Blood on the Horizon (Battletech SI)

Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Four: Slipping Through the Cracks
    • Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Four: Slipping Through the Cracks
    October 16th, 3032

    “How’d they notice us so quickly?” David asked as he backed his stolen Warhammer up against the wall that was surrounding the Scarborough Manufacturers industrial center. “We did everything they asked us to.”

    “We must have missed a codeward or something, Captain.” Private Vickers, the Jenner pilot replied. “It’ll only take them about five minutes to reset their IFFs and we need to be long gone before then.”

    “Alright, let’s get moving, you three are fast movers, so you move through first, and I’ll bring up the rear.” David replied as they began to move the lance away from the industrial complex. “Don’t waste your ammo taking potshots at the factories, we need to focus on escaping.” The lance moved into the forest only to be followed closely by a lance of Dragons.

    “Fuck,” They must have fixed their IFFs faster than I thought.” Vickers said as he moved out of the way of an AC/5 round that went past his Jenner.


    “On my Mark, we turn and burn them, and then move away while they’re stunned.” David ordered as he timed the stop with a small creek bed. “Mark”

    The lance stopped and flipped around, focusing fire o two different Dragons as they entered range, the twin Vulcans fired their AC/2s and Medium laser at one of them, not quite causing the staggering effect that they were hoping for, but the Dragon did hesitate long enough to slip on the mud and into the creek face first.

    Meanwhile, the Private Vickers and David combined their close range firepower onto a Dragon of their own stripping the armor around the cockpit and causing the pilot to halt and start backing up.

    “Alright, let’s move while they’re stunned.” David ordered, backing up past the creek as the rest of the lance turned around and moved off as fast as they safely could through the trees.

    David, when he reached the minimum distance for his PPCs, began to alternate fire, allowing his heat sinks to do their job while he covered his teammates' evacuation. Then, as soon as he was out of visual range he spun around and began to move to the rendezvous point.

    “Shit.” David said as the trio of lighter ‘mechs moved much faster. “Slow down, we need to move as a lance.” He ordered only to receive static across his system. “No no no.” He muttered as he continued to try and break through the ECM and slammed his hand against the chair next to him as he watched the other three ‘mechs get dismantled one by one by an enemy that wasn’t showing up on his sensors and that he couldn’t make out due to the darkness.

    “I hope that the passive sensor targeting trick you showed me works mom.” David said to himself. “Because if it doesn’t then getting home is going to be a chore.”

    David slowed down his pace, trying to see if there were any explosions that typically signaled an ejection. But there was nothing, and with the lance of Dragons that would be arriving behind him. The last thing he needed was to get pinched between them and this seemingly invisible force that was directly targeting pilots.

    “Let’s see if we can drop our heat shall we.” David muttered as he moved at a diagonal to the area where his teammates were destroyed. Slowing down and triple checking that his searchlight was shut off he reached the point where his ‘mech wasn’t generating heat and then crouched his ‘mech a bit to not be above the trees before disengaging his active sensors and shutting his ‘mech down entirely, including the fusion engine. He hoped that whatever was out there hunting them would simply not notice him, and if it did that he would be able to react to it in time. “I’ll switch everything back on in a couple of hours.” David said to himself as he looked out at the imposing darkness of the night.

    As soon as David finished shutting everything down, the Combine mechwarrior tied into the jumpseat behind him began to stir.

    “Shit.” David muttered as he got out of the pilot’s seat and grabbed his medbag. “I should have listened when dad told me to keep my medbag organized.” He said to himself as he moved things around looking for the sedatives that he had brought. After a minute or so of shoving the things in his medbag around he finally found the group of sedatives. Grabbing the injector, he shoved a dose that was specifically designed to keep enemy captives under into the injector and held the struggling pilot down while he injected it, he then waited until the mechwarrior stopped moving before he sat back down in the pilot’s chair of the Warhammer.

    No sooner had he sat down then he saw a couple of trees around five hundred meters away start to bend from something moving between them.

    “Must be Null sig.” David muttered to himself, “And given I have no visual aside from the effects, I’d say that they’ve got a Chameleon Light Polarization shield as well.”

    The invisible ‘mech continued through the forest, the only evidence of its passing being the trees bending and cracking as it moved through.

    “I need to rapid start this, I know where it is right now, and if I can break the cloaking I can take it.” David muttered as he bypassed several safety protocols in order to get the fusion engine started quickly. “We’ll take care of your fusion engine later.” David patted the side of the chair as he ran through an abbreviated check and stayed on passive sensors, relying on the signs of the forest to tell him exactly where the enemy ‘mech was.

    “I got you now bitch.” David said to himself as he triggered his SRM 6 and Medium Lasers across the general area where the trees were being shoved out of the way by the enemy ‘mech. “I really hope that this works.” The lasers missed, but half of the SRMs scattered across the enemy ‘mech, breaking up the profile enough that David could finally see what he was up against.
    The Exterminator tried to back off in order to get its stealth systems back up and running, fired its lasers at David’s stolen Warhammer, but only a couple of the medium lasers connected, the rest hitting a series of trees and starting fires.

    Moving forward, not wanting the Exterminator to retain its stealth capabilities, David fired his lasers and missiles as fast as they could cycle, all the while praying that the fires behind him didn’t turn into a forest fire. The enemy pilot retaliated as they continued backing up, this time spreading laser damage all along David’s torso and coming close to penetrating the SRM ammunition bins.

    “Not today.” David said as he finally moved at a sprint, “I only get one shot at this, let's make it count.” He disabled the limiters on his PPCs and crossed his fingers before pulling the triggers, launching a full alpha at the enemy heavy ‘mech, and then shutting down due to overheating.

    The Exterminator took one more step back, and then ceased moving, it’s engine having been threatened by one of the SRMs having penetrated deep enough that the XL engine’s automatic safeties shut it off. Leaving David to finish cooling off his overheating ‘mech in peace.

    “Time to leave.” David said to himself as he began to walk through the forest that was now on fire. “I need to report this to command.”




    October 18th, 3032

    “Ma’am.” Major Kent said as he entered the HQ where the 3rd Kentares Guard’s CO was waiting for his report. “Here’s my written report.”

    “Give me a rough summary.” Sandoval ordered, looking at the paperwork in front of her.

    “Everything went by the book until we arrived at the industrial complex. Then it was noted that the typical defenders had cleared out more of the brush and had placed a lance of ‘mechs there to guard as well, a Warhammer, Jenner, and two Vulcans. With the threat being so high, we chose the four who were most fluent in Japanese to go and take control of the enemy lance. This was successful and we were able to accomplish our main objectives without being noticed until around the time we were making our way back to the rendezvous point. Then, Captain David Kerensky volunteered the ‘mech lance that we had taken as a potential distraction force. I allowed this and the rest of our formation made their way back to our base camp.” Kent sighed. “I can only assume and label David Kerensky and the three soldiers that were with him as MIA, potentially pending KIA depending on if we can recover them or not.”

    Then a staff officer rushed into Sandoval’s office. “Ma’am, you’ve got to see this.”

    Getting up and following the staff officer out into the open, the group watched as a blackened Warhammer pushed out of the trees in the distance, dragging another heavy ‘mech behind it with one of its PPCs.
     
    • Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Five: The Slog
    • Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Five: The Slog
    Al Na’ir, November 25th, 3032

    “Tai-Sa deLetereau I am offering you and the 15th and 8th Dieron Regulars the chance of honorable surrender. You have fought well for the Draconis Combine, and I applaud you for it, but no more samurai and militia need to die for this fight.” I said on the open channel that I had established early on for communications.

    I simply rested my face in my hands and sighed as silence filled the airwaves. Once again, the enemy didn’t even deign to respond. “Dammit.” I muttered as I leaned back in the chair while looking at what was left to be done. The battle for Al Na’ir had turned into a real slog, we had been inflicting steady casualties, but the enemy just had more bodies to throw at us. And even with the hovercraft factories partially destroyed, the war machine for the combine had left them with hundreds of the damned things in warehouses waiting to be shipped along with enough spare parts to fight not only the campaign on Al Na’ir, but also wherever else they were needed.

    “If we could just pin down the medium ‘mechs from the 8th that had been harassing the 5th Avalon Hussars we could push and take out the 15th, but the two Tai-Sa had been more than competent and had been stonewalling us by anchoring defenses of fast moving machines with Assault lances and artillery in their cities on standby waiting for their own fire missions. I would have our people counterbarrage the artillery, but the smart fuckers had parked the artillery in areas with a large civilian populace, and I couldn’t justify anything more than a commando raid to shut the guns down.

    “Mathis,” I grabbed the helmet off of my desk and gestured for the man to follow me as I walked. “What would you need to make sure that the artillery is gone?”

    “Two days.” The man said with a contemplative look on his face underneath his own suit of Mithril. “And a company of the Ducal Guard’s infantry.”

    “What would you need to make sure that the Arty is gone and that as many of you come back as possible?” I rephrased the question.

    “The same amount of troops, and a combined arms battalion on standby to pull us out if we’re discovered.” Mathis replied with a shrug.

    “You’ll have it,” I replied. “Pull your teams together, I need that artillery gone.”

    “Copy that sir.” Mathis responded and pulled in a couple of people to take his place as my close bodyguards. “I’ll get it done Hull.” Mathis said with what I was absolutely sure was a cocky smirk on his face.

    “Just make sure that you come back.” I told the insufferable bodyguard. “I need someone who can still pull my ass out of the fire sometimes.”

    “You got it boss.” He said over his shoulder as he walked away. “You got it.”

    –
    –
    One Day Later…

    “Fucking ISF and DEST teams.” I said as I looked over more paperwork. It seemed that Takashi and Indrahar were a pain in the ass even after they were dead. With them having assigned specific teams equipped with advanced ECM suites and ‘mechs that were equipped with Null Sig technology to specific industiral worlds at the very minimum, with some individual 'mechs and units, like the one that David had taken out, having a Chameleon Light Polarization shield as well. I was certain that the radicals of Comstar had a hand in this, seeing as Rook and I had personally gone through all of the data that we had pulled from Luyten and Ross years ago. The problem was, while I knew that Comstar had found ways to give the Combine technology and extra machines, I didn’t know how they had been maintaining said machines. Comstar hadn’t been supplying anyone with new parts or machines since Thomas Marik took over.

    “Maybe they found a Star League cache.” I muttered to myself as I looked over the report before jolting up. “Where is General Baker?!” I asked as I stood up and grabbed my slate.

    “He is double checking the readiness of the perimeter units.” My Aid replied with a shrug. “We had reports of light skirmishing to the south, so he went to make sure that the north was still secured.”

    “Well, we better hope that I get there in time.” I said as I sprinted for my Warhammer IIC that was always on standby, triggering the small jump jets in my Mithril to jump up to the cockpit before climbing in.

    Plugging the connector into my Mithril, I synced up my neurohelmet and got ready to speak the codes that I used as well as the numeric keypad that I had added to my security feature. First I had to enter the numerical code in order to verify my access. There were two codes, one was for techs, and the second was a personal code, that was only known by me or my close family and friends. The second method of Authorization was with the Neurohelmet, it read my brainwaves and established that I was one of the authorized users. The third identification factor that I had was a voiceprint and pass phrase. I had rushed through the other ones, but if you said the passphrase wrong then you would have two minutes to correct it before the Warhammer completely locked you out of the system until reset by one of the techs.

    “Passphrase:” the computer’s programmed voice asked.

    “A hero need not speak. When he is gone, the world will speak for him.” I said after catching my breath.

    Then my Warhemmer completed its power up cycle and the powerful 400 XXL fusion engine thrummed underneath me as I immediately moved to the area where General Baker was supposed to be in.

    “HQ.” I said over comms. “This is Duke Hull, I need to know what ‘mech General Baker pilots.”

    “Duke Hull, General Baker currently pilots a stock Marauder.” The comms officer back at the HQ briefed me. “And you might want to hurry sir, we lost contact with the General and the command lance while you were getting into your ‘mech.”

    “Dammit.” I breathed out as the rest of the QRF that was always on standby fell in line behind and beside me. The QRF was led by Nadia Winson, and she had two other Clan warriors with her. “Winson, I need you, Mackenzie, and Viola to make sure that the rest of the QRF is covered, we’ve got a potential enemy lance equipped with Null Sig and CLPS, I’ve got a VTOL with an active probe prepping for takeoff, but it might get hairy if we get ambushed.

    “Aff, we will comply.” Winson replied as her Gargoyle easily matched the pace set by me and my Warhammer.

    “ETA is five Mikes,” I said as I looked at the maps that we had been given. “It’s a heavily wooded area, so make sure that you don’t leave your back exposed to the enemy.” I told the two Avalon Hussars that were a part of the QRF.

    “Copy that sir.” The two pilots replied. The Champion and Crab that they were piloting being a common sight among the AFFS currently. The two Mechs complimented each other well, and were excellent workhorse machines.

    We continued moving as fast as we safely could through the heavily wooded area, eventually slowing down as we entered an area with extreme ECM.

    “Maintain visuals on all friendly units.” Winson commanded her QRF. “We don’t need any enemy forces picking us off one by one.”

    “Wilco.” I replied, subordinating myself under her authority given she was in charge of the QRF. “Be aware, long range Comms are cut off until my ECCM can cut through.”

    “Understood.” Winson replied, as she signaled for us to begin to slow down. There were burned trees, and places where trees had been snapped like twigs.

    “I’ve got a Swordsman over here.” I reported as I moved to the side in order to check it out, “It’s down, no ejection, but no cockpit breach either.”

    “Ditto.” the Crab pilot reported. “I’ve got a downed Gladiator over here with the same thing.”

    “That’s two of the four ‘mechs that were in the command lance.” I muttered to myself as we continued on.

    “Got a Catapult here.” Mackenzie said as she stomped her Timber Wolf over to rejoin the fireteam. “No sign of ejection, and no cockpit breach. The ‘mech doesn’t have legs anymore though.”

    “Contact!” The Crab pilot said in a panicked tone. “I’ve got Contact!” the Medium ‘Mech began to fire its lasers into the trees.

    “Soldier, get your act together!” I snapped, moving my Warhammer closer to the allied ‘mech.

    “You’ve got enemy powered armor on you, we need to get out of the trees.” I said, backing my Warhammer up and out of the trees as fast as I could.

    “Get em off of me! Get em off!” The Crab pilot screamed as he panicked, firing his lasers and eventually coming to a stop as a puff of smoke erupted from the rear hatch of his Crab.

    “Winson,” I said as the rest of the fireteam fell back to a central location. “I recommend that we move back to HQ and come back with anti-infantry, this is not a good environment to engage this kind of foe in.”

    “I agree.” She said as she began backing her Gargoyle towards the HQ.

    “You’re just going to leave the General out here?” The Champion pilot asked incredulously. “You can’t do that!” The heavy ‘mech broke off from the rest of us as he pushed forward. “The ‘mechwarrior in the Champion began to move at flank speed, tearing through trees and eventually turning around. “I found General Baker’s ‘mech.” He said. “It’s heavily damaged, but there’s clearly not been an ejection.”

    While the Champion was off doing his own stunts, the rest of us had been grouped up in a way that we wouldn’t get hammered by any potential enemy Powered armor.

    “My ECCM is through.” I reported to Winson as the static began to clear up. “This is Duke Hull, we need immediate support, we’ve got enemy powered armor in the vicinity, and suspect enemy null sig is out here.”

    “Copy that Duke Hull.” The comms officer replied. “We’ve got a Sting and a company of Mithril on standby.”

    “We are moving to an open position so we don’t get hit from a place where we cannot see.” Winson began to take over. “I need some combat vehicle support as well, I suspect the enemy numbers are greater than we fear.”

    “Wilco.” The Comms officer replied. “I’ll send a company of combat vehicles your way.”

    –
    –


    Meanwhile, the Champion pilot was still locked in the ECM and growing steadily more paranoid as he looked General Baker’s Marauder, trying to see if he could find any sign of his CO.

    Then, he felt a thud behind him, and spinning around, he saw an Exterminator uncloak right in front of him. The AFFS pilot tried to aim manually, but his ‘mech refused to even see the enemy standing in front if him.

    “I need backup here!” He yelled, trying to get the attention of the rest of the QRF, but they weren’t able to hear him. The mechwarrior, now slightly panicking, began to go through override procedures and was about to manually trigger his LB-10X at the enemy when his Cockpit was bored through by a series of lasers.


