Blasterbot
Well-known member
Falcons gonna Falcon. at least they aren't Smoke Jaguars.
-
The Sietch will be brought offline for HPG systems maintenance tomorrow (Thursday, 2 May 2024). Please remain calm and do not start any interstellar wars while ComStar is busy. May the Peace of Blake be with you. Precentor Dune
Falcon's Rising
- Thread starter MarkWarrior
- Start date
But will Mark be able to kick enough sense into the Falcons to turn them into something interesting?
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
That depends entirely on how long he survives/how far up the totem pole he pushes.
Chapter 12
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Chapter 12
"Whelp, this sucks," I glanced down at my right bicep, the blade of Roshak's knife having cut through a large portion of the tattoo that was there. With the word Valle having been nearly erased by the gash and the Certamen at the bottom taking damage as well.
"Hold still," a medtech glared at me. " If this wound is not dealt with then you could lose an arm to infection."
She continued to clean out the knife wound before putting an some sort of antibacterial cream inside the wound and wrapping it up in a bandage.
"This is all that I am allowed to do," she moved to a sink and began washing her hands. "You are to allow it to heal as it is or you may be challenged again before you are fully healed. I do not recommend you attempt to accelerate the healing process. You are well enough to utilize your 'mech, Star Commander, that should be sufficient for your needs."
"Thank you," I nodded to her. "I'll take good care of it."
I stood up from the stool that I had been on while the medtech treated me and left the medbay, a sigh leaving my lips as I headed toward the mechbay.
–
–
"There will be limited support from orbit and aerospace wings on this," Darya informed us as she moved her rebuilt Adder out of the Overlord-C that set down. "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 op," I reported, my 'Hammer moving forward at a steady pace, a star 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 repeated to my Star, they were young, replacements for the ones we had lost in the gas explosion. "We don't want to lose anyone due to a surprise attack."
"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," a Kit Fox pilot reported. "Looks 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, a Stormcrow fell to the ground as a burst from two autocannon tore the knees off.
As the last of the craft passed, the Kit Fox and I fired our long range weapons, my PPCs cutting two of the craft out of the air as the light Omnimech downed one with a one two punch of his laser and LBX.
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.
"James, 'Mech status!" I barked.
"Legs are out. I will need a recovery vehicle Quiaff?"
"Aff" I replied. "Next time, do not assume that you can take a direct hit from anything. Avoiding the hits is more important. Resources are scarce, and if you waste them consistently like this, there will be consequences."
"What about the rest of the fast movers?" The Mad Dog next to me asked.
"They are being handled," I replied as distant explosions sounded. "We know where they are coming from, and so if you know where they have to return then you can plan certain things."
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, solid kills. Gamma Trinary, begin sweep for more sensor contacts. We have yet to fully eradicate the rats that have overrun the mines."
Marthe 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."
"Whelp, this sucks," I glanced down at my right bicep, the blade of Roshak's knife having cut through a large portion of the tattoo that was there. With the word Valle having been nearly erased by the gash and the Certamen at the bottom taking damage as well.
"Hold still," a medtech glared at me. " If this wound is not dealt with then you could lose an arm to infection."
She continued to clean out the knife wound before putting an some sort of antibacterial cream inside the wound and wrapping it up in a bandage.
"This is all that I am allowed to do," she moved to a sink and began washing her hands. "You are to allow it to heal as it is or you may be challenged again before you are fully healed. I do not recommend you attempt to accelerate the healing process. You are well enough to utilize your 'mech, Star Commander, that should be sufficient for your needs."
"Thank you," I nodded to her. "I'll take good care of it."
I stood up from the stool that I had been on while the medtech treated me and left the medbay, a sigh leaving my lips as I headed toward the mechbay.
–
–
"There will be limited support from orbit and aerospace wings on this," Darya informed us as she moved her rebuilt Adder out of the Overlord-C that set down. "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 op," I reported, my 'Hammer moving forward at a steady pace, a star 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 repeated to my Star, they were young, replacements for the ones we had lost in the gas explosion. "We don't want to lose anyone due to a surprise attack."
"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," a Kit Fox pilot reported. "Looks 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, a Stormcrow fell to the ground as a burst from two autocannon tore the knees off.
As the last of the craft passed, the Kit Fox and I fired our long range weapons, my PPCs cutting two of the craft out of the air as the light Omnimech downed one with a one two punch of his laser and LBX.
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.
"James, 'Mech status!" I barked.
"Legs are out. I will need a recovery vehicle Quiaff?"
"Aff" I replied. "Next time, do not assume that you can take a direct hit from anything. Avoiding the hits is more important. Resources are scarce, and if you waste them consistently like this, there will be consequences."
"What about the rest of the fast movers?" The Mad Dog next to me asked.
"They are being handled," I replied as distant explosions sounded. "We know where they are coming from, and so if you know where they have to return then you can plan certain things."
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, solid kills. Gamma Trinary, begin sweep for more sensor contacts. We have yet to fully eradicate the rats that have overrun the mines."
Marthe 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."
Chapter 13
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Chapter 13
September 25, 3050 Parakoila
"Gamma Trinary, remain powered down, if we are to sell this ruse, then the image must be perfect," Marthe instructed as her 'mech Theseus moved through with a star for an escort.
"I really hope they take the bait," I beamed over to Darya. "Otherwise this could go very wrong, very fast."
"Aff," she sighed in response. "I believe that the Galaxy Commander is moving too fast. Patience would have seen us through, this haste… I do not believe that it will produce the results that she is looking for."
"Slow is smooth and smooth is fast," I muttered. "I think you lost those words somewhere along the way."
"What do you mean?" I could almost imagine the young woman's head cocked to the side as she asked the question. "How can slow be faster?"
"In training, they always had us start off slow, and as we smoothed out the motions, we naturally became faster at it the more we trained," I explained. "Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast. It basically translates to this. "A well trained motion done slowly will always beat a hurried action that's poorly trained," I shrugged. "Or at least that's how I interpreted it when I learned it."
"It doesn't just apply to what we're doing here though," I continued. "Any task you need to perform or skill you need to acquire needs to start off slower, as you develop a proficiency in that task you'll find that it naturally comes faster. It is how the human brain works in conjunction with muscle memory and other things as well."
After I said this, explosions erupted in the distance and I began to start my power-up cycle.
"Wait one," Darya seemed to read my intent. "It is not yet time."
So I stopped and waited, the sounds continued and my heart pounded in my ears.
"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 Galaxy Commander Marthe Pryde. Her Summoner, Theseus was laying waste to every enemy that crossed her path as her 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 LRMs 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," the lead Elemental replied, he 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 'mechs armor until she stood and pointed a trio of lasers at the cockpit.
