Chapter 37
A Son's Promise

All she could hear at first was the slow, steady, and heavy beat of his heart then as she became more aware of the world she realized what happened last night and could only smile. Jared was just awakening when he felt Kim shift her position until she was up against him again, last night had to have been a dream of some sort but he could feel her beside him her warmth and soft silky skin.

This is no dream Carlson this is real just like the fact that you have the Big Game in 5 hours...

The Big Game the apex of everything Kim and he had done on Solaris, today he would ride out in his fathers Atlas and unleash hell upon his enemies. And if he survives the journey then the heavens will cry in pure joy as he comes back from the battle.

Kim: Hey Jared we better get out of bed you know?

He grunted his answer and roll off the bed landing on the floor in crouch and standing up. He left Kim so she could change into fresh clothes and he did the same, in his room was a full length mirror as he put on his cooling vest he saw two cans of face paint he had gotten them when Kim had been kidnapped by the administrator but he didn't use it then but he would now when he got down to the mechbay. The Big Game was much more ceremonial then the usual matches from what Weber had told him the competitors would usually spend a few hours preparing for the opening ceremony some like Gus Pollard a light mech champ of the last few years would shave his head and paint it blue, Ricardo usually just ate a large meal in a trailer provided by his big corporate sponsors, though if he knew Ricardo then he was banging all of his chicks one last time but those rumors had not been of course proven by anyone yet.

He went to the kitchen and grabbed a coke when he glanced outside he saw that winter which until last night so it seems had held back the normal cold and snow had dropped 6 inches of snow on everything, it was still early and no one had begun to plow the streets leaving clean, pure, virgin snow.

Kim: It's beautiful isn't?

Without looking he smiled and responded

Jared: Yes it is thats why I have always liked Winter the snow hides the dirt and the grime and makes the world seem more peaceful then it is. Today I will break that peace and do the impossible... I just hope I can pull it off.

Kim: I believe in you and I'm pretty sure Davion, Weber, and Portia do too. Now we better get down to the mechbay before the fans do.

Jared: Agreed let's roll.

The streets where silent and abandoned as they drove to the mechbay in the morning hours of the day. They soon found out that the city had piratically shut down because of the match, the Colosseum was packed to bursting with fans that had bought their tickets at the beginning of the season while the rest of the planet was watching it on every single TV channel on Solaris and the Hyper Pulse Generator network was broadcasting it to every planet in the Inner Sphere. If there was ever a time when Jared felt like he had the eyes the world on him now was it.

In the mechbay...

Weber: GET THAT AMMO LOADED! BOB DOUBLE CHECK THE TARGETING SYSTEMS!

Bob: BUT I JUST DID BOSS!

Weber: THEN DO IT AGAIN!

Jared: I swear I need to get you guys radio's or something so you don't have to yell at each other.

Weber nearly fell over a box of cables in shock but managed to grab a hold on an nearby railing.

Weber: Well there you two are! Anyway to answer back we do have radio's but at stressed times like this yelling believe it or not keeps the men calmer, also we patched up your armor and added extra were ever we could along with extra coolant and ammo. Aside from all that I have done everything that I know how to do to a mech.

He took a swig from a water bottle and tossed the empty container aside, he had been working the last 16 hours checking, rechecking systems, repairing the armor, loading ammo, and rewiring the weapons together. In all it felt like it did on Port Aurthur the night before the Davion Guards took the city.

Kim: So its ready?

Weber: Yeah Jared just to let you know there is going to a line up ceremony before you get into your starting positions so look your best ok?

Jared: I have a plan so don't worry about it but right now I'm going get something to eat.

Weber: Then just go down to the VIP room thats were the mechwarriors are getting food if they want too... by the way tell Davion that your mech is ready.

Jared: Got it come on Kim lets see what they made for breakfast.

Breakfast consisted of Belgian waffles, sausages, and hash browns. The room it self was packed with who's who of celebrities, company CEO's, planet dukes, and many high ranking generals including...

Brinks: Private Carlson Private Witmer I see you two have not changed much or at least not that I can notice.

They both regretted that voice as they turned from their plates to face and salute their superior.

Jared: General what brings you to Solaris?

Brinks: I'm on what little leave I get I have just enough time to get here watch the Big Game and then as soon as I get over from the inevitable hangover tomorrow morning I'm back on the drop ship to Dune. What about you?

Jared: I'm just here fight sir and so is she.

Kim: Are things going well on Dune?

