Crossover The Greater Game (Babylon 5/BattleTech)
- Thread starter Spartan303
- Start date
Kujo
For the FEDCOM! For the Archon-Prince!
Bester (Plot Armored) "Plot armor, what plot armor, I am just one bad @ss Psi Cop! (which he is as well or in addition to the 'plot Armor" and now for his song from some 'unreferenced' band...
Bester is pretty much the Anti-Hero of the Psi Corp. He's their Rorschach.
AJW
Well-known member
Even if he is alive the destruction of the Syria Planum facility - and the thousands stationed there many of them for 'reeducation' - is an utterly devastating blow for the Psi Corps. It is not something that they will be able to quickly recover from and will certainly set there telepath supremacy agenda back by at least a generation.
AJW
Well-known member
There was no love between Bester, his wife and his daughter as it was a genetic pairing arranged by the Psi Corps. Bester actually admitted it to Sheridan and co.
I was addressing his real love interest who was turned into a shadow weapon in the series. The one Sheridan used to get Bester to help him in the Civil War.
AJW
Well-known member
He won't have met her yet.
I'll have to rewatch that episode. I thought it had been in place for a while.
Adventwolf
Well-known member
And thay is why you don't poke the ancient Old One eldritch creations. It never works out well for the bystanders.
Thai will be a wake up call to EarthForce that they need to replace all their escorts and Cruiser level ships with newer next gen classes based off the Omega, Nova, and Posieden classes. Classes that will hopefully be able to get AG installed at a later date once they figure it out.
Thai will be a wake up call to EarthForce that they need to replace all their escorts and Cruiser level ships with newer next gen classes based off the Omega, Nova, and Posieden classes. Classes that will hopefully be able to get AG installed at a later date once they figure it out.
Chapter 29
29
Babylon 3
He knew space stations; he'd spent probably too much time on them tallied up over the years. He knew the smell of the air, that slightly harsh overly filtered mix that stung the nostrils ever so slightly, that faint scent of cleaning chemicals that never quite went away, and the static charged dust lingering. It was typical deep space living. The only difference was the scale, and that mattered a hell of a lot.
"Next."
He shuffled to the front of the line, a bored looking security officer in pale grey extending his hand like it was programmed into him.
"Indenticard or equivalent please."
He handed over his identification, a perfectly forged Suns passport that had been set up for him. One of the advantages of technological stagnation was that the old stock of fake IDs still worked a charm.
"Mr. Kerlin Ward," the guard read out. "What is the purpose of your visit?"
"Tourism." He answered simply and mostly truthful. "I am intrigued by this place."
"You and everyone else this week," the bored customs guard complained lightly. Looking at the length of the lines queuing up, this place had likely been packed since opening day, a massive curiosity that had dragged in people like a black hole. Understandable, but it was definitely keeping the station staff very busy.
"Enjoy your stay." He stamped the passport, a quaint throwback Kerlin found a speck of amusement in, and then he was through, the guard already waving over the next eager visitor.
It was easy, the suspicious side of him wondering if it was perhaps too easy. This station was a freeport; he hadn't needed a visa or special documentation to board and while he had to walk through a scanner to ensure he wasn't carrying any weapons or contraband, it appeared he was now free to do as he pleased. It felt a little irresponsible, not something he would have permitted, but this was a very different culture, according to the reports he had read.
That was part of his reason for being here. Kerlin Ward, master of Clan Wolf and one of the most influential and powerful men alive, was taking a gamble. Traveling here was a risk, but given the sudden shift in direction back home, it was justified. The galaxy had changed, events completely unpredicted had come to pass, and that had fundamentally altered the balance of power among the Clans. Surprise, ambition, perhaps a little fear had all conspired together to collapse his carefully laid plans. The Clans were moving and he could no longer stop them.
That was part of the reason for his visit, to give his subordinates the bad news. Clan Wolf was no longer in ascendance, the Warden Faction it gave its weight to had failed in their goal to hold back the Crusaders, who sought to return in force to the Inner Sphere and remake it in their image of the old Star League. Everything had changed, and now he had to do something dramatic about it, something only he could do. He had to speak with the builders of this place, and for that he needed Jaime Wolf.
The journey had been direct, but clandestine. If his peers knew his mind, the results would be disastrous for Clan Wolf. Fortunately, it was expected that his Clan would be entering a time of reflection after his defeat in the Council, as they realigned and prepared for glorious battle, so his presence would not be missed for a while. Time enough for this task, one that would almost certainly alter the political landscape of the galaxy irrevocably. He had considered letting others speak on his behalf. Jaime Wolf was a man of wisdom and charisma sufficient to get him into any audience chamber in the galaxy, but this was his responsibility. The words had to be from him alone.
Babylon 3 was a marvel, not just for its scale, but for the speed of its construction. It spoke of industrial capacity unseen since the fall of the Star League, and made it easy to believe Jaime's reports of massed fleets of heavy warships. That this Earth Alliance was broadly not hostile unless provoked was positive, but that could easily change, and the notion that this power could be turned to conquest was disquieting. Still, as far as he knew, the Alliance was the only entity that could stand up to the united Clans. The rest of the Inner Sphere was still a disaster, barely starting to pull itself back together.
At the very least, he needed to warn the Alliance of what was coming and seek their help in preventing war, but at the same time, not provoke them into potentially invading the Clan homeworlds. This was the contradiction of his quest. To stop the Crusader factions within the Clans and put the Wardens back in charge of policy toward the Inner Sphere, but not to cause a war that would end lives pointlessly. He knew what he wanted to achieve, but right now had no direct path to that end. It might prove impossible, but it was his duty to try, even if it could be viewed as a type of betrayal.
He walked the station, following the directions he had been given, passing through an unusual market filled with stalls selling surprisingly trashy trinkets. It was standard tourist fare, the market thronging with people apparently unaware or unconcerned with the quality of what they were buying. Most of the individuals seemed fairly wealthy, traders and minor nobles from across the galaxy indulging their curiosity. This was still a new and novel place, and the idle nobility loved nothing more than a fad which let them show off to others. He had no doubt that when the shine wore off, this place would become more quiet and furtive, its clientele switching from those who craved image to those who were repelled by it.
Beyond was a maze of corridors, all well marked and colour coordinated, but still vast and endless. Some led to bars and restaurants, many catering to the higher class of aristocrats separating themselves from the rabble. There were people of influence there, but Kerlin knew the real powers wouldn't be mingling even with those potent individuals. The sort of meetings he needed weren't the sort you simply walked into.
His destination was one of the more luxurious suites available, overlooking the central core of the station, a large window offering a commanding vista over the fields and forests helping recycle the station's air and take some pressure off the scrubbers. It wasn't a huge suite. Apart from the embassies and a few superior hotels built in the core as traditional structures, this suite was as good as it got. He pressed the door chime at the side of the angular shaped portal, the heavy metal door retracting in a circular motion up into the walls.
Inside were the entire command staff of Wolf's Dragoons, each of the battalion commanders alongside Jaime Wolf himself and Natasha Kerensky. It was probably a little excessive. Bringing so many senior officers to one meeting rankled his warrior instincts, but Kerlin would not chastise them. His words were important enough that they all needed to hear them sooner or later. They immediately stood in ranks and saluted sharply, their time among the Scavenger Lords apparently not diminishing their discipline. Kerlin returned the salute, though given he was dressed as a vagabond trader in a heavy coat, hood, and dark glasses, it probably lacked the dignity it deserved.
"As you were," he acknowledged plainly. "This is my first time meeting most of you since the mission began." He looked to the various unit commanders. "My compliments on your achievements. You have earned your plaudits, but I regret a greater reward may still be far in the future."
"The Dragoons stand ready to serve for as long as it takes, my Khan," Jaime swore, his officers standing firm in support.
"First, I must correct you, for I am no longer Khan." Ward shared the information plainly, with no tinge of bitterness. He had come to terms with his situation and embraced it. "Absalom Feng is now your Khan, and to our good fortune, he has approved the continuation of this project."
There was a heavy silence as expected, the assembled officers unsure how to process this news. Only Natasha inevitably spoke for them all.
"What happened?"
"The Crusader faction is now in ascendance, they successfully argued that the situation has changed enough to warrant invasion. The increase in technology and industry brought by this new Alliance and the growing union of the Davions and Steiners pushed the vote against us. I declared a trial of refusal, and I lost." Kerlin spoke plainly. "As such, I could not continue as Khan. SaKhan Feng has taken the duty. He is loyal to the Warden cause and my finest student. He believes as we do, but he is bound by honour to follow the words of the new IlKhan. Yvonne Hazen."
"The Jade Falcons." Natasha pursed her lips. "So the Crusaders are calling the shots?"
"They are, but our mission has not changed."
"Our loyalty is absolute Khan... I mean..."
"Galaxy Commander Ward now," Kerlin brought them up to date. "I still serve, and Khan Feng has approved an alternate phase of our mission."
"We stand ready to serve," Jaime affirmed, the rest of his staff standing straighter as they readied for a new task.
"It will be necessary," Kerlin intoned. "The Wardens have failed in our efforts to prevent open war. The Clans have chosen to mobilise and to invade, as such all our priorities must change."
It was not the news any of them wanted to hear, but at the same time, none among them expressed surprise. The Crusader faction had always been powerful. If not for Kerlin Ward, they would probably already be ripping through the worlds of the Inner Sphere.
"What are your orders sir?" Jaime brought their focus back to their duty. Their former Khan had clearly not given up despite this defeat, as such neither would they.
"Continue with your contract at present, work with the Capellans, continue to learn from them," Kerlin directed. "For now, officially, nothing has changed. You are still an information gathering unit, you will keep making reports, but these reports will be devoid of any significant information."
"Do you want us to provide the real reports to you, sir?"
"That won't be necessary. The Inner Sphere has little chance of resisting the Clans. They have squandered what they had and their fate is sealed."
"With respect Commander, I think there is hope here," Jaime answered. "The Davions and Steiners are inching toward a common cause. If we had some more time, I firmly believe they will form a united front to oppose invasion."
"Can it be done in five years?" Kerlin asked. "It will take at least that long to mobilise and fully equip the Crusader forces. Perhaps longer if Khan Feng can convince them greater strength is needed."
"If five years is all we have, then it'll be done in five years." Jaime nodded resolutely. "But it means telling the truth to the leaders of the Inner Sphere."
"And that would be considered an act of treason," Kerlin recognised. "While I oppose the course we are on, the Inner Sphere stands as our enemy now... or at least the situation is ambiguous enough that helping them harms the Clans. It is not a step I will take, not yet, and I do not order you to do it."
"Is there another option?"
"I have exhausted all options Clan law allows. I have fought so many trials I have lost count," Kerlin admitted.
"And you survived." Natasha observed.
"Alive, yes." Kerlin lowered his dark glasses revealing heavy scarring where his left eye had been. "But not intact. Yvonne Hazen bested me at the last. She spared my life, no doubt anticipating I would travel here to join the Dragoons. No doubt it was meant as an insult, but I assure you she will regret letting me live."
"Hazen was murder on the field," Natasha acknowledged. "I've never known her to lose."
"Her record is intact, but at least the Smoke Jaguars will be needing a new Khan." Kerlin smiled broadly at the memory of his victory. "It lessens the sting of defeat a little, but it doesn't change the fact that I failed the Trials of Refusal. I must now look elsewhere to stop this pointless bloodshed."
"If the trials have failed what else is there?" She wondered. "Civil war?"
"No, I would not lead us that." Kerlin shook his head. "Instead, I want to examine the possibility of outside intervention. Not the Inner Sphere, they are now our enemies, but the Earth Alliance is not."
"The Alliance?" Jaime raised an eyebrow, his surprise morphing into a smile. "A bold gambit, sir."
"The Clans have made it clear that our contest is with the Great Houses only. The Periphery is to be considered neutral. Unless, of course, they take arms against us. The Earth Alliance in particular is to be treated with care and caution. Nobody really believes your reports regarding their strength, but they believe enough not to provoke them."
"A wise choice."
"Smartest thing the Council has done in this mess." Natasha was less tactful. "And it might work. I don't think they'll get involved unless they get attacked."
"Hard to say," Jaime countered. "They've been forging closer ties to the Davions and Steiners. Nothing formal, but if those ties keep improving, they might not enjoy seeing their friends getting slammed."
"You understand then why I am here," Kerlin resolved. "If the Clans invade, it will be a disaster for the Inner Sphere, and if these great fleets from the Periphery choose to intervene, it may be the end of the Clans as we know them. In either case, we must stop this war before it starts, and for that I need to speak to someone senior within the Earth Alliance."
"Fortunately, Galaxy Commander, you are in exactly the right place."
Later that day
"This is irregular." General Smits was clearly perturbed by this unscheduled meeting and wasn't making much effort to disguise that fact, but he had his orders and would follow them, albeit grudgingly. "I like to run this station like clockwork. One thing falls out of place, and it's chaos within five minutes. Sheer anarchy, gentlemen, like juggling cats."
"Understood General." Colonel Wolf restrained a tingle of amusement. "We wouldn't have requested this if it wasn't an emergency. I can assure you this meeting is critical for all concerned."
"It appears you have friends in high places, Colonel." Smits continued to sound like a disapproving teacher. "Just through here."
Smits brought them to Ambassador Hidoshi's office, a small clerical space attached to his quarters just about big enough for a desk and some modest chairs. His official briefing and conference rooms were larger, but also more exposed to scrutiny. This meeting was to be taken secretly, not an easy task in such a closely observed station.
Hidoshi rose to meet his guests with the oft rehearsed broad smile of a veteran Senator. He was guarded, but clearly curious about what was unfolding.
"Gentlemen, welcome. Please join me, help yourself to refreshments."
The meeting was limited to just four participants. Hidoshi and Smits for Earth, Wolf and Ward for their side.
"I was a little surprised to receive a call from the head of the EIA telling me to set up a meeting." Hidoshi returned to his desk and poured some tea. "You have some interesting friends, Colonel Wolf."
"We've shed blood together. Hopefully that is enough to get me through the door." Jaime turned to the older man beside him. "But it's not me you need to hear out today. This is my superior officer and architect of everything the Dragoons have done so far."
All eyes fell on the former Khan, Ward making sure he had their full attention before starting.
"My name is Kerlin Ward, and the Colonel speaks true. Several years ago, I authorised the creation and deployment of the Wolf Dragoons as a means to gather intelligence on the Inner Sphere. Their political and economic makeup, their culture, and most importantly, their military capacity. This was done to provide reliable information as a prelude to the invasion and conquest of the entire Inner Sphere."
From most other men, such a statement might have drawn a laugh, a smiling snicker at the attempt to perhaps lighten the atmosphere with some absurdist humour. But Kerlin had no humour in his face, his scarred visage stony and weighted by the words he was delivering. He was instead met with enraptured silence, the gravity starting to draw in the two Alliance representatives.
"We are a reconnaissance in force with a mission expected to last decades, the first breeze of a forming hurricane," Kerlin continued, assured that he was talking to the right people. "The story is lengthy and I will tell it in full, but to get quickly to the point, are you aware of the Exodus of General Kerensky at the fall of the Star League?"
"I've studied it, yes." Hidoshi nodded. "Many thought we were the descendants of his people at first."
Jaime hid a smile.
