you got the grid locked in?”
“Yes sir, the grid is locked in. We are ready to deploy when over the location.” Drifter replied.
“Then let’s get these birds in the air, Stone wants these enemy fighters gone.” Blaze responded.
“Lifting off now.” The duo of Stings took off with Wardog squadron close behind. “We’re going to have to keep an eye out for any enemy fighters launching to try and stop us.”
“We’ve got you covered either way.” Blaze responded. “Let’s go kill some stuff.”
The two Stings had their bomb bays filled to the brim, and when they neared the drop zone, they were met by a solid portion of the enemy aerospace wing. Twelve of the eighteen fighters met the full wing that Wardog had brought with them in order to escort the Stings.
“Thanks for the cover Wardog, we’ve got people manning our guns as well, if they get too much for a pilot then send them our way.”
“I don’t think we’ll have to worry about that.” Blaze smirked as he took his Royal Stuka into the enemy formation, utterly shredding two light Aerospace fighters with a flash of his ERPPC’s and his AC/20 before flipping his Stuka around and moving onto the rear of a Marik Eagle. Shredding the tail armor until it diverted away from the Drifter.
“Edge, try to stay on my tail.” He told his wingmate. “I know we’re playing escorts, but I need you to keep up.”
“I’m trying Blaze.” She grit her teeth as the G-Forces impacted her. “But you’re better at tanking G-Forces than I am.”
“Well, keep up, we’ve got bogeys trying to stop our mission.” Blaze teased, knowing that she was as good a pilot as any they might be up against.
“Just keep flying.” Edge retorted. “I’ll keep up.”
The Wing that Wardog was in charge of had managed to cover the Stings long enough to let them drop their bombs. And what a sight it was. Everything that might have been the smallest part of the base going up in a massive plume of smoke and explosions. There was the equivalent of 2-3 MOAB’s dropped on the hidden base and once the Sting’s bombing run was finished, they turned their attention onto the remaining Aerospace fighters. Which signaled the end of any potential resistance on the planet.”
–
–
“Remind me to never piss our Sting pilots off.” Stone told Major Vance as they looked at the explosions in the distance. “The last thing we need is to have them angry at us.”
January 30th, 3020
“We’re having the Mules that are loaded down with the Gladiator factory head back to Kentares with one of our Invader Jumpships and a Sting for an escort.” Stone told his troops. “We’re going to be moving on to Stewart, and it’ll take us a little over a month to get there.”
“Copy that sir.” Major Vance replied. “We’ve got enough to send an escort, but do we have enough capacity to take the Gotha and Trebuchet lines off of Stewart?” Vance asked.
“We’re going to be able to take one of them at the minimum according to what the engineers tell me.” Stone replied. “If we manage to capture some enemy dropships we should be able to take the second one as well, but we’re going to prioritize taking the aerospace fighter lines over the ‘mech lines”
“Aye sir.” The responses came in.
“Now, let’s go show these Stewart SOB’s that we’re not to be trifled with.” Stone rallied his overstrength regiment.
Stewart Jump point, March 7th, 3020
“Launch.” Blaze told his wing of Aerospace fighters. “I want the void cleared for our Stings to uncouple and render assistance.”
“Copy Blaze/Copy lead” Came back to him on his Royal Stuka’s comms systems.
“This is where it gets real people,” Blaze informed some of his newer pilots. “We’re probably up against a Veteran or Elite unit that has been waiting for us. Stick by your wingmen and make sure to move close to a Sting if you’ve taken extra armor damage.”
“Yessir.” They responded and began ensuring that the space for their Dropships was clear before moving into escort positions.
“Blaze, get us on the ground safe, we’ll do the rest.” Stone told him over the command channel.
“I’ll do the best I can.” Blaze responded. “We’ve got enough birds to do some heavy damage here.”
“That’s what we’re here for Blaze, heavy damage.” Stone chuckled. “See you on the ground.”
“See you on the ground.” Blaze agreed.
Chapter Ninety-Nine:Invasion(Sverdlovsk/Status along the border)
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Chapter Ninety-Nine:Invasion(Sverdlovsk/Status along the border)
Sverdlovsk, February 5th, 3020
“Looks like they weren’t expecting us.” Peterson grinned, “And that our intel was correct, only militia units here.”
“Yessir,” Major Carter agreed. “Grab the factory and hold the planet, or fall back and support Hull?”
“Grab the factory and leave.” Peterson said. “Then pull back to cover Hull.”
“Sounds like a plan sir.” Carter replied. “We’ve got what, three days before we hit the atmosphere?”
“Three days, and then we’re taking everything of value with us when we leave.” Peterson said.
February 10th, 2020
“Peterson,” Major Carter said. “Militia is refusing to engage us, they’re not even opposing us taking the factory with us.”
“That’s good to hear, but keep our people on high alert.” Peterson said. “You never know if the Dracs or Cappies have tricks up their sleeves.”
“Yessir, staying on high alert.” Carter responded.
“And have our engineers take their time, we don’t know if the factory is trapped or not.” Peterson reminded, “The last thing we need to do is set off some sort of plague or nuke that the ISF left buried here for scavengers to set off.”
Carter just looked at Peterson with a touch of fear in her eyes. “Is that how you would have rigged it sir?”
“Absolutely,” Peterson responded. “If you’re going to be denying an enemy and asset then you go all of the way.” He sighed, “I get that you’re still a little bit of a fresh officer Carter, but when you go to war, you either go all in, and commit to the war, or you hold back and watch as more people suffer because you decided to only half heartedly fight an enemy.”
“I think I get it sir.” She replied, “It’s just a little strange to go that far in my own head.”
“Well, get used to it, Major.” Peterson advised, “Because if you can come up with an idea, the enemy can too.”
“So you have to not only plan for what they are known for? But also what you might do as well in your own planning?” Carter asked. “That seems like a lot of planning and hassle.”
“It is.” Peterson agreed,” But you have to know how your own people think and how the enemy will most likely respond, otherwise you get caught flat footed and have the potential of getting your own people killed.” Peterson walked over to check the map of the area that was on the table in his dropship. “For example, the Summer Militia that we went up against a few years ago, I know you were just a lieutenant back then, but because the Militia knew that the 1st Marksman are rated as an Elite RCT they knew that we would be able to handedly crush them, so they surrendered, and saved all but the most stupid of people on the planet.”
“Or the militia units on this planet sir?” Carter asked.
“No, it might be better for the militia here to have attacked us.” Peterson sighed. “If only because we treat POWs better than the ISF will treat them for being “Cowards” for not attacking a force that’s much better equipped and has more numbers than their own.” Peterson stopped pacing for a minute. “This is the reason why the Capellans and Dracs will eventually fall under the pressure of their own people, these kinds of governments can’t be sustained in the long term unless you manage to prove you eclipse your enemies in skill and technology at every turn.” He shrugged, “Otherwise, your propaganda machine will eventually slip up, and all of the lies the people have been told will be made evident, and I wouldn’t want to be on Luthien if that ever happened.”
“Agreed sir,” Carter said. “Agreed.”
New Avalon, March 1st, 3020
“Yvonne, what news on the raids across the Combine border?” Ian asked. “I’m sure there’s something.”
“While there are updates,” Yvonne raised an eyebrow at Ian. “I also know that you’re trying to get your turn with David pushed off onto Hanse and Dana again.”
“The kid is a little monster.” Ian said, “He doesn’t listen to a word of what I say.”
“That’s because you never set boundaries with him when you first babysat him.” Yvonne smirked, “To children, boundaries are a big deal. “
“The update Yvonne, not advice for rearing children that I don’t have.” Ian interrupted. “I’m an eternal bachelor anyway, it’s more fun this way.”
“Fine,” Yvonne shook her head. “I’ll give you your damned updates.”
“Two regiments of the Northwind Highlanders pushed and took Dieron from the Combine.” She started, “They left behind a regiment in order to keep the world secured from any retaliatory raids.” Hull has taken Galedon V, and sent back a message asking if we wanted him to hold the world or to return. Styx, and Deshler were taken as well. While the 1st Robinson Rangers and a regiment of the Eridani Light Horse are still fighting on Proserpina, but they are confident they can take and hold the world.”
“I thought we were just launching raids across the border.” Ian said after the shock had worn off. “Not a multi-pronged invasion.”
“We were just launching raids, but we somehow managed to catch the Combine by surprise, and they had rotated units out for rest and repair when we hit.”
“Have Hull pull back and move to Proserpina to assist with taking that world.” Ian said after a minute. “And send the 13th through the 16th Avalon Hussars to reinforce our borders for the counterattack that’s going to be coming. They need the extra experience anyway. “
“Ian, those units are regulars.” Yvonne reminded him. “They’ve not been tested yet, we may want to pair them up with elite regiments to secure the borders.”
“Have one of the Davion Guards RCT’s move to a place where they can assist on any of the planets we have the Hussars stationed at, but we need those units bloodied in order to get them up to veteran or elite units.” Ian paused. “And when the 2nd Marksman get back, hire them on as a QRF for any units, Kentares is close enough to a number of worlds that they can move to assist wherever they’ll be needed.”
“I’ll send out the orders later today Ian.” Yvonne responded to him, “But if we’re successful in holding those worlds, it could be a sign of some blood on the horizon, the Combine can’t allow us to hold two regional capitals, and having successfully raided another will mean they might decide to break out the WMDs.”
“We’ll have to have our units on high alert for any activity that might indicate this.” Ian said, “Have DMI and MIIO coordinate in order to make sure that we screen for ISF and DEST teams on the regular.”
“Already had it in the works.” Yvonne told Ian, “Now go give Hanse and Dana a break and watch David for them please.”
“Fine, I’m leaving.” Ian said with a groan standing up. “I’ll go handle the little menace to society.”
Luthien, March 2nd, 3020
“We must retake Proserpina and Dieron.” Coordinator Takeshi Kurita said to his staff. “I will be taking the 1st Sword of Light along with what remains of the 5th Sword of Light to retake the world, and have Warlord Cherenkoff use his forces to retake Dieron, I fully expect him to lead them himself.”
Author's note: I typically don't do dice rolls to decide battles, and I didn't Fully do that here either. I did roll a preparedness check though with a D(20). The Dracs rolled a nat 1, and the Davions rolled a 10. Hence why the Davions did well along the border, but not enough to push the entire border back. Here's where it gets interesting. Because it takes time to get back. So Hull and crew could end up against whatever Takeshi brings with him to take Proserpina back. And on top of that, the Robinson Rangers and ELH regiment took quite a beating. So they'll have to either pull back or die against the 2 SoL regiments plus whatever ends up coming with.
Sverdlovsk, February 5th, 3020
“Looks like they weren’t expecting us.” Peterson grinned, “And that our intel was correct, only militia units here.”
“Yessir,” Major Carter agreed. “Grab the factory and hold the planet, or fall back and support Hull?”
“Grab the factory and leave.” Peterson said. “Then pull back to cover Hull.”
“Sounds like a plan sir.” Carter replied. “We’ve got what, three days before we hit the atmosphere?”
“Three days, and then we’re taking everything of value with us when we leave.” Peterson said.
February 10th, 2020
“Peterson,” Major Carter said. “Militia is refusing to engage us, they’re not even opposing us taking the factory with us.”
“That’s good to hear, but keep our people on high alert.” Peterson said. “You never know if the Dracs or Cappies have tricks up their sleeves.”
“Yessir, staying on high alert.” Carter responded.
“And have our engineers take their time, we don’t know if the factory is trapped or not.” Peterson reminded, “The last thing we need to do is set off some sort of plague or nuke that the ISF left buried here for scavengers to set off.”
Carter just looked at Peterson with a touch of fear in her eyes. “Is that how you would have rigged it sir?”
“Absolutely,” Peterson responded. “If you’re going to be denying an enemy and asset then you go all of the way.” He sighed, “I get that you’re still a little bit of a fresh officer Carter, but when you go to war, you either go all in, and commit to the war, or you hold back and watch as more people suffer because you decided to only half heartedly fight an enemy.”
“I think I get it sir.” She replied, “It’s just a little strange to go that far in my own head.”
“Well, get used to it, Major.” Peterson advised, “Because if you can come up with an idea, the enemy can too.”
“So you have to not only plan for what they are known for? But also what you might do as well in your own planning?” Carter asked. “That seems like a lot of planning and hassle.”
“It is.” Peterson agreed,” But you have to know how your own people think and how the enemy will most likely respond, otherwise you get caught flat footed and have the potential of getting your own people killed.” Peterson walked over to check the map of the area that was on the table in his dropship. “For example, the Summer Militia that we went up against a few years ago, I know you were just a lieutenant back then, but because the Militia knew that the 1st Marksman are rated as an Elite RCT they knew that we would be able to handedly crush them, so they surrendered, and saved all but the most stupid of people on the planet.”
“Or the militia units on this planet sir?” Carter asked.
