Chapter 13
Death's crater, Veiled Mountain Range, Astrokaszy
Periphery
8 June 3059
10:21:33 localtime
Silence. It was all over in an instant. The scene drifted through Allen's mind in vivid detail. The battle was pitched and chaotic, it was impossible to tell who was shooting at who through the smoke and fire in the confines of the boulder strewn valley. The targeting computer scrambled when a combination Laser / missile strike savaged his rear armor and heavily impacted the delicate circuitry underneath. Sections of Allen's 'Mech status wireframe kept flashing from yellow to red until the entire picture looked as if the BattleMaster was being boiled. Only the rear armor had gone to black, meaning that section was completely destroyed.
The 'Mech's legs still worked, however, and Allen used them continuously. Keeping the Assault 'Mech's back to the massive boulders as much as possible, Allen fired every remaining weapon as soon as each one cycled. There were too many targets to miss, and his unbroken attack did keep all but the most determined enemy at bay, but there were simply too many. Through it all Allen caught snatches of battle chatter.
"Left, LEFT! Damn! Devil-three is down, I'm pressed on all sides requesting…"
"Come-on ya [Naughties]! I'll fix all yer problems. Ah [Naughty], Devil-one one of 'em is loaded with Inferno rounds. Five is out. AHHHhhh"
"Come sheep and let the Lord's embrace show you the way."
"Reverend, this is Fox One, break left I've got a full load of enlightenment for your congregation."
Suddenly the scene had changed. Allen watched in Horror as the 90 ton Cyclops stepped around the boulder where his latest victim had just vanished. At this range, the pristine Assault 'Mech would simply tear his war ravaged BattleMaster to pieces. Allen loosed a PPC volley and twisted his 'Mech left in a vain attempt to escape the inevitable. Then, without warning, an impossible volley of laser fire probed nearly every available surface of the Cyclops' upper torso. Off to the right the Cyclops stumbled backwards in a most human like semblance of fearful retreat. Allen only had a second to process this new development when a more pressing problem emerged. Twisting his control sticks hard left again, he purposefully slammed his 85 ton 'Mech into the boulder to avoid colliding with the 100 ton Dashi that stepped into the open directly in his escape path.
Ears still ringing from the screeching protest of metal against rock, Allen performed a half back-step throwing his 'Mech's exposed rear torso flat against the boulder. The move gave the appearance of a thief diving against a wall to avoid the gunslinger's notice. On the far side of the Clan assault 'Mech another ominous shadow began to take on an all too familiar form. The Mad Cat obligingly confirmed Allen's suspicion and loosed it's trademark volley of 40 Long Range Missiles into a target behind the retreating Cyclops, quickly following up with a right – left volley of heavy laser fire. A Explosion backlit the Cyclops as the Mad Cat's target exploded under the relentless attack giving the next couple of seconds a surreal effect.
Illuminated by the background explosion the Cyclops took another deadly volley of concentrated laser fire in the midsection. Allen watched, transfixed, as tons of armor simply evaporated under the intense heat. Without pause double streams of high velocity slugs chewed away any remaining armor and began to gnaw deep into the heart of the war machine. The Cyclops pilot finally seemed to recover from the initial shock of the Clan 'Mech and returned fire while twisting hard to prevent further internal damage.
Too little too late was the only thing Allen could think as he watched the scene unfold. Bad luck or lucky angle, it didn't matter for the Cyclops. The instant the pilot began twisting out of harms way, the endless ravaging stream of Ultra Autocannon fire found a soft path to the 'Mech's vital gyro-scope. The Cyclops froze mid step just a second before gyrating like a marionette with half the strings cut. The 'Mech looked as if it might shake itself to pieces. The Dashi, apparently satisfied that this battle was over, side stepped completely cutting off Allen's view of the strange dance as it circled looking for more prey.
Then it happened. The battle was over and the world descended into darkness. Unknown to Allen, all the enemy 'Mechs throughout the valley exploded in unison. The force of the detonation from the 'Mechs in the immediate area flung the 100 ton Dashi like a toy into Allen's BattleMaster and the boulder behind it. The BattleMaster slipped down the boulder coming to rest in a sitting position slumped forward slightly onto the equally immobile Dashi who rested like a child lying on it's side in a parents lap.
Dropship, Low Orbit - Outbound, Astrokaszy
Periphery
8 June 3059
10:21:33 localtime
"Thrust steady at three G's, we are in the corridor. Estimated time to clear the atmosphere one minute thirty one seconds."
"Acknowledged, engineering, what's our hull status?"
"Repairs are holding sir!"
"Excellent! Comm. What's the status of the rest of the fleet?"
"Alpha 2 reported some minor problems upon entering the upper atmosphere, but nothing critical. All other departing ships are in formation."
