Falcon's Rising

[MarkWarrior]

Alternate beginnings 3

Unknown world, 3049

"This is Star Colonel Marthe Pryde of the Jade Falcon Clan, who do you bid for the defense of this world?" A voice broke into my dreams as I stumbled awake.

"Any chance you can repeat that?" I asked after I woke myself up with my last cup of coffee. "I'm afraid you caught me while I was asleep. Thirty-six hour days are killer on a sleep cycle." I yawned.

"This is Star Colonel Marthe Pryde of the Jade Falcon Clan, who do you bid for the defense of this world?"

I started awake as the realization hit me. Even if they were Clanners, real, live people would be here, and soon.

"This is Mark Hull, I bid myself and my Warhammer to defend this world," I finally replied, leaving my cabin and clearing off the new vines that had grown onto the mech while I was in stasis.

The modified 'mech struggled to start at first, the years having been somewhat unkind to it as the weather had beaten it down, but in the end, the fusion engine rumbled to life as I stripped down to my shorts and hooked the neurohelmet and cooling vest into the bipedal war machine.

–
–
A Summoner stepped out of the distant trees, my eyes telling me what 'mech I was facing even if the Warhammer did not.

"This is going to go poorly," I sighed as Ia pair of lasers narrowly missed, carving burn marks into the my overgrown fields and setting small fires among the dried out corn.

With a twist, I snapped off a PPC bolt, the shot going wide and tearing a tree in half as a slightly smaller pair of beams melted off armor, a small group of missiles detonating against my armor.

I moved closer, my SRMs getting plucked from the sky as I alternated fire with my PPCs, the lack of practice obvious in my lack of accuracy.

I finally reached short range, and forgoing any subtlety, I slammed the throttle down, accelerating from my moderate pace to max in a few short seconds, and then tucking down, I slammed my 'mech's right shoulder into the Summoner.

As the Clan 'mech rocked back, I slapped the button that was carefully labeled "do not touch!", all of my weapons carving away armor and revealing the reactor on the other 'mech before a handful of my double heat sinks failed, my mech shutting down from the excess heat as sweat dripped off my bare torso.

"You fight well for a freebirth," Marthe said as she kicked over my unresponsive 'Hammer and pointed her lasers at my cockpit. "I hereby claim you as my bondsman, Freebirth Hull. Surrender your 'mech and this world to us."

"Powering down now," I replied, shutting down the Warhammer before popping the hatch, the cool air washing over me as I pulled a fresh pair of jeans and flannel from my footlocker and onto my body.

"Well," I sighed and pulled out a cigar I had held onto from the Manassas. "Guess this is as good a time as any."

Lighting the cigar, I puffed on it as a handful of dropships began their descent while a pair of Elementals climbed up onto my 'Hammer.

"Come with us, Bondsman," one of them spat.

"One minute," I replied. "I'm just enjoying my last moment of freedom."

After I finished my cigar, the Elementals escorted me back to the Last of Us while a salvage team began working over my 'mech.

"This dropship is ancient," A woman in typical mechwarrior gear said as I was shoved aboard. "As is the signal that we received when we arrived in this system."

She turned to face me. "You are clearly a survivor from the SLS Manassas. The graves nearby indicate that you are the last to remain. So tell me, relic of the past. How have you survived where others did not?"

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 4

“So tell me, relic of the past. How have you survived where others did not?"

“Honestly,” I shrugged. “I have no idea why I’m alive when others are not. I’m only able to maintain what I have here. And barely at that,” I shook my head. “ I guess I was just lucky. I’ve simply been here farming, It’s all that is left to me after leaving the Manassas. If I’m honest, I didn’t expect to wake up having to fight for my life after spending so long here alone.

Silence fills the Last of Us’s cargo hold as Marthe considers me.

“Come,” Marthe Pryde gives a gesture and the Elemental behind me pokes me forward a bit. “Your bondcord,” She holds up a woven bracelet. “You will need this if you are to serve.”

Grabbing my right hand, she secured the Bondcord on my wrist and nodded as she did so.

“You will serve as my personal technician,” Marthe said as she stepped back. “One day, you may earn your place among our warriors, but for now, you will serve under me. She gives me a considering look. “You are not weak or feeble, so you will train with my Cluster,” Her eyes narrow at me. “And you will learn to speak properly, or there will be… Consequences, Aff?”

“Acknowledged,” I replied. “Anything else?”

“Yes,” She looked at my face. “Your beard and hair are… Unkempt, rectify it, or I will do so. A Bondsman reflects on the Bondholder.”

---

The Jade Falcon Clan techs cleaned up the Last of Us, removing the personal effects and stowing the equipment properly before a handful of pilots climbed in and ignited the Fusion torches, the spheroid lifting off to join a war once again.

“Come, relic, I am senior tech Jasper,” A tech gestured for me to follow him. “You must get fitted for a uniform and acquainted with Star Colonel Pryde’s mech, Quiaff?”

“Sure,” I absentmindedly stroked my now closely cropped beard, the lack of length somewhat bothering me. “Lead the way.”

The Tech glared at me for my nonchalance before shaking his head and motioning for me to follow him.

“Your lack of respect will be your end, relic,” the tech sighed as he gestured to the repair gantries. “I will assume that you are not familiar with more than the basics, and as such, begin your instruction. You will do everything that you are told or I will ensure that you are dealt with harshly by the Star Colonel.”

“Understood,” I looked the slightly larger man in the eye. “Now, are we going to get started? Or are you going to stand around and bitch at me all day?”

–
–

“You are not as illiterate as I had thought,” Jasper finally said begrudgingly after testing me. “You still have much to learn about our systems. But you are… Acceptable for one who was a freebirth warrior.”

After that, the days passed with me learning how Omnimechs worked in detail, with Jasper walking me through setting up the connections and testing me on everything that he taught.

“It’s a shame,” I sighed and shrugged off the small glare I got at the contraction. “I had much better food down there.”

“We secured what food stores you left behind,” Jasper looked at the food we were eating. “There was nothing exotic about them, all that was there were basic proteins and grains.”

“You just don’t get it,” I chuckled wryly as I ate a spoonful of the tasteless soup. “Good food is more than basic sustenance. It is about connecting with others and bonding over a great experience. Give me two hours with some of my chicken and potatoes, maybe some spices. I’ll have you a meal that you’d be salivating over.”

“I shall take your word for it,” Jasper finished his bowl before standing and bringing his bowl to the washing area where he quickly cleaned his eating utensils before sealing them in a bag that he carried with him. “Come, our sleep cycle will begin soon.”

---

The months went by as I trained on Theseus, Marthe Pryde’s personal Omnimech. With the trueborn Star Colonel occasionally coming and inspecting the work I was doing.

“I do not follow the standard configurations,” Marthe informed me one day as both she and Jasper looked over my work. “I find that they are not what I desire for most forms of combat. Jasper will provide you with the likely configurations that I will use. But be prepared to modify those should it prove necessary.”

I remain silent as I look at the Summoner in the dropship’s bay, a frown on my face.

“Continue training him as you have,” Marthe turned to walk away. “We shall be in combat soon, and I require my technician on the ground prepared to do as is required of him.”

“Aff,” Jasper acknowledged before turning to me. “Your training shall be increased, I will not accept one who is inefficient on the battlefield.”

I scratched at my Bondcord absentmindedly as I looked at the Omnimech.

“Lots of work to be done,” I chuckled. “I doubt I’ll be used all that much.”

“The Star Colonel does not make idle statements, Relic,” Jasper disagreed. “You will see.”

—
—

“What is it that you are doing here, Bondsman?” A stocky brown-haired Star Commander asked as I climbed out of the sim pod. “Were you granted permission to utilize the training pods at this time?

“Neg,” I replied as I pulled my technician’s uniform back on. “I only have a few time slots in which I can train. So I take advantage of it when I can.”

“There is scheduled time for the pods,” the man stared intensely. “Seeing as you have failed to make yourself aware of such, minor surkai is owed. Should you ever wish your cord to be cut, you must show responsibility, for one without awareness cannot be trusted on the battlefield.”

“I understand, Star Commander,” I responded. “What would you have me do?”

“Run a maintenance cycle on the pods when I am finished,” the man replied. “I will seek counsel with your Bondholder for your surkai.”

I nodded and stood waiting until the Clan Mechwarrior left the pod.

“Bondsman, who holds your cord?”

“Star Colonel Pryde,” I leaned down and began running the standard maintenance on the pod.

“I shall consult with her,” he redressed himself in his uniform. “Continue performing your assigned duties.”

With a sharp turn, the Mechwarrior walks away, leaving the room in silence as I continued working.

“Clanners,” I sighed. “At least it’s not the Mist Kittens.”

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 5

“Bondsman!” Marthe Pryde’s voice rings loud over the noise of the repair bay.

“One minute!” I yell out from my position elbow deep in myomer muscles. “I think I found the issue, test it now!” I called out to Jasper.

The Myomer muscles flexed as Jasper spiked a bit of juice from the reactor down to it, the muscle finally reacting as it was supposed to now that a piece of debris had been removed.

“Yes, ma’am,” I turned to face my Bondholder.

“I see that you are working on the relic that we pulled you out of,” Marthe crossed her arms as she stared me down. “While it is clearly functional, this ‘mech requires much before it could be considered equal to any mech among our warriors.”

“I am utilizing the damaged Warhammer as a teaching device,” Jasper dropped down from the ‘mech’s cockpit. “It is useful as a base for instruction.”

“Continue working,” Marthe said to Jasper after a moment. “Relic, come with me.”

“Your drive to improve is impressive,” She said after we had exited the bay. “But due to your lack of foresight, you now owe me Surkai for intervening on your behalf. As such, you will be training with me in both close-quarters combat as well as receiving instruction on your place in the command structure. Should you prove yourself capable of learning, I will see to it that a place is cleared on the schedule for you. Should you not, then I will ensure that you face the consequences of your actions, Quiaff?”

“Aff,” I nodded. “I am at your service, Star Colonel.”

“As you should be,” she smirked. “And Freebirth,” She turned to face me. “See to it that you do not put me in a position of owing Surkai again or you will greatly regret it.”

---

“For one with your mass, you are unfamiliar with how to properly utilize it to your advantage,” Marthe said as she released me from yet another hold she had placed me in, my arm straining from the arm bar. “Are you unfamiliar with any of this? According to our records, all who were members of the SLDF were at least somewhat trained in hand-to-hand combat.”

“Basic training only covers the most basic of self-defense,” I rubbed at my left arm where it had been strained. “It was a bit of grappling and that was it.”

“You will need work,” Marthe stood up, bouncing on the balls of her feet. “But I believe you can be taught, even if you are an old man,” she taunted before darting in and hammering my side with a quick jab.

“I am not that old,” I protested.

“Neg,” she shook her head as I barely dodged a snap kick. “You are nearly three hundred years old. Regardless of what methods you have used to survive, your age does not change.”

