…Flip the Damn Table
Conference Room, ISV Paul Atredies
Enif III Lagrange Point 3
Enif System, Draconis Combine Space
20 March 863 AS/3023
To say the meeting was risky was a severe understatement. They had undertaken every precaution to ensure that the true scope of their capabilities were still masked, but a key part of this particular meeting relied on tapping into the HPG network and communicating via ComStar channels. There was no choice. Merlow and Scarman accepted the risk for this particular opportunity.
Last year a proposal was put forth to attract the Wolf's Dragoons into a contract with the ISA. They were among the few in the Inner Sphere with operational, effective naval assets and their direct ties to the Clans made them a high priority intelligence source. It had taken months of work to get the contract to Galatea and into the hands of the Dragoons. The success of this series of courier business was no small feat, but now it was left to the highest ranked military officer in the ISA to close the deal and ensure a future for the Inner Sphere that would be less devastating than the Clan Invasion was described.
The conference room's holo imagers flared to life and signaled to Supreme Bashar Robert Merlow that a connection was established. He stood up and waited for the image of another person to appear in the room. A moment later, the crisp image of a bearded Jamie Wolf, Colonel and leader of the Wolf's Dragoons, appeared in the room.
"Colonel Wolf," Merlow began with a nod to the man, "thank you for agreeing to this meeting."
"Given the potential contract, it was hard to ignore." Wolf conceded, "Tell me, Supreme Bashar, why do you want to employ the Dragoons? From what I understand, you already have some notable mercenaries working for you. Do you really need us?"
"Call it insurance, Colonel." Merlow stated. He sent a mental command. Between them revealed an image on Antallos, "I'm sure you've heard the situation on Antallos?"
"Your latest holding." Wolf stroked his chin, "Again, from what I hear your people are doing just fine. Why do you need us?"
"Colonel, your people have experience fighting against each of the major houses of the Inner Sphere. Antallos' position wedge us between two houses who have what seems to be a limitless feud puts us in the crosshairs. Your experience would be invaluable against both them and any future opponents to come."
"Hmm…" Wolf paced around Merlow as if sizing him up, "What are your terms, Merlow?"
"Fifty million c-bills, half paid as retainer, half upon completion of contract. Duration of ten years, with an option for us to extend for another five as the contract nears completion. We cover drop costs, provide technical support, and can give you access to ISA-level technologies. We retain command and salvage rights, with bonuses to be paid out on a per-deployment basis. We do require that at least half of your expenditure is spent within the ISA economy. We can hammer out specifics later."
Wolf whistled, "That is one hell of a commitment. Besides the money, why would we agree to sign on with you?"
Merlow allowed half a smile, "Because to sign on with the Combine would be ruinous for you, Colonel. For an illustrious unit such as yourself, I think you deserve service more befitting of your status. Aff, Colonel?" he let slide a hair of Clan-lingo.
Wolf raised an eyebrow, "What was that?"
"Colonel, you have access to what is considered 'lostech' by the Inner Sphere." Merlow took a seat and leaned back, "Your Hephaestus Station, for example. We offer much more than money, Colonel Wolf. We offer you the ability to improve what you have and fulfill your contract. Not only that, but we also offer you an opportunity: to establish an independent mercenary board."
Jamie Wolf stood and stared at Merlow in disbelief, "What could you possibly offer to improve Hephaestus? Also, what makes you think that mercenaries would be willing to take contracts through a board ran through you?"
"What, a mercenary board endorsed and founded by the Wolf's Dragoons, the Buron Cavalry, and outside the influence of ComStar?" Merlow chuckled, "You have to admit, merc companies from the edge of the Periphery to the heart of the Sphere would jump at such an opportunity. In time, it could completely replace the Mercenary Review Board." Merlow shifted slightly in his chair, "Oh, as for Hephaestus? Don't tell me that you wouldn't want to expand its manufacturing capability. Surely the ability to just produce the Archer-2W and to be reliant on importing fusion engines is adequate for you. Don't you want access to proper technology again? I'm sure you've been missing it for the past eighteen years."
Wolf narrowed his eyes, his gaze pierced into Merlow's skull, "I… what are you getting at?"
"We have the means to ensure you thrive, Colonel." Merlow changed the image from Antallos to an expanded image of the base model of the Archer heavy 'mech, "See, we have access to technology that could improve your 'mechs by an order of magnitude." The image changed to that of an aged man, "If you decide to work for the Combine, it is very likely you'll end up under the command of this man, Warlord Grieg Samsonov. To say he'll be a thorn in your side would be an understatement. He's extremely ambitious and has already been a bane to mercenaries under the employ of the Combine."
"What makes you think we are planning to work for the Combine?"
"Come off it, Colonel. Your previous contracts have covered the other major houses. You're telling me that you don't plan to work for House Kurita?"
Jamie Wolf found himself at a loss. He knew that the Dragoons' pattern of employment was predictable, but that was all for a reason, at least until he received his orders from Khan Kerlin Ward. Their previous supply run in 3019 was their last, as Khan Ward of Clan Wolf ordered them to prepare the Inner Sphere for a potential invasion from the Clans. He honored that mission, and the Combine was the last stop before the Dragoons would truly prepare.
Yet this completely unknown nation, with technology that rivaled the Clans and seemed to not have suffered the technological backslide of the rest of the Inner Sphere, gave him an opportunity. If they really possessed the means to upgrade his unit's space station and give them an opportunity to begin those preparations… If anything, the money would secure the company for the next few years and they could keep an eye on both the Davions and the Kuritans from Antallos. There was something else. Merlow used a single Clan word in their conversation. No one in the Inner Sphere ever used Clan language in their vernacular. There was something to these people, and he was determined to see what exactly it was.
"Okay, Supreme Bashar. I will dispatch a small detachment of my people. Upon their arrival on Antallos, they will observe your people for a month. If everything is as you say, then we will discuss the contract."
Merlow smiled, "Fantastic. I'm transmitting an HPG link address so you can contact my people directly. All costs of transmission via HPG will be covered by the ISA, as a small gesture of good will."
"Until we speak again, Merlow." Wolf nodded and the transmission ended.
Merlow stood up and stared at the holo image of Grieg Samsonov, "If this bastard brings any harm to my people, Gods help me I will erase him from existence."
Space Station Hephaestus
High Tharkad Orbit
Tharkad System, Lyran Commonwealth Space
Jamie sat and stared at the holoprojector, at a complete loss for words. The possibility of employment by the ISA had been discussed among he and his inner circle but they dismissed the idea as they had a significant mercenary presence and were sure that the addition of the Dragoons would be redundant. To be offered that contract anyways was not exactly in the cards.