"Right…"
The bridge chatter continued over the dull rumbling of the deck plates as the Officer stood just behind the captain's chair at ram rod attention, despite the bone crushing acceleration. Eyes scanning the various bridge stations like a bird of prey standing in a rodent's den. Eyes that didn't betray the inner turmoil going on in the racing mind behind them. Focusing on the altitude readings he estimated that they were approaching the critical distance, maximum range for assured communication. Turning stiffly to the right he proceeded to a secure communication alcove in strong measured strides meant to inspire the others gathered.
Once alone and secured in the comm. alcove he keyed the sequence that would connect him with the commander of the Third battalion, Second battle group. There was a momentary hiss of static followed by garbled battle speech, then the decryption code engaged turning warped garble into clear speech allowing free communication.
Over the battle chatter the Officer spoke in a strong crisp voice, "Strike Leader, this is Command, respond."
Almost immediately, as was expected from an officer, the response came in the form of a harshly altered female's voice, "Affirmative Command, this is Strike Leader, " then without the need for further preamble, "we have cornered the mercenaries and are decimating their forces." A concussion blast momentarily threatened to sever the communication, but the advanced communication equipment aboard the Strike Leader's Cyclops recovered quickly and the battalion leader continued, "a group identifying themselves as Clan Smoke Jaguar have begun to deploy. We will attempt to overwhelm the mercenary scum quickly then turn our attention on this new threat. What is our status?"
The Officer keyed a series of commands which isolated the communication to himself and the Strike Leader before speaking again. "You are out of bounds." He said solemnly.
"Oh." Was the only initial reply. After several moments of unbroken silence, "Understood Command. It has been an honor and a pleasure, " the last word filled with unspoken emotion that carried even through the heavy distortion caused by the battle comm. followed by just a moment's pause in the otherwise expected bravo that would no doubt be reviewed later by the intelligence group. " to serve, Sir!"
His voice failed him for a moment and warbled in barely contained emotion as he gave the appropriate response, "Duty above all. Death in service our only goal." Life in this battle group was hard, disciplined in ways that only the Clans would appreciate, and promised only one release from service.
"We will eradicate these enemies until our dismissal. I am about to engage their leader. His Battlemaster is … WHAT THE?!"
A wave of static burst over the comm. followed by the distinct sounds of multiple alarms. The line remained static filled as the Officer's eyes scanned the consoles which had begun displaying telemetry from the Cyclops when one-to-one communication had been established. Before the Officer could speak he had already determined what had caused the alarmed outburst from the Strike Leader and the subsequent static. There emerging from behind a boulder, not 10 meters from the battered Battlemaster Stirke Leader had identified as her target was one of the most fearsome sights on the modern battlefield. A 100 ton Dashi arms and torso alight with an impossible river of Laser fire. The Cyclops wireframe depicted the other side of that devastating salvo, whole sections of the outline shifted from green to red without even pausing at yellow. The speed readout on the HUD registered negative motion as the Strike Leader attempted to back away to cover. The threat indicator chimed as another modern nightmare, the deadly Clan Mad Cat appeared at the Dashi's side. Forty long range missiles vomited from the boxy launchers on either side of the Mad Cat's torso. For a brief moment the Officer thought they were going to decimate the Cyclops before instinct told him they would pass overhead, rippling a wave of relief through his body.
He shook his head to detach himself from the scene unfolding on the monitors. He realized with a start that he was so thoroughly caught up in the latest developments he was as drenched in sweat as if he were the one piloting the besieged 'Mech. He also realized that neither he, nor the Strike Leader had the sense to attempt to return fire. The 'Mech's rear monitors flashed and all the displays shook as something behind the Cyclops exploded spectacularly. The Officer opened his mouth to shout a command even as an endless stream of high velocity slugs drew a line between the Dashi and the Cyclops.
"RETURN FIRE!" The Officer finally managed to scream at the displays. The effect was either instantaneous or the Strike Leader had finally snapped out of the panicked revere at the same moment. The Cyclops fired and twisted hard to distribute the autocannon damage at the same time. The Officer saw the terrible results before the displays began shaking uncontrollably. The 'Mech's gyro flashed red then black. The mighty assault 'Mech began gyrating wildly as the remaining gyroscope ground itself to pieces. In his mind's eye the Officer could picture the internal scene. Deadly shards of the gyroscope shot in all directions shredding the delicate surrounding circuitry. His eyes floated to the correct display just in time to watch the engine shielding flash red, then the battle computer registered imminent core explosion.
Over the comm. the Strike Leader's anguished cries filled the alcove as pieces of the doomed gyroscope penetrated the cockpit. Super hot metal shrapnel tearing through flesh and command chair with far greater ease than it did the rest of the 'Mech. With stiff but decisive strokes the Officer keyed the correct sequence into the console. The comm. again opened up to the entire Third battalion and speaking in the proper clear crisp command voice he said, "Well done Strike Leader, you and your team are dismissed." Severing the connection with the dying 'Mech warrior he paused over the blinking acknowledge button just long enough to say, "Good bye my love. " It would not do to broadcast such personal sediment. Then without conscious thought he gently caressed the button.