I lunged forward and attempted to grab onto Marthe’s wrist, narrowly missing as she twisted away and drove her elbow into my solar plexus, driving the air out of my lungs and folding me over as she used my weight against me, throwing me over her head as she latched on and wrapped her legs around my neck while her arms locked my elbow into place.

“Aggressive,” she commented as she breathed rapidly. “While you should be aggressive, your center of gravity was not low enough to prevent me from using it against you,” She released her hold as I gasped for air. “Jasper is trained in hand to hand, you shall learn from him before I instruct you again, Quaiff?”

“Aff,” I gasped out.

“Come, the medtechs shall check you over,” Marthe pulled me to my feet and pointed towards the infirmary. “Permanent damage would harm your value to the Clan.”

---

April 10, 3050 Bensinger, Federated Commonwealth

The dropship burned for the planet ‘below’ as all of the techs continued working hard to ensure that the ‘mechs and elemental suits were ready for combat. Even the slightest mistake could spell disaster here, and there was much to do.

“Go check on those connections,” Jasper pointed at a nearby Adder. “We have been dealing with issues with the omnipod in that one.”

Using a nearby gantry, I climbed the stairs and settled into a position where I could take a look at the inner workings of the ‘mech’s pods.

“PPC link looks like it took damage!” I yelled over to the chief tech. “Might be a simple swap or we might have to change the unit out entirely.”

“Check the linkage first,’ Jasper instructed. “We’ll work our way up from there.”

I disconnected the power from the omnipod before I moved off of the gantry and signaled a nearby forklift operator.

“I need a PPC linkage!” I yelled out over the beeping of his machine.

The operator nodded before spinning around and heading over to where the racks of spare parts were. The operator then grabbed the pallet with his forks and brought it over, lowering it to the level that I needed.

Grabbing the hoist, I strapped the linkage to it and pulled it off of the pallet, letting the forklift go back to the other job he was doing.

And then, with the secondary hoist, I pulled the current link out and began replacing the connections, the repair hopefully working if the omnipod was not further damaged.

Restoring the connection to the reactor, I breathed a sigh of relief as nothing seemed to go wrong.

Climbing over the shoulder of the light ‘mech, I popped the hatch and began running systems checks, the ‘noteputer that I plugged into the Adder giving me a more detailed readout than the cockpit.

“Everything checks out,” I ran the computer through the simulated test firing, the readout telling me that everything went smoothly.

“Adder is fixed!” I reported to Jasper. “Where else do you need me?”

“Your rotation is up, go get some rack time. Star Colonel Pryde will need you on standby to repair her ‘mech.”

Giving a sharp nod, I cleaned the dirt and grime from my face and arms before moving through the cramped dropship to my shared bunk.

The other mechtech I shared the bunk with finished zipping up his uniform and gave me a brief look before walking out and down the corridor.

“I might hate hot bunking,” I sighed. “But at least it’s a bed.” I stripped down to a pair of shorts and crawled into the still-warm bed, my eyes closing as I laid my head down on the pillow as the exhaustion caught up to me.

“Night world,” I yawned. “Next stop, war.”

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 6

"It looks like you took some damage," I mused to the Star Colonel as she climbed down the ladder of her Summoner.

"Some of the defenders showed great skill," Marthe agreed. "Ensure that Theseus is rearmored. And see to it that my pods are swapped to my default configuration. I see no need to expend more ammunition than is necessary for each foe."

"I will get them swapped over," I nodded. "Theseus will be ready when you get back. Are we expecting more combat?"

"We have eradicated the local defenders," Marthe shrugged. "I expect that my cluster shall be repositioned provided that we are a part of the next bid."

She moved to leave before pausing and turning around and meeting my eyes. "Tell me, Bondsman. How would you move to take Terra?"

"Do you want my honest opinion?" I asked, setting down the tools I had collected to begin working with.

"Aff, I desire to hear how you would begin," She folded her arms over her chest.

"Give me a minute," I muttered, moving over to my work area where I had a map of the Inner Sphere that was dated from when the Exodus had begun.

"So," I began as I spread the map out over a worktable. "If your ultimate goal is to take Terra only, then you should stick to as few jump points as possible," I pointed out worlds that would take a direct path to the birthplace of Humanity. "All of your Jumpships have Lithium-Fusion batteries, so you can move through, hit the few worlds that are on the outskirts of Terra to provide you with a buffer zone, and then take Comstar by surprise." I used a marker to draw a small circle around Terra. "But if your goal is to completely take over the Inner Sphere…" I trailed off. "Then you are going to end up grinding to a halt. It might not be now, but eventually, the Federated Commonwealth will build up enough to take back everything that was lost and push you back. The advantages you possess can only take you so far."

"Hmm," Star Colonel Pryde leaned over the map and considered what I had said. "Interesting. I am not the Khan and do not claim to know the mind of my Khan and SaKhan. Your opinion is noted, and I will take it into consideration."

"I may be wrong," I shrugged. "Your momentum might carry far enough to push through clear to Terra. But I would not be certain of it."

"I may seek your opinion as we push further," Marthe said as she allowed me to roll up the map again. "As you were."

Nodding, I glanced out into the trees as the sun began to set, catching a small glint of light reflecting.

"Get down!" I tackled the smaller mechwarrior to the ground as a sharp "Crack!" echoed and a bullet bounced around the interior of the 'mech bay, eventually finding purchase in another tech's leg. Bolting up, I grabbed a medkit and began tending to the other mechtech as an Adder filled the nearby copse of trees with flames from the fixed flamer.

"You're going to be okay," I told the tech as I pulled down tight on the tourniquet, his screams filling the air.

Tightening down on the windlass, I stopped the blood flow before packing the wound and wrapping a bandage around it, and putting pressure down.

"Good work," the medic nodded at me as he and a small group lifted the mechtech onto a stretcher. "A reaction like that is to be commended."

"Thanks," I exhaled, releasing the breath I had been holding while working.

After they carted the wounded man away I sat down and breathed, the adrenaline fading and leaving me a wreck for a moment.

"I'm too fucking old for this shit," I rubbed bloodied hands through my hair as I began to bring my breathing back into control. "I should be retired, not out here patching up youngsters like that."

---

"Theseus is all setup and ready to go," Marthe Pryde considered her bondsman as he stood in front of her desk.

"Relic," She inclined her head after a moment. "You have shown yourself worthy of having one of your cords cut," a knife appeared in her hand as she pulled it from a sheath on her waist. "Your wrist."

Holding out his hand, she grabbed his wrist and cut the first section of the Bondcord off, the braided fabric falling to the ground. "You have shown yourself as courageous after the events of yesterday, and as such, are one step closer to becoming Jade Falcon."

"You are dismissed," Marthe instructed after a moment of silence. "You may continue your duties."
Marthe turned to her terminal and continued working on her paperwork.

"Star Colonel," a knock came on her office door as Darya Pryde entered.

"Star Commander," Marthe greeted the junior officer. "Is there something that I can assist you with?"

"Aff," the other woman entered. "I owe you Surkai. I was on watch and failed to notice the freebirth that nearly killed you."

Marthe thought about this for a minute.

"There is no penance owed," the Star Colonel replied. "We were all found lacking in perception yesterday," she stood up to look the other Pryde in the eye. "We must remember that just because we occupy a world, does not mean that we rule it yet. We must expect that many will not immediately adhere to our ways, Quiaff?"

"Aff," Darya nodded. "They are as bondsmen, and must be instructed properly."

"We will see how long it is before they accept their place among the Clan," Marthe agreed. "But that is something that the occupying forces will have to consider. We shall be pushing forward to our next objective as the Khan commands."

"And where are we to move to?" Darya asked.

"It has not yet been decided," Marthe responded. "First, we are to establish the foothold here, then we move to strike."

"Let us hope that we meet good foes," Darya grinned. "The forces we faced here were barely enough to cause armor damage."

"I believe we will face more capable opponents as we move further," Marthe stated. "If the Scavenger Lords have been at war since the Great Father left, then it makes sense that their lesser forces are here."

"Their elites are likely positioned on the borders then," Darya agreed. "Just as we position lesser Clusters to those clans that we are engaged in trade with."

"Aff," Marthe paused as she thought of something. "Star Commander, how long would it take for us to bring extra forces to bear if we were caught by surprise with a foe that has forsaken Zellbrigen?"

"It would depend on who we were facing," the other Falcon said thoughtfully.

"It would indeed," Marthe replied, her brain running through various scenarios. "Star Commander, you are free to leave. I have much to consider."

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 7

"I think she's up and running again," I wiped my hands off as I looked at the Warhammer that I had finally finished repairing.

"The 'mech does seem to be working properly," Jasper sighed at the contraction. "Should you ever reach a place among our warriors, you may even be allowed to pilot it again. But I do not foresee that happening."

"I have already had one of my cords cut," I replied. "What are two more when faced with the potential to be free?"

"Neg," Jasper scoffed. "You are too old to survive as a warrior, even if you do accomplish your task of having your cord cut."

"We will see," I climbed up the side of the Warhammer and began to check the readouts. "I am confident that I can do whatever it is that I set my mind to. Can you say the same, quiaff?"

"You shall see," the lead technician gestured for me to leave the 'mech. "We have more work to do still, the Omnipods must be changed to suit the preferences of the warriors."

"They are going to run out of ammunition if they're not careful," I noted. "I wish we could convince them to switch to energy-based armaments."

"They will use what they see fit," Jasper shrugged. "We do not dictate what they are to use."

"No, but we get a say in what happens," I shook my head. "They rely on us to maintain their machines, and I won't see us take the fall when they fall short of objectives because they are unwilling to listen. A proper warrior understands how important the weapons at their disposal are, and how to use them most effectively."

"You are calling them wasteful?"

"If they continue to disregard all logistical needs, yes," I replied. "Eventually, something will break. And I'm not looking forward to seeing what happens when it does."

---

August 21, 3050 Blackjack, Federated Commonwealth

"Damn," I looked at the Adder that limped back from combat, closely followed by a savaged Mad Dog. "Whoever they fought this time really put up a fight."

"They were excellent warriors," Star Commander Darya Pryde agreed as she climbed out of her Adder, beads of sweat dripping down her body. "Several of them have been claimed as Bondsman as you were. For junior warriors, they fought with honor, and among them."

"Star Commander," Jasper stepped forward, "Are there any instructions for us technicians?"

"Aff," Darya shifted her gaze to the lead tech. "You will need to mobilize to recover our assets from the field. Several of our warriors have fallen, and their 'mechs will need to be retrieved."

I nodded and moved to climb into one of the recovery vehicles.

"Not you, bondsman," Darya called out. "You are to return with me to the field of battle. We will acclimate the new bondsman to our ways, and you will be useful." She turned and looked at the mangled mess of the ankle actuators on the Omnimech's left foot. "See to it that the actuator is replaced and that I am rearmored, I doubt that we will face serious opposition after the events of today, but I am not a fool."

