Battletech Welcome to the Jungle

The Triad, Tharkad City, Tharkad
District of Donegal, Protectorate of Donegal, Lyran Commonwealth
February 26th 3016

Sean Szabó had smiled as he was escorted into the Archon’s office in the Palace. After all, why shouldn’t he have been pleased? StarCorp Industries had prospered under his leadership. For more than a century, the company had been better known for their refit and repair facilities than their BattleMech production capabilities.

Ever since fighting in the Bolan Thumb during the First Succession War had wrecked most of their production facilities, StarCorp Industries had only been able to produce a single ‘Mech design on Loburg. There had once been some hope of restoring production, but that had largely ended when the Mariks had collapsed the Lyran division of the corporation’s main underground production facilities on Son Hoa with nuclear weapons during the Second Succession War. The lingering damage from the Lyran conquest of the world had never been made good. That in turn meant that Longbow production had never exceeded thirty units per year for the entire time the Commonwealth had owned the line.

Until he’d taken over the position of CEO, in any case.

Sean Szabó had possessed the vision to see that StarCorp didn’t have to remain on the lowest tier of the Lyran Commonwealth’s military-industrial complex, eking out a living more as repair technicians than BattleMech producers. The very year he’d assumed his position, he’d embarked on a massive and expensive half-decade long repair and refit of the company’s Longbow production line. The results of which had spoken for themselves: for the first time since the First Succession War, production had reached thirty-eight units.

Profits were up, and the repairs and renovations were well on their way to paying for themselves. When he’d entered the office, he’d been anticipating Archon Steiner would shake his hand and offer to increase LCAF purchases to take advantage of the increased number of new ‘Mechs on offer. Instead …

“I’m sorry, Archon,” he spoke, mouth dry and pulse pounding in his ears, “could you repeat that?”

The blonde behind the desk nodded with complete composure and again spoke.

“I regret to inform you that the LCAF will no longer be interested in procuring new Longbows of the current type when the existing contract expires,” she said, then continued. “The -7Q is oversunk, and practically defenseless once its limited ammunition is expended or an enemy closes the range. Furthermore, it wastes the potential of an Assault chassis by overspecialization. It isn’t even particularly useful in melee thanks to its lack of lower arm and hand actuators. Why should I pay more than seven million C-bills for a Longbow, when I can get an LRM Carrier for less than two million?”

He nodded dumbly while his dream -seeing Loburg’s capacity to produce King Crabs restored before his retirement- crumbled into dust. There would be no re-established ‘Mech lines. The proud heritage of StarCorp on Son Hoa would remain nothing but an eyesore with a single barely-functional refit facility. The reputation he hoped to build was ruined. Instead of being known as a man to emulate, he’d be held up for centuries as the CEO that overreached himself so badly that he drove the company into debt to fund a product nobody wanted.

Without an LCAF contract, demand would drop off, and with an increased supply and decreased demand, prices would plummet. Some ‘Mech might be better than no ‘Mech, but mercenary companies would wonder what the LCAF knew about the Longbow that they didn’t. In the worst case, it might end up with such a poor reputation that it was relegated to the same position as the Banshee: purchased for backwater planetary militias and nothing else.

“I see,” he spoke, trying to keep his voice calm despite his distress. “In that case, I will show myself ou-”

The Archon raised a hand, face serene, to interrupt him.

“That may not be necessary,” she said, and he froze.

Was she looking for a bribe? Or maybe-

“As I said, the LCAF is not interested in further procurement of the current Longbow variant. If StarCorp Industries were willing to refit the chassis to our specifications…” she trailed off, left eyebrow cocked as her left hand unfurled in his direction.

It was like receiving a stay of execution just as he was being strapped down, and he seized the opportunity with both hands.

“Of course we’d be willing to work with the LCAF to produce a product more suited to their needs!” he said, boisterous in his relief.

The Archon nodded but her face was still a mask of polite interest.

“I thought that would be the case, however, there is some concern among my advisors that your corporation might not be up to the task. Developing a new variant of a BattleMech can be a difficult and complex venture. With the primary focus of StarCorp on refits and repairs rather than production, as well as the relative lack of experience your staff possess, dealing as they do with only a single design... there are questions about your capability, whatever your willingness.”