"I am one of those descendants, after a fashion," Kerlin continued. "I am part of the genetic lineage of those great warriors and believers. We endured much hardship, many trials, and from it formed a new and more perfect society. One of our guiding ideals left by General Kerensky himself was the resolve to one day return from our exile and give birth to a new Star League, one that will lead humanity in unity to a greater future."
"A noble sentiment." Hidoshi accepted. "But a dream."
"Everything ever achieved began as a dream," Kerlin said with confidence. "It will happen, but there is a question of how. Our society is divided on exactly how General Kerensky wanted us to bring humanity together. Some, such as I, believe we will lead through inspiration, that we will wait until we are needed and welcomed by the people of the Inner Sphere. Others believe that the leaders of the Sphere are too corrupt and vicious to ever surrender their power and would burn the galaxy down before submitting to a new League, therefore they must be overthrown by force of arms."
"Do your people have that capacity?" Smits honed in on the military implication. "The entire Inner Sphere? It would be a massive undertaking."
"We are hugely outnumbered, but our warriors are peerless and our technology far superior to anything facing us," Kerlin answered. "We would succeed, or at least that was the calculation before an unknown factor entered the equation."
"Us." Hidoshi understood.
"Precisely. While you are not a target, you have provided technology and resources to the Inner Sphere. They are growing exponentially stronger. New mechs are being mass produced and armies train for all out war with their neighbours. Our advantage is slipping away and that has forced the hand of my people."
"An invasion which wouldn't have happened for many more years is now mobilising," Jaime stated plainly so the message wouldn't be lost. "It will take time, a few years to switch to a total war footing, but it is on its way."
"Why are you telling us this?" "Hidoshi asked the obvious question. "Why not Davion or Steiner?"
"Because they are our enemies now, and I am no traitor to my people," Kerlin answered. "By that same measure, I would ask you not to relay this information to them either."
"Really?" Smits raised an eyebrow. "You're asking a lot for someone who just walked through the door. We have good relations with the First Prince and Archon, we can't sit back and watch them take a hit like this."
"My Commander may be new, but I am not, and I hope I've proven myself worth listening to," Jaime stepped in. "Commander Ward is a greater man than I am, please hear him out."
"You have assisted us, Colonel." Hidoshi nodded. "But also it turns out you were hiding some pretty important information too. What else are you hiding?"
"You must do as honour dictates," Kerlin interjected. "But I would first offer an alternative. If it fails, by all means speak with your allies, but I ask you first to consider the reason I traveled all the way here alone."
"I suppose that's fair," Hidoshi allowed. "What do you suggest?"
"I have two requests, one personal, which will be to your benefit, and one far greater." Ward made his case. "For my opposition to the invasion, I am now exiled from my people. My enemies expect me to assume command of Colonel Wolf's unit. Consequently, I will do no such thing."
He gave a small nod to Jaime to confirm his command would remain unaltered.
"Instead, I request political asylum within the Earth Alliance. If you grant this, I will be honoured to provide my knowledge and experience as a warrior to your armies."
"Colonel Wolf has provided some experts, and we are currently conducting wargames with Prince Davion," Smits noted.
"I do not doubt their skill." Ward acknowledged. "But I have commanded larger and more advanced formations than any man in the Inner Sphere. I am well practised in divisional scale combined arms operations that exist only in text books here in the Inner Sphere. The Clans of Kerensky practice war refined from the era of the Star League. What the Great Houses have lost to time, we have preserved, enhanced, perfected. I offer you my guarantee General, Ambassador, I will teach your people the very pinnacle of mech warfare."
"And the second request?" Hidoshi prompted.
"The second is potentially far greater. My clan, the Clan Wolf, has suffered a defeat at the hands of its rivals. We are a proud people Ambassador, but we are not fools. Our clan was selected to carry the Legacy of the Kerensky line itself, his genetic legacy and Blood name. To carry the name of Kerensky is an honour beyond honour, and it has earned the envy of the other clans. An envy which has become enmity given our stance against this coming war.
"Many of us believe our rivals will use this opportunity to purge the bulk of the clan, leaving only a minority who side with the rivals, turning Clan Wolf into a hollow shell to be puppeted. This is unacceptable. As such the new leader and his circle are actively debating a plan to abandon the Clans and seek a new homeworld here within the Inner Sphere. Or, if practical, the Periphery."
"I see." Hidoshi remained unreadable. "How many people?"
"It will depend on how many wish to leave. The number may be zero, or it may be tens of millions," Ward answered plainly. "And if we did all choose exile, we would likely be reviled by our former allies and potentially hunted. The risk is considerable for all concerned, but it may also provide a new and safe home for my people. We would also, of course, swear an alliance with Earth and stand ready to fight and die to defend your worlds."
"So an alliance?"
"Yes. We do not submit, nor seek to become part of your Alliance. We will govern ourselves and if you refuse our request, we will simply find another world," Ward clarified. "But if you are willing to offer us a planet, an unpopulated minor world of no strategic value is perfectly suitable, then we will support you wholeheartedly. I am fully aware your BattleMech forces are still fledgelings and while advanced on paper, they lack the knowledge accrued by war. I ask you to consider this well, for placing Clan Wolf at your vanguard will make you invincible."
The Ambassador mulled over the idea, sharing a look with Smits, who offered the tiniest incline of a nod.
"I can't comment on your second request. That will require a debate among the Senate and a ruling by the President. But to your first, as Ambassador, I am able to grant individuals asylum. I'll sign the paperwork when we are done here."
"Thank you, Ambassador."
"On one condition." Hidoshi raised a hand. "A brief interview under observation by our resident telepath."
"I have been made aware of the probable existence of telepaths among you, and your laws regarding them." Ward became guarded. "I will not consent to a scan."
"I wouldn't ask you to, only a surface observation, limited to determining if you are truthful in your intentions," Hidoshi explained. "Consider our position. You arrive with this story, the lost soldiers of Kerensky arming for war, your desire to join us, train our armies. How do we know you aren't a spy yourself? That there is no army on the way? Frankly, you could be anyone."
"Our word is our bond. To lie would be a great dishonour."
"So you say, but we don't know those traditions even exist," Hidoshi countered. "We won't delve into your memory. We just need to know whether this information is true. If it is, I'll work with you, but I cannot guarantee the Senate will."
"I understand."
"And I can't guarantee the President won't warn the First Prince or Archon if what you say is true."
"I am willing to take that gamble." Ward nodded. "Very well, I shall prove my intentions are truthful and honourable. Assign your telepath."
"Miss Alexander will be scheduled for this evening. If you pass, I'll put you on a fast transport straight to Earth." Hidoshi gave his word. "Part of me hopes this is a game. Things are already complicated enough without throwing a completely new hostile faction into this mess."
"I regret that the future will not be simple, but I firmly believe we may yet prevent this war." Ward expressed his own resolve. "But that is for later. For now, I thank you for granting my request."
"Providing Miss Alexander confirms your intent, then I will welcome you to the Earth Alliance."
Ward stood and extended his hand which Hidoshi accepted.
"Well bargained and done."
Ward left the room, quietly confident about the next step forward. He slowed his pace a little to allow Jaime to catch up, his comrade seemingly not quite so satisfied with results.
"You have doubts, Colonel?"
"That obvious, sir?" He exhaled, his face heavy. "I don't doubt your wisdom. Sanctuary with the Alliance is probably the safest place in the galaxy, and no doubt they'll expect something from you in return. But this feels dangerous."
"It is a gamble, but a calculated one," Ward agreed. "The Warden cause is lost, at least so the Crusaders believe. But as long as we draw breath, we are not defeated. Will you give up your ways just because the new ilKhan demands war?"
"No sir."
"Good, then you are still a warrior, despite your long separation from us." The senior officer gave some respect. "The Warden ideal is not merely about protecting and guiding the people of the Sphere, it is also about defending them from threats they cannot yet comprehend. It is also not merely a Clan ideal. Kerensky spoke for all mankind, all our brothers and sisters that we knew and that we had not yet met. His great goal, his dream, was a united humanity strong and wise, together able to overcome any challenge. The Wardens follow this, and it has ever been our mission to make all into Wardens."
"That is true..." Jaime allowed.
"We are dedicated to converting the Sphere to our ways. The Wardens were never uniquely a Clan philosophy. I ask you Colonel, who beside us could stand as a fine example of Warden beliefs? Who has united to face greater threats? Who has defended mankind from external attack? Who has preserved their knowledge, wisdom, curiosity, and ambition for a better mankind?" Ward smiled. "Do you see now my goal Colonel? The Warden cause is not dead, far from it. Kerensky's true dream has just been revealed to us. Our aim was always to bring others into the Warden philosophy and for them to stand with us as brothers and sisters. Despite our defeat, that reality is now closer than ever before, thanks to you Colonel and your contact with this Earth."
Ward rested a hand on Jaime's shoulder gripping it firmly.
"The Wardens stand still, stronger than ever, and I firmly believe we can still stop this coming war and reshape the Clans to the ideal Kerensky always hoped for. The bulwark of humanity. We will use Earth Alliance to do this, not through battle, but by example. The external threat is real, we just have to prove it, and Earth will do that for us."
Posted this one since @Spartan303 is busy.[/hr]
Babylon 3
He knew space stations; he'd spent probably too much time on them tallied up over the years. He knew the smell of the air, that slightly harsh overly filtered mix that stung the nostrils ever so slightly, that faint scent of cleaning chemicals that never quite went away, and the static charged dust lingering. It was typical deep space living. The only difference was the scale, and that mattered a hell of a lot.
"Next."
He shuffled to the front of the line, a bored looking security officer in pale grey extending his hand like it was programmed into him.
"Indenticard or equivalent please."
He handed over his identification, a perfectly forged Suns passport that had been set up for him. One of the advantages of technological stagnation was that the old stock of fake IDs still worked a charm.
"Mr. Kerlin Ward," the guard read out. "What is the purpose of your visit?"
"Tourism." He answered simply and mostly truthful. "I am intrigued by this place."
"You and everyone else this week," the bored customs guard complained lightly. Looking at the length of the lines queuing up, this place had likely been packed since opening day, a massive curiosity that had dragged in people like a black hole. Understandable, but it was definitely keeping the station staff very busy.
"Enjoy your stay." He stamped the passport, a quaint throwback Kerlin found a speck of amusement in, and then he was through, the guard already waving over the next eager visitor.
It was easy, the suspicious side of him wondering if it was perhaps too easy. This station was a freeport; he hadn't needed a visa or special documentation to board and while he had to walk through a scanner to ensure he wasn't carrying any weapons or contraband, it appeared he was now free to do as he pleased. It felt a little irresponsible, not something he would have permitted, but this was a very different culture, according to the reports he had read.
That was part of his reason for being here. Kerlin Ward, master of Clan Wolf and one of the most influential and powerful men alive, was taking a gamble. Traveling here was a risk, but given the sudden shift in direction back home, it was justified. The galaxy had changed, events completely unpredicted had come to pass, and that had fundamentally altered the balance of power among the Clans. Surprise, ambition, perhaps a little fear had all conspired together to collapse his carefully laid plans. The Clans were moving and he could no longer stop them.
That was part of the reason for his visit, to give his subordinates the bad news. Clan Wolf was no longer in ascendance, the Warden Faction it gave its weight to had failed in their goal to hold back the Crusaders, who sought to return in force to the Inner Sphere and remake it in their image of the old Star League. Everything had changed, and now he had to do something dramatic about it, something only he could do. He had to speak with the builders of this place, and for that he needed Jaime Wolf.
The journey had been direct, but clandestine. If his peers knew his mind, the results would be disastrous for Clan Wolf. Fortunately, it was expected that his Clan would be entering a time of reflection after his defeat in the Council, as they realigned and prepared for glorious battle, so his presence would not be missed for a while. Time enough for this task, one that would almost certainly alter the political landscape of the galaxy irrevocably. He had considered letting others speak on his behalf. Jaime Wolf was a man of wisdom and charisma sufficient to get him into any audience chamber in the galaxy, but this was his responsibility. The words had to be from him alone.
Babylon 3 was a marvel, not just for its scale, but for the speed of its construction. It spoke of industrial capacity unseen since the fall of the Star League, and made it easy to believe Jaime's reports of massed fleets of heavy warships. That this Earth Alliance was broadly not hostile unless provoked was positive, but that could easily change, and the notion that this power could be turned to conquest was disquieting. Still, as far as he knew, the Alliance was the only entity that could stand up to the united Clans. The rest of the Inner Sphere was still a disaster, barely starting to pull itself back together.
At the very least, he needed to warn the Alliance of what was coming and seek their help in preventing war, but at the same time, not provoke them into potentially invading the Clan homeworlds. This was the contradiction of his quest. To stop the Crusader factions within the Clans and put the Wardens back in charge of policy toward the Inner Sphere, but not to cause a war that would end lives pointlessly. He knew what he wanted to achieve, but right now had no direct path to that end. It might prove impossible, but it was his duty to try, even if it could be viewed as a type of betrayal.
He walked the station, following the directions he had been given, passing through an unusual market filled with stalls selling surprisingly trashy trinkets. It was standard tourist fare, the market thronging with people apparently unaware or unconcerned with the quality of what they were buying. Most of the individuals seemed fairly wealthy, traders and minor nobles from across the galaxy indulging their curiosity. This was still a new and novel place, and the idle nobility loved nothing more than a fad which let them show off to others. He had no doubt that when the shine wore off, this place would become more quiet and furtive, its clientele switching from those who craved image to those who were repelled by it.
Beyond was a maze of corridors, all well marked and colour coordinated, but still vast and endless. Some led to bars and restaurants, many catering to the higher class of aristocrats separating themselves from the rabble. There were people of influence there, but Kerlin knew the real powers wouldn't be mingling even with those potent individuals. The sort of meetings he needed weren't the sort you simply walked into.
His destination was one of the more luxurious suites available, overlooking the central core of the station, a large window offering a commanding vista over the fields and forests helping recycle the station's air and take some pressure off the scrubbers. It wasn't a huge suite. Apart from the embassies and a few superior hotels built in the core as traditional structures, this suite was as good as it got. He pressed the door chime at the side of the angular shaped portal, the heavy metal door retracting in a circular motion up into the walls.
Inside were the entire command staff of Wolf's Dragoons, each of the battalion commanders alongside Jaime Wolf himself and Natasha Kerensky. It was probably a little excessive. Bringing so many senior officers to one meeting rankled his warrior instincts, but Kerlin would not chastise them. His words were important enough that they all needed to hear them sooner or later. They immediately stood in ranks and saluted sharply, their time among the Scavenger Lords apparently not diminishing their discipline. Kerlin returned the salute, though given he was dressed as a vagabond trader in a heavy coat, hood, and dark glasses, it probably lacked the dignity it deserved.
"As you were," he acknowledged plainly. "This is my first time meeting most of you since the mission began." He looked to the various unit commanders. "My compliments on your achievements. You have earned your plaudits, but I regret a greater reward may still be far in the future."
"The Dragoons stand ready to serve for as long as it takes, my Khan," Jaime swore, his officers standing firm in support.
"First, I must correct you, for I am no longer Khan." Ward shared the information plainly, with no tinge of bitterness. He had come to terms with his situation and embraced it. "Absalom Feng is now your Khan, and to our good fortune, he has approved the continuation of this project."
There was a heavy silence as expected, the assembled officers unsure how to process this news. Only Natasha inevitably spoke for them all.