Brinks: Yes in a way although we are now at a stand off neither side has attacked in months but we still patrol our lands and bring in more forces every few weeks just like the Clans are doing. But anyway if you'll excuse me I want to wish my favorite mechwarrior good luck. Carry on privates.

Jared: Lieutenants sir.

Brinks: What? Now when the hell did you get promoted?

Davion: Yesterday afternoon in fact.

Brinks spun around so fast that he lost his balance and rammed his face into the considerable bust of Carmela Menderson considered the queen of porn and oversize boob jobs. When he pulled out of her chest she slapped him across the face and dumped her drink on his freshly pressed uniform. Jared and Kim being lower ranks had to suppress their laughs but Davion laughed it up along with the rest of the room.

Brinks: Sorry ma'am uhhh sorry about that sir.

Davion: I think that you should take care of that red wine before it stains you uniform general.

Brinks: Yes of course sir.

As he left quickly through the crowd Jared turned to look at Davion and ask him why he had sneaked up on the general when his answer came.

Davion: Like you I'm not too big of a fan of him or his style...of course you never heard me say it.

Kim: Hear what sir?

Davion: Exactly Jared if you have anything else to do before the line up you have one hour a office has been provided since everywhere else as been taken by the other mechwarriors, I wish you luck.

Jared: Thank you sir... Kim I'll see you down at the mechbay.

The office belonged to a janitor that happened to be a fan of his but thankfully he didn't act like most of his fans but he did of course ask for a autograph which he got and left quietly. Inside the dark office which was half filled with cleaning supplies and half filled with memorabilia from the last 20 years of Solaris. Pictures of past mechwarrior champions alone filled a wall, as he looked among them he saw one man who looked very familiar.

Jared: Dad?

Suddenly he remembered a story that he had not heard since he was very very young.

I was 4 or 5 we had just gotten back from a match when dad told me about his time as a mechwarrior in Solaris before the Clans invaded and how he had to leave before... the big one. I see now he left the Big Game so as to fight the clans... I guess in a way this is more then the fulfillment of my promise to my father I'm finishing his legacy.

He looked at the picture his father had red and black face paint in a cross hatch pattern that covered all of his exposed skin on his arms, neck and of course face then he got a idea.

One legacy is closing and another is blooming.

Half hour later...

Kim had been talking with Weber and Portia about what they had seen the composition doing during the last few hours when they saw Jared walking towards them with his face paint on. The black and red cross hatching made him look more like a ancient Terran Indian warrior then anything else.

Portia: Dear lord almighty...

Weber: Wow...

Kim: That will scare even Ricardo... nice choice.

Jared: Well actually I got it off my dad, did you guys know that he was a mech jock too?

Weber's eyes bulged when he heard the question.

Weber: You didn't know that your father was jock? He had a good season right before the clans attack then on the morning of the big game he left, he didn't have quite the same success rate as you do but he was still one of the best mechwarriors to fight here... you didn't know?

Jared: No I have a very faint memory but otherwise I know nothing.

Kim: I hate to interrupt but we have only a few minutes before you have to get up to the field.

Portia: Then well make our way to Lord Davion's box good luck Jared.

Weber: Yeah good luck Jared!

As they ran out of sight Kim pulled him closer to her.

Kim: Jared I want to remind you win or lose... I will still love you.

He smiled and pulled her into a long deep kiss before releasing her and going to his mech.

Jared: I WILL BE BACK!

The cockpit door closed and the mech ran out of the mech joining the few lagers as they marched on to the Colosseum field and formed a horizontal line in front of the North stands where a temporary luxury box was placed for Lord Davion and his immediate guests and guards. The mechwarriors got out of their mechs and onto the top of them braving the harsh cold steel winds that wove its way into your soul threatening to freeze it. Lord Davion was in full dress uniform showing all of the many medals and patches from past units and battles to his right was Kim to his left Weber and Portia. A microphone was handed to him as he took a look at the line up many of the mechwarriors had painted their faces some of the newer people had tattooed their face, their helmets were painted with designs of naked women that where supposedly good luck, mythical monsters, ancient bits of wisdom, and many other things. But Jared stood out the most as his mech was tall enough that when standing on top of it he was at eye level with himself, he knew where the red and black design had come from and the helmet had only one thing on it a Atlas over two crossed shotguns.