    Author's note: An Alternate title for this chapter could be, "Bad Guys Get Lucky Too" Either way, it's not exactly a Nice way to end a chapter, but Cliffhangers are necessary sometimes...
     
    • Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Six: Fire in the Night Sky
    • Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Six: Fire in the Night Sky
    November 27th, 3032

    Mathis and his Fireteam crept along, checking every corner and making sure that no DEST teams were lying in wait using one of their suits of stealthed power armor. Their objective was to destroy the artillery guns that were keeping the rest of their forces at bay.

    Holding up his fist in the motion that signaled “stop” to his forces, they came to the wall and took cover so that they could use a fiber optic snake to peer around the corner. Double checking that the path was clear, the fireteam continued through the buildings until they reached an overlook of where the artillery was.

    “Clear visual on the artillery.” Mathis whispered to his team. “They left the ammo trucks right next to the guns. Sloppy work if you ask me.” He shook his head. “Prep the SRMs and Anti-Material rifles, we’re only going to get one shot at this.”

    Reaching behind him, Mathis unslung a BFG and unfolded the bipod, linking the scope to his HUD and laying down his position being mirrored by the rest of the two companies of Elite infantry. “We fire on my mark, rifles first, and then SRMs with Inferno gel.”

    “Copy.” The entire company broke comms silence.

    “Mark.” Mathis ordered as he pulled the trigger, the kick being eased by the powerful Mithril. His first shot broke the glass of the massive building and tore a small part out of the artillery piece that he was targeting, but the real damage came when the Inferno Gel SRMs began to launch from the buildings that surrounded the park that the enemy artillery was parked in. The Gel covered the enemy artillery and caused the stored ammunition beside it to cook off as well.

    “Time to get out of here.” Mathis ordered as he picked up his anti-material rifle. “Let’s get to the roof.” The various platoons of the two companies of infantry had a series of ways to be picked up by the Stings that were hanging out in the area just above the AA envelope.

    “We’re all set Major.” A lieutenant said as he distributed out the packs. “We just need to make sure that we’re all strapped in properly or we’ll have some major injuries to account for.”

    “Copy.” Mathis replied as he fastened his own harness to his Mithril. “Send up the flares.”

    Three sets of flares lit up the dark of the night, causing some of the people battling the flames of the inferno gel below to lose their lives as the sudden brightness blinded them. Then, after the flares had fallen below the buildings, just out of sight of the ground a series of small balloons went up, all of said balloons were attached to tethers and had cable that went to the infantry below.

    The trio of Stings immediately began their approach, opening their bomb bays and extending the experimental hook out to catch the cables and snatch their people off of the ground.

    “Ugh, we’ve got to work on improving that.” Mathis muttered to himself as he violently pulled into the air. “That hurts like a motherfucker.”

    “The original prototype for these were built in the 20th century.” A tech Sergeant spoke up. “The reason they failed the first time was because humans are too squishy to survive those kinds of maneuvers for long periods of time.”

    “Well, we’re still squishy even if our Mithril isn’t. So let’s not have R&D claim this as a success just yet.” Mathis groaned.

    “Detaching pickups in two Mikes.” Foehammer told the platoons attached to her Sting gunship. “We’ll be over friendly ground, so make sure your IFFs are up and running.”

    “Understood Foehammer.” Mathis responded. “Preparing to detach.”

    After the two minutes had passed, the series of tethers detached and the Mithril clad infantry began to fall to the ground below.

    “Remember to trigger your jump jets at the right time, otherwise you’ll be paste cleaned up off of the ground.” Mathis reminded his infantry.

    The two companies of infantry, nearly a hundred people in all lit up their jump jets at the same time, slowing their speed and lighting up the HQ for a split second.

    “Nailed it.” Mathis laughed at himself as he rolled when he hit the ground. “I want a headcount.” He said as he came up with everything still intact on his body.

    “Roberts and Smith didn’t make it, those are the only two missing.” Came the report after the platoon leaders did their headcounts.

    “I’ll get the report later.” Mathis replied. “We all need to report to the medbay just in case the extraction caused any injuries.” Mathis looked around at the two companies. “I want you all to get at least six hours of rack time, Debrief is in eight, I expect your reports by then as well.”

    “Yessir!” The two companies replied before filing away to go and report to the medtechs.





    “How did they get behind our lines in order to accomplish this?” Tai-Sa Joseph Izuzu asked the assembled officers. “Tai-Sa deLetereau and myself have managed to hold off the advance of the Davions, but that Artillery was the only thing preventing them from moving into the city proper.”

    “Sir, we found two dead DEST teams in the buildings that they fired their SRMs from.” A Sho-Sa spoke up. “We believe that they used the river and infiltrated as close as possible before moving through the city.” The Sho-Sa sighed. “We also found many civilian families tied up and gagged. They reported the incident as soon as they freed themselves, but by then the damage had already been done..”

    “We shall see how long our reserves will last.” Tai-Sa deLetereau spoke up. “Then we may need to make an attempt at surrendering or retreat.” The woman spoke after thinking about it. “We know that the Coordinator is dead, but the rest of the Combine may need us and our forces intact so as to ensure the survival of our nation.”

    “Three days.” Izuzu said. “We have to hold out for three days and then leave with everything that we can take with us from the hovercraft stores.”


    Author’s note: A bit short, but it felt like I should end the chapter here. Turns out the problem with burnout was to simply write a different kind of story. So this will be back on the update list.
     
    • Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Seven: Fighting Retreat
    • Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Seven: Fighting Retreat
    November 30th, 3032

    “Tai-Sa Izuzu, they are breaking through our perimeter lines.” A major reported as the Tai-Sa moved his Cyclops around the rear of the battlefield.

    “Continue to fall back to the spaceport as planned.” Izuzu ordered. “deLatereau and myself are covering our retreat, we may be leaving, but we shall leave our enemies broken at our feet as we do so.” He turned to the restored command console in his Cyclops and continued to coordinate the 15th Dieron Regulars as they began to fall back to the spaceport. Most of the critical infrastructure had already been loaded up, as well as any spare ammunition.

    “Izuzu,” deLatereau’s voice came across the command circuit. “I have the Bombardiers ready and waiting for fire missions.”

    “I will coordinate the fire support missions.” Izuzu responded. “I take it the lance has the missiles ready to go?”

    “Affirmative.” the other Tai-Sa responded. “I have taken fairly severe damage, and am falling back to the spaceport in order to ensure that as many of us are able to escape the Davions as possible.”

    “I will maintain our position as long as necessary.” Izuzu replied.

    “Copy that, we leave as soon as our dropships are loaded up, make sure that you are on one of them, Tai-Sa.”






    “Keep moving people.” David commanded his fireteam as he moved forward in his Crockett. “We’ve got to keep up the pressure.”

    “Copy that.” Scooter replied as he walked his Crab forwards, exchanging fire with an enemy Jenner, melting armor off of the lighter machine.

    “Captain, one of the missile’s just stuck to my

    “Scatter!” David ordered as a flurry of LRMs began to come down around his fireteam. “I really hope that those were standard LRMs.” He muttered as waves of missiles began to come down around his fireteam and others scattered throughout the city.

    “They’re a mix of Swarm and Thunder missiles, captain!” Scooter reported as he narrowly avoided one of the smaller missiles. “As long as that Narc beacon is active she’s going to be a sitting duck.”

    “Looks like the 8th and 15th Dieron Regulars got all of the fun toys.” David snarked. “First ninja ‘mechs, now artillery ‘mechs, I wonder what else they have up their sleeves.”

    “No clue Captain, but we’ve got too many mines around us to move properly.” the Von Luckner tank commander reported. “We’re effectively trapped here until we can get teams out to clear out the ordnance.”

    “Narc beacon is expired Captain.” Hammer reported, her Toro finally stepping out from underneath the building that she had taken shelter underneath. “We’re clear of any narc capable missiles for now.”

    “But now, we’re effectively trapped until we get some demo crews in to bail us out.” David sighed. “I hope that they’re not swinging around in order to finish us off.”

    “Command, this is Captain Kerensky, we’re pinned down and unable to advance due to enemy minefields, please advise.” David went up his chain of command.

    “I hear you Kerensky, we’ve got a lot of reports saying the same thing, our advance has currently stopped until we get our engineers to clear out the mines, remain on standby until we have the time to clear out the minefields.”

    “Copy that Major, standing by.” David responded. “We’ll hold here until engineers are available.”

    “Looks like we’re stuck here for now.” David told his fireteam. “Dig in, and get ready for a counterattack, the last thing we need is to be hammered while we’re here.”

    “Yes sir.” Scooter and the rest of the fireteam responded. “Getting ready for enemy attacks.”

    “Everyone, make sure that you’re clear!” Duke Hull’s voice came over every channel. “We’ve got enemy dropships taking off, and Aerospace fighters launching in order to cover them! Keep your heads down and make sure that you’re not visible from the skies.”





    “Where’d they dig up more aerospace fighters from?” Blaze asked as he turned his Stuka towards the stars, making an effort to reach the enemy dropships before they made it out of his range.

    “Must have dug some of them out of storage, I’m seeing some really old Centurions and Hellcats here, along with even some Samurai.” Edge responded. “Is that a Typhoon?!”

    “Yeah, that’s a Typhoon, looks like they’re digging into the deep reserves in order to make sure that they make it off of this rock.” Blaze said. “We’ve got orders for force preservation, which means that if you take armor damage, you pull back.”

    “Copy that lead.” The rest of the aerospace fighters responded as they began to burn towards the enemy dropships and fighters.

    “We’ve got two Leopards disengaging, they’re moving directly at us in order to stall us.” Edge reported. “Looks like they’re offering fire support for their own aerospace fighters.”

    “Remember to cover your wingmates, pair up and let’s all go home.” Blaze said as he moved his Stuka in to target the first Leopard. “I want dropper choppers on the Leopards and everyone else focused on the aerospace fighters.”

    Blaze artfully moved out of the way a brace of enemy fire, moving at an angle “upward” in order to avoid the enemy targeting him properly. Edge stayed on his wing, and both of them opened fire on the lead Leopard as soon as they were in range. Both his and Edge’s ERPPCs and slug rounds of the LB-20Xs that their Stukas converged, causing armor to melt and be torn from the dropship.

    “The rest of the enemy droppers are getting away!” Archer spoke up. “They pushed to 2gs in order to make sure that we can’t catch them in time.”

    The squadron flipped around, and tried to move in order to make another pass at the Leopard dropships. The four Stukas chained their fire together, and watched as the fusion engine of the first Leopard slowed down and began to stop firing altogether.

    “Leopard one is down, I need the dropper choppers to focus on Leopard two and make sure that it’s out of commission.”

    “The enemy Aerospace assets are fleeing.” A different Squadron commander reported.

    “Let them go.” Blaze ordered. “No need for more blood to be shed for now.”




    New Avalon, December 10th, 3032

    “Al Na’ir was taken a week ago.” Yvonne Davion reported. “We’re just now receiving the reports though.”

    “Good, we’ve recovered everything that was taken during the Succession Wars and pushed the borders back a great deal.” Hanse said as he sat at Ian's, now his desk. “We’re going to be spending quite a bit of time on rooting out the ISF teams that were left behind though.” Hanse muttered as he looked at his map. “We’re going to need some of our forces in the Capellan March to shift over to help with policing until we can start getting things settled down.” Hanse told Yvonne. “And this will be a good chance for Morgan to prove himself as well.”

    “What are we going to be doing about Hull though?” Yvonne asked, having been briefed on the duplicate Ian and what exactly Hull had pulled off when he hit Luthien and New Samarkand.

    “We’re going to have to find a suitable reward for him.” Hanse said with a small smirk on his face. “I was thinking of reviving the Terran March, Sandoval will be busy administrating the new worlds that have been added to the Draconis March, this will elevate Hull, and give Sandoval some breathing room in having to ensure that some of the worlds are properly garrisoned.”

    “He’s not going to like losing one of his most prominent sources of ‘mechs and vehicles like that.” Yvonne said as she analyzed the plan put together by Hanse.

    “We’re going to be expanding production across the entirety of the Suns over the next decade or so, assuming that another war doesn’t come out of nowhere. I’m going to be subsidizing Davion Lycomb to begin building some factories in the Draconis March.”

    “Not Sharpshooter?” Yvonne asked.

    “Sharpshooter is currently stretched incredibly thin, Hull told me that he wouldn’t be able to expand any production areas for another two decades aside from what he is currently working on. He’s working on upgrading all of his current factories and yards converted to building and using lostech in his ‘mechs and combat vehicles, but it’s going to take time to get there.” Hanse responded. “Also, we have a direct hand in Davion Lycomb, and we know that they’ll produce what we need them to. So I’m going to be assisting them in expanding production in coordination with NAIS in order to speed things up.”

    “Sounds like you have everything figured out then.” Yvonne said with a shrug.

    “All of our allies are investing and expanding their own production markets.” Hanse shrugged. “We just need the right push in order to match them.” He glanced at the dot that represented St. Ives on his map of the Inner Sphere. “Romano has started production of the Pillager and Emperor thanks to the engineers that both the SLC and NAIS lent her, so we’ve got more assault ‘mechs coming our way once the kinks are worked out of the restored lines.”

    “It is always surprising to me the way that the Liao’s turned out.” Yvonne said as she poured a small glass of whiskey. “Romano and Tormano are both model citizens of the Federated Suns right now, whereas Candace seems to be continuously changing between lucidity and insanity since the fall of the Capcon.”

    “Romano and MIIO are keeping a very close eye on her, the last thing we need is for her to completely go off the deep end the way that her father did.” Hanse replied with a saddened look on his face. “Either way, we’ve got other concerns.” He shifted his paperwork over and grabbed the folder that was tied to the investigation of Ian’s death and replacement. “What have we managed to find out?”
     
    • Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Eight: Rewards
    • Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Eight: Rewards
    Kentares IV, February 15th, 3033

    “Home sweet home.” I said to myself as I carried Natasha into the Ducal Estate on my back. “You ready to get off now?”

    “I am ready to get you off now.” Natasha grinned at the innuendo. “Now go forth my steed, I desire to sleep in my own bed.”

    “Yes your majesty.” I rolled my eyes as I walked up the stairs to the master suite. Pausing, I grabbed my slate from my cargo pants pocket and used a feature to start filling up the jacuzzi with ice cold water.

    “Stop, put me down.” Natasha laughed as I continued to walk with her past the bed that she wanted to rest on. “What are you doing?”

    I laughed as I continued walking, knowing that if Natasha really wanted to make me let go that she could easily manage it. Walking into the bathroom, I twisted and tossed her into the ice cold water of the jacuzzi, laughing the entire time, even as she grabbed me and pulled me into the water as well.

    “Now I am cold and wet.” Natasha gave me a small glare. “What are you intending to do to fix it?” her shirt pulled in tight over certain parts of her anatomy.

    “I have some ideas.” I said as I pulled her in for a kiss and began to change the water from cold to hot. “But you’ll just have to wait and see what I come up with.”





    February 16th, 3033

    “Why is there so much damned paperwork?” David muttered to himself as he began to work on the paperwork for the company that he was responsible for. “I don’t remember dad having to do this much paperwork.”

    “He does way more paperwork than that.” Major Kent spoke up from his own desk. “He just bares it down to the essentials and then delegates what he can to people he trusts.” Kent shrugged. “It’s something you learn over time as an officer and even as an NCO, delegation is the one true superpower.”

    “Can I delegate someone to do this yet?” David asked as he flipped through more after action reviews of the battle of Al Na’ir.

    “Nope, rite of passage, everyone has to do their own paperwork first, think of it as a learning experience, you don’t know what can be delegated properly until you’ve already done that sort of paperwork before.” Kent said with a chuckle. “Now knuckle down and get the paperwork done, we’re going to be here until all of it is done after all.”




    February 20th, 3033

    “Watson!” I stood up and greeted the man. “It’s good to see you again.” I stood up and shook his hand before gesturing for him to take a seat. “How is everything going? Your family doing well?”

    “Everything is good for now boss.” Watson smiled. “I’m just getting a little too old for this. I forwarded you the current reports, but I felt that I should do this in person.” The older man handed me a letter. “I’m retiring, I’ve worked at doing this kind of work all my life, and I think it’s time to settle down and enjoy my grandchildren for a while. My daughter is my recommendation for taking over my role, she’s got a good head on her shoulders and has learned everything that I had to teach her.”