“No, it might be better for the militia here to have attacked us.” Peterson sighed. “If only because we treat POWs better than the ISF will treat them for being “Cowards” for not attacking a force that’s much better equipped and has more numbers than their own.” Peterson stopped pacing for a minute. “This is the reason why the Capellans and Dracs will eventually fall under the pressure of their own people, these kinds of governments can’t be sustained in the long term unless you manage to prove you eclipse your enemies in skill and technology at every turn.” He shrugged, “Otherwise, your propaganda machine will eventually slip up, and all of the lies the people have been told will be made evident, and I wouldn’t want to be on Luthien if that ever happened.”
“Agreed sir,” Carter said. “Agreed.”
New Avalon, March 1st, 3020
“Yvonne, what news on the raids across the Combine border?” Ian asked. “I’m sure there’s something.”
“While there are updates,” Yvonne raised an eyebrow at Ian. “I also know that you’re trying to get your turn with David pushed off onto Hanse and Dana again.”
“The kid is a little monster.” Ian said, “He doesn’t listen to a word of what I say.”
“That’s because you never set boundaries with him when you first babysat him.” Yvonne smirked, “To children, boundaries are a big deal. “
“The update Yvonne, not advice for rearing children that I don’t have.” Ian interrupted. “I’m an eternal bachelor anyway, it’s more fun this way.”
“Fine,” Yvonne shook her head. “I’ll give you your damned updates.”
“Two regiments of the Northwind Highlanders pushed and took Dieron from the Combine.” She started, “They left behind a regiment in order to keep the world secured from any retaliatory raids.” Hull has taken Galedon V, and sent back a message asking if we wanted him to hold the world or to return. Styx, and Deshler were taken as well. While the 1st Robinson Rangers and a regiment of the Eridani Light Horse are still fighting on Proserpina, but they are confident they can take and hold the world.”
“I thought we were just launching raids across the border.” Ian said after the shock had worn off. “Not a multi-pronged invasion.”
“We were just launching raids, but we somehow managed to catch the Combine by surprise, and they had rotated units out for rest and repair when we hit.”
“Have Hull pull back and move to Proserpina to assist with taking that world.” Ian said after a minute. “And send the 13th through the 16th Avalon Hussars to reinforce our borders for the counterattack that’s going to be coming. They need the extra experience anyway. “
“Ian, those units are regulars.” Yvonne reminded him. “They’ve not been tested yet, we may want to pair them up with elite regiments to secure the borders.”
“Have one of the Davion Guards RCT’s move to a place where they can assist on any of the planets we have the Hussars stationed at, but we need those units bloodied in order to get them up to veteran or elite units.” Ian paused. “And when the 2nd Marksman get back, hire them on as a QRF for any units, Kentares is close enough to a number of worlds that they can move to assist wherever they’ll be needed.”
“I’ll send out the orders later today Ian.” Yvonne responded to him, “But if we’re successful in holding those worlds, it could be a sign of some blood on the horizon, the Combine can’t allow us to hold two regional capitals, and having successfully raided another will mean they might decide to break out the WMDs.”
“We’ll have to have our units on high alert for any activity that might indicate this.” Ian said, “Have DMI and MIIO coordinate in order to make sure that we screen for ISF and DEST teams on the regular.”
“Already had it in the works.” Yvonne told Ian, “Now go give Hanse and Dana a break and watch David for them please.”
“Fine, I’m leaving.” Ian said with a groan standing up. “I’ll go handle the little menace to society.”
Luthien, March 2nd, 3020
“We must retake Proserpina and Dieron.” Coordinator Takeshi Kurita said to his staff. “I will be taking the 1st Sword of Light along with what remains of the 5th Sword of Light to retake the world, and have Warlord Cherenkoff use his forces to retake Dieron, I fully expect him to lead them himself.”
Author's note: I typically don't do dice rolls to decide battles, and I didn't Fully do that here either. I did roll a preparedness check though with a D(20). The Dracs rolled a nat 1, and the Davions rolled a 10. Hence why the Davions did well along the border, but not enough to push the entire border back. Here's where it gets interesting. Because it takes time to get back. So Hull and crew could end up against whatever Takeshi brings with him to take Proserpina back. And on top of that, the Robinson Rangers and ELH regiment took quite a beating. So they'll have to either pull back or die against the 2 SoL regiments plus whatever ends up coming with.
Chapter One Hundred: Retaliation
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Chapter One Hundred: Retaliation
May 26th, 3020 Proserpina Jump point
“Coordinator, we are receiving a signal from an ISF unit on the planet below.” A communications officer informed Takashi. “The Eridani Light Horse and the Robinson Rangers are at below fifty percent strength is what they are reporting.”
“And they have not been reinforced yet?” Takeshi asked. “They must be overconfident, pass along a message to sabotage them so that we may have a secure landing zone.”
“Yes Coordinator,” The Comms officer responded. “It will be done.”
“Now, broadcast to the enemy forces on Proserpina, I wish for them to know just how outmatched they are.” Takashi commanded. “You have pushed too far this time Davions, we shall eradicate you like the pests you are, and push on through to Robinson after we are done here.”
Proserpina, May 27th, 3020
“Colonel,” Duke Aaron Sandoval greeted Colonel William Erik Peterson of the 71st Light Horse regiment. “We’ve got a bit of a situation on our hands, and I know that you’re aware of who and what just jumped into the system, but we’ve currently got bigger problems.”
“What might that be Field Marshal?” Colonel Peterson asked. “We already know that until they land we’re cut off from our Jumpships.”
“A DEST team managed to sabotage the Rangers dropship fuel lines.” Sandoval informed him. “We’re stranded for a week until we can get them fixed.”
“Well, that presents some issues.” Peterson said in response. “Do we have any sort of ETA on our own reinforcements?”
“Even if Hull left Galedon the very second that he heard about pulling back, they would still take a week or so to be here.”
“Then load up your wounded into our Dropships.” The ELH CO told Sandoval. “We’ll leave behind a company to help fill out your forces while we take our dead and wounded home.”
“You want to run?” Sandoval asked a little incredulously.
“No,” The ELH Colonel met Sandoval’s eyes. “But we understand how important getting the wounded out is, I’ll personally be staying behind, with my XO taking the rest of the group to get reinforcements.”
“Alright.” Sandoval sighed, his older age starting to weigh on him. “My son is amongst the wounded, make sure that he ends up on one of those dropships.”
“I’ll put him on one myself.” The Colonel promised. “We’re going to have to send up all of our remaining Aerospace assets to cover them though.”
“I’ll send mine up to cover, better some of us make it out at least.” Sandoval replied.”
May 29th, 3020
“We’ve got the 1st SoL engaged.” Aaron Sandoval spoke into his comms systems. “Get the dropships out of here.”
“Roger that sir.” Colonel Peterson replied. “We just finished loading them up now.”
“Launch those Aerospace fighters.” Sandoval ordered, “We need those Dropships to make it out of here. “
“Field Marshal,” his comms lit up. “We’re being pressed on all sides.”
“Fall back, and have all of our Dropships take off, we’re going to ground.” He commanded, reversing his Victor into a side street. “Our only hope right now is that reinforcements arrive.”
New Avalon, March 3rd, 3020
“Yvonne,” Ian told the Prince’s Champion. “I’m taking the Heavy Guards and moving to reinforce Proserpina, I have a feeling I need to be there.”
“Do I need to get Hull to be your bodyguard again?” Yvonne asked exasperatedly. “Because he’ll do it.”
“No, but I think this is something I need to do.” Ian was strangely serious. “I do have a last will and testament though.”
“Are you sure this is that important?” Yvonne asked. “Because if you die over something stupid then I’ll bring you back from the grave to finish your paperwork.”
“I’m sure.” Ian said confidently.” In fact, this might be the most important thing I’ve ever done aside from making Hull a noble.”
May 30th, 3020
“Takashi Kurita,” Came in over the Battlemaster’s comms on an open channel. “This is First Prince Ian Davion, I come with the Davion Heavy Guards, and while I know that both of our forces are skilled and ready to fight to the death, I would rather avoid the pointless waste of men and machines.”
“What are you proposing?” The Coordinator asked bluntly.
“A duel, between the two of us, and regardless of who wins, we have a cease fire for ten years.” Ian said. “If you win, I turn over Dieron and Proserpina back over to you. But if I win, I retain control of these worlds. And regardless of who wins, our nations get to recuperate for at least ten years.”
Takashi let silence fill the air for a long time as he considered this. While it was a fair offer, he had to think of any potential repercussions.
“If I win, you turn the 2nd Sword of Lights colors back over as well.” Takeshi said after thinking about it. “And you return Deshler to us as well. “
“I accept.” Ian agreed. “Set aside a place for my dropship to land, and when my second arrives, we will conduct this duel.”
Author's note: Probably the shortest chapter I've written for the main story in a long time. But, it felt fitting to end it here.
May 26th, 3020 Proserpina Jump point
“Coordinator, we are receiving a signal from an ISF unit on the planet below.” A communications officer informed Takashi. “The Eridani Light Horse and the Robinson Rangers are at below fifty percent strength is what they are reporting.”
“And they have not been reinforced yet?” Takeshi asked. “They must be overconfident, pass along a message to sabotage them so that we may have a secure landing zone.”
“Yes Coordinator,” The Comms officer responded. “It will be done.”
“Now, broadcast to the enemy forces on Proserpina, I wish for them to know just how outmatched they are.” Takashi commanded. “You have pushed too far this time Davions, we shall eradicate you like the pests you are, and push on through to Robinson after we are done here.”
Proserpina, May 27th, 3020
“Colonel,” Duke Aaron Sandoval greeted Colonel William Erik Peterson of the 71st Light Horse regiment. “We’ve got a bit of a situation on our hands, and I know that you’re aware of who and what just jumped into the system, but we’ve currently got bigger problems.”
“What might that be Field Marshal?” Colonel Peterson asked. “We already know that until they land we’re cut off from our Jumpships.”
“A DEST team managed to sabotage the Rangers dropship fuel lines.” Sandoval informed him. “We’re stranded for a week until we can get them fixed.”
“Well, that presents some issues.” Peterson said in response. “Do we have any sort of ETA on our own reinforcements?”
“Even if Hull left Galedon the very second that he heard about pulling back, they would still take a week or so to be here.”
“Then load up your wounded into our Dropships.” The ELH CO told Sandoval. “We’ll leave behind a company to help fill out your forces while we take our dead and wounded home.”
“You want to run?” Sandoval asked a little incredulously.
“No,” The ELH Colonel met Sandoval’s eyes. “But we understand how important getting the wounded out is, I’ll personally be staying behind, with my XO taking the rest of the group to get reinforcements.”
“Alright.” Sandoval sighed, his older age starting to weigh on him. “My son is amongst the wounded, make sure that he ends up on one of those dropships.”
“I’ll put him on one myself.” The Colonel promised. “We’re going to have to send up all of our remaining Aerospace assets to cover them though.”
“I’ll send mine up to cover, better some of us make it out at least.” Sandoval replied.”
May 29th, 3020
“We’ve got the 1st SoL engaged.” Aaron Sandoval spoke into his comms systems. “Get the dropships out of here.”
“Roger that sir.” Colonel Peterson replied. “We just finished loading them up now.”
“Launch those Aerospace fighters.” Sandoval ordered, “We need those Dropships to make it out of here. “
“Field Marshal,” his comms lit up. “We’re being pressed on all sides.”
“Fall back, and have all of our Dropships take off, we’re going to ground.” He commanded, reversing his Victor into a side street. “Our only hope right now is that reinforcements arrive.”
New Avalon, March 3rd, 3020
“Yvonne,” Ian told the Prince’s Champion. “I’m taking the Heavy Guards and moving to reinforce Proserpina, I have a feeling I need to be there.”
“Do I need to get Hull to be your bodyguard again?” Yvonne asked exasperatedly. “Because he’ll do it.”
“No, but I think this is something I need to do.” Ian was strangely serious. “I do have a last will and testament though.”
“Are you sure this is that important?” Yvonne asked. “Because if you die over something stupid then I’ll bring you back from the grave to finish your paperwork.”
“I’m sure.” Ian said confidently.” In fact, this might be the most important thing I’ve ever done aside from making Hull a noble.”
May 30th, 3020
“Takashi Kurita,” Came in over the Battlemaster’s comms on an open channel. “This is First Prince Ian Davion, I come with the Davion Heavy Guards, and while I know that both of our forces are skilled and ready to fight to the death, I would rather avoid the pointless waste of men and machines.”
“What are you proposing?” The Coordinator asked bluntly.
“A duel, between the two of us, and regardless of who wins, we have a cease fire for ten years.” Ian said. “If you win, I turn over Dieron and Proserpina back over to you. But if I win, I retain control of these worlds. And regardless of who wins, our nations get to recuperate for at least ten years.”
Takashi let silence fill the air for a long time as he considered this. While it was a fair offer, he had to think of any potential repercussions.
“If I win, you turn the 2nd Sword of Lights colors back over as well.” Takeshi said after thinking about it. “And you return Deshler to us as well. “
“I accept.” Ian agreed. “Set aside a place for my dropship to land, and when my second arrives, we will conduct this duel.”