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 '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 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 property of the Star League Defense Force and was stationed aboard the Confederate-Class dropship Last of Us. Said Dropship was attached to the Star League Navy ship Manassas of which, I am the last surviving crew member. Confirmation can be sent via handshake if you require it."
A tight beam communique pinged my battlecomputer, the ancient tech responding to the handshake as the original IFF for my 'mech was displayed.
"So it's 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 alpha-striked, and then he vanished from our sensors as if he were a ghost.
"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," Marthe cut into our comms. "We have eradicated the enemy, and as such may now move our garrison forces on site while we prepare for the next wave."
September 25, 3050 Parakoila
"Gamma Trinary, remain powered down, if we are to sell this ruse, then the image must be perfect," Marthe instructed as her 'mech Theseus moved through with a star for an escort.
"I really hope they take the bait," I beamed over to Darya. "Otherwise this could go very wrong, very fast."
"Aff," she sighed in response. "I believe that the Galaxy Commander is moving too fast. Patience would have seen us through, this haste… I do not believe that it will produce the results that she is looking for."
"Slow is smooth and smooth is fast," I muttered. "I think you lost those words somewhere along the way."
"What do you mean?" I could almost imagine the young woman's head cocked to the side as she asked the question. "How can slow be faster?"
"In training, they always had us start off slow, and as we smoothed out the motions, we naturally became faster at it the more we trained," I explained. "Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast. It basically translates to this. "A well trained motion done slowly will always beat a hurried action that's poorly trained," I shrugged. "Or at least that's how I interpreted it when I learned it."
"It doesn't just apply to what we're doing here though," I continued. "Any task you need to perform or skill you need to acquire needs to start off slower, as you develop a proficiency in that task you'll find that it naturally comes faster. It is how the human brain works in conjunction with muscle memory and other things as well."
After I said this, explosions erupted in the distance and I began to start my power-up cycle.
"Wait one," Darya seemed to read my intent. "It is not yet time."
So I stopped and waited, the sounds continued and my heart pounded in my ears.
"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 Galaxy Commander Marthe Pryde. Her Summoner, Theseus was laying waste to every enemy that crossed her path as her 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 LRMs 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," the lead Elemental replied, he 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 'mechs armor until she stood and pointed a trio of lasers at the cockpit.
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 '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 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 property of the Star League Defense Force and was stationed aboard the Confederate-Class dropship Last of Us. Said Dropship was attached to the Star League Navy ship Manassas of which, I am the last surviving crew member. Confirmation can be sent via handshake if you require it."
A tight beam communique pinged my battlecomputer, the ancient tech responding to the handshake as the original IFF for my 'mech was displayed.
"So it's 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 alpha-striked, and then he vanished from our sensors as if he were a ghost.
"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," Marthe cut into our comms. "We have eradicated the enemy, and as such may now move our garrison forces on site while we prepare for the next wave."
Chapter 14
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Chapter 14
"What do you think that was?" Darya asked as she ignored my need for modesty once again, stripping down before stepping into the single shower my quarters possessed.
"I have no idea," I shrugged as I turned my attention back to the sensors scans from right before the Warhammer operator 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."
I picked up a notepad I had picked up on my way back to my quarters 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.
"You are failing to consider something crucial in that write-up," 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."
"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."
"Then we shall document the ways that this can be defeated and leave them behind, should the garrison commander 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 finished up and dressed myself in a set of PT gear with the Manassas embroidered onto the shorts and shirt before stepping out of the small restroom area.
Darya 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.
"We shall have to report your findings to the Galaxy Commander," 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 down by the half-naked warrior on my bed. "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."
"You are correct," Darya closed the notebook. "We shall bring this to Marthe's attention in the morning," she snuggled under the thin blankets 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," Marthe glanced up from her terminal.
"The Star Commander is acclimating well, and is a good fit for my trinary," Darya replied. "He is intelligent, and capable at the very least," She grabbed the official write-up that both Mark and her had worked on over the last few days.
"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.
"Star Captain, select someone to take charge of your trinary," Marthe changed the subject. "The IlKhan is dead, and we are to return to Clan space to select a new one."
–
–
"How did it go?" Mark asked as he pulled a small pan of bacon out of the oven.
"The Galaxy Commander 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 Galaxy Commander'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."
"We shall see," she replied. "We'll see."
"Was that a contraction?" Mark stood up.
"No, I misspoke," Darya tried to steer away. "I have never spoken anything other than proper Star League English, Quiaff?" She raised an eyebrow.
"Neg," Mark shook his head. "I'm corrupting you!"
"What do you think that was?" Darya asked as she ignored my need for modesty once again, stripping down before stepping into the single shower my quarters possessed.
"I have no idea," I shrugged as I turned my attention back to the sensors scans from right before the Warhammer operator 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."
I picked up a notepad I had picked up on my way back to my quarters 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.
"You are failing to consider something crucial in that write-up," 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."
"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."
"Then we shall document the ways that this can be defeated and leave them behind, should the garrison commander 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 finished up and dressed myself in a set of PT gear with the Manassas embroidered onto the shorts and shirt before stepping out of the small restroom area.
Darya 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.
"We shall have to report your findings to the Galaxy Commander," 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 down by the half-naked warrior on my bed. "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."
"You are correct," Darya closed the notebook. "We shall bring this to Marthe's attention in the morning," she snuggled under the thin blankets 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," Marthe glanced up from her terminal.
"The Star Commander is acclimating well, and is a good fit for my trinary," Darya replied. "He is intelligent, and capable at the very least," She grabbed the official write-up that both Mark and her had worked on over the last few days.
"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.
"Star Captain, select someone to take charge of your trinary," Marthe changed the subject. "The IlKhan is dead, and we are to return to Clan space to select a new one."
–
–
"How did it go?" Mark asked as he pulled a small pan of bacon out of the oven.
"The Galaxy Commander 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 Galaxy Commander'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."
"We shall see," she replied. "We'll see."
"Was that a contraction?" Mark stood up.
"No, I misspoke," Darya tried to steer away. "I have never spoken anything other than proper Star League English, Quiaff?" She raised an eyebrow.
"Neg," Mark shook his head. "I'm corrupting you!"
Chapter 15
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Chapter 15
"I challenge you for possession of this world," the voice of the Phantom 'mech operator played on a device in the Command Center. "I bid two lances of mixed forces, who do you send against me?"
I glanced at the Star Colonel who was in charge of the garrison as we listened to the recording.
"Sir," I spoke up. "I bid myself and my binary, we have prepared for his tricks, and are the most prepared to fight against the Ghost."
"Neg," he shook his head. "You and two points of your Elementals will be joining the binary as my second, Quiaff?"
"Aff," I nodded.
"You are dismissed, I will respond to the Batchall once I have decided on the rest of our forces."
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 remainder of Darya's Trinary and left under my command.