Sean took a moment to formulate a response, feeling as if his entire future depended on making an effective counterargument.

“Then your advisors haven’t been doing their research,” he asserted. “Under my predecessor, the primary focus of the company was, indeed, on our extensive repair and refit capabilities along the Marik front.

“Under my leadership, however, StarCorp has already accomplished one extensive modification project: our Longbow production line has undergone considerable repairs and renovations that have increased our production capabilities by nearly thirty percent. Our engineers are fully capable of modifying the line to produce the new variant the LCAF is calling for as well.” That should neatly refute the first and second ponts she had raised. The third ...

“I will admit, though, that your advisors are correct at least in part; we at StarCorp have little experience with any ‘Mech aside from the Longbow. However, I dispute their conclusion. In this case, that is an asset rather than a detraction. Our technicians and engineers know the Longbow inside and out. Since they are fully conversant with its particulars, they are uniquely suited to understanding the most efficient ways to modify the design to better suit its new role in the Lyran Commonwealth’s Armed Forces. We might not be as capable of creating a new ‘Mech as Defiance or Coventry Metal Works, but that isn’t what is being called for here. What you want is an improved edition of an old favorite, not a new, unproven design.”

Finally the Archon smiled.

“That was very good for something entirely off the cuff,” she congratulated. “And as it happens, I agree with you. That’s why I overruled my advisors and had a little something prepared.”

She reached over to the phone on her desk and hit a button.

“Have Malcom bring in the case,” she said, then folded her hands.

Behind him, the door opened. He glanced over his shoulder to see a pair of men in cheap suits enter the room with a secure attaché case in hand.

What needs such security that it requires two agents to guard it even inside the Royal Palace? he wondered.

The man, presumably Malcom, set the case down on the Archon’s dark-stained oak desk, and the Archon herself laid a finger on the biometric scanner that secured it. With a click the latches opened, then she spun the case around and-

There was a data core held securely inside the cushioned interior, and Sean’s eyes shot back to meet the Archon’s own. For a moment he fought to find the words. To give voice to desperate hope. He realized his mouth was open, but no sound issued forth.

“A Lyran patriot recently recovered a Data Core in the Periphery,” the Archon said. “This is a full copy of that Core. It doesn’t contain information about every piece of Lostech that we know existed at one time, but what it does include it covers comprehensively.”

For a long moment, the explanation hovered in the air of the office as though it had been carved into the walls. A moment fit for the history books.

Then Mister Szabó shook off the feeling. He couldn’t have been the first she told. If nothing else, Landgrave Michael Wellby of TharHes had his corporate headquarters no more than a couple hours to the south-west. Before he could come up with the right words to thank her properly, she spoke again.

“My advisors really were concerned about spreading this information too widely,” she said. “But in your case I overruled them. Because you, unlike so many of your forebears, had the combination of vision and drive to rebuild, rather than simply accept that the Lyran branch of StarCorp was doomed to be the least of its siblings.”

Sean felt his back straighten as he reflexively squared his shoulders.

“We won’t let you down, Your Majesty!” he announced.

“I know you won’t, and I told you, just ‘Archon’ is fine.” she said as she pulled a ROM from her desk.

“This has a list of specifications for the new variant on it, as well as …”


StarCorp Industries Headquarters, Outside Stromhead, Loburg
Alarion Province, Protectorate of Donegal, Lyran Commonwealth
March 11th 3016

Sean had paid a small fortune for the most rapid return route to Loburg he could manage. He considered it fortunate indeed that his home planet had such a short transit time from its Jump Points; he’d only lost ten days total burning out and then in-system.

And three days was still plenty of time to have a strictly limited board meeting organized by the time he landed: no outside council was to be present, neither were stockholder representatives invited. Even most of the Directors were not required, and a secretary to keep the minutes was right out.

Waiting for him in the room were the company’s most senior engineers, a pair of accountants, the best and most trustworthy of his Information Technology team, and a pair of local LIC assets who’d just finished sweeping the room for listening devices.

Following him was the security team for which he was an almost incidental item. The case and what was in it were much more important.

