The Saga of Rodriguez Indigo Montoya Ramirez (Lobo) {A Battletech Story}



Lobo still didn't understand these Damn Dracs... First they wanna make a fight over a slave girl... then they act like everything is fine after they had almost killed each other.

But it was all good for Lobo. His talk with Isabella had taken him inside Kor's ship, and they had talked at length about Kor, and Rafael. They had worked their way back to the engineering room where all the holes had been blasted through the tough armor. That was where he had made his move. He had to kiss her. She was just too beautiful to ignore! Then that damn Sarge had moved and groaned interupting things.. and when he turned back she had moved away... He sighed and tipped his hat to Johnny Silver... He was one pirate who knew how to reel them in.

Lobo escorted Sarge out with the others where there was a touching reunion between him and his daughter Belladonna. Lobo couldn't help letting his eyes drift over the girl, but he was more interested in some of the other women who would be joining them. Kailey Johansson looked like the knew how to shake her stuff. And then there was the Lugardian chica, Loni. And Deloris... Now here was a young woman who needed some personal tutoring in Mercenary work...

Oh yes, El Lobo was happy to be back with the Pride. Though he still missed Mara. He didn't bring her name up for fear of starting another shoot out!!!

Leaving Kor's men in the slave pens, they had left then and traveled back to the caves. But before they got there Jet shows up to talk with him. Put him on the spot no? But he seemed happy with whatever he learned. Lobo didn't know what that might be. But he was happy to be officially back with the Pride.

The best news was being assigned to Alpha Lance with Jared and Smiles. These were two amigos he could get along with just fine. But he was no so sure about the Doc and Tab. Doc seemed a bit of a Quack to Lobo, and Tab was just scary. But they didn't seem to be out to get him so he let that slide too.

Most interesting to Lobo was all the chicas he had to chase now. It was never a dull moment in camp these days! He even made a wager for a Lap Dance from the Oberon Countess Emily!! Lobo was looking forward to that!!

But something was telling him he needed to keep a look out over Isabella. He knew she would never give herself to him, and now it was more of a ritual just to tease her than to actually make progress with her. But Lobo still thought that Johnny might find a place for him if he kept a protective eye on Isabella. This was made easier due to Jet putting her in the command lance. She would probably see less action there.

Lobo would make sure of it he decided. In fact when she started acting quiet he even stopped teasing her so much. He was getting worried. When women started getting depressed they did all sorts of crazy things. Lobo decided he would need to speak with Jet about it. Lobo had to sleep sometimes. And could use some help watching her.



Alan~

The Killer {A Battletech Story}


It was an extended lance as it turned out. 6 mechs, and maybe a platoon of infantry with several ATVs for transport. They had bivouacked along a river and the encampment appeared to be less of an “Anti-Pirate” Patrol that it claimed to be, and more of a hunting lodge type social event. But what could you expect when the commanding officer was General Tourville of LaShailes… The Killer lowered his Magna Heavy Blazer Rifle, peering at them without benefit of the high-power scope.

He could have burned a hole through the General’s head from his current position and vanished into the jungle and counted this mission complete. But no.. that was not the Killer’s way. The river… that was their mistake. So many took the life giving power of rivers for granted… It never ceased to amaze him.

Smiling to himself he retreated the way he had come, a ghost in the jungle. His approach took him the better part of 6 hours. All good things come to those who have patience. The Killer had calculated the entire process. 4 kilometers, 10 meter strides, one stride per minute, 400 strides. Just a little over 6 and a half hours. It had all been down river, so the going was easy. He knew someone would be monitoring seismics. If they weren’t, out here in these jungles they were Gorg bait. But the soft muddy river bed cushioned the foot falls. If those muddy vibrations were detected at all, it would be mistaken for something else. 1 minute between each stride. It was very dark when he reached his attack position. About 3:30 am as he had timed it.

“Wakey Wakey General Tourville… time to finish the game.” His loud speakers blared out across the camp as the black mech’s head lifted above the water.

His external mike picked up the flack crack of a dropped coffee mug as the first sign that he had been spotted. Then there had been a few screams, mostly cries to arms, and chaos had ensued. His finger came down on the trigger even as the symphony of death erupted below. The heavy autocannon casings rained like a monsoon around the feet of his mech as the explosive shells ripped tents and flesh like so much tissue paper.

It was all over long before the shells ceased their wanton mayhem. He strode about the camp then, stepping on anyone who seemed to be wriggling. He noticed one of the ATV’s was burning and frowned. THAT hadn’t been his intention. But then after a moment he saw that it had been a secondary explosion from a miss thrown grenade that had set off the vehicles fuel tank and he smiled again.

When he was satisfied that all was in order, he turned to look at the 6 mechs standing around the camp… silent witnesses to the carnage. One had been manned. The one without a head. Casually he walked around behind the Red and Gold Orion which belonged to the general and pushed it over where it landed face down on top of what had been the General’s Command Tent.

“Check Mate” he said calmly as he pushed it over.

The Kommandant had said that General Tourville had been a master strategist, and a threat to the planned invasion. The Citystate of LaShailes should be ready to fall now. The Crimson Corsair would be pleased.

Then he began his return journey. He needed the latest intelligence on General Duncan Blaine of New Brunswick… After that he would be heading east… to pay a friendly visit to the High Consul. Aurelius Tarucus… But first, he would gain the information he needed to contact the Crimson Corsair. He much preferred working directly for the source… rather than through a middleman…


Alan~

The Prophets of Sunaj {A Battletech Story}


“As it was written in the scrolls of skellos… so is it coming to pass. The time of the great scourge is upon us my brothers. We must make haste and prepare ourselves for what must come.

A brother has fallen, taken from us even as he moved to alert us to the chosen one’s arrival. But this cannot stop the flow of destiny. All that we have prepared for is at hand. It is time to wear our veils once more.

It is not chance that they have come. It is not chance that they await upon our very doorstep. Be steadfast in your belief brothers. They will come to us.”

Reading from an ornate scroll the priest begins to intone solemnly “And it shall come to pass, that the Lightbringer will arrive leading the Chosen Ones. And they shall awaken the Destroyer, and all the lands will be covered in fire and shadow and all manor of chaos will follow in their tread… It is the time of fire my brothers… ” The priest bowed his head and began chanting a mantra.

From around the exalted chambers monks kneeled and bowed bringing their foreheads to the floor in prayer, their mantra’s droning through the halls…

“Brothers, our duty is clear. Let us don our veils, and go forth, to seek the enemy… to find the betrayers… to cleanse the world of sin… to bring enlightenment to the wicked.

Throughout the chambers the ritual was performed one after another. The dagger, a Ghurka Khukri sliced through the monks robes ceremoniously cutting them from their bodies. Underneath they wore the dark bindings of the Sunaj warriors…

Wrapping their heads and veiling their faces, each completed his ritual and replaced the Ghurka before him on the stone floor.

“Now go… carry the word of the Prophets forth, and let the purge begin!"



Alan~

“Loyalties” {A Battletech PC's Poem}

I feel like I’m being torn asunder.
Why did I leave only a simple poem
and a year for me to wait and wonder?

Does my loyalty lie with this unit,
with my family, or with my true love?
I want my New Year’s kiss blast it!

If I hadn’t agreed to do this search
I wouldn’t have found myself and home.
There is way to get past this lonely lurch.

Friendships come in surprising places
and by trusting in them I hope I can
pass time until I can see familiar faces.

Isabella Vazquez y Talavera
27 November 3045

re-editing

Message in a Bottle {A Battletech Story}


Sometimes cargo transit may wait for weeks in one location for the next outbound jumpship. Other times it may as well be on a command circuit for the speed it is transferred. This was one of those times. The inbound freighter jumped in system scant hours before first outbound freighter left. There was a scramble to get cargo transferred right at the Zenith jump point. The two jumpships, though stretching close to a half a kilometer in length, and with solar energy collection sails that were several kilometers across, and both at the Zenith jump point were still separated by close to twenty thousand kilometers. A speck of dust in the vastness of space. But a distance that cargo shuttles could cover in a few hours. Just enough time if the loading crews humped to it.

The inbound freighter had station keeping drives running to hold position, but this only provided a micro-gravity. Anything left floating around would settle in a few minutes to the floor. But for all intents and purposes it was a zero-G environment.

The loading crews all wore gripper boots and gripper gloves to hold their position when maneuvering the weightless cargo about the cavernous hold. But it was still dangerous. 20 ton cargo boxes could be lifted with ease, but once set in motion.. they would be nearly impossible to stop. Heavy nylon cargo nets secured all cargo to its designated location and the load foreman worked his way down a wide isle to find the next item on the list. He hated dealing with personal packages. Small things easily lost in the shuffle. But package 948237a should be easily accessed. He pointed his stylus at one of the padded cargo bins. And the loadman who was with him moved to open it carefully. The movement of air pulled several packages out of the box and he had to shuffle quickly to keep them from floating away.

“948237a.” The foreman intoned with practiced ease. “Hey George be careful with this one. Its heavily insured.”

“A bottle of Coke?” George replied plucking the bottle out of the air and looking at the tag wired round its middle.

“Heh… Well it’s your ass if you break it… so be careful.” The foreman continued on his way. There was other cargo to move out yet, and they only had minutes till the Mark VII launched.

George looked at the bottle a moment chuckling then turned to his companion close to 50 meters away where he was loading the shuttle. “Hey Renny, catch!” he called out and tossed the bottle at him. Renny looked up and smiled. And held his hand up waiting. It was a game they played all the time. The object was to get the package to land in their hand without them having to grab for it.

The bottle traversed the distance slowly, gracefully turning end over end. Finally it thudded into Renny’s hand almost perfectly and Renny grinned. “That’s 3 for you today George.” Renny in turn, tossed it to the shuttle cargo master who stowed it away after a brief look at the tag to get its destination.

“Wow that’s really out there. Hope they didn’t want it delivered with their pizza tonight!” he laughed and closed the packing crate.

Within a couple of hours this process was repeated, and again following that and yet again over the next few days until the bottle had traversed over 500 lightyears in the course of a single week. Arriving in the coreward periphery just beyond the Draconis Combine/Lyran Commonwealth boarders, the bottle once again joined with the main stream cargo. It was scratched and chipped but still in once piece. The rest of the journey could take substantially longer…


Alan~

what is with this friggin soda???

LOL, time will tell I guess. Have to wait for it to arrive.

Alan~

The Cobra {A Battletech Story}


He turned off the decryptograph and sat back in thought. There were so many uncharted settlements out in the deep periphery. He honestly had never heard of Graven’s Deep before. It would be a long journey. Half a year he suspected. Maybe less if he could arrange for quick passage through the Draconis Combine.

He stood up, and began stretching in preparation for this mornings Katas. It was something he did diligently. His body was a weapon, and it must be honed through practice. When he was ready, he took his stance, and began his practice routines. His studio had ample room for the practice equipment, and he made use of them all before he finished almost 2 hours later.

After he had cleaned up, he spent the next 4 hours hand picking the equipment he would need for this assignment. The hit should be simple enough. But there were always possibilities of… complications. And the report on the planet indicated both an unstable political climate, as well as many predatory creatures inhabiting the jungles. It would not pay to leave something that would be needed.

There were few who knew him. And even fewer who knew who he really was. To most he was known simply by his code name, Cobra, or The Cobra. That suited him well. Both the code name itself, and the anonymity he possessed. He didn’t have time for distractions in his life. His life was orderly. One or two jobs a year was the average. Though jobs such as this actually may keep him in the field for longer than a year.

When everything was neatly packed and ready, he picked up his things and headed for the armed transport that would take him to the starport. He took this for granted. It kept him from having to answer questions. Everything was arranged. The KR-61 took off as soon as he was on board, and soon he was in the deeps of space headed for the jumpship that would carry him the first 30 lightyears toward his destination.

In the privacy of his cabin, he opened the dossier for this job. The latest intelligence indicated there would be some resistance to get past in order to complete his mission. Cobra smiled. He preferred a challenge. It kept his edge sharp…



Alan~

The Corolone Connection {A Battletech Story}


“Mickey tell me something. How long we been on this fetid swamp gas planet now?” Vito Corolone asked.

“Two days boss.”

“Two days… Two days. And what have we found out?”

“Nobody in Genoa knows where they are boss. Nobody has even heard of them.”

“Not true.” Vito interjected. “There were three others who have heard of them. We know that the High Consul has heard of them. And we know of two more who have also been looking for them. Now these two… They are important in many ways Mickey. Do you know why? Because they are connected to those we are after, probably friends of theirs. Now, why don’t I see them? We NEED some progress here!!! I don’t intend to stay on this mosquito infested planet one minute longer than necessary.” He turns to the others standing around in the room.

“I want those two found! Do whatever you have to. Grab the hotel clerk that booked their reservations I don’t care. I want those two found before they can join up with the others. THEY are our bargaining chip! We nab them, then when we make contact with these mercs Jared has fallen in with, we can negotiate the return of my Atlas and Jared Raines, in exchange for these two! Now lets get this done! I’m tired of hearing excuses.”

Vito turned to look out the window, dismissing them. He remained thus till the last one had shuffled out the door. He hated to be so hard on them. And he knew they had few real contacts on this planet. But they couldn’t afford to let this opportunity slip through their fingers. He was also a bit edgy for other reasons. There were things that only he knew, that were happening on Graven’s Deep. Big Things. Though he didn’t have all the details himself. He didn’t want to be here when the feces impacted the oscillating air displacement device…

He also wanted to know if this was the origins of some of the drug traffic he was pipelining. He had his suspicions on that too. But whoever the Drug Lord was at the head of that pipeline, he used more false fronts and double blinds than Vito had ever known. But it wasn’t the drugs that held his interest. Vito had learned something else a couple years back… He suspected that this Drug Lord also held the secret to the Flower of Life. The Flower of Life was the street slang for the elixir that was purported to stop the aging process. Vito knew that there were some extremely elite clientele of his that were receiving this elixir. But he had never managed to locate the source. But there were circumstantial evidence and hunches, that this may be the very planet.

That was big business. Really Big. If Vito would muscle in on it, he would have wealth unimaginable at his fingertips. But that kind of business was dangerous in the extreme. No simple drug lord could ever hope to maintain a hold on such secrets. He would need power. VAST power to secure the drug trade. Not power over the streets or crime in his home city. He would need world spanning power. Interstellar power. Exactly the kind of power that would soon fall into the Crimson Corsair’s hands if she were succeeded in taking this world. Vito had no illusions about what this war was being fought over. He knew…

Vito also knew that he either needed to be in sole possession of the secret before that invasion. Or he needed to be the hell off this rock. And thus far neither prospect was looking good…

Vito was not pleased…



Alan~

The Freedom Fighters {A Battletech Story}


Wakefield was a village that lived on the very edge of society on Graven’s Deep. It wasn’t the only such village. No Citystate claimed sovereignty over the jungles of Kalusia. There were regular patrols within a hundred kilometers of the city walls, but not much more. Beyond that lay a fringe that wasn’t patrolled, but the nearby patrols kept most of the big threats driven further off. It was this fringe, this no mans land where Wakefield and other villages of like mind sprang up.

Here people were free from taxation and control, able to eek out a living however they could. But life on the edge was perilous. There were incursions from the jungles regularly that attacked such settlements. Likewise they were easy targets for Star Pirates, and even the Fringe Bandits who also lived in secluded holdings in the jungle fringes.

But despite all this, people came and made their lives in these places. It was not unusual for people of one Citystate or another to seek out the Fringe Settlements to start a new life. Some had been criminals fleeing the law. Some had been persecuted for other reasons. Some just wanted to be closer to nature. But whatever their reasons, they were generally accepted by the Fringe Villages as long as they did their part, and worked hard.

Foxxy and Greywolf had been two such. Said they were originally from New Sydney. But they had met someone the other day who had spoken of Wakefield as being a sort of Mecca for freedom from oppression. Had said that there were secret companies of freedom fighters roaming the jungles in the guise of pirates, but who were actually fighting for the betterment of Graven’s Deep. Fighters who had faced and defeated Kor’s War Dogs in open battle where the rest of the planetary defenses seemed ineffectual against their predations.

This is what had drawn Foxxy and Greywolf. This was exactly what they were after! When they arrived at Wakefield they had been met with mixed reception. Some were frightened, others were delighted and hopeful. And once the villagers learned that they had come to join the Freedom Fighters who went under the code name of The Pride, they were welcomed in and given grand treatment.

Their two mechs, were housed in a quickly emptied barn for the duration of their stay, since the Wakefielders had no idea when the Pride would return. They had come 3 times. Once after rescuing and freeing a single slave girl! That had impressed them a great deal. The second time they had actually defended Wakefield from jungle creatures. And the third time they had arrived with close to a dozen rescued slaves who had been taken from Kor himself!! Wakefield was in awe, and intended to show their support in any way they could.

The Wakefielders had been living on the edge for so long they didn’t know exactly how to take the growing notoriety they were earning as a bastion of Freedom in the Jungle. But they had decided to embrace it, and new buildings were under construction. They had even acquired an old Agromech Repair bay from a nearby village and were setting it up in the Mech Barn. The presence of the two Battlemechs gave them both a sense of pride and safety they had seldom known. Soon the two new mechs both carried the Cat Scratch symbols of the Pride and went about patrolling the area in search for pirates and other threats to Wakefield.

All looked forward to the next return of the Pride. And they knew they would be coming soon. The food they had given them would be gone soon. And the people of Wakefield was already busily stockpiling extra supplies to give them when next they came.

There would be a celebration the likes of which the town had never seen if the entire Pride ever paid them a visit. They had no illusions about how dangerous was their situation. Both for Wakefield and for the Pride. Potentially Kor or some other pirate could attack them. But the die hard spirit of Wakefield to stand for freedom was growing stronger, and they knew they could count on The Pride in times of great need need.



Alan~

Family Troubles {A Battletech Story}


Edward looked over the unit dossiers in front of him. Everyone understood that the 5th Succession War was about to commence and most of the first rate mercenary units had already been hired peremptorily. But the war had not yet begun and that meant that there were still many second and third rate units available. He’d sent a inquiry to Galatea and had been surprised at just how many were available. He was also not quite prepared for how much they would cost. However, these lands had supported a mercenary company before under the Count of Doom, and they would again under the Baron of Blood!

He’d came up with that name himself and felt it was applicable considering he had signed the order for the deaths of his own cousins… He felt sure that one or another of the various bounty hunters and assassins he had sent after the Cryshnada Sisters would be successful. And if not… Well, he would have the strength of Battlemechs to give them a… Warm… greeting upon their return. It was a family reunion he would prefer to avoid however. But one he would embrace with all the passion of his being. He would NOT lose the County now…

Edward had already made contact with the Spectral Dragoons, but they had turned him down. It had been many years since Plume, when the Oberon Hunter Regiment had tracked them down on that ice planet. And it’d had nothing whatever to do with Edward, but no… they would not hire themselves out to pirates… Likewise the Bearers of Revelation.

Edward rolled his eyes and dropped their dossiers in the incinerator. Pirates. King Hendrick had ceased being a true pirate years ago. Now he was just an old man trying to survive on the legacy of his past. In any event Edward would prefer to hire a periphery mercenary command. It would mean less transport costs and a greater chance of acquiring them for a long term contract with the offer of land holdings within the County of Darokyn. He kept coming back to the unit currently stationed on Trell I. There had been bad blood between Oberon and Trell I before as well, but nothing particular with this unit. Shatterzone they were calling themselves. Apparently they had once been an LCAF house unit, but had gone independent when they had been abandoned on that planet some years back. Since then they had built up quite an impressive record for themselves. A full combined arms unit capable of all the security and defense duties he would need.