"Which of you are the most confident in facing down the Ghost?" I asked the Elementals once the Trinary had been briefed.
"I am confident that Points Beta and Epsilon are the most capable," One of the Point Commanders informed me. "They are less reliant on their Sensor Suite than the rest of us, and will be able to handle the Ghost should he make his appearance."
"Alright," I nodded. "Beta and Epsilon are to suit up and come with me. The remaining defenders have issued a Batchall, and we will answer."
"Understood," Beta's Point Commander gave a sharp gesture and his four warriors began moving to their suits. "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 Warhammer, an Archer C, and a Griffin IIC, supplemented by both points of my Elementals riding on my 'Hammer.
"Star Commander, you and your Star are to wait," the Star Colonel ordered. "My star will engage and return victorious, you are merely here to act as witnesses."
Bringing my 'mech to a stop on top of the nearby hill, I powered down everything but my sensors and reactor, ordering my Star to do the same as we watched the Star Colonel and his personal Star walk into the battlefield where the two 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."
Twin streams of lightning crossed the field, the beams melting armor to slag on the lone light 'mech.
Then the two forces closed in on each other, the Phantom 'Mech operator finishing off the Talon before focusing on the Timber Wolf.
A Demolisher stopped as it's tracks were struck by a handful of missiles, rendering the 'mech killer immobile, but no less deadly as the twin AC/20s boomed, the barrels flaming as the rounds punched through a Clint IIC, the 40-tonner falling to the ground as its reactor failed.
But things were not going well for the defenders, with a Medium 'mech lying face down in the dirt and two tanks in flames to the two 'Mechs of the Star that were down.
But then the tide seemed to turn, with the lone remaining SRM carrier lending its support to the immobile Demolisher, cratering and shattering the armor on the lone assault 'mech that was a part of the Binary, crippling the Victor as the carrier itself was vaporized by the lasers of the Timber Wolf.
"Star Commander, we should move in," the Archer pilot stated over our comms channel.
"Neg," the Star Colonel cut the other pilot off. "I will handle this," he turned his Timber Wolf to fire upon the crippled Demolisher before a brace of lasers cut across his vision.
"Your opponent is me," the 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 we began to move in. "Bet and Epsilon, you have your orders, I shall run interference while you deal with the Ghost, Quiaff?"
"Aff," I pushed my 'mech's reactor up to full speed as we closed in, the enemy a mirror of what I might have been in another life.
"I see that you didn't get enough before," a smug voice greeted me. "When you fall I shall ensure that no one lives to speak of your existence, you are worse than these Clanners, you're not even worth a proper duel."
"That's funny," I chuckled. "I was about to say the same thing to you," I allowed my armor to absorb the fire from the enemy 'Hammer while I got close enough to slug it out.
Ducking underneath the barrel of a PPC, twisted and ordered the Elementals to take out the enemy, the bright beams of the enemy lasers carving away at my armor, rivers of molten metal ran down my torso while I ensured none of my men were killed by stray fire.
The ten Elementals began ripping apart the enemy Warhammer, their lasers carving away at actuators and other bits before they began jumping away.
"Reactor safeties are blown!" Epsilon's Point Commander yelled. "Get clear!"
They moved away while the enemy tucked in closer to me and tackled my 'mech to the ground while I pulled at my ejection handle, the rockets sending my hurtling into the act as everything seemed to vanish in a flash of light.
"I challenge you for possession of this world," the voice of the Phantom 'mech operator played on a device in the Command Center. "I bid two lances of mixed forces, who do you send against me?"
I glanced at the Star Colonel who was in charge of the garrison as we listened to the recording.
"Sir," I spoke up. "I bid myself and my binary, we have prepared for his tricks, and are the most prepared to fight against the Ghost."
"Neg," he shook his head. "You and two points of your Elementals will be joining the binary as my second, Quiaff?"
"Aff," I nodded.
"You are dismissed, I will respond to the Batchall once I have decided on the rest of our forces."
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 remainder of Darya's Trinary and left under my command.
"Which of you are the most confident in facing down the Ghost?" I asked the Elementals once the Trinary had been briefed.
"I am confident that Points Beta and Epsilon are the most capable," One of the Point Commanders informed me. "They are less reliant on their Sensor Suite than the rest of us, and will be able to handle the Ghost should he make his appearance."
"Alright," I nodded. "Beta and Epsilon are to suit up and come with me. The remaining defenders have issued a Batchall, and we will answer."
"Understood," Beta's Point Commander gave a sharp gesture and his four warriors began moving to their suits. "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 Warhammer, an Archer C, and a Griffin IIC, supplemented by both points of my Elementals riding on my 'Hammer.
"Star Commander, you and your Star are to wait," the Star Colonel ordered. "My star will engage and return victorious, you are merely here to act as witnesses."
Bringing my 'mech to a stop on top of the nearby hill, I powered down everything but my sensors and reactor, ordering my Star to do the same as we watched the Star Colonel and his personal Star walk into the battlefield where the two 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."
Twin streams of lightning crossed the field, the beams melting armor to slag on the lone light 'mech.
Then the two forces closed in on each other, the Phantom 'Mech operator finishing off the Talon before focusing on the Timber Wolf.
A Demolisher stopped as it's tracks were struck by a handful of missiles, rendering the 'mech killer immobile, but no less deadly as the twin AC/20s boomed, the barrels flaming as the rounds punched through a Clint IIC, the 40-tonner falling to the ground as its reactor failed.
But things were not going well for the defenders, with a Medium 'mech lying face down in the dirt and two tanks in flames to the two 'Mechs of the Star that were down.
But then the tide seemed to turn, with the lone remaining SRM carrier lending its support to the immobile Demolisher, cratering and shattering the armor on the lone assault 'mech that was a part of the Binary, crippling the Victor as the carrier itself was vaporized by the lasers of the Timber Wolf.
"Star Commander, we should move in," the Archer pilot stated over our comms channel.
"Neg," the Star Colonel cut the other pilot off. "I will handle this," he turned his Timber Wolf to fire upon the crippled Demolisher before a brace of lasers cut across his vision.
"Your opponent is me," the 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 we began to move in. "Bet and Epsilon, you have your orders, I shall run interference while you deal with the Ghost, Quiaff?"
"Aff," I pushed my 'mech's reactor up to full speed as we closed in, the enemy a mirror of what I might have been in another life.
"I see that you didn't get enough before," a smug voice greeted me. "When you fall I shall ensure that no one lives to speak of your existence, you are worse than these Clanners, you're not even worth a proper duel."
"That's funny," I chuckled. "I was about to say the same thing to you," I allowed my armor to absorb the fire from the enemy 'Hammer while I got close enough to slug it out.