    I sat there for a second mulling over this as I read the letter that he had given me.

    “I’m sorry to see you go Watson, but it has been an absolute pleasure working with you, and if you or your family ever need anything you let me know.” I met his eyes, letting him know how serious I was. “You’ve gone above and beyond in making sure that we were able to get things done, and I thank you for that.” I looked over his employment records. “Do you mind if we keep you on the payroll as an advisor for the next two years?” I asked. “I’m not looking to keep you in charge of anything, I just want you on hand if we have any questions while we’re getting things set up with the factories that we pulled from Luthien.”

    “I can do that.” Watson agreed. “I’ll remain on the payroll for a little while as an advisor.”

    “And I’m signing over a five percent stake in Sharpshooter over to you as well.” I told him bluntly. “You’re a large part of the reason why we have been able to expand as large as we are, and I think that deserves to be rewarded.” I handed him a brand new slate with the information on the shares that I had given him. “You’re a good man Watson, and I know that you and your family will go on to do great things.”

    The other man just teared up for a moment and I remained silent while he regained his composure.

    “I don’t know what to say.” He struggled for a moment. “Thank you.” He just sat there for a minute, still stunned.

    “Thank you is all you need to say.” I told the other man. “I just want you to go and enjoy spending time with your grandchildren.” I laughed. “I expect pictures of the beautiful beaches that we have here on Kentares, and reports on the daily spoiling of said grandchildren.”

    “I think I can manage that.” The other man responded with a small smile.

    “Now go on and enjoy your vacation.” I smiled as the man responsible for training and supervising most of our factory's engineers walked away with a dramatic change in his step.

    “A good man is hard to find, and when you find one, you ensure that he is used to produce more like him.” I thought to myself. “And when it comes time for them to retire, you reward him richly, thus demonstrating that it is better to be honest and wise, than a lier and a fool.” I then wrote it down and left it in the notebook I kept in my desk. Said notebook was full of things that were silly, true, and helpful to whoever would end up replacing me as Duke of Kentares. I planned on starting a legacy that would be passed down through the ages, and maybe one day, my notebook would be immortalized in a museum somewhere for others to read and laugh at.

    “Duke Hull, Dunham is here to see you, he has a priority message from the First Prince.” Mary said as she linked to my intercom.

    “Go ahead and send him in.” I replied. “Thanks for all of your hard work Mary.”

    “Dunham, what’ve you got for me?” I asked the intelligence officer.

    “A summons sir.” He handed me the sealed letter. “We ran all of the authenticity checks just in case.”


    “Whelp.” I said as I broke the seal and read the letter. “Have Mathis prep a small bodyguard detail, and have Nat get her group together. It looks like we're going to New Avalon.”


    Author's note: Originally, this was supposed to transition to New Avalon, but Hull decided to spend five hundred words on rewarding Watson instead. At this point, the Characters have a say in what happens just as much as I do, so if they decide to derail a planned chapter I kinda just shrug and go along with it and try to enjoy the ride.
     
    • Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Nine: Politicking
    • Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Nine: Politicking
    Kentares IV, June 8th, 3033

    “Thank you for visiting Kentares IV, do you need a map of the area?” A receptionist asked a young blond haired woman.

    “No thank you, I used to come here all of the time as a little girl, and I’m here to spend some time with my boyfriend.” The blond replied.

    “Well, everything checks out on our end, have a pleasant stay!” The receptionist said with a cheery smile.

    “Need a lift?” A hulk of a man asked as she left the customs area of the spaceport.

    “Yes Mr. Dunham, I believe I would like one.” The young blond replied as she got into the armored SUV. “Does he know that I’m here?”

    “No, we kept it on a need to know basis for multiple reasons, so this should be a complete surprise.” Duke Hull’s chief intelligence officer replied. “He is working as a staff officer in the 3rd Kentares Guard though, so I would expect him to be relatively busy.”

    “That’s fine.” The blond said in response. “I’m going to be staying here for a while after all.”




    New Avalon, June 10th, 3033

    “You ready to go sir?” Mathis asked me. “I’ve got the armored vehicles prepped and the palace is aware that we’re ready to head their way.

    “We’re ready Mathis.” I responded. “Thanks for getting rid of the press for us.”

    “It was too open of a venue, and you know just as well as I do that it’s not hard for an assassin to hide in a crowd that large.” Mathis responded as he triple checked the magazines on his concealed weaponry.

    “Very true Mathis.” I responded as I made sure that mine and Natasha’s concealed body armor was sitting properly. “Very true.”

    “We are ready to move.” Regina Levi spoke up as she entered the room. Her and Mackenzie had taken to the bodyguard roles the best out of all of Natasha’s bondswomen.

    “Moving.” The rest of us responded as we left the Messenger and got into the armored SUVs that made up our standard motorcade.

    Natasha and I rode to the New Avalon palace in a comfortable silence, simply enjoying each other’s presence before the politics ruined the rest of the day for us.

    “I wish that we were home to see David’s face.” I said after a moment. “The element of surprise there would have made it hilarious.”

    Natasha just sat there and smirked at me for a minute before meeting my eyes, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “That’s why I had Dunham get everything set up to record it.”

    “You are the best.” I told my wife. “And my favorite person ever, don’t you ever forget that.” I pulled her in close and gave her a kiss on the forehead.

    –
    –

    After we did all of the security screenings and entered the New Avalon palace complex properly we were told to head directly to the First Prince’s office, Hanse was waiting for us.

    “Mark, Nat.” Hanse stood up and pulled me into a bear hug while his wife Dana did the same to Natasha. “It’s good to see that you both made it.” He grinned as he sat down. “Before I get down to the actual reason why I had the two of you come to New Avalon, I want to hear about how the battles of Luthien and New Samarkand went, the reports just don’t give the same feelings that come from someone telling the story.”

    “Well, after Sapphire was killed in the assassination attempt, we sat and collected intelligence…”




    New Avalon, June 11th, 3033

    “Did the two of you rest well?” Hanse asked Natasha and I as we walked into his office.

    “Space travel wrecks your sleep schedule.” I muttered as I continued to drink my coffee. “ Why did you summon us, Hanse?” I asked bluntly. “I still have to get the Kentares Guard back up to full strength.”

    “This will tie directly into that.” Hanse said from the other side of his desk. “We just have to wait for the other people to arrive.” As Hanse said that, three other people entered the room.

    “Duke Hull,” Duke Aaron Sandoval greeted me. “Congratulations on a successful strike against the Draconis Combine.”

    “Thank you sir.” I replied before I also greeted Morgan Hasek-Davion and Yvonne Davion when they entered behind the Draconis March Lord.

    “I summoned the three of you here.” Hanse looked at Morgan, Aaron and myself. “To inform you of several reforms that I am going to be instituting, and these reforms will require your input.”

    “Firstly,” Hanse said as he brought up a holographic map of the Federated Suns as it stood currently. “I am forming the Periphery March.” He pointed at the worlds of the Outback. “For far too long has this area of our nation been left bereft of armed units and forces to resist pirates or enemy nations, and I aim to rectify that by having a Periphery March established and by allocating them a specific amount of Federal Funding in order to get Periphery Guard units established and trained so as to be able to defend themselves.” He showed the area that was going to be ruled over by the new Periphery Lord. “None of the three of you are going to be made the Duke of the Periphery.” Hanse said bluntly. “I have already selected the Periphery March Lord to be Ran Felsner of the Davion Heavy Guard, he has served faithfully, and has been in charge of instituting many of the new developments that have happened in the Federated Suns over the last three decades, including assisting in us reforming many of the destroyed Avalon Hussars units.”

    “Felsner is a good choice.” I said after a moment's thought. “He is a good man, and loyal to the core, he’ll bring the Outback up to the standards of the rest of the Inner Sphere or die trying.”

    Morgan and Aaron simply nodded at my words, both of them having met the man and agreeing with me on that.

    “I didn’t just call you here for that though.” Hanse said with his trademarked grin. “I’m recreating the Terran March, with its new Capital being Kentares IV.” He looked Aaron Sandoval in the eye. Hanse and Sandoval had had many a discussion on which worlds Sandoval would be willing to part with before this day. “Duke Hull, you are going to be Lord of the reformed Terran March, you will be responsible for arming and ensuring that all of the precepts of the Federated Suns are honored there, as well as ensuring that the worlds that once belonged to the Draconis Combine and the Capellan Confederation are brought into the fold in good time and as peacefully as you can manage.” Hanse’s voice rang in the office as he finished elaborating on my new duties.

    “Mark.exe has crashed.” My brain did its own version of the blue screen of death as I zoned out entirely, my brain not handling this well.

    “I am afraid we’ll have to take a small break.” Natasha Kerensky said with a small smile as she stepped forward and grabbed my arm. “I think Hull needs some time to process this before he is going to be able to formulate any sort of answer or response.

    “We’ll reconvene in three hours time.” Hanse said with a small smile. “He still hasn’t seen what worlds he will be ruling over now.”

    “We shall return in three hours time.” Natasha replied. “Please excuse me while I attempt to reboot my broken husband.

    "You should have known that he would react like that." Sandoval chuckled after Morgan had left the room. "Even I know that the man doesn't do well with being rewarded like that."

    "I knew that something like this would happen yes." Hanse agreed as he poured the two of them a glass of whiskey each. "Thank you for being reasonable about this."

    "I'm not losing all that many worlds, and I have more than enough on my plate managing the sheer amount of worlds that we seized from the Combine." Sandoval replied. "And he was instrumental in ensuring that we were able to finally reclaim the worlds we lost to the Combine."

    "I am aware, the Sack of Luthien alone was worth the extra promotion, but bringing us half of the ISF's database along with bringing the Coordinator's family back, that was more than could have been expected." Hanse said as he sipped the strong whiskey.

    "He's going to have his hands full anyway." Sandoval replied with a small smile. "Most of the worlds that he is going to be administrating need significant rebuilding in order for them to be made the industrial powerhouses that they once were. " Sandoval smirked. "I imagine that he's going to be pouring money into those worlds, and that it will enable me to break into some of the markets that he is currently dominating."

    "You'll have some competition there." Hanse replied with a smile. "Davion-Lycomb is going to be expanding, as is Kallon from my understanding." Hanse then smiled. "Even Achernar is getting into the game again, they're reviving some of the older 'mech designs and are hiring some of the SLC and NAIS graduates in order to get the upgrades done."

    “I see.” Sandoval responded as he sat there in thought.

    "Well, we'll just have to wait and see how things turn out." Hanse replied. "There's a storm coming, and I have a feeling that we're going to need all of the preparations we can get. So get your own industry started, and make sure to push it as far and as fast as you can. We're going to need it."
     
    • Chapter One Hundred and Fifty: Press Release
    • Chapter One Hundred and Fifty: Press Release
    New Avalon, June 12th, 3033

    “So, we established some of this.” I said to Hanse, Sandoval and Morgan. “But I’m still going to have to get things set up in order to hold court on Kentares IV. My current facilities are only enough to handle the small number of nobles that I have as is.”

    “We’re going to assist with the transition of power.” Hanse said bluntly. “That’s a large part of why I had both Morgan and Aaron present when I revealed my plans for the future.”

    “Well, I’m going to need a lot of help, as well as an expansion of trustworthy staff.” I responded. “I can handle the rebuilding and establishment of the Terran March Militia units, but I’m not sure I even want to hold court.”

    “Even if it’s only once every couple of years, it needs to be done.” Hanse said and Sandoval and Morgan nodded. “All of us here would rather be on the frontlines as well, but we understand the necessity of politicking.”

    “Diplomacy is just warfare by other means.” I quoted with a sigh. “Let’s go over the worlds that are going to be a part of the Terran March once again.” I said, “I need to know what should be focused on before I start making waves.”

    “Why not just ease into it?” Morgan asked me bluntly. “Surely that would come across better?”

    “It might, but they’re already going to be shocked by the reinstatement anyway and I’ll be able to push through some of the things that I want done while they’re still distracted.”

    “I see.” Morgan leaned back while he thought for a moment. “But why not take your time? It’s not like there are many enemies left for us to face at the moment.”

    “There’s always another enemy.” I replied. “There’s the Clans, assuming that they manage to get their act together enough to aggressively push into the Inner Sphere again, there’s always rumors of an RWR remnant, some of them might be true.” I shrugged. “Always push and make sure that you are prepared for any potential enemy.”

    “Also,” Hanse spoke up. “There is much to be done in the Terran March considering that it suffered a large portion of the infrastructure damage during the Succession Wars. If Mark here wants to ensure the people's loyalty he needs to ensure that the rebuilding takes place.”

    “We’ve already gotten a lot of goodwill because Sharpshooter cleans up a large portion of the NBC weapons that were used, but we don’t do a lot of the rebuilding because we don’t want to damage the local economies.” I said as I pulled up the data on the worlds that we were assisting in that regard. “But now, I’ll be able to funnel some governmental funds into the rebuilding, not many, but enough to restart local production on each world.”

    “Tax breaks?” Sandoval asked.

    “Tax breaks.” I agreed. “Or even tax free if they contribute enough to the rebuilding efforts.”

    “That would definitely help in boosting the local economies of each world, but what incentives do you plan on offering the nobility?” Sandoval asked.

    “First choice of a custom Royal-Grade ‘mech.” I said. “I can afford to drop the cost of a Royal Machine if they’ll focus on getting their own planets up to the level that they were at in the Star League Era.”

    “I’m not going to just bow down and do as they suggest though.” I said after a moment. “Sharpshooter already has the data on what it would take to rebuild most of those worlds due to us having considered expansion. We’ll need to let some other people come up into the market though, competition will only benefit us.”

    “Sound thinking.” Hanse said. “The local economies of the various worlds need to recover on their own, not through a bigger company coming in and clearing everything out.”

    “Well, I’ll subsidize the ones who are willing to go into multiple areas, but for now I think that I should have them focus on industrialmechs and the other industries that will help with getting everything built back up.” I then brought up a document on my slate. “I already bought the license to the Tiger and are rolling out a Fusion engine variant, I plan on sending the data on it to virtually all of the planets in the Terran March.”

    “Mind if I have some of my people take a look at the specs?” Sandoval asked. “We may want to buy the improved variant off of you.”

    “I’ll be handing the plans out.” I replied with a shrug. “They can be built fairly easy, and the only advanced tech that they have are the new ER medium Lasers and the missile tech that we have all started using en masse.” I sent the specs to the other three men.

    “ ‘Tis an effective militia tank.” Hanse said after a moment. “But we can focus on that later, for now we’re working on how you’re going to be holding court, where you’re going to be holding court etc…”




    Kentares IV, June 13th, 3033

    “Elsa!” David stood up and greeted the young woman. “I didn’t know that you were on Kentares IV.”

    “That’s because it was supposed to be kept a secret.” The slightly younger blond smiled. “Besides, I’m being assigned as your Steiner Liaison for the near future.”

    “It’s just an excuse for us to spend more time together before we get married isn’t it?” David asked with a slight frown.

    “Yes and no.” Elsa replied as she sat down. “Yes, it is partially an excuse for us to spend more time together seeing as we’re betrothed, no because mother believes that closer cooperation will benefit us while we bring the Worlds that we took from the Combine back into the fold.”

    “Good point.” David said as he finished the last of his paperwork. “We can discuss the rest of this over dinner somewhere, there's a great diner not far from here, and they have the best steaks I’ve ever had.”





    New Avalon, June 15th, 3033

    “Great service is to be rewarded, and as such, we are rewarding two incredible individuals today.” Hanse said before the assembled nobles and press.

    “Sir Ran Felsner, you and your family have provided us with loyal service for an incredible amount of time, often going above and beyond in your duties in order to accomplish the tasks set before our nation. In light of this loyal service, I hereby raise you to Duke of the Federated suns and make you Lord of the new Periphery March. There is much to be done there, but we have faith that you can accomplish it and more.”