Davion: TODAY WE GATHER HERE TO DECIDE WHO IS THE BEST MECHWARRIOR ONCE AND FOR ALL. ALL OF YOU HAVE FOUGHT LONG AND HARD FOR THIS DAY, SOME OF YOU HAVE HAD TO SUFFER MORE THEN ANYONE SHOULD HAVE TO BUT DESPITE THAT YOU HAVE MADE IT HERE... AND THAT UNTO ITS SELF IS AN ACHIVEMENT.
NOW WITH ALL THAT MUMBO-JUMBO OUT OF THE WAY... MAN YOUR MECHS AND PREPARE FOR THE START OF THE MATCH!

The crowd roared as he sat down and watched the 16 mechs move to their predetermined starting points. This year had only two assault mechs Jared's Atlas and Ricardo's Danshi the rest where mostly Bushwhackers, several types of heavy mechs, and a few Fleas.

Davion: It would seem that today you know who is going to be the last two men standing.

Kim: Yeah but with Ricardo his techs have had enough time to replace every system on there so equipment problems are not going to be a problem.

Weber: Did they replace the engine?

Portia: They put in a smaller one why?

Davion: That would mean three possible things one is he has mounted a big heavy gun probably a Heavy gauss perhaps even an Long Tom, two he put on more armor then before, and three he is packing extra ammo or heat sinks. This is going to be a fight no one will ever forget.

In the field...

Ricardo: So Hybris you think you can win one last time?

Jared snapped back at his foe.

Jared: Against you yes but I think I might be more worried about the Fleas then you as well.

Ricardo: I'LL BEAT YOUR ASS DOWN!

The starting horn blew and the first shots rang out from a Thor on Jared's right his AC/20 throwing off a ton or two of armor of his right leg. A quick salvo of lasers to his ammo bins left the mech virtually weaponless and forced the mechwarrior to punch out. As Jared was about to engage the next target a one armed Mad Cat he saw a Flea charging towards him like he was on a...

Kamikaze run!

Upon a closer look he could see that the three small laser and two machine guns where replaced by High explosive charges meant to go off when the pilot hit the trigger.

In the stands...

Weber: Hey! I don't remember that Flea being in the line up! And its packing explosives!

Kim: Look above the cockpit its a training drone!

Down on the field Jared switched over to his rotary AC/20's and let lose a burst from them, the rounds turned the mech in scrap but it had enough momentum to still bash into him taking more leg armor with it.

Jared: What the hell! Damn it if this keeps up my legs my be gone...

Ricardo: You having fun yet Hybris? I see my drone didn't get like I had hoped.

Jared: I swear Ricardo I will get you this time!

They went back to fighting off the smaller mechs as they swarmed around them, Ricardo had it easy fighting off most of the light and medium mechs while Jared had everything else gunning for him. It take long before Ricardo defeated his last attacker he hid behind a large archway letting his weapons and mech recover.

I'll wait for them to rough him up a bit then by the time he starts looking for me I will finish him with my new toy.

Across the Colosseum Jared was backed into a corner unable to break out without having a mech show up behind to take a shot at the rear armor. Another Thor jumped in front of him in an attempt to blow off his head with a missile salvo, but a quick torso twist dodged most of the missiles and let him put a light gauss round into the Thor's chest badly damaging it. Seeing a easier kill for a moment all the mechs turned on the Thor and pumped it full of lasers and ammo, when the mech was burning they looked around for the Atlas which was nowhere to be seen.

In the VIP box...

Portia: Apparently they had forgotten all about the jump jets, makes me wonder how they got here in the first place.

Davion: They'll remember in two seconds I say.

Kim: One...Two...

Then a ungodly blast came from the top of a archway as Jared shelled the corner where most of the mechs remained, as they tried to run and shoot back at whoever was attacking them they destroyed each other. Of the 10 mechs that were there 3 remained although barely.

Jared: Never bunch up when there's artillery around.

He jumped off the Archway and came running and gunning blasting away at the legs of the remaining mechs. One mech a Vulture ran to the other side of the field in hopes that he could use what was left of his LRM's but all he manage to do was run straight into Ricardo's maw. The explosion left a smoke screen across much of the field blocking out where Ricardo was slowly striding from.
With the last two mechs gone all that was left to do was to hunt down Ricardo.

Jared: Come on Ricardo isn't this the part where you're going to hunt me down and make me pay for practically destroying your career.

Ricardo: Oh I'll make you pay alright but first you'll suffer.