Yes they would do nicely. And at 58 lightyears they were only 2 jumps away... Perfect. Edward spent the next 30 minutes composing an opening draft for an offer of hire and gave it to the Comstar Adept that lived in the Royal Palace to be sent out on the next transmission packet.

Edward would feel much more at ease with Shatterzone on site. The other local nobility were being hesitant about withdrawing their forces from his lands… citing civil unrest as the reason, and they kept demanding concessions from him for providing the civic security. Bloody vultures! But once Shatterzone was here… they would change their tune quick enough. And if Emily and Abigail survived the assassins and managed a return… he would have a nasty surprise for them…

Yes… things were looking up for Edward. The Baron of Blood was about to begin his rein!



Alan~

The Saga of Kailey Johansson {A Battletech Story}


Kailey was sitting in her room, updating her journal. Flying poisonous lizards, venomous boot spiders, not to mention the millions of bloodsucking mosquitoesque critters of these swamps. And people wondered why she seldom wanted to leave the relative comfort of the Magellan. But it was nice to get out occasionally. They’d still not found any more samples of the Blue Aegis, but they had made a breakthrough in their research on the contaminated specimen. An enzyme that was probably the source of the flowers curative effects. But they needed a clean sample to work with. At least now they knew what they were looking for.

It was on the fifth day of their march since leaving the caves that they re-entered the jungles, and that was also the first day that Dr Alex had asked her to join him in the Quadrunner to help search for the flower. She’d been surprised. In the 7 months they had been on planet she could count on one hand the number of times he had invited her to come with him. She had been loathe to leave the sanctuary of the Magellan, but she’d smiled and agreed. As it turned out there wasn’t much searching going on. Mostly we just followed along with the others but being at ground level they had better chance to see the flower tucked away among the other vegetation. However by the time they had made their base camp almost a week later there had still been no sight of the Blue Aegis, though Alex had asked her to come with him every day since to search for it. She wondered if he was just worried to be in the jungles alone after what had happened… Or if Alex had some other reason to want her with him… She smiled at the thought.

She hardly ever saw Tab any more. He was literally always off scouting. But she was getting to know the others pretty well now.

She found Abigail charming but perhaps a bit naïve. Unlike her sister who seemed driven almost to the point of being obsessive. Kailey had learned that she and her sister were supposedly looking for their missing father. But that had puzzled Kailey, since she could not see any reason for them to be HERE in the Jungles of Kalusia when their quest would obviously take them elsewhere. Surely as landed nobility they would have access to funds enough to continue their search without taking mercenary jobs along the way. After a bit of thought she came to the conclusion that it had been a convenient excuse to leave the County. She believed that they really did want to find their father. But she didn’t believe for a minute that was the real reason they’d left.

Kailey could count many powerful nobles among her friends back on New Avalon. One thing she’d came to understand was that many who inherited power did not really want to inherit the responsibility that went with it. Sure their father had been a powerful Count in service to King Hendrick. But that didn’t mean it was in their blood to follow him down that road. They had their own lives to lead, their own desires and passions. They had abandoned their lands supposedly to conduct this search… and then had abandoned that search to take up service as a mercenary. She wondered if they even knew themselves why they had really left their home. She doubted it.

Belladonna and her father known fondly as “Sarge” were another perplexity for Kailey. Sarge had been a former member of the LCAF, and his daughter seemed to have knowledge of some rather… unusual… skills. Kailey admired the girl’s love and capacity with animals. But her passion for poisonous pets as a bit disturbing. The flying gecko thing that had seemingly adopted Belladonna as its best friend was in point of fact, quite dangerous. Dr. Alex had collected some venom to make up an antidote in case someone eventually got bit by it, and was nearly bitten himself for his efforts! Kailey had locked herself up in the cockpit when it escaped from the doctor INSIDE the Magellan, and stated flatly, that THAT was the LAST time it would be allowed in there! They had found it later hiding in an air vent. Kailey had tried to find the creature in their library of flora and fauna of Graven’s Deep, but to no avail. There were literally millions of uncataloged creatures on this planet. However she did analyze a small drop of blood that had resulted from the venom gathering incident and concluded that the creature was probably no more than a few weeks old. She couldn’t be sure, but she suspected it would grow to upwards of 2-3 times its current size. That would make it… potentially over 3 feet long tip to tail. But Belladonna seemed to have a special way with it. Kailey actually looked forward to seeing it’s development. As a new species she had decided that she would study it and classify it and had decided to name it “Belladonis Reptilicus”. It would all be part of her report to the NAIS upon their return. Sarge by contrast to his daughter seemed to be a very straight forward guy. His daughter was the most important thing in his life, and for her he would do almost anything. He’d taken up service with the Pride… er… rather the Wayfinders as they were now called, when they’d rescued the two of them from Kor’s dropship. She suspected however that given the money and chance to go home… he would take his daughter and leave.

Which reminded her of an odd conversation she’d had with Dr. Alex. He’d asked her what she thought about staying on with the Mercenaries after the contract was up. It had taken Kailey aback at the idea. Was he seriously thinking of giving up his career as a research scientist for the NAIS to become a combat medic for this mercenary outfit? He’d pointed out that they would be traveling a lot, and could use that as an opportunity to expand their research to a variety of worlds. Still… It seemed odd to Kailey. She hadn’t said no. But she had suggested they perhaps wait a while to make such a decision. From what she’d gathered they were not actually all a unit. Some had decided to join the Wayfinders… some had chosen other options. But every time she thought she had come to understand Dr. Alex, he did something like this… he was an intriguing man.

Then there was Deloris. A native girl of Graven’s Deep, from the fringes of New Brunswick, she was a commoner. Why she wanted to remain with these mercenaries as they tromped through the jungles baffled Kailey. But remain she did. She cooked and cleaned for them, and some of the guys were showing her how to use the radio and it looked like they were going to attempt to train her to be a mercenary! Well if the girl had the aptitude for killing, then perhaps it was the right path… It still seemed odd. Maid for hire turned Merc for hire…

Now Hana was another bit of oddness. Kailey had came to realize that the girl was gifted. Call it chi, or psychic ability, the girl was gifted. And yet she was a willing slave to Tanzu. Tanzu quite obviously didn’t want her as a slave. Wanted her to become her own woman. But it didn’t take much for Kailey to realize that Hana had secrets she was keeping. Not that that mattered too much to Kailey. But it was all part of the puzzle. The girl had an education too. And wasn’t from the Periphery. She was from one of the central planets Kailey was sure. Not that it mattered, but it did make Kailey wonder at why a person of education and such rare gifts would willingly submit to being a slave girl. There must have been some terrible trauma in her past…

Isabella the other noblewoman of the unit was not so difficult to understand. In fact Kailey found her likeable though it didn’t seem to be reciprocated. Like the Cryshnada sisters she was searching for someone too. Her twin brother. Who had apparently taken up service with Kor’s War Dogs. Loni had said he had joined Kor looking for her. But then that begs the question, why was he interested in Loni? Especially since he had never met the girl before joining Kor… But Isabella was more than one part pirate herself. She was in love that was plain, and was pining for her man. Kailey didn’t know this Johnny Silver directly, only that he had been charged with kidnapping Samantha Harland Davion a few years back. But she had overheard a lot of talk about him around the camp fires. Apparently there were several here who did know him. He seemed like a fascinating man. She looked forward to meeting him. Though she wondered at the circumstances which would allow it.

Ingrid and Isa were another pair of puzzles. Obviously the two of them were deeply in love with Miyamoto Hesai, aka Tseng Jet. But they seemed such an unlikely pair to meet in a mercenary camp. Ingrid, a former Joy-Girl from Solaris, who seemed to be struggling to find any niche she could in the unit. And Isa who was possibly one of the most brilliant scientific minds of out time. Kailey wished she could get Isa back to the NAIS. This girl could make history… But Isa didn’t want that. Well she didn’t seem to want to leave Hesai and Ingrid at any rate. Kailey had looked over her thesis on plasma cannon technology and had been astounded. Kailey didn’t know much about high-end technology having specialized in medicine. But it certainly seemed plausible. It was sad that such great minds should be held back from their potential due to circumstance. But Isa seemed quite happy working on the unit’s battlemechs. For Hesai’s part he seemed to be just as smitten by them as they were him. Kailey had to wonder how such a three-way romance would work. But that was none of her business.

Of more importance was Hesai’s revelation that he was in fact Hesai Miyamoto, not Jet Tseng. He had called everyone together and made an announcement stating his history, who he was, why he had become Jet Tseng, and the reformation of his old merc unit, The Wayfinders. It had sort of hit like a thunderbolt and when he called for everyone to take service under the Wayfinders banner, many had agreed, but some hadn’t. Emily and Isabella and Lobo most notably. It seemed that the Wayfinders was more than just a mercenary command. It was a gathering place for the lost. Potentially a place to find acceptance and safety when it was unavailable anywhere else.

To Kailey’s mind that seemed both a very noble quest and a terrible burden. It would be difficult to manage a outfit composed primarily of misfits. They were misfits for a reason, however justified that reason. It would just make the difficulties of maintaining a cohesive unit that much more difficult. And she understood that a mercenaries life was never easy to begin with. And if truth be known… it was this fact that made her hesitate when Dr. Alex had asked her if she would be interested in joining them instead of flatly saying NO.

Here was another good cause that simply throwing money at would not solve. Oh it was nothing galaxy spanning like finding the cure for TDS, or the cure for straight brown hair… But to those it touched, it would be a godsend. She had considered it long after Alex had first brought the idea up. Continuing their medical research on various planets for various cures as they traveled about the galaxy. It seemed a romantic notion. But could it be done? Financially she was sure of it. She had been thinking of ways to make the unit more profitable. She could purchase excess salvage outright at fair market value and arrange for its resale giving the unit access to greater liquid assets, while giving Kailey opportunity for increased revenue through the auction houses.

She wondered if what the unit really needed was a psychiatrist. Everyone here seemed to have issues of one sort or another. Which was sort of what the Wayfinders were all about. That was when it came to her. Dr. Alex wanted to stay. Wanted to help these people. He was making excuses like they could continue their research. But in point of fact he wanted to be a part of this. She decided she would make him a deal. If he wanted to stay, she would stay with him, support him and the unit in all it’s endeavors. But he would have to embrace the unit fully and commit himself to it’s health both physically and mentally. He would need to read up on his psychology and sociology classes and really work to help these people. If he was willing to do that. She would do her part as well. And maybe later he could take up genetics and make a real contribution to the galaxy… There had to be a cure for her hair… there had to be!


Alan~

Big Game Hunter {A Battletech Story}


Tab had been satisfied by his talk with Jet. He’d been told the location of the laser repeater, and basically who they worked for, and what their mission objectives were. There were a few points that they didn’t see eye to eye on, but as long as that didn’t endanger the Doc or Kailey it was of small concern. When Jet made his announcement that he was actually Hesai Miyamoto from the Draconis Combine it didn’t really surprise Tab. But it didn’t make him feel any more at ease either. The Dracs had been the eternal nemesis of the Federated Suns since long before the fall of the Star League. Not that Tab thought the Draconis Combine had anything to do with this. But still there would always be doubts. The Dracs were a hard people.

But for the moment he was content. They seemed to be doing the right thing even if it was a bit Machiavellian in it’s conception. But the one thing that worried Tab was Loni MacDonald and the kid gloves that everyone seemed to have for her. It seemed as if everyone knew she couldn’t be trusted. But if she were set free knowing what she knew… she could cause a world of pain for the unit before the end of the contract. A bullet would be a simpler solution. Tab thought that Jet had finally came round to this understanding, but he knew that it wouldn’t go over well with others. But Tab knew… he had to do what he must, to ensure their safety. Even if the rest didn’t approve. Tab was not squeamish when it came to killing. He’d trained for it the larger part of his life.

But just now he had other things to worry about. He had left the Quadrunner about 2 kilometers back in the jungle and in full sneaksuit he approached the Kommandant’s Compound. From across the river it seemed peaceful. A small school of patrol boats were tied up at the docs, in particular the heavy Patrol Monitor seemed quite capable of bringing a world of hurt down on anything in the river. He also noticed the small wire leading from under the surface of the water into the guard shed. Most likely a sonar device to monitor the river.

Beyond the docks he could see the walls and fortifications and whistled softly to himself. Autocannon and machinegun turrets every 50 yards in towers. From a central main tower he spotted a radar equipped LRM launcher. He could also make out a very nasty looking attack helicopter on the top of one of the buildings. But most of the compound was hidden behind the walls.

He would need to get a lot closer to finish his job here. Moving back up river he fired a skyhook into one of the large trees opposite the river and tied it off. Soon he was across and tying a light cord to the heavier rope, he eased the line back so that it was completely immersed in the water. Then he began his approach a second time. There was a 100-meter kill zone cleared around the compound proper. The Kommandant was thorough if nothing else Tab decided. He waited for nightfall then crept up to the very edge of the wall. He began climbing at the juncture of one of the towers and the wall beside it. The 10 meter wall was not difficult to climb but it looked as if it would be difficult to breach… Tab suspected that by the time a section of the wall could be knocked down the entire compound would be alert and ready for them. Tab was able to spot barracks for at least two if not three platoons of infantry, though most seemed to be rifle infantry. There were maybe a half a dozen APC’s with machine gun turrets, and a similar number of armed Humvees. There were a pair of towed medium Infantry Cannons and a brand new looking Romel Tank!

Tab shook his head. It would be no cake walk this time…

The VTOL was a heavy combat attack chopper and toward the rear of the compound were several buildings that looked like may be vehicle maintenance buildings. Tab’s eyes narrowed with suspicion and at 3:30 am he dropped into the compound silently and began making his way over to the hangers. Sure enough, looking through the door to one of the hangers showed it to be a large maintenance area stacked up with military supplies of every kind. And the other… turned out to be a mech hanger for the Kommandant’s Command Lance. Inside were a Locust, a Valkyrie, a Centurion, and Tab heart gave a skip when he saw the Marauder… No… no cake walk this. A third building appeared to be another barracks but on closer inspection also held the turret controls and power substation. He quickly made his way back outside the compound and climbed one of the larger trees in the area, easily able to overlook the 10-meter walls, and waited. Here he would stay for the next few days gathering data on their movements and routines. It was a long wait. But he noted when standard shift changes were made. There were regular patrols made during the day light hours during which almost half of the APC’s and Humvees left the compound, but not at night. All vehicles were present during the darkness.

The turrets seemed to be dual medium AC turrets and dual Machinegun turrets. The missile tower seemed to be radar guided LRM 20 batteries. Tabs final assessment of enemy forces:

1 Company of Infantry, mostly Rifle
6 APC’s with dual machine guns
6 Humvees with single machine gun in pintal mounts.
2 Towed AC5 Cannons
1 Romel Tank
1 River Monitor, Heavy Patrol Boat
6 Gun Cutters, Light Patrol Boats
1 Heavy Combat VTOL
8 Double AC 5 Batteries on the walls in turrets.
5 Double MG Batteries on the walls in turrets.
2 LRM-20 Batteries on Towers attached to the Radar
1 Locust
1 Valkyrie
1 Centurion
1 Marauder


At the end of his three day vigil he made his way back to the Quadrunner, and thence back to the base camp. Whereupon he spotted signs of battle in the jungle, wreckage from the unit Griffin, and Clint. Then in the camp itself he spotted Charon. Tab pulled out his barrett and took up position. MIIO had detailed reports on this murdering bastard. There was more than a million C-Bills reward available if he was brought in… dead or alive.

His mech showed signs of recent damage as well. Had HE been the one who caused the wreckage of the Clint and Griffin? Tab could take him right now… and be done with it. But it didn’t look like the unit was hostile to him. Tab’s eyes narrowed with suspicion. It must be a trap. Or some crafty trick on Jet’s part. He had not sent word to Tab about this guy being a friendly.

Tab settled the Barrett against his shoulder bringing the scope back to his eye getting a good look at Charon. Yes… no mistaking that stark white hair. That was Charon alright. He pulled the trigger...


Alan~

The Saga of Ingrid and Isadora Wilson {A Battletech Story}


What she had to do… was learn to focus her aggression. She did pretty well when she had a good mad on. But somehow it just didn’t come so easily to Candy. She had trained herself over the course of the last 3 years to become the Valkyrie she had always wanted to be. And she knew she had the skills. She had grown stronger, her marksmanship had improved, and her endurance was greater during her workouts. She continued to push herself to the edge of her strength as she jogged laps around the camp deep in thought. Everyone had either left to go attack the enemy mech or were busy packing things up. Candy took the opportunity to get in some much needed exorcise while everyone was busy. She always chose moments like this... when everyone was busy or asleep, mostly asleep, or at least when most of them were. She supposed it didn't really matter any more. But at first she had begun her training in secret for two reasons. Or so she thought. The first and foremost was she had wanted to surprise Jet and one day be able prove her worth to him. The second was to prove her worth to herself, which didn’t require anyone else to know about it. She also guessed there was more than a little fear of ridicule from others who might see her combat training and laugh at her. She paused in her workout leaning against the rough bark of a giant tree, out of breath as she suddenly felt sick, probably from the strenuous workout and heaved her breakfast down amongst the roots. Her endurance was still somewhat lacking... She sighed.

But why did she continue to practice only in private at this point? She wondered wiping her mouth on the back of her hand and bringing her canteen up to rinse out the sour taste before continuing. She had openly proclaimed herself a Valkyrie. And nobody had said a word... not one word. Good or bad. Had even piloted a mech into battle such as it was. Now, she guessed, it was just out of habit. She’d long ago learned to live on less sleep than most, far less than Isa who seemed to be able to sleep through a dropship landing. She used the time alone to practice her exorcizes and katas. To try and build up her willpower to keep going when her body wanted to stop. She knew she was feeling better physically, and was more capable. But somehow it still seemed to become lost in translation when she thought to apply it to some practical use.

It wasn’t easy to explain. But somehow it just wasn’t in her nature to be aggressive. It didn’t slow down her practice. If anything it gave her impetus to try harder. She pushed herself off the tree trunk and continued her run.

But when she had been passed over without thought, when the unit had acquired 2 additional mechs. Had even been one of those involved with their capture. She had watched quietly as the prize mechs had been assigned to Tanzu who hadn’t even been there and was incapable of standing at the time, and that new girl Loni. Especially Loni. How did that bitch rate? Nobody even trusted her but yet they gave her a mech. Candy shook her head and sighed. And then Abigail had been assigned to Tanzu’s old mech. Candy had seen it then as they all at once suddenly realized that they had forgotten about her, and then of course it was offered to either of them and they had went out of their way trying to make Candy feel like she had the option. It hadn't been for Candy though and she knew it. It had been to ease their own guilty conscious. Candy had of course turned it down. It was plain where everyone felt it should go. But that event had stung deeper than she had believed was possible. Far deeper than it should given the current circumstances, but she couldn’t help the way she felt. And when she had learned of the Kudo’s the other “Lioness's” of the Pride had received but which she hadn’t heard a peep of herself, it had again stung. She’d been away, flying the rescued slaves to the safety of the thankful village of Wakefield.

Oh it was all old news now of course. Jet had cornered her about her resulting changes in temperment weeks ago, and was certain that all had been put in order. If he only knew… So why was it resurfacing now? Especially now? She wondered angrily as she again came to a stop leaning on her knees breathing hard after her last lap around the camp. She supposed because she still had doubts herself. She didn’t really want to fight she realized. Now less than ever before. Yet every day she found herself out here training to be a warrior. She would never enjoy killing. Yet she’d somehow felt the sting of loss as she had watched the unit mechs charge off into the jungles after the Killer this morning.