    “Now there is one other that must be rewarded, and all of you know of him for the meteoric rise that he has had over the past three decades, going from a mercenary commander to one of the most feared military and industrial leaders in the Inner Sphere. Mark Hull, please step forward.” I stepped forward out of the crowd. “There are many in our realm that give great and loyal service. But none so far have been as brazen as to go directly to the Dragon’s lair and slay the dragon within.” Hanse’s voice rang out. “Duke Hull has refused rewards for many years, despite his deserving of more than he has currently. With this in mind, I consulted with my current March Lords and the members of both the Privy Council, and the High Council. We found that there was only one reward that could be offered. Duke Hull, you are hereby charged with holding and administering the reformed Terran March. We have the utmost faith that you will repay us with loyalty.” Hanse finished his speech with a note of finality and then raised me up and embraced me.

    “Duke Hull of the Terran March is a loyal friend, and we believe that he and his family will be the best choice for leading the Terran March for the years to come.”
     
    • Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-One: Work
    • Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-One: Work
    Kentares IV, August 10th, 3033

    “Happy Birthday!” The small assembled group cheered as they celebrated David’s birthday.

    “Don’t feel any older, do you?” I asked my son as everyone dispersed to different areas of the Ducal Estate.

    “Nope, I still feel like a full grown man sometimes. “David responded with a smile on his face. “But then I look at you old man, and I still feel like a little kid all over again.”

    “This “Old Man” can still throw you around in either hand to hand or ‘mech to ‘mech anytime he feels like it.” I retorted. “Just name the place. I’ll even use one of my old Warhammers… And I’ll leave it stock too for good measure.”

    “You’re on!” David replied with confidence in his voice. “In fact, let’s make it You and mom versus me and Elsa!” The Steiner blond, hearing her name came over.

    “What am I being volunteered for?” She asked with a raised eyebrow.

    “You and I are going to take on Mom and Dad in a ‘mech battle.” David replied with a cocky grin.

    “You want me to go against Aunty Nat the Dragonslayer?” Elsa pointed at herself while considering it before finally nodding her acceptance. “Whatever, I’m ready to lose.”

    “Lose?” David asked, “We’re going to win, we’re younger, and able to handle more advanced maneuvers than they can.”

    I just walked forward and bent over by his ear. “Old age and treachery will always beat youth and exuberance.” I said quietly into his ear. “Don’t get cocky.”

    I then walked over to where Natasha was sitting in a recliner enjoying a glass of wine. “You heard that?”

    “I did indeed.” She smiled at me. “It is good to see that he has faith in his own abilities.” Her smile turned sickly sweet. “Even if said faith is somewhat misplaced.”

    “Eh, he’ll grow out of it.” I shrugged. “Most kids his age think they’re invincible, especially after their first successful campaign. We’ll break him of it soon enough.”

    “Yes, I suppose we shall.” Natasha replied while swirling her glass of wine.”Enough of this, I want something real to drink.” Natasha tossed back the wine and had me follow her over to the liqueur storage. “Where did you store the good stuff?”

    “Right here.” I pulled a hundred year old bottle of whiskey out from the storage container. “I wasn’t planning on opening this anytime soon, but I guess we can.” I shrugged. “It’s not like we can’t afford another.”




    August 15th, 3033

    “You ready to take the youngsters out?” I asked Natasha as we made sure that our old ‘mechs were powered up and ready to go.

    “Aff.” Natasha replied as she readied her modified Marauder. “It has been some time since I have used this machine, it will be a fun change of pace.”

    “Remember that both Elsa and John are using Assault ‘mechs, so we’re going to be at a disadvantage insofar as firepower goes.” I reminded her as I kicked the first Warhammer that I had ever owned into gear.

    “I believe that they have a slight range advantage as well.” Natasha responded. “Seeing as I am limited to my LB-5X for the ranged punch.”

    We stopped communicating for a little while as we moved into the “Bowl” as it was called. An artificial crater filled with debris and the skeletons of a couple of buildings that we had moved here. There was enough metal and cover here to make for an excellent training field, and that’s what the Marksman Military Academy used it for. Today though, we would be using it as a personal challenge arena.

    As soon as we entered the bowl, we moved forward, pushing our heavy ‘mechs into cover and getting ready to combat the two assault ‘mechs that we would be facing today. David was piloting his Crockett, and Elsa would be piloting the Banshee variant that had been put together for her. They outmassed Natasha and I, and they had more armor than both of us did as well. But that wasn’t going to stop us from winning this fight.

    Clicking my mic twice, I signaled to Natasha that I was moving forwards. My PPCs at the ready along with my medium lasers. Shifting around a wrecked building, I saw Elsa’s Banshee moving directly at me followed closely behind by David’s Crockett.

    Triggering my PPCs, I tagged the Banshee before ducking back behind the building in order to avoid her return fire, backing up, Natasha moved forward to take my place, waiting just in optimum range of all of her weapons systems for the young woman to come around the corner.

    “David’s jumping.” I warned Natasha. “I’ll keep him busy while you take care of Elsa’s Banshee.”

    I then moved backwards, making sure that I kept David in my line of sight as I alternated my PPCs, trusting the seventeen double Heat sinks to do their job properly and diffuse my heat. I melted chunks of his armor off before he landed on top of one of the buildings just out of my ability to hit him. The building swayed from the weight of the eighty-five ton ‘mech but remained standing.

    Natasha had been dodging fire from Elsa this entire time, while there were pockets of melted armor on her Marauder, Elsa’s mech was worse for the wear. Natasha had enough sinks that she could continuously fire as soon as her lasers cycled, and remain as cool as she wanted to. So she had shamelessly taken advantage of that fact to start taking apart Elsa’s armor piece by piece. At least that’s what our battlecomputers were telling us, seeing as they were set to training mode so that our machines didn’t need full rebuilds after this fight.

    David then poked his Crockett’s ER Large Lasers over the roof of his building and began taking various shots at me, missing a good portion of them, but beginning to cause enough armor damage that I needed to refocus on him before he ended up coring my Warhammer.

    Triggering my PPCs, I caused him to duck back down before I began to walk my mech backwards to a slightly elevated part of the arena around us. Reaching the highest point should allow me at least a decent vantage point. Getting a good sight picture of David’s side torso, I decided to take it. Causing two tons of armor to melt off and for him to stagger slightly as his electronics malfunctioned slightly. Waling my ‘mech forward, I sighted in again, and used the automatic zoom feature of my neurohelmet to focus on the area that I had already weakened, and began to bombard it with more long ranged shots. Thus causing a critical failure in the left half of his Crockett, and taking one SRM, an ER Large Laser, and his LB-10X out of the fight.

    “Natasha, move!” I commanded, as David fell from the sky, firing his SRMs and Lasers at his mother’s Marauder.

    Natasha deftly moved out of the way and finished off David’s Crockett as it landed, causing his computer to shut his ‘mech down signaling that he was out of the fight. But, in doing so Natasha had exposed part of her Marauder, and so she lost a Large Pulse laser and a medium as well before she managed to get out of Elsa’s lane of fire.

    Seeing that My wife was in trouble, I moved forward at flank speed, using my PPCs to drive Elsa into a lane of fire that favored both Natasha and myself. And, finding herself pinned between the two of us, Elsa powered down and signaled her surrender.

    “That was good.” Natasha said with cheer in her voice as David brought his Crockett back online. “You would have had me if your father had not warned me.” She waved her Marauder’s gun arm at the two younger soldiers.

    “Indeed.” I agreed as I neared the trio. “And, I lied.” I grinned as I flagged them with the true identification of my ‘mech. “My original “Stock” Warhammer was still a Royal variant.”

    “You suck.” David said with a laugh.

    “I did warn you.” I said as we began to leave the bowl. “Age and treachery, age and treachery.”




    September 15th, 3033

    “We ready to head out?” I asked Mathis as we began to leave the Ducal Estate. “We’ve got quite a tour on our hands to conduct after all.”

    “We’re bringing the entire Ducal Guard with us.” Mathis stated firmly. “Considering that the three of you and Ms. Steiner is going to be going on this tour. I think we should be prepared for anything.”

    “Whatever you and Yvonne think is acceptable.” I replied. “There’s a reason the two of you are in charge of security after all.”

    “We’re heading to the closest worlds first.” I told him, “And we’ll work our way back towards Steiner space from there.”

    “I know the itinerary,” Mathis sighed. “ And I still think that some of the worlds seized from the Combine are too new for us to be conducting a visit like this.”

    “If not now, then when?” I asked him. “I’m new at this, but I understand that it is necessary for the new ruler to make an appearance, for more than just the PR stunt, but because I need to be seen interacting with the new Davion citizens as they are, not simply as conquered enemies.”

    “I know.” Mathis replied as he sighed heavily again. “And I understand the logic behind your reasoning. I just don’t like it from a security standpoint.”

    “I get it.” I patted the bodyguard on the shoulder. “Executive protection details suck, but we’ve got to suck it up and wave the flag, otherwise we’ll fail before we ever get the old Terran Hegemony worlds rebuilt back to the Star Leagues old standards.”

    “Let’s just go ahead and get this over with.” Mathis said as he walked towards the vehicles on standby. “This tour of yours is going to take years after all.”


    Author's note: I can put Elsa's Banshee in the informational if you need it. But I'll only do that if enough people ask for it.
     
    • Word of Blake Interlude 3030-3035
    • Word of Blake Interlude 3030-3035
    Early 3030

    “I need status reports,” Kristofur told the people that were operating as senior staff.

    “Well, Primus, we’ve managed to doctor any HPG transmissions that might be outbound. We have begun closing the borders off in their entirety, citing that the Outworlds Alliance wants no part in the current war between the Federated Suns and the Draconis Combine.”

    “Good. Have the Davions made any inquiries as of yet?” Kristofur asked.

    “The Davions reacted with confusion, but they respected our wishes for now. We will have to prepare for more diplomatic overtures in the future.”

    “That’s fine,” Kristofur responded. “We will have time to accomplish our goals while they are busy focusing on the Combine. Now, how goes our attempts to locate the hidden factories in this area of space?”

    “We’ve narrowed it down to one of two systems around two jumps away from current space.”

    “Good, once we’ve located the facilities, I want them to start producing war material as fast as we can spin them up,” Kristofur said with force. “We need all the machines we can get if we wish to take back what is rightfully ours.”

    –
    –
    Late 3031

    “The more I learn about people, the more grateful I am that I did not invest many resources into foreign agents,” Kristofur muttered as he tossed back another shot of his favorite drink. “The Combine is getting steamrolled.”

    “I’m sorry to interrupt you, Primus. But you did request that I bring the latest reports on the production numbers of the RWR facilities once I had them.”

    “Set them down on the desk,” Kristofur replied. “I’ll take a look at them in a moment.”

    After the administrative aide had left, Kristofur picked up the data files and began reviewing them.

    “Two more brigades of equipment, and the factories to produce spare parts and more.” Kristofur mused to himself. “This is a boon indeed.” He shifted his focus onto the other projects.

    –
    –

    3032

    “What progress have we made in getting the population riled up against the Davions?” Kristofur asked the person in charge of propaganda.

    “The puppet government has a seventy percent approval rating according to the latest polls.” The chief propaganda officer shuffled through his files. “And we’ve been stimulating anger and resentment against the Davions. So far, military recruitment is through the roof, and we’re getting them geared up for an invasion to retake their old worlds.”


    “Good,” Kristofur responded. “We should have most of the units ready to go by 3035. That is when I wish to lauch the invasion anyway.” He stood up and looked over the assembled senior officials. “The Combine is going to lose this war. And we’re going to strike while the Federated Suns are busy dealing with the Combine worlds.”

    “And 3035 will be the opportune time to strike?” One of the officials asked.

    “According to my analyst’s projections it will be the opportune time to strike.” Kristofur responded. “But of course, nothing is set in stone where warfare is involve, and due to the fairlure of our precious doppelganger scheme.” He trailed off.

    “We must prepare for every eventuality. The periphery and the Outback are the least armed sections of the Federated Suns. But even still, they will move to strike as fast as they can afford to shift their forces.”

    “Agreed.” Kristofur smiled. “That is why we’ll take a page from Duke Hull’s military playbook.” Kristofur smirked. “We’re going to attack New Avalon.”

    –
    –

    Sometime 3033

    “This is better news than we thought.” Kristofur mused. “It will take longer than two years for the new Periphery March to establish the new chain of command.”

    “Yessir.” The new Precentor Rom replied. “I’ve already got people waiting to infiltrate the new militia units and the new Duke’s office.”

    “Good.” Kristofer smiled. “We’ll have everything ready to go by the time 3035 arrives if we proceed as planned.”

    “And Plan B, sir?” Precentor Rom asked.

    “We’re working on fabricating the paperwork for making him the heir to the Federated Suns. But it will take time before they are ready.” Kristofur sighed. “It was hard enough getting everything arranged for it to look the way it did.”

    “Agreed,” The Precentor replied with a shudder. “I think we should eliminate the Avellar Girl once she has raised him long enough.”

    “We will wait until he is around twelve. Then we’ll arrange for “Davion” Assassins to have killed his mother because he was illegitimate.”

    “Primus, that means we are to invade and hold the Federated Suns and their allies at bay for nearly a decade.” Precentor Rom spoke with a touch of fear into his voice. “I know we have the forces to manage that for a limited time, but how do you expect to hold them for that long?”

    “Through judicious use of production.” Kristofur smiled. “We didn’t just find a cluster of worlds with factories.There were also multiple Warships located in orbit.” Kristofur smiled. “It seems the Rim Worlds Navy had placed them there for maintenance and repairs before the Amaris Coup started.”

    “What numbers are we looking at?” Precentor Rom asked.

    “There were five Warships in need of minimal maintenance parked in orbit.” Kristofur grinned. “And a lovely maintenance yard right there at the zenith point.”

    “We might actually be able to pull this off then.” Precentor Rom breathed out.

    –
    –

    3035

    “You are not expected to take New Avalon.” Kristofur reminded the man in charge of the overstrength regiment. “Just to cause damage and make them retract. We need them reeling in order for us to pull off everything else.”

    “We’ll do it.” The Regimental CO replied with a savage grin. “Even if it costs us our lives.”

    “Let’s hope that it doesn’t come to that.” Kristofur replied. “But if it does, know that the Word of Blake stands ready to avenge your death.”

    “That is all that I can ask for.” The fanatical CO replied. “I will bring the devils to their knees, and we shall bring forth the Star League Reborn.”

    The officer saluted and left the office, heading straight to where his troops were loading up into modified civilian dropships.

    “Let’s hope our newfound Allies are as good as they claim they are.”
     
    • Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Two: New Avalon
    • Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Two: New Avalon
    New Avalon, February 3rd, 3035

    “I’m glad that we were finally able to get a delegation from the Outworlds Alliance to come,” Hanse said to Archon Steiner, Protector Thomas Calderon, and Kyalla Centrella. “They’ve been steadily closing off any contact for the last several years.”


    “It is odd,” Thomas replied. “The few merchant traders we had plying that route weren’t able to get proper intelligence.”

    “The LIC lost all of its agents in the Outworlds Alliance shortly after 3025.” Katrina confided in the other national leaders that were sitting around the table. “And Mountain Wolf Battlemechs stopped shipping new manufacture to us once they had fulfilled their current contracts.”

    “Something is going on there, but MIIO got its teeth kicked in shortly after the duel that managed to net us a ceasefire,” Hanse replied. “For now, it looks like we’re stuck waiting for the diplomat to arrive.”

    The various leaders of the interstellar nations just nodded and agreed with Hanse. They still had a lot to discuss, but for now, they would just enjoy the temporary peace.”

    Kyalla Centrella, on the other hand, felt slightly out of place. She was the newcomer to this alliance, and despite the benefits, She wasn’t sure if she could trust her new allies yet. So she kept her mouth shut, making sure to keep an eye out for anything suspicious or advantageous.





    February 8th, 3035

    “I hate this part of the job,” David complained to his fiance. “Neither Dad nor I am good at the politics portion of being nobles. Mom is much more likely to challenge them to a duel and kill the other nobles than dad.”

    “No, Uncle Mark just tends to destroy them economically instead.” Elsa smiled. “How very Lyran of him.”

    “I blame all of that on your mom,” David replied with a grin. “If she hadn’t joined the Marksman all those years ago, he wouldn’t have had the business acumen to have pulled some of his ideas off.”

    “You have a valid point,” Elsa replied. “But we should focus on what is before us.” The elevator finally came to a stop.

    “First Prince Davion,” David gave a curt bow to his liege lord before beginning to greet everyone else. “Protector Calderon, Magestrix Centrella, Archon Steiner.” He nodded at the other three leaders while Elsa did the same, starting with her mother.