Ducking underneath the barrel of a PPC, twisted and ordered the Elementals to take out the enemy, the bright beams of the enemy lasers carving away at my armor, rivers of molten metal ran down my torso while I ensured none of my men were killed by stray fire.
The ten Elementals began ripping apart the enemy Warhammer, their lasers carving away at actuators and other bits before they began jumping away.
"Reactor safeties are blown!" Epsilon's Point Commander yelled. "Get clear!"
They moved away while the enemy tucked in closer to me and tackled my 'mech to the ground while I pulled at my ejection handle, the rockets sending my hurtling into the act as everything seemed to vanish in a flash of light.
Chapter 16
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Chapter 16
"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 minute."
I blinked some of the blurriness away, allowing my eye to resolve the room around me.
"Now that you are awake, we are going to have to run through some basic memory tests," a cute blonde nurse smiled as I finally looked at her. "What's the last thing that you remember?"
"Pulling the handle on my ejection seat," I found my hands reaching for an ejection handle that wasn't there. "I remember getting clear of my 'mech and then a brilliant white flash, then nothing."
"You were just outside of the blast radius of a 'mech's reactor going critical," the nurse explained. "If your parachute had opened any later, you would have had a near-lethal dose of radiation. As it is, you are suffering from some whiplash and you will be in a cast for the next two months."
"Oh," I glanced down at my left leg, finally realizing that it was bound up. "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 new garrison commander greeted me. "You seem to have quelled much of the remaining resistance on this world. If at the expense of the Star Colonel."
"I did as I was ordered," I replied. "The review found me to not be guilty on any charges."
"I am not upset," the Star Captain smirked. "You have opened a path upward for me. But you are now without a 'mech, and we have few replacements for something as outdated as your previous 'mech."
An aid stepped forward and whispered into the Star Captain's ear for a minute.
"No, while we could place you in another 'mech of similar age, I believe you have earned a place in this Clan, and as such, you will be gifted the Star Colonel's Omnimech provided you can ensure that it is repaired up to the Gyrfalcon Galaxy's standards."
"I do not need a Timber Wolf to be effective," I looked the Star Captain in the eye. "I am perfectly capable in a 'lesser' machine."
"You misunderstand," the Star Captain's voice dipped lower. "This is both a reward and a punishment in one. Due to your leadership, the enemies were finished off, but you also allowed a Star Colonel to fall while you remained idle. So you will bear this chain with both pride and shame.
"You are dismissed, Star Commander," the other man looked back down at the paperwork he had before him. "See to it that you have learned this lesson."
"Star Commander," Point Commander Thastus stepped beside me after I left the office. "Do you have any further orders for me or my point?"
"Nothing for now, Thastus," I began heading toward the repair bays. "I've got a 'mech to repair and get set up." I glanced at the Elemental. "You and your Point have a week of leave, I should be fine working on my new ride."
"No, you will not be fine," Thastus glared at me. "You are not allowed to do that sort of movement at the moment, Quiaff?"
"Aff," I sighed. "I just need something to do."
"There are plenty of exercises that you can organize for our Star," the Point Commander began steering me away from the mechbay. "None of them involve you contributing physically until you have been deemed capable by the medical caste."
"And you're listening to them, why?" I raised an eyebrow.
"You do not dishonor those who have dedicated their lives to ensuring that there is no waste among the Clans," he replied. "They are those who are responsible for the survival of many who would have otherwise perished. I am an Elemental, I understand that it is both my duty and privilege to give my life to the Clan if necessary. But if possible, it is better to live so that we may serve longer. They ensure that those of us who can survive to have that second chance."
The Elemental paused for breath before meeting my eyes.
"You do not yet understand. But given time, you will."
"Are you certain that this is the way you desire your 'mech to be set up?" Jasper asked as he looked at my plans.
"Aff," I replied. "Configuration N is a good base, but it lacks much in the way of mid-range and close-range firepower, this will fix that."
"You do work in a mixed Star," Jasper mused. "I suppose you will not specialize in anti-infantry tactics?"
"I have others who can change their pods for that," I shook my head. "I am restricted to whatever configuration I choose at first. According to those in leadership, I shall have to earn the privilege of changing Omnipods."
"So if this will be the final configuration you will use," Jasper nodded. "Then you may want to adjust the weapon placement."
"How so?" I asked.
"You have a long-range punch, but this won't be enough of a mid or short-range punch to get what you want," He erased some of the calculations I had done and replaced some of the weapons I had planned on using. "Instead, you will want to use this configuration," he jotted down some new calculations after running them through a calculator for reassurance. "You will still have much of the long-range firepower, but will also be able to engage targets at close range. Watch the heat curve though, and remember that your cockpit will be in a different placement than you are used to and you will be fine."
"Once I'm able to pilot again, you mean," I looked at my leg.
"Yes, once you are healed up you will be ready and prepared for when the Galaxy Commander returns."
"Alright," I looked at the damaged Timber Wolf. "Go ahead with your plan. I think it'll work out a bit better than what I had planned originally."
"I will let you know when it is finished," Jasper smirked. "Remember to remain clear of exploding 'mechs in the future, Quiaff?"
"Yeah yeah," I flipped the technician off. "Everyone's a critic."
"Get good enough and no one will be able to criticize you anymore," Thastus snarked from behind me. "But I do not see you becoming Khan in the next day or so, if ever."
"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 minute."
I blinked some of the blurriness away, allowing my eye to resolve the room around me.
"Now that you are awake, we are going to have to run through some basic memory tests," a cute blonde nurse smiled as I finally looked at her. "What's the last thing that you remember?"
"Pulling the handle on my ejection seat," I found my hands reaching for an ejection handle that wasn't there. "I remember getting clear of my 'mech and then a brilliant white flash, then nothing."
"You were just outside of the blast radius of a 'mech's reactor going critical," the nurse explained. "If your parachute had opened any later, you would have had a near-lethal dose of radiation. As it is, you are suffering from some whiplash and you will be in a cast for the next two months."
"Oh," I glanced down at my left leg, finally realizing that it was bound up. "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 new garrison commander greeted me. "You seem to have quelled much of the remaining resistance on this world. If at the expense of the Star Colonel."
"I did as I was ordered," I replied. "The review found me to not be guilty on any charges."
"I am not upset," the Star Captain smirked. "You have opened a path upward for me. But you are now without a 'mech, and we have few replacements for something as outdated as your previous 'mech."
An aid stepped forward and whispered into the Star Captain's ear for a minute.
"No, while we could place you in another 'mech of similar age, I believe you have earned a place in this Clan, and as such, you will be gifted the Star Colonel's Omnimech provided you can ensure that it is repaired up to the Gyrfalcon Galaxy's standards."
"I do not need a Timber Wolf to be effective," I looked the Star Captain in the eye. "I am perfectly capable in a 'lesser' machine."
