8 kilometres south of Korban City-State
Rechlan, Arcadia
Pentagon Worlds
2 July, 2821
Devon LeFabre sat in the command chair of his 85 ton Crockett thinking back over the bizarre series of events that had lead him to the Rechlan continent far ahead of schedule. It would have been unbelievable were it not for the evidence that had been presented to him.
The first anomaly was their ship. They had called it a York class destroyer. No such classification of vessel existed in either the Star League or Clan databanks. The second, very convincing, piece of evidence was presented in their hulking marines. They called them Elementals and the armor they wore was truly awe inspiring. Lastly was the battle footage they had seen. The thing that Star Captain Lankenau had described as a Dalek looked so utterly alien – in a universe where mankind had thought for so long to be alone – that Khan LaFabre struggled to wrap his head around it. And all this came wrapped in her claim to be from the future. It sounded preposterous but the evidence was all there.
When he was then told that these future Snow Ravens had forces on the ground on Rechlan, Khan LaFabre had immediately revised his plan. Greta had argued against it, stating that any change now could affect the future, to which Devon replied that the Dalek would have a far more immediate effect than a minor delay in reclaiming the Pentagon worlds.
Greta could not argue with his logic so Devon had set about contacting Khan Stephan McKenna of the Snow Ravens and then the ilKhan himself, Nicholas Kerensky. Greta felt a shiver run down her spine at the thought of this man speaking directly to their founder, the Father of the Clans.
The decision was made quickly. Khan LaFabre was to escort the Corvidae to a meeting point where Khan McKenna and Nicholas himself would meet with them. Greta had been granted permission to contact her ground forces then only to find that Otto and Brett were being held by the Korban government.
Devon remembered clearly the words he had spoken then. "Well, Star Captain, we may be mixing up the order a little but it looks like history will be maintained.
"Adder alpha, this is charlie two. We are picking up contacts at one o'clock, three clicks out."
Adder alpha was LeFabre's call sign. He activated his chin mic. "This is Adder alpha. Report identification, bravo two."
There was a moment's pause. "Adder alpha, we have a negative on ID. Warbook is indeterminate. I can confirm that contacts are Mechs, sir. There are five of them."
Indeterminate. Everything about this accursed Operation is indeterminate, thought Lefabre. He activate his mic.
"Those must be the Snow Ravens. All points form up on me. Keep your sensors at maximum sweep and watch for surprises."
He throttled his Crockett up to a full run and began chewing up the distance to their target. At one and half kilometres distance Lefabre opened a channel on the frequency the Star Captain had given to him.
"Attention Snow Raven force. His is Khan Devon LeFabre of Clan Star Adder. This frequency has been given to us by your Star Captain, Greta Lankenau. Hold you fire, we come in peace."
The line crackled for a few long seconds before the reply came.
"This is Star Commander Holson of the 14th Raven Battle Cluster. We acknowledge and will hold fire."
That's a good start, Devon thought as his star sped towards the awaiting Snow Ravens. As they drew closer he noticed he was still the subject of a target lock. It took only a couple of minutes to reach the coordinates. Devon powered down his Crockett and deployed the boarding ladder before climbing down to meet the Snow Raven warriors.
As he turned to face the man who stood near the feet of his 'Mech he was surprised to receive a salute. He promptly returned it. "Star Commander Holson, I presume?"
"Aff, Khan LeFabre," he responded. His voice contained a hint of nervous excitement. "Forgive me, Sir. I am a student of history and read a great deal about you and your part in Klondike."
Devon winced a little. "History… yes. Knowing that, to you, I've been dead for centuries is a difficult prospect to understand."
Holson smiled. "If it is any consolation, Khan LeFabre, your name and those of the other founding Khans are still revered even among other Clans."
"Thank you, Star Commander," Devon replied politely. "On to other matters. I understand that members of your Clan are currently being held in Korban?"
"Aff…" Holson noticed a confused look on Devon's face. "That is correct, Khan LeFabre. We have been forbidden from interfering in the events of the Operation so cannot liberate them ourselves."
"That is why I am here, Star Commander," he cast his eyes over the Snow Raven war machines parked nearby, "though a couple of your Mechs would make the job a great deal easier."
"With all due respect, Khan LeFabre, these are Snow Raven property. I cannot relinquish them without my Commanding Officers permission or without a Trial of Possession taking place."
"Hmmm, for another time then," Devon replied. "You are to board your transport and rendezvous with your ship, Star Commander. We will return with your Clansmen in good time."
Holson threw Devon another salute. "Aff, Khan LeFabre."
Devon watched as Holson spun on his heel and addressed his star. "Mount up, people. We are heading back to the Dark Wings and on to the Corvidae." A series of affirmations followed his orders.
Devon studied the group of warriors closely. I could do with troops like these, he thought to himself.