---

"I'm Mark," I introduced myself to the group of clustered cadets that made up the survivors of the Blackjack Training Battalion. "I can see you've met the new landowners."

"I'll say," the group's oldest member looked me up and down. "I am, was Kommandant Dean Bristow."

"Looks like you gave them hell," I chuckled.

"Tried to, at least," Dean shrugged. "Mark Harris actually managed to take one of them down, and we got two others, but the rest of the unit's dead, and we're what's left."

"I take it you want to know how things will go from here on out?" I asked.

"Seems like you're our best chance of getting a straight answer around here," Bristow shrugged. "Not that our captors have been shady about answering, but it's hard to grasp what they're saying sometimes."

"You're now a member of a caste-based society…"

–
–

"So, we're better off than if we were in Drac hands?" Bristow summed everything up.

"For the most part," I nodded. "There are a lot more cultural differences than you might think though. Their society is about as far from what we're used to as you can get. So, my advice is to listen, try to keep your heads down, and make a difference once you get the chance. You can either try to make a break for the Commonwealth or stick around here. The choice is yours."

"Think we've got a shot?" one of the kids asked.

"SIGINT is good, but these guys aren't exactly the greatest at HUMINT," I shrugged. "At least not yet. So you've got a chance, whether you take it or not, that's up to you."

"We'll talk about it," the Kommandant replied. "Thank you for being willing to be upfront with us."

"I'm in the same boat you are," I said with a sad smile. "Only difference is that I'm probably a bit more pessimistic than you are."

"See y'all around," I walked away, feeling like a stranger to everyone I had met so far.

The Clans, it made sense why I didn't fit in quite well with them, but it was when I met the Lyrans that it truly settled in for me. I was a stranger to this time, to the lifestyle, everything. It was one thing to have a 'mech or some tools that you used to carve a life for yourself out on a lonely rock. It was something entirely different to meet people that you've only ever read books about, who feel like they should be familiar, and yet are so alien and distinct that you feel like you're an entirely different kind of Human.

"Heh," I grunted. "Guess Marthe's right, I am a relic of the past. And I don't know where I fit into this future."

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 8

"What?" I rolled out of bed, sleep still heavy in my eyes. "I just got in the bunk."

"I'm sorry," one of the bondsmen from Blackjack incline his head. "You helped us all out, and I respect that, but I'm afraid you haven't stopped them."

"Because it's possible for one man in a battlemech to stop an invasion," I rollled my eyes at the trainee. "There anything else you wanted to complain about?"

"I'm sorry it has to be this way," he lunged forward with a knife.

Twisting to the side, I deflected the blow to my arm, the edge carving a bloody line through my arm before the man's momentum carried him too far forward.

Rotating, I grabbed his wrist and attempted to lock his joint in place as the blood dripped down my arm.

Driving my elbow into his side, he dropped the knife before catching it in his other hand and stabbing at my side.

"Fuck," I grunted as the knife stopped on one of my ribs.

Adrenaline spiking, and my enemy's knife stuck, I took my chance. Driving my foot into his knee, a sharp "Crack!" Resounded through the air as his knee bent at an unnatural angle.

As the man screamed in pain, I spun behind and pulled him into a choke hold, wrapping my legs around and pinning the rest of his legs while I squeezed as tight as possible.

Only after he had slumped over did I release the hold.

"Medkit," I muttered as I dug through my duffel bag, grabbing my emergency supplies and stemming some of my bleeding before tapping on the intercom system. "I need a medical team in 11-C," I glanced down at the body on my floor. "Might need a body bag too."

As voices began chattering over the speakers, I began wrapping my arm up with gauze, tightly binding it before looking at the knife embedded into me.

I didn't know how to deal with that wound, so I left it alone for now as I took stock of everything else.

He had gotten my leg sometime in the struggle, and I was starting to get lightheaded.

"Not sure if he's dead or not," I slurred. "But he got me pretty good."

---

I woke up to the sound of medical devices beeping, and the smell of the cleaning agent that hospitals have used for over a thousand years.

Blinking away the black spots, I noted that the room was darkened, and the slight light that shone through the window was that of a distant moon.

An IV was embedded into left arm, and my right was wrapped in bandages, with the Bodcord that had been there missing entirely.

"I see you are awake," a doctor entered the room. "You lost quite a bit of blood. And, had his knife been a centimeter up or down, you would not be among the living. As it is, you are healing nicely. I expect you to be back and able to perform most of your duties in two weeks."

"Is there anything else?" I asked.

"Neg," the doctor shook his head. "Rest and recover. The Clan needs all of its warriors."

—
—

"Star Colonel," I nodded at Marthe as I entered her office. "You wanted to see me?"

"Aff," she stood up and moved closer to examine the bandages. "Your cord was severed in your struggle," she held out a new one with only one strand. "Your opponent killed two of my warriors in the night before attempting to do the same to you," she brought out a knife and cut the cord. "You are no longer a Bondsman, but are one of the Jade Falcon Clan. When you are capable of it, you will be piloting your relic into battle as a member of my Star, Quiaff?"

"Star Colonel," I interjected. "What if I do not desire to be a warrior? I have found peace with working as a technician."

"You are wasted as a mere technician," Marthe's voice brooked no argument. "I will not waste resources," she paused. "But I understand that a replacement will need to be trained. I will allow you time for that, and then you will take your new position."


Author's note: A handful of smaller chapters after the hurricane. But at least I'm up and writing again.

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 9

"Jasper," I nodded at the lead tech, moving to do a final inspection of my 'Hammer. "Just the armor, right?"

"I do not understand why you wish to continue utilizing outdated technology," Jasper shook his head. "But yes, we have completed the armor upgrade."

"My Warhammer already has better tech than most of the Inner Sphere," I shrugged. "I'm not quite the warrior or pilot that the others are, and I'm not going to take weapons away from those who might use them better."

"Will you never learn to speak properly?" Jasper sighed.

"Not if I can help it," I chuckled, turning and walking away. "I've used contractions all my life, Jasper. And I'm an old man, I'm not likely to change the way I speak now."

"Fine," Jasper bit out. "Now leave, Warrior, I have to train your replacement."

"Alright," I turned and began to walk out of the bay. "Let me know if you need any help with the Star Colonel's or my own 'mech. I'll be willing to help out wherever I can."

"We shall see," Jasper began working again. "We shall see."

---

September 11, 3050 Leskovik, Federated Commonwealth

"I take it they did not respond to the Batchall?" I asked Star Commander Darya Pryde.

"Neg," her Adder shifted as it pulled ahead of my 'Hammer. "They have not, and aside from the few that contested our landing, there were none to face us."

"Which means that we are to find them and ensure that they are destroyed," one of the Elementals clinging to my armor laughed. "We will find them and crush them beneath our talons!"

I merely sighed and followed the Star Commander's lead, my 'Hammer keeping pace with the Summoner, Hellbringer, and Adder.

"'Mech powerup detected," Betty informed me, the computer identifying a Commando as it raced ahead, the 'mech dodging the few shots that were fired as it moved away.

"Begin pursuit," Pryde ordered before she swapped channels. "Star Colonel, we have found the enemy. He appears to be heading toward the refinery."

"Understood," Marthe replied. "Dispatching a Binary to assist, Quiaff?"

"Aff," Darya shut her comms off before taking off, her light 'mech taking the lead as the rest of us followed, the Elementals clinging onto our 'mechs.

I slowed down as I scanned the area, something felt off about this situation, but I couldn't put my finger on it.

"Star Commander, I believe we should slow down, there is the potential for this to be a trap."

"Are you a coward?" Darya asked, her Adder pulling ahead as it struggled to keep pace with the Commando.

"Neg, I merely believe that we should exercise caution," I began flipping through my various vision modes, scanning for anything that might be present. "This is their home, and they will be prepared to do what is necessary to defend it."

"This is Star Captain Roshak, I will be taking command from here," an arrogant voice sounded on our channels.

"Aff," Pryde's Adder dropped back as a pair of Mist Lynx overtook her, followed by the rest of the binary.

As the now trinary moved further into the refinery, my 'mech's sensors screamed at me, twenty-four targets appearing as the light 'mech's active probes fed us intel.

"You ready to die?" A grim voice asked over the open channels as a Thunderbolt stepped forward, a pair of lasers burning away armor and forcing the light Mechs to evade directly into prepared lanes of fire.

"Demolishers!" I barked. "They'll core a 'Mech if you're not careful."

"Freebirth scum," one of the other warriors scoffed as his Mad Dog took fire.

I backed up my Warhammer, sniping at a few of the 'mechs and vehicles as I tried to keep track of everything around me.


As the Star Commander's Adder darted in front of me, the entire complex seemed to vanish in a wall of flame before us, the explosion sending my 'Hammer flying backward as the Elementals struggled to hold on to the handholds that had been added on while my head slammed into the console in front of me.

–
–

I blinked away the black dots that swarmed my vision as I shut off the screeching gyro, hitting the switch before taking a deep breath.

"Someone hit the fucking tanks," I swore as I restarted my gyro, the scream continuing for a minute before evening out and allowing me the balance to stand upright again.

"Damn," I looked at the dust cloud that had been kicked up. "Anyone else alive out there?" I broadcast.

"My 'mech is crippled," Pryde coughed. "But I am here."

Checking my magscan, I moved to her 'mech, noting that there were still a few Elementals that were attached to the handholds.

The Adder's legs had been shattered in the explosion, the Omnimech face down in the concrete where it had been thrown.

"I see you, Star Commander," I replied. "I'm going to see if the Elementals are able to help get you out while I search for more survivors."

There wasn't much left for me to find. The Summoner was on its back, the evidence pointing to the pressure triggering the ejection, and the Hellbringer's armor was charred, the pilot within unconscious and unable to respond to communications.

A loud sound hit my cockpit as I continued searching, an Elemental signaled for me to open my hatch.

"Star Commander," I greeted the lithe woman as she unfolded the jumpseat in my 'mech and allowed the Elemental to leave. "Are you wounded?"

"Neg," she attached the cooling lines to her vest and grabbed the headset. "I should have listened. No one would have expected a defender to sacrifice themself in this manner."

"We should probably contact the Star Colonel," I sighed, turning to face the younger Pryde. "She'll want to know that most of a Trinary is gone."

"Yes, she will," Darya began tuning the comms gear, not even bothering to correct me on the contraction. "Continue coordinating with the point Commander, hopefully, we shall find some other survivors in this."

 

[Tel Janin Aman]

So he's 70 something including cyro, but biological how old is he? I know he's going to outlast every falcon alive but I'm curious by how much.

 

[MarkWarrior]

Call it 15 years of cryo. Hull appears in the Inner Sphere when he’s 27 in the year 3000. Add 49 and you get 76ish. Biologically he's around 55-60. Maybe younger if ROB got involved a bit.

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 10


"There will be an investigation," Darya cautioned as I escorted the recovery vehicles back to the dropships. "I expect they will exonerate us, but until then we will be under suspicion."