She also knew that in battle she could freeze up. She had done so once on the Gorg plateau during the fighting that had almost taken Jet’s life. She had no doubt about her ability to defend those she loved ever again. But, she still wondered how she would fare when someone else was looking across the battlefield and marking her for death… Especially when there was nothing more to gain, then a successful mission for their employer. She really didn’t know if she had what it took to be that... that... mercenary, in outlook. Yet like being on a roller coaster out of control, she rushed headlong down that dark tunnel toward the day she would meet her destiny head on.

NO... She just couldn’t do it. Not any more. She had to tell him. She knew her place within the unit would be more perilous than ever, but… perhaps… Now if they ever gained enough mechs that they could spare one for base-camp defense. Yes. That would be something she could devote herself to with the fury of a she-bear! Whatever happened!

She made her way down to the nearby stream of water still cool from it’s journey from the Skyraker Mountains and kneeling down she splashed some over her shoulders and neck. She didn’t really feel any fear of dying or of combat itself really. She had suffered so much during her life that there seemed little that would actually frighten her any more. Nothing but perhaps the loss of her loved ones. It was more of a underlying uncertainty. Uncertainty of her ability. Of her dedication. Of her very being. She lacked confidence. She could look around the unit, and name everyone and their place in the unit. Their purpose. Their specialty. What they did. But for herself? She sighed… this was getting her nowhere. She wondered what they would say…. What HE would say…

She took some time to look around, and make sure she was alone, then leaving her clothes on a branch, she slipped into the cool water... She just needed to know where things stood. She had been so releived when Jet had reformed the Wayfinders. It gave some much needed stability to her precarious situation. She dunked her head in the water and came back up pulling her hair behind her. After she was finished, before climbing back out of the water she recalled something Jet had said sometime back ... “Being assassinated was not how I wanted to die. And, in that realization, neither was seppuku. I want to die old, grey, surrounded by grandchildren…” She hoped that were really true. However he had also mentioned that for a Samurai, Bushido was their life. What would it take for him to turn his eyes back to his traditional family, his past...

She sighed softly and wrapped the towel around her, tucking it in. Well, she would be a part of his life now, whatever the future held for them. She strode back into camp... smiling.


Alan~

The Saga of Rodriguez Indigo Montoya Ramirez (Lobo) {A Battletech Story}


All was going very well for El Lobo! He hadn’t fancied pulling the trigger on his large laser when the enemy had his finger on the trigger of that ruddy great Pontiac AC-20! But when he saw Charon power down his weapons after working a deal with Jet he relaxed. He’d had no illusions who Charon would have blasted first. His Phoenixhawk outweighed the Wolfhound by 10 tons. He was the greater threat. But Lobo, he wasn’t sure that this was over just yet.

It was a trick of fate, that would place the two of them side by side in battle, considering that their last battle had been at opposite ends of their weapons. When Tanzu had sounded the alarm and there was a scramble for the mechs Lobo had not believed they would be taking on a 80 ton Victor with Charon at the controls. Lobo had heard of this one before. He was a killer, a bounty hunter, an assassin pure and simple. Like Jared, but he didn’t work for the Mob. He worked for the all-mighty C-Bill.

Then they had been racing through the forest at breakneck speeds and it had taken all of Lobo’s attention to avoid crashing with the various natural obstacles… such as trees, some of which measured more than 200 meters tall. The chase had been long and frustrating. They had to keep stopping to take seismic readings and that Victor was not waiting up for them at all. Then they had almost ran straight into Tanzu’s Clint…. Or what little was left of it... Lobo had come to a complete stop looking at the wreckage… The arms and head were all missing, hanging at the mechs sides from long twisted strands of Myomer bundles, power cables and autocannon feed belts were strew around as if the mech had been gutted.

“What a mess Eh? Hey Venom, we gonna keep chasing this guy?” Lobo inquired, and then sprinted on after the Wolfhound.

“We can’t let him warn the base…” was Jets reply.

He noted that Loni stopped anyway to go pull Tanzu’s ejection seat out of the trees. He wondered if Tanzu had been badly injured. It would be a miracle if not…

Not 4 kilometers further they came upon the wreckage of Emily’s Griffin. Where it had literally been blown in half and was laying scattered across the jungle floor in several large pieces…. Emily was just climbing out of what was left of the head.

“Venom… are you seeing this? I no think the two of us can stop this guy man. A wolf knows better than to fight a tiger without the pack eh?”

But still they’d kept up the pace… running, stopping for sensor readings… running. It was agonizingly slow. But eventually they came into MAD sensor range and then they caught up all too quick. He had turned to face them as they closed and Lobo noted that heavy autocannon pointing right at him.

Then Charon and Venom had started talking… and brokered a deal. Charon would give them 2 days before returning to Bristadt in return for repairs for the damage the Clint and Griffin had inflicted on his mech.

Lobo had to look over the Victor twice before he could find the scratches and charred spots. He had hardly been damaged at all and had destroyed two of the unit mechs! What was Jet up to? Was he really going to lead this matador back to the main camp? What did he plan to say to Emily? Maybe Tanzu would do one of those Zen things and somehow not mind having tea with the man who had just made him dispossessed. But Lobo could just hear Emily screaming already!

“What do you mean its ok, he’s friendly now? Why didn’t you say that before he blew up my mech?!! You want us to FIX HIS BLOODY MECH after what he did??? With armor stripped from what’s left of MY MECH???? Are you completely LOCO?!?!?!.”

Lobo suddenly grinned big and looked over at the Wolfhound. If he were not already basically committed to joining Silver’s Slayers, Lobo could learn to like this Drac... And that was twice that Emily had fallen in her mech so far! He was looking forward to that lap dance from her come the new year!

Lobo wondered what Venom had up his sleeve. Was he going to hire this guy to help us kill the Kommandant? Did he think Charon could be trusted to do that? His brow furrowed in thought a moment. Charon could walk right in the Kommandant’s Camp. He was known there, they would open the gates for him, welcome him. Having Charon on this mission could make things a great deal easier… Charon could probably even get the rest of them inside… saying they were with him… and he wouldn’t even be lying eh?

Again Lobo looked over at the Wolfhound wondering what schemes were rolling round in Venom’s head…


Alan~

The High Consul {A Battletech Story}


The Commander of the Palace Guard approached and saluted with a fist to chest and then dropped to one knee before Aurelius Tarucus. “My Lord, pardon the intrusion, but members of the GDF have been reporting… occurrences, within the city. I have instructed him to pay it no mind. There are people in Genoa asking questions about these… mercenaries. What would you have done?”

“Have done Commander? Well nothing of course. You are referring to the bounty hunters and the Corolone family yes?”

“Indeed my Lord. But… what if they discover a connection between Genoa and the Pride?”

Aurelius rolled his eyes and sighed. “Commander everything is well under control. These people already know there is a connection. Their focus isn’t world politics. They have their own agenda. Leave them alone. In fact, it might be a good idea to go ahead and point them in the right direction. Let them know about the landing site Commander. That will get them out of Genoa, and our hair. I will send a message to the Pride to let them know that they have guests are arriving.”

“As you wish my Lord.” He responded but paused. “Eh… what about the rumors from that fringe town… Wakefield?”

Aurelius frowned. “Yes.. that is a more difficult problem. I am not certain what they are trying to accomplish there. But its quite understandable. We didn’t really hire psychotic pirates Commander. We hired decent folk and asked them to do indecent things. It is understandable that they would seek a refuge when most of the world that they are trying to save will soon be turned against them. Still, if that carries on too far, we may have to set an example of them. For now commander, send a squad of “Freedom Fighters” to join the cause and keep an eye on events there.”

“Yes Lord” He brought his fist to his chest and rose. “Shall I place the GDF on alert? Things could happen rather quickly when they start happening.”

“Hmmm… that is true enough. Have them run some… “Training” exorcises around Lake Genoa, and begin calling up the militia units as well. What we really need is some intelligence on the current status of our enemy. How advanced their plans are. What our time limits are. Keep your spies looking for any infiltrators.”

“Yes Lord.”

“Is the First Legion ready to march Commander? It is time to send them on their way to Alahandri.

“Yes Lord” he replied again frowning heavily. “If you are certain of that decision. We only have the one unit of mechs my Lord, if we send them away, we will be most vulnerable.”

“The First Legion won’t be enough if the rest of the world doesn’t wake up Commander. You have your orders…”

Brining fist to chest one last time the Commander turned to leave, his heavy boots clacking angry sparks from the tiles as he went.

Aurelius sighed. There was a very real chance all this would fail. He didn’t know enough about the Crimson Corsair, just legends really. He needed to go ahead and set things in place just in case he had to move his operations again. Actually, he’d amassed an amazing fortune in his time on Graven’s Deep. Enough to even restart Quan-Tech. He wondered how his children were faring… He would gladly give it all up to know where they were… Maybe it would be time to just retire into history…

Sighing again he sat up and began typing on the computer terminal next to him. He needed his shuttle made ready in any case, which meant getting a crew to her and bringing it out of mothballs... That could take a few weeks maybe longer.

Aside from that, he had already made much headway setting up the emergency world defense force by getting Padasha Yuseff Alahandri to agree to be it’s commander. But it was time for the next phase. When he was finished typing, he sent the message to all the heads of state across Graven’s Deep.

“Esteemed members of the World Senate. Rumor has come to me that there are some who doubt the integrity of my devotion to this planet’s future. I want everyone to know the true depth of my belief and dedication to this and it will only be secured by a single world government rising to power. But time is critical and it is imperative that we begin to reform the military command even before such government is in place. I nominate Padasha Yuseff Alahandri as the Grand Premier of Graven’s Defense. Everyone knows that the Padasha and I have constantly butted heads. But I can think of no other better suited to command the defense of this planet. I want it known that at the time of this writing, Genoa has already transferred command of the First Legionnaires Armored Battalion to Padasha Alahandri. It is my sincere hope, that this display will encourage others to see the reality of our situation and send both their support in military strength, as well as their vote for the Grand Premier."


Alan~

The Saga of Chad Hicks (Psycho for Hire) {A Battletech Story}



Well… It wasn’t a Zeus… But in the most technical sense of the word he wasn’t Dispossessed any more. Kinda… Chad smirked and stood up as he cocked the 50 cal machine gun that was mounted on the roll bars above him. He might need to use it now that they were heading off into the jungle. The guard that he and Tiger had uhhh. “Talked to” had been most informative. But Chad was a big guy, and there just wasn’t any way he would be able to ride in the cramped cockpit of a bloody Kintaro, even a modified one for the days or weeks it would take to reach their destination. Thankfully Tiger had more money than Chad, and had purchased and outfitted this Volkswalker for him. He had purchased it used, but that was still over 100,000 C-Bills! Chad was well indebted to him now…

Ya it was only two tons, had an open air cockpit, and the only weapons consisted of the pintal mounted Machine gun. But that beat walking on foot! Apparently these little babies were pretty common on Graven’s deep. There was even a small manufacturing plant in Bristadt that built them. Seems they are used for patrols and scouting the jungles around the Citystates.

Whatever, it was nice just to sit behind the controls of a mech again. The little bugger was surprisingly fast too! Capable of top end speeds of over 100 kph!! It was perfect in that aspect because it could almost exactly keep pace with the Kintaro. And Tiger was not slowing down at all as he pressed through the jungles. Of course he was completely enclosed in the Kintaro. Chad had to hang back a ways or run the risk of being hit by a large branch as it swung back after the Kintaro’s passage, or to keep from being drenched in mud that was splashed up from the impact of the 55 ton mechs foot.

But he didn’t want to be in front any more either. He had tried that once, and had ran right up the back of some giant frigging lizard thing. It hadn’t been amused… And neither had Chad. He had only just barely managed to twist aside and jump back among the brush as it swung its tail swatting at him.

The days passed fairly quickly. It felt good to be back in action. There was danger at every turn. And he had several opportunities to use that 50 Cal. It was on the 5th day of their march when they came across a wide river that the Volkswalker just wasn’t gonna be able to wade, and they’d spent hours figuring out how to hitch the Walker on the Kintaro for a piggyback ride. It was hilarious!

The very next day they’d spotted another unit of mechs moving through the jungles and they had abandoned their vehicles and approached on foot. Some band of pirates, fresh from a raid from the loot they were packing. Chad and Tiger decided to wait there for another day to give them time to clear the area before continuing on. 2 days later they climbed up out of the jungle onto a series of low hills leading up to a high plateau. It hadn’t taken long from there to find the landing sight. There were mech tracks everywhere. Old. But present.

They’d made camp there on the plateau to consider their options. The tracks went every which way. Tiger thought the most recent set was headed west. Chad was getting excited. It looked like Jet had built up a nice size unit from the wide variety of mech tracks. He had to laugh when he spotted some other very small mech tracks similar to his Volkswalker. He wasn’t the only bloke piloting one o’ these freaking micro-mechs! Chad was able to identify the distinctive footprint of the Wolfhound. Yes this was Jet’s people!! The next morning they pressed on westward, only to pause when they appeared to spit up, some heading up into the mountains, some continuing west. The Wolfhound was headed west. That’s the direction they continued. Chad could see that Tiger was getting excited too. He kept stopping to check for Seismics along their march now and then pick pace up to a run for a while then stop again. Leap-frogging every 20 kilometers or so like that.

The tracks remained old looking. Chad couldn’t tell if they were gaining on them or not. But at least he was on the trail again. He felt sure now that he would catch up to them here on Graven’s Deep…


Alan~

The Saga of Loni MacDonald {A Battletech Story}



Loni couldn’t say that she was pleased. She’d wanted nothing more than to reach out and crush the Atlas cockpit when Jared had killed that helpless trucker on the road. She’d known the man was a cold blooded murderer before, but it was another thing entirely to see it happen. She didn’t understand how killing that man could possibly help Graven’s Deep prepare for pirate invasion. THAT man’d had nothing to do with the Kommandant, or their mission…

She’d held her tongue. So far. But she hoped and expected Jet/Hesai/Venom would dress him down SEVERELY for that atrocity. They were committed to this mission so she didn’t breach protocol. But THAT sort of stuff could not be allowed to carry on. Did these guys actually expect to remain mercenaries leaving warrants for their arrest on charges for MURDER everywhere they went???

She’d heard some talk about the events on Solaris… and now had to wonder if they’d deserved what they got or not… When the attack on the compound took place her training kicked in and she put the truckers death out of her mind. There were tracers, and laser fire and missiles streaking every which way. The compound was an ant nest of activity. She watched as Jet jumped headlong into the middle of it. He was a brave man, if cold. She wondered what Candy and Isa saw in him that held them so close to him.

She followed him into the inferno blasting first at the marauder then the Centurion and then at anything that moved. It was chaos, but from the opening shots it was clear who the victors would be. Still the fighting did not let up till the Kommandant’s men had clearly been routed. At fights finish half the buildings were burning. Close to a hundred men lay dead or wounded. Another 50 or so were being corralled before the mech barracks where they had surrendered and lay down their arms.

They had succeeded with at least part of their primary mission. They had killed the Kommandant. Emily was busy painting the graffiti on the walls, and her unit had just been ordered to begin searching for evidence in the Kommandant’s house. THIS was something she wanted to see for herself, and quickly worked through the shutdown procedure and climbed down from the Wasp.

Loni had been first to actually enter the building. She’d paused long enough to pick up one of the abandoned Zeus Rifles, a pair of auto pistols, and a combat knife before she reached the door. Inside she could hear people. But when she came around the corner into what appeared to be a large beautiful sunken living room with adjoining pool she found about a dozen people huddled together frightened. Men, women, children. Some looked like servants or slaves. But most were non-descript. She motioned them all to put their faces to the floor and not move, then she went upstairs looking for the Kommandant’s private office.

Laying her rifle across his desk, keeping it pointed toward the door, she powered up his computer and began looking. She quickly found a contract document with Charon for the Murder of the following people:

General Louis Tourville of LaShailes
General Duncan Blaines of New Brunswick
King Fredrick Von Kruger of Bristadt
High Consul Aurelius Tarucus of Genoa

She sat back heavily in the chair shocked. She hadn’t really believed that the Kommandant had turned until that very second. Letting out a deep sigh she continued her search. And found a communiqué from Angela White rewarding the Kommandant for his loyalty with an offer of Planetary Governor after the invasion was complete.

Who was Angela White? Was that the Crimson Corsair’s real name??

She also found his reply, pledging the entirety of Bristadt’s considerable military power to the invasion force.

Shaking her head she began removing the Kommandant’s main computer from its various peripherals. Everything they needed was in here. From the sounds below, it appeared that the others were entering the house now as well. Standing up, she slung the Zeus over her shoulder, and picked up the Computer box and headed back out…


Alan~

The Corolone Connection {A Battletech Story}


There was good and bad news. Unfortunately it appeared that the two friends of the Pride had slipped off in the night before they could nab them. But on the heels of that information, they had uncovered a Palace soldier who was susceptible to bribes who had heard about their search. Vito had given him an offer he couldn’t refuse, and he’d told them all about the drop site but that nobody knew their exact location any more.

That’d been enough. It was time to send a messenger to these people and see if they were ready to play ball. It was also time to make contact with the hired muscle and let them know it would be time to earn their pay soon.

He’d learned one other very important piece of information that the guard probably didn’t even know was important. These people were stuck here for a year…

Vito now had the luxury of time. He lit a cigarette taking a long draw and leaned against the wall looking out the window toward the distant jungles. These people would play ball… or they would be buried here on this stinking mud hole… He smiled and then chuckled. As long as the invasion didn’t interfere, he had all the time in the world now.

He would need to send his people out to back track, and learn everything there was to know about all those who had taken service with the Pride. Everyone had a weakness…

He let the smoke out and smiled.


Alan~

hmmm...i think i made loni mad...guess i should deal with that also i think im screwed lol vito sounds angry in a quite kind f way...umm.....btw i will post in the bard circle when i get a REAL internet connection...i mite be getting power tonight i hope

The Saga of Ingrid and Isadora Wilson {A Battletech Story}


“Well we need a lot of things.” Isa was saying. “I mean look at that mess.” She pointed over to the wreckage of the unit Griffin and Clint.

“We brought along some armor, for emergency repairs. So I brought one advanced tool kit to handle those repairs. All the rest are back at the cave. We don’t actually have the rest of the repair kits out here! We don’t have any mech aside from the War Mule that even HAS cargo space for it. And the only thing besides armor that we brought was those 4 bombs…” She concluded miserably.

“Does this mean we won’t get the Clint working?” Ingrid asked.

“Not any time soon. We can do some of the prep, but that’s it. Without the proper tools we are likely to damage components or have to jury-rig the repairs instead of doing the job right. This just isn’t going to work. And I see this as being a systemic problem Candy. We need a means of bringing parts, supplies and tools with us into the field if we hope to perform anything but the most basic repairs.”

“Well I’ll talk to Jet.” Ingrid began. “We might be able to make a raid for what we need.”

About that time there was a sound like a walnut cracking under a hammer, and they both looked over in time to see a large glop of brains, bone, and lumps of other less identifiable stuff begin sliding down the leg of the Victor. The entire leg was splattered red and Charon was flying backwards, falling limply to the ground.

Isa looked away quickly feeling sick while Candy blinked as if she were seeing things, then she moved forward quickly with everyone else to see what happened. Someone had shot Charon!!

Jet didn’t seem too terribly surprised, and kept watching the jungle, and sure enough a few minutes later Tab Hunter came walking into camp with that enormous sniper rifle over his shoulder. Candy was baffled. She’d not understood why they had brought him back after he had destroyed two of the unit’s mechs. And after making peace with him why had Tab shot him?

It became clearer after she’d had time to talk with Jet later. It just made things even more apparent that she didn’t think like a mercenary… After they hauled his body (sans head) off and buried it and cleaned the mess off the mech, Isa came over to join the others.