“Before I call the meeting to order, Doctor Emerson, you’re certain the new computer system is entirely isolated? No possibility that anyone can gain access to it without physically being in the same room? This was rather a snap kick, but I need to know if you’re absolutely certain,” he stressed.

“Yes, Mister Szabó, we maintain a supply of spares locally just in case. We had to use most of them to build something capable of the required benchmarks, but it fits all requirements.”

“Good,” he said with a nod. “We can only hope you were subtle enough. In a couple days, our main computer system is going to have a terrible fault, which will cause a work-stoppage of several hours. Resolving the issue will expend much of our stock of spares, requiring us to restock. Any questions?”

“No, sir,” the PHD replied, clearly unused to the subterfuge, but rolling with the punches.

“Then I officially call this meeting to order. Dean, you’ll be taking the minutes, which are going to be classified as all hell. In fact if any of you so much as talks in your sleep, you’d better either move into a room here in the factory or get a prescription for sleeping pills that will absolutely knock you out. I have good news and bad news.

“Bad news first: the LCAF will be ceasing procurement of the -7Q when the current contract expires,” Sean said, and paused for the anticipated surge of outrage.

He wasn’t disappointed.

“What-!/-ut they can’t-/-make sense!”

“Quiet down!” he interrupted the various speakers. “We’ve got a lot to cover today and even more work to do after we’re done with this meeting. Please note that I said the LCAF won’t be buying any more -7Qs, not that they have gone suddenly insane and decided to cease procurement of Battlemechs. Archon Steiner and I had a very frank discussion, and she brought up several good points, thankfully I was able to allay her advisors’ concerns sufficiently that we’re being given the opportunity to design a new and improved variant of the Longbow, and we’ve got some very impressive resources to use to that end.

“Malcom, if you would?” he asked, and the LIC agent took the attaché case over to the large new computer and holoprojector that had been set up in a corner of the room. He carefully opened the case in such a way that all anyone at the table could see was the leather top. Meanwhile …

“Mister Szabó, if I may, I presume that guaranteed low-rate loans are a part of this package?” Rebecah Flynn inquired with clear concern. “Because even with StarCorp’s proven track record and typical profit, obtaining a second substantial loan before the first is paid off would be … difficult absent … major concessions.”

“A bit out of order, but yes. The Archon was very willing to work with us on the matter of funding. It isn’t an unlimited well, by any means, but she did offer generous loan terms,” he said.

The signs of relief in his audience were clearly visible.

“Frankly,” he added, “she would likely be willing to extend a bit more if we run short near the end of the project, but let’s avoid that unless we absolutely have to.

“Secondly, the Archon detailed a list of the problems she has with the current variant of Longbow. Copies will be available for you to view yourself after this initial meeting, but I’ve already had several days to think over the requirements, and I have a concept. I don’t guarantee that it will be a winner, but I do think it’s the best place to start.”

He was, he had to admit, looking forward to this.

“However, bear with me for just a moment. We need to cover the rest of the support the Archon is extending to us. Malcom, please show them what’s in the case,” he ordered.

As the data core was revealed he extracted a small camera from his pocket and snapped several pictures for posterity, making sure the object of his employees’ attention was well out of view, as agreed.

The realization took people in different ways. The engineers tended to have the scientific background to realize what they were seeing first. Matt Vierheller, going on seventy. one of the most grizzled and dependable of the line engineers, just drank in the sight, barely seeming to blink. After a few moments, tears began to appear, navigating the wrinkles and crevices around his eyes to make their way down his cheeks. Norman Tabbutt, still carrying about forty-five pounds too many on his short frame, jumped to his feet with a whoop of victory and clutched at the top of his head like he was searching for a hat to throw into the air. Rebecah, realizing what the object was, just started to laugh, and continued until tears were streaming down her own cheeks.

It took quite some time before the meeting could be gotten back on track.

“I hate to bitch, but why couldn’t the Archon have dropped this in our laps before we spent a fortune getting the Longbow line back in ship shape?” Rebecah lamented. Whether she was anticipating an answer or not, it was a good place to start.

“Because she only recently received it herself,” Sean responded. “Some LosTech prospector or something must have stumbled on the original and been smart enough not to crow about his lucky find from the rooftops.”