"I am just grateful that we managed to locate the majority of the trinary," I glanced at my sensors at the few Omnimech limping ahead of us. "Real shame about Roshak though," I said sarcastically. "I was hoping he wouldn't make it."

"Roshak genestock only rarely produces reliable warriors," she replied. "That he was arrogant enough to ignore the advice of his scouts means that he will likely find himself stripped of his position."

"Half of the trinary will be unable to fight for at least two months, and that includes almost all of our Star," I checked the sensors again, if I were one of the defenders, I would hit us now while we were wounded.

"The investigation will determine whether we are Dezgra or not," Darya scratched Gray's ears. "Regardless, there will be consequences for all that were involved."

We entered the area under direct control of the 2nd Falcon Jaegers. A Binary falling into an escort position, led by the Star Colonel's Summoner.

"Once you have reached the Mech bay you will power down and surrender your 'Mechs," a stern voice ordered. "This Trinary is being detained pending an investigation."

---

"Written reports are to be submitted within the next twelve hours," the Star Colonel stood with her arms crossed as Darya and I climbed out of my 'Hammer. "The trinary is to be detained until the investigation is completed."

A point of Elementals confiscated our sidearms and any blades we possessed before escorting us to an enclosed room with the standard report forms before us.

"There is to be no speaking of any kind until you have submitted your report. After it has been completed, you will be escorted to a cell where you are to be held until the investigation has been completed."

I sat down at the table and cracked my neck and knuckles before petting Gray for a bit, tapping the pen between my fingers nervously for a few seconds before I started writing.

It had been decades since I'd written an incident report, but it's you never forget once you've been properly taught.

After documenting everything that had happened in the patrol, I set the pen down, rubbing at my sore wrist before raising my hand to signal that I was finished.

"Follow me," he filed the report away before gesturing for me to follow him, Gray padding silently beside me as we reached the designated cell. "You will be here until further notice, any wounds will be seen by physicians based on order of severity."

–
–

"I see they have placed us together," Darya raised an eyebrow as she entered the room under the watchful eyes of the Elementals.

"Seems like," I shrugged from where I lay on the ground, Gray's head resting on my chest. "I assume that everything in the cells is recorded."

"Indeed," she said as she stripped off the light jacket she'd been wearing, revealing her tank top and shorts underneath. "Now, tell me, what was life like outside of the Clans? I have heard that you were found on a remote world alone, and I would know what your experiences were."

"Whelp," I sat up, shifting Gray's head to my lap. "I spent a lot of time alone," I began. "Prior to the Exodus, I was just your average civilian. But after the Manassas suffered a misjump…"

—
—

"Your tale is interesting," Darya sat on the other bunk, her brow furrowed as she thought about my story.

"Now, I have made several attempts to couple with you after our bouts of twining," she glared at me. "I would know why you have avoided such."

"Don't get me wrong," I looked her up and down. "You're very attractive. But I'm old enough to be your grandfather. And it'll take a bit more than a bit of eye candy to make me break down and decide to pursue a romantic relationship again."

"What would coupling have to do with a romantic relationship?" Darya asked, a bewildered look on her face. "It is merely a an enjoyable experience."

"Maybe for you," I leaned back against the bunk, allowing Gray to warm me in the cold air of the cell. "But I did not start out accustomed to your ways. And I will not acclimate to all of them. Particularly your custom of coupling with no other recourse," I smiled. "The only way we engage in recreational activities is if we start with a relationship."

"I will not pretend to understand at the moment," she locked eyes with me and smirked. "But when I do, you will be mine."

"Lord save me from horny Clanners," I closed my eyes and laid back on the floor, the cool ground easing some of my lower back pain as Gray curled up into my side.

---

"Hit," Darya said, tapping the floor.

"And that's a bust," I laid out a jack. "Dealer's win again."

"This is such an interesting game," she said as I reshuffled for another round of Blackjack. "Do you have any more games that we may use to pass the time? Or do you have more stories?"

"Well, I didn't used to like card games all that much, but I do know how to play a few others," and did I tell you about how I encountered and captured her kind?" I gestured towards the Octo-Wolf curled up in the corner.

"Neg," she shook her head. "None are familiar with how you tamed her. And few are willing to approach after the tale of how she assisted with you fighting off your assailant."

"Here girl," I instructed, patting her down and offering her a treat when she obeyed. "This is Gray, I know her species is not actually canine in nature, but given their characteristics, I named them Octo-Wolves. Given they have eight legs and all."

"That much is obvious," she snarked.

"I first encountered a pack when I was tracking an isolated Elk, and when I had followed it for a few days, I noticed that there were other tracks around. So I laid a few snares, and accidentally caught the pups of the litter. Both a male, and a female. Unfortunately, the pack fled after I captured them and they also managed to get the Elk I was after, so I brought them home and began feeding them, and after twenty years of training and breeding, I had a full pack that would assist around the farm. Gray here, she was the runt of the litter, so I had to baby her a little so she would survive."

"She was the runt?" Darya looked at Gray, realizing that her shoulder came up to the middle of my ribcage . "How large were her pack mates?"

"They are only a bit larger than she is," I replied. "Given I nursed her, it meant that she was not as stunted as she would have been otherwise. But she did bond to me in a special way, so I trained her more than her siblings," I scratched the aforementioned dog's neck and she thumped the floor with the legs on the opposite side. "But she got a bit spoiled in the process."

"Would you mind showing me some of her training?" Darya asked. "We will be spending a large amount of time here, after all."

"Might as well." I shrugged. "It is that, or more cards."

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 11

"Investigation is over," an Elemental opened the cell door. "Report to Star Colonel Pryde for further instructions."

"Ugh," I stretched, a bit of my spine popping as I leaned back before standing up. "Need help?" I held out my hand.

"I do not require assistance, old man," Darya smirked, spinning up and onto her feet.

"Fine," I laughed. "Let us get moving."

We left the cell and followed the Elementals until we reached the Star Colonel's office.

"The investigation has been completed," the Star Colonel stated as Darya and I stood at attention. "Star Commander, your Star has been exonerated from any wrongdoing and we have identified the cause of the explosion. There was a stray missile from Star Captain Roshak's Mad Dog. Said missile impacted one of the natural gas tanks and the resulting explosion is what caused the damage to the Trinary."

"What of my Star?" Darya asked. "How is their recovery?"

"Your warriors are intact, and their 'Mechs have been repaired," Marthe glanced up at the two of us. "And Star Captain Roshak has been demoted to Star Commander. Should you challenge for his position, you may take command of the Trinary, Quiaff?"

"Aff," Darya replied. "I will Trial for it."

"The Trial of Position will be held at dawn tomorrow," the older Pryde stated. "It is unaugmented and will be between you and the other three Star Commanders. Should Roshak prove himself capable of winning, he will be allowed to regain his rank."

She then dismissed us with a wave of her hand, the Elementals showing us out as we headed for our quarters.

"Star Commander!" James and Liliana stood up as we entered. "It is good to see that you remain alive and unharmed."

"We were found to be not responsible for the destruction of the Trinary," Darya said after a moment. "But I suspect that we will still be found Dezgra for taking such losses from our own. After all, is it not shameful that the damage was not from our foes in honorable combat, but was instead an accident? Neg, I believe that we will participate in this next wave and will then be relegated to garrison duties.

"I guess we will have to try and avoid that fate then," I shrugged. "And if we are considered Dezgra, we will simply have to pull ourselves back into a frontline unit."

"Regardless," Darya sagged as she sat in a nearby chair. "We will need to rest. And I have a Trial of Position tomorrow."


—
—

"I'm pretty sure what you are thinking of doing is not resting," I woke up as a feminine form crawled into my bunk.

"I do not desire to couple at this moment," Darya sealed herself against my side. "You have made your wishes absolutely clear. I merely desire comfort and a good rest."

"Fine," I closed my eyes. "Don't try anything though. I'm not anywhere near ready for that sort of thing."

"In time," she replied, shushing me with a finger on my lips. "Now hush, I am trying to sleep."

---

"Darya," I gently shook the Star Commander awake. "It's time to get up, the Trial of Position is in an hour."

She slowly stretched and removed the covers, standing in a sports bra and a pair of shorts before she walked over to the nearby closet, removing a fresh uniform and carrying it into the nearest restroom with her.

"Hull, should I succeed in this Trial, I expect for you to challenge for my position," she stepped out after a few minutes. "Neither James nor Liliana are the sort that I would trust to lead the Star. And I would not entrust my warriors to one like Roshak."

"Would he be the one to take your place?" I asked.

"Not if you managed to beat him in a trial of Position," she replied, a smirk on her face. "If you think you can accomplish it, old man."

"I'll certainly try," I shrugged. "I'm not doing unaugmented unless I'm forced to though. I'm not in favor of having to try and compete at a disadvantage like that."

"Wisdom," Darya turned to leave. "Only a fool would attempt to fight at a disadvantage."

"And is Bidding not fighting at a disadvantage?" I asked. "After all, you try to eliminate the number of forces which you are allowed to use."

"Neg," She replied. "It is designed to eliminate waste, and only bring ruin on those who are challenged."

"It fails when it comes to reality though," I commented, lacing up my boots and following her to the Trial's location. "Instead, the system fails to allow for upward movements. If you are not one of the Warrior Caste then you cannot bring a Grievance against a Warrior or one of the Scientists."

"Aff," Darya frowned. "It was not always so, but the Khan did away with the Inter-Caste Councils and reinstated the Grace of Preeminence Clause. Something that many disagreed with. Now, enough of such talk, there is a battle to be fought and glory to be won."

–
–

The local star began to shine over the horizon as the Circle of Equals assembled around the four combatants.

Only two of them were known to me though, Darya and Star Commander Roshak were the two that I had become acquainted with.

All four were placed at cardinal points around the circle, with Darya facing Roshak and the other two facing each other.

At the signal given from Star Colonel Pryde, the four closed in on one another, with the two ganging up on Roshak before Darya struck from behind, taking opportunity to drive her foot into the back of a knee before jabbing her elbow into the back of a skull as he fell, the man's eyes rolling up into the back of his head as he fell from the blow.

Then there were three, and the field ran with blood and sweat as first Roshak fell, then the last unknown, leaving Darya triumphant.

"Star Captain Darya Pryde," the Star Colonel stepped forward, her voice ringing. "You have succeeded at this Trial of Position, and as such will take command of Trinary Gamma. You will be responsible for rebuilding your forces and ensuring that you are combat capable. Should you not accomplish this in a timely manner, you and your Trinary will be relegated to one of the garrison Clusters, Quiaff?"

"Affirmative," Darya inclined her head. "I will see that it is done."

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 12
One week later…

The Trial of Position for command of Darya's old star was much smaller than the one that She had participated in a week prior.

But all the same, I had chosen augmented combat, and Roshak had shown up with a knife.

The man still had bruises from the previous Trial, and it was clear that he wasn't fully recovered.