She heard Tab talking with Jet about ownership of the mech as he offered it, in exchange for the contract that bound Doctor Mohinder to the Unit. Jet accepted, and like that the unit had acquired a new mech. 80 tons of it. Isa was already trying to figure the new maintenance schedule.

In a surprise move. Well surprising to Isa, Jet took the new mech himself. He’d typically always been one of the last to get a mech assignment. She squinted up at the mech noting the oriental styling. Especially with the massive titanium sword it appeared quite similar to an ancient Samurai in full armor. But if that had been surprising to Isa, it was NOTHING compared to the shock Ingrid had when he subsequently assigned the Wolfhound to her!!

The Wolfhound was the newest, most advanced mech in the unit. She’d been in such shock she had not even had voice to respond. This changed everything… She caught the neurohelmut Jet tossed to her. It still had the word “Charon” painted across it. She just stood there holding the helmut as Isa, Isabella, Sarge, and Belladona began looking over the Victor.

Everyone was paying attention to the new acquisition and so didn’t see as Candy quietly made her way over to the foot of the Wolfhound and looked up at it. Nor as the turmoil of the morning made her start feeling ill suddenly, and she had to go empty her stomach again in the bushes beyond the camp.

When she came back, she borrowed some paint and covered over Charon’s name, and in very fancy scrollwork painted the word. . ~•٠*’Candy`*۰•~ .

Then she had slowly climbed up the mech and seated herself there as if for the first time. It wasn’t. She’d been in here uncounted times. Helping Isa or with Jet or practicing while they were asleep. She had even piloted it to battle against Kor once. But it was different now. It was hers… She reached out and touched the console lovingly.

She was a Mechwarrior?

It didn’t seem right. It was surreal. She had grown up on Solaris, and ya… she had been fascinated by battlemechs, and their star mechwarriors from a young age. She would admit to being a mechbunny. She’d followed the careers of hundreds of mechwarriors. Had even managed to get herself in the victory ring once or twice where she carried the victory wreath and got to place it around the winner’s shoulders with a kiss. She’d admired them with a passion. She supposed it had been her escape. She’d wanted nothing more than to be close to one of them. To be with them. It had been her inspiration. When she dreamed of the winners circle, she didn’t have to remember the street corners she’d patrolled at night.

Jet had given her the greatest gift she could have imagined when he hired her, and protected her from Gregory Black. Taking her in among the great warriors of the Wayfinders Foundation. It had been a dream come true on so many levels. But never… had she imagined this day.

She picked up the neurohelmut and looked at her name again. She was shocked as she just realized something else. A month ago, she had been upset when she had been passed over for a mech assignment. Had actually been upset. 3 years ago, she had been thanking her stars to have a desk job as Jets receptionist. And she had been upset at being passed over for mech assignment.

She shook her head. Had she changed so much in 3 years? She must have. She’d completely lost sight of what was really important. In fact she’d been guilty of that which she herself had nearly left him for. She’d taken him for granted. Last month she had taken for granted that this day would come. Had been upset when it hadn’t. Now here it was and she didn’t even know what to say. She would need to apologize. She would start with that. She could also offer it back to him for re-assignment to someone else. Emily or Tanzu were both far more experienced. She took a deep breath and smiled, not feeling any twinge of loss at the thought. She’d passed the test. She’d been given the grail, and she could set it down and walk away without remorse.

She looked again at her name on the helmet. Could that really be her name? Had she really became that which she had idolized all her life? This wasn’t just an emergency where he had no choice. He wasn’t injured. It was hers now…

“Wow…” she whispered. “just… wow”

All her life… she’d idolized mechwarriors… She had never dreamed to become one. Just being close to one was enough. Then after years with Jet she’d had other ideas. She'd wanted to be a useful part of his world never realizing the full implications of it. And she had trained and fought and tried never believing it would really ever happen.

“Somebody pinch me…” she whispered again.

She wasn’t just a Valkyrie any more. She didn’t choose or serve the Warriors of Valhalla. She had become one…

“Presumptuous…” she whispered a third time.

But was it? She hadn’t made the claim. It had been bestowed upon her. And she’d trained. She’d trained for 3 long years for this day. She suddenly realized that she was now a “contributing” member of the unit. She would be earning her place. No longer merely a kept woman. This would mean changes in her life on so many levels again… It was difficult to comprehend. She was a Mechwarrior…

She smirked… She wondered if she would ever meet anyone who would come running up to her wanting HER autograph because she was a Mechwarrior… Because she was “Candy”.

Her grin widened. She should change her call sign. Candy wasn’t very… intimidating. But then, that could be an advantage. She closed her eyes imagining the Solaris Arenas. Could almost hear her favorite announcer Mathew “Ripsaw” Balcomb:

“And coming out of the green chute is Candy, and her trademark Wolfhound! As you may remember Candy is this years hottest new rookie, born and raised right here on Solaris. And by hottest I mean both in and out of the Mech! She prides herself on knowing her opponents better than they know themselves, and rumors are she wears nothing but a cooling vest and Chanel # 5 under that mech canopy!”

She giggled shaking her head. She couldn’t believe the thoughts coursing through her head just then. But it would draw the crowd. And that’s what they wanted on Solaris. She sighed. But this wasn’t Solaris. Still... she thought she would keep her call sign as it was. It might put someone off or make them overconfident, and give her an advantage sometime. Besides she wasn’t the “intimidating” type in any event.

She seated the neurohelmut over her head, plugging it in and re-configured the security settings. A simple thing. Something that most mechwarriors undoubtedly thought to be drudgery. But for Candy it was a ritual. It signified a new stage in her life. She powered up the mech and smiled, feeling the mech’s low vibrations as the powerful fusion engine boiled to life. It wasn’t a machine any more. It wasn’t a tool. It was an extension of herself. She flipped another switch listening to the high pitched wind up as the powerful ER Large Laser was brought online. Her eyes scanned the controls and her smile broadened.

=====================================================

It was very dark, and the battle was already in progress. Jet and Lobo had already jumped the wall and Candy had watched grimly as dozens of points of light had converged on the 80 ton target as it hung mid air. Tracer fire, lasers, twin stabs of PPC fire, missiles machine guns. She’d gasped at the shear volume of destructive energy! Then Jared was blasting a hole in the heavy barrier before them. She added her own laser fire to his, and watched as the wall crumbled. She followed him into the black and orange nightmare of battle. Lasers and fire and explosions flashed all around. Her mech was buffeted by the closer blasts. Following the Atlas right up to their primary target, she began tracking one of the dozens of vehicles tearing about the compound. Suddenly she pulled down the trigger and 4 beams of coherent light converged on the APC, slicing through the stubborn armor and causing a brilliant explosion of fire and shrapnel. She could hear the pinging of debris against the Wolfhounds armored skin.

“I got one I got one!!!” she cried over the comm Excitedly. It was her first kill… ever.

The battle seemed to draw out. Almost like watching a movie in slow motion. Hundreds of tracers were now targeting the Atlas, and she saw it stagger under the maelstrom as fire stitched across its massive head.

Narrowing her eyes she follows the tracers back to its source and pulled the trigger again. Another explosion! A third! An enormous explosion from her left sent rubble raking across the wolfhound from the left side and she turned the mech in time to see the main barracks collapsing in fire and smoke.

She continued tracking and firing at these vehicles till she saw men scrambling out of them holding their arms up. Everywhere they were doing the same. She looked around. Someone had called for the enemy’s surrender. As Candy was processing that the battle was over, she heard Jet ordering the command lance to move to the exit and corral the prisoners. Candy turned the Wolfhound following Belle back out of the compound. There were men here trying to escape. Candy urged the mech forward taking a few quick strides, getting ahead of the soldiers, between them and the waiting safety of the jungles. Then flipping on the loudspeaker she called out.

“Ok you army guys… stop right there!!” Her sweet voice echoed across the fields. She was so surprised when the more than 2 dozen men did exactly what she told them, that she giggled, forgetting that the loud speakers were still on!

That giggle seemed to scare them more than her command had, and they began moving back toward the compound quickly!

She noticed Isabella shooting at something way down the road and then Joe went streaking by in full Jet mode after it.

Candy grinned from ear to ear. She’d done it. And she hadn’t froze up.. and she hadn’t fallen down. She’d actually done a good job. She clapped her hands suddenly in excitement.

“Yes!!!” she squealed, not caring if it was broadcast over the loudspeakers or not.


Alan~

The Shadow Raiders {A Battletech Story}



“But she’s trying to get them killed. WE gotta warn him!” Angel said.

“We all know that, and HE knew the risks when he left. If we move too soon we could blow his cover, and he would be dead for sure. And I don’t know if you have looked around lately. But we ain’t exactly equipped to take on a full company of Battlemechs!” Ghost replied.

“How much longer do we have to keep up this charade anyway?” Viper asked flipping her white hair back over her shoulder. “I think we have lost sight of our original goals.”

“Times change…” Ghost replied shrugging his heavy shoulders. “It will take as long as it takes. You got something better to do?”

Viper turned around shrugging. “Ya… something else.”

“She’s got a point Ghost, we don’t belong with this crowd. Its been way too long, and gotten us nowhere. And for what? Some princess bimbo he’s got the trots for?” Angel asked getting a head of steam on. He knew better than to actually stand up to Ghost, but he would be heard in any event.

“We stay, Coyote is counting on us. If we hear a clear order for his or their death, we will break cover but not a second sooner.”

“But you heard the Lady Ghost” Angel persisted. “She said that they wouldn’t be a part of the equation. She’s already made plans. That doesn’t mean they involve us or that she will include us when she gives the kill order.”

Ghost turned to look at him, the enhanced musculature of his augmented body pulsing beneath the skin of his arm as he flexed with irritation. “Listen Angel, if you think you can hack in there and get the poop on this, be my guest. But you KNOW she’s as good as you are, maybe better, and you also know she’s covered their system with black ice. Its your brain cells on the line.”

Angel licked his lips nervously. “Ya know... I been thinking bout that. The girl’s good I give her credit. But nobody’s that good. I think she somehow got access to some real top-level code slicers. I’m talking Delta grade stuff. The kind of shit that Loki uses. Who’s to say she didn’t get her start with Loki? I don’t think she’s that good, I just think she’s that smart.”

“Does that mean you think you can burn your way past the Loki Code Slicers?” Ghost said watching him curiously.

“Won’t have to if we can get back on board. I could patch in directly.”

“And how do you figure we do that? She doesn’t exactly invite people over for tea…”

Angel licked his lips, scrambling for ideas…

”Because of this…” Viper said holding up her holo-visograph.

Ghost came closer looking at the projected image. “Whats that?”

The image was fuzzy, misshapen. Vipers mental projections often looked like that. But there was no mistaking it was a jumpship. The symbol on the bow was equally unmistakable. Distorted, but unmistakable. Comstar.

“What the hell does a Comstar ship have to do with this?” Angel asked frowning.

“I have no idea… But she will.” Viper said mysteriously.

“Right, then lets plot a rendezvous course Angel, and get setup to patch in when we have docked.”

Angel smiled broadly. “Right away!”


Alan~

from the thoughts of Countess Emily Cryshnada

I have done what Venom has requested and faced the victor. I do have to admit i was certain that i was going to die. However i did not, but my mech was totally ruined. I took a ride with lobo once everybody started to head back to camp, because i was still angry with Abigail. When we made it to camp, i had a few words with Venom. I could not believe that Venom did not finish what he had us start. He allowed this "charon" to live after he destroyed my and Tanzu's mechs. To make matters worse Abigail had mentioned to me that she is considering to join the wayfinders. I do have to say that the fates have something against me. But i wont the fates to know that i laugh at them and that i spit at them. They thought that they could break me. Sure i was beginning to break down. I was angered that they killed my mother, took my father, confused my sister, and have destroyed my mech. But like i said, it will take more than that to destroy me. This was just a test of my iron will and i now laugh at the fates attempts. I swear on my life that i will find out what happened to my father or at least die trying. That fates will not deter me.

Well as we journeyed to do our first real mission, i had plenty of time to smooth things somewhat over with my sister abby. I will not let the fates have the joy of separating us. we will soon see what the fates will throw next at me at the base. Whatever it is i will be ready for it. i have been reminded of what my goal and i will accomplish it, hopefully by the end of it i can convince my sister not to give up her royal heritage to be a merc.




ps. sorry everybody for posting so late....been busy and internet probs

Hana’s Internal Dark Storm (a Battletech story)

Hana watched as Tanzu climbed up into the War Mule once more, despite the fact that the Mech now belonged to Abigail she still saw it as Tanzu’s. The War Mule had been the only thing in the world that had brought out the warrior in him back on Rasalhague even though she hated that side of him she also loved it. It in the end is what makes him whole one side philosopher and honorable man, then other a warrior and passionate defender of those he keeps close.

The War Mule came to life along with the other Mechs around it, Hana always thought it had a gentle nature to it with its odd shape and massive arms it almost looked comical to the point of seeming harmless, but that was a lie it was a tool of war and she had seen it rip other Mechs to pieces with what seemed like little effort. Hana smiled up at the large Mech as it started to move into formation with those around it silently she spoke a plea to the massive gentle Mech to bring him back to her.

Hana watched as the ‘Pride’ walked off to their fist mission holding herself for support as she watched the War Mule disappear into the towering trees of the jungle. She listened to the thundering steps of the Mechs as they marched off as a shiver came over her as somehow the sound reminded her of some large dark coming storm.

With these dark thoughts she walked back to her and Tanzu’s small tent area. The camp seemed almost deserted now with only her, the younger girl that was with Jet, and the new members of the unit left to watch over the camp and wait for the Mechwarriors to return. Being left behind did not bother her at all it was the waiting that was already unbearable, the not knowing what Tanzu and the rest of them faced or their condition, and there was the root of her fears, the fact that she was not there to watch over Tanzu like he needed, like she had done for Sarge.

Hana froze in med step as the realization of what had just come to her mind hit her she actually wanted to use her ‘gifts’. The one thing that could end everything she had and endanger everyone around her she wanted to use. How could she be so selfish, but she has been for some time. First is was because she did not trust the Tanzu’s new employer and she had used her gifts to protect him and watch out for him. Then it had been the juggle with all its dangers that prompted her to fall back on her gifts once more just in time to run to Tanzu’s side before the sniper opened fire on the camp. But now her gifts were starting to come alive on their own, she had no regrets for saving Sarge’s life but she was starting to loss control of her powers and she knew that every time she used them meant that Commstar would be closer to hunting her down.

Hana fell to a sitting position on the ground next to her tent as tears once more come to her eyes as these dark thoughts swirled about her like a uncontainable storm. It was her that was the true danger to Tanzu and the unit, not some dark employer, or the juggle, or the forces they would be facing, but the danger she would bring down on them all. She was a sad selfish girl! How dare she put those around her in such danger! She would need to leave that she knew deep within her but she would not run not any more. She would fight and in dosing so earn the right to stay with Tanzu and the unit. Commstar wished to find her for her gifts, and in the end they will but when they do there will be hell to pay.

With quick sudden movements Hana stood up and entered her and Tanzu’s tent and was back out again as quick with the wood bokkan that Tanzu had used to spar with Jet. She walked to the edge of the camp hoping not to be seen as she started the basic kata she had seen Tanzu do a thousand times every morning. Within seconds she was sweaty and her arms hurt with the weight of the bokkan but she dare not stop she would need her strength if she was to fight Commstar.

re-editing

From Belladonna's Memoirs {A Battletech Story}

The Fates took another look at the threads of my life near Thanksgiving of 3045. Why do they always change the pattern just after my birthday? Maybe it’s my curse for being born on All Hallow’s Eve. In most cases, I am unusually lucky after a bad turn of The Fates.

When I first met “The Pride”, I wasn’t sure if The Fates were weaving a darker or lighter thread. I had thought that Sarge had been killed during The Pride’s attack on The War Dog Slaver’s Gazelle. Finding out my father was alive gave me hope that this was a lighter thread. Mech Spotter crawling up my leg and then arm confirmed that this was a lighter thread than the one before.

Okay, so Mech Spotter was a strange omen of things turning better. For those who don’t know The Sage of Mech Spotter, “Mech” was a wild jungle gecko when he first attached himself to me. Dad didn’t have a problem letting me keep him and neither did The Pride Lance leaders, Smiles and Bell. The Pride’s doctor did torture poor Mech to develop an anti-venom. Yes, Mech is poisonous, but he’s safer to have around than some humans.

I think I’ll always remember that talk with Sarge after he made it back from chasing the Wyvern Mech Spotter and I had seen from the Hitman’s Atlas. Sarge had been glad to make it out of the icy mountains alive. Mech piloting was Mom’s thing, not Dad’s. He and I had reached the same conclusion…the skills that had almost cost me my life and that had cost the lives of everyone in the Poison Lance might be valuable to The Pride.

We didn’t know who would believe us; after all I was only 18 at the time. I thought the Magellan’s lady, Kailey, or The Hunter might. That was because they may have heard of the execution of the Poison Lance being from New Avalon. I at least got to show one of my skills by breaking into Charon’s Victor after The Hunter shot him. Lobo has one of the tools of the trade, but I had to navigate the neurohelmet without the regular nuerohelmet codebreaker. Charon had several tricks I hadn’t encountered on Tamar, but with luck I made it through and proved my worth to The Wayfinder’s Foundation, as The Pride became called. The hard part came from reveling where my skills came from and proving to The Hunter that I wasn’t a danger to the group.

Letter to Johnny/Talaveran Swords {A Battletech Story}

11 December 3045

Querido Johnny,

I don’t know where to start. I’m sitting here inside my ‘Mech with hours until we start our assault plans. Ever since your birthday, my thoughts have lingered on what your response will be. My heart knows that you love me, but we’ve always left the future a mystery. I wish I had ventured to tell you that I truly loved you before I left, but I was afraid that you wouldn’t be able to say the words in return. I’ll find out in due time, but writing the words helps. “I love you Johnny Silver!”

I keep thinking about how we met, especially as the anniversary draws near. This will be our first New Year’s Eve apart since we met. The crowd was wild and rowdy, and I wasn’t the barmaid you thought I was, but still our meeting on New Year’s Eve 3041 was rememberable. You thought it was strange that I took a case of mistaken identity as a perfect way to start a new year, a new life. We’ve got together every New Year’s since. Either you came to me or I came to Antellos. We agreed that we could be apart this year, but I wish you’d come find me. I hope Lance followed my requests, but hopefully you took the poem well enough to forgive the crew.

The other thing I’ve had to concentrate on today is the sword my mother sent for my birthday. I didn’t tell you what it means—what it stands for. If we do marry and have children, its meaning will affect all of our lives. The sword my mother sent is a Talaveran Sword of the Trust. I’ve only seen a true Talaveran Sword used in family rites three ways. The first was when tío Roberto accepted a Talaveran Sword of the Trust. The second was when primo Antonio returned the same sword to the family trust for tío Roberto. The third use, and most common use, is in the noble (title acceptance) ceremony. In that ceremony, one must choose one of three swords; the noble/ceremonial Talaveran Blade, the Talaveran Sword of the Trust, or a plain non-Talaveran blade. To accept the title, you choose the noble blade. To choose to disown your family, you choose the plain blade. Some of mis hermanas have done this to accept the title of their husband’s family as their only title. The Talaveran Sword of the Trust is chosen/accepted when you choose to forsake your title, but maintain the right for your descendants to accept your title. Tío Roberto accepted the sword so he could take the title of his wife’s family. His son, Antonio, returned the sword to the family trust so he could accept his father’s Talaveran title.

Mom sending me the sword and my not returning it constitutes acceptance of the Talaveran Sword of the Trust. That means my children will be able to choose to accept the title of Countessa or Conte. If we marry, it will be our children who have the choice. I am however by holding the sword sworn to protect my family’s interests and serving the family in the regiment if required for defense of Delane, or other holdings. If they call needing help, I am sworn to answer with due haste and bringing as much manpower as I can to help aid in the defense of the Talaveran Holdings.