Author's note: Probably the shortest chapter I've written for the main story in a long time. But, it felt fitting to end it here.
Chapter One Hundred and One: Duel
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Chapter One Hundred and One: Duel (Modified Both lose)
Proserpina, June 2nd, 3020
“You may only land with one Dropship and only your personal ‘mech may leave.” I was informed. “You have been selected as First Prince Ian Davion’s second in this duel of honor between the Coordinator and your liege lord.”
“I’ll be dropping in an aerodyne, and only my personal Warhammer will be disembarking from the dropship.” I informed Tai-Sho Ano Rentoshi. “Do not open fire or the Kentares Guard will come in and kill you.”
“You are promised safe passage alone to the dueling site.” Tai-Sho Rentoshi repeated. “Do not deviate from the course we provide.”
“Well, Ian’s being stupid again.” I shrugged at Colonel Packer. “I’m taking the Messenger down along with Natasha.” I looked the command staff in the eye. “I want everyone to honor the outcome of the duel no matter what may happen. Am I understood?”
“Yes sir!” Echoed through.
“Good, now I’ve got a dropship to catch.” I told them.
June 6th, 3020
“Tai-Sho, I think this would be a good spot for the duel to take place.” I looked out over the maps that I had been provided. “It provides no specific side an advantage, and in fact, grants them both a disadvantage.”
“Hmm,” The Tai-Sho stroked his mustache. “We shall have to go and inspect it personally, but I am inclined to agree with you.”
“Let’s get a VTOL and go take a look then.” I said in response. “We don’t exactly have time to waste if we want this duel set for tomorrow.”
“Yes, let us go.” Rentoshi replied, and he called an aid over to get a VTOL for us. “I did not expect one such as you to take to the duties of a second so well.” Rentoshi attempted to make conversation while we waited.
“Just because I don’t believe in fighting fair on the battlefield doesn’t mean that I am without honor.” I stated, “And I always carry out my duty to my liege as I am assigned.”
“Well then, may I never meet you on the battlefield.” Rentoshi said as he stood still as a statue
.
Meanwhile, I just folded my arms across my pilot Mithril suit and waited for the VTOL to arrive. I had already given Ian a piece of my mind earlier, and was now just discharging my duties as necessary.
–
–
Three hours later…
Rentoshi and I stepped out of the VTOL, ready to do a visual inspection of the area that we thought would make for the best place to conduct the duel.
“Yes, I think this will do quite nicely.” I said as we looked at the two hundred square acres of plains and forest around us. “There’s no real advantage no matter where you start.”
“Yes, we would have to start them on opposite sides of the forest in order for it to be equivalent for both sides.” Rentoshi offered up.
“Alright, seeing as both sides are equal, we’re going to flip a coin for it.” I said and I reached into a pouch on my Mithril tac vest and drew out an old USA quarter. “This is a quarter from the old Terran United States of America.” I explained to the Tai-Sho. “You call heads, and if it lands there, you get first pick of the side, if it lands tails, I get first pick.”
“That sounds more than enough.” The Tai-Sho agreed. “Let us flip this coin.”
“Alright.” I agreed, and flipped the coin onto the dusty ground beneath our feet while Rentoshi called “Heads”.
Looking down, I let him see what it had landed on before I grabbed it.
“Tai-Sho, west side or east side?” I asked. “It’s your decision.”
“I believe that we shall take the east.” He said. “Now that we have established this, let us mark out the exact dimensions of the dueling grounds.”
Dueling grounds, June 7th, 3020
“First Prince Davion,” I greeted my liege lord. “I have a spare Mithril pilot suit that should fit you.”
“No Mark, I can’t put it on, or it will violate the rules of the duel.” Ian told me. “Now, are you going to give me a hand getting into my Atlas, or are you going to stand there glaring at me.”
“I’m more inclined to do that latter.” I said with a frown on my face. “This is not a good idea, Prince Davion.”
“I have a name you know,” Ian tried to be funny but I was having none of it.
“Ian, please reconsider this.” I said.
“I already have, and my mind won’t change on this one.” Ian smiled sadly before pulling me in for a hug. “Take care of Hanse for me if I lose.” He whispered. “He doesn’t know how to be a good ruler yet, but that’s because he’s going to be a great one.”
“Go kill yourself a snake Ian.” I smiled. “Let’s all go home today.”
I helped Ian onto the ladder leading up into his Atlas, and then climbed into my Warhammer in the same manner. Both Tai-Sho Rentoshi and my ‘mech’s weapons would be safed unless we noticed a breach in the rules
Ian’s Atlas powered up, the behemoth bristling with Clan tech aside from the Gauss rifle, which was of NAIS manufacture. Hopefully, it would be enough to take on Takaski’s Royal Battlemaster.
Rentoshi and I met up in the middle of the field in our ‘mechs, he in his Marauder, and myself in my Warhammer.
“Are you ready, Coordinator?” I broadcast on an open channel while Rentoshi did the same.
“I am ready, Duke Hull.” Takashi responded.
“Are you ready, First Prince?” Rentoshi asked.
“I’m ready, Tai-Sho.” Ian responded.
“Then this duel is begun.” Rentoshi stated.
The two ‘mechs didn’t even bother with weapons at first, instead, they moved into melee range and began a straight up brawl. With both ‘mechs in what seemed to be a ‘mech sized boxing match for a time.
Then, as if on cue, the two rulers began to use their weapons on each other in conjunction to their fists, each trying their best to ensure that the other was weakened faster. With Takashi using his medium lasers, machine guns, large pulse laser, and SRMs to great effect, precision targeting areas that would lower the Atlas’ armor over the important areas. Whereas, Ian was just cutting loose with his clan based ER medium lasers. Melting large swaths of armor off of Takashi’s battlemaster. And then something went wrong.
A reactor going critical was actually not a common thing on the modern battlefield or even in the days of the Star League. In fact, there were numerous safeties to ensure that they did not go critical on the battlefield so that their pilots and ‘mechs could be saved/salvaged. Which is why when both of the duelers mechs went critical we were shocked.
My Warhammer was rocked by the explosion, and I barely managed to tell my computer to track the ejection seat of the Coordinator and the ejection pod of Ian.
“Tai-Sho.” I said, my communications systems cutting through the EMP. “I do not believe we had anything set up to deal with this.”
“No Duke Hull, we did not have a plan for this.” Rentoshi replied. “We shall leave it to our superiors to negotiate this.”
“Understood.” I said after a moment. “Let's get a VTOL in here, I’m tracking both ejections.”
Proserpina, June 2nd, 3020
“You may only land with one Dropship and only your personal ‘mech may leave.” I was informed. “You have been selected as First Prince Ian Davion’s second in this duel of honor between the Coordinator and your liege lord.”
“I’ll be dropping in an aerodyne, and only my personal Warhammer will be disembarking from the dropship.” I informed Tai-Sho Ano Rentoshi. “Do not open fire or the Kentares Guard will come in and kill you.”
“You are promised safe passage alone to the dueling site.” Tai-Sho Rentoshi repeated. “Do not deviate from the course we provide.”
“Well, Ian’s being stupid again.” I shrugged at Colonel Packer. “I’m taking the Messenger down along with Natasha.” I looked the command staff in the eye. “I want everyone to honor the outcome of the duel no matter what may happen. Am I understood?”
“Yes sir!” Echoed through.
“Good, now I’ve got a dropship to catch.” I told them.
June 6th, 3020
“Tai-Sho, I think this would be a good spot for the duel to take place.” I looked out over the maps that I had been provided. “It provides no specific side an advantage, and in fact, grants them both a disadvantage.”
“Hmm,” The Tai-Sho stroked his mustache. “We shall have to go and inspect it personally, but I am inclined to agree with you.”
“Let’s get a VTOL and go take a look then.” I said in response. “We don’t exactly have time to waste if we want this duel set for tomorrow.”
“Yes, let us go.” Rentoshi replied, and he called an aid over to get a VTOL for us. “I did not expect one such as you to take to the duties of a second so well.” Rentoshi attempted to make conversation while we waited.
“Just because I don’t believe in fighting fair on the battlefield doesn’t mean that I am without honor.” I stated, “And I always carry out my duty to my liege as I am assigned.”
“Well then, may I never meet you on the battlefield.” Rentoshi said as he stood still as a statue
.
Meanwhile, I just folded my arms across my pilot Mithril suit and waited for the VTOL to arrive. I had already given Ian a piece of my mind earlier, and was now just discharging my duties as necessary.
–
–
Three hours later…
Rentoshi and I stepped out of the VTOL, ready to do a visual inspection of the area that we thought would make for the best place to conduct the duel.
“Yes, I think this will do quite nicely.” I said as we looked at the two hundred square acres of plains and forest around us. “There’s no real advantage no matter where you start.”
“Yes, we would have to start them on opposite sides of the forest in order for it to be equivalent for both sides.” Rentoshi offered up.
“Alright, seeing as both sides are equal, we’re going to flip a coin for it.” I said and I reached into a pouch on my Mithril tac vest and drew out an old USA quarter. “This is a quarter from the old Terran United States of America.” I explained to the Tai-Sho. “You call heads, and if it lands there, you get first pick of the side, if it lands tails, I get first pick.”
“That sounds more than enough.” The Tai-Sho agreed. “Let us flip this coin.”
“Alright.” I agreed, and flipped the coin onto the dusty ground beneath our feet while Rentoshi called “Heads”.
Looking down, I let him see what it had landed on before I grabbed it.
“Tai-Sho, west side or east side?” I asked. “It’s your decision.”
“I believe that we shall take the east.” He said. “Now that we have established this, let us mark out the exact dimensions of the dueling grounds.”
Dueling grounds, June 7th, 3020
“First Prince Davion,” I greeted my liege lord. “I have a spare Mithril pilot suit that should fit you.”
“No Mark, I can’t put it on, or it will violate the rules of the duel.” Ian told me. “Now, are you going to give me a hand getting into my Atlas, or are you going to stand there glaring at me.”
“I’m more inclined to do that latter.” I said with a frown on my face. “This is not a good idea, Prince Davion.”
“I have a name you know,” Ian tried to be funny but I was having none of it.
“Ian, please reconsider this.” I said.
“I already have, and my mind won’t change on this one.” Ian smiled sadly before pulling me in for a hug. “Take care of Hanse for me if I lose.” He whispered. “He doesn’t know how to be a good ruler yet, but that’s because he’s going to be a great one.”
“Go kill yourself a snake Ian.” I smiled. “Let’s all go home today.”
I helped Ian onto the ladder leading up into his Atlas, and then climbed into my Warhammer in the same manner. Both Tai-Sho Rentoshi and my ‘mech’s weapons would be safed unless we noticed a breach in the rules
Ian’s Atlas powered up, the behemoth bristling with Clan tech aside from the Gauss rifle, which was of NAIS manufacture. Hopefully, it would be enough to take on Takaski’s Royal Battlemaster.
Rentoshi and I met up in the middle of the field in our ‘mechs, he in his Marauder, and myself in my Warhammer.
“Are you ready, Coordinator?” I broadcast on an open channel while Rentoshi did the same.
“I am ready, Duke Hull.” Takashi responded.
“Are you ready, First Prince?” Rentoshi asked.
“I’m ready, Tai-Sho.” Ian responded.
“Then this duel is begun.” Rentoshi stated.
The two ‘mechs didn’t even bother with weapons at first, instead, they moved into melee range and began a straight up brawl. With both ‘mechs in what seemed to be a ‘mech sized boxing match for a time.
Then, as if on cue, the two rulers began to use their weapons on each other in conjunction to their fists, each trying their best to ensure that the other was weakened faster. With Takashi using his medium lasers, machine guns, large pulse laser, and SRMs to great effect, precision targeting areas that would lower the Atlas’ armor over the important areas. Whereas, Ian was just cutting loose with his clan based ER medium lasers. Melting large swaths of armor off of Takashi’s battlemaster. And then something went wrong.
A reactor going critical was actually not a common thing on the modern battlefield or even in the days of the Star League. In fact, there were numerous safeties to ensure that they did not go critical on the battlefield so that their pilots and ‘mechs could be saved/salvaged. Which is why when both of the duelers mechs went critical we were shocked.
My Warhammer was rocked by the explosion, and I barely managed to tell my computer to track the ejection seat of the Coordinator and the ejection pod of Ian.
“Tai-Sho.” I said, my communications systems cutting through the EMP. “I do not believe we had anything set up to deal with this.”
“No Duke Hull, we did not have a plan for this.” Rentoshi replied. “We shall leave it to our superiors to negotiate this.”
“Understood.” I said after a moment. “Let's get a VTOL in here, I’m tracking both ejections.”
Chapter One Hundred and Two: Settling Arguments (Without Casting Fist)
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Chapter One Hundred and Two: Settling Arguments (Without Casting Fist)
Proserpina, June 8th, 3020
“One hell of a birthday present you left me with Ian.” I muttered underneath my breath while looking at the two House Lords that were drinking and discussing the battle.