But all the same, he had fifty years on me, and as I had learned a long time ago, it only takes a few seconds for a grown man, even one who was beat up to cross thirty yards.

So I blinked and he was about to stab me, the knife headed for my stomach before I shifted out of the way and snapped a fist into his face.

Roshak Grunted as he shifted with the blow before bringing the knife around and into my arm, the blade carving a bloody furrow through my right bicep before I snapped my arm down around the hand that held the knife.

Driving my left palm into his wrist, I forced him to drop the knife onto the ground below. Then he withdrew his hand and drove his elbow into my ribs and I felt something give before I snapped a kick into his leg, the already weakened ligament giving way as I wrapped an arm around his throat and pulled tight, weathering his blows until he finally stilled.

"Damn," I glanced at my bicep, a wince forming as I looked at the wide line running through the tattoo.

The worst part was, I wouldn't be able to get it fixed. Tattoos weren't a common thing in the Clans, and those few that existed were normally small things.

"Roshak," I said after the Trueborn finally woke up. "You are a good warrior, but you have much to learn. If you are willing to learn from my instruction, you will find yourself more capable, Quiaff?"

"Aff," he blinked rapidly, his brain catching up to what was happening. "I have been found wanting and will submit to your authority."

"Come on," I extended a hand. "I will introduce you to the rest of the Star. And then we will work on the rest."

–
–

"There will be limited support from orbit and aerospace wings on this op. " Darya informed us as she moved her rebuilt Adder out of the Overlord-C that had recently set down, the escorting fighters still fighting off the enemy ASF overhead. "The defenders have fallen back and we aren't aware of there position at the moment. But regardless, we are to avoid damaging the mines as much as possible. Their contents will assist the Clan in maintaining our Touman. Now, sound off."

"Beta Star, ready status?," I queried.

"Elemental point, Ready op," Point Commander Eustace reported.

"This is Roshak, Ready op." The Mad Dog was kitted out in Alternate Configuration S, as we wanted to prevent logistical strains.

"Liliana, Ready op," Her Hellbringer was slightly modified from the Prime Configuration, the machine guns having been stripped along with the ammunition for extra armor after the events on Leskovic.

"James, Ready op," the last Mechwarrior reported.

"Star Commander, this is Beta Star, we are Ready opI reported, my 'Hammer moving forward at a steady pace, my point of Elementals clinging onto handholds that had been welded on.

"Trinary is ready op," Darya reported. "Be advised, the warriors of this world have refused our Batchall. They may attempt to ambush us."

"Keep your heads on a swivel and your sensors on," I informed my Star. "No one wants a repeat of the gas explosion, Quiaff?"

"Aff," the Star repeated.

---

"Contact!" I reported. "I have fast movers on sensors, looks like they are heading for us."

"No ID on what kind of hovercraft they are, the Warbooks are coming up blank" Roshak reported. "They appear to be of shoddy manufacture."

"We got an ID on the weapons they're packing?" I asked.

"Neg," was the last response before the hovercraft were on top of us.

Twisting my torso around, I watched the massive tracer rounds of an AC/20 pass over my shoulder when the hovercraft passed by, the Elementals holding on seemed frozen before one jumped onto the hovercraft as it passed, the laser on its wrist eating away at the craft.

At the same time, Liliana's Hellbringer nearly fell to the ground as a burst from two autocannon stripped the armor from the legs, her only saving grace that some of the fire missed.


As the last of the craft passed, James, Roshak, and I fired our long range weapons, my PPCs swatting one out of the sky as the other two each targeting others, their targets spinning out of control before hitting the ground.

Then, the fourth of the eight hovercraft began smoking, and an Elemental leapt from the wreckage as the craft spun out, his jump jets carrying him back to the handhold on my 'Hammer.

"Liliana, status!" I barked.

"Armor state red," she reported. "I can see daylight through parts of my armor."


"Pull back for a rearmor" I ordered. "And try to doge next time, you are not in an Atlas and able to rank hits like that, Quiaff?"

"Aff," she responded. "Pulling back now."

"What about the rest of the fast movers?" Roshak asked. "Should we not pursue?"

"They are being handled," I replied as distant explosions sounded. "The Star Captain assigned us to our position for a reason.

A flurry of LRMs erupted from over the horizon, and distant explosions erupted as the other four hovercraft we dealt with.

"Good kills, Quiaff?" I asked Darya.

"Aff, Beta, we have solid kills. Gamma Trinary, begin sweep for more sensor contacts. We have yet to fully eradicate the rats that have overrun the mines."

---

Star Colonel Pryde considered the information before her and sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose to stave off a headache.

The mines were a thorn in her side, the local defenders had moved all of their gear deep inside and could not be detected until they popped out to fight. Her galaxy was whittling them down over time, but they had stalled out here over the last several weeks.

"We cannot afford to remain here for long," Marthe muttered as she considered the Wave 5 plans. "But we also cannot have such an enemy remain to attack us."

"I will take to the field, perhaps we can lure them out with the appropriate bait…" Marthe muttered, standing from her desk and heading for the 'mech bay. "After all, pests are always caught with the right trap."

Stepping out of her office, she headed for the 'Mech bay, Theseus hungered for a solid battle.

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 13
September 25, 3050 Parakoila


"Gamma Trinary, remain powered down, if we are to sell this ruse, then everything must be perfect," The Star Colonel instructed as Theseus moved through with a star for an escort.

"I really hope they take the bait," I tight beamed over to Darya. "Otherwise this could go very wrong, very fast. And we already had to piece the Trinary back together."

"Aff," she sighed in response. "There is no telling what lies hidden in the depths of those mines. Nevertheless, we must do as we are bid."

"I have got everything tied to a hot switch," I leaned back and scratched Gray's chin. "Just waiting for the command to move."

It was a story that had happened throughout history, of troops assembled and relocated and then told to wait.

I unstrapped and moved back, opening the small refrigerator that was kept in the back and pulling out a sports drink.

"Here," I grabbed a small bowl and filled it with some water. "Drink up, girl, it might get a little hot in here soon."

Gray wagged her tail as she lapped up the drink, jumping back onto the Jump Seat before barking at me.

"I'll strap you back in," I secured her harness and cooling vest before sitting down on the command chair. "Now let's see what we have to do."

After I sat back down, explosions erupted in the distance and I nearly reached for my start-up button as a voice came in through my Comms. "Wait one," Darya seemed to have read my mind. "It is not yet time."

So I stopped and waited, the sounds continued and my heart pounded in my ears as everything inside of me wanted to join the fight.

"Gamma Trinary, power up and move to Nav Point Beta," Darya commanded. "Beta Star, you are on overwatch, do not allow any of them to escape our net."

We all powered up and moved over the hill, and could now see the battle before us. Intel had said that there was only a battalion guarding this world. Intelligence was wrong, there were over two battalions of 'mechs, assisted by the odd vehicle and converted technicals mounting one-shot SRMs or LRMs.

And in the middle of the combat, was Star Colonel Marthe Pryde. Her Summoner, Theseus was laying waste to every enemy that crossed her path as her command Trinary fought for survival.

Shifting my 'Hammer into motion, I commanded my star to take positions to block the enemy from reaching the mine shafts if they attempted to escape.

Darya's Adder moved into the melee, her omnimech configured for close range for once, foregoing the PPCs entirely in favor of a brace of Medium lasers and a few pods devoted to SRMs.

Spotting a Blackjack trying to limp away, I twisted my triggers and lined up my twin PPCs on the center torso, the twin beams of Man-made Lightning carving into the weakened armor and setting off the autocannon ammunition that was stored within, the pilot ejecting as his 'mech exploded around him.

"Good kill," James confirmed, his PPCs hammering at a Locust that skirted the edge of the battlefield. "Shall we move in, Quiaff?"

"Neg," I replied. "We hold here. If we move and they are able to escape into the mineshafts we could be stuck fighting them for weeks, months, or years."

As I spoke, a Grasshopper, Thunderbolt, and Warhammer broke off from their engagements to swing toward the mine entrances.

"Point Commander Thastus, I want that Grasshopper intact as salvage, Quiaff," I ordered the point of Elementals that was holding onto the bars welded onto my 'mech.

"Aff," Eustace, Elemental replied, him and his comrades waiting for the opportune moment to strike.

The Thunderbolt faltered as an autocannon hammered at its knees from behind, revealing Darya Pryde's Adder as it shredded the heavy 'Mech's armor until she stood and pointed a trio of lasers at the cockpit, the heavy 'Mech powering down in surrender.

The five Elementals jumped from my 'mech toward the Grasshopper, two of them being burned out of the sky by medium lasers before the remaining three shifted to the head, dodging the arms of the heavy 'mech as it tried to shake them off.

And then there was one, the enemy's 'Hammer was low on armor, but it focused on me to the exclusion of all else, and I was fresh.

As my doppelganger drew close, his PPCs splashed against my shoulder and left leg, damaging my armor but sending his heat rocketing up.

"Two can play that game," I smirked, squeezing the trigger on one of my PPCs, the beam melting armor off before I staggered my lasers across his 'mech's torso.

"Why is a goddamned Davion 'mech fighting for the Clans?!" The enemy roared as his missiles scattered across my armor.

"Davion?" I asked, my own missiles tearing away at his 'mech. "Neg, this 'Mech was the property of the Star League Defense Force and was stationed aboard the Confederate-Class dropship Last of Us."


As we continued our duel, a tight beam communique pinged my Battlecomputer, the ancient tech responding to the handshake as the original IFF for my 'Mech was displayed on the enemy's computers.

"So the rumors were true," the voice grew angrier. "You are the revenge of Kerensky for our sins. Well, if I'm going to hell, I'm taking as many of you down there with me as I can!"

The man's 'Mech burned white hot as he launched a savage alpha strike, and then he vanished from our sensors as if he were a ghost.

Thankfully, his shots were scattered across my armor, and the wire overlay only flashed orange in most places, barring my SRM rack that winked out as the openings were sealed shut.

"Fuck," I breathed. "Fucking Phantom mech bullshit."

I could see the other Warhammer through my cockpit, steam was rising off of it as any moisture in the air boiled away. And then it started moving, its lasers carving away as I tried to close into melee before something hit my gyro, seizing up my 'mech as the enemy moved into the mines behind me.

"Star Commander, do we have confirmation that the enemy has been destroyed?" Darya asked as I restarted my gyro, a screeching noise coming as I limped forward.

"Neg," I shook my head. "The enemy disappeared from all sensors after we began engaging. I believe he managed to escape into the mines."

"This failure is noted, but not disastrous," The Star Colonel's voice cut into our comms. "We have eradicated much of the enemy forces, and as such may now move our garrison forces on site while we prepare for the next wave."

Author's note: Not much to change for this chapter. More some minor tweaks and changing tone in a few places to match that of the rewrites.

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 14(Rewritten)

"Ugh," I sagged into the lone chair in my quarters, my knee reminding me that I wasn't young anymore as I dropped my report and the sensor data from the fight on the small desk.