I feel guilty about not letting you know before I left, but the chance to prove my love and to show you what you truly mean to me never came. It seemed like you wanted me to finish the mission for my family and be gone. I hope it’s just past experiences blocking the path. If you don’t have the same vision of the future that I do, then I will probably join the Wayfinder’s Foundation. If you love me and agree to marriage and a family, maybe I can be partners with Isa on Zodiac Technologies.

Well, beloved, it’s time for me to go on watch with Indigo…he would be an asset to Silver’s Slayers if you can handle his flirtatious nature. Then I must sleep (and dream of you) before a dark battle. So, I’ll leave off here.

Hasta luego mi corazon,

Isabella

The Saga of Rodriguez Indigo Montoya Ramirez (Lobo) {A Battletech Story}



Well there are moments in life that make living it worth the effort. Having Contessa Emily Cryshnada squirming around on his lap during the return to the camp had been one of those moments. He could see something in this woman that he didn’t believe others could.

She had her iron will, and her fiery temper, and was a force to be reckoned with. But she also needed and wanted a strong man. One who was not afraid to be a man with her. One who would be willing to give her assistance when she needed it, but respect her own strength when she didn’t need assistance. She could appreciate a “Bad Boy”.

He had slid his arms around her waist as she sat on his lap, and breathed in her scent fresh from the heat of her Griffin’s overheated cockpit. She was angry. Angry with Jet for bringing Charon back to the camp after ordering her to attack him. Angry to have lost her mech so easily. And even angry to be sitting here on his lap helpless.

But somewhere beneath that anger she was enjoying the moment as much as he was. He knew this to be true. The trip back had been all to quick and Lobo’d had little time to actually talk to her. But it excited him all the more for the end of the month, and the bet he’d made with her.

And Lobo had been right about the storm fit she threw with Jet as well. She definitely was NOT happy with him right then. Lobo didn’t think she would remain with the Wayfinders after this contract was up. But he didn’t think she would come with Silver’s Slayers either. Emily was a woman who was just as lost as the rest of them but she refused to admit it. She still wanted to keep her holdings. Wanted to hunt down her father’s killers. Wanted to be free to travel and live life. But if she didn’t come with either of them at contract’s end, then what would she do?

Lobo put it out of his mind. Charon was of more importance. Lobo was sure that Jet had something up his sleeve. But it was two days before he learned exactly what that was. The answer came in the form of a .50 caliber high explosive armor piercing shell fired from Tab Hunter’s uber sniper rifle.

If there was anyone in the unit that Lobo found just… scary, it was Tab. Charon’s demise was both quick, and dramatic. But the fun didn’t stop there. It seems that his mech was booby-trapped and Lobo had finally fessed up to owning a electronic security bypass kit and let Belladonna use it to disarm the devices. Tab who was the technical owner of the mech since it was his kill, traded it straight across to buy out the Doc’s contract freeing them to take off.

Lobo hoped they wouldn’t leave. He was growing fond of seeing Kailey around, and still had hopes of breaking down her defenses some day.

Then Jet claimed the Victor for his own, and Candy was assigned to the Wolfhound! Lobo was more than a little bit surprised. After all both Tanzu and Emily had lost their mech at his order and he decides to give his girlfriend a mech instead of replacing the others?

Lobo just didn’t understand this drac, that was plain…

The next day they set out to go attack the Kommandant’s compound, and Lobo had to admit it was a wild ride! A full frontal assault, charging down the road. Naturally the Kommandant was fully prepared and waiting for them. But it hadn’t mattered. Within seconds of the opening shots most of the greatest threats at the compound had been neutralized. Lobo had never NEVER seen a Marauder go down so fast! Lobo’s Phoenixhawk took more damage from infantry cannons than from any greater threat. When it was all over, he stood there looking around at all the carnage, and grinned. These folks really knew how to throw a party!


Alan~

From Belladonna's Memoir's (con't) {A BattleTech Story}

When The Pride went to do their first official mission, I had to stay behind. Kailey let me learn how to use one of the Baby ‘Mechs, a quadrunner. She showed me the basics before the others came back. Kailey let me take one flower hunting as The Pride headed to pick up its shuttle. Hana chose to ride with me. It took my concentration to pilot and flower search so we couldn’t really talk. She warned us about some thing dangerous ahead. I surprised some members of The Pride by standing up in the Baby ‘Mech to get a better look at that something, a Gorg, that Joe had shot with a laser. It looked huge, but not injured so I just wanted it to go away. I gave it the look I used on my pets when they were bad. The Gorg was huge and I felt like my luck was changing again. I didn’t want a Gorg for a pet; 2000 tons is way to big to take care of! The Fates had put one in my path though. I stared it down and wished it would go away. It surprised me, and definitely the rest of The Pride, when the Gorg turned away. I knew it had taken more than my normal luck with animals to change the path of a Gorg. Hana declared me gifted and to be wary of who knew I was…I don’t feel gifted, cursed maybe, but not gifted.

The shuttle held more surprises, but they were just people Jet knew. He accepted them into The Wayfinders Foundation. I was forced to abandon the quadrunner and ride in the shuttle. Isabella’s fella scared our pilot, Ben, by showing up unexpectedly. I think Johnny even surprised Isabella by showing up on Graven’s Deep to propose when he wasn’t expected for year. The cave was raided by Kor’s men and some had been killed by The Prophets, who had a temple just down one of the caverns. Dad and I were not pleased when we found this out; The Pride had let us stay there overnight without even being aware of The Prophets. The new pirates in my life were a safer option than the cave that night. Silver’s Slayers were planning war and a wedding at the same time. And they accepted Mech Spotter on board the Dark Phoenix. So, The Fates were still weaving a lighter thread, but Kor’s War Dogs were still attached to this thread of my life.

Thoughts from Isabella {A Battletech Story}

17 Dec 3045

Man did I get the wrong idea when Candy ran up to Johnny and he told her to “wait a minute, love.” I thought I had my answer and then Johnny dropped to one knee and proposed. I agreed we needed to take this to the next chapter and was swept into my fiancé’s arms. Lance slipped me the birthday video as Johnny was hanging on to me and being introduced to The Pride. I spoke up for Indigo, but warned that he was more of a flirt than Johnny used to be. Since Rafael was still with Kor, I couldn’t just leave with Johnny. The contract wasn’t the problem, the obligation to the family was. So, I gave Johnny Kor’s communications signature and a copy of the letter I’d left him and left Johnny to talk to Jet alone. Isa, Ingrid, and I watched the birthday video Lance had taken for me. I returned to Johnny and gave him the letter I’d written him. He verified that my family knew I was going to marry him. I put the Talaveran Sword of the Trust in front of him and said it belonged to both of us now. I didn’t feel the need to restate that my mom was a precog. We decided on a wedding date of New Year’s Eve 3045 instead of waiting until 3046 when I planned it. Too bad Mom hadn’t sent me a wedding dress via Johnny for my birthday, but I haven’t checked to see if he’d got any packages before coming after me. I have to figure out how to fulfill my contract without losing my fiancé in a battle that isn’t his, but tonight is for celebrating and planning a wedding.

Message to Kor, left 22 Nov 3045 to play when dropship comms were activated.

Kor, remember the ways of pirates. The Magellan belonged to us and we came for it. We raided your ship, locked up your soldiers, and left you enough to repair your dropship. Business is business. We hold no grudge.

Isabella of The Pride

A Midnight Discussion {A Battletech Story}

**Knock**
**Knock**

The knocking on the cabin door woke Joe up. The sleeping quarters were small in the shuttle, so he rolled off the cot and was at the door with one step. He extended his hand to the doorlatch and froze. Ben almost never knocked. He would just walk in. Could Loni be outside? Joe grinned and quickly pulled the door open.

It was Ben.

“Crap. OK, Ben, come in.”

“Hey, yuh look disappointed to see me. Yer OK?”

“Oh, nothing. Just wasn’t sure it was you.”

“Oh Ho!! Jus hopin’ is wasn’t me, yuh mean? Hopin’ that Loni was makin’ a midnight visit?” Ben pulled a fold-out chair from the wall and sat down opposite of the sleeping cot. “Yuh have a thing fer her Joe?”

Joe sat on the edge of the cot. “Yeah, a little. But that’s not what brought you here. What’s up?”

“Aw, I jus couldn’t sleep. Figured I’d bend yer ear a bit. It’s been a hell of a week.”

Joe grinned. “Yeah, the attack on the compound was incredible. We should have brought you, Ben. You saw the battle ROM? Honest to God, I dropped the bombs on the power plant, turned around and the whole thing was over. All they left for me was the Kommodant and that ship in the river.”

“Wull, that’s not all bad. Yuh didn’t hafta deal with the family.”

Joe frowned. “Yeah, that was tough. I was hoping to talk to Tseng Jet about the options we discussed. Then Kamu Tanzu and Lobo walked out with the family. I just figured the dracs had come up with their own plan. Next thing I know, Jared squished the family and turned that cannon on the staff. I thought I had braced myself for it, but I was wrong. We should have brought a chaplain with us.”

“Wull, count on Jared to get the job done. Can’t believe he crushed that driver though.”

“Yes, I can’t understand how he could do that. I thought he was more professional than that. I understand that he was a paid assassin, but I never expected him to take out non-coms without cause.”

“So, you think Tseng Jet should have handled it differently?”

“No. He made the right call. I would have done the same thing.”

“Sure gonna miss our poker games. He owes me 500,000 C-Bills.” They both laughed. “You think he ever figured we were usin’ a marked deck?”

Joe grinned. “Oh no way! He would have laid us both out had he known! We would have been sharing the hospital with Tanzu. Would have been a good way to get to know Tanzu better, though.”

“Why’d we want to do that? He called us his ‘Sword Brothers’, remember.”

“Yeah, you ever figure out what that means?”

“I’m thinkin’ he was offerin’ to use his sword to take our heads off if we were ever in the mood fer Seppuku. It’s a polite way to ask people to kill themselves.

“Oh, fantastic. Well, anyway, there is something about him. He made it clear that the soldiers that surrendered were to be spared. He attempted to save the family. Now it looks like he has been protecting Hana by giving her a safe home. He’s not just some Japanese killing machine looking for a glorious death in battle. He has me curious.”

“You wantin’ to know more about Hana too?”

“No. She’s psychic. I’m going to keep myself as far from her as I can. Don’t want her reading my thoughts.”

“She probably saved yuh from that gorg. That doesn’t count fer anythin’?” Also, she’s changin’. I’ve seen her practicin’ martial arts. Not suggestin’ we buddy up to her, but let’s make sure we don’t put up a wall between us. We might be needin’ her to watch our back. She at least deserves a ‘Thank you’.”

“Hmmmm. OK, Your right.”

“Whatchya think about this Chad and Lee Takashi?”

“They are both tied closely to Tseng Jet. If we stay on his good side, relations can be good. If we cross him, they will be among the first to hunt us down.”

“Same thing with the Slayers?”

“No. I don’t trust them. They are pirates. Something else you should know. I asked Tseng Jet if the Slayers and the Wayfinders are one in the same. He said yes. The Wayfinders Foundation is not a merc unit. It appears to be a pirate unit.”

Ben’s eyes opened wide. “So all this talkin’ about lost people findin’ their way means lost people rapin’ pillagin’ an burnin’? This ain’t what we sign up for, Joe. An you told Loni that the Pride was here to save Gravens Deep. Not raid it.”

“I think that part is true. Look, I honestly believe that Taracus is trying to save the planet from a pirate invasion. I don’t like him, but so far I believe him. And so far, everybody honestly seems to be committed to this goal.”

“Huh. My gut feelin’ tells me yer right. But logic’s tellin’ me otherwise. If the Wayfinders are pirate, then so are Jet and Tanzu. An all of Jet’s close friends. Abby’s eager to join him too. Bell and Lobo are clearly members of the Slayers. Emily’s sayin’ she’s turned merc, but she’s from Oberon and yuh heard her askin’ to talk to Kor an the Corsair. Soundin’ like she’s pirate too. Yer the only contract holder in the Pride who ain’t suspect to me. Fer a unit here to protect against pirates, it sure includes a whole lot o’ them.”

Joe sighed. “So, what do you think we should do?”

“Let’s be talkin’ to Loni some more. Ask her to find out more about Sarge, Belladonna and Delores and what they’re thinkin’. An, we’re needin’ to make nice and buddy up to our new pirate ‘friends’. I think yer right that they’re wantin’ to save the planet. But, we don’t know why. An, they’re not needin’ us to do that. If anyone in this crew thinks we’re not their best friends, we’re dead.”

“We need to tell that to Loni too. Tseng Jet made it clear that he considers her a risk. Said so in front of everybody before we attacked Bristadt. If your are right, she would be in even more danger than us.”

“You thinkin’ with yer head or yer heart?”

“OK, I admit I have a crush on her. But she has always made it clear that she wants to protect this world. I think she sees service with Taracus as the best way to do that. And we need somebody to watch our back. You don’t trust her?”

“Actually I do. Maybe Sarge, his daughter and Delores too. Hana and Tanzu…..”

An unidentifiable noise behind Joe interrupted Ben and made Joe turn around and look at the wall behind him.

Ben stood up and whispered, “Oh, I forgot. These walls are paper-thin. Loni is sleeping in the next room. We should stop talking.”

Joe turned around and hissed back, “You mean she heard everything we said!?”

“Yeah, if she’s awake. Hey, it’s late. Good night.”

After Ben left, Joe turned and looked at the wall again. Loni’s room was just on the other side, and if Ben’s knocking didn’t wake her, the loud conversation must have. She certainly heard a good portion of the discussion, if not all of it.

“Crap.”

From the thoughts of Countess Emily Cryshnada

I do have to admit my hands were starting to sweat a little at the time when I gave the order to Abigail to proceed through the breach in the wall when the pride had attacked. I really hated being dispossessed and not being able to participate in the battle. I also felt that I was inadequate to properly protect my sister if anything happened in this moment of time. After we had entered the base, I immediately hopped out of the quadrunner (with my weapons handy) and started to paint on what seemed like a good wall to start at the time. I soon found out that that was the back of the barracks and that the mechs started to shoot at that. Therefore I moved and started to paint on the main wall near the breach, but soon ammo starting to fly near us, and I angrily moved to a new location far enough from the battle, and started to paint once again. “This is dumb,” I had thought to myself, “ I should be the one out there fighting instead of playing the role of some low class peasant.” I would not be nearly as angry if Venom was not responsible for the destruction of my mech. I really wondered about that guy, he never gives a yes or no answer and I don’t say that I agree with all of his strategies. After I had thought these things, I looked to the side and noticed that there were a group of people helping this one man out of an ejected capsule from a mech. At first I did not like the looks of it, then it clicked……what if this guy is the Kommandant. I immediately radioed to the rest of the pride that they needed to seal off the breached area with urgency.

Thankfully they did and then my sister informed me that she was going to go and load the quadrunner along with other supplies on the Norton. I said that is fine and that I would be here painting away. Well I guess I could look at the bright side of it, the fates did not manage to do anything to destroy my life further. I mean what could they do now? Make my paintbrush break? After about five minutes I saw my sister Abigail come with a Norton filled with supplies. I immediately hopped on and got the impression that it was about time that we book it out of here. It was slightly unnerving at the speed that this mech was going with all of the weight that it was caring. As soon as we reached the jungle edge, Tanzu and Lonnie stood there to cover us as we marched forward. Then it happened. I usually like the idea of air support, but I really hate when they use it against us. Anyway a group of fighters fired a lot of missiles at the Warmule, since it was the bigger mech of the two standing guard. I believe from what I heard that only 2 of the missiles actually missed. Then I heard over the come that the Warmule was down and that it seemed like Tanzu was unconscious.

Venom ordered that I recover the Warmule since I was closest available mechwarrior. I jumped out the Norton and then instructed my sister to proceed and I then ran as fast as I could to Tanzu’s mech. As I neared the Warmule I noticed that I still had a minute before the fighters would return. Once inside the mech I saw that Tanzu was in pretty bad shape and that there was his blood all over the place. Then I had to make a decision…….should I play dead or should I take my chanced and move the mech onward. I decided that if I was the fighters that I would make sure that I finish the job. Therefore I moved the mech to try to make it to the protection of the jungle. Then I noticed that they were faster than I had anticipated……I was not going to make to the jungle. I knew I was out of luck and out of time. I then silently called for my father and my ancestors to give me the strength and power to foil the plan that Fates would seemed to have for me. Sure enough, it seemed like my request had been answered and time seemed to slow down as we made to the safety of the jungle. I then radioed that I will need to stop for a minute to do first aid to Tanzu. Jet radioed and said that I am to put a tourniquet on it for now until we can get to a better location, then we will perform first aid. I looked at Tanzu’s wound….it did not look to good, but I placed the tourniquet and marched onward. I muttered quite a few curses in both English and German about Tanzu’s mech: first it was a piece of junk in my opinion, and to make matters worst the gyro was damaged. Finally we came to spot where Isabella could patch up Tanzu until we made it back to the doctor. I felt bad for Tanzu in that I knew that he was in pain and we really did not have any pain killers. I cleaned out the cockpit of the Warmule as best as I could as soon enough we were marching on.

Later on Lonnie switched mechs with me since I was having a hard time and had already made the poj fall down. It seemed like forever before we reached the Magellan. Deloris had prepared a nice meal for us as usual. It was an interesting sight to see Venom have a confrontation with Jared in which Jared left. It was strange to see Jared leave, sure I did not have to watch my back all the time with him gone, but still I don’t trust other members in this pride and I will have keep my eyes open. Later I talked to Venom if I could establish contact with Kor. He kept pushing for more information that I really did not want to give, but in the end I informed him that I wanted to speak with Kor because he would have knowledge on how to contact the Crimsom Corsair, because I needed to talk to the Crimsom Corsair for she has information about what happened to the Count of Doom and his entire company. Of course my request was denied and he threatened me that I could leave just Jared. I informed him that I started this mission and that I will finish it, but this mission is not my main priority, but finding out what happened to that Count is. I do have to say that it was slightly comical to see everybody’s reaction when I the name the Crimsom Corsair. I everybody looked shocked and left as if I had the plague, sure it may seem crazy, but it is the only lead that I have and I swore that I would find out before the Fates take my life.

Well on a lesser note, it seemed that Tanzu would not lose his foot and the doctor did a good job patching it up. He would, though, be bedridden for about a week. Soon we started to travel back to cave because we knew that we would need to beat jared back to the cave. I agree, even though he left I did not trust him, who’s to say that he would not raid our place, like take my 8 tons of armor or the 2 tons of LRMs that I had left back behind and all of Abigail’s tools. During our travel to the shuttle, the pride had a scary moment as we had to face a Gorg. It was also a weird situation because Hanah was ordering us to stop because she had a feeling. Anyway, when we faced the gorg, many of us left with haste, but later I heard that we were lucky because Belladonna has some empathy thing for animals and it was that that convinced the gorg to leave and not kill half of us. After the gorg left, Smiles radioed “go gorg”. I had to chuckled at that and wondered if he had soiled himself. That evening LOBO, Smiles, and I asked Venom why was Hanah ordering us to stop and what was up with that. He informed us that she was gifted and was a psychic and she informed that Bellodonna has something similar with animals. Great, just I thought this misfit group could not possibly get anymore weirder. Oh well, what could I do now.