He had a feeling about these people. Reports had already arrived from his agents in the field. This was not some periphery backwater nation. According to 'Remus Lupin,' these people carried themselves with a professionalism seen in only the most elite echelons of the House militaries or in the Clans themselves. The technology alone put them leagues above the rest of the Sphere, not to mention their civic work. All reports indicated that the ISA were not content with the status quo. They had ripped apart the ancient bureaucracy that barely held Port Kirin together for centuries and replaced it completely. The standard of living had risen significantly in the city, with centuries-old rubble and rot replaced with new construction. The dilapidated hovels that lined the busy streets were gone, supplanted by housing complexes to serve the traditionally destitute. Crime was down significantly. 'Lupin' noted that patrol officers didn't carry sidearms, a notion unheard of in the Inner Sphere.
Wolf considered his options. He already pledged to send a small detachment of personnel to Antallos to see if they should take the contract. A neutral party with advanced technology might be the prime candidate to prepare the Sphere for war. It seemed impossible. How do you give Spheroids the means to resist without tipping the balance of power too far in any given direction? A delicate act, one which would depend greatly on the timetable of any proposed Clan invasion. If given a span of a few decades, it would be possible. Such actions would have to be on the shelf for now. What stared at him was the proposed contract from the Independent Systems Alliance. He could not make such a decision alone.
He pushed the intercom button on his desk, "Captain Kerensky to my office, quiaff?"
"Aff, Colonel." The voice on the other end replied, "She will be there momentarily."
Wolf waited as he read and reread the proposed contract. Fifty-million. It was an amount not to be scoffed at. To continue to fund their operations, such an amount would allow them to jumpstart their efforts and even allow for expansion. His thoughts were interrupted by the entrance of his most decorated battlefield commander. In came the Black Widow, Natasha Kerensky.
"Colonel." She stood opposite him, at attention.
"At ease." He motioned to the chair across him and pointed to the holo display, "I just finished a most interesting conversation with a potential client."
"Are we moving to the Combine soon, Colonel?" Kerensky asked as she sat down.
"Neg. Take a look."
She glanced over the contract proposal on the display, "We dismissed this idea, quiaff?"
"Aff, but they contacted us anyway. This is… I think we have to reconsider the option."
"Fifty-million…" she read over the details, "A ten-year duration, with the option to extend another five… How does a periphery state have so much money?"
"Good question. That's why I have an assignment for you and your personal Lance."
Kerensky tilted her head, "What would that be, Colonel?"
"You are headed to Antallos."
She sat in silence for a moment and churned over potential reasons for such a deployment, "WolfNet is already on world. Why do we need a formal presence?"
"I want an analysis of their military capability and their technology." Wolf said, "With such an offer on the table and in proximity to both the Combine and the Suns, it seems prudent to analyze this opportunity. They are also offering to upgrade this station."
"Impossible."
"The Spheroids have surprised us at every turn, Natasha. Despite their technological regression, we cannot deny that they have challenged our idea of combat. What if they are like the Great Father, descendants of Star League?"
"Our orders are to prepare the Sphere for war with the Clans." Kerensky conceded, "If they are far removed comrades with access to technology lost by the rest of the House Lords, they may be the right people to align ourselves with."
"Exactly." He changed the image to that of an Invader-class JumpShip, "I am assigning you a JumpShip and a Leopard to bring you to Antallos. Bring your 'mechs. It should only take you a few months to arrive. After a month of observation, you will report back to me via HPG to either confirm or deny the contract. Either way, while you are gone the rest of the Dragoons will prepare for departure. We already have an offer from the Combine, and if the ISA contract is not viable, then we head to Luthien."
"Aff, Colonel."
Meditation Chamber
Ayatori
Knutstad System, Unclaimed Space
31 March 3023
It was a sacred ritual to receive visions. She had not received one in some months since the raid on Sinope. The relative ease of the operation and the acquisition of more isorla than they had hoped kept the visions at bay. Still, the need to interpret them gnawed at her soul. The Eagle still eluded her, so she had taken the decision to return to Ayatori and reflect upon all she had seen.
Anya Rosse, Star Captain of the Nova Cats, sat in the center of the room with a bonfire before her. Around her lay several vineers, from the most recent raid on Sinope to their first combat in the Inner Sphere. The Rite of Vision had already put her on this path to save her kin from the disaster she saw. The glimmer of the future, one of destruction by a golden eagle and its dark knight, haunted her. Phillip Drummond's words of warning bolstered her faith that her path was righteous, her cause just. The events as told by the first Khan of her Clan painted a very different image of the Clans, as close as one could get to a true history. There was no mythologizing, no grandstanding to put on a pedestal the former Star League in Exile. The Great Father was just a man, a man who lived in the shadow of the great General Kerensky who coopted his father's ideas into his perfect society. Despite this, his society worked, and Anya knew if she could not prevent what she saw in her first Rite of Vision, the Clans as she knew them would be no more.
She offered a vineer to the fire, an unfired round from her most recent raid on Sinope. It had jammed her sidearm when she attempted to use it on an escaping Combine officer. That officer provided her Star the location of a scantly guarded depot which held enough supplies to keep her touman thriving for months. If it had not jammed, they would not have been able to recoup on Ayatori for as long as they have. She stared into the flame then closed her eyes, focused within on her search for truth.
Through shut eyes, the muted flicker of the bonfire transported her to a different time, an unknown place…
The room was well kept, walls lined with sparce décor which noted times past. A plaque hung bolted next to the door:
LSV Artemis
Commissioned 805 AS
'The watchful hunter's eye sees all. Through that sight, our enemies remain at bay.'
A man sat at a desk. He read quietly as the low hum of a ship's engine hung all around. He looked older, perhaps in his fifties or sixties. His physique does not match his age. His body was firm, upkept for battle. He wore a uniform she had never seen before yet was vaguely familiar. His eyes glanced up from the device in his hand. His other hand pressed a holographic button.
"Bridge, Cerun." He announced.
"Go ahead, Admiral."
"Internal scan."
"Executing."
He sat in silence as he stared straight into the visionary's eyes, seemingly aware of an errant presence. His glare was one of curiosity and caution.
"Bridge to Adrmiral." His comms declared.
"Go ahead."
"We've got a slight variation in your ready room. Shall we execute ECM protocols?"
"On my mark." He stood up, walked around his desk, pulled up the guest chair and sat back down directly in front of the visionary, "This is fascinating. I haven't detected a probe like this in years. Did Merlow send you by chance? Is he trying to keep tabs on me?" He chuckled, "I should expect it from him. I did kinda flag him down on my way in. Listen, you want to meet with me? I'll be here." He took a flat device off his desk, punched in something, and held it up to the visionary, "Besides, if you're not Merlow, I'd like to know who the hell else could pull off this kind of probe."
He stood back up and faced away, "Bridge, execute ECM protocols."
"Acknowledged."
The vision went dark.
Rosse's eyes flew open. She stared at the ceiling.
"Star Captain, you have received another vision." A voice beside her stated.