"What happened?"
"The Crusader faction is now in ascendance, they successfully argued that the situation has changed enough to warrant invasion. The increase in technology and industry brought by this new Alliance and the growing union of the Davions and Steiners pushed the vote against us. I declared a trial of refusal, and I lost." Kerlin spoke plainly. "As such, I could not continue as Khan. SaKhan Feng has taken the duty. He is loyal to the Warden cause and my finest student. He believes as we do, but he is bound by honour to follow the words of the new IlKhan. Yvonne Hazen."
"The Jade Falcons." Natasha pursed her lips. "So the Crusaders are calling the shots?"
"They are, but our mission has not changed."
"Our loyalty is absolute Khan... I mean..."
"Galaxy Commander Ward now," Kerlin brought them up to date. "I still serve, and Khan Feng has approved an alternate phase of our mission."
"We stand ready to serve," Jaime affirmed, the rest of his staff standing straighter as they readied for a new task.
"It will be necessary," Kerlin intoned. "The Wardens have failed in our efforts to prevent open war. The Clans have chosen to mobilise and to invade, as such all our priorities must change."
It was not the news any of them wanted to hear, but at the same time, none among them expressed surprise. The Crusader faction had always been powerful. If not for Kerlin Ward, they would probably already be ripping through the worlds of the Inner Sphere.
"What are your orders sir?" Jaime brought their focus back to their duty. Their former Khan had clearly not given up despite this defeat, as such neither would they.
"Continue with your contract at present, work with the Capellans, continue to learn from them," Kerlin directed. "For now, officially, nothing has changed. You are still an information gathering unit, you will keep making reports, but these reports will be devoid of any significant information."
"Do you want us to provide the real reports to you, sir?"
"That won't be necessary. The Inner Sphere has little chance of resisting the Clans. They have squandered what they had and their fate is sealed."
"With respect Commander, I think there is hope here," Jaime answered. "The Davions and Steiners are inching toward a common cause. If we had some more time, I firmly believe they will form a united front to oppose invasion."
"Can it be done in five years?" Kerlin asked. "It will take at least that long to mobilise and fully equip the Crusader forces. Perhaps longer if Khan Feng can convince them greater strength is needed."
"If five years is all we have, then it'll be done in five years." Jaime nodded resolutely. "But it means telling the truth to the leaders of the Inner Sphere."
"And that would be considered an act of treason," Kerlin recognised. "While I oppose the course we are on, the Inner Sphere stands as our enemy now... or at least the situation is ambiguous enough that helping them harms the Clans. It is not a step I will take, not yet, and I do not order you to do it."
"Is there another option?"
"I have exhausted all options Clan law allows. I have fought so many trials I have lost count," Kerlin admitted.
"And you survived." Natasha observed.
"Alive, yes." Kerlin lowered his dark glasses revealing heavy scarring where his left eye had been. "But not intact. Yvonne Hazen bested me at the last. She spared my life, no doubt anticipating I would travel here to join the Dragoons. No doubt it was meant as an insult, but I assure you she will regret letting me live."
"Hazen was murder on the field," Natasha acknowledged. "I've never known her to lose."
"Her record is intact, but at least the Smoke Jaguars will be needing a new Khan." Kerlin smiled broadly at the memory of his victory. "It lessens the sting of defeat a little, but it doesn't change the fact that I failed the Trials of Refusal. I must now look elsewhere to stop this pointless bloodshed."
"If the trials have failed what else is there?" She wondered. "Civil war?"
"No, I would not lead us that." Kerlin shook his head. "Instead, I want to examine the possibility of outside intervention. Not the Inner Sphere, they are now our enemies, but the Earth Alliance is not."
"The Alliance?" Jaime raised an eyebrow, his surprise morphing into a smile. "A bold gambit, sir."
"The Clans have made it clear that our contest is with the Great Houses only. The Periphery is to be considered neutral. Unless, of course, they take arms against us. The Earth Alliance in particular is to be treated with care and caution. Nobody really believes your reports regarding their strength, but they believe enough not to provoke them."
"A wise choice."
"Smartest thing the Council has done in this mess." Natasha was less tactful. "And it might work. I don't think they'll get involved unless they get attacked."
"Hard to say," Jaime countered. "They've been forging closer ties to the Davions and Steiners. Nothing formal, but if those ties keep improving, they might not enjoy seeing their friends getting slammed."
"You understand then why I am here," Kerlin resolved. "If the Clans invade, it will be a disaster for the Inner Sphere, and if these great fleets from the Periphery choose to intervene, it may be the end of the Clans as we know them. In either case, we must stop this war before it starts, and for that I need to speak to someone senior within the Earth Alliance."
"Fortunately, Galaxy Commander, you are in exactly the right place."
Later that day
"This is irregular." General Smits was clearly perturbed by this unscheduled meeting and wasn't making much effort to disguise that fact, but he had his orders and would follow them, albeit grudgingly. "I like to run this station like clockwork. One thing falls out of place, and it's chaos within five minutes. Sheer anarchy, gentlemen, like juggling cats."
"Understood General." Colonel Wolf restrained a tingle of amusement. "We wouldn't have requested this if it wasn't an emergency. I can assure you this meeting is critical for all concerned."
"It appears you have friends in high places, Colonel." Smits continued to sound like a disapproving teacher. "Just through here."
Smits brought them to Ambassador Hidoshi's office, a small clerical space attached to his quarters just about big enough for a desk and some modest chairs. His official briefing and conference rooms were larger, but also more exposed to scrutiny. This meeting was to be taken secretly, not an easy task in such a closely observed station.
Hidoshi rose to meet his guests with the oft rehearsed broad smile of a veteran Senator. He was guarded, but clearly curious about what was unfolding.
"Gentlemen, welcome. Please join me, help yourself to refreshments."
The meeting was limited to just four participants. Hidoshi and Smits for Earth, Wolf and Ward for their side.
"I was a little surprised to receive a call from the head of the EIA telling me to set up a meeting." Hidoshi returned to his desk and poured some tea. "You have some interesting friends, Colonel Wolf."
"We've shed blood together. Hopefully that is enough to get me through the door." Jaime turned to the older man beside him. "But it's not me you need to hear out today. This is my superior officer and architect of everything the Dragoons have done so far."
All eyes fell on the former Khan, Ward making sure he had their full attention before starting.
"My name is Kerlin Ward, and the Colonel speaks true. Several years ago, I authorised the creation and deployment of the Wolf Dragoons as a means to gather intelligence on the Inner Sphere. Their political and economic makeup, their culture, and most importantly, their military capacity. This was done to provide reliable information as a prelude to the invasion and conquest of the entire Inner Sphere."
From most other men, such a statement might have drawn a laugh, a smiling snicker at the attempt to perhaps lighten the atmosphere with some absurdist humour. But Kerlin had no humour in his face, his scarred visage stony and weighted by the words he was delivering. He was instead met with enraptured silence, the gravity starting to draw in the two Alliance representatives.
"We are a reconnaissance in force with a mission expected to last decades, the first breeze of a forming hurricane," Kerlin continued, assured that he was talking to the right people. "The story is lengthy and I will tell it in full, but to get quickly to the point, are you aware of the Exodus of General Kerensky at the fall of the Star League?"
"I've studied it, yes." Hidoshi nodded. "Many thought we were the descendants of his people at first."
Jaime hid a smile.
"I am one of those descendants, after a fashion," Kerlin continued. "I am part of the genetic lineage of those great warriors and believers. We endured much hardship, many trials, and from it formed a new and more perfect society. One of our guiding ideals left by General Kerensky himself was the resolve to one day return from our exile and give birth to a new Star League, one that will lead humanity in unity to a greater future."
"A noble sentiment." Hidoshi accepted. "But a dream."
"Everything ever achieved began as a dream," Kerlin said with confidence. "It will happen, but there is a question of how. Our society is divided on exactly how General Kerensky wanted us to bring humanity together. Some, such as I, believe we will lead through inspiration, that we will wait until we are needed and welcomed by the people of the Inner Sphere. Others believe that the leaders of the Sphere are too corrupt and vicious to ever surrender their power and would burn the galaxy down before submitting to a new League, therefore they must be overthrown by force of arms."
"Do your people have that capacity?" Smits honed in on the military implication. "The entire Inner Sphere? It would be a massive undertaking."
"We are hugely outnumbered, but our warriors are peerless and our technology far superior to anything facing us," Kerlin answered. "We would succeed, or at least that was the calculation before an unknown factor entered the equation."
"Us." Hidoshi understood.
"Precisely. While you are not a target, you have provided technology and resources to the Inner Sphere. They are growing exponentially stronger. New mechs are being mass produced and armies train for all out war with their neighbours. Our advantage is slipping away and that has forced the hand of my people."
"An invasion which wouldn't have happened for many more years is now mobilising," Jaime stated plainly so the message wouldn't be lost. "It will take time, a few years to switch to a total war footing, but it is on its way."
"Why are you telling us this?" "Hidoshi asked the obvious question. "Why not Davion or Steiner?"
"Because they are our enemies now, and I am no traitor to my people," Kerlin answered. "By that same measure, I would ask you not to relay this information to them either."
"Really?" Smits raised an eyebrow. "You're asking a lot for someone who just walked through the door. We have good relations with the First Prince and Archon, we can't sit back and watch them take a hit like this."
"My Commander may be new, but I am not, and I hope I've proven myself worth listening to," Jaime stepped in. "Commander Ward is a greater man than I am, please hear him out."
"You have assisted us, Colonel." Hidoshi nodded. "But also it turns out you were hiding some pretty important information too. What else are you hiding?"
"You must do as honour dictates," Kerlin interjected. "But I would first offer an alternative. If it fails, by all means speak with your allies, but I ask you first to consider the reason I traveled all the way here alone."
"I suppose that's fair," Hidoshi allowed. "What do you suggest?"
"I have two requests, one personal, which will be to your benefit, and one far greater." Ward made his case. "For my opposition to the invasion, I am now exiled from my people. My enemies expect me to assume command of Colonel Wolf's unit. Consequently, I will do no such thing."
He gave a small nod to Jaime to confirm his command would remain unaltered.
"Instead, I request political asylum within the Earth Alliance. If you grant this, I will be honoured to provide my knowledge and experience as a warrior to your armies."
"Colonel Wolf has provided some experts, and we are currently conducting wargames with Prince Davion," Smits noted.
"I do not doubt their skill." Ward acknowledged. "But I have commanded larger and more advanced formations than any man in the Inner Sphere. I am well practised in divisional scale combined arms operations that exist only in text books here in the Inner Sphere. The Clans of Kerensky practice war refined from the era of the Star League. What the Great Houses have lost to time, we have preserved, enhanced, perfected. I offer you my guarantee General, Ambassador, I will teach your people the very pinnacle of mech warfare."
"And the second request?" Hidoshi prompted.
"The second is potentially far greater. My clan, the Clan Wolf, has suffered a defeat at the hands of its rivals. We are a proud people Ambassador, but we are not fools. Our clan was selected to carry the Legacy of the Kerensky line itself, his genetic legacy and Blood name. To carry the name of Kerensky is an honour beyond honour, and it has earned the envy of the other clans. An envy which has become enmity given our stance against this coming war.
"Many of us believe our rivals will use this opportunity to purge the bulk of the clan, leaving only a minority who side with the rivals, turning Clan Wolf into a hollow shell to be puppeted. This is unacceptable. As such the new leader and his circle are actively debating a plan to abandon the Clans and seek a new homeworld here within the Inner Sphere. Or, if practical, the Periphery."
"I see." Hidoshi remained unreadable. "How many people?"
"It will depend on how many wish to leave. The number may be zero, or it may be tens of millions," Ward answered plainly. "And if we did all choose exile, we would likely be reviled by our former allies and potentially hunted. The risk is considerable for all concerned, but it may also provide a new and safe home for my people. We would also, of course, swear an alliance with Earth and stand ready to fight and die to defend your worlds."
"So an alliance?"
"Yes. We do not submit, nor seek to become part of your Alliance. We will govern ourselves and if you refuse our request, we will simply find another world," Ward clarified. "But if you are willing to offer us a planet, an unpopulated minor world of no strategic value is perfectly suitable, then we will support you wholeheartedly. I am fully aware your BattleMech forces are still fledgelings and while advanced on paper, they lack the knowledge accrued by war. I ask you to consider this well, for placing Clan Wolf at your vanguard will make you invincible."
The Ambassador mulled over the idea, sharing a look with Smits, who offered the tiniest incline of a nod.
"I can't comment on your second request. That will require a debate among the Senate and a ruling by the President. But to your first, as Ambassador, I am able to grant individuals asylum. I'll sign the paperwork when we are done here."
"Thank you, Ambassador."
"On one condition." Hidoshi raised a hand. "A brief interview under observation by our resident telepath."
"I have been made aware of the probable existence of telepaths among you, and your laws regarding them." Ward became guarded. "I will not consent to a scan."
"I wouldn't ask you to, only a surface observation, limited to determining if you are truthful in your intentions," Hidoshi explained. "Consider our position. You arrive with this story, the lost soldiers of Kerensky arming for war, your desire to join us, train our armies. How do we know you aren't a spy yourself? That there is no army on the way? Frankly, you could be anyone."
"Our word is our bond. To lie would be a great dishonour."
"So you say, but we don't know those traditions even exist," Hidoshi countered. "We won't delve into your memory. We just need to know whether this information is true. If it is, I'll work with you, but I cannot guarantee the Senate will."
"I understand."
"And I can't guarantee the President won't warn the First Prince or Archon if what you say is true."
"I am willing to take that gamble." Ward nodded. "Very well, I shall prove my intentions are truthful and honourable. Assign your telepath."
"Miss Alexander will be scheduled for this evening. If you pass, I'll put you on a fast transport straight to Earth." Hidoshi gave his word. "Part of me hopes this is a game. Things are already complicated enough without throwing a completely new hostile faction into this mess."
"I regret that the future will not be simple, but I firmly believe we may yet prevent this war." Ward expressed his own resolve. "But that is for later. For now, I thank you for granting my request."
"Providing Miss Alexander confirms your intent, then I will welcome you to the Earth Alliance."
Ward stood and extended his hand which Hidoshi accepted.
"Well bargained and done."
Ward left the room, quietly confident about the next step forward. He slowed his pace a little to allow Jaime to catch up, his comrade seemingly not quite so satisfied with results.
"You have doubts, Colonel?"
"That obvious, sir?" He exhaled, his face heavy. "I don't doubt your wisdom. Sanctuary with the Alliance is probably the safest place in the galaxy, and no doubt they'll expect something from you in return. But this feels dangerous."
"It is a gamble, but a calculated one," Ward agreed. "The Warden cause is lost, at least so the Crusaders believe. But as long as we draw breath, we are not defeated. Will you give up your ways just because the new ilKhan demands war?"
"No sir."
"Good, then you are still a warrior, despite your long separation from us." The senior officer gave some respect. "The Warden ideal is not merely about protecting and guiding the people of the Sphere, it is also about defending them from threats they cannot yet comprehend. It is also not merely a Clan ideal. Kerensky spoke for all mankind, all our brothers and sisters that we knew and that we had not yet met. His great goal, his dream, was a united humanity strong and wise, together able to overcome any challenge. The Wardens follow this, and it has ever been our mission to make all into Wardens."
"That is true..." Jaime allowed.