Soon we were back on our journey to where we left the shuttle. As we arrived at where we left the shuttle, we found some friends of Venom, one guy was a cyborg and his name was Chad, and the other man was a bounty hunter named lee. It like Venom was having some wayfinder reunion. In the morning, the shuttle left with Ben, Deloris, Hanah, Belladonna, and Countess Abigail. I thought that it would be wise that way, they keep an eye on things at the cave and stay out of harms way if we should encounter something else. After they left they gave us the message on the repeater about Taracus wanted to watch out for Charon and to offer Kor privateer status if he would with us, because the Crimsom Corsair wanted him dead. After about two, maybe two and a half hours, they radioed that our cave had been raided, and that some of Kor’s men were dead. Darn that dog, Kor, he could not let things be, he is lucky that I am in charge or I would find a way to hurt him bad. He could not leave things be, we show him a little kindness twice and he thinks that he can walk all over us. Then they also radioed that some dropship was coming in. We soon found out that it was Johnny Silver and the Silver Slayers. This should be interesting…….more pirates. It was about this time that I learned that Johnny was once part of the Wayfinders Foundation.

When we met with Johnny Silver, he engaged himself with Isabella. Of all the times to get engaged and plan a wedding they choose do to it now, while we are in the middle of this conflict. But I was not going to say anything, this was her time to be happy. Johnny Silver informed us that the Crimson Corsair was angry with us and that she was sending a bunch of pirates to come and kill Kor and us (the pride). This just turned really ugly for us. Fortunately Johnny was willing to help us and would allow us to use his supplies to repair our mechs, I really wish I still had my griffon. During this time, I manage to find time to talk to Tanzu and Abigail. Tanzu said that when the repaired he would not mind switching the clint with me that way I could be in the battle. I do have to say I thank him, he managed to convince my sister to let him fight in her stead. I really appreciate that, I don’t want Abigail in any battles, especially any of these life threatening ones up ahead. It is not that I don’t trust her ability and I understand her desire to have a sense of accomplishment instead of being in my shadow, but it is one thing to kill a mech in a simulator and another to kill a person or you will die. She is not ready for that kind of life. She is, as I would have to say, still naïve and innocent. As long as I am around I plan to keep her hands clean from any bloodstain. She is my sister and she is all that I have left in this universe, and I will protect her till the last breath that I breathe. So from my understanding I am to use the Clint when it is repaired and Tanzu will use the Warmule. I do say that I am not sure that I fear death, but maybe the knowledge that death means failure and that I will not be able to protect little abby further. Now that I have convinced her (with Tanzu’s help, actually Tanzu did the convincing) for Abigail not to fight, all I have to do is convince her not to give up her heritage and not to join the Wayfinders. I already know that Venom will not help me with that.

Anyway, I later talked with Johnny Silver (which I had to calmly ignore the comments of Isabella) and managed to just get the coordinates of the Crimsom Corsair, but that was it. No real means on how I could make contact with her without having a high chance of dying. Late that evening, the dropship landed back near the cave, I then formed a team to go and explore what had happened in there. Hanah was to come because she knew the way, Belladonna, because she said that she is good with tracking and her father came for her protection. I also asked if Chad could come with us and give us some support. I do have to say I had to catch myself or I would have just started laughing when I saw hanah with my sister’s armor (which is too big for Hanah) and the large laser pistol by her side. I asked if she knew how to use it, she said no, but she knew how to use the blade at the end of it. Now Chad on the other hand was an interesting character, he was positive and full of life. He had a big smile that you could not just make you want to smile and feel happy. I asked for my curiosity if his cybernetics made him stronger, and his response was “I am stronger than the average bear……I am the 6 million c-bill man.” I think that he would be some good positive aura for this group. I found it kind that sarge want to lead and me not be in the front lines. I understood his concern and I appreciate that that he understood my royalty, but then I thought it would be better if I was in front because of my combat experience.

After we traveled we found the tunnels of the cave exactly as Hanah had explained it. As time passed we came to this area of worked stone and beautiful engravings and a large heavy door. Chad opened it, and it opened silently, but man it sure was thick. As I entered the other room I saw that there were some fire lit and there were approximately 100 men dress in black clothes and had turbans!!!!!! This was really weird, and they were all armed. I kept my composure and found out that they wanted us to leave and to return with the lightbearer. We soon left, and the only person we thought that could be the lightbearer could be Venom since he said that he carried the torch for the wayfinders. This was extremely weird, and I wonder what Venom will do next…….hopefully not send me in there to fight them and then decide to have a meeting with them afterwards. Well, I will soon find out, and I may find out soon too if I live after we start to fight with the other pirate the crimsom corsair is sending. I guess that the Fates are not going to make my life a cakewalk, but oh well……………………………………..





Ps: fine print----when she asked her father and ancestors for help that is rp for burning a karma instead of saying she just burned a karma

* Snow. Then the picture comes into focus. A dimly lit room in a cramped quarter. Two bunk beds line the walls perpendicular to the video recorder. The bearded Japanese man who claimed himself Tseng Jet is seated, and begins *

17 December 3045

“Our first Objective raid was successful. All objectives accomplished. Though the battle was quick, I was foolhardy. I should not have jumped over the wall so carelessly. Had I not, I would not have been the first into combat, and I can not allow any of my troops into harm’s way without me. Smiles and his Phoenixhawk LAM has proved his worth to the ‘Pride.’ He very successfully disabled the power generator that very well saved the lives of us all. I only wish he and his brother would trust me.
Trust. I must not expect trust from the people. From a mercenary standpoint, we have separate contracts and they know that I have lied to them in the past. Sable has been nearly mutinous since her arrival. Who could blame her given the situation? I think now that she, alone, found the evidence that would have convicted Kommandant Von Liechtenstein of piracy, had he survived; she may begin to understand that we are the catalyst to full planet unification. A little evil for a greater good.
Countess has expressed desire to contact the Crimson Corsair, the commander of the pirate force united against this planet and the very enemy we are attempting to thwart. Something about a Count on Harris IV. Is she determined to hand us over on a platter? I cannot see how this would benefit us in any way. It makes no sense. It is possible she is just a vengeful woman. She was very upset when she lost her griffon to Charon. And I can, at least, relate to the loss. I am hoping that she will follow the torch. She could be a very valuable asset.
Hitman has left. I do not lament the loss. He disobeyed direct orders during the salvage and murdered a non-com en route to the attack. He had expressed a wish to join the Wayfinder’s and so, I gave him the option of court-martial or abandonment. I have also informed our employer of his breach. I don’t think he will honor any contract that does not expressly permit murder for money.”
Hana is an entirely different problem.

* He drops his head and takes a deep breath. Then pulls his long black hair back as he again looks into the ‘corder, forcing a smile *

“It seems as the Wayfinder’s Foundation is destined to re-establish itself on this periphery planet. Psycho has found me. Captain Johnny Silver has found me. Li Takeshi has found me.
Perhaps I am never to be hidden again. While in the Second Sword of Light, I wanted nothing more than to be recognized for my accomplishments instead of my family. Now, in this new life, I am a beacon that spans the galaxy.
Takeshi was a very close friend during academy training. He has found me. But I am not the same man I was when he new me. I fear he will not understand how and why I have changed. Ingrid is a strong woman, even if she does not know it yet.
With the arrival of Silver’s Slayers comes news that the Crimson Corsair has heard of the ‘Pride’ and has deemed us a threat that needs to be neutralized. This is not good. Even with the Slayers allying themselves with us, we stand but an ice sculpture’s chance in dragon fire if she throws everything she’s got at us. At the moment, only six companies stand in our way. With the Slayer’s we are barely one.
If any of these people die, it will be my fault. We cannot hide. I am too easily found. We cannot charge headlong, that is suicide. The burden of command weighs heavily upon me. How am I to light a path if I do not know the way?
I need some tea.”

* These last words were spoken in Japanese as he stood and turned off the video recorder *

re-edit

The Saga of Mech Spotter {A Battletech Story}


It was a bright, sunny day when I felt something new, something friendly. The creature I found was surrounded by other creatures of its type; the kind of creatures that moved the big scary Squishers around. Only she seemed friendly though; the Squishers had paused so I ventured near to the friendly feeling creature and touched her. She didn’t try to hurt me and nuzzled me with one of her non-crawling feet. She was nice and didn’t seem scared of me, so I decided to tag along with her in a baby racing Squisher. She got to know me on her way to a cave with yummy crickets.

I wasn’t sure what to think when she coaxed me into the biggest Squisher. It was roomy, but it smelled of death and danger. One of her fellow creatures is mean and attacked me for no reason…so I ran and hid in a cool spot in the Squisher they call a Magellan. I didn’t want to get into the Atlas Squisher, but she was the only one of her creatures going in…so I went. It was roomy and not so scary. The Squishers are still scary from the outside though. And after I helped her spot a Squisher in hiding, she named me ‘Mech Spotter. The mean creature won’t let me into the biggest Squisher without being in a metal thing I can’t get out of.

My creatures scared of something. She doesn’t say anything, but when she isn’t playing with me…she thinks a lot. It wasn’t the guy in the dark Squisher or the big jungle creature (Gorg) that I scared away…it’s something that isn’t here. She needs someone to take care of her, to make her unafraid.

Family Comes First {A Battletech Story}

Sarge was glad he had a long trek back to the ship. He might be calm enough to not wake up Venom and yell at him. Yelling at his commander had got him in enough trouble in the army, but man did it feel good. And damn it, Venom had put civilians at risk. Civilians! One of them being his little girl; rescued from the War Dogs to be exposed to deadly prophets at Pride base camp. His commander had some answering to do. If this was a standard mo for the Wayfinders, he was out! Catching sight of his girl keeping pace with him, he realized he had something to thank The Pride for. His girl was back; the one he wasn’t sure he’d ever see again. The girl he thought he’d lost forever along with his wife. He’d caught a glimpse of her before Kor captured them and then it was gone. They’d discussed her path after he made it out of the icy mountains, but he hadn’t expected to see a change this soon. He had Charon to thank for that, luckily the man was dead so he didn’t have to. He knew his girl had faced her past when she’d interacted with Charon. He’d been of the type with the group she’d had to watch be executed. Charon’s death had been a catalyst for his girl being back. Family came first, so he’d have to back off doing full-time repair work. Without supervision and something to do, his girl would find trouble and recklessly plunge in feet first. At least she hadn’t actually tried to verify the Gorg wasn’t injured, that was something she’d do without an active role doing something. He’d have to talk with Venom and Isa ‘cause his girl was like her mom…not inclined to fixing things. So, he’d have to lighten his workload to be able to watch his girl. Venom would have to accept it especially if he was in the practice of not thoroughly investigating his bases for threats to civilians. Did Venom not care about the safety of his own ladies? And Venom would have to agree to keep his girl away from Kor if that was the path The Pride Slayers took. But family came first, and a talk with his girl was in order. Somewhere private, away from the others and not on the path back from the cult’s cave to the ship.


(Private Family Conversation in German immediately upon return from exploration, and since they left first and kept booking it they’ll get back to the ship first.)

“Okay, I don’t think anyone will disturb us here,” Sarge said taking his daughter into the Norton Salvage ‘Mech.

“What’s so important that we have to talk here, now? Everyone’s basically asleep or not back yet? What’s the rush, Dad?” his girl asked lurking in the cockpit doorway.

“Sit down Elle, we need to talk,” Sarge says closing the door.

Stunned at hearing a name she hadn’t been called since her mom died, she sits with all the fight taken out of her and looks up at her dad in stunned amazement. After a moment, she squeezes out the words, “Dad, what’s wrong? You haven’t called me that in years.”

Looking at her like he’d found a hidden treasure. “Nothing’s wrong, something’s right. We both know the poison has left you. Left it’s mark, but it’s left you since we were rescued from Kor. Elle, you’ve changed since we’ve been with The Pride. In a good way, I think…but you realize you have to decide what you want to do with your life. You’re eighteen now and the plea agreement period ended two weeks ago. You’re free to do what you want…anything you want.”

“Dad, I know…I’ve been thinking about it and will think about it until I decide.” She continues in a quite voice, “I’m still poisoned, though…and always will be. The taint makes me a danger and it’s not as much of a danger here as at home, but I’m still a danger to everyone. I don’t want to end up like Charon, but I should have five years ago. I still want to do what I told you I wanted to when we arrived on planet for vacation before Kor took us.”

Surprised and in a loud, gruff tone he replies, “You want to become one of the people who ruined your future, still after everything? I know you are my Elle again, my baby girl who wants to make everything better for everyone, but to join the ones who found the poison you’d gotten into, are you sure?”

Defensively she replies, “I know you said they were a four letter word and not to be spoken about. You said to stay away from their undercover agents I spotted at university. I remember you said no way in Hades would you let me even consider joining them, but I want to make a difference. I want to keep youngsters like me from getting drawn in by groups like the Poison Lance.”

“I’d rather send you back to school, Elle, to finish your degree, but you need to decide for yourself. I know you won’t follow in my footsteps as much as I like that. You’re going to make your own mark in this world, and if you want it to be with them, so be it. Just remember this: you’ll have to prove yourself to them tenfold. And you will have to face the consequences of your actions as an adult. They probably won’t want anything to do with you, but don’t cross them because they will completely ruin and maybe end your life if you do.”

Glancing up with a glimmer of hope and lots of love shining in her eyes, Elle says, “As Mom would say, Why now Belfry, why now?”

“I haven’t heard that since before I left on that mission. Now, because you are my Elle again…and I want to stay with this group and get them into shape. It’s what I do, daughter. But I can’t choose your path for you. You have to decide for yourself.”

“You want to stay with them? I’m a danger to them and the danger grows the longer I stay.”

“The boredom is what led you to trouble finding six years ago, isn’t it kiddo?”

“Yes, Dad,” she replies almost in tears.

“Baby girl, we’ll get through this. We always do…after we’re safe from the newest danger, I can ask if the Slayers will take you home. I don’t know if they will, but I can ask.”

“I’ll have to think about it Dad…”

“You do that Elle, you do that, but come here for now,” Sergeant Belfry Reynolds says pulling his baby girl, Belladonna “Elle” Reynolds into his arms for a hug.

“I hear the others, Dad. I’ll stay here while you and Emily give a sit-rep or decide to wait until morning.”

The Dark Tide {A Battletech Story}


Somehow she remained calm through the entire reading. But her hands were trembling with repressed rage as she read it the second time…

**Situation Report**

Crimson Corsair, events have become extremely fluid in the last week or two. Charon failed to return from his first contract. It is unclear if he succeeded in killing General Louis Tourville or died in the attempt, or if he somehow got wind of his assassination orders. There has been no word from LaShials about it. Thus it was impossible to implant the ELF transmitter on his mech to target it for destruction on time. In pursuance to your directives I am making contact with the Citystate of Genoa to lead them to Kor’s last known position. However there is more urgent news. Kommandant Lars von Lichtenstein and his entire staff have been killed in a raid on his compound. It wasn’t Kor, it was some other pirate band calling itself “The Pride” None of the Citystates are taking responsibility for the raid so it must be a rogue pirate band in league with Kor. The Starport at Aztlan was attacked by Kor as well. This was the second raid in as many weeks by Kor’s War Dogs. They are showing no intention of following your orders to stand down. What’s more, there are rumors of “freedom fighters” joining this cause. This situation could quickly spiral out of control and frighten the already nervous Citystates into accepting a unified world government. Something must be done quickly. I expect to be out of communications for a few weeks while we hunt down the War Dogs.”


Just then the intercom buzzer went off at her desk, and she slapped the button quickly.

“What is it?!” she snapped.

“We have an incoming vessel Captain. It’s one of our lesser pirates. They are requesting permission to board.”

“I have no time for this! What do they want?”

“They claim to have vital information that are “eyes only”.

Sighing exasperatedly she continued in a clipped tongue. “Fine fine… put a guard on them and take them to the forward CIC. I will meet them when I have time.”

The jaw muscles along her cheek clenched revealing her frustration. ‘What else could go wrong??’ She began to pace back and forth across the expanse of her cabin, just in front of the panoramic view of the stars beyond the armored transparency. It was all coming apart. She had to move quickly. Who were these “Pride” people? How or WHEN had Kor called in reinforcements? Or was this just coincidence? In either case it must be dealt with.. The warning bells went off indicating imminent 0-G. Quickly she made for a seat. And settled herself. Reaching for her computer she called up the incoming ship. It was the Shadow Raiders… one of the lesser pirate bands to join her ranks… Her eyes narrowed. Perhaps that was the answer. Quickly she called up her roster. Yes… they could do the job. But it would be risky putting more pirates on Graven’s Deep ahead of the invasion. But as long as they followed instructions it would be ok.

Flipping the intercom she contacted her Comms officer on the Bridge.

“Send the following message to all three companies of “The Free Company”, also to Silver’s Slayers, Kang’s Black Dragons, and these idiots about to dock, the Shadow Raiders:
“***Urgent Priority Message***

Proceed at once to Graven’s Deep. Locate and Destroy “Kor’s War Dogs”, and “The Pride”. If it is feasible to bring Kor or the commander of The Pride before me, do it. However do not let even one man in these two units escape. Capture or kill them all. Avoid all contact with the locals. There is to be NO RAIDING during this operation. Graven’s Deep will fall in due time. We must stop these two units from causing any more trouble than they already have. Again, avoid all contact with the locals of Graven’s Deep. Rewards for successful completion of this mission will be….. ‘substantial.’ “


“Next I want you to send a message to the rest of the armada. Tell them we have to speed up the time frame. I need to have full regimental mustering completed as soon as possible. Time is running out.”


“Further, I want to send a message to all our operatives on Graven’s Deep. We have to turn the people against these lunatics before they have opportunity to damage our plans any further. Inform the news agencies of everything we know about these two units. Lets get the locals working for us for a change. Maybe they will take care of our problem for us.”

There was a knock at her door and she spun glaring at it vehemently. “Come In!” she demanded and the door opened. A guard escorted a large bulky man into her quarters. She had seen him before.

“This is Captain Ghost of the Shadow Raiders. He sai-“

“I SAID THE FORWARD CIC! WHAT PART OF THAT DID YOU FAIL TO UNDERSTAND???”

“But… He... I…” the guard began sputtering.

Stepping forward Ghost turned on the holo-visograph and showed it to her.

She blinked her face loosing some of its already pale color, and she stumbled backwards into her chair. “What… Where did you get that?”

“It doesn’t matter. What does matter is that they are on their way… and we just traveled 25 lightyears to bring you this information. We were hoping to gain something for our efforts…”

“How soon? Do you know how soon?” She was starting to regain her composure again.

Ghost shrugged. “Viper said soon. I would suspect weeks.. or maybe months. She can’t be more specific. But she said you would Greatly Appreciate, us making the trip all this way just to warn you..”

“Of course. Please go see the quartermaster I will instruct him to give you whatever you need.”

A cruel smile flitted over Ghost’s features and he bowed slightly, and dropped the visograph on a nearby table before turning to go back outside the door.

It did not take long for the shock she had felt to turn into anger, and she continued her speech on the intercom.


“Inform the helmsman to take us to the nearest port of call within the Comstar Network.” I have to find out what is going on. She thought.
Also have a security detail escort Robert Vaughn to my quarters… I will not wish to be disturbed for the remainder of the day is that clear?

“Crystal clear Captain!”


The guard brought Ghost back to the forward CIC where he rejoined Angel who was looking particularly board.

“So how long do we have to wait before she ‘deigns’ to see us Ghost?”

“Well I gave her the visograph. But I am sure she will want to know more when she has a free moment.”

“OH well that soon huh?” Ghost took a seat patiently and the guard smiled watching them.

Then the door opened again, and 6 more guards came in. “Robert Vaughn, you are to come with us at once!” They ordered and motioned him back out of the room. One of the new guards turned to Ghost and Angel. You two stay here. The Crimson Corsair will be with you momentarily.