    “It’s good to see you again.” Katrina smiled at the way the two younger nobles interacted with each other and the other nobles.

    “I am here representing my father,” David said with authority. “He gave me what little intelligence we have been able to get from the Outworlds Alliance and asked that I present it to you.”

    “Well, let us hear the intelligence, boy.” Kyalla Centrella said with a scoff, casually dismissing him already.

    “First Prince Davion, if you could give me the authorization to access the Tri-Vid screen?” David asked.

    “I never revoked your previous clearances,” Hanse replied with a smug grin, “Go ahead.”

    “We don’t have much,” David replied. “We’ve only been able to get a few small surveillance ships into the area, and only for a fraction of the time that we hoped to get.” David sighed. “There’s a lot of jumpship and dropship traffic for a nation that has supposedly closed all of its borders. We’re still analyzing some of the information that we received, but it looks like they’re also producing enough Aerospace assets to cover every single planet they have three to four times over. Every single Dropship and Jumpship had at least twelve fighters covering them.”

    “Do we have any information on their ground forces?” Hanse asked curiously. “Knowing those numbers might be helpful.”

    “Negative,” David replied with a shake of his head. “We were barely able to get what we did.”

    “Thank you,” Hanse told the younger noble. “Even if it’s not much, it can still be useful.”





    February 10th, 3035

    The four interstellar leaders watched via slates as the Outworlds Alliance dropships and escorts began to coast in on its fusion drives for a landing.

    “And now we wait for the delegation to arrive,” Hanse said out loud as he watched the flare of the fusion drives die down.

    –
    –

    Meanwhile…

    “This is New Avalon air traffic control, Mule and Danais class dropships Heart of Stone and Justified revenge, please change your course to the one provided to you.” The Communications officer just shook his head at the head of the civilian air traffic control. “It’s no good sir, they’re not responding.”

    “Get the military on the horn. They should be scrambling aerospace assets to take action if we don’t get a response soon.”

    “Sir, the dropships just exploded! There’s debris coming down all over the area” The Radar specialist reported with panic in his voice.

    “Sir, that’s a fucking Battlemech!” A tech screamed as he pointed out the reinforced glass. “It’s going to kill us!”

    Those were the last words uttered as the assault mech launched its LRMs at the tower, the ordnance ensuring that there wasn’t much left of the poor bloody civilians.





    “David, with me,” Hanse ordered the younger man. “We’re going to drive those bastards off of my planet.”

    “Yessir,” David responded as they took off at a jog. The two of them moving as quickly as they could to the underground ‘mech bays. “I didn’t bring my ‘mech with me, sir, just my neurohelmet.”

    “We’ll have something for you to use,” Hanse replied as they finally reached the elevator. “The Heavy Guard are currently engaged and have trapped the enemy around the spaceport and we’re making all of the other civilian dropships stay in space until we can confirm that they’re not being controlled by potential enemy action.” The elevator dropped like a rock, barely slowing down before they hit the floor they were supposed to be on.

    “We’ve got a Von Rohrs here that we were testing out for Nais.” Hanse told David, “It doesn’t have an assigned pilot yet.

    “How experimental is it?” David asked cautiously. “I don’t want to die from something going wrong.”

    “Nothing explosive just yet.” Hanse chuckled as he began to climb into his previously Royal and now Clantech Thunderbolt. “Just try not to wreck the gyro in that thing. We’ve only got three compact gyro prototypes that are being tested.”

    Climbing into the Von Rohrs, David went through the standard checklist before plugging his neurohelmet into the heavy ‘mech. Because this was a testbed that was assigned to the New Avalon Palace, there weren’t many security features there, and he had the correct codes to bypass the ones that were there. Once the Fusion engine rumbled to life, David followed the mixed lance of Thunderbolts and Highlanders onto the elevator that was taking them to the surface.

    “Artillery is bombarding the areas around the spaceport.” The new Heavy Guards Field Marshal reported once we had reached the surface. “We've evacuated the civilians and hammered them in. But the Spaceport is Star League-era engineering and manufacture. We’re going to go in and clear them out of the hangers and warehouses with metal.”

    “We’ve identified the enemy units as one of the missing Comstar units.” The Field Marshal reported. “But they’ve got a lot of Royal grade ‘mechs and some new manufacture as well.”

    “Looks like the radicals are at it again,” Hanse sighed. “Don’t bother broadcasting a surrender, they won’t accept it.”


    Author's note: Some of this chapter is quite literally ideas stolen from "This was easier on the Tabletop". With some of my own tweaks in there.
     
    • Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Three: Clearing House
    • Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Three: Clearing House
    New Avalon Spaceport, February 10th, 3035

    Miranda rubbed her eyes as a headache set in. She had been at this for too long. Shortly after she left Terra and Comstar back in 3015, she started working for Sharpshooter Inc, only to be approached by the intelligence director for Duke Hull shortly after.


    Since then, she had been given training and had been able to become embedded in the radical elements of Comstar when the Comstar Civil War ended. This meant she had been waiting for the opportune time to get her information back to Dunham and the rest of the Kentares Intelligence service.

    Miranda’s Rim Worlds Production Talos was an interesting ‘mech. But it was the ‘mech that would allow her to survive what would happen next. Turning to the other three ‘mechs of the command lance, She immediately overheated the two Rampage Assault ‘mechs with a flurry of Inferno SRMs. As well as tearing into the lone Phoenix’s rear torso with her LB-10X and Medium Laser, causing the other medium ‘mech to crumple as its reactor and Gyro were destroyed.

    Cycling her SRMs once again, Miranda hit the two assault ‘mechs with the Inferno missiles again. Covering them in the gel and continuing to cause the ‘mechs to continue to overheat as they burned.
    Grabbing a coded device that had been concealed in her hair, she plugged it into the Talos’s computer, changing her IFF to one that was used by the Kentares Guard. Hitting the two Rampages with a full alpha strike to the rear, she dropped one of them before walking out of the hanger and broadcasting her surrender.

    “This is Miranda Fischer.” She broadcast on an open channel. “Authorization code Sierra-Tango- Victor-five-one-one.”

    Two lances of the Davion Heavy Guard immediately rushed to assist, covering the agent and preventing the rest of the enemy forces from terminating her.

    “Friendly Talos, you are to follow the Thunderbolt to its destination,” Came the command from the Davion channels.

    “Yes Sir,” Miranda replied, and she began following the heavy ‘mech to its destination. Her weapons safed and powered down.

    “Talos, you are being ordered to dismount here, and to give up all weapons to your escorts.”

    “Solid copy,” She replied before the sound of autocannon began to echo in the distance as the Davion Heavy Guards began to clear out the rest of the hangers and warehouses. Powering down her Talos, she threw down the ladder and left the hatch, making sure to keep her usual infantry weapons stored in her mech. Making her way down the ladder, she finally dropped the last few feet where she was met by a couple of big infantrymen clad in powered armor. “I take it you boys are my escort?” Miranda asked as she swung the light jacket she had with her over her lightly covered torso.

    “Yes Ma’am,” The two men replied. “You’re to follow us while techs go over your ‘mech.”

    “Understood,” Miranda replied. “Lead the way.”





    February 15th, 3035

    “Why am I supposed to be the one meeting this agent again?” David Kerensky asked as he looked at the woman on the other side of the mirrored glass.

    “Because she’s a member of the intelligence corps that was put together by your father and Dunham,” Hanse replied with a shrug. “She’s also refusing to turn over any of her data until she’s given authorization by a member of her chain of command.”

    “I don’t fall under that umbrella yet, Uncle Hanse,” David replied. “I’m only a major in the 3rd Kentares Guard, and I’m not read in on many of the top-secret projects yet.”

    “It’s that, or try to nail down where your parents are,” Hanse replied. “Last thing we heard, was that they were in the middle of supervising the reconstruction of Outreach. But then again, that was nearly three months ago.”

    “They’re not sending regular updates?” David asked.

    “They are, but regular is a bit of an oxymoron. Even with the HPG network working perfectly our updates are still behind.” Hanse replied. “There’s no such thing as up-to-date data in interstellar society. In many ways, we’re back to the days of the telegram. With information potentially not reaching key figures until it is too late.”

    “Well, I’ll go in and see if she’ll hand over the data to me,” David replied. “But I’m not promising anything.”





    February 20th, 3035

    “Well, we finally found out exactly what happened to Ian.” Hanse briefed his privy council. “And it’s not pretty.” He pulled up the footage that Ms. Fischer had provided with her reports. “As you can see from the footage, they interrogated Ian, and then took a semen sample before executing him.” Hanse shook with rage as he clenched and unclenched his fists. “The “Word of Blake” as Comstar refers to them, have completely taken over the Outworlds Alliance. And, they have seemingly allied themselves with both the mercenary remnants of the Wolf’s Dragoons and some sort of outside force.”

    “We’re already positioning for an attack on the Outworlds Alliance.” Yvonne Davion spoke up. “It will take us time to move the right forces over though, and the Periphery March may be at risk while we begin repositioning.”

    “Given the force estimates that we were provided with, DMI believes that the Outworlds Alliance will be launching an attack on many of the worlds that were ceded over to the Federated Suns.” Yvonne Continued. “They have thirty-two battlemech regiments currently. They are also being supplied with training from the Wolf’s Dragoons and whatever outside ally they have found. Most of the troops will be green, but no one has fought them before, and we have no clue what sort of doctrine or training they will follow.”

    “According to our intelligence asset. They also have Warships on standby to help eliminate any forces that we try to use for an invasion. With that in mind, we’re going to be using the Terran March’s forces and several Mercenary groups to move first, they’ll be supported by assault dropships, aerospace fighters, and what Warships we have available.” Hanse stated with a cold fury evident in his voice. “We’re going to be releasing the information on what happened to Ian and are going to utterly destroy the Word of Blake.”

    “Quintus, I need you to get Hull, Sandoval, and Hasek-Davion up to speed on this,” Hanse ordered the head of MIIO. “Sortek, you’ll be getting the Mercenaries together and ensuring that they’re moving along the proper timetables.”

    –
    –

    “I’ll get some units shaken loose to move to assist as soon as I return,” Katrina told Hanse as she began to board her dropship.

    “I will be doing the same.” Thomas Calderon replied. “You have been good allies, and we shall continue to act in good faith as long as you do the same.”



    Author's note: The Character that is used throughout this chapter is referenced in this scene here from the Comstar Interlude: 3015.

    At a bar outside the Hilton Head Complex

    “I’m quitting.” Miranda told her friend. “This was fun five years ago when I was recruited to study this new battery pack idea thing, but the head is a perv and a raging psycho.”

    “Where do you plan on going?” Her friend asked. “It’s not like they’ll let you leave the planet.”

    “Why not?” She asked, with a shrug. "It’s not like I know anything classified, every single nation in the Inner Sphere has a Mithril suit somewhere being dismantled, the problem is no one can figure out the stupid power source aside from the people who made it.”

    “Well, good luck to you then.” Her friend raised her beer in a toast. “May the odds be ever in your favor.”
    [/QUOTE]
     
    • Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Four: Debriefing
    • Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Four: Debriefing
    New Avalon, March 23rd, 3035

    “David, walk with me,” Hanse told the younger man who was sitting at a small table drinking some coffee. “We just got confirmation that Dunham took a command circuit to New Avalon, he just reached the jump point and is supposed to be doing a full debrief of Ms. Fischer.”

    “I’m sorry.” David apologized, “I’m still getting used to some of the different responsibilities and I’ve only done an intel debrief once before.” David chuckled. “And I was the one being debriefed at that one.”

    “No, you did fine,” Hanse replied as they continued walking down the hallway. “But I need you to step up in a new way.” Hanse sighed. “We lost all contact with the Jumpship that your parents were on, and while we try to reestablish contact you’re the one in charge of the entirety of the Terran March.”

    “You need me to start shifting members of the Kentares and Northwind Guard to the Periphery March.” David’s mind drew the lines and filled in the blanks.

    “Unfortunately, yes,” Hanse replied. “You’re a little younger than everyone but Morgan, and I’m going to need you to act in place of Mark until we’re able to figure out what happened to him and the battalion of the Ducal Guard that was with him.”

    “I’ll move to take the command circuit that should still be in place,” David responded as he moved more rapidly. “I’ll grab my go kit and have Elsa come along, and I’ll take my dropship up in a few hours.”

    “Thank you,” Hanse met the younger man’s eyes. “I’m sorry that we have no location on your parents.”

    “Knowing dad and mom,” David laughed a bit. “They probably got caught up in something and/or misjumped somehow.” He shrugged. “They’ll pop up again sooner or later with a new adventure or story to tell. But right now, I have a responsibility to discharge the duties of a March Lord.” David slowed his walk down and came to a complete stop. “Was there anything else that you needed Uncle Hanse?”

    “No,” Hanse shook his head. “I think that was everything.”

    “Well, you’ve got my contact info should you need me for anything further,” David replied as he resumed walking.

    “You’re a good man.” Hanse brought his somewhat adopted nephew in for a hug. “I’m proud of what you have already accomplished and what you will accomplish in the future.”

    Then Hanse let go of the embrace and patted David on the shoulder. “Keep doing what you’re doing. Being steadfast and staying the course that you’ve already embarked on will take you just as far as your father and mother have.”

    “They just seem superhuman sometimes,” David remarked. “I don’t know how I could ever measure up.”

    “You can’t,” Hanse replied with a shrug. “But you’re not supposed to be a clone of your parents. Mark is laying the foundation of something greater than he is, but he’ll only ever be the foundation. It’s up to you, Jonathan, Melissa, and the people of your generation to see it through and to build upon that foundation something that will last throughout the ages.” Hanse laughed. “I honestly don’t think that we’ll be able to handle some of the problems that are going to come from a new era of peace. Almost all of us are built for war, and that’s all we’ve known for a long time. Even your father started his service at the end of the Amaris Civil War. He’s known war for most of his life and we both know what kind of society your mother was bred and raised in.”

    “I think I get it.” David smiled. “Thanks, Uncle Hanse.” He gave the First Prince another hug. “I better grab my go bag now and start getting everything sorted.”




    March 30th, 3035

    “Miranda, I’m glad to see that you survived. We feared the worst when you stopped transmitting.” Dunham said as he pulled out a chair across from her to sit down in. “Now, I’ve got the reports from what the DMI and MIIO did, but I wanted to run a debriefing of my own, so I’ll need you to start again from the top.” Dunham smiled softly. “I know that you’ve already done this song and dance a half dozen times, but I’ll need you to go through it once more for me.”

    “It’s fine.” Miranda smiled back. “I expected to be thoroughly debriefed when I got back anyway.” She leaned back in her chair, “Do you want me to start from the beginning?”

    “Yes please,” Dunham replied. “I’m sure that Duke Hull will want a comprehensive report.”

    “I can do that,” Miranda said before she took a sip of water and a deep breath. “I departed Terra in the middle of the year 3015…”

    –
    –

    “Sometime in three thousand and thirty-one or two, we dispatched a team to the hidden world of what is known to the Word of Blake as Mayadi, but to the rest of the Inner Sphere as the dead world of Tangerz.” Miranda continued. “They took samples of the bioweapons that had been developed there and brought them back to some of our labs in the Outworlds Alliance for study.” She sighed heavily. “I found out about the bioweapons and smuggled all but a few of them out into the void where I sent them on a course for the local star.” She shrugged. “All but one of them that is. I couldn’t get to one of the bioweapons because I didn’t have access to that specific lab and I couldn’t be discovered before I made it back to friendly territory. The plan was to release the bioweapon that destroyed Tangerz here on New Avalon. I had managed to replace and dispose of the bioweapon while we were en route to New Avalon from the Outworlds Alliance.”

    “Were there any further plans for New Avalon?” Dunham asked.

    “Both of the Rampage ‘mechs were custom fitted with Null sig and Chamaleon Light Polarization shields,” Miranda stated. “They were supposed to be headhunters. Their job was to track down and eliminate First Prince Hanse Davion and any member of the Hull family that might be on the planet. Additional side objectives were the Archon, the Magestrix, and the Protector if at all possible.”

    “Why did the invasion force fall apart so quickly once you eliminated the headhunter lance though?” Dunham asked.

    “Because the pilot of the Phoenix was the CO for the regiment,” Miranda said bluntly. “And the way that the command structure was laid out meant that the XO was in one of the two Rampages, once I took them out it threw the rest of the regiment into short-term chaos, which the Davion Heavy Guards used to their advantage.”