"You misunderstand," the Star Captain's voice dipped lower. "This is both a reward and a punishment in one. Due to your leadership, the enemies were finished off, but you also allowed a Star Colonel to fall while you remained idle. So you will bear this chain with both pride and shame.
"You are dismissed, Star Commander," the other man looked back down at the paperwork he had before him. "See to it that you have learned this lesson."
"Star Commander," Point Commander Thastus stepped beside me after I left the office. "Do you have any further orders for me or my point?"
"Nothing for now, Thastus," I began heading toward the repair bays. "I've got a 'mech to repair and get set up." I glanced at the Elemental. "You and your Point have a week of leave, I should be fine working on my new ride."
"No, you will not be fine," Thastus glared at me. "You are not allowed to do that sort of movement at the moment, Quiaff?"
"Aff," I sighed. "I just need something to do."
"There are plenty of exercises that you can organize for our Star," the Point Commander began steering me away from the mechbay. "None of them involve you contributing physically until you have been deemed capable by the medical caste."
"And you're listening to them, why?" I raised an eyebrow.
"You do not dishonor those who have dedicated their lives to ensuring that there is no waste among the Clans," he replied. "They are those who are responsible for the survival of many who would have otherwise perished. I am an Elemental, I understand that it is both my duty and privilege to give my life to the Clan if necessary. But if possible, it is better to live so that we may serve longer. They ensure that those of us who can survive to have that second chance."
The Elemental paused for breath before meeting my eyes.
"You do not yet understand. But given time, you will."
"Are you certain that this is the way you desire your 'mech to be set up?" Jasper asked as he looked at my plans.
"Aff," I replied. "Configuration N is a good base, but it lacks much in the way of mid-range and close-range firepower, this will fix that."
"You do work in a mixed Star," Jasper mused. "I suppose you will not specialize in anti-infantry tactics?"
"I have others who can change their pods for that," I shook my head. "I am restricted to whatever configuration I choose at first. According to those in leadership, I shall have to earn the privilege of changing Omnipods."
"So if this will be the final configuration you will use," Jasper nodded. "Then you may want to adjust the weapon placement."
"How so?" I asked.
"You have a long-range punch, but this won't be enough of a mid or short-range punch to get what you want," He erased some of the calculations I had done and replaced some of the weapons I had planned on using. "Instead, you will want to use this configuration," he jotted down some new calculations after running them through a calculator for reassurance. "You will still have much of the long-range firepower, but will also be able to engage targets at close range. Watch the heat curve though, and remember that your cockpit will be in a different placement than you are used to and you will be fine."
"Once I'm able to pilot again, you mean," I looked at my leg.
"Yes, once you are healed up you will be ready and prepared for when the Galaxy Commander returns."
"Alright," I looked at the damaged Timber Wolf. "Go ahead with your plan. I think it'll work out a bit better than what I had planned originally."
"I will let you know when it is finished," Jasper smirked. "Remember to remain clear of exploding 'mechs in the future, Quiaff?"
"Yeah yeah," I flipped the technician off. "Everyone's a critic."
"Get good enough and no one will be able to criticize you anymore," Thastus snarked from behind me. "But I do not see you becoming Khan in the next day or so, if ever."
Blasterbot
Well-known member
Probably would have gone for the A, D, or Prime. that said N is a long range beast. probably runs too hot though so it would need some alterations. still running dual ERPPCs to keep the warrhammer feel. respect.
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
It's not a stock N Configuration by any means. I'll post it once I'm finished speccing it out.
Timber Wolf Alter(N)ate configuration
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Mad Cat (Timber Wolf) N
Base Tech Level: Standard (Clan)
Tech Rating: F/X-X-E-D
Weight: 75 tons
BV: 2,708
Cost: 24,398,281 C-bills
Source: Rec Guide:ilClan #5 - Clan Invasion
Movement: 5/8
Engine: 375 XL
Double Heat Sinks: 17 [34]
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 114 (Endo-Steel)
Armor: 220/231 (Ferro-Fibrous)
Carrying Capacity
One battle armor squad
Base Tech Level: Standard (Clan)
Level | Era |
|---|---|
Experimental | - |
Advanced | - |
Standard | 3050+ |
Weight: 75 tons
BV: 2,708
Cost: 24,398,281 C-bills
Source: Rec Guide:ilClan #5 - Clan Invasion
Movement: 5/8
Engine: 375 XL
Double Heat Sinks: 17 [34]
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 114 (Endo-Steel)
Armor: 220/231 (Ferro-Fibrous)
| Internal | Armor | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Head | 3 | 9 | | |
Center Torso | 23 | 33 | | |
Center Torso (rear) | | 10 | | |
Right Torso | 16 | 25 | | |
Right Torso (rear) | | 7 | | |
Left Torso | 16 | 25 | | |
Left Torso (rear) | | 7 | | |
Right Arm | 12 | 22 | | |
Left Arm | 12 | 22 | | |
Right Leg | 16 | 30 | | |
Left Leg | 16 | 30 | | |
Weapons | Loc | Heat | Omni |
|---|---|---|---|
ER PPC | LA | 15 | Pod |
ER PPC | RA | 15 | Pod |
SRM 6 | RT | 4 | Pod |
SRM 6 | LT | 4 | Pod |
LRM 10 | LT | 4 | Pod |
LRM 10 | RT | 4 | Pod |
ER Medium Laser | RT | 5 | Pod |
ER Medium Laser | LT | 5 | Pod |
Ammo | Loc | Shots | Omni |
|---|---|---|---|
LRM 10 Ammo | RT | 12 | Pod |
LRM 10 Ammo | LT | 12 | Pod |
SRM 6 Ammo | CT | 15 | Pod |
SRM 6 Ammo | CT | 15 | Pod |
Carrying Capacity
One battle armor squad
Wonder if he'll somehow end up saving Aidan Pryde...Well, now you've gone and jinxed it Thastus, Mark's so going to become at least sa-Khan of the turkeys.
Typhonis
Well-known member
He runs into Natasha Kerensy.
He's already off'd a Kell.