Then they all left, and Ghost heard the distinct metallic clack of electronic locks sliding into place. They were going nowhere.

“I got it Ghost!” Angel whispered excitedly.

Ghost hissed at him warningly and leaned back ignoring any further comments from Angel. After a while Ghost began to meditate. Angel flung his hands in the air and leaned back getting comfortable. If they were going to have all the time in the world.. then he would take advantage of it. Syncing up the wireless connection, he continued to prowl the onboard computer systems.

It was nearly 2 hours later before the door hissed open again. An officer came in, and looked at them both expectantly. “I am told you need to requisition some supplies?” he seemed a bit put out by the whole event.

Ghost rose from his meditation smoothly and smiled. “Indeed we do”. He handed the man a list. Angel blinked open his eyes and stood up stretching.

Soon with a full cargo hold, Ghost received permission to launch and Angel eased the dropship away from the Black Lion. But it wasn’t until they were docked back on their own scout class jumpship that Angel revealed just exactly what he had found….



Alan~

[SIZE=7]THE JOURNEY OF AARON SUNSTRIDER[/SIZE]

my name is Aaron Sun-strider...I was born and raised in one of the typical slums of solaris VII like most people on planet i was obsessed with the arena combat from a young age more than anything in life i wanted to charge out onto the arena standing high above the ground and make my mark on the world. i wanted to be arena champion....well as fate would have it...it took many years but eventually i was able to finagle my way thru sheer determination to a internship with the golden suns stable....in the beginning it was grueling and belittle work..practically a servant at first but after a year of that type of life..My life's ambition finely happened...Mech training...When first i felt the vibrations of the mech powering up i TRULY new i was where i was meant to be. After basic pilot and mech control training it was decided that the stable truly needed a mech melee specialist and that they had recently acquired a Mecht sudai master and martial arts Master Jace Fire-strike....
After years spent with him in private study i was days away from my first battle.....the wait was truly the longest in my life. Finely it was here i was set up in a rookie tournament ...my first battle was in a light mech called a spider against a panther.... the mech was larger than and with more fire power but i had my own advantage of speed and special training
after the announcer was finished the battle had begun...almost immediately he fired his ppc but i was able to dodge out of the way...i could almost feel the heat as it whizzed by...but it was a wake up call afterwards i jumped into the sky and attempted to get behind...but he was a little faster than i thought and was able to quickly turn and face me...luckily tho i was able to get off two rapid strikes to the right arm where the ppc was located....there was a flash and the right arm was severely dmg and i was counting on the fact that the ppc wouldn't work...next thing i know i was taking a 4 pack srm to the chest !! i was knocked back and after a very quick check on the dmg i was again on the offensive i preformed a sweep maneuver and was able to know the larger panther down...then it was a simple matter of crushing the right leg so that he couldn't stand...i was awarded the victory....one of the greatest moments of my life...Well shortly after i was labeled as a new up and commer. After a few more years i was truly on the fast track for the championship...i had fought in matches against multiple opponents larger mechs and such and i had come out alive and the winner...injured more times than i could count....well finally the big day had come and i was scheduled to fight a atlas for the overall championship...i chose my modified charger and was getting ready for battle when i was approached by my handler that i was wanted for a meeting at local restaurant in a hour....shortly after i made it there and was greeted by a large man in fancy suit ...after all the pleasantry and congratulatory stuff i was told the reason I was at this meeting...it seams that a local crime family had taken interest in the golden suns and had bought the stable...i was told that they were going to bet heavily on the atlas to win and that i was to throw the fight...i was promised my safety and a large reward after wards and would be given another title shot in a years time...after hearing this i told them in no uncertain terms that " I DON'T LOSE I WIN " and nothing is going to change that....so do yourself a favor and bet on me. after wards i left and whet to get ready for my match.....The match went great and long story short after a 1 hour battle i was victorious....very damaged but victories none the less...as the awards ceremony was going on...someone turned on the new net and the headline was NEW CHAMPION PROVEN INVOLVEMENT IN SABOTAGE OF OPPONENT.....i was shocked and humiliated early the next day i was visited my the gaming commission and striped of my title and banned from the games....so i decided to take my money i had saved and leave the sphere forever and fine my solace some where on the periphery....eventually i made my way to a out of the way place called gravens deep. Here i have spent my life in a small village outside of brightstad...i owned a small farm and actually took a wife and a small child a boy by the name of jace....very recently tho pirate activity has increased and i had to send them into the city with some friend for there own safety...recently i have heard of a group called the pride and i have gotten mixed messages bout them....well its time to find out the truth and if possible then join them in stopping these pirates...i will not lose another home and another life...i will not lose..not lose

Tab Hunter {A Battletech Story}



A lot had happened in a very short time. It made Tab nervous. First there had been Charon’s mysterious presence in the main camp. Tab had not been greatly surprised that Jet/Hesai had actually counted on him pulling the trigger that day. But he did wonder that they hadn’t just killed Charon themselves. Certainly Jared had wanted to…

But Doc staying with these mercs also surprised him. He didn’t know if the Doc had truly lost sight of his original mission, or if he was exceptionally gifted with common sense. Having these mercs around would be handy, considering the firestorm this planet seemed to be headed for. But he hadn’t expected the Doc to see that.

When Tab heard that the unit had attempted a full frontal assault he had shook his head in wonderment. They’d had several days yet on their contracted time limit to accomplish the mission, and COULD have found a quieter way to approach. But it had worked out well after all. The battleroms of the event were pretty spectacular. Well these Wayfinders were either blessed with exceptional luck, or their seat of the pants tactics were phenomenal.

Then had began the series of events that began to make Tab nervous. The meeting with Chad and Li. Even though Chad was an ex-Fed Suns Mechwarrior, their sudden appearance was disconcerting. Then they discovered that Slave Girl Hana was wanted by Comstar. And THAT occupied the majority of Tabs curiosity despite the next few things that happened such as the equally sudden appearance of Silver’s Slayers (who joined us), or learning that Kor had raided the cave and took everything.

Tab had shook his head and spit when he found that out. He had warned Jet that the Cave was compromised…

Learning that the Prophets of Sunaj had some sort of temple build deep in the cavern as well was about the last straw. But as he sat round the fire under the Dark Phoenix that night, his mind kept coming back to Hana, and the full implications of what she had revealed. She was wanted.. hunted by Comstar. Had been a communications tech for them, and… had been part of some special project into psychic ability. Tab wished he knew the exact details of what happened. If only she were willing to work with him… He would have to approach her about it soon. He looked around the camp and didn’t think any of them recognized the full implications of this information.

But even that was not the end of this weeks bonanza of events. On the heals of everything else, Sarge’s little girl, Belladonna, the girl who had talked to the Gorg and sent it packing… Wanted to apprentice herself to him. He had talked with her in depth about what it would entail, and had also included Sarge in the discussion so there would be no surprises. But after laying everything out in all its gruesome detail they both seemed driven to head down this path. They were a morbid pair those two. But he felt that Belladonna could pull it off. So now he had an apprentice. Training would begin the next morning. He was thankful that the Predator was equipped with a dual cockpit and extra cargo space. All her things were now packed up with his.

He pulled out one of Lobo’s cigars, and lit it, taking a deep puff. He wondered if maybe Elle would be better suited to gathering info from Hana than himself. Bah. It was his responsibility. But he may revisit that possibility if he failed. The best criminals… don’t appear to be criminals. Hana definitely didn’t appear to fit the description for your average criminal. But Tab wasn’t one to judge by looking at the cover. And he had plenty of reason to be suspicious of Comstar…


Alan~

A Volunteer Recruit {A BattleTech Story}

After talking with Sarge, Elle knew she had to take the chance. She had to do it before she lost her nerve. She had to ask despite the risks. She approaches the one she has to prove herself to over by his ‘Mech.

“Hunter can I talk to you for a second?”

He pauses as he was about to climb up into the Predator, tosses his duffle bag into the cab, and then jumps back down. His eyes take in ‘Mech Spotter, but he doesn’t seem worried, just assessing things the way he always does.

“What can I do for you?” He asks as he takes off his hat and wipes the sweat from his forehead with his shirt sleeve.

Knowing this is the biggest gamble of her life, she plunges in feet first. “I don’t want to interfere with your contract with the doc, but I was wondering if you would take me as an apprentice.” She pauses knowing he heard her comment about the group…her first in five years. If he asked about it, he did work for who she thought he did…or at least had some connection to them.

His brows burrow in a frown. “Two things. First I need to know the details about your part in the Poison Lance before I could even consider it. And second, I think it would be appropriate to talk to your father about this. So, let’s start with your story and go from there.” He puts his hat back on and leans against the Predator’s legs, crosses his arms, and is ready to listen.

Knowing her gamble had paid off and he was tied to who she thought he was, Elle decides to tell him all he needs, but not what she wants to do with her life. Not why she asked him to be her mentor. “I knew you’d caught that. And I figured those would be the first steps. I want to remind you that I’m only eighteen. Mom died just before I turned twelve. Dad was off-planet and since I was done with school, the base didn’t really have anyone to supervise me. I ran wild on Tamar, but found people I thought were friends…I realize now they were using me, my age, and my access to the base. They weren’t my friends, they were master manipulators. That’s what the Poison Lance was. They trained me to crack codes and security systems. Showed me how to forge documents and how to make and use poisons and how to get in and out of places. I thought it was fun, a lark. I know now they were training me to be the fall person in the poisoning deaths of the FedComm representatives. It was my thirteenth birthday when the State Security Forces arrested them. I was locked up for two days before Dad got back on planet. I learned more about what the Poison Lance had planned for me by being interrogated than the lance ever told me. I screwed up! I was lost without Mom, and Dad wasn’t around. I turned state’s evidence and gave them access to all the lance’s information I had access to. Dad arranged for me not to be officially charged if I went through officer training at university. If Kor hadn’t taken us when we were on vacation, I’d be applying to join the FedComm forces next May. I don’t know what I’d be doing for them, but I was scheduled to take a weapons class last Spring. Obviously, Kor wouldn’t let a slave learn weapons. I thought you might teach me, but I don’t want to interfere with your contract. And my past mistakes will mark me as a danger to you and yours, even though the Poison Lance was all executed. Do you need to know anything else about my time with them?”

He considers this for long moments before saying anything. “You asked me to take you as my apprentice. But then you asked to learn weapons. Weapons are a small part of what I do. Apprenticeship would involve years of training. This wouldn’t be a ‘Lark’. If all you need is some weapons lessons, I can do that easy enough. But if you want to apprentice yourself to me, there will be a lot more to it. If you are still interested, then let’s go talk to Sarge.”

Not wanting to give Hunter a chance to change his mind, Elle says “Let’s go talk to Dad then. I know there’s more to what you do than weapons.” Noting that he doesn’t immediately move, she wonders if she’s said too much and if he’s figured out she knows who he’s affiliated with. Elle looks quizzically at Tab still standing there, “Do you want me to go with you to talk to Dad, or do you want to go talk to him alone? I can send him to talk to you if you’d prefer that.”

He watches her a minute more still gauging things in his mind. "No, this involves the three of us, so we should all be there. Let’s go." He pushes himself off the ‘mechs leg and walks over to Sarge where he was working.

"Sarge, have a minute? I think the three of us need to talk a moment. I understand that Belladonna turned 18 this year. That makes her old enough to enlist in the Federated commonwealth armed forces. But as her parent I think you should know and have opportunity to discuss with your daughter the full implications of becoming a front line combatant. She has expressed an interest in apprenticing herself to me. As you know I am a professional soldier. In point of fact I was trained for one of the Davion Black Sword Targa units. I specialize in scouting and commando operations, black ops, and sabotage. I am a sniper, foreward observer, and when the chips are down I am an assault infantryman. These are all very dangerous roles. Dangerous in the extreme. Less than 5% of all who try out for Davion's Black Sword units make it through the training. I am not saying this to disuade either you or her from this course of action. But I want both of you to know that she will have to hold her own. This is something that will take a long time to acomplish. If I am going to do this, I intend to do it right. This brings us to a sticky point. As you know my contract is with the Doc, not the Wayfinders. If Doc leaves, I leave. And if she is apprenticed to me she leaves. We all have to understand that from the front. And it goes further still. Tseng Jet asked me to join the Wayfinders, and perhaps after my contract with the Doc is finished I will take him up on it. But only if the Wayfinders are a legal and accredited mercenary command. I will not join with pirates however noble their cause. And if/when I sign with them, I will have that added as a clause to my dossier that if at any time the Wayfinders is proclaimed a rogue unit, I have the option to muster out. Hana says that Comstar may be looking for her. I don't know what crimes she has commited against them that they would be hunting her down. But it probably means dark times ahead for the Wayfinders, since I don't see Jet kicking her out. He has a strange sense of honor. He is willing to risk his entire unit's future for this girl. Noble, but not very bright. So basically the long and short of it is, that I may or may not join the Wayfinders, and if I do join, I may leave abruptly if the unit goes rogue. So with all the cards on the table. Do either of you think this apprenticeship is a good idea? If we three are of like minds, then none of what I have said will be problematic. Meaning that we would all potentially leave the wayfinders together. If however we are not in agreement about this, then I think it would be best to rethink things.”

Sarge looks at his daughter in amazement and says in German. "In the middle of a jungle? How do you do it, Elle? This the decision that you were going to make?"

In English, "Yes, Dad. You know I was planning to sign up in May anyway if Kor hadn't taken us. You know what I want to do even though it dangerous."

Sarge looks at Tab and says in English, "She knows, she always has. I was frontline before she was born and her mother died training 'Mech cadets for the front. Elle knows what she'd be getting in to, do you? "

Tab seems hesitant. "OK, I will take that as a "yes" to understanding the full implications of a front line combatant. Sarge, where will you be taking service at? Are you fully on board wtih the Wayfinders come thick or thin? Belladonna are you ready to commit the next few years of your life to the OJT this will require? And are you both ready and willing to seperate from each other if I have to leave the Wayfinders?"

Finding the hesistance a reassuring fact, Sarge says "Boy, yes that's a yes. At least if she dies, it will be doing what she has wanted to do for years. I realize she won't officially be FedComm army until she finalizes the paperwork we started on Tamar just before we left for vacation, but she'll be working towards her goal. I will serve The Pride for the duration of this contract of theirs, but the Wayfinders are a whole different kettle of fish. If they become legal mercs, I will probably stay with them. Otherwise there is no telling what this group will do, they aren't an organized unit at all. And son, if you have to leave, she'd probably be safer with you than with this group. I just don't know that you know what you'd be getting into by taking her as an apprentice, but that's your choice."

Noting Tab's hesistance, Elle reoffers his offered out to her to him, "If you'd rather just teach me weapons, that will be fine. You don't have to be a part of my army training, but Hunter, if I don't train with you, I'll train with a regular unit once I get back home. I'll probably learn better on the job than in a classroom and you don't seem to mind pets overly much. If I die, at least I will have been doing something right for once. Just make sure you let Belfry Reynolds now how his baby girl left this world. And he was going to have me go home to finish my degree anyway, so leaving won't be a problem if you have to leave. I may just have to convince Dad to come along with us."

Tab Nods. Then he grins, "You two are a morbid pair." He snorts at the mention of training with the "regular army". "Belladonna, when I'm done with you, the regular army willl tremble when they hear that you are in the field against them! And they will have good reason to tremble because it will likely be the last thing they do in this world... Now, get your gear and toss it in the Predator. There's plenty of room."

Elle leaves to get her meager belongings, two changes of clothes from Abby and the weapons from Lobo. She doesn’t want to take any chance on him changing his mind or on someone trying to stop her, so she quietly sneaks to get her stuff. She hopes Kailey will understand.

After Elle leaves, Tab approaches Sarge taking off his hat he wipes his brow again and lowers his voice so that only he can hear. "I wouldn't take her if I didn't believe she could make it..."

Sarge looks at Tab with respect and says, “Considering what she wants to do with her life...she'll make it or die trying. And she's already escaped death once. The Fates must really like her this year. One thing though son, treat her like a recruit without fear of getting me riled."

"I am glad you see it that way Sarge. To do anything less would be setting her up for a fall." He starts to leave but turns back. "Sarge... you and I both know the kind of war that is coming to this planet. There is a very real chance that we could all die here. If something happens and you can't find us here. Before you give up. Send a query to MIIO on New Avalon. Elle and I will be making contact there if we somehow become irretrievably separated from everyone else. I don't think it will come to that. But anyway there you have it."

Looking slightly shocked as he finally realizes what Elle knew all along, Sarge says "Understood. And it might be a good idea to let her dye her hair back to brunette...Kor wouldn't permit it. The blue really stands out most places. And there Elle goes to the Predator, doesn't have a lot of stuff and apparently she snuck her way in and out so she would have to explain to anyone what she was doing. Wonder what the group will say to this? But I’ll back you if anyone challenges you about my girl’s recruitment. She volunteered for this and I can swear she planned to do it before she ever met you.”

Belladonna's Gamble {A BattleTech Story}

I took the biggest gamble of my life after a talk with Dad. I don’t think he expected me to make my decision as soon as I did, but I had to take the chance before I lost my nerve. And I was right, Hunter was part of MIIO. I had to tell him that I knew when he was assessing my skills after taking me on as an apprentice. While Candy and Kailey were shopping for a wedding dress for Isabella and other feminine frills and such, Hunter took me shopping. I have to say it was the first time I actually enjoyed shopping. Hunter got me the stuff I needed to actually be an apprentice. I don’t know how I’ll ever pay the bill for everything he bought, but I swore to work my tail off to prove I’m worth it. My first step was getting Hana to talk to Tab and to agree to work with MIIO for her own protection. Mech Spotter and Hunter were able to tolerate each other even in the confines of the Predator. And Dad surprised me to some extent by signing up with Doc, but I guess FedComm is a strong tie for Dad…and he has a legit contract with tools for sign on bonus. He couldn’t ask for more and that meant Dad would be leaving when Hunter and I did.

From the shopping trip...

"Kailey! Candy! Look what Tab bought me!"

Chad Hicks, Psycho for Hire {A Battletech Story}



Chad felt better than he had in a long time. It was great to be back among friends. Even if they were once again facing overwhelming odds that would likely end in a massacre. Chat never let the little things bother him. But he still didn’t have a Zeus… Well not a “ZEUS”, he had a Zeus heavy combat rifle. But somehow that just wasn’t the same.

He shook his head and chuckled as he cleaned the weapon. But he had his Volkswalker. And he suspected that there would be more mechs available before they left this mud ball of a planet. But he had seen it. Had actually seen his Dream Zeus… His first glimpse had been in a Federated Suns Science Illustrated magazine, which was spotlighting the brand new Zeus-X hot out of the factory on Hesperus. He had fallen in love at first sight. But more than that he had actually seen one in real life when he passed through the Tamar district.

It had been something of a lark, but he had wanted to go see the Kell Hounds operations center, and standing right in front of the main headquarters building was a Kell assault lance, and the third mech in the line was a sparkling new Zeus-X. He’d gone right over to get a closer look but security had held him back from actually touching it. Oh but it had been sweet!

Chad had spent nearly every last C-Bill since that day living in pay-per-use mech simulators at the mercenary hiring halls of whatever planet he found himself on. He had obtained a Zeus-X operations program, and had been practicing with the mech incessantly. If only he could ever get his hands on one… Course THAT one had been owned by a Drac. In fact it had been owned by Yorinaga Kurita’s daughter which Chad thought a bit funny since Morgan Kell had been Yorinaga’s doom…

But Chad had been waiting over 10 years to get his hands on a Zeus, and it hadn’t happened yet. That’s not to say that Chad was a patient man, far from it. But he WAS determined… One day he would get his Zeus… One day…

Chad put his rifle away, and sat back in the Volkswalker seat, watching the people of Wakefield moving about their day to day business. It had been a wild couple of days. Meeting up with Jet, and Candy, and Isa after all this time. Finding out that the bounty hunter that had come for Jet was actually a boyhood friend of his. Then meeting up with Silver and the gang had been an unexpected bonus, but unfortunately it didn’t look as if Johnny would be staying. He had done went out and got himself Twitterpated… and was due to be married in just a week or two!!! Chad shook his head. Johnny always was the romantic.

