Author's notes: Thanks to all the regulars, and the new reviewers. I appreciate the feedback, and I'm glad you're enjoying the story and the series! Now, to answer some of the reviews.
The girl of the dawn: Randi's typical attire is a tank top and shorts (or a pair of jeans in cooler weather). She is a military character, bred and born for combat in a very Spartan culture, and her attitudes reflect this. Skirts and heels would be awkward for her, and things like day spas are luxuries she's never been exposed to. If anything, Fred would take her shopping for a wardrobe.
Now, as you asked about the 'Mechs, the Shadow Cat is a pretty simple answer. It's simply an A-configuration, with one ER large laser replaced by an IS large laser. The story behind the Hellhound is a bit more complicated. I hesitate to say too much, because Hellcat will explain the 'Mech's origin and its configuration in his story "Let the Games Begin." I can tell you, however, that it's not the same as a Clan secondline Conjurer.
Duke of York: This story updates on Wednesdays (sometimes Thursdays). I try to update weekly.
Da Big Lizard: Character development is an on-going process, and has been occurring throughout the entire story, and the entire "Black Wolf" series. We haven't even reached the half-way mark of this story, so there will be plenty more to come.
Chapter 9
"What?! What do you mean, you have to take them? I haven't even seen them."
"Regulation dictates that—"
"That I don't care about your regulations. I'm working to protect this site, and I want to know what I'm facing."
Randi slowed as she rounded the corner and grabbed Nikolai by the shoulder to hold him back. A young woman—a junior grade lieutenant by her rank insignia—stood in front of Fred, waiting patiently as he finished his tirade. Randi could tell that he none too interested in hearing the officer's side of things.
The woman sighed a little and gave him a stern look, trying unsuccessfully to command a little more respect from Fred. "I don't think you quite understand the situation here on Wyatt, Mr. Acosta. In any case, I don't give a rat's ass about what you believe you're entitled to, and my superiors certainly don't, either." The mercenary began to speak again, but she cut him off. "The men you captured are POWs of the Free Worlds League, and as such, they are to be remanded to FWLM custody immediately. Your stay on this planet is going to be a lot less pleasant if you don't cooperate, and respect our jurisdiction."
Fred was still fuming. "You're going to inform us about the POWs and enemy forces, right? I can't protect you, your flimsy Vulcans, and this plant effectively without some information."
"Mr. Acosta, I can sincerely assure you that any data relating to the persons in question, their units, or any hostile forces," the lieutenant said, "will not be relayed to you. This is a strictly need-to-know basis, and you... don't. That's why we hired a professional mercenary unit."
Fred flushed red, but took a deep breath to calm down. "You know that the defense of Wyatt will only work if all the forces on this planet cooperate. I'd highly suggest you reconsider your policy, lieutenant . You're dismissed." Fred waved his hand and turned to leave the room.
The junior officer made her way out the door without another word. She was clearly uninterested in arguing over a matter in which she already held the authority. Fred, however, was left grumbling to himself unhappily about intel and the caliber of the Free World's "professionals." Randi walked forward to meet her partner and put a hand on his shoulder lightly.
He relaxed a little under her touch, and managed a half-smile. "So, how did Kitten do on his first real mission?" he asked, shifting his attention to his crew.
Randi glanced back at Nikolai, who gave her a hopeful look. "Not bad," the ex-Clanner said simply. "We did jumpjet training today."
"A little soon for that, isn't it?"
"I do not see why."
"Come on, Randi, you know how risky that is! Especially in this terrain. I don't want to have to scrape him and the 'Mech off the bottom of a canyon."
"You do not trust me to take care of him?" She frowned. "The Falcons are the ones who push their cadets off of cliffs, not the Wolves."
"Wait, they push them?" Nikolai piped in, startled.
Fred ignored the interruption, and focused on his conversation with Randi. "Well," he said hesitantly, "Nik and the Shadow Cat are still in one piece. How'd he do with the jets, anyway?"