"We are dedicated to converting the Sphere to our ways. The Wardens were never uniquely a Clan philosophy. I ask you Colonel, who beside us could stand as a fine example of Warden beliefs? Who has united to face greater threats? Who has defended mankind from external attack? Who has preserved their knowledge, wisdom, curiosity, and ambition for a better mankind?" Ward smiled. "Do you see now my goal Colonel? The Warden cause is not dead, far from it. Kerensky's true dream has just been revealed to us. Our aim was always to bring others into the Warden philosophy and for them to stand with us as brothers and sisters. Despite our defeat, that reality is now closer than ever before, thanks to you Colonel and your contact with this Earth."
Ward rested a hand on Jaime's shoulder gripping it firmly.
"The Wardens stand still, stronger than ever, and I firmly believe we can still stop this coming war and reshape the Clans to the ideal Kerensky always hoped for. The bulwark of humanity. We will use Earth Alliance to do this, not through battle, but by example. The external threat is real, we just have to prove it, and Earth will do that for us."
Posted this one since @Spartan303 is busy.[/hr]
Earth Alliance DropShips
Earth Alliance Dropships
The discovery of dropship technology has been revolutionary for the short and medium haul cargo industry. Inner Sphere dropships significantly outperform the existing heavy lift shuttles employed by the Alliance to shift cargo between space and planets, rendering EA shuttles virtually obsolete overnight. The ability to now move thousands of tons of cargo easily into space, and often from planet to planet directly, has streamlined space transportation, reduced time and expense, and created a new burgeoning manufacturing sector.
Alliance civilian transport companies prefer spherical dropships, the larger the better, and operate them extensively, with the type dominating after just a few short years. The ability to build dropships on a planet rather than being limited to orbital yards has greatly helped their proliferation, with Mars gearing up to build thousands of craft per year.
Basic civilian designs are mostly identical to their Inner Sphere counterparts, with only a few alterations to suit Alliance computer, sensor, and communication technology. Several Tortuga based companies manufacture unaltered IS tech dropships for export.
While long range space to space cargo transport is still dominated by the extremely cheap and efficient C-Series modular freighters, spherical dropships are now almost as common of a sight sitting in orbit and plying the convoy routes. Tachyon navigation systems allow EA dropships to travel hyperspace without difficulty, though they remain too small to utilise their own jump drives. Most are used purely for in system interplanetary trade, with dedicated bulk freighters still ruling interstellar traffic.
The military prefer Aerodyne designs, thanks to their greater control during orbital drops. Earth Force doctrine requires planetary landers to conduct atmospheric entry nose down under thrust, aerobraking only at the last possible moment to defend against ground fire. As such, EF dropships utilise heavier armour than their Inner Sphere counterparts, at the cost of reduced firepower and endurance.
The military does operate some Spherical designs, but these are purely for cargo transport in safe zones and operated by the EFNS or Fleet Auxiliary.
Hades Assault Shuttle
It serves a useful secondary role as a precision light attack craft, using guided bombs and missiles against targets unsuitable for orbital strikes.
The Hades is relatively short ranged and not designed to operate far from dedicated troopships.
Triumph (Epsilon)Cargo/Utility
Its size does however allow it to be used as a dedicated medium scale troop transport, ferrying units or cargo across interplanetary distances, though again its lack of weaponry means it is not able to adequately defend itself.
Gazelle (Epsilon) Assault/Utility
The Gazelle was selected as EF's front line assault dropship, tasked with being the first wave of planetary assaults. Dropping immediately behind fighter and gunship cover, the Gazelle is expected to clear landing zones, defend itself and its payload as it unloads, and then return to orbit for another run. It is armed mostly with short ranged, rapid fire weapons, with only the LRM40 for a more offensive punch. Its interceptor grid is based on the rapid fire pulse cannons utilised by EA space stations, giving each ship excellent point defence ability.
Like other EF dropships, the broader weapons fit of the original Gazelle is reduced and replaced with armour and heat shields. Similar to the Triumph, it has the range to transport its cargo between planets, though the vast majority of Gazelles will be attached to larger troop ships and are not expected to operate independently.
Gazelle (Gamma) gunship
Designed to fill a niche as the ultimate ground support platform, the Gazelle gunship is both heavily armed and very well protected, at the cost of its transport capacity. It utilises a light plasma cannon similar to those fitted on corvettes as its main ground support weapon, the plasma bolt capable of defeating any known vehicle and mimicking the effects of a fuel air explosive for eliminating bunkers. The gunship also carries a full bore naval rail gun on a top mounted turret, optimised for engaging other dropships, though it may also be used against ground targets if necessary.
The light pulse cannons are optimised for air defence and saturation against enemy ground formations, with the extensive interceptor system designed as theatre missile defence. A battery of LRM40s offer a variety of munitions for long range artillery support.
While designed to support ground forces, it can function as a close escort for convoys or warships, though its heavy armour and extensive weaponry limit its range severely. Houses Davion and Steiner have expressed interest, considering the design a useful stepping stone between armed dropship and pocket warship.
Leopard Battlemech Transport
The venerable Leopard was the obvious choice for mech transport. While Earth Force does not operate many mechs, and as such the Leopard is heavily outnumbered by Gazelle and Triumph class dropships, it remains essential. It is expected to be in the first wave of any attack and like other EA units, it has sacrificed weapons and endurance for heavier armour.
Vengeance Light Carrier/Anti-piracy vessel
An experiment mainly on the behalf of the Belt Alliance, the Vengeance represents a very useful, if very situational, vessel. On paper, it is an excellent carrier, holding as many fighters as the Avenger, a dedicated carrier hundreds of times larger and vastly more expensive. In practice , while the design works well with Inner Sphere Aerospace fighters and their highly efficient engines, they are far less useful when paired with Starfuries. While EA fighters have excellent performance for their weight, they burn fuel much more rapidly than IS craft, and the Vengeance can only carry a few days worth of supplies for its airwing. This limits the Vengeance to either short range convoy escort, or a short term force multiplier attached to a warship.
Its weaponry reflects this, with an outstanding interceptor grid designed to overwhelm hostile ASFs or missile barrages with sheer weight of fire. The Vengeance is not capable of atmospheric operation, but as a close convoy escort, it is extremely potent and is rapidly replacing older Belt Alliance units.
The vessel is also in use with the Tortuga Auxiliary and has garnered interest from Davion and Steiner. The Auxiliary is known to deploy the Vengeance with a reduced fighter complement, filling the freed up space with additional fuel and munitions for their Starfuries. While this does greatly increase their endurance, it also makes them an explosion waiting to happen.
Cross-posting LC's informational post here.
The discovery of dropship technology has been revolutionary for the short and medium haul cargo industry. Inner Sphere dropships significantly outperform the existing heavy lift shuttles employed by the Alliance to shift cargo between space and planets, rendering EA shuttles virtually obsolete overnight. The ability to now move thousands of tons of cargo easily into space, and often from planet to planet directly, has streamlined space transportation, reduced time and expense, and created a new burgeoning manufacturing sector.
Alliance civilian transport companies prefer spherical dropships, the larger the better, and operate them extensively, with the type dominating after just a few short years. The ability to build dropships on a planet rather than being limited to orbital yards has greatly helped their proliferation, with Mars gearing up to build thousands of craft per year.
Basic civilian designs are mostly identical to their Inner Sphere counterparts, with only a few alterations to suit Alliance computer, sensor, and communication technology. Several Tortuga based companies manufacture unaltered IS tech dropships for export.
While long range space to space cargo transport is still dominated by the extremely cheap and efficient C-Series modular freighters, spherical dropships are now almost as common of a sight sitting in orbit and plying the convoy routes. Tachyon navigation systems allow EA dropships to travel hyperspace without difficulty, though they remain too small to utilise their own jump drives. Most are used purely for in system interplanetary trade, with dedicated bulk freighters still ruling interstellar traffic.
The military prefer Aerodyne designs, thanks to their greater control during orbital drops. Earth Force doctrine requires planetary landers to conduct atmospheric entry nose down under thrust, aerobraking only at the last possible moment to defend against ground fire. As such, EF dropships utilise heavier armour than their Inner Sphere counterparts, at the cost of reduced firepower and endurance.
The military does operate some Spherical designs, but these are purely for cargo transport in safe zones and operated by the EFNS or Fleet Auxiliary.
Hades Assault Shuttle
- 500 tons
- two uni-pulse cannon turrets
- Internal weapons bay
- 1x medium vehicle platoon or 1x infantry company
It serves a useful secondary role as a precision light attack craft, using guided bombs and missiles against targets unsuitable for orbital strikes.
The Hades is relatively short ranged and not designed to operate far from dedicated troopships.
Triumph (Epsilon)Cargo/Utility
- 6500 tons
- 3 light pulse cannons
- 8 interceptors
- 1x heavy tank battalion
Its size does however allow it to be used as a dedicated medium scale troop transport, ferrying units or cargo across interplanetary distances, though again its lack of weaponry means it is not able to adequately defend itself.
Gazelle (Epsilon) Assault/Utility
- 3000 tons
- 8 light pulse cannons
- 8 interceptors
- 4 LRM40
- 1x tank company or 1x infantry battalion
The Gazelle was selected as EF's front line assault dropship, tasked with being the first wave of planetary assaults. Dropping immediately behind fighter and gunship cover, the Gazelle is expected to clear landing zones, defend itself and its payload as it unloads, and then return to orbit for another run. It is armed mostly with short ranged, rapid fire weapons, with only the LRM40 for a more offensive punch. Its interceptor grid is based on the rapid fire pulse cannons utilised by EA space stations, giving each ship excellent point defence ability.
Like other EF dropships, the broader weapons fit of the original Gazelle is reduced and replaced with armour and heat shields. Similar to the Triumph, it has the range to transport its cargo between planets, though the vast majority of Gazelles will be attached to larger troop ships and are not expected to operate independently.
Gazelle (Gamma) gunship
- 6000 tons
- Rail gun, topside
- plasma cannon, nose
- 16 light pulse cannons
- 24 interceptors
- 8 LRM40
- small spec ops detachment possible
Designed to fill a niche as the ultimate ground support platform, the Gazelle gunship is both heavily armed and very well protected, at the cost of its transport capacity. It utilises a light plasma cannon similar to those fitted on corvettes as its main ground support weapon, the plasma bolt capable of defeating any known vehicle and mimicking the effects of a fuel air explosive for eliminating bunkers. The gunship also carries a full bore naval rail gun on a top mounted turret, optimised for engaging other dropships, though it may also be used against ground targets if necessary.
The light pulse cannons are optimised for air defence and saturation against enemy ground formations, with the extensive interceptor system designed as theatre missile defence. A battery of LRM40s offer a variety of munitions for long range artillery support.
While designed to support ground forces, it can function as a close escort for convoys or warships, though its heavy armour and extensive weaponry limit its range severely. Houses Davion and Steiner have expressed interest, considering the design a useful stepping stone between armed dropship and pocket warship.
Leopard Battlemech Transport
- 2000 tons
- 6 light pulse cannons
- 8 interceptors
- LRM 40
- 4x mechs
The venerable Leopard was the obvious choice for mech transport. While Earth Force does not operate many mechs, and as such the Leopard is heavily outnumbered by Gazelle and Triumph class dropships, it remains essential. It is expected to be in the first wave of any attack and like other EA units, it has sacrificed weapons and endurance for heavier armour.
Vengeance Light Carrier/Anti-piracy vessel
- 10000 tons
- 2 rail guns
- 4 pulse cannons
- 24 interceptors
- 2 LRM40
- 48x Starfury
An experiment mainly on the behalf of the Belt Alliance, the Vengeance represents a very useful, if very situational, vessel. On paper, it is an excellent carrier, holding as many fighters as the Avenger, a dedicated carrier hundreds of times larger and vastly more expensive. In practice , while the design works well with Inner Sphere Aerospace fighters and their highly efficient engines, they are far less useful when paired with Starfuries. While EA fighters have excellent performance for their weight, they burn fuel much more rapidly than IS craft, and the Vengeance can only carry a few days worth of supplies for its airwing. This limits the Vengeance to either short range convoy escort, or a short term force multiplier attached to a warship.
Its weaponry reflects this, with an outstanding interceptor grid designed to overwhelm hostile ASFs or missile barrages with sheer weight of fire. The Vengeance is not capable of atmospheric operation, but as a close convoy escort, it is extremely potent and is rapidly replacing older Belt Alliance units.
The vessel is also in use with the Tortuga Auxiliary and has garnered interest from Davion and Steiner. The Auxiliary is known to deploy the Vengeance with a reduced fighter complement, filling the freed up space with additional fuel and munitions for their Starfuries. While this does greatly increase their endurance, it also makes them an explosion waiting to happen.
Cross-posting LC's informational post here.
Chapter 30
New Aragon
September 3012/2253
Each dropship left a distinctive ring of vapour in the sky as it hit denser air, the visual ripple accompanied by a boom of shunted atmosphere. The heavy aerodynes slowed fast, retro engines and landing thrusters burning violently as the pilots swerved their craft toward the landing zone. Ten of the hefty vehicles held formation, not an easy task during re-entry, before scattering in the final few thousand feet as they angled for their selected landing zones, and poured on the last few blasts on their breaking thrusters.
It was a thunderous event, the large craft slowing as quickly as their engines allowed, touching down into a hurricane of dust and detritus blown up by the engines. Into this storm leapt the cargo, the initial dropships running their engines as each unloaded four mechs, the great metal machines fanning out and facing toward each cardinal point, sweeping for targets.
"LZ secure," Garibaldi tapped his commlink. "Good to go, Taxi Two."
"Copy, on the way back up." His transport, a modified Leopard dropship built on Mars, instantly lifted up and pitched the nose before blasting its main engines. The mechs were unfazed by the fury of the engines, holding firm in the teeth of the jetwash as the dropship withdrew almost vertically straight up, as fast as possible.
"Dodger Lance on the ground and clear," Garibaldi reported on his company commsline.
"Skippy Lance, all clear." His comrades reported in from a kilometre away on the left flank, his sensors marking their status and position.
"Alpha Lance clear and ready." His company commander, Captain Ferro, acknowledged their signals and brought them up to date. "Assume staggered line, wait for the tanks and prepare to advance."
Garibaldi's four mech team spread out and kept their watch, guns tracking steadily left and right as they scanned the horizon. The terrain was fairly flat, by necessity. Some sort of old lake bed, selected for ease of landing dropships. While the Leopards had unloaded in seconds, the much larger Gazelle class units carrying the tanks were taking a little longer. It made sense. Driving a company of heavy tanks down a ramp was a slower and more careful task than just throwing a mech out of a door, but it felt like it was taking a while.
The mechs held position and guarded the landing zone, infantry unloading from other dropships setting up nearby, rolling out their assorted command vehicles, tachyon scanners and engineering vehicles. Some of the tanks would remain here to establish a forward base with the infantry, while the rest would screen Ferro's mech company as they hunted for targets nearby.
"Dodger Lance, Blue Platoon here. Coming through loud and clear?"
"Blue, Dodger leader, I hear you and have you on the datalink." Garibaldi flicked a few controls to update his displays, a simple map showing four blue dots approaching his mechs. "All briefed on the situation?"
"Yes sir, we'll move on ahead and look for trouble."
"And if you find it, we'll jog over and end it."