Other TImber Wolf Variant
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Mad Cat (Timber Wolf) N
Base Tech Level: Standard (Clan)
Tech Rating: F/X-X-E-D
Weight: 75 tons
BV: 2,862
Cost: 24,538,281 C-bills
Source: Rec Guide:ilClan #5 - Clan Invasion
Movement: 5/8
Engine: 375 XL
Double Heat Sinks: 16 [32]
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 114 (Endo-Steel)
Armor: 220/231 (Ferro-Fibrous)
Carrying Capacity
One battle armor squad
Base Tech Level: Standard (Clan)
Level | Era |
|---|---|
Experimental | - |
Advanced | - |
Standard | 3050+ |
Weight: 75 tons
BV: 2,862
Cost: 24,538,281 C-bills
Source: Rec Guide:ilClan #5 - Clan Invasion
Movement: 5/8
Engine: 375 XL
Double Heat Sinks: 16 [32]
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 114 (Endo-Steel)
Armor: 220/231 (Ferro-Fibrous)
| Internal | Armor | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Head | 3 | 9 | | |
Center Torso | 23 | 33 | | |
Center Torso (rear) | | 10 | | |
Right Torso | 16 | 25 | | |
Right Torso (rear) | | 7 | | |
Left Torso | 16 | 25 | | |
Left Torso (rear) | | 7 | | |
Right Arm | 12 | 22 | | |
Left Arm | 12 | 22 | | |
Right Leg | 16 | 30 | | |
Left Leg | 16 | 30 | | |
Weapons | Loc | Heat | Omni |
|---|---|---|---|
ER PPC | LA | 15 | Pod |
ER PPC | RA | 15 | Pod |
ER Medium Laser | LT | 5 | Pod |
ER Medium Laser | RT | 5 | Pod |
LRM 10 | RT | 4 | Pod |
LRM 10 | LT | 4 | Pod |
SRM 4 | RT | 3 | Pod |
SRM 4 | LT | 3 | Pod |
ER Medium Laser | RA | 5 | Pod |
ER Medium Laser | LA | 5 | Pod |
Ammo | Loc | Shots | Omni |
|---|---|---|---|
LRM 10 Ammo | RT | 12 | Pod |
SRM 4 Ammo | LT | 25 | Pod |
LRM 10 Ammo | LT | 12 | Pod |
SRM 4 Ammo | RT | 25 | Pod |
Carrying Capacity
One battle armor squad
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Alternate Beginnings is going on hiatus while I read and finish the Blood of Kerensky Trilogy along with the Jade Phoenix books. I want to make sure I capture the characters in the right way for this next part.
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
So, I'm going through and rewriting chapters on this one. After further reflection, there are large swaths of things that not only don't fit BT, but don't fit the Clans in general. So, I've already started and finished rewriting chapter 1. I'll let y'all know when it's done and the chapters are all rewritten and posted.
Original Chapter 1
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Blood on the Horizon (Alternate beginnings)
Unknown Star system, Manassas March 15, 3000
"It's a good thing I'm descended from generations of farmers," I sighed as I looked at the seed stocks that had been stowed away in vacuum-sealed containers. "I'm gonna have to load up some of those tractors too."
Thankfully, the Star League Engineers had long since figured out how to move cargo from Warships and Jumpships and into the dropships docked to them, and I simply had to follow directions to transfer the equipment over.
"I'm not going to need the ASFs," I removed the Stuka and other ASF from the Last of Us' bays and began moving over what I would need to live down on the surface below. "So let's do something useful."
Two multipurpose tractors were relocated into the bays, with seeds and everything else that would be needed, stowed where the munitions once would have gone.
Then, I carefully moved the specialty gear that I was bringing along as well, a computer core and some other advanced tech. The Nighthawk might be somewhat bulky, but it could make the difference if I needed to do some heavy lifting.
"Sorry, old girl," I patted the Manassas before moving into the Last of Us, the emergency lighting dimming out into an inky blackness as the generators ran through the shutdown sequence I had started. "You did good, I'm just not the man to get you working again."
I floated downward into the dropship as a tear fluttered away.
Hitting the switch, I detached the dropship from the docking clamps and sat down in the pilot's chair before strapping in.
Using the controls, I triggered the maneuvering thrusters, the small jets pushing the nose of the dropship away from the Manassas and settling on the course the autopilot plotted out.
Once the minimum safe distance had been reached, the computers triggered the fusion drives, the acceleration slowly increasing the gravity until it reached a pleasant 1G.
Unstrapping myself from the chair, I made my way into the ship's gym. A weeklong journey was no excuse to let my discipline slack.
–
–
It turns out that landing a dropship was easy if all you had to do were follow the basic instructions the computer gave you. But I didn't even want to think about attempting a landing under a combat scenario.
The thrusters of the Last of Us beat local physics into place as the dropship eased down in an open plain, the legs extended to stabilize the Confederate as she scorched the earth below.
"Air's breathable," I looked at the scans. "Looks like 1.1Gs, and a thirty-six hour day."
I pulled the SLN uniform off and sighed in relief as I slid a pair of gym shorts and a t-shirt on, the tennis-shoes finishing the wear as I lowered the ramp and walked outside, the fresh air and sunlight bringing a grin to my face.
"She's a bit of a fixer-upper," I looked out over the field at the distant trees. "But I think she's home."
Two years later…
"This is the life," I leaned back against the log cabin I had built and chuckled as I looked at the planted field in front of me, the nearby chicken's clearing out the few insects that had made their way into the crops I had planted.
The handful of buildings that I had constructed over the last two years were powered by a spare fusion generator. The chickens had come from fertilized eggs that had been stored on the Manassas, and the first batch had barely made it with the jury-rigged incubator that I had made. After a year or so, though, I had enough chickens that I could eat both eggs and chickens when I felt like it. The few roosters that I had kept around and out of the cooking pot took care of the flocks while I tended to the wheat and vegetable gardens.
The planet was too cool to grow coffee beans, but I didn't find that I needed them anymore. My life was content, even if it was a lonely one. Maybe after this harvest, I would hook up the cry pod and see if I could sleep away some of the years.
Shaking my head, I stopped woolgathering and used the nearby ladder to climb into the Warhammer that was parked outside of my cabin, the view giving me a vantage point over most of the valley.
Taking a sip of the water I had with me, I closed my eyes and leaned back against the missile racks before opening them to see the local sun dipping below the horizon and showering the area with streaks of purple and blue.
"Some things, are worth watching, no matter how many times you get to see it."
After watching the sun set, I climbed down and went back into the cabin, the lights coming on as the darkness settled over the planet, the stars becoming visible as the alien sky stared back at me.
–
–
"Year two," I spoke into a small voice recorder as I sat down to eat my dinner. "Rescue beacon is good and apparently able to last for sixty to seventy years before needing service. I'm going to look into going for the stasis option once I've taken care of this year's harvest."
I took a bite and chewed thoughtfully as I thought about what to say next. "Chickens are probably going to need to be set up for the future if I do so. While I haven't seen any local predators that doesn't mean they don't exist."
I drank some more water before turning to my science experiment and pouring a small glass.
"Vodka test forty-five," I muttered as I sipped the shot, a small grimace on my face as I swallowed. "We're closer on the distillation process," I coughed. "But they should have written the directions better on the data core."
I drank some more water to wash down the taste before moving over to my bed.
"I'll have to go check on the dropship tomorrow," I made a mark on the rough wall to signify another day having passed. "Make sure that it's faring the elements well."