"Satisfactorily," she replied, partly for brevity and partly to avoid inflating the young pilot's ego too much. Then she added, "He needs more practice."
Fred nodded. "Good. I guess that's all for the time being. Those idiots in the militia ran off with our prisoners."
"I noticed." Randi frowned a little in thought. "At least we neutralized the Swift Wind." She had always had a disliked enemy scouts; they had a nasty habit of bringing friends.
"Yeah. Hopefully they didn't report anything back during the attack."
"Anyway, I'll show you our room. We need to get some rest for tomorrow's security training." Fred took her hand and started to lead Randi down the hall.
Nikolai interrupted again. "What about my room?"
"Find Ned and ask him where it is," Fred said, tiredly. "You're all sharing a room."
The younger MechWarrior looked horrified. "Sir, can I please, please have my own room?"
"Only if you're going to pay for it. Now, get to your quarters," Fred huffed. He put an arm around Randi's waist and led her down the hall into their room.
She looked around as they entered, quickly taking stock of their quarters. The room was small and sparsely furnished, but it looked comfortable enough. "You have unpacked already," she said, noting the empty suitcases. "Thank you."
"It was no trouble." Fred shrugged.
She blushed a little as he kissed her cheek lightly, then smiled. Turning towards him, she leaned forward and kissed his lips, slowly at first, and then a little deeper. Fred kissed back deeply, holding her close. Suddenly, though, he let go and stepped back to change his clothes. "I'd best get ready for my patrol shift."
"Oh." She had forgotten that he had to leave, and felt her heart sink as she was reminded. Randi forced a smile as he looked back at her. "I will see you later, then."
"I think if we get any prisoners this time, we won't inform the militia right away." He smiled back, chuckling, and blew her a kiss. "I'll be back soon."
Again she smiled, and then waved briefly as he pulled on his boots and trotted out the door. As soon as he was gone, she let the smile disintegrate, and flopped down on the bed. It was much colder and more uncomfortable than she expected.
* * * * *
Randi yawned as she woke and began to stretch, when she felt something heavy against her shoulder. She turned quickly, surprised, only to see that it was Fred. He was still fast asleep, with his head on her shoulder, and one arm draped over her tummy.
Feeling her stir, Fred woke up, as well. "G'morning, dear. Sleep well?" He smiled and kissed her cheek lightly.
"I... suppose I must have," she said. Then to herself, 'Considering that I didn't notice him come in.' "And you?"
"Like a log." He chuckled. "The patrol was long and boring. It looks like you scared off who ever was out there."
"That is good news." She relaxed again and turned onto her side, facing him. "So, we only have the training today?"
"That and some free time. I was thinking of heading into town after we're done."
"Alright." It was difficult to be enthusiastic about the day's activities, even with the promise of free time later. Training was not fun. Training industrial rent-a-cops was even less fun. She couldn't understand what would possess some people to make a career out of that sort of thing.
Fred rolled out of bed and began to get dressed. "Today is going to be kind of slow, but I think I have a way to make it more interesting later." He grinned mischievously.
Randi just gave him a curious look and followed suit. As soon as they finished breakfast, the pair headed to one of the complex's loading bays. This one had been cleared out for use as a training yard, since working outside was impractical. By the time they arrived, all of the rookie security guards were waiting in the bay. Hank and Nikolai stood near the door.
As he walked out onto the loading dock, Fred called for everyone's attention with a sharp whistle. "Morning, everyone. I am Fernando Acosta of the Vigilante Guard, and we are here to conduct your training. Any questions?"
The security personnel looked around, some muttering amongst themselves. A young man in the back row raised his hand. "Ah, yeah. Are we gonna be done in time for 'CSI: Solaris'?"
Fred gave an annoyed look and shook his head. "No, but if we hurry, you can catch 'As the Sphere Turns.' Now, any less stupid questions?"
This time, everyone was silent.
"Alright then. Let's start with some stretches."
Randi lifted one foot, taking hold of that ankle to do a quadriceps stretch, and looked over at her partner. Nikolai aped her, while Hank started with a shoulder strangle. Fred did a few quick stretches, then hopped down from the loading dock to the floor.