Thankfully, I had kept a heated rag in a nearby steamer, and opening the drawer, I pulled it out and set it on my knee, a sigh of relief escaping as some of the pain and tension eased.

Then I began combing through the sensor scans from my Warhammer, the Bobby B had a Star League Era sensor and computer suite, and there had to be something I could use to take down a Phantom 'Mech user buried deep within somewhere. Psionic bullshit or not, I would figure out how to take them down without artillery.

"Entering!" Darya walked through my door without knocking, pausing to glance at my knee and what I was inspecting. "The techs said that our sensors were working perfectly," She commented as she looked over my shoulder. "And what occurred does not look like Null-Sig or any of the other methods that the Star League or the Clans possess."

She paused, and then began removing her clothes, stripping out of her Tank top, sports bra, and shorts, completely ignoring modesty as she reached into the small shower and turned the water on. "What do you think it was? And how would you combat it?"

"I have no idea," I shrugged as I turned my attention back to the sensor scans from right before the enemy Mechwarrior triggered the most bullshit ability in this universe. "He was still clearly visible to the mark one eyeball though. So there's got to be a way for us to handle him if he appears again."

"Let me finish up, and then I will join you," Darya stepped into the still cold water as I picked up a notepad and began jotting down potential ways to deal with the new threat, getting absorbed in my thoughts before a slender arm dragged me away from my headspace.

"Hmm," Darya stepped out of the shower and considered the report, a new pair of shorts and a bra now covering her up. "Arrow IV's rely on a 'Mech's sensors or TAG," she hummed. "TAG does not rely on a 'Mech's sensor suite. "However, you are failing to consider something crucial in that," Darya leaned over my shoulder, pressing herself into my back. "Elementals do not require sensors to fire their weapons, they are able to aim with nothing more than their own senses if needed."

"So artillery or Elementals," I stroked my gray-streaked beard. "How many Elementals will be left behind for garrison duties though?" I asked. "I fully expect for this mechwarrior to appear and wreak havoc once we have left, and I would rather not sacrifice any of our people if it is unnecessary."


"It will largely be Solahma that remain behind," Darya responded, pulling on one of my shirts, over her current gear, the sight doing things to parts of my anatomy that I would rather remain still at the moment."Still, we should document the ways that this can be defeated and leave them behind. If the garrison commander does not listen or heed our advice then it will fall upon his head, not ours," Darya closed my notebook. "Now, you need a turn in the shower, you reek."

"Alright," I stepped into the shower and pulled the curtain closed before stripping down. "Don't erase my ideas!" I called out as I turned on the spray of icy water. "I'm not done documenting everything yet!

I finished up and dressed myself in a set of PT gear,the SLDF logo embroidered onto the olive drab shirt and black shorts.

Then I stepped out of the shower and glanced over at the table.

Darya was seated in the chair I had vacated and was correcting my notes and analyzing the sensor data I had printed out.

Everything in her focused on figuring out the mystery that lay before her, to the point that she ignored Gray padding up beside her and laying down at her feet.

"We shall have to report your findings to the Star Colonel," the Star Captain said after she snapped out of the strange state she had been in. "If the rest of the Inner Sphere has portions of this technology, then we will encounter them when we least expect it."

"I'm not sure this is tech," I sat on my bed, scratching Gray's chin as I laid down and stared at the upper bunk.. "It seems too organic for it to have been something triggered on purpose. After all, if he had possessed this technology, he would have used it to ambush us before that battle. He could have killed us off one by one via Trial of Possession if he had it."

"You are correct," Darya closed the notebook. "We shall bring this to her attention in the morning," she stood up from the table, snuggled under the thin blankets beside me, and was fast asleep on the shared cot while I lay there staring at the ceiling for a few moments before allowing sleep to claim me as well.

---

"Star Captain, your report," Star Colonel Pryde glanced up from her terminal, her fingers continuing to fly across the keyboard.

"It is all in here," Darya handed the folder to her Commanding officer. "As are those of my Trinary."
"Excellent," the Star Colonel looked back at the terminal.

"We also have documentation on potential ways to combat the technology that we encountered," Darya offered the Galaxy Commander the papers. "I would advise we leave this for the Garrison Commander as well as distribute it to the rest of the Clan. Should they encounter anything similar, it would ensure that they are capable of dealing with it."

"One example of such technology does not matter in the grand scheme of things," Marthe tossed the write-up onto a small section of the desk. "Should we need it, it is available, but I do not expect for us to encounter the likes of such again, Quiaff?"

"Aff," Darya replied a bit hesitantly.


Then the Star Colonel stiffened as a message flashed across her terminal."Star Captain, select someone to take charge of those who are not Bloodnamed in your trinary," she met Darya's eyes. "The IlKhan is dead, and we are to return to Strana Mechty to elect a new one."

–
–

"How did it go?" Mark asked as he moved around the small kitchenette, pulling a small plate of bacon out of a toaster oven.

"The Star Colonel dismissed our concerns," Darya sagged into a chair as Mark slid over a plate ladled with food. "She did not consider this incident worth taking note of."

"Then it's on her head," Mark sat down across from her and bowed his head for a moment, his lips moving briefly before he began eating. "We brought critical information to her attention and she ignored it. Anything else is beyond our responsibility. Unless we are able to directly speak to the garrison before we depart."

"That is an option," Darya began eating, pausing to enjoy the flavors that were unfamiliar to her. "But I do not believe that it will work. The Star Colonel's word is as law unless we are willing to challenge her decision."

"Like I said," Mark shrugged. "We did our jobs. If people above us aren't willing to listen then it is on their heads," he went completely silent as he ate the eggs, bacon and other breakfast foods that he had made.

"The IlKhan is dead," Darya finally stated. "All Bloodnamed warriors are to return for the election of a new one. I am leaving you in command of the Trinary while we are gone, you will likely answer to the garrison commander," Darya sipped at her coffee. "I expect to find this 'Phantom' dead upon my return," she smirked. "And you in charge of the garrison should things go poorly."

"God, I hope not," He leaned back and stretched, a few cracks coming from his spine as he tilted his head from side to side. "I have enough to do without getting into politics or more paperwork."

"Stranger things have happened," Darya raised an eyebrow. "After all, is there not a Ristar among Clan Wolf that began life as a Bondsman?"

"That is fair," I shrugged. "I guess we will see what happens while you are gone."

"Indeed we shall," she stood up and cleaned off her plate. "Let us hope that things move swiftly, there is still much to be done, after all."

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 15(Rewritten)

"Ricardo, how goes the training?" I asked the temporary commander of the Elementals that made up several points in Darya's Trinary.

"We have analyzed the documentation that you and the Star Captain provided," the giant man replied. "We believe that you were correct in our odds of facing and taking this attacker. Even if he does possess equipment that makes him invisible to your sensors."

"There are other ways to attack," I shrugged. "I have been over our 'Mechs with the Technicians, and we believe that we have happened across a few workarounds."

"Regardless, we are training to take them down should they show themselves," the muscled mass stroked his chin. "But I suggest we wait until the garrison commander has made his decision. After all, regardless of whether we are frontline combatants, he remains in charge of this world, quiaff?"

"Aff," I yawned. "Thank you for the update. Try and get some rest, I do not believe that we are finished fighting for this world as of yet."

–
–

"I have overcome both Samurai and Free Worlds League Mechwarriors, I made 'Mech Ace in the war of '39, And I, Captain Ralph Oliver challenge the Jade Falcon Clan for the right to this world."

"Well?" I glanced at the Star Colonel with a raised eyebrow. "How are we to respond?"

"What is your bid?" the Star Colonel asked.

"I bid three lances of 'Mechs and vehicles," Oliver stated. "What would you bring against me?"

"Sir," I spoke up. "I bid myself and my binary."

"Neg," the Star Colonel shook his head. "I will go with my Binary, should we fall in battle, then you will ensure that they do not retain a hold on this world, Quiaff?"

"Neg," I disagreed. "I will hold to the results of the Trial."

"Then you yourself will command one of my Stars," the Star Colonel stared at me. "We will succeed, or we will all perish."

He then turned on the comms device.

"I bid one Binary, now transmit the designated area and time. We will decide this on the battlefield."

"Respectfully," I glared. "You're wasting these people's lives."

"You are dismissed, Star Commander," he turned away.

Turning smartly on my heel, I left the building the Star Colonel was using as his HQ and headed to the small cluster of prefabs that had been set aside for the Trinary.

"The Star Colonel has decided that you will not be participating in the upcoming battle," I sighed as I looked at the Trinary. "He is bidding his personal Binary, and to ensure that we succeed or fail, he has placed me in command of his second Star."

"It is nothing that we did not expect," James shrugged. "There was always a high likelihood that we would be ignored."

"Beta, Epsilon," I looked at the two points of Elementals that were a part of the Trinary. "I still want you suited up and ready to go. I'm concerned that this may end up with me shot in the back should things go sout."

"Understood," Beta's Point Commander gave a sharp gesture and his four warriors began moving to their suits to check on the maintenance. "We will be ready, Star Commander."

–
–

The Binary assembled and began moving towards the battlefield on which we had encountered the defenders in the last engagement, the Star Colonel led us in his Timber Wolf, while the rest of our forces were made up of older model, second line and solahma unit 'mechs.

The Star that I led consisted of my own Bobby B, an Archer C, a Griffin IIC, a Lupus, and a Shadow Hawk IIC. Despite my reservations about this mission, I was going to do my job.

"Star Commander, you will provide support, array your forces as needed."

"Archer, you will take the hill and hold, Lupus, you are to provide support, Griffin, you're with me," I shifted to cruising speed as we followed the Star Colonel's Star the battlefield where the three lances awaited him.

"Arrogance suits you well, scum!" a duo of Demolishers backed by a pair of SRM carriers rolled out of the mine entrance, closely followed by the Warhammer and a pair of clearly damaged medium 'mechs. "You and your warriors die today, God as my witness."

"Arrogance," I scoffed. "I see barely two lances here, where's your third at?"

As I spoke, a quartet of hovercraft sped through the battlefield, a mixture of missiles, lasers and autocannon flashing before they left the battlefield, armor melted and blasted off in their wake.

"Griffin, Shadow Cat, focus on the hovercraft," I ordered, moving to back up the lighter 'Mechs of the other man's star.

Unfortunately, I was too late to do anything as the enemy's Warhammer strode forth, Twin streams of lightning crossed the field, the beams melting armor to slag on the lone light 'mech among our forces.

The Talon limped, one of it's actuators having been damaged as weapons fire was exchanged between the lines, each 'Mech and vehicle pairing off to face another.

Captain Oliver, meanwhile, didn't care. As he turned and stripped the knees off the Talon before focusing on the Timber Wolf.

The Archer pilot saw a window of opportunity as forty missiles streamed from his 'Mech, a pair of emerald beams following suit as a Demolisher was hammered by missiles, the lasers melting off the tracks on one side as the 'Mech destroyer stalled in place.