"Appreciate the support, Lieutenant, but I have a bet with my crews we kill more hostiles than you do." The tanker laid down the challenge as his vehicles trundled past.
"I'll take that bet." Garibaldi grinned to himself. "If we win, you need to grab us some tanker overalls from your quartermaster."
"And if we win?"
"I'll cook your platoon some real Italian food."
"You got a deal, Dodger leader. I expect table cloths and a singer too. With one of those little guitars."
He let the tanks take the lead, a quartet of the new Siegfried heavy tanks built to fight in this unusual new universe they had been hurled into. Much bigger and heavier than the old Thor tanks, and armed with two naval artillery guns that packed prodigious firepower on paper, yet Garibaldi was confident his four Marauders would effortlessly surpass them.
"Alright Dodgers, move up nice and steady. Sweep the horizon and watch for fast movers."
His team checked in with a tap of their comms, no words needed. The climate here was dry, each step kicking up some dust, which meant stealth wasn't an option. Not that the massed dropship landing was exactly subtle. The defenders would know their location and be able to track their movements, though Ferro had a plan for that.
On their right flank, a group of jeeps were also crossing the flats and moving toward a cluster of low hills, each one dragging chains behind it. From a distance, the dust kicked up from dragging the chains would make the jeeps look like a company of tanks, a decoy accompanied by assorted radio chatter and reports to try and confuse their opponent.
"Primary objective is a mine one hundred and twenty clicks north," Ferro's voice reminded the group. "We'll take a direct path, low hills and sparse forest ahead. Sweep and clear for the main force, hostile mechs and VTOL forces are expected."
The group settled into formation, spreading out with a company of tanks forward and the mech company five hundred metres behind.
"All units, weapons free. No friendlies or civilians in the region. If it moves, blast it."
"What do you think?" General Robert Fraser lowered his binoculars and gave his follow commander a pointed look.
"Very tightly done." Hanse Davion gave his honest assessment, continuing to peer across the terrain with his own binoculars. "You kept those dropships within what, eight hundred metres of each other?"
"Five hundred." Fraser smiled. "And that's only because this is an exercise. If this was serious, we could put them down in a three hundred metre grid."
"My compliments to your pilots." Hanse could respect that. Dropping into combat was an extraordinarily dangerous role, and while pilots never had the glory of a mechwarrior, any commander with a modicum of sense kept his drop pilots content. "Combat veterans?"
"The best." Fraser beamed in pride. "They ran cargo shuttles under Minbari blockades. If you weren't able to execute a high speed drop, well, you didn't get a second chance."
"Natural selection." Hanse understood perfectly. "I didn't even have time to get my fighters off the ground. Again, my compliments to your pilots."
"Benefit of being able to deploy so close to your target and not have to spend days flying in from a jump point," the EA General reasoned. "We can have ships on the way down before the reports make it up the chain of command."
"Which means we need to put some additional flexibility into the process, hand more initiative to local commanders," the Prince rationalised. As much as this wargame was to provide a training opportunity to the Earth Force mech units, it was also turning out to be a very useful experience for the AFFS. Not for the first time, Hanse guessed this was exactly why his older brother had staged the games within Hanse's domain. "And improve our own dropship groupings."
"Highness, scouts report enemy in sight," a junior officer called from the open sided tent, packed with comms gear and maps, Hanse was using as his command post. Fraser had his own command post set on the back of a truck nearby, the two sides opponents in these games, but keeping in close contact.
"Well General, if you'll excuse me, I need to go and do some work." Hanse nodded to the officer. "May the best regiment win."
"We'll try not to make your boys and girls feel too silly." Fraser chuckled and made for his own command post. He radiated confidence, but it wasn't reflected in the cold reality. Earth was still a novice and the AFFS was considered a first class military. He expected to give the Suns a shock, but ultimately he was here to learn from them. Not that he'd express anything other than supreme self assuredness.
For his part, Hanse also had doubts. He'd seen the test evaluations on the Marauders Earth Force was fielding and they were absolutely terrifying. A monkey in a flight suit would be an existential threat at the controls of that much firepower. In the hands of disciplined professionals, this was going to be a very hard fight.
"My Compliments to General Drivers." Hanse set about his task. "Begin operations. Then get me Major Sortek's detachment."
"Contact on the ridge, single mech moving fast."
"I see it." Garibaldi targeted the shape, a small machine keeping tabs on them. "Scout mech, good odds they know where we are."
"Permission to take a shot boss?" One of his squad strained at the leash.
"Range is a little long," Garibaldi checked. "I don't like that guy stalking us though."
"Dodgers, this is Blue, we can take that shot." The commander of his attached tank screen had already stopped one of his tanks. "Blue Three, send it."
The closest Siegfried tank halted and aligned its substantial cannon, the 175mm former naval weapon well suited for this kind of long range engagement.
"Tracking, locked, on the way!"
The gun blasted a flash of flame that looked impressive, but was all for show, a blank exercise round that simulated the shock and sensor disruption, but nothing else. The range computer calculated the flight, worked out the impact, and then informed the target mech that it had been sniped at maximum range and its activities for the day were over.
"That's a kill," the tank commander reported gleefully. "Man, I'm really looking forward to that Italian dinner, for free."
"It ain't over til it's over," Garibaldi retaliated. "Move on, expect additional hostiles any minute."
Garibaldi's unit heightened their senses, tensed themselves for combat. He doubted the enemy would simply sit back and wait for the EA advance to reach them. From what he knew of the AFFS in general, and Hanse Davion in particular, they would be bold and aggressive in their response. The Dodgers would be ready for it.
"Heat bloom, forests, ten o'clock low!" One of the tank commanders reported. "Energy weapons!"
Streaks of laser and particle energy stabbed past the tanks, very faint and barely showing through the dust cloud, but enough to pinpoint an enemy location.
"Blue platoon engage on the move!" The tanks responded by swinging their turrets to the left. "Echelon right, continuous fire, execute!"
The guns barked, the muzzle blast kicking up some dust as the tanks swept across the gently undulating ground. There was no way to simulate the dust kicked up by misses, so the computers had to randomise some environmental effects making life harder for the gunners. In response, they just carpeted the target in quick fired anti-tank rounds, playing the law of averages and betting something would have to hit.
"Keep your eyes open and heads on a swivel," Garibaldi warned. "I'm only getting one reading, probable scout."
"Confirmed, that return fire looks pretty weak," his second confirmed.
"Their main attack is still out there. Leave the scraps for the tanks, keep focused."
It was probably a distraction, something to make them face left when the real strike came from elsewhere. Just as he was trying to guess from which direction the real hammer would fall from, his sensors lit up with warnings.
"Target front! Multiple mechs emerging from cover!"
"Dodgers halt!" Garibaldi called clearly down the line. "Mid-range rapid fire, catch them as they deploy! Let 'em have it!"
The Marauders stopped in their tracks and went active, holding position to provide a stable gunnery platform. On Garibaldi's order, each of the four machines leveled their pulse cannons and opened fire on full auto, saturating the emerging lance of AFFS mechs. The pulses were faded and weak imitations of a full bellied barrage, but even so, the storm of particle fire illuminated the air between the two formations, registering dozens of hits in a matter of seconds.
"Alpha Lance, Dodger Lance, enemy contact," Garibaldi reported. "Continuing to advance under fire!"
"Copy that, Dodger. Push forward, we're covering your flank," Captain Ferro responded back. "Estimate Regiment strength mech unit in these hills."
"Understood, resistance increasing but under control."
The lance began to advance slowly, the mechs beginning to move forward again at walking pace, while maintaining rapid bursts of gunfire. Ahead of them, an assortment of light and medium mechs attempted to reply, but were simply overwhelmed in raw firepower before they could do much. The few shots which connected were registered, but did little more than shave off some armour from the Marauders.
"Dodgers, we have a fold in the terrain on the right." His tank screen helpfully informed, the heavy armour platoon adding their own strength to the attack. "Good odds there's more enemies waiting for us."
"Screen that direction, we'll keep engaging the main force." Garibaldi sent some gauss rifle shots downrange from his top mounted turret for good measure. "They're giving ground, but don't get ahead of yourself. These people aren't going to panic."
"Copy Dodger, Blue Platoon shifting fire."
"Holy hell." Ardan Sortek watched the symbols on his tactical display blinking out one after another as their opponents resumed their attack. "I saw the reports on those new Marauders, but holy hell."
"Able Company is down. Baker company is falling back and reports heavy losses." His second in command, Captain Dana Stephenson was listening into the regimental comms line. "No enemy casualties, they just don't survive long enough to get any aimed shots off."
"That's a single lance doing that." Sortek shook his head. "Unbelievable."
"We've got a whole regiment of those things working up back home," Dana reminded him. "Nice that they're on our side."
"But they might not always be, so lets figure out how to do this." Ardan observed the data on his screen intensely. "A direct attack is futile. If two companies can't overwhelm them, our lance has no chance."
"Ambush is a no-go," Dana added. "They're pushing tanks forward ahead of the mechs. We might blast a few tanks, but then the mechs swat us from range."
"Terrain is no good for a flanking attack." He grimaced. "We're going to have to charge them. This is going to be bracing."
"They're still Marauders." Dana prepared herself. "Damn good Marauders, but still Marauders. We get in close and it's ours."
"Sabre lance, Rapier lance, heat up the jump jets." Ardan settled on their course of action. "And get me some smoke."
"Don't go after them." Garibaldi held his unit back. "Advance steady, hold your formation and keep pace with the tanks."
Ahead, the mechs were falling back, dozens of them registered as destroyed or disabled. It was an impressive display, though somewhat tempered by the fact their enemies were mostly medium or light mechs, lacking the resilience of the bigger machines. Their enemy had tried to use mobility to their advantage, but apparently it hadn't gone well. Some form of fire and advance tactic which just hadn't been given a chance to work.
"Missiles inbound!"
"Track and standby to engage!" Garibaldi swung to face the new threat, a wave of short range rockets which airburst into clouds of smoke and chaff. Immediately his sensors began to stutter, the missiles having some sort of electromagnetic component which was potent enough to affect his tachyon receivers. He smiled slightly. This was the real deal. "Fire into the smoke, full auto suppression!"
The lance did as ordered, sweeping long bursts of blue pulses into the smoke screen. They were firing blind, but at such a high rate, something was going to hit. They couldn't maintain this rate of fire for long. Even with their advanced cooling systems, there were limits, but in theory, this should be done quick.
"Contacts above!"
That was what he guessed was coming, jump jets. It was a new challenge, but Garibaldi's lance had been expecting something like this, the infamous death from above.
"Step back and intercept!"
The Marauders were fairly nimble for such big machines, the lance scrambling backwards and shifting fire, raising their guns and filling the sky with rounds. They did well, the fast tracking sensors peppering the incoming mechs in mid air, all four finding themselves shredded before ever touching down.
He was about to start feeling very smug about his performance when a massive shape burst from the smoke. A Victor, blasting across the ground under full thrust from its jump engines, but angled horizontally, not vertically. It was a very risky move, but it got the machine and three smaller Enforcers out of the smoke and into point blank range before Garibaldi could bring his guns back down to engage.
"That's done warrior." A happy voice cut in, the Victor halting with its arm mounted cannon resting an inch from the Marauder cockpit, filling his view. "Damn fine shooting, but the duel is mine."
"Not gonna argue with that," Garibaldi accepted gracefully. "Good luck replacing all those dead mechwarriors though."
"We live and learn. Or not, as the case may be. May I have your name?"
"Michael Garibaldi, Lieutenant, First Battlemech Regiment."
"Ardan Sortek, Major, Seventeenth Avalon," his opponent replied. "Well fought, Lieutenant. You handled your machines admirably."
"Could have been better. I mean, we're still dead."
"No shame in losing to an ace unit on your first exercise," Ardan replied simply. "You held formation, displayed exceptional discipline. I think your Regiment is going to become very famous, Lieutenant Garibaldi, and rightly feared."
"That mean you're up for a rematch?"
"Of course, Lieutenant!" Ardan gave a wholehearted laugh. "It will be my pleasure. A good mechwarrior relishes a challenge, and your Marauders are truly a challenge."
"First though, one question. You guys ever tried real Italian food?"
"That was quite reckless, Highness." Fraser shrugged. "But effective."
"Only reckless if you aren't sure you can pull it off." Hanse smiled back at his opponent. "Major Sortek is an old friend of mine, young but exceptional. Even so, he only succeeded because he found a weakness to exploit."
"How so?" Fraser scanned the scene with his binoculars, Ardan's lance dodging tank fire as they finished off Blue Platoon.
"Two points. The first is your tank screen. I can understand sending them first. They will trigger any ambush, absorb any initial contact, and a tank is easier to replace than a mech. But mechs are at their best when left free to manoeuvre. By tying them to a tank screen, you rob them of their speed and mobility. By sacrificing that, you reduce a mech to just a walking tank, which isn't a terrible thing, but you could gain much more."
"And the second?"
"You're deployed like a tank formation, three hundred metres between each mech." Hanse pointed. "Designed to make sure an artillery strike or bombing run only kills one unit, correct? Very logical, and they can still support each other with gunfire, but as you saw, once Major Sortek got in among your lance, they were easily divided and unable to provide any mutual support."
"That is true," Fraser nodded. "So a more flexible formation, loose on the advance and tighten up when encountering mechs."
"I can see that working," Hanse agreed. "But I think the key thing to note here is that your designs and basic training are formidable. Your lance here on this flank destroyed or disabled forty one mechs. Forty one."
"That is quite a result."
"It is. It has shown me that trying to fight advanced mechs in an open contest of firepower is foolish. I can assure you tomorrow's exercise is going to be a lot more challenging." Hanse smiled a little. The lesson learned, fresh tactics and strategy already filling his mind. He knew a direct frontal attack would fail, but he needed to know by how much. He had to test the firepower of these new mechs directly, and now he knew. He was enjoying every second of this, creating a whole new style of warfare on the fly. "But the point is against a regular mech unit, you should achieve victory."
"Good news."
"It is, but ultimately not helpful," the Prince explained. "Wherever you go, whichever nation you deploy to, you likely won't be facing regular units. As soon as your enemies see those shiny mechs on their ground, they will send the best of the best to fight you. They won't waste militia on you. They want to win, they want to capture your mechs so they can be reproduced. The grim reality is General, you will likely never face regular units, only elites, people like Major Sortek. That is what I am trying to teach you General. Not to fight line regiments, but how to fight the elite."
"Well, Highness, I'd suggest informing your people the next wave is incoming."
"Is that so?" Hanse scanned the horizon with his binoculars. "Indeed it is. If you'll excuse me, General?"
"Aye Highness, back to it."
The two split and withdrew to their respective command posts, Hanse quickly re-establishing contact.
"Ardan, I have good news and bad news. The good news is there is a further opportunity for glory. The bad news is that opportunity is a command lance of heavily upgraded Stalkers walking toward you from the east."
Babylon 3
Council Chamber
"The injustices mount day by day, hour by hour!" Elizabeth Liao jabbed her finger toward the artificial sky. "The Capellan Confederation has done nothing to provoke the sheer hostility directed against us!"
A wave of groans rolled through the chamber indicating the sentiment was not shared.
"We acknowledge my former husband, Maximilian, may have over-reached, but that was then! Chancellor Candace Liao has done nothing but repair the damage he did! And yet our territory continues to be attacked! Our worlds raided! Our people killed and maimed by these unjust incursions! We demand resolution!"