"Everyone warmed up? Good. We're just going to cover some basics today. We'll start off with laps, and then do some dashes," he instructed, and began jogging.
As the group trotted along, Fred slowed down to match pace with Nikolai, who was lagging behind. "Your hair weighing you down, Kitten?" Fred ribbed. "Try to keep up."
"I'm... just a little out of practice," he said defensively, and sprinted ahead to jog by himself.
"That kid needs to learn how to take a joke," muttered Fred, as he rejoined the rest of the lance.
Hank chuckled a little and shook her head. "Ah, give 'im a break, sir. Most people take everything pretty seriously when they're that age."
"I don't remember being that annoying when I was his age."
"Of course, sir." She chuckled. "He'll probably outgrow it, y'know? My brothers all did. Well, except the youngest one, but I'm still hopeful."
"Yeah, I guess so," Fred conceded. "I do remember that living with my brother was always troublesome."
"What about you, Randi?" Hank asked. "Any annoying siblings?"
She stopped for a half second, then picked up that pace again. "You have no idea..." she muttered, rubbing the scarred bridge of her nose reflexively.
"Oh, random subject change," Fred interjected. "Donnagán told me about a great bar in town. Want to go later? Ned and Harrison are gonna meet us there."
Hank nodded. "Sounds fun!"
"Sure," Randi replied.
Nikolai slowed down to rejoin the others. "A bar? Awesome!"
"No, Kit, they won't let you in," Fred reminded him.
"What? Then what am I supposed to do?"
Fred thought for a moment. "You can clean the Shadow Cat."
* * * * *
"Welcome to 'The Jungle'!" said a cheery waitress, as the party stepped into the bar.
Randi looked around curiously at the interior of the place. There were large planters filled with lush foliage, and moss and air plants of a sort hanging from the rafters. In the center of the room, a small fountain bubbled. It was an oasis in the Wyatt desert.
"Are you all together, or are you here with the others?" the waitress continued.
"Others?" asked Ned, weaving past Harrison and a short palm tree.
"Yeah. There's a big reservation for Los... Uh, Los Tamales something," the waitress said.
Fred looked thoughtful, and a bit hesitant, but was interrupted just as he began to speak.
"¡Capybara! ¡Vengan aquí!"
The group looked over to see Islera and Antonio sitting at the bar, the former waving them over. There were two other men sitting next to them, and a small group at one of the tables, some wearing the same burgundy jacket as their commander.
"Yeah, we're with them." Fred's expression lit up as he lead his group over to join their allies. "¿Hey, que pasa?"
"Pasa nada, ahora," she replied, taking a sip of her beer. "Hubiera un cierto apuro, anterior."
"¿Qué apuro?" said Antonio with a laugh. "No era nada."
Randi gave Fred a light nudge, as they and the others sat down at the bar. "English?" she whispered.
"¿Inglés, por favor?" he asked. Then to Randi, he whispered, "She said they had trouble earlier, but Antonio says it was nothing."
"Ah, just some imbéciles in light 'Mechs," Islera continued.
Hank leaned in to join the conversation. "What kind of force was it?"
"A pair of Stingers, a Sentinel, and an Assassin," Antonio answered. "We made short work of the Stingers, but the other two lost us in the canyon. Our Skirmisher lance is out looking for them, now."
She smiled and nodded. "I'm sure you'll get them."
Ned leaned over to Hank. "Hey, didn't you want to talk to me about your Quickdraw? Something you wanted me to look at?"
"I did?" Hank chewed her lip lightly. "I don't think there's anything on it that needs work..."
"Oh. Well, you know, I'll check it out, just in case."
"Um, thanks..." She turned and gave Randi a shrug, then motioned to the bar tender. "Speaking of Stingers, I'll take one."
Randi could only wonder why Ned was suddenly so preoccupied with the Quickdraw. From the corner of her eye, though, she saw him looking at Hank. 'Maybe it is not the 'Mech that interests him.'