Then had come the Prophets of Sunaj, and their secret temple in the Gorg hills. Chad had been plenty ready to leave that place. But now Isabelle was saying that they had to go back! Said that Tseng Jet was the “Lightbringer” or something. Also said that the Prophets were holding her brother captive. Well, if they went back down there again, Chad would be taking his Volkswalker. Even if the bigger mechs couldn’t make it, he would feel safer behind the .50 cal machine gun it packed, when they opened that great ruddy door where those hundred or so assassins were…

He also didn’t like the idea of letting all these Wakefielders use the Wayfinders Foundation symbol either. But that wasn’t his call. He would be much happier when Tseng Jet recovered from his Swamp Fever, and could take a direct hand in things again. There seemed to be a lot going on behind his back…

Word had come down that they had their next mission. And it seemed an easy enough mission. All they had to do was blow up some water processing plant. That seemed easy enough. And if Sangria was consorting with the enemy, then Chad wondered if they couldn’t take this opportunity to make a double strike. Chad wanted to get a look at their mech storage facilities, and see if it would be possible to liberate one or two of their mechs, while all eyes were looking at the water plant… He would have to mention it to Jet. Their contract did give them permission to raid for supplies right? So why not Raid?

It seemed reasonable enough to Chad, and he thought he could get some support from the other dispossessed members of the unit…


Alan~

Loni MacDonald {A Battletech Story}



Loni enjoyed her evening for the first time since.. well… almost that she could ever remember. She’d began to have her doubts about Tanzu’s commitment to moral behavior. She could see the constant struggle he had with himself over loyalty to contract, and loyalty to proper behavior. She didn’t know what side of the line he would end up on. But she believed that she knew what side the Grimm brothers would be on. They clearly didn’t appreciate all the co-mingling the Wayfinders were entangled in, with Silver’s Slayers, and Kor’s War Dogs.

She didn’t know where she had the right to say anything. She had lived with Kor for the last two years. Had served him… She closed her eyes and the happy feeling she had felt drifted away. But Ben and Joe seemed like decent fellows. They let her win at Poker which she had enjoyed, and they had spend the evening here on the western slopes of the Gorg Hills, even though everyone else had relocated back to the caverns.

But it was the conversation she had overheard in her cabin that night that had made her think… Joe had hoped she would come to visit him that night. She sighed. Why not? It wasn’t like she had any honor to protect any more… She flung her arm over her eyes and tried to get back to sleep. But immediately her mind was filled with visions of the things Kor had made her do for him… and she groaned and sat up on her bed staring at the close walls… She wondered with a mild panic if the cabin door was locked from the outside.

She pushed those thoughts away. Of course it wasn’t. These people weren’t like Kor. She continued to listen quietly to the low voices in the next cabin over. It was Joe’s cabin. Tarucus… she whispered when she heard his name in their conversation… what are you up to? Then she closed her eyes again when she heard them talking about her as a risk. She wanted to curl up and die. Or wake up and find that everything that has happened to her in the last 2 years was just a dream… a nightmare.

“Ok I admit I have a crush on her…”

Her eyes opened wide again and she jumped and slipped off the bunk barely catching herself, but still the noise seemed loud in her tiny cabin. “Oh Joe… “ she whispered. “You really don’t want to become involved with this... I’m broken…” She checked the door and it did open without resistance. Not locked… She closed it again quietly. Then she reached up and rubbed her neck. Somehow she could still feel the collar she’d had to wear. Phantom feelings… Her neck was smooth and bare.

She crawled back into bed and pulled the pillow over he head. It helped a little… She snaked out a hand and found her duffle bag. Her fingers slipped inside and felt around for the bottle she knew was there. Bringing the bottle to her lips she took a long drought, and capped it back quickly as a fit of coughing spasomed through her. Fine scotch whisky. It helped more than the pillow… It would be a long day tomorrow…



Alan~

ummm Aaron sunstrider agrees with chads plan to "liberate" a few mechs and again the doc is trully afraid of digging in anyone brain in this game

re-edit

The Shadow Raiders {A Battletech Story}


“I said he isn’t with them… Also, he’s in pain.” Viper said still half in her dreamstate.

“Whaddya mean he isn’t with them???” Angel barked

Ignoring Angel’s outburst Ghost moved to sit beside Viper. “Do you know where he is?”

“Down… way down… “ She looked up. “Underground maybe?”

“Dammit Viper that could be anywhere! So he’s not with Kor’s War Dogs anymore. That’s good news. I wasn’t fancying the idea of busting him out of that scenario. But underground could be worse.”

“Ghost you know how this works… I see what I see. And much of that I have to interpret. I think he is being held. Like in a prison or something. A dungeon maybe?” She shrugged her shoulders helplessly.

Angel flung his hands up in the air. “That’s great… Coyote gets himself caught and tossed in a frigging dungeon. So do we still start with Kor?”

“No, we don’t dare blow his cover with Kor yet. We need to put down nice and legal like. Then we can start exploring. Perhaps when Viper gets closer we can get a better picture of where he is.” Ghost explained.

“There’s something else… it’s vague… ethereal yet friendly... Like a glowing light. I don’t know what it is, but it isn’t threatening. I think… someone else is looking for him too. Someone who isn’t an enemy.”

“Like I said.. That’s just Great… Coyote gets himself caught, and we have floaty lights on our side…”

“Stow it Angel, and get us a parking orbit over Genoa, that is the closest Citystate to Kor’s last known position. Its most likely that he will be nearby somewhere.”

“Ghost, what about Kor? And the Pride? And Kang? The Free Company? Silvers Slayers! I suspect that Silver beat us to the planet. It won’t be long before they all know we are not here for the Crimson Corsair’s invasion. We can’t afford to wait long at Genoa without risking the ship!”

“We could put down somewhere in the jungles… that would buy us some time… But not much. As for Kor and the Pride, and the rest, we just need to avoid them at all costs. See if you can find us a decent landing zone, where we still have cover somewhere in the central area. This may take a while…”

“THAT I can do!” Angel smiled moving off to make adjustments to their trajectory.

“You know that Kang suspects us right?” Viper asked quietly.

“I know… And I wouldn’t at all be surprised if he didn’t get special orders to take us out too…”

Viper nodded. “We should be very careful… The shadows are darkening around Graven’s Deep with each passing day…”

“After what Angel dug out of her core system I am not surprised. At least now we know why Comstar wants her so badly…”

“Don’t forget Ghost… They are coming too… And it won’t be much longer before they arrive. She isn’t the only person around here who would rather avoid Comstar entanglements…”

“I know.. I know… But Coyote needs us. We can’t pull out without him.”

“Agreed… But Ghost… I see great danger for us on Graven’s deep…”

“So what’s new? It’s been that way even before we left the Taurian Concordat.”

“Not like this…”

“One day at a time Viper. We’ll make it.”

She nodded and turned back to her computer station, leaving him to his own thoughts. Ghost stared at her for long minutes, trying to see what she was hiding. It was no use of course. He wasn’t psychic. But something was getting her spooked. More than normal. He returned to his own duty station and picked up a couple more visographs she had made. More jump ships. Dark, menacing. They were distorted and twisted in a way that made one think of some gargantuan snake slipping between the stars. He closed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose. It was all giving him a headache.

“Coyote… you better be alive when we finally find you… so I can kill you myself!” he snorted, They were approaching Graven’s Deep at a full 1.75 G’s. he was tired despite the augmented musculature he had. He didn’t know how Angel and Viper managed it without complaint. It wouldn’t be much longer now…


Alan~

A Grimm Conversation: {A Battletech Story}

Joe sat in Ben’s cabin on the shuttle and just stared at Ben. Finally, he said, “Let me get this straight. You want me to ask the Slayers to stay. After the nice ‘hello’ that you gave them, now you want them to stay. Everybody knows how we feel about these guys, and you want me to ask them to stay. Tell me again. Why do we want them to stay?”

Ben grinned at Joe’s reaction, then replied. “He hasn’t moved against us yet. Talk’s goin’ around that the Slayers are all headin’ out after Raphael’s found and the wedding’s finished. Might be he’s here for the reason’s he said. To warn us and to get his girl.”

Joe snorted. “Yeah, well good. I’d feel a lot better with them gone.”

“Maybe so. I ain’t sayin’ I like them. I’m sayin’ that they might be handy in hidin’ us. We’re needin’ every advantage we can get against the forces coming to Graven’s Deep. Johnny just might be the ticket in keeping them away from us for a good little bit.”

Joe shook his head. “I see how the Wayfinders would benefit from your idea. Unfortunately, Johnny and Bell are both smart. No way they are going to sign up for some crazy scheme that’s most likely going to get them killed.”

“Yer underestimatin’ the persuasive power of pride and greed. Don’t forget, they’re pirates.”

Joe shook his head again. “Johnny’s here to get Bell. Not to get a new toy. Bell is here to get her brother. Not to become a captain. They won’t be interested in what I have to say.”

“All right, let’s say yer right. What’s the worst that could happen? They’d just say no.”

“And I look like an idiot who can’t decide if I want them to stay or leave.”

“OK, then I’ll ask. But I’m needin’ ya to support me and say that ya think it’s a good idea. Folks might believe you more than me.”

“Sure, I guess it’s a good idea. Good for the Wayfinders anyway. And if this doesn’t blow up in their faces, it could be good for the Slayers too. But Ben, it’s too dangerous.”

Ben shrugged. “Sure it is. An’ we tell ‘em up front about that too. I ain’t tryin’ to get them killed. Just want them to stick around a little longer. Long enough for the bad guys to see what they expect to see. Let’s just point out the golden opportunity that the Slayers are walkin’ away from and let Johnny and Bell decide what to do.”

“OK Ben. There’s nothing wrong in pointing out a few facts. But I want them to know our suspicions too. I’m not going to trick them into walking into a trap. Still, I don’t really trust them.”

“Fair nuff. We’re gonna just have to keep watchin’ each others back. Now let’s get outta here. I want some fresh air.”

Nine Lives Hanging on a Thread

The all black caravan of two light Mechs and the assortment of armored trucks and cars traveled down the almost no excitant road on their way to their next secure location like they had done uncountable times before. In the rearguard Armored Personnel Carrier Brandon seat in the command seat trying to relax as he felt the eyes of his troops on him. He was the son of Thomas Shepard the owner and commander of the Lynx Personal Security Company one of the most respected private security/bodyguard forces and now co-owned by Thomas’ son, Brandon. This was not Brandon’s first mission in fact he had been working at his dad’s side for over fourteen years now but the paperwork to make him co-owner had just gone through two days ago and the men and women of Lynx Company knew it and he could feel their eyes on him.

Trying to take his mind off of the deep feeling of anxiety Brandon looked down at his Tactical Computer and Sensor Readings once more. The computer showed the caravans formation with his dad in the lead in Alpha, one of the two Company’s Locust, directly behind him where Truck One and Two followed by the ‘Package’ Armored car which was followed by Beta Locust then Truck Three and the Truck Four that Brandon was riding in. Today in the ‘Package’ car was the minor Lord Camure with his wife and eight year old daughter, who were being escorted to a secure location do to threats on the Lord’s life.

Despite the threats on the Lord this mission that the Lynx had preformed many times before and the tension in the air was light with confidence. So it was with some surprise when Brandon watched Alpha come to a stop and the text command came over the computer for the Company to come to a stop and go defensive. In an instinctive manner Brandon turned to the troops and told them to look sharp and then told the gunner to take position. A few moments went by with everyone holding their breath, just long enough for a few sighs of relief to escape some of the troopers when the whole world exploded in chaos.

Indirect rocket fire exploded all around the convoy rocking Truck Four violently to the point that Brandon lost sight of his Command computer as he was thrown around in his seat. When the hell storm stopped Brandon looked once more too his tactical readouts to see that Beta was down and Truck One had disappeared completely. Brandon yelled out the commands to “Deploy and Free Fire” but before even have his command was out the back door to the Truck was opening and he could hear the Double 50cal guns on top of the Truck open fire. Lynx Company were well disciplined and deployed flawlessly, despite the beating they had just received from the incoming missiles, taking positions in a defensive circular around the ‘Package’ car. Brandon’s Truck Four took up position on the left flank opposite side from where the missiles had come from but Lynx Company took nothing for granted they still could be hit from all sides.

Then there was silence before the strike, it only lasted a few heartbeats but enough too almost dive a man insane. The forced that broke through the forest was four Mechs of two Wasps, one Assassin and one Archer, more than enough to take on Lynx’s remaining three Trucks and one Locust. The guns from all sides opened up at once as the ‘Package’ shot off through the convent hole left open for in it in the defensive circle. Alpha was the first Lynx to fall within two heartbeats but not before she killed one of the Wasp and with her dieing energy deeply wounded the Assassin. Truck Two fell pray to the Archer just a heartbeat later as it tried to guard the ‘Package’ car’s escape. On the same heartbeat the combined fire power of Truck Three and Four and with assistance from the SRM Troopers the Assassin was killed. On the next heartbeat Truck Three exploded from within as the Archer brought its weapons to bear on it, while Truck Four shot off to try and cut off the remaining Wasp from attacking the ‘Package’ car. Truck Four’s mad dash to protect the ‘Package’ car was brought to an end by the Archer as its Lasers cut into the Truck’s armor and wheels sending the Truck rolling off into the trees of the forest and way from the battle, and in the same moment Brandon’s world was plummeted into darkness of unconscious.

Brandon’s blackness only lasted no more than a minute as he came too noticing that the driver and gunner of Truck four where dead at their post and the inside of the Truck was starting to fill with smoke from unseen fire. Grabbing his gear Brandon made his way out of the Truck which was made more difficult do to the fact that it was laying on its side. Once out he noticed that the battle was all but over and not in the Lynx’s favor. The smoke from the burning wrecks of what had once been the Lynx’s Trucks and Mechs filled the air and casting shadows over the landscape. Only some 150ft down the road Brandon could see the ‘Package’ car, a now twisted wreck, and standing over it was the Wasp and Archer, the only two remaining attacking Mechs. Just outside of the wrecked car was a dark suited man holding a firearm, the man fired three time into the car, and with each shot Brandon jumped as the realization that of what the man was doing came over him.

With the last shot Brandon sprang into action jumping from the wrecked Truck and moving with a speed that he did not know he even possessed. Once in position he pulled out his MK10, the position was perfect as small fires burned about him and large underbrush hide him from sight as he took aim on the now climbing Mechwarrior. Brandon made his breathing slow as the watched the Mechwarrior climb up his Wasp on his way to the cockpit. He did not fire until the moment the pilot reached from the last hand hold Brandon’s bullet ripped into the man’s chest and sent the man falling back to the heard earth. The Archer came to life in a instant moving about in a frantic search for the shooter, but Brandon’s position was chosen fro jus the moment and he forced himself from not running as he pictured the pilot switch through his scanning option. The Archer’s search lasted for several long and almost unbearably moment from it gave up and headed back into the forest with is gruesome acts already done.

The next days after the attack passed like as in a dream, or more an unrelenting nightmare. First came the clean up and recovery of all the survivors of the attack among which were not the Lord and his family or Brandon’s father and owner of Lynx Company. After which came the loan officer like hyenas to a wounded cat, even with the capture of a Wasp and the salvage from the battle and then any of the other equipment the Company owned was only enough to pay off its loan. In the end Brandon was left with only his own equipment the few kind words from those who felt they owned him such and the lost of the Security Company his father had built up. If he was left with anything is was vengeance for those who had done this as it was not accident that those pirates had happened on their position, their rout and destination was top secret and most have been leaked by someone. One day those reasonable would be brought to the light and on that day they would fall under his crosshairs and he would speak for all those lost form Lynx Company with one bullet one kill.

The Saga of Ingrid and Isadora Wilson {A Battletech Story}



Isa rubbed her head where a headache was beginning to form. They had finally finished repairing all the immediate damage to the unit mechs with the sole exception of the Clint, which they just didn’t have parts to repair…

She was doing it again, she realized. Working herself to the bone fixing everybody else’s mechs when they should be taking responsibility for those repairs themselves. She wasn’t slave girl for the Wayfinders. She was crew chief for the Victor and the Wolfhound. THOSE were her mechs. And she kept those mechs running. But all this extra work on everybody else’s machines had prevented her from having time to do basic maintenance for them. And she knew that the Victor had taken internal damage, and would need extra care for a while until she had managed to locate and fix all the little bugs that sort of damage inevitably caused.

She was getting very tired. And there was no end in sight. More people joining the unit, soon there would be more mechs, and they all seemed to be complete idiots when it came to maintaining their own machines. Isa was on the point of boiling over.

She’d told Puff the last time this sort of thing happened that she wouldn’t be roped into working on everyone’s mechs. He either needed to hire responsible mechwarriors who could take care of their own machines. OR he needed to hire a large tech platoon like he originally did when Mack had been head of support. Puff had listened to Mack. Had hired more than 40 techs to cover everything. Every mech in the unit had it’s own crew chief, and several astechs to give them help. It was done right. But this… this couldn’t continue.

She had not even had time to devote to her studies the last several days. And now it was looking like Isabella would be leaving… Isa turned and threw a spanner back at the toolbox and watched angrily as it hit, and then skittered across the deck of the Dark Phoenix’s massive cargo bay. She sat down in a huff and rubbed her head with dirt and grease covered hands, unconcerned with the dirt she was getting all over her.

Enough was enough. 2 mechs… that’s it! From this day forward, I am servicing 2 mechs only! She muttered to herself. Even Sarge had quit. He had signed an official contract with Doctor Alexander, and was now obviously most concerned with the Magellan, the Predator, and the two Quadrunners. When he had time, he still worked some on the Wayfinder mechs. But that had been the last straw. She had an entire tech platoon that consisted of just her.

To be fair, Isabella still helped out a lot. But now that Johnny was back in her life… well… obviously she spent more time with him, and preferred to keep the time she and Isa spent together to quality friend type stuff. Isa couldn’t blame her at all. Isabella was not part of the Wayfinders. She was a Slayer now. And any volunteer help she gave was just that. Volunteer help that her friend gave. And Isa didn’t want to use up her one and only friendship that way.

She had no illusions. Isabella was going to be leaving soon. And it was unlikely they would be able to keep in touch. That seemed to be the way it always was. She never had the chance to make and keep friends. She also had no illusions about the chance of actually building Zodiac Inc. She knew the score. That didn’t bother her much. Only that she felt she was letting Ingrid down after all those years of struggling to keep her in school.

She got up and walked across the bay and retrieved the spanner and returned it to the tool box. That was something else they needed to address. All these tools belonged to Johnny. She also knew that Sarge had bought a complete set of tools. But those were his tools, not Wayfinder tools. Isa was a bit miffed at Ingrid for making the trip all the way to LaShials, and not getting any. Then she thought again, and realized that Ingrid was just as broke as she herself was. It was all coming apart. Everybody who seemed to have any sense were abandoning the Wayfinders. And very soon now they could find themselves at a rather grisly end. She needed to let Puff know all this. But didn’t really want to burdon him when he was down with swamp fever. But she decided she needed to address this anyway right now. She headed for the Magellan where the Doc was caring for Puff, unconcerned with how dirty she looked.

When she got inside she went straight to the med bay. Thankfully he was awake and drinking a cup of tea when she came in. “Puff… we have to talk.” She began


Alan~