"Do you have any specific comments, Ambassador?" Aki Hidoshi peered at Elizabeth, the Earth Ambassador also serving as chairman for the council. "Something we can examine?"
"For today? Perhaps Anton Marik can explain why the League are still trying to take worlds rightfully owned by House Liao?" She glared at the League Ambassador, who scorned the bitter expression.
"Do you have knowledge of this, Ambassador Marik?"
"She probably means the border worlds we have recently moved to secure, worlds traditionally held by the League."
"Lies!" Elizabeth snarled. "You take advantage of us!"
"Madam Ambassador, no man in this galaxy would dare take advantage of you."
Hidoshi quickly slammed down the gavel to call order and halt the inevitable barrage of insults.
"Ambassador Marik, I ask you to show a little decorum in these chambers."
"Very well." He nodded. "I retract my last comment, but the general point stands. These worlds do not belong to Liao."
"The Marik claims are tenuous. We have held them longer, the worlds are culturally Capellan," Elizabeth countered. "By right of settlement, these worlds belong to the people of the Confederation."
"We will happily relocate anyone who wishes to leave," Anton countered. "Though once they learn what a full belly feels like, I doubt you'll see many wanting to go."
"If these worlds are in dispute, have you explored alternate options?" Hidoshi enquired. "Joint custodianship? Perhaps holding free and fair democratic votes to let the people decide?"
"The people?" Anton frowned. "What would they know? Most of these worlds are barely industrial, the populations can't even write their own names. How can they make a judgement on matters such as this?"
"As much as I hate it, I agree." Elizabeth Liao recoiled at the idea of being on the same side as Anton. "The people trust us to make these decisions for them, and are happy to absolve themselves of such a difficult responsibility."
"There is neither the education, nor a reliable means of registering votes." Ambassador Fenlon, representing the Suns, spoke heavily. "Democracy is an impossible ideal. The reality is that any compromise must come from the great houses."
"We will surrender nothing," Elizabeth snarled, fire burning behind her cool features.
"I see nothing more to discuss." Anton dismissed her with a casual wave. "Next topic please."
"This is probably a good time to break for lunch." Hidoshi rubbed his eyes. "Let's return in two hours to look at transit rights again."
"It's so wonderfully quaint how Hidoshi keeps bringing up voting as a solution to every problem." Elizabeth Liao poured two glasses of pale liquor from an expensive bottle. "But I think he's starting to learn."
"He used to suggest it all the time." Anton Marik happily accepted the drink and took a seat in the library, conspicuously avoiding the windows. "He's starting to accept how things work here."
"A few words over fine drinks between the right people." Elizabeth sat down opposite him. "Not that we oppose giving the people a voice, they only say what we want them to say anyway."
"Speaking of voices, how was my performance?"
"Perfectly condescending and arrogant. Have you been practising, or does it just come natural?"
"Yes, yes, that famous Liao wit." Anton affixed a fake smile. "The point is to all observers we appear to be at each other's throats. When your forces launch their attack it will surprise no one."
"The Chancellor will do so according to plan, but understand this is a significant risk to us." Elizabeth's voice turned to ice. "If you were to betray us, the results would be very unpleasant."
"You are my best shot at ruling my people, I know what I'm doing." Anton tightened his jaw. "My brother the dotard needs to go, and he will."
"We will strike the disputed border worlds." Elizabeth confirmed. "You will report we are present in far greater strength than expected, forcing the Captain General to deploy his reserve units. His best and most loyal regiments."
"Then I open a gap in the front, allowing your main force to bypass the most heavily defended worlds, destroy supply lines, and leave those loyal units to die from attrition." Anton smiled. "Leaving the path to Atreus wide open and unguarded."
"You take the planet and its institutions, we help you purge any of Janos Marik's die hard followers..."
"Not that he has many," Anton interjected.
"And in return, we keep the border worlds we take, you give us the automated shipyard Earth Alliance gave Janos, and when the time comes, you stand with us and Kurita against Davion and Steiner."
"Perfect." Anton sipped his drink. "When do we start?"
"Three weeks. Comstar is handling last minute coordination. They will give you fast transport home once the fighting begins."
"And from there to Atreus."
"We have no doubt your armies will flock to your banner." Elizabeth smiled. "But to add a little edge to your campaign, the Chancellor is placing Wolf's Dragoons under your command."
"The Dragoons? Their reputation is impressive. I think I can find a use for them."
"See that you do." Elizabeth held his gaze. "This isn't just your future at stake. We are investing heavily in this coup. Do not make us regret it."
"When I am Captain General, I will remember my friends. You'll get your alliance, and your trinkets."
"See that we do."
"Also, isn't Candace still single?" Anton raised an eyebrow. "Perhaps we can make our alliance a little more personal?"
"An intriguing idea." Elizabeth had to fight not to laugh in his face. She had no love for Candace, but even she wouldn't wish that fate on her. "I shall pass along your suggestion."
"Excellent." Anton grinned to himself. "I think this is going to go very well indeed."
Geneva, Earth
Presidential Residence.
It felt like every time he sat at this desk, there was a new dilemma to face, some grand choice that could alter the lives of billions. As President, he had expected to make decisions like that, but not nearly so frequently. He'd found new respect for his predecessor, and pity for whoever followed this term.
"Okay Vic, we've got coffee, I've had a big dinner, let's get to work." President Santiago clapped his hands together in an exaggerated show of energy. His advisors appreciated it, the roomful of senior personnel mostly as weary as their president. Between the Minbari war and now this, there hadn't been much opportunity to slow down and decompress. He was lucky his people were the pick of their professions.
"Well, I'll start with good news." Victor Chapel, Director of the EIA looked the most at ease among them all. "The alien ship is confirmed destroyed. We were a little concerned given this thing had apparently survived a thousand years buried on Mars and then soaked up enough firepower to kill three Minbari battleships, but it's done."
"There's no energy readings from any part of the vessel," General Hague stepped in. "All pieces have been recovered and are at a secure facility on Pluto."
"How secure?" Santiago wasn't going to just let that be that.
"The failsafe for the base is two high yield nuclear devices. If a code is not entered twice a day, then everything within thirty miles stops existing."
"And are we sure that's enough if something goes wrong again?" Santiago looked around the room. "I recall being assured that this project entailed minimal risk. I think it's safe to say that was not a sound assessment."
"IPX is still working on a thorough report, and Psi Corps will be presenting it's findings in the next week or two." Security Minister Pierce Macabee answered, trying his best to look confident. "Our friends in the Corps in particular are very keen to get some answers. Lot of angry people over there."
"The thing erased their Mars facility, I'll bet they're pissed," Santiago grunted. "Any more in that?"
"There were no survivors, the entire Syria Planum facility was methodically obliterated," Chapel related. "Including several deeply buried bunkers we didn't even know existed."
"That sounds ominous." The President raised an eyebrow.
"Psi Corps says it was an oversight." Macabee shrugged. "Either way, the area was so completely destroyed we have no way of knowing what those bunkers were for."
"Our military losses were significant, but not crippling," Hague reported. "Two thousand, two hundred killed or missing."
"The loss of telepaths is far more damaging on a strategic level," Macabee pointed out. "The Mars base was used for advanced training of high level individuals, Psi Cops, future leaders, anyone with an unusual gift. In terms of raw numbers, it is painful. A few thousand telepaths is a serious loss regardless, but these were among the strongest telepaths we have. The product of a century of careful genetic matching."
"You mean selective breeding," Chapel chipped in, his disapproval obvious.
"You could say that." Macabee didn't take umbrage at the scorn. "But the fact is, they were a major strategic asset, and this ship deliberately targeted them."
"Are we sure about that?" Santiago shared his concern. "I was told that thing was running on automatic?"
"As far as we can tell it was, but whatever programming it had prioritised telepaths," Hague spoke. "It bypassed a major military base to hit the telepaths, that is notable."
"How long to replace the telepaths we lost?" The President asked.
"According to Psi Corps, the loss of strong bloodlines has set us back decades." Chapel kept an even face. "Psi Cops are down to about thirty percent effectiveness. We should expect to see a lot more rogue telepaths, with some leak out into the Inner Sphere inevitable."
"The Corps is recruiting fresh blood hound teams for deployment to the Inner Sphere under their most senior surviving member, a Mr. Bester." Macabee checked his notes. "But they will be less potent and built around weaker telepaths. He cannot guarantee capture of rogues, only kills."
"We need to make sure rogue teeps don't begin interfering in Inner Sphere society, that set up is crazy enough as it is." Santiago exhaled. "Give this man Bester whatever he needs. What's next?"
"Kerlin Ward." Chapel smiled. "This is a good one. You remember one of the stories the locals told was about the lost army of Alexander Kerensky? Well he's one of them. A descendant, anyway."
"I thought that was an urban myth." Hague frowned. "That they were either dead or made up."
"According to Ward, they've done well for themselves, and our friend Colonel Jaime Wolf is one of them too," Chapel continued. "Unfortunately, they've taken a turn for the worse lately and this group, which are now calling themselves the Clans of Kerensky, are planning on invading the galaxy."
"How many are there?" Santiago asked.
"About five or six billion."
"Good luck to them." Hague grinned. "They're certainly confident in their prowess."
"They have superior technology to the local powers, and according to Mr. Ward, far higher combat strength, but not to an overwhelming degree." Chapel shook his head. "We don't anticipate any significant threat at this time."
"Ward has asked for asylum as a political exile. He opposes the warlike path the new leaders are embarking upon," Macabee detailed. "Ambassador Hidoshi on the Babylon station granted it, I see no reason to overrule him."
"He's an important intelligence source, I say keep him," Chapel agreed. "There is a part two to this. In exchange for not informing our local allies about these Clans, he's offered to help train our mech units and share some key pieces of technology. Turns out he brought a lot of data with him that could be very useful."
"But he wants us to not warn our allies an invasion is heading their way?" Santiago checked.
"Yes, Mr President. Additionally, he's on the look out for a planet to relocate his clan to, maybe." Chapel was a little reluctant. "A lot apparently aren't keen on this invasion, and he expects they'll want to join him in exile, something which might end up with the whole clan getting purged. If we help him out, he'll ally with us and provide an elite ground force to spearhead any missions we may have."
"I don't want to leave our allies in the dark on this," Santiago considered. "We have more to gain from the Inner Sphere than we do from this one man and maybe some of his followers."
"We haven't even confirmed this man is legitimate," Macabee added. "The telepath on B3 confirms he's telling the truth, but that doesn't mean he's in full possession of the facts."
"He might have been fed a false story to make him flee, or to panic possible enemies," Chapel agreed. "Right now, we just have what he tells us. If we go telling the Davions and Steiners about the return of Kerensky's ghost fleet with no hard evidence, they'll probably just laugh us out of their massive palace."
"So do we ignore him, or do we find a way to confirm his story?" Macabee asked.
"We do have an option," Hague raised. "Right now we have an Explorer ship out by the Hanseatic League. It's working it's way around the periphery, handling first contact protocols. We could redirect it out to where Mr Ward claims his people live."
"Can it make it that far out?" Santiago asked.
"Easy enough," Hague nodded. "And we do have a precise location."
"I'm not sure I want First Contact with this group just yet. If they are aggressive, the last thing I want is a war so far beyond our borders."
"Then I suggest we jump in short and observe," Hague agreed. "All we need to do is confirm the existence of these Clans, intercept some comms. Perhaps if the risk justifies it, try to speak to Ward's Clan Wolf only."
"I'll approve observation," Santiago nodded. "And if we detect an invasion force, then we will inform our allies."
"And Mr. Ward?"
"He asked us not to pass on what he told us, we won't," Santiago promised. "Any data will be from the Explorer ship only. Our information gathered ourselves, nothing from him."
"So noted, Mr. President."
"Our last matter then Mr. President, our intervention in the Aurigan Coalition," Minister Macabee brought up. "Our ships are about a week away. Once they arrive, they'll deploy in support of Lord Arano and help stabilise the region."
"Good, we need to strengthen our relations with the other Periphery powers," Santiago approved. "Stabilising the region also gives us credit with the Taurians and Canopians."
"And provides us with a forward base to keep an eye on the Capellans," Chapel weighed in.
"We have a troop ship and a destroyer out there, plus a full combined arms regiment," Hague recited. "Our first mech unit is still engaged in wargames with the Federated Suns, but this second unit is virtually identical."
"Can it handle some pirates and mercenaries?"
"Easily sir." Hague was confident. "The naval contingent is under Captain John Sheridan, ground forces are under General Dan Gilbert, one of our best armoured corps commanders."
"Local forces will provide plenty of support, but its going to be a big game of hide and seek," Chapel guessed. "Might take a while, but we've got the right people for the job."
"And this will significantly improve our position with the Periphery," Macabee recognised. "We'll just need your final authorisation to commit."
"Very well." Santiago nodded. "Let them know they are free to engage any hostiles they run into."
"Beyond that, we have nothing much else." Macabee exhaled. "Trade with our allies is good, tensions between Capella and the League remain high, Draconis is still icy."
"And our path home?"
"No progress."
"Keep on it." Santiago leaned forward and began arranging his papers, signifying the meeting was over. "I haven't given up on our colonies, gentlemen. I expect the same from everyone serving this government. We don't run from fights, and we don't abandon our own."
September 3012/2253
Each dropship left a distinctive ring of vapour in the sky as it hit denser air, the visual ripple accompanied by a boom of shunted atmosphere. The heavy aerodynes slowed fast, retro engines and landing thrusters burning violently as the pilots swerved their craft toward the landing zone. Ten of the hefty vehicles held formation, not an easy task during re-entry, before scattering in the final few thousand feet as they angled for their selected landing zones, and poured on the last few blasts on their breaking thrusters.
It was a thunderous event, the large craft slowing as quickly as their engines allowed, touching down into a hurricane of dust and detritus blown up by the engines. Into this storm leapt the cargo, the initial dropships running their engines as each unloaded four mechs, the great metal machines fanning out and facing toward each cardinal point, sweeping for targets.
"LZ secure," Garibaldi tapped his commlink. "Good to go, Taxi Two."
"Copy, on the way back up." His transport, a modified Leopard dropship built on Mars, instantly lifted up and pitched the nose before blasting its main engines. The mechs were unfazed by the fury of the engines, holding firm in the teeth of the jetwash as the dropship withdrew almost vertically straight up, as fast as possible.
"Dodger Lance on the ground and clear," Garibaldi reported on his company commsline.
"Skippy Lance, all clear." His comrades reported in from a kilometre away on the left flank, his sensors marking their status and position.
"Alpha Lance clear and ready." His company commander, Captain Ferro, acknowledged their signals and brought them up to date. "Assume staggered line, wait for the tanks and prepare to advance."
Garibaldi's four mech team spread out and kept their watch, guns tracking steadily left and right as they scanned the horizon. The terrain was fairly flat, by necessity. Some sort of old lake bed, selected for ease of landing dropships. While the Leopards had unloaded in seconds, the much larger Gazelle class units carrying the tanks were taking a little longer. It made sense. Driving a company of heavy tanks down a ramp was a slower and more careful task than just throwing a mech out of a door, but it felt like it was taking a while.
The mechs held position and guarded the landing zone, infantry unloading from other dropships setting up nearby, rolling out their assorted command vehicles, tachyon scanners and engineering vehicles. Some of the tanks would remain here to establish a forward base with the infantry, while the rest would screen Ferro's mech company as they hunted for targets nearby.