She glanced from side to side. It seemed that Star Commanders Eva Khatib and Adar Djerassi had joined her during her vision.
Djerassi stared into the fire, "Quite a vision, if it left you sprawled on the floor."
"Aff." Rosse replied, "I… I have not had one so literal before."
Khatib helped Rosse sit up, "What did you see?"
Rosse took a moment and stared into the fire, "This was not metaphorical, not like my previous visions." She took a breath, "I was in a room, on a ship, I think. I remember a plaque; it was called the LSV Artemis. There was a man at a desk, looking at some kind of device. He noticed me."
"Did he communicate directly with you?" Djerassi asked her.
"Yes." Rosse blinked, "He thought I was sent by someone called 'Merlow' to surveil him. I believe he is called Cerun."
"Did he tell you anything?"
"Aff." She motioned behind her, "Get me a pad of paper."
Port Kirin Interstellar Port
Antallos
Antallos System, Independent Systems Alliance Provisional Space
1 April 863 AS/2008/3023
The day had finally arrived. The departure of the ISV Kitsune from Cradle delayed the itinerary of the diplomatic mission by a day, but everything necessary for their deployment was loaded and ready. Colonel Kurita stood on the ramp of a Baliset transport. With their arrival on Antallos came a final briefing from Ambassador Taro of the Draconis Combine, a troop rotation to send folks back to Earth and Cradle for some rest and relaxation, and finally a meeting with Bashar Superior Serov and the rest of the ISA high command on Antallos. The Ambassadors were also to discuss the final release of Combine prisoners who escaped charges on Earth and their repatriation to their nation. To his right was Cui Tiankai, the ISA's Ambassador to the Combine. To his left was Fleet Captain Petra Xaver, current skipper of the ISV Kitsune and the woman who would take overall command after Chou Kurita departed Luthien.
Behind them personnel loaded material for the mission. They were to deliver a shipment of Jenner JE1-A, the ISA's first-generation export model from the Five Bridges Factory, along with a massive order of first generation plugsuits. Mitsubishi still had a large number of them in storage after their rapid development of the second then third generation models. An appropriate gift arranged by Emperor Akihito's staff was received on Cradle and loaded into a special sub-module on board the Kitsune. The Chrysanthemum Throne thought it best to handle that particular wrinkle of the diplomatic exchange.
They walked to a waiting Vernius IFV to take them to the Port Kirin Administration Building. They had a packed itinerary for the day.
Port Kirin Administration Building
Ambassador Taro and Ambassador Smith greeted Colonel Kurita and Ambassador Tiankai at the steps of the Administration Building.
"Colonel Kurita, Ambassador Tiankai," Smith greeted with a bow, "Good of you to join us."
They bowed in return, "Thank you for the kind reception." Kurita responded.
"Shall we get started?" Tiankai asked as he motioned to the door.
"Please." Ambassador Taro swept about, lead them through and continued down the corridor with stately grace learned from years as a diplomat. The group made their way to the main Conference Room, ushered within by a pair of ISA military police. With a salute, they opened the doors.
They sat about the circular table in the center of the room. Ambassador Taro handed across a hefty folder to Colonel Kurita.
"I know I sent an advance of this to you during your time off world," Taro stated, "but one cannot be too prepared. Within you will find a complete list of appropriate etiquette expected of you when speaking with the Coordinator. I know you understand the significance of this, being summoned personally by the Coordinator. I would just like to remind you that your behavior also reflects on me. It would be a great favor to myself for you to present as well as possible when you meet him."
"I understand, Ambassador Taro." Kurita nodded, "I've reviewed the material in anticipation, and I appreciate your thoroughness."
Ambassador Tiankai cleared his throat, "Ambassador Taro, Ambassador Smith, if you two don't mind I have a few questions I'd like to ask in private."
Taro nodded and rose. She followed the two men out of the room just as Fleet Captain Xaver and Sho-sa Alicia Kurita entered. They took up the empty seats left vacant by the ambassadors.
"More paperwork?" Xaver asked as she sat.
"No, just Ambassador Taro being thorough." Chou sighed, "I'm not a diplomat, damnit."
Alicia chuckled, "Neither was I, but I was thrust into the position the same as you, cousin. I many cases we're simply not given the choice."
"The only thing we can do is rise to the occasion." Xaver shrugged, "Do what you can with what you've got, Colonel. I think I speak for both of us when I say we believe in you."
"That we can certainly agree on."
In that moment, Ambassador Tiankai returned, "Colonel, Fleet Captain, they're ready for us."
"Of course." Chou rose from his seat, "If you'll excuse us."
Office of the Basharate
Bashar Superior Thomas Serov took a sip of water. Sat on either side of him were Bashars Yuki Nagato and James Norrington. In an unusual but not altogether unprecedented turn, Serov requested an expansion of force deployment to Luthien. While not a traditional concern of the Diplomatic Corps, such a substantial increase of military presence required the military and diplomats to be synchronized lest future issues divide them.
In came Xaver, Tiankai, and Kurita. The military officers saluted and stood at attention while Tiankai bowed. The Bashars returned the salutes and ushered them sit.
"Ambassador Tiankai," Serov began as he retook his seat, "I want to make sure that you, Colonel Kurita, and Fleet Captain Xaver are on the same page here. We're bolstering the existing deployment of a company with two platoons of experimental 'mechs."
Tiankai gave him a sideways look, "I thought it was determined that such forces would be hindered in an urban environment?"
"That was the initial estimate, but the Japanese have been working on some designs and we thought the best way to show them off is in a parade formation when you step on Luthien."
"Won't that look provocative?"
"Considering they deployed a platoon of 'mechs when they first deployed a battalion to 'oversee' the Five Bridges Factory, I think it appropriate to show off a bit."
"What are the 'mechs, Bashar?" Kurita asked.
"A platoon of Gundams and a platoon of Zakus with technical support to match."
Kurita blinked, "Was that a joke?"
"No. Your government licensed the look from Bandai-Namco and sent the first experimental units. They look good in the simulations, they pass initial trials, and they have a level of mobility deemed acceptable for urban combat. It won't increase logistics complexity due to the number of 'mechs."
"We built 'mechs based on an anime…" Kurita shook his head in disbelief, "Next think you know, we'll attempt to build transforming Macross 'mechs."
"Oh, they're trying. The Land-Air 'Mech designs look interesting, but relatively fragile. They think they can make improvements. Oh, you should hear the VI interface on board those 'mechs. They licensed technology from Yamaha and-"
Tiankai cleared his throat, "How will this effect relations?"
"No better or worse than when the Combine landed. We need to emphasize independence. An appropriate show of material seems like a good idea, and the Basharate agrees that keeping the Combine off balance is a good idea."
Tiankai allowed a small smile, "I do admit, it's not a bad idea." He shifted gears, "Oh, what's this about taking Chandrasekhar Kurita back to Luthien?"