“Were you addressing me?” Tai-Sho Rentoshi asked. “Because if you were, I did not quite hear you.”
“No Tai-Sho.” I responded. “ I was merely going over the battlelogs and thinking about it out loud.”
“Well, we cannot decide a victor of the duel based on a few seconds delay between reactors.” Rentoshi said. “It is simply impossible to truly tell whose reactor failed first according to our sensors and camera logs.”
“And with their Battleroms being unsalvageable.” I said with a curse. “We have no way of settling a draw because we did not plan for this.”
“Yes.” The Tai-Sho agreed. “Had we planned for this, we would have already reached a final decision.”
“Let’s bring what we have now to them, and see what the First Prince and Coordinator desire.” I told Rentoshi.”
“Yes, let's.” He agreed, “I am curious as to what their wishes might be.”
“Coordinator,” Rentoshi greeted,” I regret to inform you that we have no conclusive evidence as to whom the victor might be.”
“Yes, I feared that might be the case.” Takashi Kurita said as he rubbed at his broken arm. “First Prince, have you any ideas how we might settle this once and for all?”
“Isn’t this the reason that we have seconds?” Ian asked as he shifted to make his braced leg more comfortable. “Let them finish the duel on our behalf.”
“Hmm.” Takashi thought out loud. “I like this idea.”
“I thought you would.” Ian said with a small smile. “We should have taken better care of our ‘mechs in this fight.”
“Yes.” Takashi agreed. “But it was… an enjoyable duel.”
“Agreed.” Ian said. “Now, I believe our seconds shall settle this, with the same rules as before.”
“That is agreeable to me.” Takashi said. “They shall duel in the same arena as we did, but they shall need their own seconds.”
I just sighed and looked at the Tai-Sho. “I will agree to a ‘mech duel, hand to hand, or pistols.”
“I will accept that.” Rentoshi said. “My XO will be my second.”
“Let me go find my wife.” I said. “She’ll be my second.”
June 9th, 3020;
“I really hate this kind of thing Ian.” I told the First Prince. “This is stupid, and unecessary.”
“Maybe that’s because you were once a part of the Star League and SLIC.” Ian smiled. “For you, honor doesn’t come from the battlefield, but for us Davions and the Kuritans, it does.”
“I’m not so sure that Hanse agrees with that statement.” I said with a shrug. “He seems to think there’s more honor in victory than in a pointless fight.”
“Hanse would have made a better First Prince.” Ian admitted, “I’ve even told him as much, but I fully expect you to follow through on this as my “Left hand”.”
“I can’t believe I get called that.” I facepalmed. “I’ll go fight this duel for you, but I’m going to be spending the next five years on Kentares.” I said. “If you want something from me, you’ll have to send Hanse or Dana to come talk to me.” I held up a hand to stop him from responding. “I’m not angry at you anymore, and I’m going to go out and settle this, but I’m tired of having to fight what feels like the entire inner sphere. I'm taking a break, and I don’t want to have to deal with the politics for the next five years.”
“I’ll do what I can do.” Ian agreed, “Now go win this thing.”
“I’m not going to brawl like you and Takashi did.” I said, “I got that out of my system years ago with Colonel Wolf.”
“I saw that tri-vid.” Ian laughed, “It was funny.”
“Well, this duel is a lot more serious than that.” I said. “I’m going to drop this guys ‘mech and go home.”
June 10th, 3020
“Let’s do this.” I muttered to myself as I powered up my Warhammer and got ready to finish this stupid duelling crap. “I’m tired and want to go home.”
“You may begin the duel.” Rentoshi’s second said over open comms, and I throttled my ‘mech forward.
Moving forward at half of my flank speed, I alternated fire with my Clan based ERPPC’s, making sure to ride the curve of my clan based freezers. I kept moving at a steady walk forwards, keeping him at the outer edge of my range until he began blasting me with his own ERPPC’s.
I moved my ‘mech forward into a run, rotating my torso as I flashed by and laying my Medium Lasers into the Marauder’s right leg, causing actuators to short out and it to slow down. Then, I moved to try and come behind the Marauder but the Tai-Sho had spun around by coming to a full stop and dropping onto a knee. Bracing his Marauder, he unleashed an alpha into the center torso of my Warhammer, causing me to stagger for a brief moment before I took off the leg that his Marauder was crouching on, leaving him immoble.
The Tai-Sho didn’t miss a beat to his credit, using his PPC’s and Medium lasers to chip away at me while I continued stripping his armor while he was unable to move, finally. I weakened the armor over all of his ‘mech enough that it was almost down to a mere skeleton, while I had enough armor that I could probably have fought another duel and been fine.
“Tai-Sho.” I finally opened up a channel. “If you give up now, no one will be able to say that you did not do your best.”
“I am afraid that I must continue the fight until I am unable to fight on, this is what my honor dictates.” Rentoshi replied. “For I am Samurai, and to dishonor the coordinator in this way would mean death.”
“Fucking weebs.” I muttered to myself after I had cut off my comms. “You’d think they’d have learned by now.” I joined my PPC fire into his AC/5, and cut it off from his Marauder and then proceeded to use my laser to rid him of his arm mounted ERPPC’s and lasers.
“I do not wish to savage your ‘mech anymore Rentoshi.” I said one last time. “Surrender this duel to myself and I will leave you with your remaining leg.”
“I cannot do that, Duke Hull.” He stood and began to limp towards my Warhammer. “I shall continue to fight for this is but a mere flesh wound.”
“I really hope you understand the reference you just made.” I said as I cut off his remaining leg at the knee joint with an alpha strike. “Because if you didn’t then that would just be sad.”
“Duke Hull is the winner of the duel.” Rentoshi’s second cut in. “Cease all activity.”
“Backing off now.” I responded. “I always keep my word.”
June 11th, 3020
“I will allow you to keep Dieron.” Ian said finally, “But Proserpina now belongs to the Federated Suns, along with Styx, and Delsher.
“That is acceptable.” Takashi replied. “May we have a long and prosperous ten years of peace and potentially more.”
“May we indeed.” Ian replied, “May we indeed.”
Proserpina, June 8th, 3020
“One hell of a birthday present you left me with Ian.” I muttered underneath my breath while looking at the two House Lords that were drinking and discussing the battle.
“Were you addressing me?” Tai-Sho Rentoshi asked. “Because if you were, I did not quite hear you.”
“No Tai-Sho.” I responded. “ I was merely going over the battlelogs and thinking about it out loud.”
“Well, we cannot decide a victor of the duel based on a few seconds delay between reactors.” Rentoshi said. “It is simply impossible to truly tell whose reactor failed first according to our sensors and camera logs.”
“And with their Battleroms being unsalvageable.” I said with a curse. “We have no way of settling a draw because we did not plan for this.”
“Yes.” The Tai-Sho agreed. “Had we planned for this, we would have already reached a final decision.”
“Let’s bring what we have now to them, and see what the First Prince and Coordinator desire.” I told Rentoshi.”
“Yes, let's.” He agreed, “I am curious as to what their wishes might be.”
“Coordinator,” Rentoshi greeted,” I regret to inform you that we have no conclusive evidence as to whom the victor might be.”
“Yes, I feared that might be the case.” Takashi Kurita said as he rubbed at his broken arm. “First Prince, have you any ideas how we might settle this once and for all?”
“Isn’t this the reason that we have seconds?” Ian asked as he shifted to make his braced leg more comfortable. “Let them finish the duel on our behalf.”
“Hmm.” Takashi thought out loud. “I like this idea.”
“I thought you would.” Ian said with a small smile. “We should have taken better care of our ‘mechs in this fight.”
“Yes.” Takashi agreed. “But it was… an enjoyable duel.”
“Agreed.” Ian said. “Now, I believe our seconds shall settle this, with the same rules as before.”
“That is agreeable to me.” Takashi said. “They shall duel in the same arena as we did, but they shall need their own seconds.”
I just sighed and looked at the Tai-Sho. “I will agree to a ‘mech duel, hand to hand, or pistols.”
“I will accept that.” Rentoshi said. “My XO will be my second.”
“Let me go find my wife.” I said. “She’ll be my second.”
June 9th, 3020;
“I really hate this kind of thing Ian.” I told the First Prince. “This is stupid, and unecessary.”
“Maybe that’s because you were once a part of the Star League and SLIC.” Ian smiled. “For you, honor doesn’t come from the battlefield, but for us Davions and the Kuritans, it does.”
“I’m not so sure that Hanse agrees with that statement.” I said with a shrug. “He seems to think there’s more honor in victory than in a pointless fight.”
“Hanse would have made a better First Prince.” Ian admitted, “I’ve even told him as much, but I fully expect you to follow through on this as my “Left hand”.”
“I can’t believe I get called that.” I facepalmed. “I’ll go fight this duel for you, but I’m going to be spending the next five years on Kentares.” I said. “If you want something from me, you’ll have to send Hanse or Dana to come talk to me.” I held up a hand to stop him from responding. “I’m not angry at you anymore, and I’m going to go out and settle this, but I’m tired of having to fight what feels like the entire inner sphere. I'm taking a break, and I don’t want to have to deal with the politics for the next five years.”
“I’ll do what I can do.” Ian agreed, “Now go win this thing.”
“I’m not going to brawl like you and Takashi did.” I said, “I got that out of my system years ago with Colonel Wolf.”
“I saw that tri-vid.” Ian laughed, “It was funny.”
“Well, this duel is a lot more serious than that.” I said. “I’m going to drop this guys ‘mech and go home.”
June 10th, 3020
“Let’s do this.” I muttered to myself as I powered up my Warhammer and got ready to finish this stupid duelling crap. “I’m tired and want to go home.”
“You may begin the duel.” Rentoshi’s second said over open comms, and I throttled my ‘mech forward.
Moving forward at half of my flank speed, I alternated fire with my Clan based ERPPC’s, making sure to ride the curve of my clan based freezers. I kept moving at a steady walk forwards, keeping him at the outer edge of my range until he began blasting me with his own ERPPC’s.
I moved my ‘mech forward into a run, rotating my torso as I flashed by and laying my Medium Lasers into the Marauder’s right leg, causing actuators to short out and it to slow down. Then, I moved to try and come behind the Marauder but the Tai-Sho had spun around by coming to a full stop and dropping onto a knee. Bracing his Marauder, he unleashed an alpha into the center torso of my Warhammer, causing me to stagger for a brief moment before I took off the leg that his Marauder was crouching on, leaving him immoble.
The Tai-Sho didn’t miss a beat to his credit, using his PPC’s and Medium lasers to chip away at me while I continued stripping his armor while he was unable to move, finally. I weakened the armor over all of his ‘mech enough that it was almost down to a mere skeleton, while I had enough armor that I could probably have fought another duel and been fine.
“Tai-Sho.” I finally opened up a channel. “If you give up now, no one will be able to say that you did not do your best.”
“I am afraid that I must continue the fight until I am unable to fight on, this is what my honor dictates.” Rentoshi replied. “For I am Samurai, and to dishonor the coordinator in this way would mean death.”
“Fucking weebs.” I muttered to myself after I had cut off my comms. “You’d think they’d have learned by now.” I joined my PPC fire into his AC/5, and cut it off from his Marauder and then proceeded to use my laser to rid him of his arm mounted ERPPC’s and lasers.
“I do not wish to savage your ‘mech anymore Rentoshi.” I said one last time. “Surrender this duel to myself and I will leave you with your remaining leg.”
“I cannot do that, Duke Hull.” He stood and began to limp towards my Warhammer. “I shall continue to fight for this is but a mere flesh wound.”
“I really hope you understand the reference you just made.” I said as I cut off his remaining leg at the knee joint with an alpha strike. “Because if you didn’t then that would just be sad.”
“Duke Hull is the winner of the duel.” Rentoshi’s second cut in. “Cease all activity.”
“Backing off now.” I responded. “I always keep my word.”
June 11th, 3020
“I will allow you to keep Dieron.” Ian said finally, “But Proserpina now belongs to the Federated Suns, along with Styx, and Delsher.
“That is acceptable.” Takashi replied. “May we have a long and prosperous ten years of peace and potentially more.”
“May we indeed.” Ian replied, “May we indeed.”
Chapter One Hundred and Three: Planning for the Future
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Chapter One Hundred and Three: Planning for the Future
Kentares IV, July 22nd, 3020
“Welcome back Hull,” Sheppard greeted me. “I take it everything went well?”
“Relatively.” I answered, “I see that Peterson and Stone returned.”
“Yes sir.” Sheppard replied, “And they’ve got full reports for review.” He paused in his steps for a moment. “Take it a little easy on Stone when you get his report.” Sheppard said, “He’s already beating himself up over it.”
“Do I want to know before I read the report?” I asked Sheppard. “Will it make me react any differently?”
“No,” Sheppard said. “By all accounts he succeeded beyond our expectations at his primary objective, and did extremely well in his own personally assigned secondary objectives.”
“But?” I asked.
“But, he did have higher casualties than any operation we’ve undertaken since we went up against the Big Mac.” Sheppard said bluntly. “We’re lucky we issued Mithril out like it’s candy because it limited our personnel’s casualties, but we lost a third of the machines that went out with him.”