Suppressing his grief with a shudder, he steeled himself and walked with strong even strides back to his post, meant to inspire the others gathered.
Death's crater, Veiled Mountain Range, Astrokaszy
Periphery
8 June 3059
10:43:15 localtime
"Alright R&R is over Captain, time to get back to work." Ryan said with a grunt as he hoisted Allen up through the wide rent in the Battlemaster's cockpit. Two of the Ghost Battle Armor units stood back from the opening they had created to extract their leader after it was found that the rear cockpit entry had been melted into a solid wall.
"Thanks," Allen replied, carefully avoiding putting pressure on his left wrist. With any luck it was just sprained. Standing below on the Dashi was a female Clan warrior fuming at her ruined 'Mech and swearing, with enough creativity to make the Matriarch of Canopus blush, on the cowardly end to the battle. "Heh, perhaps we should get her and Striker together."
Ryan laughed at the thought. "Striker was the only one to survive the explosion with her 'Mech still standing." Allen cast a curious glance at Ryan as he continued. "The Jaguar leader made some comment about adding her to his unit." Allen's eye brows leapt skyward in alarm, but Ryan stalled him with upraised hands. "It's ok, I told him he'd have to face her in a Trial of Refusal. Ha! You should have seen his face! Said something about not loosing anymore of his troops."
Allen just shook his head and laughed, eyes scanning the immediate area to survey the devastation. "So, Striker's 'Mech is still operational?" Ryan nodded in response. "That's something at least! Any other 'Mechs make it?" Ryan had already informed Allen that all personnel had been accounted for, aside from Dingo, when he first arrived.
"No, but it looks like Jess' Maurader and Reverend's Warhammer can be fixed. Ghul got aboard the Antelope but We're still looking for Dingo's Shadow Hawk and the Locust..." Then his voice faltered and faded away at the mention of Dingo. A minute of silence passed as the two comrades at arms quietly reflected on what had been lost in the last couple of days. They both started when Ryan's radio chirped. Fumbling for a second, Ryan keyed his chest mounted mic
"Mongoose here."
"Mongoose, Striker. You won't believe what I found!"
Ten minutes later Ryan and Allen rounded the final boulder to see for themselves. There, just as Striker had promised was Dingo, leaning against the open canopy of the oddly fighter shaped body of a 60 ton Champion, yelling in casual conversation with Striker's Atlas. 20 meters away a blast crater represented all that was left of what appeared to be from the remains a 35 ton Peregrine.
"Capt'n!" Dingo yelled waving in greeting as he spotted the pair walking toward him and looking around in stunned disbelief. "I've got a bone to pick with you, Capt'n!" He exclaimed as he all but free fell down the ladder welded into the Champion's leg.
"What seems to be the problem Dingo?" Allen asked with a mock look of concern painted on his face.
"Our supplies." Dingo answered straight faced, "I left the Wolverine and Clint over behind that rock over there," he said in his Australian accent, jerking his thumb over his shoulder to indicate a rather large boulder. "But the damned Phoenix Hawk got away!" He genuinely sounded disgruntled. Ryan looked up to the looming Atlas with a look of puzzlement as if to try and confirm the wild tale. Wendy was obviously watching closely because over the external speakers her voice boomed.
"It's true! There are two more unexploded enemy 'Mechs just beyond that boulder."
Ryan's head snapped around to regard Dingo, a look of utter confusion engraved on his face. But before he could ask the dozen or so questions that were playing around in his mind Allen spoke.
"Ok, we'll forget our questions for the moment. Tell me Dingo, what's wrong with our supplies?" A truly bemused look on his face as he waited for Dingo's reply.
"No can openers." Dingo said flatly. Ryan's jaw dropped open.
"Can openers?" Allen queried with a laugh.
"Yeah, do you know how hard it is to get one of these things open with just a survival knife? If I'd had a decent can opener that last one mightn't have got away!" Dingo's expression was one of genuine frustration and seriousness. Ryan nearly fell to the ground, doubled over with peals of laughter. Choking back tears Allen called out to the Atlas, "Striker, radio Jess and tell her that from now on all our people and 'Mechs need to be outfitted with one good quality can opener." The only reply was Wendy's laughter which boomed from the Atlas' external speakers and echoed through the valley.
Ryan did manage to pull himself together long enough to ask the one question that simply wouldn't wait, "Ok, ok, so how did you get past the device?"
Dingo turned to him with a grin and said, "I've had a lot of time since I first laid eyes on one of those to figure out the best way to take care of one. Turns out I was right." With that he turned and walked back to the waiting 'Mech. Just before he got there he glanced back at Allen and added, "Oh, Capt'n, maybe we could give this thing to Ghul. It's not bad, but handles like a Locust, I'd rather have the Wolverine."
"You got it Dingo."