But the guns were not silent, and the Demolisher's turret rotated, twin bursts of ack-twenty fire coring out the Clint IIC that was on the battlefield, an ejection seat leaving as the medium fell to the earth.

So far, it was an even exchange, as the skirmishing hovercraft made another pass, their weapons finishing off the crippled Talon even as the Griffin IIC pilot hit one with a large laser, the hovercraft spinning out before detonating against a nearby cliff.

I focused on the other 'Hammer, relying on the bypass that the techs and I had worked out earlier, my missiles and lasers only scoring armor as the other pilot dueled with the Timber Wolf.

Then, the unthinkable happened, an SRM carrier detonated, but not before dumping every single one of its SRMs into the lone assault 'Mech among our forces, the gauss rifle detonation sent the 'Mech falling to the ground as the Gyro gave way.

The crippled Demolisher then shattered the cockpit glass before the Lupus finished it off with a pair of lasers, the turret melting into slag.

"Star Commander, requesting permission move in for engagement," the Archer pilot stated over our comms channel.

"Neg, remain on overwatch," I replied. "We may have need of both you and the other heavy before this is done with."

"Having trouble?" Oliver taunted as his Warhammer closed in on the Omnimech, ignoring the rest of the battle around it as it vanished from all sensors, the lasers and machine guns honing on the Star Colonel and shattering his cockpit, the 'mech slumping to the ground as the immobile Demolisher finished off the last of the Star below.

"I want that Demolisher's crew as Bondsman," I ordered as I squeezed off a pair of PPC bolts into the last SRM carrier, the vehicle going up in flames as the ammunition detonated, crippling the nearby Wolverine as it did so.

"Finish off the rest," I ordered. "I've got the 'Hammer."

I pushed my 'mech's reactor up to full speed as I moved into brawling range, the enemy I was facing seemed to be a mirror of what I might have been in another life.

"I see that you didn't get enough before," a weary voice greeted me over the comms "When I bring you down, the Clans will be forced to leave."

"Unfortunately, I don't think we're ever leaving," I replied.

Ducking underneath the barrel of a PPC, I used the pre programmed settings to fire the medium lasers in my torso, the beams carving away at his already weakened armor as the trio of hovercraft met their ends.

"You just couldn't leave well enough alone, could you?" Oliver's voice seemed to soften as his 'mech took a full brace of missile fire and lasers now that we were too close for me to miss. "I didn't want to have to do this, but Sometimes, needs must."

"Fuck my life," I backpedaled, driving my 'Mech as fast as I could, a foot forcing the enemy back as an ejection pod lifted away from the enemy 'Hammer seconds before a white flash erupted.

 

[Artifex]

Ahhh, clanner stupidity and arrogance strikes again. Another Star Colonel dead... I guess that means Mark is now in command of the garrison forces, or will he have to perform the dance in the Ring of Equals for the position? Wonder what Marthe will be saying about this.

 

[Blasterbot]

Ahhh, clanner stupidity and arrogance strikes again. Another Star Colonel dead... I guess that means Mark is now in command of the garrison forces, or will he have to perform the dance in the Ring of Equals for the position? Wonder what Marthe will be saying about this.

"Clearly I made a Great call in taking that bondsman" Alternately "Oh no my elder kohai has surpassed me"

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 16(Rewritten)

"Warning, reactor compromised shutdown eminent," Betty warned as I slowly came to, the straps of my command the only things preventing me from falling to the cracked cockpit glass below.

The displays were still functional, if barely, and the wire framework display of the Bobby B's layout and armor was flashing red, indicating that everything was barely functional.

The gyro spun, but only barely as I used the bare stubs of my PPCs to stand. Where the enemy Warhammer had been was only a crater, and everything within it was gone. "Star Commander, what is your status?"

"Armor state is critical," I replied. "I have received injuries as well. Likelihood is that my reactor is going to shut down momentarily."

"Standby, we have recovery teams moving in, the Batchall has been won, and there is glory to go around."

"Copy that," I responded as the post adrenaline crash began to set in, the reactor on my 'Mech finally shutting down as I popped open the hatch and cool air began to fill my cockpit.

"Whelp," I sat down and let my legs dangle out. "I'm alive. That's more than I can say about more than a few people."

I laid my head against the bottom of the cockpit and exhaled slowly, closing my eyes and drifting off as I waited for a recover team to come and collect both me and my 'Mech.

–
–

"Ahh good, you are finally awake," a cheerful voice greeted me as I opened my eyes to nothing but blurs. "You took quite a blast. So take it easy for a moment."

"I don not remember falling asleep,"

"You were just outside of the blast radius of a 'mech's reactor going critical," the nurse explained. "If you recall, you managed to get your 'Mech back up onto its feet before you passed out," she sat down and pulled out my chart. "Right now, your leg is in a cast due to a minor fracture. We should have it off in a month, but until then, you're not to participate in any Trials, augmented or otherwise."

"Oh," I glanced down at my left leg, finally realizing that it was bound up, the cast extending from my ankle to just below my knee. "Any other injuries of note, doc?"

"Take it slow, you nearly tore the cartilage between a few of your ribs," she glared. "I have asked your Star to ensure that you rest and recover until you are healed. You are far from the first warrior I have dealt with, and I do not want to see you back here again with an injury because you refused to acknowledge orders from my caste."

"Fine," I leaned back in the hospital bed. "May I request for some of my books to be brought to me?"

"That will be acceptable," she nodded. "Should that be the only thing you do, I will be pleasantly surprised."

---

"Star Commander," The man now in charge of the Garrison nodded as I limped into the office. "How fare your injuries?"

"I am going to be limited ot paperwork for the next month or so," I took a seat as the Star Captain gestured. "You wished to speak to me of something else though?"

"Yes," the man nodded. "We have reviewed the Battleroms and were impressed with the way you led a star into combat. Unfortunately, it is believed that you are too old to continue serving given the injuries that you sustained after the other Warhammer's reactor went critical."

"Then what is to be done?" I asked.

"You are being folded into the Nega Garrison Cluster on Quarell," The Star Captain sighed. "It is against my recommendation, but I am not able to hold a Trial of Refusal for you."

"Am I allowed to keep my 'Mech?" I asked. "I would not see it scrapped if I am capable of repairing it."

An aid stepped forward and whispered into the Star Captain's ear for a minute.

"Your Warhammer is currently with the Technicians," the Star Captain met my eyes. "You will be shipped out after it is repaired."

"So I am now Solahma?" I raised an eyebrow.
"It has been decided by those who are above me," the other man sighed. "Given your combat record of late, I would rather have you among my warriors, but I was rejected, and the bidding did not favor me, so I withdrew my objection."

"Will any among my current Binary be shifted with me, Quiaff?"

"Neg," he shook his head. "It is just you that has been remitted. However, I believe that two of the pilots that were among the Star you commanded in the Trial of Possession wish to depart with you."

"Thank you for the information," I inclined my head. "Now, if there wasn't anything else?"

"No, you are dismissed."

---

"We're going to have a lot of work to do," I glanced at Jasper, a frown on the technicians case at both the contraction and how damaged the Bobby B was.

"How?" He asked, his hands gesturing at the exposed myomers and nearly destroyed chassis.

"Enemy reactor went critical," I shrugged. "Now, can we fix her?"

"We can," he sighed. "But I am uncertain if it would be worth it instead of simply pulling another one from the depots."

"I know there were spares on the Last of Us," I referenced the dropship that had been with me when the Clans had found me. "May we not utilize those if they are available?"

"You would use inferior technology?"Jasper asked.

"It is not so inferior as you might think," I shrugged. "Besides, I only need the myomers and the structure. I can utilized the PPCs that were onboard my old ship. They will serve me as well as any of the most current technology will."

"We will take what we need from those spares," Jasper replied. "But I will not removed the weaponry that you are currently making use of. You will have need of it in the future."

"I'm being shifted to a Garrison Cluster," I chuckled. "I doubt I'll be using them all that much."

"We shall see," Jasper then turned his full attention to me. "Now go and see to it that your Binary is well taken care of. We will handle this, Quiaff?"

"Aff," I replied. "I will help out where I am able."

"You are injured," Jasper looked at the leg that was in a cast and then glanced at my torso where a hint of white peeked out from my uniform. "There is nothing you could do to assist us at present."

"Fine," I grunted. "But I'll be checking in regularly."

"You know that we will do good work," Jasper smirked. "Instead, enjoy the time that you have with your fellow warriors. It is not often that they are able to spend time with one who is as old as you are."

"Asshole," I began to limp away. "Take care of her!" I called back out. "She's one of the only things I've got left."

I slowly limped into the barracks for the Trinary, a bark and a dark figure panting as Gray met me, her tail wagging fiercely.

"Hey girl," I leaned down and stroked her head behind her ears. "I'm sorry I left you here, I'll definitely be bringing you with me next time. I missed our adventures."

Gray licked my hand before following me to the assigned bunk where she climbed into my lap and curled up, her warm body bringing me peace as I slowly petted her soft fur.

"Let me get some rest," I rolled over and curled up with the Octo-Wolf. "I think we're going to have a busy few weeks."

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 17

"Mark Hull," a voice greeted me from where I was packing up my meager belongings into a small duffle bag. "

"Yes?" I turned to where a man and woman were cautiously eyeing Gray. "I am trying to pack, is there anything I can do to assist you?"

"We requested to join you in the Nega Garrison Cluster," The man entered the room. "We were a part of the Trial of Possession."

I threw the last of my clothing into the bag before standing up fully and looking at both of them.

The woman carried herself differently than the man, there was more of a certain… Aura of confidence that surrounded her.

"I apologize," I offered as I slung my bag and whistled for Gray to come to my side. "But it seems that you have me at a disadvantage, for you have my name, but I do not seem to have either of yours."

"Anastasia," The woman considered me.

"Thomas," the man nodded. "We are already considered old, and though we are not dezgra, we can see that you are a Ristar. We would follow in your quest."

"Quest?" I asked, straightening my clothes a bit before glancing around the room to make sure I hadn't missed anything.

"You will surely seek to join a line unit, Quiaff?" Anastasia asked. "We would join you. We have been a part of the Solahma for long enough."

"And we are not like the others, content to laze about in their places," Thomas continued. "No, we want more. So, Star Commander. Where you lead, we will follow."

"It's not going to be an easy route," I looked at both of them, my hand falling to stroke Gray's silky fur. "You will face many challenges if you wish to follow me."

"Anything is better than remaining stagnant and languishing here until we are discarded," Anastasia muttered. "In our pursuit of youth, we have fallen into the folly of forgetting that age has merits. I would change that."

"So," Thomas looked me in the eye. "What do we do next?"

–
–

"Try to keep Darya alive," I told Liliana and James. "She shall need some good backup if Marthe decides that she does not appreciate being challenged, Quaiff?"

"Aff," James replied. "See to it that you live. It is a sad world where a warrior is removed from the field of battle."