“We can replace the machines, Sheppard.” I reminded the man. “But we can’t replace our people, I’ll do the debrief, and I’ll be running through what he did right, as well as what can be done better on his next op.” I sighed, “But, I will be chewing him out for self assigning a mission that might have required a different task force.”
“I get it Mark.” Sheppard said, “I was just informing you here before you reviewed the reports.”
“You know Sheppard,” I said as I turned around. “You can’t defend your students forever.”
“I’ll damned well try though.” Sheppard laughed. “Now get moving old man, it’s past your bedtime.”
“You’re only five years younger than me, Sheppard.” I said with a chuckle, “One day you’ll start turning gray too.”
“I’m not closer to fifty than you are though.” Sheppard said as he walked away.
July 23rd, 3020
“Stone, take a seat.” I told the younger officer. “I have some things to discuss with you.”
“If this is about the people that died…” Stone started before I cut him off.
“No,” I said. “Those people knew what they had signed up to do, I’m here to discuss you assigning yourself side objectives.” I stopped him before he could start talking again. “I don’t care that they were successful.” I sighed. “I’m grateful that we have another aerospace factory, but if you had been hired by any other employer, you would be blacklisted or have an MRB rating drop.”
“You’re being busted down to Major.” I told Stone, “Until you can learn some restraint you won’t be promoted beyond battalion commander again.”
“What about the men and women under my command?” Stone asked, “What discipline is being applied to them?”
“Blaze is getting off with a slap on the wrist.” I stated. “Given the way his and Wardog’s contract is worded I’m not allowed to actually do all that much to them, but the 2nd Marksman are being put under Colonel Peterson’s leadership for a while. And Sheppard will be serving as the 1st Marksman CO while Major Natasha fills in for him at the Marksman Academy.”
“I won’t let you down sir.” Now Major Stone saluted. “And something like this won’t happen ever again.”
“I know Stone, now sit back down, I’m not done with you yet.” I said. “We still need to go over what you did right.”
“But I didn’t do anything right.” Stone said, “I got a third of our machines downed, and ended up with more wounded than the Marksman have had in years.”
“Yes, but you also managed to hold off two regiments with one while simultaneously stealing an aerospace fighter factory out from underneath them.” I praised, “I’ve met maybe a couple of people who could have pulled that kind of thing off.” I smiled, “And I’ve hired as many of them as I possibly could, you did good Stone, you just need a little longer to season before you’re ready to be CO again.”
“Thank you sir.” Stone said, “I’ll get better
July 24th, 3020
“Dr. Rogers.” I greeted the woman as she entered my office. “I take it you either started or finished the refits on the factories we bought or moved?”
“Finished actually.” She sent the files over to my slate wirelessly. “Take a look.”
“Hmm.” I said while looking at them. “Turning the Swordsman into a smaller Shadow Hawk?” I asked, “What was the logic behind that?”
“There are no current manufacturers of the Shadow Hawk in the Federated Suns right now.” She said with a shrug, “And when we updated the design, it seemed to fit extremely well into that mold.”
“The Gladiator reads like a Griffin, but better in many ways.” I said. “I take it this is a variant that we’re going to market to garrison units?”
“Yes actually.” She responded, “When you combine it with the Von Rohr’s and the Swordsman it makes for a good mixed weight lance.”
“Yeah, the Von Rohrs looks like a Thunderbolt, but with way more punch packed in.” I said. “Do we have an estimate on how long it will take to retool and set up all of the factories we have?”
“Six months to retool.” She said, “Around five hundred of the people that settled down from Clan Wolf were a part of their Technician and Scientist Castes, that’ll help cut down on some of the time it takes.”
“If we were to automate the factories, how long would it take to set them up then?” I asked.
“After the six months of retooling the factories to modern standards, it would take a year to two years after that to automate the process.” She said, “If you want to automate these factories, we might as well do the rest of them as well.”
“Alright,” I said. “It’ll take four to five years to get everything automated?” I asked.
“Four to five if we manage to orient the Clan people in with our engineers and R&D team.” Rogers said.
“Have we made any progress on the L-F Drive addition that was on the Manassas?” I asked before she got ready to leave.
“It’ll take seven years before we’re ready to test it on one of our Invader Jumpships.” She said. “And you’ll have to get an update from Bruce on the New Rhodes shipyards.”
“Alright Dr. Rogers, thanks for the updates.” I said, “But before you go, I have one last thing to add to your team's plate. In fact, I want you personally to work on this one.” I opened my slate to the files that I had been perusing and sent them over.
“This is the Oppenheimer Hazardous Material Recovery Vehicle,” I said as she looked over the files I had sent her. “I want to build a factory for these things, and build as many of them as we can possibly manufacture, I want to donate as many of them as we manufacture to worlds around the Inner Sphere.”
“These are specifically for cleaning up worlds that are irradiated or toxic due to WMD’s.” Dr. Rogers said after looking at the information I had sent over to her slate.
“I want them cleaning up every damaged world in the Inner Sphere.” I said after a minute to let it sink in for her. “I’m going to have Sharpshooter donate them to worlds in the Periphery, the Lyran Commonwealth, the Combine, and what’s left of the FWL and Capcon.”
“You really want to start cleaning up the damage caused by the Succession Wars.” She said after a moment.
“I want us to start with two worlds, and to try and automate the Oppie’s as well, or at least make them able to be operated from a slate.” I said. “We’ll start with cleaning up Proserpina and Ozawa. I figure if we can clean up the damage done to those worlds, we can clean up almost anywhere else that might be affected.”
“Give me six months to get the factory built.” Dr. Rogers said excitedly. “This is the kind of job I’ve been waiting for.”
July 25th, 3020
“You Mark Hull, have been avoiding me.” Natasha said as I finally left my office.
“No, I haven’t been avoiding you, I’ve been avoiding your shadows.” I said. “Ever since they saw the Battlerom of the duel, it seems like they’ve been following me around.”
“It was impressive,” Natasha wrapped her arms around me before drawing me in for a kiss. “Shall I show you just how impressive I found it?”
“Of course.” I smiled as I kissed her back. “We should probably take this to the bedroom unless you want to scar Mathis though.”
Kentares IV, July 22nd, 3020
“Welcome back Hull,” Sheppard greeted me. “I take it everything went well?”
“Relatively.” I answered, “I see that Peterson and Stone returned.”
“Yes sir.” Sheppard replied, “And they’ve got full reports for review.” He paused in his steps for a moment. “Take it a little easy on Stone when you get his report.” Sheppard said, “He’s already beating himself up over it.”
“Do I want to know before I read the report?” I asked Sheppard. “Will it make me react any differently?”
“No,” Sheppard said. “By all accounts he succeeded beyond our expectations at his primary objective, and did extremely well in his own personally assigned secondary objectives.”
“But?” I asked.
“But, he did have higher casualties than any operation we’ve undertaken since we went up against the Big Mac.” Sheppard said bluntly. “We’re lucky we issued Mithril out like it’s candy because it limited our personnel’s casualties, but we lost a third of the machines that went out with him.”
“We can replace the machines, Sheppard.” I reminded the man. “But we can’t replace our people, I’ll do the debrief, and I’ll be running through what he did right, as well as what can be done better on his next op.” I sighed, “But, I will be chewing him out for self assigning a mission that might have required a different task force.”
“I get it Mark.” Sheppard said, “I was just informing you here before you reviewed the reports.”
“You know Sheppard,” I said as I turned around. “You can’t defend your students forever.”
“I’ll damned well try though.” Sheppard laughed. “Now get moving old man, it’s past your bedtime.”
“You’re only five years younger than me, Sheppard.” I said with a chuckle, “One day you’ll start turning gray too.”
“I’m not closer to fifty than you are though.” Sheppard said as he walked away.
July 23rd, 3020
“Stone, take a seat.” I told the younger officer. “I have some things to discuss with you.”
“If this is about the people that died…” Stone started before I cut him off.
“No,” I said. “Those people knew what they had signed up to do, I’m here to discuss you assigning yourself side objectives.” I stopped him before he could start talking again. “I don’t care that they were successful.” I sighed. “I’m grateful that we have another aerospace factory, but if you had been hired by any other employer, you would be blacklisted or have an MRB rating drop.”
“You’re being busted down to Major.” I told Stone, “Until you can learn some restraint you won’t be promoted beyond battalion commander again.”
“What about the men and women under my command?” Stone asked, “What discipline is being applied to them?”
“Blaze is getting off with a slap on the wrist.” I stated. “Given the way his and Wardog’s contract is worded I’m not allowed to actually do all that much to them, but the 2nd Marksman are being put under Colonel Peterson’s leadership for a while. And Sheppard will be serving as the 1st Marksman CO while Major Natasha fills in for him at the Marksman Academy.”
“I won’t let you down sir.” Now Major Stone saluted. “And something like this won’t happen ever again.”
“I know Stone, now sit back down, I’m not done with you yet.” I said. “We still need to go over what you did right.”
“But I didn’t do anything right.” Stone said, “I got a third of our machines downed, and ended up with more wounded than the Marksman have had in years.”
“Yes, but you also managed to hold off two regiments with one while simultaneously stealing an aerospace fighter factory out from underneath them.” I praised, “I’ve met maybe a couple of people who could have pulled that kind of thing off.” I smiled, “And I’ve hired as many of them as I possibly could, you did good Stone, you just need a little longer to season before you’re ready to be CO again.”
“Thank you sir.” Stone said, “I’ll get better
July 24th, 3020
“Dr. Rogers.” I greeted the woman as she entered my office. “I take it you either started or finished the refits on the factories we bought or moved?”
“Finished actually.” She sent the files over to my slate wirelessly. “Take a look.”
“Hmm.” I said while looking at them. “Turning the Swordsman into a smaller Shadow Hawk?” I asked, “What was the logic behind that?”
“There are no current manufacturers of the Shadow Hawk in the Federated Suns right now.” She said with a shrug, “And when we updated the design, it seemed to fit extremely well into that mold.”
“The Gladiator reads like a Griffin, but better in many ways.” I said. “I take it this is a variant that we’re going to market to garrison units?”
“Yes actually.” She responded, “When you combine it with the Von Rohr’s and the Swordsman it makes for a good mixed weight lance.”
“Yeah, the Von Rohrs looks like a Thunderbolt, but with way more punch packed in.” I said. “Do we have an estimate on how long it will take to retool and set up all of the factories we have?”
“Six months to retool.” She said, “Around five hundred of the people that settled down from Clan Wolf were a part of their Technician and Scientist Castes, that’ll help cut down on some of the time it takes.”
“If we were to automate the factories, how long would it take to set them up then?” I asked.
“After the six months of retooling the factories to modern standards, it would take a year to two years after that to automate the process.” She said, “If you want to automate these factories, we might as well do the rest of them as well.”
“Alright,” I said. “It’ll take four to five years to get everything automated?” I asked.
“Four to five if we manage to orient the Clan people in with our engineers and R&D team.” Rogers said.
“Have we made any progress on the L-F Drive addition that was on the Manassas?” I asked before she got ready to leave.
“It’ll take seven years before we’re ready to test it on one of our Invader Jumpships.” She said. “And you’ll have to get an update from Bruce on the New Rhodes shipyards.”
“Alright Dr. Rogers, thanks for the updates.” I said, “But before you go, I have one last thing to add to your team's plate. In fact, I want you personally to work on this one.” I opened my slate to the files that I had been perusing and sent them over.
“This is the Oppenheimer Hazardous Material Recovery Vehicle,” I said as she looked over the files I had sent her. “I want to build a factory for these things, and build as many of them as we can possibly manufacture, I want to donate as many of them as we manufacture to worlds around the Inner Sphere.”
“These are specifically for cleaning up worlds that are irradiated or toxic due to WMD’s.” Dr. Rogers said after looking at the information I had sent over to her slate.
“I want them cleaning up every damaged world in the Inner Sphere.” I said after a minute to let it sink in for her. “I’m going to have Sharpshooter donate them to worlds in the Periphery, the Lyran Commonwealth, the Combine, and what’s left of the FWL and Capcon.”
“You really want to start cleaning up the damage caused by the Succession Wars.” She said after a moment.
“I want us to start with two worlds, and to try and automate the Oppie’s as well, or at least make them able to be operated from a slate.” I said. “We’ll start with cleaning up Proserpina and Ozawa. I figure if we can clean up the damage done to those worlds, we can clean up almost anywhere else that might be affected.”
“Give me six months to get the factory built.” Dr. Rogers said excitedly. “This is the kind of job I’ve been waiting for.”
July 25th, 3020
“You Mark Hull, have been avoiding me.” Natasha said as I finally left my office.
“No, I haven’t been avoiding you, I’ve been avoiding your shadows.” I said. “Ever since they saw the Battlerom of the duel, it seems like they’ve been following me around.”
“It was impressive,” Natasha wrapped her arms around me before drawing me in for a kiss. “Shall I show you just how impressive I found it?”