    “And I have the rest of it down,” Dunham said as he finished writing down his notes. “We’ll get you looked over one more time by the medical staff at NAIS and then we’ll get you and your mech shipped home to Kentares or wherever else you want to settle down.”

    “Thanks.” Miranda sagged in relief. “I’m just glad to be out of there. I don’t think I could have stuck it out for much longer.”

    “I know that as soon as Duke Hull makes a reappearance from wherever he disappeared to that he’ll have other rewards planned for you, but I have this for now.” He produced a debit card. “As a thank you for your contributions, we set aside a fund for this sort of thing. There are a half billion Pounds here, and if you need help with figuring out where to go from here we’ve got resources that will assist you.”

    “And if I want to step back into work?” Miranda asked.

    “Then you’re going to have to go into another field,” Dunham stated firmly. “We have rules for our deep cover agents, one of them is that they’re not allowed to work in intelligence anymore. Not because you might be compromised, but because you absolutely will need a break from that kind of stress. So we can insert you into the Marksman, Sharpshooter, or into any of the Terran March’s militia or guard units but we can’t and won’t allow you to step back into this field.”

    “But what about my experience?” Miranda asked.
    “We might pull you for training details, but burnout is a real thing, especially in our line of work and we don’t want any of our people to get to that level of stress,” Dunham replied. “I’ll personally assist in getting you set up in whatever field you want to go into next, but you won’t be able to reenter the intelligence corps unless you go to MIIO. They have different rules and standards than we do.”

    “No, I was just curious,” Miranda replied. “ Taking a place in research and development sounds lovely after the last twenty years of undercover work.”

    “Then we’ll get you linked up with Dr. Rogers and we’ll move forward from there,” Dunham replied as they both stood up. “Once again, thank you for all of your work.”
     
    • Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Five: “You see, what had happened…”
    • Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Five: “You see, what had happened…”

    March 25th, 3035

    “You said this would be fun!” I yelled at Natasha as we ducked down underneath a hail of gunfire.

    “It was supposed to be a relaxing diversion!” She yelled back as she aimed with her rifle and squeezed off some rounds. “How was I supposed to know that the treasure map had real treasure at the end of it?”

    “I don’t know. Maybe the fact that pirates were trying to steal the map from you might have been a clue!” I yelled back as I reloaded my DMR before taking aim through the optic and eliminating one of the enemy infantrymen.

    “I did not know that they were pirates!” Natasha yelled back as she stepped slightly out of cover and ripped three pirates to shreds with a burst of automatic fire. “It is not like it was obvious.”

    “Natasha, they had someone with a peg leg and an eyepatch!” I took out two more pirates. “It was pretty fucking obvious!”


    “Fine, I will make it up to you later then,” Natasha called back before signaling me to move forward to the next piece of cover.

    I moved forward, taking out another couple of pirates before the rest of them broke and scattered away from us.

    “Run you sons of motherless goats!” Natasha yelled as the pirates began running away from us.

    “Natasha, that’s not why they’re running,” I said as I turned and threw her behind a broken shell of a combat vehicle and jumped on top of her. “I’m pretty sure that that was an SDS drone that just took out their aerospace cover.”

    “You have got your SLIC ID on you right?” Natasha asked me as we got up from behind the shell of a broken vehicle.

    “Never leave home without it,” I replied.

    “Good, because that might be what allows us to survive this,” Natasha said as she dusted herself off.

    Then, an Atlas II broke through the debris that surrounded us. “I heard that you required assistance.” Yvonne Hazen said as she stomped closer. “Mathis has been trying to track you down since your small craft was shot down.”




    March 30th, 3035

    “I thought dead worlds were supposed to be dead, not teeming with AI that’s trying to kill everyone!” Mathis yelled as we looked at the map of the solar system. “The only reason that we’re not dead is that the Manassas had the proper IFF for them to not target us.”

    “I get that,” I replied with a small smile. “But it’s a miracle that there’s still a world protected by this many SDS systems that weren’t taken over by Amaris during the coup.” I pointed at the world that we were still mapping. “I’m not quite sure what happened here, but it looks like this was an off-the-books R&D facility for the Terran Hegemony.”

    “And that helps us how?” Mathis asked with Yvonne nodding along. “The Pirates are already on the surface of the planet.”

    “Yes, but unless they brought a lot of high explosives and shaped charges then they won’t be breaking into any hardened facilities,” I responded. “We don’t know what happened to the population down there, but it looks like it will just be us vs the pirates.”

    “And the SDS systems will not target us because we are broadcasting the right IFF and shutdown codes.” Natasha chimed in, picking up how I wanted to do things. “So we are going to go down and take out the rest of the pirates, and see what kind of loot there is to be found down below.”

    “Pretty much what she said.” I shrugged. “I know that we’ve only got a battalion here, but it’s only three pirate dropships, and they’re limited in taking off because the moment that they do the drones will take them out.”

    “Well, it has been a long time since we took out some pirates,” Mathis said with a smirk. “Let’s go make the galaxy a safer place.”





    April 1st, 3035

    “How the hell did pirates get their hands on those?!” Mathis asked as he used the zoom function built into the helmet of his Mithril. “Hey Boss, they’ve got two lances of assault ‘mechs, and they’re in great condition too.”

    “We only have a couple of artillery pieces with us,” I responded as I moved my Warhammer IIC through the overgrown bush and trees. “What are we up against?”

    “They must have a former Wolf’s Dragoon’s member, because they’ve got an Imp in there along with a Pillager, Emperor, and a King Crab,” Mathis reported. “The other assault lance is a mix of Chargers and a Victor paired with a Zeus.”

    “That is a lot of autocannons,” Natasha said plainly. “And the Pillager will have nearly the same range as our long-range weapons.”

    “We still out mass them at the end of the day, and if we need to we can always call in an orbital strike directly on whatever their position is,” I said as I continued moving. “We’re here to clear out the pirates, get into some of the Star League Bunkers down there, and mark down the system for further investigations.”





    “Whoever is piloting that Pillager is an incredible shot,” I said as I narrowly avoided a gauss rifle round.

    “I am well aware,” Natasha quipped as she limped her Nightstar behind a copse of trees. “The Pillager and Imp pilots are the superior two pilots among the pirates.”

    “You think they’re ex Dragoons?” I asked as I killed a Locust before triggering my jump jets to avoid yet another gauss rifle round.

    “It is a possibility,” Natasha replied as she finally hit the Pillager square on and made it back off. “When the Dragoons split there were many that went their own way.”

    “It would certainly explain the skill level,” Mathis replied as he finally got his infantry into position. “We’re ready to execute on your signal.”

    “Coordinate with Colonel Hazen,” I replied. “I’m a bit busy at the moment.”

    “Take them down,” Yvonne ordered as she finally moved her Atlas II out of the river behind the enemy pirates. She fired her Gauss Rifle into the back of the Pillager as the Ducal Guard infantry began to move in to seize the pirate dropships.

    Seeing that the ambush was working, I began to move forward at a moderate pace, not wanting to leave Natasha’s Nightstar too far behind.

    “Careful of that King Crab,” I warned. “It’s got two AC/20s that’ll shred you no matter how much armor you have.”

    “Colonel Hazen, the Dropships are ours, we can broadcast a surrender at any time you command,” Mathis reported from the pirate dropships.

    “Pirate scum, we have seized your dropships and are prepared to order an orbital strike should you continue to resist.” Yvonne broadcast on the open channels. “Surrender. Or don’t, that would be more fun.”

    “This is Captain Revel, I surrender on the condition that I am tried according to the AFFS military code, I run a Mercenary Assault Lance, we didn’t know that we were working for pirates.”

    “An investigation will clear that up later,” I chimed in. “For now though, power down and prepared to be thrown into the brig.”




    April 3rd, 3035

    “Well, this looks promising,” I said as I went to a door that had the Terran Hegemony seal on it. Time may have eroded the rest of the seal, but the nine-pointed star still shone with astonishing brilliance.

    “Let us hope that your credentials give you access,” Natasha said as I plugged in the SLIC ID chit and typed in the passcode that I had been using for years.

    The ground rumbled, for a brief moment, and then the doors began to part. It was time to see what secrets lay inside.
     
    • Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Six: Searching Through the Dark
    • Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Six: Searching Through the Dark
    April 3rd, 3035

    “Shall we enter?” Natasha asked me after we watched the doors slide open.

    “We may as well,” I shrugged in response. “We need to see if there are any computer stations close to the entrance, I want to see what happened for the SDS systems to get turned on after we broadcast the shutdown codes.”

    “It was odd,” Natasha said as we moved slowly into the bunker complex. “The systems were shut down even when the pirates arrived, it was not until they opened fire on our small craft that the SDS started targeting them.”

    “I want to see how the SDS systems were programmed,” I replied as lights began turning on as we made our way through the bunker. “If we can use some of the current microchip technology we might be able to create some SDS variants of the Sting and have them patrol important systems.”

    “That could be useful.” Natasha agreed as we finally saw what looked like an underground railway station. “This looks like it will take us to where we wish to go.”

    “Indeed,” I made sure that the power to the small train was on before we climbed in and activated it. “Make sure your Mithril seals are good, the last thing we need is for there to have been some sort of NBC leak.”

    While the train moved silently through the underground tunnels, Natasha and I checked our seals and then we checked each other’s seals just in case we had missed something. Mithril might be damned good, but it wasn’t infallible.

    “Looks like we’re near the end,” I observed as we slowed and gradually came to a stop The train opened the automatic doors and a bank of lights came on and illuminated a chamber that we couldn’t see the ceiling of.

    “It looks like we are underneath the mountains,” Natasha said as we moved through the lit hallways.

    “Yeah, but I’m more worried about what we’re being led to..” I trailed off as we stopped before another set of doors. Then, the doors slid open, revealing what looked like a security station with lots of tri-vid monitors showing pictures of the entirety of the bunker complex.

    “Please verify your identity,” the voice of “bitchin’ Betty” came through a set of speakers nearby and a series of small lights lit up a computer console.

    “Please verify your identity,” the voice repeated. “Enter your authorization codes and proper identification to proceed.”

    Grabbing the SLIC ID chit that I had been using for over thirty years, I slid it through the system and entered the password that I had long since memorized.

    “Identity verified, welcome to Hy-Brasil Captain Phillip Williams.” the voice said.

    “This is from just after the Amaris Coup,” I observed as the computer brought up a video file.

    “This is Major Ian MacIntosh of the Black Watch. If you are watching this message, then the Terran Hegemony is no more. I and the members of my lance were tasked with bringing the children of First Lord Richard Cameron to a secure location. This facility was built as a research and development facility first but was also designed as a secure location for the First Lord to retreat to should Terra ever be in danger of being overrun.” The man on the screen sighed. Natasha and I could see that he was visibly exhausted by the time he had recorded this. “Unfortunately, the scientists here were experimenting with something different and by the time we arrived at the secure bunkers, all but one of the SDS systems had been corrupted and had started killing the troops and scientists left here on Hy-Brasil. The lone uncorrupted AI was enhanced and given a new directive, to protect the Cameron Twins as was deemed necessary by myself and any other SLDF officer.” The man paused to breathe, “This worked, and we managed to regain control of the rest of the SDS systems, but by that time all of our dropship and means off world had been destroyed, along with the HPG systems.” MacIntosh sighed again. “We were left stranded here and without a means of communicating to any other SLDF or HAF forces. With that being said, and assuming that you are SLIC or TCID myself, my lancemates, and the Cameron twins have been in cryo pods, with us periodically coming out to ensure that all systems are functional. If we’re still alive in there, please make sure that the children are treated well, even if the rest of us didn’t make it, they don’t deserve to be punished for any sins of their family tree.” The video cut off as the man started to weep a little bit.

    “We need to get the others,” I said after Natasha and I had processed everything. “This is something that goes beyond us.”


    “No, not just yet,” Natasha said as she sat down in a dusty chair by one of the computers. “Mark, I read Aleksander Kerensky’s journal on my way back to the Inner Sphere, and if he had known that there were surviving members of House Cameron then he would have never pushed for the Exodus.”

    I sat down next to Natasha and held her hand for a minute before pulling her into my lap.

    “To think, all of history was changed because of something as small as this,” Natasha broke into laughter. “We need to make sure that the twins survive Mark, I do not care what we have to do to make sure of it.”
    “We’ll do what is necessary Nat,” I said as I brought her into my lap. “If you want me to make sure that they are well taken care of, then we can do that. But the Terran Hegemony and the Star League aren’t coming back.”

    “I know that,” She said as she pressed her forehead to mine. “But I want us to do all that we can to make sure that these children are not used as political pawns by us or anyone.”

    “I can’t make any promises Nat,” I smiled ruefully, “You know that. But I’ll do what I can to make sure that they’re not used as pawns until they reach adulthood if at all possible.”

    “I guess that will have to do,” Natasha said as she leaned down and kissed me. “Shall we finish exploring?” She stood up and began to walk away with a sway in her hips.




    Hy-Brasil, Former Terran Hegemony Black-site, April 5th, 3035

    “Are you sure that waking up the Black Watch members first is the right idea?” Mathis asked as I and some of the engineers began the preparations to open the pods.

    “Better them than some children that have no idea about who we are,” I replied. “The last thing that I want to do is traumatize two children.”

    “Alright boss, but I’m trusting you on this.” Mathis grabbed his rifle and set up in a ready stance along with the two fireteams that we had down in the complex.

    “We ready to wake them up?” I asked the team of engineers.

    “We’re ready whenever you are, Duke Hull,” The lead engineer responded.

    “Alright then, unseal the hushed casket…”
     
    • Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Seven: Explanations
    • Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Seven: Explanations

    The first Cryo pod opened with a sharp hiss, and one of the medtechs on standby helped ease the Black Watch member onto a nearby stretcher.

    “Let me know when the Major wakes up,” I told the people giving MacIntosh a checkup. “Natasha and I will be handling this part personally.”

    “Yessir.” The medtechs and engineers responded.

    “Now we sit and wait,” Natasha said as we watched the man slowly wake up from the deep stasis that he had been under.

    “You’re not SLDF,” Were the first words out of Major Ian MacIntosh’s mouth as he jolted upright and tried to take the medtech nearby hostage. But, the medtech slipped out when MacIntosh didn’t find purchase on his Mithril. The Medtech moved behind the fireteam that Mathis had stationed and waited for further orders.

    “No Major, we’re not SLDF, although you could argue that I once *was* a member of the SLIC.” I shrugged. “But that’s a long story, and you don’t look like you’re willing to listen to it yet.”

    “Wake up my lance, and then we’ll talk,” the Major replied, moving to keep a part of the cryo pod between him and the weapons pointed in his direction.

    “I’m going to pass you a ‘noteputer loaded with all of the most recent history loaded onto it,” I responded. “We’ll wake up the rest of your lance once you’ve had time to process everything.” I set the now out-of-date computer down and slid it over the ground to his location. “We’re going to lock you in this medbay until you’ve gone over everything.” We began to leave the room in pairs while he watched warily. “Please just take the time to look everything over,” I said before I left the room. “It’ll be a lot to process but a lot has changed since you went under.” I closed and sealed the door behind me. “Mathis, I want two full fireteams on standby until he’s ready to talk, I don’t know what kind of extra tools or capabilities the Black Watch had, but I’m not willing to risk our people’s lives to find out.”


    “Understood,” Mathis replied as he directed two fireteams to our location. “They’ll hold down the fort.”

    “Good, Natasha and I are going to be checking on the rest of the facility,” I began to walk away. “Let us know when he’s ready to talk.”





    “Are you certain that this was the best path to take?” Natasha asked as we walked towards the storage facilities of the bunker complex.

    “It was the only one I saw that ended with the Major alive,” I responded. “So much has changed Nat. I understand that it’ll take time for him to truly grasp what has changed over the last two hundred years.”

    “He is all alone right now,” Natasha said in response. “Should we have not woken up his lance along with him?”

    “No, it’ll be easier for the rest of his lance to comprehend everything if he can explain it.” I shrugged. “It’s not easy to make calls like this, especially when I have been in a similar circumstance. But I’m going to try and make the orientation as easy as possible for our new guests.”

    We continued walking until we reached the other medbay where two toddlers were laughing and playing together.