And so, closing my eyes, I drifted off to sleep, the sound of the wind and creek acting as my lullaby.
Author's Note: This is the other way I considered writing Blood on the Horizon. It's not quite as fantastical. No Warship piloting, no merc unit. Just someone trying to Robinson Crusoe his life as he's stranded. At least… That is until the Clans show up.
Unknown Star system, Manassas March 15, 3000
"It's a good thing I'm descended from generations of farmers," I sighed as I looked at the seed stocks that had been stowed away in vacuum-sealed containers. "I'm gonna have to load up some of those tractors too."
Thankfully, the Star League Engineers had long since figured out how to move cargo from Warships and Jumpships and into the dropships docked to them, and I simply had to follow directions to transfer the equipment over.
"I'm not going to need the ASFs," I removed the Stuka and other ASF from the Last of Us' bays and began moving over what I would need to live down on the surface below. "So let's do something useful."
Two multipurpose tractors were relocated into the bays, with seeds and everything else that would be needed, stowed where the munitions once would have gone.
Then, I carefully moved the specialty gear that I was bringing along as well, a computer core and some other advanced tech. The Nighthawk might be somewhat bulky, but it could make the difference if I needed to do some heavy lifting.
"Sorry, old girl," I patted the Manassas before moving into the Last of Us, the emergency lighting dimming out into an inky blackness as the generators ran through the shutdown sequence I had started. "You did good, I'm just not the man to get you working again."
I floated downward into the dropship as a tear fluttered away.
Hitting the switch, I detached the dropship from the docking clamps and sat down in the pilot's chair before strapping in.
Using the controls, I triggered the maneuvering thrusters, the small jets pushing the nose of the dropship away from the Manassas and settling on the course the autopilot plotted out.
Once the minimum safe distance had been reached, the computers triggered the fusion drives, the acceleration slowly increasing the gravity until it reached a pleasant 1G.
Unstrapping myself from the chair, I made my way into the ship's gym. A weeklong journey was no excuse to let my discipline slack.
–
–
It turns out that landing a dropship was easy if all you had to do were follow the basic instructions the computer gave you. But I didn't even want to think about attempting a landing under a combat scenario.
The thrusters of the Last of Us beat local physics into place as the dropship eased down in an open plain, the legs extended to stabilize the Confederate as she scorched the earth below.
"Air's breathable," I looked at the scans. "Looks like 1.1Gs, and a thirty-six hour day."
I pulled the SLN uniform off and sighed in relief as I slid a pair of gym shorts and a t-shirt on, the tennis-shoes finishing the wear as I lowered the ramp and walked outside, the fresh air and sunlight bringing a grin to my face.
"She's a bit of a fixer-upper," I looked out over the field at the distant trees. "But I think she's home."
Two years later…
"This is the life," I leaned back against the log cabin I had built and chuckled as I looked at the planted field in front of me, the nearby chicken's clearing out the few insects that had made their way into the crops I had planted.
The handful of buildings that I had constructed over the last two years were powered by a spare fusion generator. The chickens had come from fertilized eggs that had been stored on the Manassas, and the first batch had barely made it with the jury-rigged incubator that I had made. After a year or so, though, I had enough chickens that I could eat both eggs and chickens when I felt like it. The few roosters that I had kept around and out of the cooking pot took care of the flocks while I tended to the wheat and vegetable gardens.
The planet was too cool to grow coffee beans, but I didn't find that I needed them anymore. My life was content, even if it was a lonely one. Maybe after this harvest, I would hook up the cry pod and see if I could sleep away some of the years.
Shaking my head, I stopped woolgathering and used the nearby ladder to climb into the Warhammer that was parked outside of my cabin, the view giving me a vantage point over most of the valley.
Taking a sip of the water I had with me, I closed my eyes and leaned back against the missile racks before opening them to see the local sun dipping below the horizon and showering the area with streaks of purple and blue.
"Some things, are worth watching, no matter how many times you get to see it."
After watching the sun set, I climbed down and went back into the cabin, the lights coming on as the darkness settled over the planet, the stars becoming visible as the alien sky stared back at me.
–
–
"Year two," I spoke into a small voice recorder as I sat down to eat my dinner. "Rescue beacon is good and apparently able to last for sixty to seventy years before needing service. I'm going to look into going for the stasis option once I've taken care of this year's harvest."
I took a bite and chewed thoughtfully as I thought about what to say next. "Chickens are probably going to need to be set up for the future if I do so. While I haven't seen any local predators that doesn't mean they don't exist."
I drank some more water before turning to my science experiment and pouring a small glass.
"Vodka test forty-five," I muttered as I sipped the shot, a small grimace on my face as I swallowed. "We're closer on the distillation process," I coughed. "But they should have written the directions better on the data core."
I drank some more water to wash down the taste before moving over to my bed.
"I'll have to go check on the dropship tomorrow," I made a mark on the rough wall to signify another day having passed. "Make sure that it's faring the elements well."
And so, closing my eyes, I drifted off to sleep, the sound of the wind and creek acting as my lullaby.
Author's Note: This is the other way I considered writing Blood on the Horizon. It's not quite as fantastical. No Warship piloting, no merc unit. Just someone trying to Robinson Crusoe his life as he's stranded. At least… That is until the Clans show up.
Original Chapter 2
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Unnamed world, 3015
"I hate that thing," I coughed violently as I glared at the cryo-pod while rubbing away the cold.
Grabbing the clothing I had stored away in this section of the Last of Us, I got dressed, the cargo pants and flannel bringing some warmth as the socks and boots insulated my feet from the cold.
"That's better," I poured a small cup of my precious coffee stash and sipped at it as the warm liquid began to heat my body. "Now it's time to check and see how the Chickens fared."
Leaving the Dropship, I walked the quarter mile, nodding to myself as I saw how the wild versions of the crops I had been growing took over my previously nicely kept fields.
"And there are the chickens," I absentmindedly noted that they had increased in overall size before pushing on into the cabin. "Holy shit! I stumbled backward as a chicken the size of a turkey looked at me from where it had been eating away at a small bit of feed that I had left in the cabin before I went into stasis.
"You're definitely going to be dinner. And probably tomorrow's meal too," I clapped my hands together and slipped some gloves on before grabbing the chicken by the feet.
–
–
"So, a lack of any major predators has meant that the chickens were able to grow to an extraordinary size," I bit into the fried chicken breast that was in my hands. "And the flavor is like nothing I've had."
I shrugged and continued eating my meal. The rest of the chicken pieces were safely stored in the refrigerated section of the cabin I had built.
"The Cabin has held up incredibly well in the ten years I was in stasis," I continued dictating to the voice recorder on my phone. "There isn't a lot I'll have to reinforce, but what little damage there is can be easily fixed. I'll clear out the beginnings of the field this week and then go explore some more. I've got some fairly decent maps, but I want to see if there's any chance some of the Manassas' crew took one of the small craft that was missing from the hanger."