“Of course.” I smiled as I kissed her back. “We should probably take this to the bedroom unless you want to scar Mathis though.”
Let's see...the CC and FWL are pretty much down for now...
Got ten years of peace with Kurita...
Comstar has been heavily neutered, but not quite broken...
The Clans are somewhat depleted and delayed...
You've painted the Taurians into the semblance of good neighbors...
...is PeaceTech around the corner?
Got ten years of peace with Kurita...
Comstar has been heavily neutered, but not quite broken...
The Clans are somewhat depleted and delayed...
You've painted the Taurians into the semblance of good neighbors...
...is PeaceTech around the corner?
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
You’ll just have to wait and see.
Chapter One Hundred and Four: Time Skips
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Chapter One Hundred and Four: Time Skips
June 10th, 3025
“Dad,” David whined. “Sapphire won’t leave me alone.”
“That’s because she’s trying to be like her big brother.” I said with a smile as I sat out on my front porch drinking some sweet tea. “Now go play with her some, one day you’ll understand.”
“This is nice.” Natasha said after our kids had run off somewhere. “I do believe that our time avoiding politics is up though.” She pointed out the Princess class dropship touching down at the spaceport in the distance. “That is Archon Steiner's personal dropship I believe.”
“Yep, that’s Katrina’s dropship all right.” I shrugged as I continued drinking my glass of tea. “She must have come in with the civilian traffic and not made her presence known.”
“I shall have to agree with you on that.” Natasha said with a smile. “I wonder how big Melissa has grown.”
“She’s probably going to be taller than you’d expect.” I said with a chuckle. “She’s got some height genetics like you wouldn’t believe.”
“Well,” I stood up and tossed back the rest of my tea. “Shall we say hello to some old friends?”
“We shall.” Natasha agreed.
Later that day…
“Uncle Mark!” Melissa, now a fifteen year old, ran up to give me a hug. “Tante Tasha?” She asked turning to Nat, seemingly surprised to see her again before running up to give her a hug as well.
“Uncle Mark,” Elsa, a much more reserved individual than her older sister, walked up and gave me a small hug.
“Why hello there Elsa.” I grinned down at the thirteen year old. “You’re a lot bigger than I remember you being. You’re what, seven now?” I asked with a grin while winking at Katrina.
“I’m thirteen Uncle Mark!” The normally reserved little Katrina clone got a little upset with me. “You should know that already.”
“Well I’m starting to get old,” I said with a grin, “And my memory might be starting to go, so you might have to remind me sometimes.”
“You’re not that old.” Elsa grumbled.
“No, I’m not, and my family doesn’t have a history of losing their minds to alzheimers or any other disease like that.” I grinned at her, “I just love messing with you.”
“Melissa!” David finally made his presence known as he attempted to pick up the much bigger teen in a bear hug. “You got taller.” He pouted for a minute before seeing Adam Steiner still hiding in the background. “Adam, let’s go play.” Adam hesitated for a second, looking at Katrina and Arthur to make sure it was okay with them before running off with David to somewhere in the Ducal estate.
“I take it this is Sapphire?” Katrina knelt to greet the four year old. “I can see why you named her that,” Katrina said after introducing herself as Aunt Katrina, and her husband as Uncle Arthur. “Her eyes are probably the brightest blue I’ve ever seen.”
“One of the few times where a baby’s eyes were already the color they were going to be for the rest of their life.” I agreed. “Shall we go inside now?” I asked.
“Yeah, I forgot what summers here are like.” Katrina said with a smile. “When you spend so much time on an icy planet like Tharkad, you almost forget that there are other climates.”
“Well, we’ve got fantastic air conditioning here.” I said with a smile as I turned to face the estate and began to walk inside.
“Back rides!” Melissa yelled out her attack as she jumped on my back.
“Melissa,” I coughed a bit after the unexpected attack. “I’m afraid you’re a bit too big for that now.”
“Nonsense,” She waved regally, “Now onward my steed.”
June 12th, 3025
“Melissa wants to enroll in the Marksman Academy.” Katrina told me. “That and one other important thing is why we are here.”
“Oh?” I asked. “I knew about her intending to try and join the Marksman Academy from the letters we’ve exchanged, but what other thing was important enough to come here yourself?”
“I finally was able to convince Defiance to trade for what you wanted.” Katrina said with a wide grin. “They’ll accept the specs and some engineers to help them build a Swordsman factory in exchange for the lone Rampage line that they haven’t retooled to the Zeus Specificatios yet.”
“Really now?” I asked. “Is it conditional? Because I haven’t gotten more than two of the Swordsman factories up and running in separate locations yet.”
“Just have the engineers sent over by the end of next year, and they’ll consider this a done deal.” Katrina said. “In fact, the reason I brought the extra Dropships with me were for more than escort duty.”
“You went ahead and brought the line over.” I figured it out.
“I did.” She smiled, “And we wanted to spend this time on vacation for a couple of months before Melissa starts the academy.”
“That should be fine.” I said, “Do you want me to set aside the guest mansion?” I asked, “Or would y’all rather stay here in the estate?”
“Estate, it’s not the first time we’ve been on holiday here before anyway.” Katrina said, “I wouldn’t be surprised if a couple of other people show up in the next couple of weeks though.”
“There goes my five years free of politics.” I said with a groan. “To change the subject, how did the Oppie’s work?”
“We’ve been able to get some worlds almost entirely cleaned up from some of the destruction of the first and second Succession Wars.” Katrina reported with a smile. “And it’s allowed me to cement my alliance with the Fedsuns and Concordat even more because of the economic growth it has allowed us to start.”
“That’s good to hear.” I said, “How’s Storm doing?”
“He found a partner to help him with the security side of things, and renamed the company Norse-Storm.” She replied, consulting her slate. “They’ve actually finished rebuilding the Nightstar plant on Loxley and a couple of other ‘mechs.”
“I knew funding him was the right idea.” I said with a grin. “I’ve got forty-nine percent ownership there.”
“Well, I think that was all of the work that I had planned for the day.” I said. “Let’s go have some fun.”
June 15th, 3025
“Zarantha and Thomas Calderon,” I greeted the mother and son duo with a head nod. “A pleasure to see you again.”
“I suppose it is.” Thomas said begrudgingly before his wife smacked the back of his head.
“I apologize for my husband’s lack of manners.” Katherine Calderon said with a smile. “I’ll introduce you to the children later, they’re a bit of a handful right now.”
“I know the feeling.” I responded with a chuckle. “Duke Mark Hull, at your service.” I introduced myself to Katherine.
“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” She said as she met my handshake with a firm one of her own. “I’ve heard a great many things about you.”
“I’m guessing both good and bad in equal measure depending on the conversation.” I responded with a smile to let her know that I didn’t take offense.
“Yes, it depends on the conversation indeed.” She laughed, “Now where are your children? I heard you had two of them.”
“I do have two of them,” I agreed. “But they’re currently running around like crazy folks with Archon Steiner’s children.”
“They’ll get along great then.” She responded. “Now, let me introduce you to…”
June 20th, 3025
“Ian, Dana, Hanse,” I greeted the next set of leaders to show up on my planet. “I want to know what exactly is going on here.”
“You’ll find out, Mark.” Ian and Hanse chuckled, while Dana just looked at me with sympathy. “You’ll find out.”
June 21st, 3025
“Thomas Marik,” I greeted the man with a handshake. “It’s great to finally meet you in person after all of the messages.”
“Indeed it is.” He said with a smile. “Thank you for your assistance in building the hospitals and learning centers.”
“You are most welcome,” I said immediately. “But we’ve got a ways to go yet before we’re done.”
“Indeed Duke Hull, Indeed.” Marik responded. “Have you considered allowing us to build an HPG on the world?”
“Before Comstar became truly neutral I would have never considered it.” I said after a moment of thought.“But given the way your organization is now, I would fund the construction myself.”
“I’ll discuss it with the first circuit and the oversight committee upon my return to Terra.” He said with a smile. “It would be nice to communicate with you beyond the couriers that we rely on now, your advice has been very helpful in boosting the neutrality of Comstar as an interstellar entity.”
“Well, it’s been a pleasure to help someone in Comstar that was trying to actually make a difference.” I replied. “I take it you can’t tell me what’s going on either?”
“No Duke, I cannot.” Marik replied, “You’ll find out soon enough.”
June 22nd, 3025
“Please tell me you’re just here to retire.” I looked at Kerlin Ward.
“Of course,” He responded, “I bought a couple hundred other retirees with me, but aside from that I was going to ask for a nice area to set up shop in.”
“Set up shop?” I asked cautiously.
“Why yes, I have discovered a newfound love for teas, and was thinking about opening up a tea shop.” Ward replied. “And based on several studies that I conducted, Kentares IV has the perfect climate to grow many of the tea leaves that I would like to use.”
“Thank God you’re acting normal at least.” I said after a minute. “Let’s find you a good tea shop location, I’ll pay for the construction myself in fact.”
June 30th, 3025
“Now, y’all can tell me what the hell is going on, or do I have to go take over what’s left of the Capellan Confederation and Free Worlds League in order to get away from here?” I said and asked all at once, frustrated at not having any answers.
“We’ve been having trouble negotiating a proper alliance between our three nations.” Zarantha Calderon spoke up honestly. “Thomas Marik here has been a big help as a neutral party, but he has only outside information, and is not able to fully help us negotiate this properly.”
“I’m not setting up another Star League.” I said from the very start. “I’ll help negotiate this, but I need to know if this is going to be a union of nations, or merely a proper alliance?”
“A proper Alliance.” Thomas Calderon growled out. “Despite my innate distrust of the Davions, I must admit that over the last few centuries we have not truly been enemies as we once were, and Ambassador Calderon managed to convince Ian to hold Plebiscites on all of the worlds that were once a part of the Taurian Concordat. Only half of the worlds voted to rejoin the Concordat, but it proved that this current generation and the next will keep their word.”
“And we would rather have another ally, then another enemy to fight currently.” Ian agreed. “Both of our nations are currently consolidating our conquests from the Capellan Confederation after all.”
“The Commonwealth will always benefit from peace.” Katrina said with a smile, “We are just trying to arrive at a proper agreement for the other two nations currently.”
“Alright,” I said after a moment, “I need all three of you to send me a list of what you want.” I passed out slates to those who didn’t already have them. “We’ll reconvene tomorrow and get all of this hammered out.”
June 10th, 3025
“Dad,” David whined. “Sapphire won’t leave me alone.”
“That’s because she’s trying to be like her big brother.” I said with a smile as I sat out on my front porch drinking some sweet tea. “Now go play with her some, one day you’ll understand.”
“This is nice.” Natasha said after our kids had run off somewhere. “I do believe that our time avoiding politics is up though.” She pointed out the Princess class dropship touching down at the spaceport in the distance. “That is Archon Steiner's personal dropship I believe.”
“Yep, that’s Katrina’s dropship all right.” I shrugged as I continued drinking my glass of tea. “She must have come in with the civilian traffic and not made her presence known.”
“I shall have to agree with you on that.” Natasha said with a smile. “I wonder how big Melissa has grown.”
“She’s probably going to be taller than you’d expect.” I said with a chuckle. “She’s got some height genetics like you wouldn’t believe.”
“Well,” I stood up and tossed back the rest of my tea. “Shall we say hello to some old friends?”
“We shall.” Natasha agreed.
Later that day…
“Uncle Mark!” Melissa, now a fifteen year old, ran up to give me a hug. “Tante Tasha?” She asked turning to Nat, seemingly surprised to see her again before running up to give her a hug as well.
“Uncle Mark,” Elsa, a much more reserved individual than her older sister, walked up and gave me a small hug.
“Why hello there Elsa.” I grinned down at the thirteen year old. “You’re a lot bigger than I remember you being. You’re what, seven now?” I asked with a grin while winking at Katrina.
“I’m thirteen Uncle Mark!” The normally reserved little Katrina clone got a little upset with me. “You should know that already.”
“Well I’m starting to get old,” I said with a grin, “And my memory might be starting to go, so you might have to remind me sometimes.”
“You’re not that old.” Elsa grumbled.
“No, I’m not, and my family doesn’t have a history of losing their minds to alzheimers or any other disease like that.” I grinned at her, “I just love messing with you.”
“Melissa!” David finally made his presence known as he attempted to pick up the much bigger teen in a bear hug. “You got taller.” He pouted for a minute before seeing Adam Steiner still hiding in the background. “Adam, let’s go play.” Adam hesitated for a second, looking at Katrina and Arthur to make sure it was okay with them before running off with David to somewhere in the Ducal estate.
“I take it this is Sapphire?” Katrina knelt to greet the four year old. “I can see why you named her that,” Katrina said after introducing herself as Aunt Katrina, and her husband as Uncle Arthur. “Her eyes are probably the brightest blue I’ve ever seen.”
“One of the few times where a baby’s eyes were already the color they were going to be for the rest of their life.” I agreed. “Shall we go inside now?” I asked.
“Yeah, I forgot what summers here are like.” Katrina said with a smile. “When you spend so much time on an icy planet like Tharkad, you almost forget that there are other climates.”