“Please tell me it has Artemis,” Norm blurted out when Sean stopped to take a breath. It was a natural question, given the armament on the Longbow.

“No Artemis, but that’s less of a concern than you might expect,” Sean responded. “One of the things that the Archon was dissatisfied with was the fact that the -7Q mounts so many LRM tubes. Her assertion was that if she wanted dedicated fire support, she could buy LRM carriers for a fraction of the price.”

He could see people inflating all around the room and waved them down.

“I know, I know. Quikscell’s quality control is shit, and you have to practically strip the damn tanks down to the chassis and rebuild them with spares before they’re fit for purpose. They can’t get to the same sort of places a ‘Mech can, and they’re vastly more fragile. Still, if all she wanted was indirect fire support, she’s right. And there are rumors that THI has been working on an assault-weight tank that does the LRM Carrier’s job, but with actual armor.

“With all of that, she expects that any Assault Mech her LCAF pays for will be good for ‘something other than just fire support’ and that was more or less verbatim. Which gets to that list of requirements. She wants a ‘Mech that:

1. Mounts main guns with armor-penetrating damage profiles.
2. Mounts a meaningful secondary armament.
3. Isn’t so heavily ammunition dependent.
4. Does not reduce armor to meet these goals.”

It seemed like a pretty simple task on the surface, but underneath that it was … problematic. His weapons engineers -hell everyone down to the damn oilers!- knew missile launchers, not so much large energy or ballistic weapons.

The realization was spreading around the room, but he didn’t want them getting the bit between their teeth. Time to remind them that they had some advantages here.

“The good news is what’s on the data core.” As expected, that perked everyone up. He clicked his controller and a detailed drawing popped to life in the projector behind him.

“The first item, and the one that’s sort of the key to all the rest, is EndoSteel. We’re actually pretty lucky here; thanks to all the orbital infrastructure and the need to transport materials from Hiburg,” the much larger, atmosphere-less planet that contained much of the system’s mineral wealth, “We’ll have a leg up on some of the other corporations working with the information. That is because EndoSteel and other foamed metal compounds haveto be made in a zero gravity environment. Otherwise, the foam collapses and you get the shit everyone was producing in the Second Succession War while trying to figure out why the fragmentary information we had didn’t give working results. EndoSteel or, more correctly, the ability to create foamed metal is, thus, the foundational technology for LosTech.

“This is important for several reasons, most immediately because, according to the math, using EndoSteel is more efficient as a means of saving weight than using FerroFibrous armor. Since we need to make the EndoSteel anyway, we might as well plan to use it. And before you ask, Matt, there’s all the documentation you could ever wish for. Whoever put this core together took notes from everybody involved in the process and used it to assemble a how-to manual that a fresh graduate could use to make something that works. It is really, phenomenally detailed.”

“Good to hear, sir,” the elderly engineer responded. “Don’t suppose I can get a copy to start looking over?”

“Malcom?” Sean asked. The spook nodded. There was a printer included among the various peripherals and plenty of paper. They’d have to police it, but that was actually easier than using a compad in this case. You couldn’t hack paper.

“That will mean, however, a redesign of the Longbow’s internal structure will be required. Legs, weapon pods, torso, everything. Since we’re doing that anyway, I’m adding a requirement to the list the Archon gave us. Despite making the most Assault ‘Mechs of any of the Successor States, the Lyran Commonwealth is the only one that does not produce a jumping Assault ‘Mech. If StarCorp made the Highlander fly, we can damn well do the same with the Longbow. It should, frankly, be easier since the Longbow weighs less. But we need something to make our ‘Mech stand out from the crowd, and increased agility for rough terrain and city fighting is important.”

“Theoretically, we can do it with pretty standard 1-ton jets. The Longbow is right at the top end of the bracket for what they can lift, but it’s within tolerances. Repurposed Quickdraw jets would absolutely do the job,” Norm pointed out, “But the weight will have to come from somewhere. How much is the EndoSteel going to save us?”

“Math says four to four and a half tons,” Sean responded, clicking again to advance the projection to show the calculations on that.

“Well, that’ll more than cover it.”