"It's a bit of a schmooze, my good man." Bashar Norrington leaned in as Serov sat back, "We want to foster a positive relationship with him given the potential of future events. We have a variety of scenarios to consider and having that particular man as an ally would improve our chances of future success."
"Completely understandable. Are you not concerned about the information security with such an adept participant of the great game aboard a proper ISA vessel?"
Norrington smiled, "We have human and electronic assets aboard, not to worry. Besides, let him praise our artGrav tech and the economic benefits of our association. We've determined that anything witnessed will probably be a net positive."
"Bashars, I looked over the manifest," Xaver began, "and I noted that you're not just bolstering our manned assets. Two full modules on board the Kitsune are drones, and I even saw some orbital platforms."
"We're not sending you into the unknown with your pants down, Fleet Captain." Nagato stated simply, "In the event that everything goes sideways, we need to get everyone out."
"Whoo…" Xaver exhaled deeply, "That's a hell of a plan B, ma'am."
"Plan C is… more creative." Nagato allowed a shadow of a grin, "Fleet Captain Gründer has some interesting ideas, that's for sure."
Bridge, ISV Kitsune
Low Antallos Orbit
4 April 863 AS/2008/3023
Xaver drank in the sight of her fully crewed bridge. She noted the comfort of her seat and the subtle improvements MSI had made to bridge operations, something she had no time to appreciate in the rush to prepare the vessel for departure on Cradle. The crew worked diligently, final checks and announcements issued for their imminent departure to Luthien. They had determined that maintaining an Inner Sphere appropriate entry point was the polite option, as they weren't looking for sheer speed to make it to the planet. It was also determined that an in-system jump would be overkill. Again, it was their job to make a good impression.
She issued a few commands from her chair and sat back. They were nearly ready. The Kitsune would make the week and a half long trek to Luthien, with full speed authorized until in the system itself. Part of the full speed authorization was an advertisement on the effectiveness and efficiency of ISA jump drives. The other, more practical concern was to break ground on world as soon as possible and get their embassy built, fortified, and secured. The sooner they arrived, the sooner they would be established. Fabricator modules were pre-loaded with the blueprints of the facility, with material concerns mitigated by a storage module filled to the brim with more than enough matter to cover construction and logistics for a few months.
Fleet Captain Hayder Gründer entered the bridge and gave his friend a tap on the shoulder.
"Chandy's all buttoned up with his modest retinue." He sat in the XO's chair as she turned to face him, "Ship is secure. How's everything up here?"
"Last of our cargo is loaded." Xaver confirmed, "The 'mechs we're deploying are a hell of thing. You see them already?"
"Yeah. They're kinda… flashy?"
"Oh, Gods yeah they are." She shook he head, "They look more like recruitment tools than combat equipment."
"Well, I know that Earth is gearing up their recruitment efforts." He shrugged, "We're gonna need a hell of a lot more people and equipment to establish the foothold we need."
"If this is the Japanese effort, it might work. Their choice of VI voice, that synthetic girl, apparently has a decent following."
"A voice program has a following?"
"Yamaha anthropomorphized their voice banks. It's… interesting." She looked to the helm, "We just got confirmation. Last of the cargo is secure. We've received the all clear from Antallos control. Prepare to initiate jump."
The officer on the helm nodded and began charge protocols. A hum filled the bridge. Less than a minute later, the ISV Kitsune disappeared from the Antallos system.
Edison Trent Proving Grounds
Cradle
Sanctuary System, Independent Systems Alliance Space
10 April 863 AS/2008/3023
Colonel Antoine Sanders was excited. For the first time in over a year and a half he was in the harness of a BattleMech. Not just a BattleMech, but a hundred-ton assault 'mech developed by Malakitona State Industries. They called it the Inanna, named after an ancient Terran God of war. It was a much different machine than he was used to. It had an impressive weapon armament of two rotary rail guns and four pulse lasers, but that was not its primary purpose. Its primary configuration was as a command 'mech with forty armed drones as its most potent weapon. Unlike the Battlemaster, this was a machine that could bring ruin without the pilot ever having seen the enemy with their own eyes.
That was the other item to test today, his 'eyes.' A couple months back he volunteered to have ISA standard cybernetics installed and become a truly integrated member of the ISA military machine. He wondered how they recalled information so perfectly, reacted so quickly, had what seemed like telepathic abilities among many things. When he learned of the ubiquitous implanted technology, he was fascinated. To be able to seamlessly mesh oneself into the battle, to have instantaneous access to information, to become one with your fighting machine, the possibilities seemed endless. He had already experienced some of the benefits since the surgery. His reaction times were unreal, his accuracy and level of control on the weapons range were inhuman. He could issue commands to pieces of technology with a thought. He urged the rest of his former company to 'go native' and become even greater than the sum of their parts.
When he strapped into the 'mech, he didn't need to wear a neural helmet. His implants and biometric data instantaneously interfaced with the behemoth, and he saw everything the 'mech could see. Even more so than with his old Battlemaster, he was truly one with the machine.
"Colonel," a voice came over comms, "You ready to begin the test?"
"Of course." Sanders nodded."
"Very well. On your own time, Colonel."
Sanders moved the Inanna forward to the first checkpoint, a deep trench with no visibility to peer above the line without significant exposure.
"Initiate drone deployment, please." The voice asked of him.
Without a word, he issued a mental command to deploy all the drones in his pods. For a moment, his senses were overwhelmed with the data from forty more sources. An instant later, the constant stream of information was meshed and parsed. He saw everything around and above him in a steady, easily readable form. He focused from input to input as though he switched from eye to eye.
"Colonel, we saw a spike in neural activity." The voice noted with a touch of concern, "Everything okay?"
"It was overwhelming for just a moment. I'm fine now."
"Roger that. We'll note this for future tests. Please engage the targets."
Multiple contacts appeared below and around his swarm. With no orders given, his drones separated into flights and engaged. The synced targeting data on the enemy above him allowed him to target those in range with his 'mechs weapons. With no effort, he fired the weapons of the Inanna in sync with his drones. Three aerial targets were destroyed by him and his drones. He shifted his forces to the rest of the enemy and redeployed available drones to engage the rest of the hostiles.
"Fantastic." The voice expressed, "The readings confirm simulation results. Given you've only had your implants for two months we're glad the data uplinks meshed as well as they did with you."
"This is incredible…" Sanders breathed as he directed the destruction of four more targets, "I never thought that this would be so seamless…"
"But a morsel, Colonel, of what the technology is capable of." Sensors showed complete target destruction with three lost drones, "Please continue to the next navpoint."
"With pleasure." Sanders grinned. If this was just a taste of what he could do now, what would he be capable of in the future?