“Well, we’ve got fantastic air conditioning here.” I said with a smile as I turned to face the estate and began to walk inside.
“Back rides!” Melissa yelled out her attack as she jumped on my back.
“Melissa,” I coughed a bit after the unexpected attack. “I’m afraid you’re a bit too big for that now.”
“Nonsense,” She waved regally, “Now onward my steed.”
June 12th, 3025
“Melissa wants to enroll in the Marksman Academy.” Katrina told me. “That and one other important thing is why we are here.”
“Oh?” I asked. “I knew about her intending to try and join the Marksman Academy from the letters we’ve exchanged, but what other thing was important enough to come here yourself?”
“I finally was able to convince Defiance to trade for what you wanted.” Katrina said with a wide grin. “They’ll accept the specs and some engineers to help them build a Swordsman factory in exchange for the lone Rampage line that they haven’t retooled to the Zeus Specificatios yet.”
“Really now?” I asked. “Is it conditional? Because I haven’t gotten more than two of the Swordsman factories up and running in separate locations yet.”
“Just have the engineers sent over by the end of next year, and they’ll consider this a done deal.” Katrina said. “In fact, the reason I brought the extra Dropships with me were for more than escort duty.”
“You went ahead and brought the line over.” I figured it out.
“I did.” She smiled, “And we wanted to spend this time on vacation for a couple of months before Melissa starts the academy.”
“That should be fine.” I said, “Do you want me to set aside the guest mansion?” I asked, “Or would y’all rather stay here in the estate?”
“Estate, it’s not the first time we’ve been on holiday here before anyway.” Katrina said, “I wouldn’t be surprised if a couple of other people show up in the next couple of weeks though.”
“There goes my five years free of politics.” I said with a groan. “To change the subject, how did the Oppie’s work?”
“We’ve been able to get some worlds almost entirely cleaned up from some of the destruction of the first and second Succession Wars.” Katrina reported with a smile. “And it’s allowed me to cement my alliance with the Fedsuns and Concordat even more because of the economic growth it has allowed us to start.”
“That’s good to hear.” I said, “How’s Storm doing?”
“He found a partner to help him with the security side of things, and renamed the company Norse-Storm.” She replied, consulting her slate. “They’ve actually finished rebuilding the Nightstar plant on Loxley and a couple of other ‘mechs.”
“I knew funding him was the right idea.” I said with a grin. “I’ve got forty-nine percent ownership there.”
“Well, I think that was all of the work that I had planned for the day.” I said. “Let’s go have some fun.”
June 15th, 3025
“Zarantha and Thomas Calderon,” I greeted the mother and son duo with a head nod. “A pleasure to see you again.”
“I suppose it is.” Thomas said begrudgingly before his wife smacked the back of his head.
“I apologize for my husband’s lack of manners.” Katherine Calderon said with a smile. “I’ll introduce you to the children later, they’re a bit of a handful right now.”
“I know the feeling.” I responded with a chuckle. “Duke Mark Hull, at your service.” I introduced myself to Katherine.
“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” She said as she met my handshake with a firm one of her own. “I’ve heard a great many things about you.”
“I’m guessing both good and bad in equal measure depending on the conversation.” I responded with a smile to let her know that I didn’t take offense.
“Yes, it depends on the conversation indeed.” She laughed, “Now where are your children? I heard you had two of them.”
“I do have two of them,” I agreed. “But they’re currently running around like crazy folks with Archon Steiner’s children.”
“They’ll get along great then.” She responded. “Now, let me introduce you to…”
June 20th, 3025
“Ian, Dana, Hanse,” I greeted the next set of leaders to show up on my planet. “I want to know what exactly is going on here.”
“You’ll find out, Mark.” Ian and Hanse chuckled, while Dana just looked at me with sympathy. “You’ll find out.”
June 21st, 3025
“Thomas Marik,” I greeted the man with a handshake. “It’s great to finally meet you in person after all of the messages.”
“Indeed it is.” He said with a smile. “Thank you for your assistance in building the hospitals and learning centers.”
“You are most welcome,” I said immediately. “But we’ve got a ways to go yet before we’re done.”
“Indeed Duke Hull, Indeed.” Marik responded. “Have you considered allowing us to build an HPG on the world?”
“Before Comstar became truly neutral I would have never considered it.” I said after a moment of thought.“But given the way your organization is now, I would fund the construction myself.”
“I’ll discuss it with the first circuit and the oversight committee upon my return to Terra.” He said with a smile. “It would be nice to communicate with you beyond the couriers that we rely on now, your advice has been very helpful in boosting the neutrality of Comstar as an interstellar entity.”
“Well, it’s been a pleasure to help someone in Comstar that was trying to actually make a difference.” I replied. “I take it you can’t tell me what’s going on either?”
“No Duke, I cannot.” Marik replied, “You’ll find out soon enough.”
June 22nd, 3025
“Please tell me you’re just here to retire.” I looked at Kerlin Ward.
“Of course,” He responded, “I bought a couple hundred other retirees with me, but aside from that I was going to ask for a nice area to set up shop in.”
“Set up shop?” I asked cautiously.
“Why yes, I have discovered a newfound love for teas, and was thinking about opening up a tea shop.” Ward replied. “And based on several studies that I conducted, Kentares IV has the perfect climate to grow many of the tea leaves that I would like to use.”
“Thank God you’re acting normal at least.” I said after a minute. “Let’s find you a good tea shop location, I’ll pay for the construction myself in fact.”
June 30th, 3025
“Now, y’all can tell me what the hell is going on, or do I have to go take over what’s left of the Capellan Confederation and Free Worlds League in order to get away from here?” I said and asked all at once, frustrated at not having any answers.
“We’ve been having trouble negotiating a proper alliance between our three nations.” Zarantha Calderon spoke up honestly. “Thomas Marik here has been a big help as a neutral party, but he has only outside information, and is not able to fully help us negotiate this properly.”
“I’m not setting up another Star League.” I said from the very start. “I’ll help negotiate this, but I need to know if this is going to be a union of nations, or merely a proper alliance?”
“A proper Alliance.” Thomas Calderon growled out. “Despite my innate distrust of the Davions, I must admit that over the last few centuries we have not truly been enemies as we once were, and Ambassador Calderon managed to convince Ian to hold Plebiscites on all of the worlds that were once a part of the Taurian Concordat. Only half of the worlds voted to rejoin the Concordat, but it proved that this current generation and the next will keep their word.”
“And we would rather have another ally, then another enemy to fight currently.” Ian agreed. “Both of our nations are currently consolidating our conquests from the Capellan Confederation after all.”
“The Commonwealth will always benefit from peace.” Katrina said with a smile, “We are just trying to arrive at a proper agreement for the other two nations currently.”
“Alright,” I said after a moment, “I need all three of you to send me a list of what you want.” I passed out slates to those who didn’t already have them. “We’ll reconvene tomorrow and get all of this hammered out.”
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Chapter One Hundred and Five: Establishing Boundaries
Kentares IV, July 1st, 3025
“We can agree to the trade negotiations.” Thomas said, “But we won’t be able to be a part of the mutual defense treaty unless you both renounce your claim on the title of First Lord.”
Ian and Hanse exchanged a look and simply sat there for a moment before Ian spoke up. “If I renounce the title of First Lord, I need to be absolutely certain that both the Taurian Concordat and the Lyran Commonwealth have the Federated Suns back in war and in peace.”
“I have no need for the title of First Lord.” Katrina said after a moment's hesitation. “While it has always been my dream to see the Star League reborn, and their technology brought back again, that dream has been mostly fulfilled by the beginning of peace, and the sheer amount of technology growth that has occurred over the last two decades.” She Inhaled a little shakily, her icy look melting for once as she seemed uncertain at first before steeling herself. “I Katrina Steiner do forfeit my claim on the title of First Lord of the Star League, and commit myself and my nation into making this trade and mutual defense pact into a lasting peace for the generations to come.” She sat back down, and resumed her icy stare.
“Well, can’t be outdone by the Lyrans on any sort of battlefield can I?” Ian said with a grin. “I Ian Davion, and all of my heirs after me do forfeit our claim on the title of First Lord of the Star League, and swear to put everything we have at our disposal into making sure that this trade and mutual defense pact turn into a lasting peace.” Ian chuckled. “We are going to have to come up with a name for this thing eventually aren’t we?”
“DAN” I spoke up for the first time in the meeting. “Defense of Allied Nations.” I shrugged, “Or something like that anyway, It’s a work in progress, but it can work until we settle on a name.”
Three hours later…
“Okay, we seem to have hammered everything out.” I said with a smile. “Everyone looks unhappy, so I’m fairly certain that the compromises that we agreed on will work.”
“I would like to extend an invitation to the Magistracy of Canopus in a year's time.” Thomas Calderon spoke up. “They would at the very least like to opt into the trade networks, and their medical technology is some of the greatest in the known galaxy.”
“I would like to eventually extend the offer to the new nation that has taken over the former Rim Worlds Republic worlds that the Lyran Commonwealth did not take.” Katrina said. “I believe they are calling themselves the Wolf Confederation or something and have also curbed piracy in its entirety in that region of space.”
“And eventually, the Outworlds Alliance would probably be a good place to at least extend trade deals to.” Ian offered up. “They do make fantastic Aerospace fighters and pilots after all, and are probably terrified that one day Takashi or someone else will decide to show up and just take everything from them.”
“I drew up the documents,” I said, “And there are allowances for other nations to join in the provisions made., I’m sending copies to your slates now, review them and let me know if there is anything that was missed.”
The rulers of the various nations and their advisors scrolled through the copies, and began to go through them with a fine toothed comb.
Kentares IV, July 4th, 3025
“It is in this historic moment, on July Fourth of Three Thousand and Twenty-Five AD, that the nations of the Taurian Concordat, The Lyran Commonwealth, and the Federated Suns are signing what is being called the Kentares Accords.” A reporter said as she stood in front of the public arena. “This is a mutual defense treaty and and trade alliance that is said to be the start of a new era. We are still awaiting the full details of the treaty, but it appears that we may begin to have the start of a lasting peace.”
“Turn that crap off.” I said as I walked into my living room. “I’m taking a nap after dealing with all of the headache-inducing negotiating that the last week was.”
“Is that any way to talk to your liege lord?” Ian asked as he propped his feet up on a coffee table.
“Get your feet off of the coffee table. There’s literally an ottoman for that over there.” I pointed. “And while you’re eating my food and using my stuff, you don’t get to dictate what’s on the Tri-Vid.”
“Ooh, check that one out.” Ian pointed to a specific channel. “I don’t think you’ve seen this movie yet.”
“For some it was a time of loss and sacrifice.” An aerospace fighter flew over a base and dropped its payload. “For others, it was a time of great opportunity.” The intro to the movie said, before it cut to a Warhammer kneecapping an Atlas.
“Please tell me this isn’t what I think it is?” I begged Ian.
“Oh, it gets better.” Ian smiled, “It gets way better.”
“Stupid Davion Trolls.” I muttered. “Let me get Natasha in here.” I said, at least someone here will enjoy this.”
What was intended to only be a few people gathering around, instead ended up being a gathering of everyone important on the planet gathered into the private Tri-Vid theater of the Ducal Estate.
“Just so you’re aware,” I started. “I have not seen any of the tri-vids they’ve made about the Marksman or myself, and I have very low expectations, so let’s just see what they came up with.”
Author’s note: the intro was stolen from MW4Mercs
Kentares IV, July 1st, 3025
“We can agree to the trade negotiations.” Thomas said, “But we won’t be able to be a part of the mutual defense treaty unless you both renounce your claim on the title of First Lord.”
Ian and Hanse exchanged a look and simply sat there for a moment before Ian spoke up. “If I renounce the title of First Lord, I need to be absolutely certain that both the Taurian Concordat and the Lyran Commonwealth have the Federated Suns back in war and in peace.”
“I have no need for the title of First Lord.” Katrina said after a moment's hesitation. “While it has always been my dream to see the Star League reborn, and their technology brought back again, that dream has been mostly fulfilled by the beginning of peace, and the sheer amount of technology growth that has occurred over the last two decades.” She Inhaled a little shakily, her icy look melting for once as she seemed uncertain at first before steeling herself. “I Katrina Steiner do forfeit my claim on the title of First Lord of the Star League, and commit myself and my nation into making this trade and mutual defense pact into a lasting peace for the generations to come.” She sat back down, and resumed her icy stare.
“Well, can’t be outdone by the Lyrans on any sort of battlefield can I?” Ian said with a grin. “I Ian Davion, and all of my heirs after me do forfeit our claim on the title of First Lord of the Star League, and swear to put everything we have at our disposal into making sure that this trade and mutual defense pact turn into a lasting peace.” Ian chuckled. “We are going to have to come up with a name for this thing eventually aren’t we?”
“DAN” I spoke up for the first time in the meeting. “Defense of Allied Nations.” I shrugged, “Or something like that anyway, It’s a work in progress, but it can work until we settle on a name.”