He came out of the smoke his mech almost undamaged compared to Jared which had taken a beating to every part his mech. They moved into the open field where the Steiner emblem was put, then like the big metal clad prize fighters they were they kept circling each other. After 5 minutes of this Ricardo made his move of launching a SMRM salvo into Jared's left torso, the Atlas groaned as it took the hit to what little armor he had left there. They traded shots still circling each other angry red, blue, and green lasers biting into each others mech, PPC's would roar and melt armor plating and short out the HUD's for a moment. Both mechs began showing their damage both of Jared's knees where sparking and partially jammed Ricardo had lost the ability to twist the torso more then 90 degrees and one of his legs was also badly crippled. Ricardo broke off the circle strafing and brought his mech into what was called by the fans as "Vecci Chicken", it was where he and his opponent would run at each other but that catch was that because of their pride they wouldn't turn at all and the mech would collide and with most other mechs Ricardo had the weight and speed to knock down his opponent and could either crush the cockpit like he did last season to win the title or just alpha strike. Jared remembered this move from last year and prayed that his weight alone would be enough to keep him up right, as he charged a silent prayer went through his head over and over again.

Please lord if I lose let it be your choice all I ask is that I live to see Kim at least one more time...

Then as if his prayer was answered his damaged knees ripped themselves apart and unjammed themselves, his speed went from 45kph to over 120 when it happened he alpha strike Ricardo just as they hit. The impact force sent the 100 ton Danshi flying across the field and into the far wall, inside Ricardo was beyond rage he now wanted blood.

Ricardo: I'll kill you... I'LL KILL YOU I'LL KILL YOU!

Jared: You can honestly try you Steiner dog but as long as this mech runs I'll still be here and I will have your title so help me god I will!

Ricardo put in his override code to overload the reactor, he was planning to run at him and alpha strike cockpit at only 100m at that range nothing that Carlson could pull would stop the rounds and he also would use his new toy a custom made over sized Long Tom he only had one shot for it but if it worked then he would keep his honor and title.

Jared set his targeting computer for the cockpit a small tug at the back of his mind made him wish this was a real combat zone so he could possibly salvage the mech, but you couldn't have everything he thought as his missiles gained a hard lock. He punched the throttle as far as it would go then watched the range close.

500 meters...

Alpha Strike ready...
400 meters...

Ricardo: I'll kill you I'll kill you...

300 meters...

Jared: Come and get some motherfucker...

200 meters...

Davion: THIS IS IT!

100 meters...

In less then a second the mechs fired in a dazzling array of firepower Ricardo's Long Tom had jammed and short circuited the arm servos as they shot wide right of the Atlas's head, Jared's aim though remained true as he sent everything he had into the Danshi's head.

Ricardo: Fuck...AAAAAHHHHHHH!

His body was torn apart by the mass of shells lasers and missile that hit the cockpit. The mech took one last step and fell forward in submission, Jared came about and stopped in front of the dead mech like a tiger looking over a fresh kill. He opened his cockpit and got on top of it like he had at the start a half hour ago. The stadium was eerily quite as he looked over the battlefield... dead mechs dotted the field weapon craters filled the ground, the walls, and the archways. He turned and faced Davion's box and yelled out.

Jared: I THINK GOT THEM ALL!

Then the thunder started as the stadium roared at one and in bars and homes around the Inner Sphere erupted in one cheer as the winner was shown up close, a 17 year old boy had done what most mechwarriors twice his age have never dreamed of doing... of winning the Solaris Mech League Grand Champion Ship undefeated. Jared looked straight at Kim and could only grin, after a moment he got back in and went down into the mech bay and parked the nearly armor less mech in its hold. Kim was waiting for him as he stepped out of the mech, she jumped on to him held him tight.

Jared: I told you I would come back.

She kissed his cheek and led him to Davion's box.

Davion's Box...

In the plushly decorated box Davion awarded Jared the Grand Champions belt and he was given Ricardo's belt since he had fallen in battle. For Jared he couldn't believe that this was happening he had won it all and then some. Davion grabbed him and Kim for a photo op and then whispered into their ears.

Davion: Mission Accomplished good job both of you.

Jared Kim: Thank you sir.

Kim: Hey Weber where's Brinks?

Weber tossed Kim a brown leather square that turned out to be his wallet.

Davion: How might I ask did you get this?

Weber shrugged his shoulders and said that Brinks had bet 50,000 C-bills on Ricardo to win but when Ricardo had lost Brinks tried to sneak out without paying so they had a "conversation" and he got his money and a nice wallet out of it.