Bridge, ISV Kitsune
Nadir Jump Point
Luthien System, Draconis Combine Space
16 April 863 AS/2008/3023
Xaver rubbed the bridge of her nose. In ISA space, in-system jumps were the norm. A transmission would be sent a system or two away to notify system control of their predicted entrance point, their secondary jump point, and to expect their arrival. Due to the communication limitations of this universe, primarily due to ComStar's monopoly on FTL transmission and reception. Thanks to this, their travel time ballooned.
"Helm, at recommended sublight speed, how long until we reach our designated orbit point?"
"Ten days, ma'am." The helm officer replied, "We may be able to shave a day off if our flightpath is clear, but I can't say it will be."
She sighed, "Sensors, what is the traffic situation?"
"Multiple vessels have entered and exited our flight path since we arrived."
"Great. Just great." She shook her head, "If the Basharate and Civilian Council decide to share the basis for widespread FTL communication, I'd be completely on board just to cut down on travel time."
ISA Landing Zone, Imperial City Spaceport
Luthien
Luthien System, Draconis Combine Space
26 April 3023/2008/863 AS
Ambassador Monroe Salvadore-Kurita stared at the sky and wondered of the ridiculousness of the itinerary of the day. He considered himself a loyal member of the diplomatic corps, one who would be assigned to interface with important friends of the Dragon. To be responsible for a deep periphery backwater with some lostech trinkets and some skill at killing pirates? To give them the honor of equals? Absurd.
He was certain that this 'Kurita' from these people was nothing more than a name chosen to invoke the favor of the glorious Dragon. He spat upon the ground, careful to aim away from the man who shared his misery beside him.
Sho-sa Jerry Akuma, adjunct to Warlord Grieg Samsonov of the Galedon District, stood beside the Ambassador. He was one who supported his master's bid to conquer Antallos and Motherlode for its treasures and secrets. Unfortunately for them both, the will of the Coordinator was absolute: They would greet these people with open arms. This did not stop him from assisting in plans for certain contingency scenarios, but regardless he was assigned the task to greet these barbarians.
Monroe's thoughts were elsewhere. He longed to return indoors, sip a cup of fine tea, and experience full-service relaxation. Instead, he was here to receive the presence of backwater peasants who had the gall to challenge the might of the Combine. Their updated manifest indicated they were set to land with two lances of 'mechs, a lance of vehicles, some number of infantry, even aerospace assets. The sheer presumption that they could match the Dragon on the field of battle.
An aide approached the pair, "Pardon, Lords, but ISA vessels are on final approach." They handed them binoculars and pointed to a trail in the sky.
A formation of DropShips made their way to their landing zone. As they drew closer, Monroe studied the ships. They looked nothing like DropShips he had ever seen, nor were they run down or damaged in any way. Pristine, unknown designs emblazoned with an angular golden eagle against a geometric black-red background. Even in color scheme, they sought to match their betters.
He had previously received word that Chandrasekhar Kurita had returned with the with the ISA delegation. The rogue Kurita had words of praise for the industry of the Motherloders and approved enthusiastically to bring the ISA into the Combine through diplomatic and economic means. It was to be expected of a man who knew not of the art of war.
Baliset Transport ISV Yako I
15 Kilometers over the Landing Zone
"Final descent in progress." The VI voice announced over the intercom. Fleet Captain Hayder Gründer checked his omni-tool one last time to confirm the welcoming committee. Head of the delegation was one Ambassador Monroe Salvadore-Kurita accompanied by Sho-sa Jerry Akuma. The Ambassador was not mentioned in the source material, indicating either a minor functionary or one who had made little to no impact in the BT universe as written. The presence of Akuma indicated an interest from Warlord Grieg Samsonov. To have the aide of that infamous individual in attendance did not bode well. He checked and rechecked his dress uniform. His sidearm and melee weapons were in their appropriate locations. His intuition tingled with terrible possibilities, but he had to shelve those feelings for now.
Beside him, Colonel Chou Kurita checked his own omni-tool. He was unconcerned with who was to meet them when they landed. He sent out the last orders for the troops who would meet them on the ground. A combination of site security and parade duty. The Basharate made it clear that a show of strength was necessary, and both he and Xaver felt no reason to deviate from that order. His transport would be the last to land so the parade detail would have enough time to deploy for their arrival.
"Kitsune to Yako I, over." Their comms channel flared to life.
"Yako I here. Go ahead Kitsune, over." Kurita replied.
"Fighters are breaking off close support, over."
"Affirmative. We'll call if we need assistance. Over and out." He closed the comms line.
Gründer glanced at his military companion, "Ready?"
Kurita sighed, "As I'll ever be."
Two of the DropShips touched down. Moments later, four BattleMechs emerged from each. They arrayed themselves ceremonially, to herald the arrival of their presence. Two more identical ships followed, their ramps lowered to disgorge a total of four tanks and four wheeled vehicles. They took up defensive positions to protect their landing from attack. The last landed at the head of the formation, its ramp raised, sealed from outsiders.
The arrogance of these barbarians, Akuma thought to himself, How dare they presume on the ground of the Dragon! Even he, an experienced MechWarrior, couldn't identify the 'mechs before him. To bring 'mechs never seen to Luthien itself… He wished with every fiber of his being to destroy these upstarts and take these ships and 'mechs for the glory of the Dragon. Yet, he had to hold his tongue. The urge to crush these peasants was held back only by his duty to his Lord and to the Dragon.
Salvadore-Kurita had to remind himself of the end goal of the diplomatic kowtowing: A new district for the Combine. Territory that would envelop the northern border of the Outworlds Alliance, that could represent the first major expansion of the Combine in over a century. Such a major leap forward would entrench the Coordinator as a scion of progress for the Combine, and Salvadore-Kurita wanted in. So, he swallowed his pride as the last DropShip finally lowered its ramp and climbed into a waiting ground car. He and his diplomatic entourage approached the unknown ship with Akuma in his own vehicle close behind.
When they arrived at the ramp and disembarked, Salvadore-Kurita noted how the space was well maintained and organized. Several officials stood at the top of the ramp, but the Combine delegation only recognized two of the ISA officials: Tai-sa Chou Kurita and Ambassador Cui Tiankai. The other civilian and military people did not terribly concern them, but they did notice the presence of Chandrasekhar. He stood behind the ISA people to allow for proper introductions.
Salvadore-Kurita approached Tiankai and bowed, which the other man replied in kind, "On behalf of the Draconis Combine, welcome to the world of the Dragon."
Tiankai retrieved a sealed scroll from his suit pocket and handed it across, "On behalf of the Independent Systems Alliance, we appreciate the welcome to your nation."
Salvadore-Kurita broke the seal and examined the scroll. He read the contents and examined the hanko closely. It was indeed confirmed by both Tai-sa Ulysses Kurita and Ambassador Shanti Taro that the ISA sent a diplomatic mission, and it was stamped by both. He took small solace that Chandrasekhar did teach these backwards people something of their great house. Beside them Tai-sa Kurita, Sho-sa Akuma, and another ISA military officer exchanged greetings of their own.