    “To think that the rumors were true and there were Cameron Twins,” Natasha smiled at the two children before picking Ian up to hold for a minute. “I want to keep them,” Natasha said as she began to play with the two children.

    “Good luck talking the Black Watch into that,” I muttered as I helped take care of the twins.

    “Who said I was going to ask?” Natasha raised an eyebrow at me. “I might leave the lance stranded here while we take the children with us.

    “We’ll have to wait and see what happens,” I said noncommittally. “I hope the Black Watch members can see reason, but we’ll have to wait and see.”




    April 7th, 3035

    “You said you were ready to talk,” I spoke to the Black Watch major sitting across from me. “So let’s talk.”

    “How am I supposed to know that you gave me true and factual information?” MacIntosh asked.

    “You can ask any of my men and they can give you a summary of history that will line up with those documents,” I shrugged. “It’s not like I carry around doctored historical documents around, and we don’t even use ‘noteputers in my forces much, if at all.”

    “Let me see the sun again before I make my decision,” MacIntosh closed his eyes and sighed. “As long as the children are safe then I will do as you ask.”

    “Come on, take a walk with me,” I said as I stood up. “There are some things you should know before you wake your lancemates up.”


    –
    –

    “You’re fucking joking,” the Black Watch Major swore as I finished telling him my “story” about surviving the Manassas Misjump.

    “I had no way of knowing where the rest of the Exodus fleet went, and my orders were to make sure that they didn’t betray the Terran Hegemony, they were already deserters, we didn’t want them coming back.” I shrugged, “I did have some data on a couple of caches though, and you’ve already read through the rest of the history that includes what I’ve done since then.”

    “You’ve done well, and if I agree with your plans on the Cameron twins then I’ll assist you in whatever way seems fitting.”

    “We can discuss that once we wake up the rest of your lance,” I replied as we stopped walking to look up at the stars. “It’s a whole new galaxy, and there’s a great deal of things that you’re still not caught up on.”

    Author’s Note: In between the two dates listed here were conversations that I didn’t explicitly write out. There were two days of conversations in convincing the Black Watch major along with the showcasing of how far the Inner Sphere had really fallen.
     
    • Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Eight: Retaliation
    • Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Eight: Retaliation
    Kentares IV, May 4th, 3035

    “Alright, Colonel Senn, I need you and the 1st Kearny to move with the 1st Northwind Guard and the 1st Marksman to reinforce the Periphery March,” David told the older man and the assembled officers via HPG and in person. “Other units will be following, but it’ll take some time to spin up the proper supply chain.”

    “I’ll handle logistics,” Romano Senn-Liao spoke up. “We’ve got two regiments here on Northwind that are going to be moving anyway.”

    “Thanks,” David responded. “I’m going to push Carter to get her RCT moving by the end of the week, I’m expecting the two of you to be a little bit behind.”

    “Any updates along the Outworlds Alliance border?” Carter spoke up after her name was mentioned.

    “Apparently while the First Prince and I were dealing with a minor inconvenience at the spaceport the Outworlds Alliance invaded and are already taking planets that are two jumps inside of the Periphery March’s borders,” David answered.

    “What kind of gear are they fielding?” Colonel Senn asked. “Do we have any reports on that?”

    “It’s a mixed bag,” David shrugged. “Apparently when Amaris set everything up for the Amaris Coup he left caches and factories behind close to each periphery nation. They found those factories and caches and immediately put them to use. I would expect Late Star League Era gear on most of the ‘mechs with some Royal grade tech on a good portion of them. Expect a lot of RWR and late Reunification Wars era mechs with upgrades to modern tech.”

    “That’s all I needed to hear,” Carter said as she stood up. “I’m assuming that we’re going to get further instructions from the Davion military?”

    “The First Prince is going to take personal command over the theater, you’ll directly report to Duke Felsner if Hanse Davion hasn’t already issued commands,” David replied while clapping his hands together. “We’ve got a lot of work to do, so let’s get it done and see that our nation is properly defended.”




    May 5th, 3035

    “You’re not going to be going to the frontlines with the first wave?” Elsa asked as David sat at his father’s desk and worked at getting all of the logistics and authorizations lined up for the Kentares Guard to begin moving to assist the Periphery March.

    “I want to,” David replied. “But this comes first, making sure that everything is set up for my people to do their jobs properly is just as important as me being there in person to assist them in fighting off the idiots that thought invading us was a good idea.”

    “Well, let me know if there is anything I can do to help,” Elsa said as she sat beside him and watched her fiance do paperwork and other duties.

    “Just sit next to me,” David offered. “I’ll have something for you to do in a bit.”

    “Here, if you’ll order the files on this from most to least important that would be a big help,” David passed Elsa a slate. “It’ll help me get things done more quickly.”




    May 15th, 3035

    “We’ve got the 1st Marksman and two other regiments from Northwind moving to assist the Periphery March,” David reported via voice message to Hanse Davion via the Davion’s secret HPG network. “But it’ll take nearly half a year for them to arrive.”

    “We’re shifting some Draconis March units and some of the Avalon Hussars and Davion Guards to move immediately, the Periphery March Militia is going to be on their own until we can get things moving in their direction,” Hanse responded.

    “We’re on a time crunch here Hanse,” David said after one of the techs gave him a warning. “I’m sending over the plans and will continue getting resources shifted to support the Periphery March.”

    “Good work,” Hanse replied. “I expect we’ll hear something from your parents fairly soon.”

    “I certainly hope so,” David replied. “I’ll do another update at the end of the month.”

    “Copy that,” Hanse replied. “Godspeed David.”

    “Sir, we’re not going to be able to do another direct audio transfer like that again anytime soon.” The technician reported.

    “Why not?” David asked with a raised eyebrow.

    “Because it strains some of the specialized components,” The tech replied. “If you need to make another report at the end of the month you’ll have to send it as a regular burst transmission until we can replace some of the components.”

    “Whatever needs to be done to maintain the HPG needs to be done.” David sighed, “I can always use Comstar’s if necessary.”

    “I’ll see what I can do sir,” the tech replied. “But I can’t make any promises.”

    “That’s fine, you can only do what you can do,” David replied. “I don’t expect perfection from people, just that they do their best.”




    Haynesville, Periphery March, May 3rd, 3035

    “Looks like we’re the last ones alive LT,” A corporal said as he looked over the shattered remains of an armored battalion. “There’s just too many ‘mechs out there.”

    “I know,” The LT replied as he helped some of the wounded. “We’re lucky that this cave is only really known to the locals.”

    “Why would our own people do this to us though?” A Private spoke up. “The Outworlds Alliance isn’t supposed to be brutal like that, they slaughtered the ones who surrendered. I mean, who does that?”

    “Not even the Combine would have killed surrendering soldiers.” A grizzled NCO spoke up. “But now, we’re going to have to fight a delaying action until we get relieved by some of the AFFS regulars.”

    “And how are we supposed to do that Sarge?” A younger man asked with fear in his voice. “We’ve only got four J Edgars, two Hunters, and a mix of other vehicles.”

    “We don’t fight them all at once,” The LT spoke up from where he was packing and wrapping a leg wound on another soldier. “We lure them in and take them out one ‘mech and one vehicle at a time. We sneak in and sabotage their motor pools and we make their time here so miserable that by the time our reinforcements arrive the enemy is begging to leave.”

    “If anyone here can use a neurohelmet then we may even be able to steal one of the enemies ‘mechs.” Another noncom spoke up.

    “Sir, I’ve got an idea.” One of the baby-faced younger members of the militia said. “My uncle owns an Industrialmech repair shop in a small town off the beaten path, and we know where some of the caches of Machine guns and SRMs are right?” The young man asked with an excited grin on his face. “We can somewhat up armor an industrialmech and throw some machine guns and SRMs on it, it won’t be perfect, but a lumbermech or miningmech would be able to greatly help in the event of an ambush.”

    “I like that thinking,” The LT said as he wiped the blood off of his hands after helping make sure that the captain was alive. “Outside of the box thinking like that is what will ensure that we live to see another day.”
     
    • Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Nine: Survival
    • Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Nine: Survival
    Haynesville, May 15th, 3035

    “Well, looks like we got some work ahead of us Sergeant Smith.” The last officer of the militia observed as the two of them looked at the industrialmechs parked in and around the workshop of a nearby lumber town.

    “Looks that way, sir,” the militia Sergeant replied. “We’ve got a MuckRaker here that we can modify along with a Lumberjack and a couple of Busters here.”

    “ICE is the way to go on these machines,” Lieutenant Dan Rawley agreed. “Let’s get to work on these before the enemy tries looking for us.”

    The small band of soldiers began filling the industrialmech workshop, everyone following the commands of the lone surviving combat engineer among them.

    “This is going to take a couple of days,” The combat engineer confided in Lieutenant Rawley and Sergeant Smith. “And there’s a limit to how much we can do at once without more people having the expertise that I do.”

    “I figured something like this would happen,” Lieutenant Rawley replied. “I’ll work up some delaying actions on the enemy forces for now, and we’ll regroup here in a couple of days.”

    “Most of this town is deserted,” Sergeant Smith said after a moment. “And it’s mainly off of the beaten path.”

    “And we don’t have any satellites that might give away our position,” Dan noted. “This makes it a decent place to operate out of for now while we start scouting out where the enemy is located.”

    “Sarge, I want you to find our local boy and use him as a point of contact,” Dan ordered. “I’m going to see if I can borrow or buy a couple of the civilian vehicles to use for scouting purposes and then take some of our guys to go look for weak points.”

    “Yessir,” Sergeant Smith responded. “I’ll get started on finding us some housing.”




    May 16th, 3035

    “Looks like they pulled some of our intact vehicles back for salvage,” Dan said as he looked through a set of binoculars. “The Partisan looks like it’s been rebuilt already.”

    “Makes sense,” a corporal spoke up. “They didn’t have much AA with them that we noted.”

    “Looks like they’ve already got the two Bulldogs up and running again as well,” Dan said. “Seems like the Captain was right in making that purchase.”

    “Sir, it looks like there is a gap in the patrols on the Northeast section.”

    “We’re in a good position for now,” Dan replied. “So we’ll wait and see if that gap is still there tonight.”

    “Copy that sir,” the twelve men then settled down to rest in shifts while someone kept an eye on the enemy motor pool.

    –
    –

    “Alright, we’re moving to take the Bulldogs. The rest of the machines we’ll have to leave behind for now,” Dan ordered. “I’m taking a small group with me to cause some mayhem and hopefully distract them away from our theft of equipment.”

    “Victor, you’re with me,” Dan told the lone Lyran immigrant that was a part of their militia formation. “We’re going to see just how effective a Lyran chemical technician can be when we start blowing things up.”

    “I brought my cookbook with me,” the other man pulled out a small book of handwritten notes stapled to a copy of the Anarchist’s cookbook. “Let’s go, we won’t have a lot of time to manufacture these, and we’re going to have a lot to do.”

    –
    –

    Dan and the chemical tech began moving quickly away from the locations of the IEDs that they had just set. They were on a time crunch and needed to leave the area of operations before they were discovered and captured by the enemy.

    The two men began moving at a full sprint as explosions and incendiary fuel began to spread over some areas of the enemy base.

    “If you had given me a forewarning then I would have been able to do more than superficial damage,” the tech gasped out as they reached the motor pool.

    “We didn’t have the time,” Dan replied as they reached the outskirts. “They already got the Bulldogs out, so we’re going to have to take something else.”

    “That Warrior looks like it’s fuelled up and ready to go,” the Lyran pointed out.

    “We’re lucky that I know how to fly one of these,” Dan said as they strapped themselves into the VTOL. “It’s been a while though so it may be a bit bumpy.”

    The Warrior began to lift off as the rotors spun at an impressive speed. Then, tilting forward a touch, the VTOL began to move at its maximum speed towards the town that the militia was using as their base.

    “Nothing is showing up on our sensors,” The Lyran said as he looked at the readouts from the computers.

    “Good, we’re going to land and then do a quick debrief,” Dan replied. “We’re going to have to bunker down for a bit because of the damage we just caused.”




    May 17th, 3035

    “We just kicked open a hornet’s nest, people,” Lieutenant Dan told the soldiers of the Haynesville militia. “We’re going to have to rush the modifications to the Industrialmechs and get the rest of our vehicles hidden properly.”

    “Everyone who is left in the town of Haven is going to be supporting us,” Sergeant Smith spoke up. “Some of them are volunteering to fight with us and the rest are going to be helping hide us.”

    “We’re going to be securing our vehicles in metal-rich areas and locations,” Dan told the soldiers. “The cave that we were in before moving to this location can hold most of our vehicles, but we’re going to have to find some other locations for our new industrialmechs and the Warrior that we stole.”

    “There’s a scrapyard about fifty klicks away from here we can use,” Smith said.

    “Good, we’ve got a lot of work to do, and there’s never enough time to do it in,” Dan said. “So let’s get moving and get things done.” Dan’s voice then turned hard. “Because in a week we’re going to start bleeding the invaders.”

    “Oorah!” The soldiers replied before dispersing to their various tasks.

    “Doc, how long till our wounded are back up and moving?” Dan pulled their medic to the side.

    “Some of them should be good to go in a couple of days. But the rest?” The medic shook her head. “A couple of weeks? And they won’t be at a hundred percent. I don’t have access to the proper tools or equipment.”

    “Just do what you can doc,” Dan said in response. “We’ll get you what you need.”

    “LT, I didn’t even finish medical school yet, I’m still in my fourth year at the local Sharpshooter center, I haven’t even graduated yet,” The medic began to rant a bit. “I’m not a trauma surgeon for Christ’s sake!”

    “I know that Doc,” Dan replied in a soothing tone. “We’re not expecting miracles, just that you help keep us in the fight.”

    The medic took a deep calming breath before speaking again. “I’ll do my best LT, I’ll do my best.”

    Author's note: I'm taking some pages from a couple of Battletech Dark Age novels in the refitting of the Industrialmechs.
     
    • Chapter One Hundred and Sixty: The Hunt (Haynesville ‘mech Massacre)
    • Chapter One Hundred and Sixty: The Hunt (Haynesville ‘mech Massacre)
    June 8th, 3035

    The Word of Blake medium lance moved through the trees, chasing one of the militia vehicles that had been harassing them for weeks.

    “I want those sons of bitches dead!” The battalion CO screamed in their ears, the mixed lance of Griffins and Phoenix’s moving through the massive underbrush.

    “I don’t have anything on seismic scanners,” the lead Griffin reported to the rest of his lance. “I’m seeing a lot of metal content around though.”

    “Yeah, same here, the magnetics are going haywire,” a Phoenix reported.

    “I’ve got something on my seismics,” the second Phoenix in the lance reported. “I’m moving to investigate.”

    The fifty-ton ‘mech vanished into the trees a second later.

    “Anything on your scopes three?” The lance leader asked.

    “Negative, everything is clear,” the Mechwarrior reported. “I’ve got an odd audio pickup though.”

    “What audio pickup?” The lead Griffin pilot asked. “We’re not getting anything over here.”

    “It sounds like a heartbeat, and it’s getting faster!” The Phoenix pilot then screamed before his audio channel vanished from their comms network.

    “What the hell was that?!” Lance CO asked as he began to panic. “I don’t know boss, but I’ve got an audio pickup as well.”

    “It’s that damned heartbeat!” The rear Griffin pilot began to start backing out of the forest the way that they came.

    “It’s getting faster and louder,” The only calm member of the lance reported as he tried to locate the origin of the audio. “Does anyone else hear what sounds like a chainsaw?” He asked as he twisted the torso of his Phoenix from side to side looking for where the sounds were coming from.

    “No, I’m not hearing a chainsaw,” The Lance CO took an audible breath in order to force his body to calm down. “But the heartbeat is still getting louder and faster.”

    Then, with a loud rev, a massive chainsaw burst through the trees behind the lone remaining Phoenix, sawing through one of the massive trees and continuing on into the fifty-ton ‘mechs shoulder.

    “Shit, it’s cut through my SRM launchers!” The Phoenix pilot reported, still as cold as ice. “I’m disabling the limiters on my PPC.”

    “Open fire!” The two Griffins turned and tried to target the Lumberjack but hit their lancemate’s Phoenix instead.

    “Shoot the enemy not me you dumb motherfuckers!” The Phoenix pilot began to reverse his mech and twist out of the chainsaw blade.