"Dodger Lance, Blue Platoon here. Coming through loud and clear?"
"Blue, Dodger leader, I hear you and have you on the datalink." Garibaldi flicked a few controls to update his displays, a simple map showing four blue dots approaching his mechs. "All briefed on the situation?"
"Yes sir, we'll move on ahead and look for trouble."
"And if you find it, we'll jog over and end it."
"Appreciate the support, Lieutenant, but I have a bet with my crews we kill more hostiles than you do." The tanker laid down the challenge as his vehicles trundled past.
"I'll take that bet." Garibaldi grinned to himself. "If we win, you need to grab us some tanker overalls from your quartermaster."
"And if we win?"
"I'll cook your platoon some real Italian food."
"You got a deal, Dodger leader. I expect table cloths and a singer too. With one of those little guitars."
He let the tanks take the lead, a quartet of the new Siegfried heavy tanks built to fight in this unusual new universe they had been hurled into. Much bigger and heavier than the old Thor tanks, and armed with two naval artillery guns that packed prodigious firepower on paper, yet Garibaldi was confident his four Marauders would effortlessly surpass them.
"Alright Dodgers, move up nice and steady. Sweep the horizon and watch for fast movers."
His team checked in with a tap of their comms, no words needed. The climate here was dry, each step kicking up some dust, which meant stealth wasn't an option. Not that the massed dropship landing was exactly subtle. The defenders would know their location and be able to track their movements, though Ferro had a plan for that.
On their right flank, a group of jeeps were also crossing the flats and moving toward a cluster of low hills, each one dragging chains behind it. From a distance, the dust kicked up from dragging the chains would make the jeeps look like a company of tanks, a decoy accompanied by assorted radio chatter and reports to try and confuse their opponent.
"Primary objective is a mine one hundred and twenty clicks north," Ferro's voice reminded the group. "We'll take a direct path, low hills and sparse forest ahead. Sweep and clear for the main force, hostile mechs and VTOL forces are expected."
The group settled into formation, spreading out with a company of tanks forward and the mech company five hundred metres behind.
"All units, weapons free. No friendlies or civilians in the region. If it moves, blast it."
"What do you think?" General Robert Fraser lowered his binoculars and gave his follow commander a pointed look.
"Very tightly done." Hanse Davion gave his honest assessment, continuing to peer across the terrain with his own binoculars. "You kept those dropships within what, eight hundred metres of each other?"
"Five hundred." Fraser smiled. "And that's only because this is an exercise. If this was serious, we could put them down in a three hundred metre grid."
"My compliments to your pilots." Hanse could respect that. Dropping into combat was an extraordinarily dangerous role, and while pilots never had the glory of a mechwarrior, any commander with a modicum of sense kept his drop pilots content. "Combat veterans?"
"The best." Fraser beamed in pride. "They ran cargo shuttles under Minbari blockades. If you weren't able to execute a high speed drop, well, you didn't get a second chance."
"Natural selection." Hanse understood perfectly. "I didn't even have time to get my fighters off the ground. Again, my compliments to your pilots."
"Benefit of being able to deploy so close to your target and not have to spend days flying in from a jump point," the EA General reasoned. "We can have ships on the way down before the reports make it up the chain of command."
"Which means we need to put some additional flexibility into the process, hand more initiative to local commanders," the Prince rationalised. As much as this wargame was to provide a training opportunity to the Earth Force mech units, it was also turning out to be a very useful experience for the AFFS. Not for the first time, Hanse guessed this was exactly why his older brother had staged the games within Hanse's domain. "And improve our own dropship groupings."
"Highness, scouts report enemy in sight," a junior officer called from the open sided tent, packed with comms gear and maps, Hanse was using as his command post. Fraser had his own command post set on the back of a truck nearby, the two sides opponents in these games, but keeping in close contact.
"Well General, if you'll excuse me, I need to go and do some work." Hanse nodded to the officer. "May the best regiment win."
"We'll try not to make your boys and girls feel too silly." Fraser chuckled and made for his own command post. He radiated confidence, but it wasn't reflected in the cold reality. Earth was still a novice and the AFFS was considered a first class military. He expected to give the Suns a shock, but ultimately he was here to learn from them. Not that he'd express anything other than supreme self assuredness.
For his part, Hanse also had doubts. He'd seen the test evaluations on the Marauders Earth Force was fielding and they were absolutely terrifying. A monkey in a flight suit would be an existential threat at the controls of that much firepower. In the hands of disciplined professionals, this was going to be a very hard fight.
"My Compliments to General Drivers." Hanse set about his task. "Begin operations. Then get me Major Sortek's detachment."
"Contact on the ridge, single mech moving fast."
"I see it." Garibaldi targeted the shape, a small machine keeping tabs on them. "Scout mech, good odds they know where we are."
"Permission to take a shot boss?" One of his squad strained at the leash.
"Range is a little long," Garibaldi checked. "I don't like that guy stalking us though."
"Dodgers, this is Blue, we can take that shot." The commander of his attached tank screen had already stopped one of his tanks. "Blue Three, send it."
The closest Siegfried tank halted and aligned its substantial cannon, the 175mm former naval weapon well suited for this kind of long range engagement.
"Tracking, locked, on the way!"
The gun blasted a flash of flame that looked impressive, but was all for show, a blank exercise round that simulated the shock and sensor disruption, but nothing else. The range computer calculated the flight, worked out the impact, and then informed the target mech that it had been sniped at maximum range and its activities for the day were over.
"That's a kill," the tank commander reported gleefully. "Man, I'm really looking forward to that Italian dinner, for free."
"It ain't over til it's over," Garibaldi retaliated. "Move on, expect additional hostiles any minute."
Garibaldi's unit heightened their senses, tensed themselves for combat. He doubted the enemy would simply sit back and wait for the EA advance to reach them. From what he knew of the AFFS in general, and Hanse Davion in particular, they would be bold and aggressive in their response. The Dodgers would be ready for it.
"Heat bloom, forests, ten o'clock low!" One of the tank commanders reported. "Energy weapons!"
Streaks of laser and particle energy stabbed past the tanks, very faint and barely showing through the dust cloud, but enough to pinpoint an enemy location.
"Blue platoon engage on the move!" The tanks responded by swinging their turrets to the left. "Echelon right, continuous fire, execute!"
The guns barked, the muzzle blast kicking up some dust as the tanks swept across the gently undulating ground. There was no way to simulate the dust kicked up by misses, so the computers had to randomise some environmental effects making life harder for the gunners. In response, they just carpeted the target in quick fired anti-tank rounds, playing the law of averages and betting something would have to hit.
"Keep your eyes open and heads on a swivel," Garibaldi warned. "I'm only getting one reading, probable scout."
"Confirmed, that return fire looks pretty weak," his second confirmed.
"Their main attack is still out there. Leave the scraps for the tanks, keep focused."
It was probably a distraction, something to make them face left when the real strike came from elsewhere. Just as he was trying to guess from which direction the real hammer would fall from, his sensors lit up with warnings.
"Target front! Multiple mechs emerging from cover!"
"Dodgers halt!" Garibaldi called clearly down the line. "Mid-range rapid fire, catch them as they deploy! Let 'em have it!"
The Marauders stopped in their tracks and went active, holding position to provide a stable gunnery platform. On Garibaldi's order, each of the four machines leveled their pulse cannons and opened fire on full auto, saturating the emerging lance of AFFS mechs. The pulses were faded and weak imitations of a full bellied barrage, but even so, the storm of particle fire illuminated the air between the two formations, registering dozens of hits in a matter of seconds.
"Alpha Lance, Dodger Lance, enemy contact," Garibaldi reported. "Continuing to advance under fire!"
"Copy that, Dodger. Push forward, we're covering your flank," Captain Ferro responded back. "Estimate Regiment strength mech unit in these hills."
"Understood, resistance increasing but under control."
The lance began to advance slowly, the mechs beginning to move forward again at walking pace, while maintaining rapid bursts of gunfire. Ahead of them, an assortment of light and medium mechs attempted to reply, but were simply overwhelmed in raw firepower before they could do much. The few shots which connected were registered, but did little more than shave off some armour from the Marauders.
"Dodgers, we have a fold in the terrain on the right." His tank screen helpfully informed, the heavy armour platoon adding their own strength to the attack. "Good odds there's more enemies waiting for us."
"Screen that direction, we'll keep engaging the main force." Garibaldi sent some gauss rifle shots downrange from his top mounted turret for good measure. "They're giving ground, but don't get ahead of yourself. These people aren't going to panic."
"Copy Dodger, Blue Platoon shifting fire."
"Holy hell." Ardan Sortek watched the symbols on his tactical display blinking out one after another as their opponents resumed their attack. "I saw the reports on those new Marauders, but holy hell."
"Able Company is down. Baker company is falling back and reports heavy losses." His second in command, Captain Dana Stephenson was listening into the regimental comms line. "No enemy casualties, they just don't survive long enough to get any aimed shots off."
"That's a single lance doing that." Sortek shook his head. "Unbelievable."
"We've got a whole regiment of those things working up back home," Dana reminded him. "Nice that they're on our side."
"But they might not always be, so lets figure out how to do this." Ardan observed the data on his screen intensely. "A direct attack is futile. If two companies can't overwhelm them, our lance has no chance."
"Ambush is a no-go," Dana added. "They're pushing tanks forward ahead of the mechs. We might blast a few tanks, but then the mechs swat us from range."
"Terrain is no good for a flanking attack." He grimaced. "We're going to have to charge them. This is going to be bracing."
"They're still Marauders." Dana prepared herself. "Damn good Marauders, but still Marauders. We get in close and it's ours."
"Sabre lance, Rapier lance, heat up the jump jets." Ardan settled on their course of action. "And get me some smoke."
"Don't go after them." Garibaldi held his unit back. "Advance steady, hold your formation and keep pace with the tanks."
Ahead, the mechs were falling back, dozens of them registered as destroyed or disabled. It was an impressive display, though somewhat tempered by the fact their enemies were mostly medium or light mechs, lacking the resilience of the bigger machines. Their enemy had tried to use mobility to their advantage, but apparently it hadn't gone well. Some form of fire and advance tactic which just hadn't been given a chance to work.
"Missiles inbound!"
"Track and standby to engage!" Garibaldi swung to face the new threat, a wave of short range rockets which airburst into clouds of smoke and chaff. Immediately his sensors began to stutter, the missiles having some sort of electromagnetic component which was potent enough to affect his tachyon receivers. He smiled slightly. This was the real deal. "Fire into the smoke, full auto suppression!"
The lance did as ordered, sweeping long bursts of blue pulses into the smoke screen. They were firing blind, but at such a high rate, something was going to hit. They couldn't maintain this rate of fire for long. Even with their advanced cooling systems, there were limits, but in theory, this should be done quick.
"Contacts above!"
That was what he guessed was coming, jump jets. It was a new challenge, but Garibaldi's lance had been expecting something like this, the infamous death from above.
"Step back and intercept!"
The Marauders were fairly nimble for such big machines, the lance scrambling backwards and shifting fire, raising their guns and filling the sky with rounds. They did well, the fast tracking sensors peppering the incoming mechs in mid air, all four finding themselves shredded before ever touching down.
He was about to start feeling very smug about his performance when a massive shape burst from the smoke. A Victor, blasting across the ground under full thrust from its jump engines, but angled horizontally, not vertically. It was a very risky move, but it got the machine and three smaller Enforcers out of the smoke and into point blank range before Garibaldi could bring his guns back down to engage.
"That's done warrior." A happy voice cut in, the Victor halting with its arm mounted cannon resting an inch from the Marauder cockpit, filling his view. "Damn fine shooting, but the duel is mine."
"Not gonna argue with that," Garibaldi accepted gracefully. "Good luck replacing all those dead mechwarriors though."
"We live and learn. Or not, as the case may be. May I have your name?"
"Michael Garibaldi, Lieutenant, First Battlemech Regiment."
"Ardan Sortek, Major, Seventeenth Avalon," his opponent replied. "Well fought, Lieutenant. You handled your machines admirably."
"Could have been better. I mean, we're still dead."
"No shame in losing to an ace unit on your first exercise," Ardan replied simply. "You held formation, displayed exceptional discipline. I think your Regiment is going to become very famous, Lieutenant Garibaldi, and rightly feared."
"That mean you're up for a rematch?"
"Of course, Lieutenant!" Ardan gave a wholehearted laugh. "It will be my pleasure. A good mechwarrior relishes a challenge, and your Marauders are truly a challenge."
"First though, one question. You guys ever tried real Italian food?"
"That was quite reckless, Highness." Fraser shrugged. "But effective."
"Only reckless if you aren't sure you can pull it off." Hanse smiled back at his opponent. "Major Sortek is an old friend of mine, young but exceptional. Even so, he only succeeded because he found a weakness to exploit."
"How so?" Fraser scanned the scene with his binoculars, Ardan's lance dodging tank fire as they finished off Blue Platoon.
"Two points. The first is your tank screen. I can understand sending them first. They will trigger any ambush, absorb any initial contact, and a tank is easier to replace than a mech. But mechs are at their best when left free to manoeuvre. By tying them to a tank screen, you rob them of their speed and mobility. By sacrificing that, you reduce a mech to just a walking tank, which isn't a terrible thing, but you could gain much more."
"And the second?"
"You're deployed like a tank formation, three hundred metres between each mech." Hanse pointed. "Designed to make sure an artillery strike or bombing run only kills one unit, correct? Very logical, and they can still support each other with gunfire, but as you saw, once Major Sortek got in among your lance, they were easily divided and unable to provide any mutual support."
"That is true," Fraser nodded. "So a more flexible formation, loose on the advance and tighten up when encountering mechs."
"I can see that working," Hanse agreed. "But I think the key thing to note here is that your designs and basic training are formidable. Your lance here on this flank destroyed or disabled forty one mechs. Forty one."
"That is quite a result."
"It is. It has shown me that trying to fight advanced mechs in an open contest of firepower is foolish. I can assure you tomorrow's exercise is going to be a lot more challenging." Hanse smiled a little. The lesson learned, fresh tactics and strategy already filling his mind. He knew a direct frontal attack would fail, but he needed to know by how much. He had to test the firepower of these new mechs directly, and now he knew. He was enjoying every second of this, creating a whole new style of warfare on the fly. "But the point is against a regular mech unit, you should achieve victory."
"Good news."
"It is, but ultimately not helpful," the Prince explained. "Wherever you go, whichever nation you deploy to, you likely won't be facing regular units. As soon as your enemies see those shiny mechs on their ground, they will send the best of the best to fight you. They won't waste militia on you. They want to win, they want to capture your mechs so they can be reproduced. The grim reality is General, you will likely never face regular units, only elites, people like Major Sortek. That is what I am trying to teach you General. Not to fight line regiments, but how to fight the elite."
"Well, Highness, I'd suggest informing your people the next wave is incoming."
"Is that so?" Hanse scanned the horizon with his binoculars. "Indeed it is. If you'll excuse me, General?"
"Aye Highness, back to it."
The two split and withdrew to their respective command posts, Hanse quickly re-establishing contact.
"Ardan, I have good news and bad news. The good news is there is a further opportunity for glory. The bad news is that opportunity is a command lance of heavily upgraded Stalkers walking toward you from the east."