"Sho-sa Jerry Akuma, Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery, adjunct to Warlord Grieg Samsonov." Akuma saluted.
"Colonel Chou Kurita, Independent Systems Alliance Marine Army, current commanding officer of ISA forces on station." Kurita responded in kind.
"Fleet Captain Hayder Gründer, Independent Systems Alliance Navy." The third man saluted.
Akuma hid his surprise. A naval officer? Did these peasants put such stock in their space assets? Surely not. They were barbarians who played at greatness.
Tiankai motioned for Kurita to join them, "Colonel, if you would please present the Ambassador the invitation."
Kurita obliged. He handed Salvadore-Kurita the invitation from the Coordinator. He examined it closely for any duplicity on the part of these peasants. There was none. The hanko of the right honorable Coordinator was apparent at the bottom of the letter. Though he wished nothing but to tear the letter up and refuse an audience with the Dragon, he knew to desecrate this document would be death. So, he returned it to the pretender.
"Welcome to Luthien." He said as he fought his impulses, "Please enjoy the hospitality of the Dragon."
Meeting Room, Baliset Transport ISV Yako I
Gründer examined the leaders of the Combine delegation as they held their meeting with the diplomatic team. Salvadore-Kurita and Akuma were very poor at emotional restraint. They carried their mood as a heavily laden pack. Obviously unhappy with the circumstances they found themselves in, they barely held in their disgust that they were allowed to land on world and had to treat them with respect. They were the complete opposite of Ulysses and Shanti. The lack of professionalism on display would have them reprimanded and removed from this duty in the ISA, but alas they were Combine officials in a universe where word spread more slowly.
Akuma eyed the technological brilliance on display with envy. The crisp holographic displays, the unknown designs he saw, the seemingly untouched nature of ISA technology. Gründer hid a smile. He knew that Akuma would report back to Samsonov with what he experienced and more likely than not, that man would attempt to gain leverage over them by any means necessary. He made a mental note to assign resources to watch Akuma and Samsonov if possible.
Salvadore-Kurita struck Gründer as a man who thought himself surrounded by his lessers. He made no effort to hide his body language. He was an unknown, a man with no backstory in the source material. Some resources were necessary to keep an eye on this variable, but nothing as extensive as his currently limited pool of human assets. They had more important matters to attend to.
He noted Chandrasekhar as a firm proponent of this potential alliance. He was a man of sense, and also the consummate opportunist. He would have fit right in at the Systems Security Service. As a known player of the game, he would dedicate appropriate resources to keep an eye on him, but knew that in the long run this Kurita may be a key figure in preventing the devastation of the written future. Gründer, like this Kurita, had the long term to consider.
With the meeting wound down, the Combine delegates rose to leave. Akuma was the first to go, nearly bowling over his own people to exit the premises. Salvadore-Kurita was close behind, his aides bowed respectfully in his stead. Chandrasekhar and his small entourage stayed a few minutes longer with the ISA delegation then followed.
"That man is going to be indispensable in the future." Gründer remarked after the last Combine official left.
"He is going to be a lynchpin in steering the Combine the way we need them." Tiankai nodded as he sipped on a cup of tea, "He's the one paving the way through the bureaucracy to allow us to construct the embassy quickly."
"That's good. First transports from the Kitsune will be arriving tomorrow with our drones and the first batch of construction materials."
"The sooner we can get off the X, the better." Chou Kurita sighed, "I don't like waiting under this kind of spotlight."
Armored Range, JGSDF East Fuji Maneuver Area
Earth
Sol System, Independent Systems Alliance Space
30 April 2008/863 AS/3023
*CRACK*
Another pair of railgun rounds were sent downrange at an old tank husk, the customary target on the armored range. The Japanese Self Defense Force had put the first models of the Gundam medium and Zaku heavy 'mechs through their paces with their standard armaments. On display today was the dual railgun configuration of the Gundam. The twin rail guns made short work of the target, it was nearly obliterated in a single volley, but that was not the goal of today's test. The designers and engineers were ensuring the stability of the platform when deploying the different variations of the design and the stresses the weapons have on the 'mech.
*CRACK* *CRACK*
Two more rounds were sent downrange, this time they came from a Gundam equipped with twin one-hundred-fifty-five-millimeter artillery pieces, enhanced with ISA engineering expertise. Engineers on the equipment readouts noted the extreme instability imparted when the artillery fired. The original design for the dual mount accounted for the original JSDF ammunition of the weapon, but the ISA-spec shells were much more powerful than the platform was designed for. The increase of maximum muzzle velocity from the improved propellant charge was almost too much for the gyro to compensate for. Adjustments were needed.
*SCREEEEEECH*
A third Gundam fired off its rocket compliment, a version of the JSDF M270 MLRS system in inventory upgraded to ISA specification. The Gundam remained upright, but the nature of the multiple-launch-rocket-system did impart more instability to the platform than the engineers would want. They needed to devise a stabilization method that would not add undue weight but also grant the Gundam enough stability to serve in the additional long-range roles the designers wanted. They made the appropriate notation.
Another Gundam outfitted in its melee configuration engaged a series of 'mech mockup targets. The targets were all armored to IS spec and the pilot of the Gundam slashed through them with ease. The monofilament sword cut through the joints well enough, but when it attempted to cut diagonally through the center of the targets, they found it got stuck in the torso like a medieval knight. The engineers saw no problem with this. It all came down to training, and the military observers noted that down.
ISF Embassy Row Annex, Imperial City
Luthien
Luthien System, Draconis Combine Space
5 May 3023
A man sighed as he looked to the other two members of the observation cell. They were given the inglorious but vital task of surveillance of the construction of the embassy of the Independent Systems Alliance. It was a task originally thought to be one for the most novice of the Intelligence Gathering and Analysis Division, but these agents were proven otherwise.
At first there was no obvious counterintelligence save a few ISA officers on the grounds. They quietly inserted a few members of the All Seeing Eyes into the potential worker pool, confident in the use of local labor to construct the embassy. Only, that labor was never hired. Instead, the ISA utilized automated machines to transport the materials and to construct the buildings. With no human assets able to be placed on the grounds without suspicion, they resorted to electronic methods. When they successfully deployed those assets, they watched and listened for snippets of intelligence. Then, all the equipment went dark.
In a single stroke, on the previous day, all audio and video went dark. In an insulting turn of events, one device flared to life. It named each agent in the cell, congratulated them for the effort, then asked them to wait for the construction of the embassy to conclude.
It annoyed him that these perceived neo-barbs had managed to get the better of them, but he recognized a player well versed in the great game. Such actions were to be respected. So, he would grant them the respect due to a player of the game. He made a notation to another organization, one who could grant the attention due. The Order of the Five Pillars would give them what they deserved.