    Then, while the Griffins were occupied facing the Lumberjack two more industrialmechs came out of the trees behind them. The Buster industrialmechs hadn’t had many modifications made to them, but they had been given two ‘mech-sized spears and a couple of machine guns that were mounted to the right torso. Taking their spears, they thrust the sharpened tips into the backs of the Griffins before turning and using the extra lift generated by their lift hoists to toss the other two medium war machines into the ground below. And then, grabbing their spears they pointed them directly at the enemy cockpits.

    “This is Lieutenant Daniel Rawley of the Haynesville Militia, power down and surrender your ‘mechs, otherwise we’ll just kill you here, and leave the burnt-out wrecks of your machines behind as a warning.”

    The two Griffins powered down without a struggle while the Phoenix was unable to escape from the chainsaw-wielding Lumberjack. The 70-ton industrial mech simply out massed the Phoenix and eventually breached the reactor safeties on the lighter ‘mech, causing the pilot to attempt an ejection.

    “We had one manage to eject successfully sir,” Victor (Exciter) Wagner reported. “He ejected rather than deal with surrender.” The Lyran cheerfully continued cutting into the medium war machine with his ‘mech-sized chainsaw.

    “What are you doing?” A Buster pilot asked.

    “I’m cutting up the two Phoenix, we’re going to be sending a message here,” The Lyran tore the arm that he had just cut off of the ‘mech and tossed it directly onto the main pathway through the forest.

    “Keep up the good work Exciter,” Lieutenant Dan said before he left the jump seat of the Buster industrialmech that he was riding jump seat in and climbed down the ladder to assist in getting the two Griffins moving.




    June 15th, 3035

    “That’s the third Lance we’ve taken out via this method,” Dan muttered to himself as he looked at the six battlemechs that they had stolen from the occupying forces.

    “It probably won’t work again sir,” Sergeant Smith said from where he was seated. “We’re going to have to do something different or they’ll start catching on.”

    “I’m more worried about what they’re doing to the people in the main cities and towns,” Dan replied. “They’ve been cracking down on minor things and started moving them into camps around the cities.”

    “I’d be more worried about them trying to send in a specialized unit to track us down and kill us,” Smith puffed on his cigar for a moment in thought. “We can start moving people out of the camps, but we’re going to have to be careful, some people will cooperate with the enemy in order to get back to their nice stable lives.”

    “We can work on that once we sort out who is riding in the mechs that we stole,” Lieutenant Dan said as he dropped his face into his hands. “They don’t seem to understand that we can’t really use them yet at this stage.”

    “It’s every PBI’s dream to be able to pilot a battlemech,” Smith chuckled. “Besides, didn’t you claim one of them yet?”

    “No, and I won’t be piloting one at all,” Dan replied. “Not unless it’s absolutely necessary.”

    “We’re going to have to shift locations,” Smith said, “We’re a little too exposed here, and that’s only worked so far because of how green the enemy troops are.”

    “I know,” Dan replied. “I’m trying to figure out what our next move needs to be.” The younger man considered the paper map of the surrounding areas. “The problem is that the enemy is operating off of the same maps that we are.”


    “No, they’re not,” Smith chuckled. “You’re using a map that’s from the Star League era, but they’re going to be operating off of maps from the current day.”

    “Get me a modern map!” Dan jumped up and began to sort through his paperwork looking at the dates that they were printed.

    “Here, I’ve got one for you right here,” The grizzled old noncommissioned officer took a folded-up map out of his cargo pocket.

    “There’s an old railway system that was started by the Department of Mega-Engineering during the Star League Era,” Dan explained. “It was only ever partially finished because they didn’t want to pour that kind of resources into the periphery without a good return on their investment.”

    “And that is important why?” Smith asked as he took another puff of his cigar.

    “It’s important because I know where those partially completed tunnels are, and the enemy doesn’t,” Dan smiled. “We’re going to be able to run rings around them for good while, maybe until our relief gets here.”

    “Well, then I guess we need to start moving then,” Smith groaned as he eased himself up from his chair. “I’ll make sure to keep any troublemakers in line while we are in transition.”
     
    • Chapter One Hundred and Sixty-One: Point-of-View
    • Chapter One Hundred and Sixty-One: Point-of-View
    New Avalon, June 15th, 3035

    “So, the Outworlds Alliance, Word of Blake, whatever we are going to be calling them have taken Inner End, Bastrop, Hazelhurst, Pitkin, Pajarito, Kennard, Haynesville, Tancredi IV, and the other Outworlds Alliance worlds that were taken at the beginning of the Succession Wars. But, they’ve also managed to take several worlds that we have had for far longer.” Hanse explained to the senior officers of the AFFS as he looked at the holographic map of the Federated Suns and the Outworlds Alliance. “The problem is, that we lost all contact with the worlds that have been invaded. There haven’t been any HPG communications nor have there been dropships ferried back since the few Jumpships that were able to escape did so.”

    “Well, we’ve got three RCTs moving in that direction, and more regiments on the way,” Yvonne replied as she viewed the data on the slate in her hand. “Projections show that the Northwind Guard will be at Haynesille by the end of October, with the 1st Kearny Highlanders making landfall on Da Berry shortly before.” Yvonne shifted her data. “The First Marksman RCT is going to be heading for Sterlington at around the same time frame.”

    “We’ve got the forces moving in, and we’re confident that we can reclaim the worlds,” Hanse continued, “The problem is going to be on the logistical side. Most of our munitions depots and factories along with spare parts aren't focused in the periphery.”

    “We’re attaching Mammoth dropships to each counter-invasion fleet,” Yvonne reported. “They may be slightly behind the main forces, but they’ll be bringing the spare parts and assorted goods that might be needed.”

    “We’re sending in engineers with the second wave,” Hanse continued, picking up from where Yvonne had left off. “They will be a mix of civilian contractors and military engineers with instructions to build factories and other infrastructure as necessary to support our advance.”

    “Won’t that cause issues with some of the military contractors?” One of the Field Marshals spoke up with a question.

    “We already had them bid for the contracts,” Hanse explained. “Kallon Industries will be taking the lead on most of the construction, with Lycomb-Davion Introtech following behind.”

    “We’ll be assigning the units for the second wave soon,” Yvonne told the officers. “Continue your readiness drills and await further orders.”




    June 16th, 3035

    “I’m still not sure that involving the corporations was a good idea, Hanse,” Yvonne said as they sat in her office.

    “There are reasons for doing this Yvonne,” Hanse replied. “This way we get to start development of the Periphery March while also working to get the enemy forces out of our nation.” He tapped the files that were in between the two of them. “It’ll be effective, and we have historical evidence to prove it can work. While I agree with Hull about the strategic expertise of Aleksandr Kerensky, he did build and use factories in the periphery to support his push to Terra that are still producing material today.”

    “I know it will work Hanse, I’m concerned about the budget that you’re funneling into this,” Yvonne said. “You’re pouring your personal finances into the Periphery March as well as into Lycomb-Davion. I’m just concerned that you might be pushing too far and too hard.”

    “Yvonne, they killed Ian,” Hanse looked his relative in the eye. “Quite frankly, I’m not sure that I’m pushing hard enough.”

    “Just remember that sometimes taking things slow might be more beneficial,” Yvonne advised.




    Kentares IV, June 30th, 3035

    “Peterson, you and the 1st Kentares are moving out by the end of the week, you’re to push to Dormandaine and hold it before pushing further into the Outworlds Alliance,” David relayed the second wave’s information. “The 2nd Kentares Guard and the 3rd Kentares are being redeployed to areas in the Terran March to ensure that those worlds are protected.”

    “Where is Stone and the 2nd Marksman?” Packer asked with a curious expression on his face.

    “He’s currently still under contract with the Taurian Concordat, they’ve had a recent uptick in piracy and he’s been on an antipiracy contract for six months now,” David replied. “I’m not going to assume that it is a coincidence that piracy surged right before the Outworlds Alliance invaded.”


    “You think that they’re coordinating?” Packer asked as he began transmitting orders to the 1st Kentares Guard.

    “I just don’t think it’s a coincidence is all,” David replied. “If it were just pirates in one area making a comeback then it might be, but every nation is reporting that pirates are not just attacking, but are burning everything they can get their hands on to the ground, right now it’s limited to periphery worlds where there isn’t much production, but eventually it will shift and move to worlds with more industry.”

    “That could be a nightmare sir,” Packer shuddered. “If pirates manage to take and hold ground then there could be significant problems.”

    “That’s why the rest of the Alliance is holding back for now,” David explained. “Any supplies or anything that they might try to contribute is having to be rerouted due to damages.”

    “So we’re on our own for now?” Godbolt asked while perusing her current orders. “Our allies are being tied up in other areas, and we’re having to react rather than act.” She leaned forward in her chair. “We’re being set up for failure here, and I feel like we’re missing something.”

    “The weak points of our alliance are being hammered at,” David said pointedly. “We just have to figure out if it will still hold.”

    “I certainly hope that it does,” Elsa said from her seat beside David. “Because I have a bad feeling about the near future.”





    ???? July 5th, 3035

    “How are our religious friend's fairing?” A gruff figure asked from the shadows.

    “They’re doing well my lord, while green, they are useful as a distraction at the very least,” the other figure replied.

    “Good, we haven’t seen any sign of the Manassas anywhere recently, although one of our bands did drop out of contact recently.”

    “We will keep searching my lord,”

    “Good, it will soon be our time to rise from the shadows,” The figure began to chuckle. “And the Inner Sphere will feel our wrath.”
     
    • Chapter One Hundred and Sixty-Two: Life Lessons
    • Chapter One Hundred and Sixty-Two: Life Lessons
    Hy-Brasil, Former Terran Hegemony Black-site, April 15th, 3035

    “Hull, may we speak for a moment?” Black Watch Major Ian MacIntosh asked me while I was supervising excavation and salvage operations.

    “Of course,” I replied, “Lieutenant, I need you to take over the supervision temporarily.”

    “Yessir,” the junior officer replied. “Anything specific I should know about?”

    “Be mindful of those sections over there,” I replied, pointing over to a cluster of partially destroyed pillars. “DoME might have made some impressive stuff, but even their stuff isn’t immune to water, and there’s some water drainage over there.”

    “Copy that sir, I’ll make sure that we steer clear of that until you get back,” The Lieutenant replied.

    “That works,” I replied with a shrug before turning to Major MacIntosh. “Where to?”

    The other man just gestured with his head for me to follow and then led me on a walk towards the storage facilities of the bunker complex.

    “The Black Watch has come to a final decision Duke Hull,” the other man said after a minute of silence. “We agree with your analysis of the Inner Sphere.” The man let out a heavy sigh. “There is currently no place for the Camerons or the Terran Hegemony in the Inner Sphere.”

    “We could try to carve you out a small state,” I said tiredly, “But it wouldn’t be something that I see being successful unless you do it in the far periphery somewhere.”

    “Not an option,” MacIntosh shook his head. “Carving out a state would just put a target on the children's heads, and moving to the far periphery has risks of its own as well.”

    “I already told you what Natasha and I would like to do,” I told him with a shrug. “Us adopting the children might be the best option for now.”

    MacIntosh just sighed again. “Our last mission was to see to the wellbeing of the Cameron Twins, and although we still have some reservations and questions we happen to agree.” The man stopped and stared me in the eyes with a hardness that I had only seen a few times before.

    “What reservations and questions?” I asked, “If I can help clear anything up then I’ll do what I can to assist.”

    “There’s one serious issue that we have,” MacIntosh continued taking my measure. “Who are you, Mark Hull? You don’t show up on any of our SLIC records searches for the Manassas nor for any of the divisions that were in existence at the time of the Amaris Coup.” His glare intensified. “We have access above and beyond that which even the highest ranked Intelligence agent of the Terran Hegemony might have, and you have never existed aside from some newly created records outside of the year 3004.”

    “Before I answer that question, I have one of my own,” I held up my hands to stall any further interrogation. “How did you manage to acquire any of that information?”

    “You brought a Pueblo class SLIC ship within range of a Terran Hegemony AI,” MacIntosh raised an eyebrow. “Said AI was linked to the HPG network before the virus, and as soon as you accessed the facility and restored the local communications it downloaded copies of all of the records that had been made since the HPG went offline.”

    “You want the truth?” I asked. “Quite frankly, I don’t think you can handle the truth, but I’ll give it a shot anyway.”

    I left my body language open and returned the other man’s glare with one of my own. “I was born on Terra a very long time ago in the Terran Nation the United States of America, one day I woke up on the Manassas with no clue where I was and no idea of what to do next.” I clenched and unclenched my fists. “I had to learn how to repair a K-F drive, refuel and restart a fusion reactor and make my way back to civilization.” I calmed myself down. “I spent nearly three years by myself, with no one to even have a conversation with and nothing to do but spend time honing my body, mind, and combat skills. I racked up over a full year of simulator time simply because that was the closest thing I had to a human voice.” My voice started to crack a bit. “I nearly went insane, and the only thing that prevented me from just ending it all was that I now had an opportunity that few other men or women will ever have.” I took a deep breath. “I had an opportunity to change the path of the future, to help bring civilization back from the brink of destruction. And by God did I seize the opportunity with both hands and find the right people to push us away from disaster.” I let the rage pooling in my gut flow away before I spoke again. “And I’ve done my damned best to do what’s right, regardless of what stood in my way.” I then turned and began to walk away. “Now it’s left in your hands what to do with this information Major,”




    April 20th, 3035

    “Do we have a list of the salvage here Mathis?” I asked, “I want everything we can possibly fit loaded up into the Manassas’ cargo bays.”

    “I’m sending the manifest to your slate now Hull,” Mathis replied while opening up his own tablet and sending over a batch of text files. “Shouldn’t take us more than a few more days to get everything loaded up.”

    “That is good news,” Natasha said as she walked up behind me. “Did our Black Watch friends give us a full response yet?”

    “Not yet,” I shook my head. “Sorry Nat, but I’m not sure that they’re going to go with what we suggested, especially not after me unloading on Major MacIntosh a few days ago.”

    “If he cannot see what is right before him then it is no fault of our own,” Natasha replied while wrapping her arms around me from behind. “We are shutting down the AI?” She asked while looking at the slate in my hands.

    “We’re going to be relocating the AI and the SDS systems over to Kentares,” I confirmed. “We’re taking some of the crew members from the Manassas and placing them on the M-3 Drones to jump the drones out of the system.”

    “You are not concerned the AI might turn on us?” Natasha asked with a touch of worry in her voice.

    “No, Rook and I are confident that we can reprogram it once we’re back on Kentares, but it’ll take some time,” I replied with confidence in my voice. “Hence why we’re going to keep the AI shut down until we’re done the reprogramming.”

    “I do approve of us ensuring that our world is defended, but I think we should be cautious with the SDS systems,” She turned me around so I could see her face and eyes. “The SDS system can be used against us if we are not careful, and I would rather not have to fight off a small Warship fleet to return home should it malfunction.”

    “I’ll do what I can,” I replied. “We may be able to modify the M-3s to have systems similar to the Manassas, which would mean that they would just need less of a crew to function.”

    Natasha and I continued discussing the potential plans for the future before we were interrupted by the sound of someone clearing their throat.

    “Major,” I greeted the Black Watch officer curtly. “Is there something I can do for you?”

    “We’re going to be following your plan,” the man simply said. “But there are some things that we want as well.”

    “And what might those things be?” Natasha asked with crossed arms, not impressed by the Black Watch lance anymore.

    “We want at least one member of the lance to remain as a bodyguard for the Cameron Twins at all times,” MacIntosh began, “And we want assistance in tracking down any of our descendants that might be around. Getting closure is important to my people, and if we want to be effective then we’re going to need some of it.”

    “I can maintain the bodyguard detail,” I said after a moment’s thought. “But I can’t make any promises on finding your relatives.”

    “We’re not expecting miracles, just an effort put into it,” MacIntosh replied.

    “We’ll do what we can Major,” I replied. “But that’s all anyone can ever promise.”


    Author’s note: So, on the topic of the early chapters of BOTH that are referenced here. I almost wrote out Hull going insane and just making landfall on a planet Robinson Crusoe style, it would have ended with the Clans showing up (It’s a habitable planet along the invasion corridor) and Hull being taken as a bondsman after putting up a fierce fight all by himself. That didn’t get written, but should I dive back into BT after this I may do something similar.
     
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