Jared: I swear Weber if you ever leave fixing mechs you could be the next mafia kingpin. Anyway Kim and I were planning a celebration down at the Valhalla club to lay calm to my reserved seat and was wondering if you would like to join us sir?

Davion: Very well I'm in.

Portia: We're coming too.

Kim: I suggest that we take one car to minimize our profile from the fans, I say the Hummer.

Jared: Yeah well lets go.

After weaving through the back halls of the stadium they came upon the chosen ride and thankfully no fans in site...

Girls: JARED!

He turned his head back and saw the same ten girls that had flashed him awhile back at the hospital.

Jared: OH SHIT! I thought I saw the last of those girls!

With smoking tires they pealed out of the parking lot and on to the snow covered streets of Solaris.

Davion: Let me guess fan club?

Jared: You don't want to know sir.

Kim: Jared do you remember?

He gripped the steering wheel tightly and fully remembered what he promised he would do today after the match.

Jared: Sir would it be ok if we made a quick stop?

The older man thought about it and nodded his head in agreement.
Davion: Where are we going?

Jared: I... I have do something that I should have done a year ago.

Now everyone but Kim was confused but went with it. They drove on until they reached the entrance to an cemetery. Jared talked to the grounds keeper about a place called Heaven's hideaway, the keeper said it was in back north corner and so they drove until reaching a small hill that overlooked the whole cemetery and a good part of downtown including the Colosseum. They all exited the vehicle and went up the mound Davion saw what they had come for...The Carlson's plot.

Jared spoke softly as he laid Ricardo's Championship belt on his fathers tombstone.

Jared: Hey dad its been three or four years since I was here and back then I was on my way to boot with just the clothes on my back and your mech. Have been meaning to come here but every time I tried my gut just told me... not yet... that then wasn't time. I kept my promise dad I told that one day I would mount up and I would become the grand champion undefeated... and I have with you and mom's help along with Weber, Portia, Kim, and even Davion himself. I finished what you started so long ago and now pretty soon I'll be heading for Dune a lot people say that it will be the fight to end all, all the clans vs most of Davion army and fleet... I hope you'll watch because if it'll be anything it'll be one hell of a fight. Keep the belt dad for the big game that you never fought.

Slowly he rose and stood, after a moment he turned to Kim who led the group to her father and mothers graves on the other side of the hill.

Kim: Dad... I don't know what to say but thanks for everything I wish I could make it up to you but I'll do what you've wanted me to do... I'll be heading to Dune soon watch over me and Carlson just like have.

She couldn't say anymore as she fought back the tears that had formed, she left two bullets from her Ninjai for both of her parents.

Jared: Well thats that... lets get that dinner I was talking about.

Portia: Agreed.

As they left Davion stayed behind a moment and said his peace.

Davion: Your children have made me proud time and again, they have gone into hell for me without hesitation or doubt. I know you would be proud of them but I must apologize for what happened to them here on Solaris I asked them to do something and they suffered for my shortsightedness I hope you can forgive me. Carry on Colonels.

He saluted and rejoined the group at the Hummer. Once inside he asked a single question to both of them.

Davion: How do you two feel?

They glanced at each other and smiled.

Jared Kim: Damn good.

Weber: Humph hell yeah.

When they finally reached the Valhalla Club most of the uninjured mechwarriors from the match had come there to get a drink and talk about the fall of Ricardo. When he entered the room the music in the background stopped playing and everyone turned and faced him. For a moment they looked like they would attack and get revenge on their fallen friend but instead every mechwarrior and even Duncan Fisher the announcer for the matches saluted, not knowing what to do he saluted back.

Duncan: Welcome to immortality kid after what I saw today you and your friend here will never be forgotten on Solaris.

Jared: Thanks.

Duncan: I only tell the truth... when my bosses aren't telling me what I can and can not say on air of course.

Jared: Of course.

The rest of the meal went well they didn't even have to pay for it, when it came time to go one of the techs had come down to pick Davion and the others Jared and Kim went home. Jared finally took off the face paint from earlier, when he stepped out of the bath he only wore a pair of shorts as he went to the living room. Kim was there watching news trying to keep awake, when he sat next to her she kissed him on the forehead and put her head on his shoulder.

Kim: I'm proud of you Jared. What you did today.

Jared: Hmm thanks.

Kim killed the TV and stood up.

Kim: Come to bed Jared you're tired and need a little rest.

The smile she gave peaked his interest as he got up and followed her to her room.

Next Chapter
Leaving on a Jet Plane