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"Listen up everyone, we're approaching navpoint alpha. Everyone go weapons hot. I'll stay back here, medium lance escort the recon pair to the edge of the first clearing. The recon pair will do the rest. Atlas number two and I will be waiting at the forest limits to stop any pursuers".
On Halloran IV two lances of mercenaries were marching towards a large woodland. A total of 8 mechs: 4 Chimeras forming a medium lance, an Owens scout and Bushwacker to accompany, and a pair of Atlas assault mechs, just in case. They were here because the Transpax Corporation was mounting counter strikes against planetary Militia. There were reports of Militia doing deals with unidentified traders. There was only one way to find out.
"Copy Big Momma, we'll be back before you know it". 'Big momma' was the call sign for Atlas number 1, the pilot of whom was married to Atlas number 2, callsign 'Big Daddy'. They could cover each other out of any situation. Although they were this close it was undeniable that Big Momma was made to be the Lance commander.
The Owens and the Bushwacker shot off from the pack at a hefty 80kmh and stomped away into the forest. Two minutes later the first clearing was in sight. The Owens crept forwards towards the tree-line and scanned the area. Nothing.
"Big Momma, clearing's… clear. Send in the Chimeras". The Owens trod out into the clearing to make sure. The Bushwacker followed the Owens through the clearing then radioed the Atlases for one last time.
"Big Momma, clearing is no mine field, tell Bastion to mark the opening as navpoint beta".
"Roger that Millennium, marking clearing as navpoint beta. Medium lance will be there shortly. Consider beta as the safe point. Get beyond beta on the way back and you'll be safe for sure. Switch to passive sensors, maintain heading 320 and switch to short range communications. See you soon".
The Bushwacker pilot was Richard "Millennium" Galeriak, and at 50 years of age he was the oldest pilot in the lance. Having undertaken 1,000 contracts he'd achieved the nickname Millennium. It was his job to escort the Owens nearer to the recon point than the rest could. Both mechs are hard to notice on the battlefield, the Bushwacker's low profile made it a hard visual target, and the Owens' body was at tree level, making it even harder to spot.
Pilotting the Owens was Alex "Westwood" Larkham. He'd received his nickname for having a distinct passion for custom layouts on his mechs, the name of an ancient icon of vehicle customisation.
After 10 minutes of cruising at 40kmh Millennium's hazy voice came in on Westwood's radio, "Alright Alex, we should be about a kilometre out from the meeting point. I suggest approaching slowly, we don't want them to hear you. Power down when you get there and we'll communicate using the Winch. Millennium out".
The Winch was a custom made device constructed specifically for missions like these. It consisted of over 1,000 metres of fibre optic cable, through which the two pilots could communicate, 21st century style. The Winch was attached to the back of the Owens. As it weighed barely anything compared to the weapons it didn't have any effect on the Owens performance.
As the Owens crept deeper into the forest the see through cable unravelled, trailing across the ground. If someone passed between the pair of mech no one would spot the cable. It was the perfect tool for the job.
Westwood continued forward until the edge of the forest was visible. The second clearing was up ahead, the objective point.