Three hours later…
“Okay, we seem to have hammered everything out.” I said with a smile. “Everyone looks unhappy, so I’m fairly certain that the compromises that we agreed on will work.”
“I would like to extend an invitation to the Magistracy of Canopus in a year's time.” Thomas Calderon spoke up. “They would at the very least like to opt into the trade networks, and their medical technology is some of the greatest in the known galaxy.”
“I would like to eventually extend the offer to the new nation that has taken over the former Rim Worlds Republic worlds that the Lyran Commonwealth did not take.” Katrina said. “I believe they are calling themselves the Wolf Confederation or something and have also curbed piracy in its entirety in that region of space.”
“And eventually, the Outworlds Alliance would probably be a good place to at least extend trade deals to.” Ian offered up. “They do make fantastic Aerospace fighters and pilots after all, and are probably terrified that one day Takashi or someone else will decide to show up and just take everything from them.”
“I drew up the documents,” I said, “And there are allowances for other nations to join in the provisions made., I’m sending copies to your slates now, review them and let me know if there is anything that was missed.”
The rulers of the various nations and their advisors scrolled through the copies, and began to go through them with a fine toothed comb.
Kentares IV, July 4th, 3025
“It is in this historic moment, on July Fourth of Three Thousand and Twenty-Five AD, that the nations of the Taurian Concordat, The Lyran Commonwealth, and the Federated Suns are signing what is being called the Kentares Accords.” A reporter said as she stood in front of the public arena. “This is a mutual defense treaty and and trade alliance that is said to be the start of a new era. We are still awaiting the full details of the treaty, but it appears that we may begin to have the start of a lasting peace.”
“Turn that crap off.” I said as I walked into my living room. “I’m taking a nap after dealing with all of the headache-inducing negotiating that the last week was.”
“Is that any way to talk to your liege lord?” Ian asked as he propped his feet up on a coffee table.
“Get your feet off of the coffee table. There’s literally an ottoman for that over there.” I pointed. “And while you’re eating my food and using my stuff, you don’t get to dictate what’s on the Tri-Vid.”
“Ooh, check that one out.” Ian pointed to a specific channel. “I don’t think you’ve seen this movie yet.”
“For some it was a time of loss and sacrifice.” An aerospace fighter flew over a base and dropped its payload. “For others, it was a time of great opportunity.” The intro to the movie said, before it cut to a Warhammer kneecapping an Atlas.
“Please tell me this isn’t what I think it is?” I begged Ian.
“Oh, it gets better.” Ian smiled, “It gets way better.”
“Stupid Davion Trolls.” I muttered. “Let me get Natasha in here.” I said, at least someone here will enjoy this.”
What was intended to only be a few people gathering around, instead ended up being a gathering of everyone important on the planet gathered into the private Tri-Vid theater of the Ducal Estate.
“Just so you’re aware,” I started. “I have not seen any of the tri-vids they’ve made about the Marksman or myself, and I have very low expectations, so let’s just see what they came up with.”
Author’s note: the intro was stolen from MW4Mercs
Chapter One Hundred and Six: War Comes for Us All
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Chapter One Hundred and Six: War Comes for Us All
Kentares IV, September 11th, 3025
“Mark,” Dunham said hurriedly. “Just got a priority HPG message from New Avalon via the hidden comms center.”
“Let’s go then.” I said as I stood up quickly and made my way to the nearest elevator/access panel. “Hanse and Ian wouldn’t have sent us an HPG via the secret network unless it was of the utmost importance.”
Typing in the access code, the elevator shot off at a rapid pace into the floors below us, and once it reached the bottom, it shifted and began moving us into the tunnels that we had dug into and below the mountain.
After gaining access, we walked through the layers of automated security and reached the backup communications center for all of Kentares. We had relocated the Mobile HPG from the Confederate dropship Takes Two to Tango to underneath the mountain complex. It had taken us a couple of years to set this structure up, but if necessary, you could conduct a campaign for nearly the entirety of the Draconis March should you need to.
“Walking up to the mobile HPG, we synced everything up to our slates and watched as a voice audio message came through.
“Mark,” Ian’s voice sounded worried. “I should have been a bit more concerned about the Liao’s like you, Hanse, and Romano warned me about.” He inhaled audibly. “Northwind was hit by two Warrior Houses led by Candace Liao. Warrior houses Daidachi and Fujita along with two aerospace wings and extra armored vehicles battalions.” He sighed. “The Highlanders were taken entirely by surprise, and nearly the entirety of the 2nd Kearny and Marion’s Highlanders were wiped out, with the Warrior houses capturing most of their ‘mechs and repair facilities intact.”
‘You're currently the unit with the most forces available that will be able to reinforce them in time.” Ian said, “I’m giving you the order to fully cut loose and do whatever is necessary to bring the Capellans down.”
“We are transmitting updated authorization and authentication codes for the documents that Yvonne Davion gave you, this will give you the authority to take over militia or Federal military units as necessary to complete your mission.”
“Godspeed Mark, and hit the Liao’s where it hurts.” Ian said as the audio transmission cut out.
“Dunham, get me those codes, and have the CO’s for the all of our forces assembled for an immediate briefing, we’ve got a war to plan.”
September 11th, 3025 (Afternoon)
“We’re going to war.” I said after all of the commanding officers of my forces and their XOs were assembled. “Northwind just got struck by a good number of Liao Warrior Houses and are in dire need of reinforcements.” I looked around at the faces of the people around me.
“We’ve been ordered to bring the Capellans to heel.” I said after a moment of letting my words soak in. “And, I’m cutting off your leashes.” I looked Peterson in the eye. “The 1st Kentares Guards under Colonel Packer and the 2nd Kentares Guards under Rachel Godbolt are going to be reinforcing Northwind.”
“The 3rd Kentares Guard will be staying here, and will be on the ready for any potential push on the assets here.” I said. “Now, the 1st Marksman will be pushing through to their own objectives.” I met Peterson’s eyes for a moment before he nodded in understanding.
“The 2nd Marksman are going to be moving as a QRF.” I said, “I just worked out a contract with Aaron Sandoval that has y’all stationed on Deshler.” I inhaled. “I’m not going to overrule that, so you’ll be shipping out to head there.”
“All of our Black Navy forces aside from the Defender will be staying here in the Kentares system.” I said sternly. “I will be moving to Tikonov with the Ducal Guard to act as a QRF if anyone needs us.”
“I take it we have tactical freedom here?” Peterson asked.
“As long as no war crimes are committed then you have complete freedom over what worlds you hit and where you chose to go Peterson.” I met his eyes. “No suicidal moves though, I want your unit intact.”
“I’m going to requisition some extra ‘mechs from the factories sir.” Packer said. “I know that they were already promised to varying units, but if the Northwind Highlanders lost most of their metal then they might need some fast replacements.”
“Take two mixed Battalions with you and the 2nd Kentares.” I told Packer and Godbolt. “I’ll personally explain any delays if I have to.”
“No Toro’s though.” I said flatly. “We’re not handing over the advanced tech in there for the Capellans to dissect.”
“Aye sir, Gladiators, Van Rohrs, and stock Grasshoppers only.” Godbolt said in response. “I’m going to ask for some extra Ballista artillery pieces.” She said, “I have some ideas.”
“You have my written authorization to get whatever you think you’ll need to get this done.” I told the COs flat out. “But we’re shipping out by the 17th of September.”
“Any further questions?” I asked, only to receive negatives. “Alright then, get your operational plans set so that I know in general what you’re going to be doing and so I can relieve you as necessary.” I said. “Hazen,” I turned to the CO of the Ducal Guard. “Go get everything sorted there, I want us loaded onto the dropships and ready to ship out at the same time everyone else does.”
“It shall be as you command.” The once Khan of the Jade Falcon Clan said as she turned and marched away. “Everyone else, make sure you have accurate headcounts and supply parts stores, the last thing we need is to have people dead because we forgot our basics.”
“And one last thing, I’m having Dunham’s people go over all of our jumpships and dropships with a fine toothed comb, I don’t want any surprises to end up with us having dead men and women.”
“Now, let’s do our jobs and get on home.”
Kentares IV, September 11th, 3025
“Mark,” Dunham said hurriedly. “Just got a priority HPG message from New Avalon via the hidden comms center.”
“Let’s go then.” I said as I stood up quickly and made my way to the nearest elevator/access panel. “Hanse and Ian wouldn’t have sent us an HPG via the secret network unless it was of the utmost importance.”
Typing in the access code, the elevator shot off at a rapid pace into the floors below us, and once it reached the bottom, it shifted and began moving us into the tunnels that we had dug into and below the mountain.
After gaining access, we walked through the layers of automated security and reached the backup communications center for all of Kentares. We had relocated the Mobile HPG from the Confederate dropship Takes Two to Tango to underneath the mountain complex. It had taken us a couple of years to set this structure up, but if necessary, you could conduct a campaign for nearly the entirety of the Draconis March should you need to.
“Walking up to the mobile HPG, we synced everything up to our slates and watched as a voice audio message came through.
“Mark,” Ian’s voice sounded worried. “I should have been a bit more concerned about the Liao’s like you, Hanse, and Romano warned me about.” He inhaled audibly. “Northwind was hit by two Warrior Houses led by Candace Liao. Warrior houses Daidachi and Fujita along with two aerospace wings and extra armored vehicles battalions.” He sighed. “The Highlanders were taken entirely by surprise, and nearly the entirety of the 2nd Kearny and Marion’s Highlanders were wiped out, with the Warrior houses capturing most of their ‘mechs and repair facilities intact.”
‘You're currently the unit with the most forces available that will be able to reinforce them in time.” Ian said, “I’m giving you the order to fully cut loose and do whatever is necessary to bring the Capellans down.”
“We are transmitting updated authorization and authentication codes for the documents that Yvonne Davion gave you, this will give you the authority to take over militia or Federal military units as necessary to complete your mission.”
“Godspeed Mark, and hit the Liao’s where it hurts.” Ian said as the audio transmission cut out.
“Dunham, get me those codes, and have the CO’s for the all of our forces assembled for an immediate briefing, we’ve got a war to plan.”
September 11th, 3025 (Afternoon)
“We’re going to war.” I said after all of the commanding officers of my forces and their XOs were assembled. “Northwind just got struck by a good number of Liao Warrior Houses and are in dire need of reinforcements.” I looked around at the faces of the people around me.
“We’ve been ordered to bring the Capellans to heel.” I said after a moment of letting my words soak in. “And, I’m cutting off your leashes.” I looked Peterson in the eye. “The 1st Kentares Guards under Colonel Packer and the 2nd Kentares Guards under Rachel Godbolt are going to be reinforcing Northwind.”
“The 3rd Kentares Guard will be staying here, and will be on the ready for any potential push on the assets here.” I said. “Now, the 1st Marksman will be pushing through to their own objectives.” I met Peterson’s eyes for a moment before he nodded in understanding.
“The 2nd Marksman are going to be moving as a QRF.” I said, “I just worked out a contract with Aaron Sandoval that has y’all stationed on Deshler.” I inhaled. “I’m not going to overrule that, so you’ll be shipping out to head there.”
“All of our Black Navy forces aside from the Defender will be staying here in the Kentares system.” I said sternly. “I will be moving to Tikonov with the Ducal Guard to act as a QRF if anyone needs us.”
“I take it we have tactical freedom here?” Peterson asked.
“As long as no war crimes are committed then you have complete freedom over what worlds you hit and where you chose to go Peterson.” I met his eyes. “No suicidal moves though, I want your unit intact.”
“I’m going to requisition some extra ‘mechs from the factories sir.” Packer said. “I know that they were already promised to varying units, but if the Northwind Highlanders lost most of their metal then they might need some fast replacements.”
“Take two mixed Battalions with you and the 2nd Kentares.” I told Packer and Godbolt. “I’ll personally explain any delays if I have to.”
“No Toro’s though.” I said flatly. “We’re not handing over the advanced tech in there for the Capellans to dissect.”
“Aye sir, Gladiators, Van Rohrs, and stock Grasshoppers only.” Godbolt said in response. “I’m going to ask for some extra Ballista artillery pieces.” She said, “I have some ideas.”
“You have my written authorization to get whatever you think you’ll need to get this done.” I told the COs flat out. “But we’re shipping out by the 17th of September.”
“Any further questions?” I asked, only to receive negatives. “Alright then, get your operational plans set so that I know in general what you’re going to be doing and so I can relieve you as necessary.” I said. “Hazen,” I turned to the CO of the Ducal Guard. “Go get everything sorted there, I want us loaded onto the dropships and ready to ship out at the same time everyone else does.”
“It shall be as you command.” The once Khan of the Jade Falcon Clan said as she turned and marched away. “Everyone else, make sure you have accurate headcounts and supply parts stores, the last thing we need is to have people dead because we forgot our basics.”
“And one last thing, I’m having Dunham’s people go over all of our jumpships and dropships with a fine toothed comb, I don’t want any surprises to end up with us having dead men and women.”
“Now, let’s do our jobs and get on home.”