I stood up and brought my dishes to my small sink before washing them and setting them aside to dry.
"Five years of farming, and ten years of stasis," I looked at the markings I had made on the wall to indicate the months that had gone by. "I think I made the right decision to come here instead of trying to get the Manassas working."
I moved over to the bed and eased myself in with a sigh of relief, pulling the SLDF standard-issue blanket over me before falling asleep.
"Come on, Bobby B," I climbed up onto the Warhammer, clearing off the ivy-like vines that had grown onto the machine. The green SLDF standard paint blending in fairly well. "Let's get you awake and running. We've got some exploring to do."
Running through the steps, I brought the mech online and grinned as Betty began telling me that the systems began working again.
Booting up the mapping software that was included in the mech's programs, I looked over the old maps I had taken before going to sleep and nodded. It was time to see if there was anything else worth finding on this planet out in the middle of nowhere.
Flipping the weapons suite offline, I pushed the mech into a moderate pace and speed and began to retrace my previous mapping session steps. I wanted to know everything about my new home."
–
–
"Well, we've got some sort of mineral deposits," I said as I flipped through the magscan. "No clue what they are, but they're there."
Making a note on the map, I looked up and grinned. So there were predators on this planet. They just lived in a different area than my cabin.
"Looks like I get to have a bear skin rug," I cycled the mech down into an idle before grabbing a rifle and slinging it over m shoulder. "And where there's a predator, there's a prey animal around."
I followed the massive brown bear from a safe distance as it seemingly tracked some sort of prey animal, the five meter long bear pausing periodically to sniff the ground and other areas before continuing on.
"What are you tracking?" I asked from my perch in a tree that overlooked the entire area, using the rifle's scope to try and see if there were anything ahead of the bear that I was missing.
"Oh," I removed my eye from the scope to look at a giant elk. "Looks like we're eating good for a while, I tucked the laser rifle into my shoulder and lined up the sights, gently squeezing the trigger before swapping to the bear. "I'm gonna need Bobby B," I muttered as I turned to go grab the Warhammer. The equipment I had slung over its shoulder before leaving would be needed for this.
–
–
"Whelp, I'm pretty sure that hands would have been a better option," I smirked as the two animals hung from the 'Hammer's shoulders. "But I think this works."
"I need a picture," I made sure to get a solid picture of both animals and their comparative sizes to the 'mech. "No one would believe me back home. They'd think it was photoshopped or something."
Climbing up the ladder and back into the cockpit of the Bobby B, I began a slow walk back to my camp. I had some new meat to try.
"I hate that thing," I coughed violently as I glared at the cryo-pod while rubbing away the cold.
Grabbing the clothing I had stored away in this section of the Last of Us, I got dressed, the cargo pants and flannel bringing some warmth as the socks and boots insulated my feet from the cold.
"That's better," I poured a small cup of my precious coffee stash and sipped at it as the warm liquid began to heat my body. "Now it's time to check and see how the Chickens fared."
Leaving the Dropship, I walked the quarter mile, nodding to myself as I saw how the wild versions of the crops I had been growing took over my previously nicely kept fields.
"And there are the chickens," I absentmindedly noted that they had increased in overall size before pushing on into the cabin. "Holy shit! I stumbled backward as a chicken the size of a turkey looked at me from where it had been eating away at a small bit of feed that I had left in the cabin before I went into stasis.
"You're definitely going to be dinner. And probably tomorrow's meal too," I clapped my hands together and slipped some gloves on before grabbing the chicken by the feet.
–
–
"So, a lack of any major predators has meant that the chickens were able to grow to an extraordinary size," I bit into the fried chicken breast that was in my hands. "And the flavor is like nothing I've had."
I shrugged and continued eating my meal. The rest of the chicken pieces were safely stored in the refrigerated section of the cabin I had built.
"The Cabin has held up incredibly well in the ten years I was in stasis," I continued dictating to the voice recorder on my phone. "There isn't a lot I'll have to reinforce, but what little damage there is can be easily fixed. I'll clear out the beginnings of the field this week and then go explore some more. I've got some fairly decent maps, but I want to see if there's any chance some of the Manassas' crew took one of the small craft that was missing from the hanger."
I stood up and brought my dishes to my small sink before washing them and setting them aside to dry.
"Five years of farming, and ten years of stasis," I looked at the markings I had made on the wall to indicate the months that had gone by. "I think I made the right decision to come here instead of trying to get the Manassas working."
I moved over to the bed and eased myself in with a sigh of relief, pulling the SLDF standard-issue blanket over me before falling asleep.
"Come on, Bobby B," I climbed up onto the Warhammer, clearing off the ivy-like vines that had grown onto the machine. The green SLDF standard paint blending in fairly well. "Let's get you awake and running. We've got some exploring to do."
Running through the steps, I brought the mech online and grinned as Betty began telling me that the systems began working again.
Booting up the mapping software that was included in the mech's programs, I looked over the old maps I had taken before going to sleep and nodded. It was time to see if there was anything else worth finding on this planet out in the middle of nowhere.
Flipping the weapons suite offline, I pushed the mech into a moderate pace and speed and began to retrace my previous mapping session steps. I wanted to know everything about my new home."
–
–
"Well, we've got some sort of mineral deposits," I said as I flipped through the magscan. "No clue what they are, but they're there."
Making a note on the map, I looked up and grinned. So there were predators on this planet. They just lived in a different area than my cabin.
"Looks like I get to have a bear skin rug," I cycled the mech down into an idle before grabbing a rifle and slinging it over m shoulder. "And where there's a predator, there's a prey animal around."
I followed the massive brown bear from a safe distance as it seemingly tracked some sort of prey animal, the five meter long bear pausing periodically to sniff the ground and other areas before continuing on.
"What are you tracking?" I asked from my perch in a tree that overlooked the entire area, using the rifle's scope to try and see if there were anything ahead of the bear that I was missing.
"Oh," I removed my eye from the scope to look at a giant elk. "Looks like we're eating good for a while, I tucked the laser rifle into my shoulder and lined up the sights, gently squeezing the trigger before swapping to the bear. "I'm gonna need Bobby B," I muttered as I turned to go grab the Warhammer. The equipment I had slung over its shoulder before leaving would be needed for this.
–
–
"Whelp, I'm pretty sure that hands would have been a better option," I smirked as the two animals hung from the 'Hammer's shoulders. "But I think this works."
"I need a picture," I made sure to get a solid picture of both animals and their comparative sizes to the 'mech. "No one would believe me back home. They'd think it was photoshopped or something."
Climbing up the ladder and back into the cockpit of the Bobby B, I began a slow walk back to my camp. I had some new meat to try.