Meeting Room, Baliset Transport ISV Yako I
Gründer smiled as he examined the report from the Triple-S team assigned to embassy site security. The easiest way to deny human intelligence access to the embassy was simply not to use human labor. It was a simple solution to a problem which the Inner Sphere just had not solved. The electronic intelligence measures utilized were woefully primitive compared to the ISA's countermeasures. A series of low-powered electromagnetic pulses was more than enough to disable the delicate equipment the Internal Security Force used to attempt to gain insight on the embassy's construction. His people even left a consolation message after they found out who ran the op. He considered it a victory over the ISF on their home soil, and he planned to rack up more wins against the intelligence organizations of the Inner Sphere as long as he was on station.
In came Ambassador Tiankai and Colonel Kurita, fresh from their trip to the Bureau of Bureaucracy. They held their heads high, but it was obvious that the excursion to the Bureau was not pleasant.
"I thought bureaucracy was bad in China." Tiankai said as he sat with a thud, "Unfortunately, we don't know whose palms must be greased to conduct business here."
"That's why we have to thank Chandrasekhar on this, Ambassador." Kurita sighed as he took took a seat at the table, "The source material is right, that man has connections everywhere."
"Still," Tiankai objected, "even with his help and a personal letter from the Coordinator it took us much longer than it should have to confirm a meeting time."
"At least your day was productive." Gründer offered, "Ultimately, we all got what was needed, right?"
"Yes, Captain." Tiankai nodded, "Colonel Kurita is confirmed for a day in the middle of July."
"I assume you ensured the security of the site?" Kurita asked as he summoned a cup of tea.
"Oh, most certainly." Gründer swirled a cup of coffee, "I anticipate a more concrete response after we essentially called them out."
Command Information Center
Lapu-Lapu Station
Epsilon Pegasus System, Independent Systems Alliance Provisional Space
20 May 863 AS/2008/3023
As Doctor Staci Garnier predicted, the workload of Strike Group Bretonnia has increased tremendously. Extensive planetary surveys had been conducted at the behest of the Basharate and the Civilian Council. Once dormant buildings were reactivated and refurbished. The drydock of the formerly named Columbus Station were under repair and upgrade. To support this endeavor, numerous scientific and civilian personnel had been awoken and transferred from Cradle to the renamed Lapu-Lapu. Many members of the former Star League that were stationed there volunteered to assist the ISA in their efforts. New buildings were already under construction, infrastructure to support an expansive population, administration facilities for military and civilian apparatus, numerous fabricators of varying scale in support of all these operations.
Doctor Nessa Scordato had arrived the previous day to Lapu-Lapu Station as directed by Doctor Garnier to prepare the planet for settlement. The data from the Star League-era facility indicated a world ideal for human settlement. The original survey data from the facility's database cross referenced with the most recent surveys that the years have been not only kind to the planet but allowed it to thrive. Modern industrialization methods would help them ensure the ecological balance to keep the world idyllic for millennia to come. Humanity would have an inevitable effect on the world, they always did, but they would ensure that they would not transform it into a wasteland as had been done on so many other worlds.
Their assistant, Doctor Emalee Alcyone, tapped them on the shoulder, "Doctor Scordato, we have the latest revised native life surveys."
"Excellent." They brought up the results on their omni-tool, "Perfect. We know what to develop around, at least. What about ground water reservoirs and purification centers?"
"Underway. The first industrial fabs are almost done. Multiple sites have been identified for geothermal power, so that will supersede the current reliance on fusion cells. Construction is also apace on the fusion reactor in the planet-side facility. Components have been replaced, and conversion is already underway to our specifications."
"So much of my work was done before I got here." Scordato gave a half-smirk, "Why did they send me here?"
"To make sure that Leeds doesn't happen again." Alcyone responded seriously, "That blight on Bretonnia was an embarrassment to us as a species."
They put their hands up in mock surrender, "I know, I know. Money and mats care about the long-term, which I'm glad for. It just seems like everything's already been done. The groundwork is set, facilities are already underway, settlement sites determined and planned. Not much here for me to do."
Alcyone smiled, "If I were you, Doctor, I'd take this opportunity to relax. Enjoy the peace in what's been a whirlwind of three years."
"Let's get me planet-side first then I'll relax."
Lapu-Lapu Military Port I
Lapu-Lapu Planetary Administration Facility (Former Columbus Base)
21 May 863 AS/2008/3023
Ai walked the halls of the reactivated and refurbished base. The Ark Interface, along with former SLDF members Colonel Jason Carter and Major Zhi Hu, offered to provide their expertise on the former Columbus in exchange for official instatement into the ISA military apparatus. Officially, they operated as military advisors to the ISA. In practicality, they wore many hats in the new construction process. Carter helped survey teams explore the depths of the base. Sections sealed for centuries were reopened and reactivated. Hu ran ISA marines through Star League drills on the rebuilt training grounds. Ai assisted scientists in analysis of the data left behind in the base mainframe. Revealed within were the locations of several abandoned Star League-era settlements in phenomenal condition for near three centuries of neglect. Shipyard facilities were discovered within the data, hidden in the wreckage of the drydock.
Her mobile interface looked up towards an incoming Baliset transport. She watched as the vessel came to a graceful landing. It was an unscheduled but not at all unexpected landing. Settlement efforts has increased tremendously and the latest from Lapu-Lapu Station was the arrival of a new person in charge of the task. The ramp lowered and revealed four individuals, two of which dressed in civilian clothing. She cross referenced the identity of the unknown individual with the ISA database.
She approached the group and extended a hand, "Doctor Scordato, welcome to Lapu-Lapu proper."
"Ah, you must be Ai." Scordato grasped her hand and gave it a shake, "I've been informed you've been instrumental in the rapid expansion of our settlement efforts."
The group walked toward the facility entrance, "I have simply assisted in search optimization and recalled locations of Star League settlement sites."
"That's quite a lot. Current settlement capacity puts Lapu-Lapu at capable of supporting fifty-thousand people, up two-hundred fifty percent from a month ago."
"You attribute too much credit to my efforts."
"Nonsense." Scordato nodded at a guard as they entered the facility, "You've freed up resources for infrastructure. If this holds, we'll have the first true civilian presence on world by the end of the year."
Ai stopped at the reception center, "Given we have formally joined you as members of your organization, it is only proper."
"Still, it can't be understated." Scordato noticed as a man approached their group, "Colonel Jason Carter, correct?"
"Doctor Nessa Scordato, right?" He extended his hand, shook their hand, and reciprocated the salute of the military officers in the group, "Good to meet you. She's waiting for you. Shall we?"
The military officers broke off from them as they proceeded further into the facility. They walked in relative silence as they passed groups of people and drones as they went about their work. They arrived at the Administration Office. Ai and Carter stopped at the foot of the desk before its occupant, Scordato and his assistant Alcyone behind them. Carter saluted the woman behind the desk, who returned it in kind. She simply nodded. Carter and Ai took a seat on the available couches. The two chairs in front of the desk remained unoccupied.