Babylon 3
Council Chamber
"The injustices mount day by day, hour by hour!" Elizabeth Liao jabbed her finger toward the artificial sky. "The Capellan Confederation has done nothing to provoke the sheer hostility directed against us!"
A wave of groans rolled through the chamber indicating the sentiment was not shared.
"We acknowledge my former husband, Maximilian, may have over-reached, but that was then! Chancellor Candace Liao has done nothing but repair the damage he did! And yet our territory continues to be attacked! Our worlds raided! Our people killed and maimed by these unjust incursions! We demand resolution!"
"Do you have any specific comments, Ambassador?" Aki Hidoshi peered at Elizabeth, the Earth Ambassador also serving as chairman for the council. "Something we can examine?"
"For today? Perhaps Anton Marik can explain why the League are still trying to take worlds rightfully owned by House Liao?" She glared at the League Ambassador, who scorned the bitter expression.
"Do you have knowledge of this, Ambassador Marik?"
"She probably means the border worlds we have recently moved to secure, worlds traditionally held by the League."
"Lies!" Elizabeth snarled. "You take advantage of us!"
"Madam Ambassador, no man in this galaxy would dare take advantage of you."
Hidoshi quickly slammed down the gavel to call order and halt the inevitable barrage of insults.
"Ambassador Marik, I ask you to show a little decorum in these chambers."
"Very well." He nodded. "I retract my last comment, but the general point stands. These worlds do not belong to Liao."
"The Marik claims are tenuous. We have held them longer, the worlds are culturally Capellan," Elizabeth countered. "By right of settlement, these worlds belong to the people of the Confederation."
"We will happily relocate anyone who wishes to leave," Anton countered. "Though once they learn what a full belly feels like, I doubt you'll see many wanting to go."
"If these worlds are in dispute, have you explored alternate options?" Hidoshi enquired. "Joint custodianship? Perhaps holding free and fair democratic votes to let the people decide?"
"The people?" Anton frowned. "What would they know? Most of these worlds are barely industrial, the populations can't even write their own names. How can they make a judgement on matters such as this?"
"As much as I hate it, I agree." Elizabeth Liao recoiled at the idea of being on the same side as Anton. "The people trust us to make these decisions for them, and are happy to absolve themselves of such a difficult responsibility."
"There is neither the education, nor a reliable means of registering votes." Ambassador Fenlon, representing the Suns, spoke heavily. "Democracy is an impossible ideal. The reality is that any compromise must come from the great houses."
"We will surrender nothing," Elizabeth snarled, fire burning behind her cool features.
"I see nothing more to discuss." Anton dismissed her with a casual wave. "Next topic please."
"This is probably a good time to break for lunch." Hidoshi rubbed his eyes. "Let's return in two hours to look at transit rights again."
"It's so wonderfully quaint how Hidoshi keeps bringing up voting as a solution to every problem." Elizabeth Liao poured two glasses of pale liquor from an expensive bottle. "But I think he's starting to learn."
"He used to suggest it all the time." Anton Marik happily accepted the drink and took a seat in the library, conspicuously avoiding the windows. "He's starting to accept how things work here."
"A few words over fine drinks between the right people." Elizabeth sat down opposite him. "Not that we oppose giving the people a voice, they only say what we want them to say anyway."
"Speaking of voices, how was my performance?"
"Perfectly condescending and arrogant. Have you been practising, or does it just come natural?"
"Yes, yes, that famous Liao wit." Anton affixed a fake smile. "The point is to all observers we appear to be at each other's throats. When your forces launch their attack it will surprise no one."
"The Chancellor will do so according to plan, but understand this is a significant risk to us." Elizabeth's voice turned to ice. "If you were to betray us, the results would be very unpleasant."
"You are my best shot at ruling my people, I know what I'm doing." Anton tightened his jaw. "My brother the dotard needs to go, and he will."
"We will strike the disputed border worlds." Elizabeth confirmed. "You will report we are present in far greater strength than expected, forcing the Captain General to deploy his reserve units. His best and most loyal regiments."
"Then I open a gap in the front, allowing your main force to bypass the most heavily defended worlds, destroy supply lines, and leave those loyal units to die from attrition." Anton smiled. "Leaving the path to Atreus wide open and unguarded."
"You take the planet and its institutions, we help you purge any of Janos Marik's die hard followers..."
"Not that he has many," Anton interjected.
"And in return, we keep the border worlds we take, you give us the automated shipyard Earth Alliance gave Janos, and when the time comes, you stand with us and Kurita against Davion and Steiner."
"Perfect." Anton sipped his drink. "When do we start?"
"Three weeks. Comstar is handling last minute coordination. They will give you fast transport home once the fighting begins."
"And from there to Atreus."
"We have no doubt your armies will flock to your banner." Elizabeth smiled. "But to add a little edge to your campaign, the Chancellor is placing Wolf's Dragoons under your command."
"The Dragoons? Their reputation is impressive. I think I can find a use for them."
"See that you do." Elizabeth held his gaze. "This isn't just your future at stake. We are investing heavily in this coup. Do not make us regret it."
"When I am Captain General, I will remember my friends. You'll get your alliance, and your trinkets."
"See that we do."
"Also, isn't Candace still single?" Anton raised an eyebrow. "Perhaps we can make our alliance a little more personal?"
"An intriguing idea." Elizabeth had to fight not to laugh in his face. She had no love for Candace, but even she wouldn't wish that fate on her. "I shall pass along your suggestion."
"Excellent." Anton grinned to himself. "I think this is going to go very well indeed."
Geneva, Earth
Presidential Residence.
It felt like every time he sat at this desk, there was a new dilemma to face, some grand choice that could alter the lives of billions. As President, he had expected to make decisions like that, but not nearly so frequently. He'd found new respect for his predecessor, and pity for whoever followed this term.
"Okay Vic, we've got coffee, I've had a big dinner, let's get to work." President Santiago clapped his hands together in an exaggerated show of energy. His advisors appreciated it, the roomful of senior personnel mostly as weary as their president. Between the Minbari war and now this, there hadn't been much opportunity to slow down and decompress. He was lucky his people were the pick of their professions.
"Well, I'll start with good news." Victor Chapel, Director of the EIA looked the most at ease among them all. "The alien ship is confirmed destroyed. We were a little concerned given this thing had apparently survived a thousand years buried on Mars and then soaked up enough firepower to kill three Minbari battleships, but it's done."
"There's no energy readings from any part of the vessel," General Hague stepped in. "All pieces have been recovered and are at a secure facility on Pluto."
"How secure?" Santiago wasn't going to just let that be that.
"The failsafe for the base is two high yield nuclear devices. If a code is not entered twice a day, then everything within thirty miles stops existing."
"And are we sure that's enough if something goes wrong again?" Santiago looked around the room. "I recall being assured that this project entailed minimal risk. I think it's safe to say that was not a sound assessment."
"IPX is still working on a thorough report, and Psi Corps will be presenting it's findings in the next week or two." Security Minister Pierce Macabee answered, trying his best to look confident. "Our friends in the Corps in particular are very keen to get some answers. Lot of angry people over there."
"The thing erased their Mars facility, I'll bet they're pissed," Santiago grunted. "Any more in that?"
"There were no survivors, the entire Syria Planum facility was methodically obliterated," Chapel related. "Including several deeply buried bunkers we didn't even know existed."
"That sounds ominous." The President raised an eyebrow.
"Psi Corps says it was an oversight." Macabee shrugged. "Either way, the area was so completely destroyed we have no way of knowing what those bunkers were for."
"Our military losses were significant, but not crippling," Hague reported. "Two thousand, two hundred killed or missing."
"The loss of telepaths is far more damaging on a strategic level," Macabee pointed out. "The Mars base was used for advanced training of high level individuals, Psi Cops, future leaders, anyone with an unusual gift. In terms of raw numbers, it is painful. A few thousand telepaths is a serious loss regardless, but these were among the strongest telepaths we have. The product of a century of careful genetic matching."
"You mean selective breeding," Chapel chipped in, his disapproval obvious.
"You could say that." Macabee didn't take umbrage at the scorn. "But the fact is, they were a major strategic asset, and this ship deliberately targeted them."
"Are we sure about that?" Santiago shared his concern. "I was told that thing was running on automatic?"
"As far as we can tell it was, but whatever programming it had prioritised telepaths," Hague spoke. "It bypassed a major military base to hit the telepaths, that is notable."
"How long to replace the telepaths we lost?" The President asked.
"According to Psi Corps, the loss of strong bloodlines has set us back decades." Chapel kept an even face. "Psi Cops are down to about thirty percent effectiveness. We should expect to see a lot more rogue telepaths, with some leak out into the Inner Sphere inevitable."
"The Corps is recruiting fresh blood hound teams for deployment to the Inner Sphere under their most senior surviving member, a Mr. Bester." Macabee checked his notes. "But they will be less potent and built around weaker telepaths. He cannot guarantee capture of rogues, only kills."
"We need to make sure rogue teeps don't begin interfering in Inner Sphere society, that set up is crazy enough as it is." Santiago exhaled. "Give this man Bester whatever he needs. What's next?"
"Kerlin Ward." Chapel smiled. "This is a good one. You remember one of the stories the locals told was about the lost army of Alexander Kerensky? Well he's one of them. A descendant, anyway."
"I thought that was an urban myth." Hague frowned. "That they were either dead or made up."
"According to Ward, they've done well for themselves, and our friend Colonel Jaime Wolf is one of them too," Chapel continued. "Unfortunately, they've taken a turn for the worse lately and this group, which are now calling themselves the Clans of Kerensky, are planning on invading the galaxy."
"How many are there?" Santiago asked.
"About five or six billion."
"Good luck to them." Hague grinned. "They're certainly confident in their prowess."
"They have superior technology to the local powers, and according to Mr. Ward, far higher combat strength, but not to an overwhelming degree." Chapel shook his head. "We don't anticipate any significant threat at this time."
"Ward has asked for asylum as a political exile. He opposes the warlike path the new leaders are embarking upon," Macabee detailed. "Ambassador Hidoshi on the Babylon station granted it, I see no reason to overrule him."
"He's an important intelligence source, I say keep him," Chapel agreed. "There is a part two to this. In exchange for not informing our local allies about these Clans, he's offered to help train our mech units and share some key pieces of technology. Turns out he brought a lot of data with him that could be very useful."
"But he wants us to not warn our allies an invasion is heading their way?" Santiago checked.
"Yes, Mr President. Additionally, he's on the look out for a planet to relocate his clan to, maybe." Chapel was a little reluctant. "A lot apparently aren't keen on this invasion, and he expects they'll want to join him in exile, something which might end up with the whole clan getting purged. If we help him out, he'll ally with us and provide an elite ground force to spearhead any missions we may have."
"I don't want to leave our allies in the dark on this," Santiago considered. "We have more to gain from the Inner Sphere than we do from this one man and maybe some of his followers."
"We haven't even confirmed this man is legitimate," Macabee added. "The telepath on B3 confirms he's telling the truth, but that doesn't mean he's in full possession of the facts."
"He might have been fed a false story to make him flee, or to panic possible enemies," Chapel agreed. "Right now, we just have what he tells us. If we go telling the Davions and Steiners about the return of Kerensky's ghost fleet with no hard evidence, they'll probably just laugh us out of their massive palace."
"So do we ignore him, or do we find a way to confirm his story?" Macabee asked.
"We do have an option," Hague raised. "Right now we have an Explorer ship out by the Hanseatic League. It's working it's way around the periphery, handling first contact protocols. We could redirect it out to where Mr Ward claims his people live."
"Can it make it that far out?" Santiago asked.
"Easy enough," Hague nodded. "And we do have a precise location."
"I'm not sure I want First Contact with this group just yet. If they are aggressive, the last thing I want is a war so far beyond our borders."
"Then I suggest we jump in short and observe," Hague agreed. "All we need to do is confirm the existence of these Clans, intercept some comms. Perhaps if the risk justifies it, try to speak to Ward's Clan Wolf only."
"I'll approve observation," Santiago nodded. "And if we detect an invasion force, then we will inform our allies."
"And Mr. Ward?"
"He asked us not to pass on what he told us, we won't," Santiago promised. "Any data will be from the Explorer ship only. Our information gathered ourselves, nothing from him."
"So noted, Mr. President."
"Our last matter then Mr. President, our intervention in the Aurigan Coalition," Minister Macabee brought up. "Our ships are about a week away. Once they arrive, they'll deploy in support of Lord Arano and help stabilise the region."
"Good, we need to strengthen our relations with the other Periphery powers," Santiago approved. "Stabilising the region also gives us credit with the Taurians and Canopians."
"And provides us with a forward base to keep an eye on the Capellans," Chapel weighed in.
"We have a troop ship and a destroyer out there, plus a full combined arms regiment," Hague recited. "Our first mech unit is still engaged in wargames with the Federated Suns, but this second unit is virtually identical."
"Can it handle some pirates and mercenaries?"
"Easily sir." Hague was confident. "The naval contingent is under Captain John Sheridan, ground forces are under General Dan Gilbert, one of our best armoured corps commanders."
"Local forces will provide plenty of support, but its going to be a big game of hide and seek," Chapel guessed. "Might take a while, but we've got the right people for the job."
"And this will significantly improve our position with the Periphery," Macabee recognised. "We'll just need your final authorisation to commit."
"Very well." Santiago nodded. "Let them know they are free to engage any hostiles they run into."
"Beyond that, we have nothing much else." Macabee exhaled. "Trade with our allies is good, tensions between Capella and the League remain high, Draconis is still icy."
"And our path home?"
"No progress."
"Keep on it." Santiago leaned forward and began arranging his papers, signifying the meeting was over. "I haven't given up on our colonies, gentlemen. I expect the same from everyone serving this government. We don't run from fights, and we don't abandon our own."
Ugh, here's hoping that Explorer Corps ship doesn't get spotted and trigger this shit off early.
There's our Lando Mollari!
Evilutionary
Active member
Well, it's already going to be early. It's more that hopefully the Inner Sphere has been upgraded enough to be within the OTL 3050 military tech gap and recovered some economy,
Because the Clan morons are still going to be dunderheads when it comes to logistics and if Clan Wolf isn't in the invasion maybe some new mistakes.
Honestly I remember FASA had to rewrite some things because in convention play the clan tech advantage was too great and they were just steam rolling the Inner Sphere. But honestly when I used to play in a fairly large gaming club at the time when all the early invasion stuff was being put out and the Inner Sphere guys were holding their own and winning more than they lost because the more grognardy players (like myself) would run Inner Sphere forces only.
We were a pretty competitive bunch though and never gave the Clan players an open field shot at anyone if we could and maxed any modifiers we could bring with positioning & terrain or dirty tricks (fire and smoke came into play alot because we'd light the forests on fire, thunder lrms to minefield their approaches if we could, force the clan players to come in to our medium range and getting them into brawls if we could). Clan players tended to be a little more reckless with the shiny awesome weapons and just get frustrated they didn't have anything to shoot at so they'd move in closer rather than stay at range and snipe.
These work till the grognards like myself take over playing the clan 'mechs. Then it just gets dirty.
Though I do remember playing against Clan 'mechs for the first time before anyone knew they were coming! That was fun of an entirely different sort!
I really hope the cappies latest bit of fuckery explodes in their face gloriously