“It will, and that’s not the only method of saving weight we’ve got access to.” A third click brought up the specs for Star League double-capacity heat sinks. Some joker had labelled them ‘Freezers,’ which was just too appropo to not use.

“Just swapping out the in-engine sinks for these will double base sinking capacity. One of the Archon’s complaints with the -7Q was that it wasted weight on too many heat sinks, and we can get to almost that capacity with just the required engine sinks. Building DHS requires some bits and pieces of foamed metal, but they’re actually relatively cheap and easy to make. There’s a lot of plastic involved in their construction, which should make standing up production relatively simple.

“But, going back to my original point, with these Freezers we can cut way back on mass used for heat sinking. My back of the napkin math suggests we should save at least eight more tons there.”

Matt let out a whistle through his teeth. The rest of the room’s occupants seemed to agree. Trimming ten percent of the ‘Mech’s total mass away from the heat management systems? That was a serious weight savings.

“Yeah. that gives us a lot of room to fulfil the Archon’s requirements. Now, as I said, I’ve got a concept, but I want you lot to make sure I’m not getting too ambitious here.” Another click advanced the projector again.

“While the core contains specifications for ER PPCs and 8cm Lasers, Heavy multimode autocannon, and Gauss Rifles, I propose we focus on the autocannon to start with. They’re relatively low heat for high damage, and they’re massive enough that they won’t be swimming around in the weapon pods, but not so massive that we’ll need to do a complete redesign like we would if we switched to a Gauss Rifle. They’re a ton heavier than the Holly LRM rack the pods are designed for, but we’re already going to be swapping to EndoSteel structure, so the decreased mass of the structure itself will help compensate in both design work and Gyro calculations. I don’t like the thought of needing to account for an additional 50% mass in the arms for either the frame or Gyro.

The divide between the computer people and the engineers was clearly visible. His IT representatives had shuddered in horror at the thought of the complexity of the math involved in shifting so much of the Mech’s weight away from its centerline.

“Also, according to some classified LCAF reports, those autocannons have proved themselves in combat on the Drac front. RumInt even has it that the LCAF is looking to reclassify them as Class Twelve weapons. As such, they are the hot new item of the hour. The multimode ammunition feed system allows them to serve multiple roles with slug cassettes for penetration against intact armor and submunitions to finish off badly damaged targets. Potentially even for anti-air use, which we can use as a selling point.

“Since Cellular Ammunition Storage Equipment is also included on the core, we can even protect the ammunition from a lucky hit. Then, to fulfill the Archon’s demand for guns that aren’t ammunition dependent, we add a pair of 8cm lasers -conventional ones, mind!- to keep the price and the heat down. If we work our asses off, and I mean our asses off, I think we can have this concept ready to go around the time our existing contract expires. Or at least ready enough that we can start reworking the line right away and just say ‘never you mind’ to anyone who asks why the LCAF isn’t buying more Longbows. Clearly it’s because we’ve got a new and improved model on the way, and not because anyone was dissatisfied with our product.”

He was seeing some nods around the room, but there were also a lot of questions.

“What about the Delta Dart launchers in the side torsos?”

“Keep the pair of -5 racks for indirect fire and secondary support.”

“Besides, we don’t want to cut out old suppliers if we don’t have to.”

“Yeah, bad for business. Holly’s going to be pissed enough.”

“Nothing we can do in that case. Direct from the Archon herself,” he pointed out and discussion moved on.

There were issues, but he always knew there were going to be. What he wasn’t hearing was major objections. It seemed that his concept was workable.

In the back of his mind, the possibility of seeing King Crabs marching off of newly-built assembly lines flickered back to life.

If we can pull this refit off. If Lostech really is as good as we always heard it was, then maybe …

Ifs and maybes weren’t good structures to build plans upon, but he and StarCorp were both committed, so he’d do his damndest and hope his people were good enough to spot the mistakes he missed. Either his time as CEO would be remembered for raising his corporation to heights unseen in centuries, or he’d be reviled for leaving the company as a wreck at the base of the mountain.


A/N: Thanks again to Seraviel, Lordsfire, and Yellowhammer for beta reading, idea bouncing, and canon compliance checking. This chapter is vastly improved by their efforts.