"Now, I bet you got to keep your prisoners," Fred muttered to the other mercenaries.
"Not really. Both guys were sent to the hospital, first thing. This thin air probably messed them up a bit," Islera replied. "Why do you ask?"
"The militia ran off with our prisoners."
"We spotted a Swift Wind and a Scorpion tank during patrol yesterday," Randi explained. "We captured the tank crew, but the militia swooped in and took them before we could begin interrogations."
"Where were they?" asked Antonio.
"We were in grid 1-4-1-5, when we spotted them."
"Ay, Dios mio... That's not where we expected them to be," he said, lowering his voice.
"And who is them?" asked Fred suspiciously.
"Elsies," Islera muttered under her breath. "Their 'Mechs weren't marked, but their uniforms were."
"I guess they want their planet back..."
The other mercenary nodded. "Yeah. But right now, we're here to unwind. We can deal with the Bankers later. So, ¡salud!"
Fred grinned. "Sounds good to me. Bartender, give me a Timbiqui Dark."
"The same," Randi requested.
"So, this is your whole crew?" asked Islera. She leaned back a bit, and waved to Donnagán at the other end of the bar. "Hóla, Don."
The logistics officer tipped his glass to her in return.
"Yeah, this is almost everyone," Fred replied with a chuckle. "We left our 'ace' back at the hangar."
She gave him a quizzical look, and took another drink. "Well, as Antonio said, our medium lance is out hunting. This is Jordão and Sev, our other Command Lance pilots," she said, motioning to the two men beside Antonio. "You'll have to excuse them for being a little quiet. Neither of them speak English. Oh, and Antón, our tank company leader, and his Rommel crew are over there at the billiards."
"So, what do y'all pilot?" Hank asked Antonio. Ned looked somewhat bereft as she turned away from him.
"A custom Catapult C1. Well, it used to be a C1." He chuckled. "It now has Artemis IV, CASE, an extra ton of ammo, and that's just the start of it."
"Sounds like a great fire support configuration."
"Sure, but it's just as good up close. I once punched a guy—with both arms."
"Punched?" Randi murmured, as she accepted her drink. 'I wish I had known Catapults could do that, when I was piloting one...'
"Yep. That was a lucky day. Anyway, what do you pilot, Miss..? Um, I don't believe I got your name."
"Oh!" She blushed again, and giggled a little. "Henrietta."
"But don't you go by Ha—?" Ned began.
"I pilot a Quickdraw 4-G," she continued swiftly, cutting him off. "It's had a few modifications. Took out a couple heat sinks and a laser, added some ammo and CASE..."
"A Quickdraw? How long have you been piloting it?" Antonio asked with a hint of concern.
"About five years." She chuckled. "I know the 'Mech doesn't have a great reputation, but it's served me well. I inherited it from my dad, actually."
"You must be a pretty good pilot, then."
She chuckled and smiled back. "Oh, now you're flattering me."
Antonio laughed. "Should I stop? So, I bet those jump jets come in handy, huh? They've gotten me out of many close scrapes."
"Same," she agreed. "Once, my lancemate and I were being chased through a city by an Orion. We turned down a dead end, and let the Orion think it had us pinned. As soon as it entered the street, I jumped behind it and hit it with all of my short-range weapons."
"Impressive. Reminds me of the time I brawled with an Axman. This guy sneaked up on me while I was providing support for Islera and Jordão. The axe just barely missed me. I was able to use my jets to stay just out of range of its axe, while I kept hitting it with my lasers." Antonio chuckled when he saw Islera roll her eyes at his story. "When Islera finally arrived to my rescue, the Axman was a smoking wreck."
"Now, now, Antonio. Remember, I was taking on a Caesar and a Grasshopper, and Jordão was dueling a Flashman. We figured you could handle the Axman while we cleaned up," Islera said with a smirk. She turned to Fred. "What about you, kid? Got any good stories for us?"
"You bet I do." Fred grinned. "Let me tell you about one of my battles on Solaris 7..."