Liliana remained silent, simply exchanging a nod with me before turning and heading back to their barracks.

Walking up the ramp, I boarded the dropship and headed to the quarters that had been assigned to the two warriors who had decided to accompany me. There was much to discuss and plan, and never enough time to do it in.

---

Date: December 1, 3050
Location: Paulus Prime

Darya quietly observed the massive fleet as they began to wink out of existence on the path back to Strana Mechty.

"It's a sight, isn't it? All of those ships and 'mechs and warriors heading off to one place," an unfamiliar voice said as an older woman stepped up beside Darya.

"It is not the first time I have seen it," Darya replied. "But it is interesting to see so many gathered together instead of competing."

"There'll be plenty of time for competition later," the woman laughed, her red and gray streaked hair tied into a loose ponytail. "Now, I've heard some rumors that your cluster happened upon an incredibly rare find," the older woman grinned. "And no one else will tell me anything except that you're his commanding officer. So," the other woman shifted her arms across her chest. "I want information, little bird."

"And what would you have to offer in return, Wolf?" Darya asked, turning her gaze to meet the slightly taller Kerensky's eyes. "I am not one of those who worship the very ground that you stand on. But neither am I set against you. So, I will repeat myself. What do you have to offer in return?"

"I like you," Natasha grins as she leans against the wall. "How about this? I've still got a bottle of 3010 Glengarry Reserve. You and me polish that off while discussing the old man you Birds picked up on your way in."

"I suppose that would be an equitable exchange," Darya replied, gesturing for Natasha Kerensky to lead on.

–
–

"And the wolf, she is always cuddled up with him," Darya giggled a little bit as both her and Natasha drank another shot, their faces flushed bright red. "But they both are deadly."

"And he was just living on a farm?" Natasha asked.

"It was as if he was content to simply enjoy his life on the world without a care in the world," Darya leaned back against the bunk. "But he was obviously a warrior at sometime. Because he nearly destroyed the Star Colonel's Summoner in the Trial. Had he been a bit more accurate, he would have dealt with her and been left alone once more."

"You brought him with you, right?" Natasha tossed back another shot. "I want to meet someone who once would have known the life before all this shit."

"Neg," Darya shook her head. "I left him in command of my Trinary, He was the most capable out of those who remained."

"Damn," Natasha grunted. "And here I was hoping to meet him," She shrugged. "Oh well. So, you tried anything with him yet?"

"He is surprisingly resistant to such advances," Darya sighed. "I have indicated on multiple occasions that I would like to couple, but he refuses to engage in such."

Natasha sat there silently for a moment before continuing.

"He's going to be different," she finally said. "Spheroids aren't the same, and sex is more to them than mere pleasure. It'll take more than a pretty face and a pair of nice tits to catch somepeople's attention. And don't even get me started on people who haven't had sex in years," Natasha rolled her eyes. "Lemme tell ya, some people just refuse to enjoy a good time when it approaches…"

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 18

Author’s Note: I do not own the Jade Phoenix trilogy that portions of this chapter are lifted nearly directly out of. I have tweaked passages to somewhat reflect the changes, but the real change hasn’t happened yet…


“What do you think, Horse? Should I have gone in and razed Vreeport the moment the people Rebelled?”

“That is what I would have done. But that is all in the past. Why do you still think of it now?”

“I am wondering about Khan Chistu’s representative. Why send someone here? Does it have to do with some policy of mine for which I am to be reprimanded? It is a long trip to take for a simple bureaucratic censure, after all.”

–
–

Several hours later…

“The Shuttle from the dropships has landed,” Horse informed Aidan. “I would have come for you sooner, but they gave us no advance warning. The Khan’s representative is on his way here in a VTOL.”

Aidan immediately stood up from his desk and made his way to the parade ground where he watched the tilt-rotor craft appear in the west above a small cluster of trees before settling down onto the landing platform.

There, an aide assisted the Khna’s representative in disembarking the VTOL, for he seemed to be in barely one piece. He limped and one of his arms was held stiffly at his side, as though it was useless. A half-mask covered one side of his face.

Aidan did not recognize the Khan’s representative until he was but a few steps away. He might have noticed something familiar in the man’s posture or bearing, but that would have been all.

Now that he was before him, though, he was easily recognized. No matter how disfigured, this was obviously Kael Pershaw, a man that Aidan could never forget.

He and Kael had hated each other almost on sight when they were on Glory. And if the steady glare was any indication, then the other man’s sentiments had not changed much.

Looking at Kael, remembering him, Aidan discovered that his own sentiments were equally unchanged after all these years. From the moment he recognized his former commander, Aidan despised him all over again.

“May I offer you a drink?” Aidan asked after he and Kael were settled into his office.

“You can offer, but there is no point in my accepting. My stomach, is well, reconstructed, and my sens of taste is useless now. I am completely sustained by pill and injection. When I have thirst, I merely suck on a wet cloth, and it does all I need. But go ahead and serve yourself.”

“No,” Aidan replied. “I have only occasional use for spirits. Now, seeing you again, I prefer to remain cold sober. I notice that you are a Star Colonel.”

“A mere Star Colonel,” Pershaw’s remaining eyebrow rose. “Do you mean? Yes, if I were still in command of a fighting unit I would have a higher rank. But age, as well as—” He made a gesture that seemed to take in all of him. “-- Injuries have made me unfit for command. Officers of an advisory capacity may not outrank commanding officers still in the field. Thus, I am demoted to Star Colonel, the rank, I believe, I held when we last encountered each other.”

The two continued to reacquaint themselves for a few moments more before Pershaw finally got to the point.

“I can do nothing to remove this taint, Aidan Pryde, and I am here to convey a decision that will no doubt add to it. As you know, the Falcon Guards Cluster was nearly demolished by the action in the Great Gash on Twycross. This is the only major defeat that Clan Jade Falcon has suffered in this invasion, and it has tainted the Falcon Guards, just as you are tainted. Dezgra.

“Yes, but were the guards not the victims of secretly planted demolition charges and–”

Pershaw nearly rose out of his seat in anger. “You do not make excuses for yourself, nor do you make excuses for the Falcon Guards! Adlet Malthus was too arrogant. He should have scouted the pass properly before leading so many ‘Mechs into a confined area. He should not have accepted an honor duel with an Inner Sphere Freebirth, not stopped his command in the middle of the Great Gash.”

“Kael Pershaw,” Aidan continued. “Who knows what command decision another commander. Myself included, might have made in the same circumstances, with the same intelligence data.”

Pershaw’s visible eye blazed with fury. “Good! Good! Then perhaps, in your own arrogance, you are the proper choice to command the new Falcon Guards!”

Now, Pershaw did attempt to rise out of his chair, but as he was unable to achieve the proper balance, he fell right back into it.

“I am to command the new Falcon Guards, Kael Pershaw?”

Pershaw laughed. “That was the gist of the message for which I am the messenger. All survivors of the former Falcon Guards will be transferred out and a completely new contingent will be formed, with you at its head. Do you see, Aidan Pryde, what I meant about taint? You are the only available officer who would not be insulted by such a command, and I can see in your eyes that you are not.”

“The assignment means front line duty, does it not?”

–
–

“But how you handle this new duty is your responsibility. My task is merely to inform you that you are detached from your present duty to meet with your new, uh, warriors. They will be assembling on Orkney’s southern hemisphere, at a training field called Mudd Station. You will not have much time to form up your Falcon Guards and whip them into any kind of shape. You will soon go into battle.”

“How soon?” Aidan asked.

“That has not yet been decided. The Khan has authorized me to brief you, but until all announcements are official, you must regard our conversation as secret. I have your rede, quiaff?”

“Aff.”

“Comstar is no longer neutral. The ilKhan informed them that our objective is Terra, and they refuse to allow us to occupy their home planet.”

“Then we must be concerned about the Comstar Administrators on our planets rising up against us,” Aidan protested.

“No. The Comstar Percentor Martial has issued a batchall to ilKhan Kerensky, which has been accepted. Comstar has arranged with ilKhan Kerensky for a single battle between the Clans and the Comstar military forces on a planet named Tukayyid. A Clan victory will mean the prize of Terra is ours. But if we lose, the ilKhan has agreed that our forces will not advance for a period of fifteen years.”

---

Location: Mudd Station, Orkney, Jade Falcon/Steel Viper Occupied Planet

The rain fell around us all as I stepped off of the dropship, my uniform instantly transforming from pristine to muddy and wet as I walked toward the base.

Gray’s coat dripped water as we entered the base, and her shake slung water over the walls before I pulled a towel out of my bag and wiped it up. Then, I shifted and began to pat her dry for a moment.

“There,” I stroked her head. “Now I get to deal with my own clothes.”

“Star Commander,” I glanced at the voice that greeted me as I wiped mud off of my boots.

“Star Colonel,” I snapped to attention as I noticed the ranking pins.

“Come with me,” the man instructed, his face still as if it had been carved from stone.

“Take a seat,” the Star Colonel ordered, gesturing as we entered an office, he himself taking a seat across from me while his shadow stood leaned up against the wall. “Now tell me. How did you manage to convince anyone to allow you onto the Falcon Guards? A unit that is known for only rarely allowing freebirths.”

“I pointed out that you lacked people willing to serve,” I shrugged. “I am old, but I am not incapable. And I lack the Dezgra of many of my compatriots. I have fought with the 2nd Jaegers with distinction and I have challenged and won against those who would attempt to stop me.”

I then went silent as the other man first considered me, and then glanced at the Octo-Wolf sitting patiently next to me.


“Report to your Trinary, Star Commander,” he finally said. “I believe that you are next upon the training block that Star Commander Joanna has set. See to it that you remain fit for duty. And ensure that your… Pet, as it were, does not interfere with your duties.”

“Yes sir,” I stood up and left the office where someone showed me the direction of the Trinary’s barracks.

The two warriors that had chosen to travel with me originally had not been assigned to the Falcon Guards. Instead, they had been shifted to replace warriors that had been lost against the Steel Vipers in the last year, which left me alone in a new unit, and no back up to speak of.

–
–

While I didn’t agree with everything that our two Falconers (Read: Drill Instructors) said during our training, there was one thing that they got damned right. And it was that it wasn’t enough to fight as an individual when you were a part of a military force. No, you were a part of a unit, and it was high time that these people acted like it.

It was with this in mind, that I helped make sure that everyone in my Star performed up to the tasks that were required. We were on time to drill, and our uniforms were immaculate before we participated in whatever it was that the Drill Instructors had called for.

It was miraculous what could happen over a period of two short weeks, but it seems that even in a military as broken as a Clans, that all that was needed to bring a force back into fighting shape was to remind them of their roots. Provided they were willing to learn once again, that is.

But I could feel something, a tension in the air. There was something brewing on the horizon, and while I didn’t know what it was yet, I had a feeling that everything would come to a head soon. And that it would end with either me alive and well among the Jade Falcons, or dead and my concerns over and done with. Regardless, something was coming, and I would be ready for it.