"Doctor Scordato, Doctor Alcyone, please sit." The holographic image of Bashar Superior Tessa Testarossa bid of them. They complied, "Glad to have you here, Doctor Scordato. I trust you've reviewed all the data we've compiled for settlement and expansion?"
"Of course." Scordato nodded.
"Your honest opinion, will we hit the proposed deadline of half-million population capacity by the end of the year?"
"All factors considered, I don't see why not." Scordato shrugged, "The first industrial fabricator is set to finish at the end of the month, which will expedite the process significantly. The Star League settlements are in amazing condition, the only thing lacking is appropriate infrastructure up to our standards. If this trend holds, we can start accepting settlers in two months. If drone fleet growth continues a pace, we can comfortably support one hundred thousand by the time they are processed and arrive."
"If I may," Carter interjected.
"Go ahead." Testarossa pointed to him.
"The old water distribution centers are untouched, as are the railways. The world never suffered the horrors of the Succession Wars. If we reactivate and refurbish these facilities, we can cut out a significant amount of time dedicated to those infrastructure processes."
"Do what it takes to get us on or ahead of schedule." Testarossa nodded, "Self-sufficiency is the name of the game here, people. The sooner we can get a self-sustaining population on-world, the more secure we'll be. Dismissed." Her holographic image evaporated from the room.
"I still can't get over how good your imagers are." Carter said as he rose from the couch, "I really can't tell if she's here or not."
"Get yourself enrolled for the implant program, Colonel." Scordato replied simply, "You're a field grade."
"The idea still has me a bit squeamish, Doctor." Carter admitted as he approached the door.
"Major Hu did not seem to think so." Ai stated.
Simulation Farm, Allison Training Grounds
Again, Major Zhi Hu defeated another member of the ISA in simulated single 'mech combat. It was not something the prospective ISA 'mech pilots were used to, these one-on-one engagements. He extracted himself from the simulation pod and shook the hand of the opponent.
"We have to work on your dodging." They said as they took her hand.
"You've just gotten better after the implants." She replied with a smirk, "I just have to work at it."
"Review the material, and we'll make you a gunslinger yet." They returned her salute and moved on to another officer who just won their duel. He took a moment to mentally review their fight and saluted the man as he exited, "I'll be. You're catching on fast, sir."
Fleet Captain Richard Mandel cracked his neck and returned the salute, "It's good to learn different styles of fighting. I find it interesting the emphasis on single combat in this universe."
"It was a necessity when the Star League was formed. We lost a lot of people and material to duels in Combine territory. It was much more effective to train an elite cadre of duelists instead of dedicating more assets to those worlds."
"Interesting…" Mandel turned to a simulation pod, "Surely the Star League could have augmented garrisons with unmanned assets. Much more cost effective than an extensive training program."
"The Star League never had drones the way you do. We had robots, sure, but they never served on the battlefield the way your drones can. There were also the political concerns. To have SLDF MechWarriors fall easily to the DCMS and their Ronin was a bad look, so the Gunslinger program was the answer."
"Given the Space Defense System was created at near the same time, I thought that unmanned assets would have been widespread." Mandel mused.
"They were a defensive tool, not an offensive one. They were never truly capable of offensive action. I don't know why, I'm not a scientist, but I know that during my time in the SLDF I never served alongside drones."
"Huh." Mandel turned back toward Hu, "Well, shall we check on the rest of the duelists?"
"Of course, sir."
Independent Systems Alliance Embassy
Luthien
Luthien System, Draconis Combine Space
17 June 863 AS/2008/3023
It was done. The embassy was complete. The sleek utilitarian aesthetic stood in contrast to the more ostentatious buildings on Embassy Row, but ISA design language was one of form to serve function. Clean lines hid the complex' ability to withstand direct orbital bombardment. Automated weapons platforms were hidden all over to deter any attacker. The embassy VI systems kept track of every single entity within the grounds and cross referenced them in real time to confirm whether they were supposed to be there. The underground portions housed the military hardware capable of deployment on a moment's notice. The roof kept a Baliset in a protected hanger for emergencies. It was a small fortress in the middle of a foreign land.
To mark the occasion, it was decided that a party would take place that night to celebrate. Ambassador Tiankai sent invitations to all the embassies on the row and to their assigned Combine ambassador along with other guests of note. Unfortunately, it was a rather sad state of affairs. The only other active embassy was that of the Outworlds Alliance. The Taurian Concordat had a representative on-world, but the distances involved meant that official relations with the Combine were limited at best. Given the 'state of war' between the Combine and its two closest successor states, the diplomatic missions from the Lyran Commonwealth and the Federated Suns were minute to nonexistent, respectively. House Steiner's diplomatic posting was considered a dead end, a punishment for those deemed too valuable to be released from service. The traditional mutual hatred between House Kurita and House Davion meant neither had a formal diplomatic presence in the others domain.
The Free Worlds League and the Capellan Confederation had teams of trusted people in the process of recommissioning their embassies. For those unaware, the situation was simply one of reaffirming their diplomatic ties. For those more aware, it was in preparation of the declaration of the Concord of Kapteyn. What representatives were active on world were sent invitations, as was the Precentor of the local HPG facility. Though they made no use of ComStar's services, it was important to maintain appearances.
To the surprise of no one, everyone accepted the invitation. Free food and the chance to probe at the periphery's newest power made the offer irresistible. For many, this would be their first encounter with the ISA in a formal capacity.
The event would test the security protocols put in place. The myriad of sensors would make for a fantastic intelligence gathering opportunity. The soldiers assigned on security detail dreaded the potential nightmare of herding diplomats, but thus was their assignment. Local staff were hired to cook and serve for the party, carefully examined and swept for any electronic surveillance equipment.
Tables were set, decorations hung, music chosen, and food prepared. The celebration began.
Ambassador Tiankai floated from representative and group as he pulled double duty: part responsible host, part deft ambassador. The Taurian representative approached him with a request from his government about the possibility of a technological exchange in regard to the nuclear weapons used Earth's defense. The representative made it clear the deal would be reciprocal, as the two active users of nuclear weapons in the Inner Sphere should compare designs and cooperate in the improvement of said weapons. Tiankai carefully replied and implied that such decisions had to be passed back to Earth. He joined the Steiner and Liao representatives as they exchanged empty nothings. He participated in the pleasantries, experienced in speaking in circles with the upper crust of many societies.
Fleet Captain Gründer stood alone at the buffet table. He picked at his small charcuterie plate as he watched the people mingle. It was always interesting, these high society-type events. Plots within plots, plans within plans, everything said carried both no mass and all the meaning in the universe. There was always a double meaning, a hidden threat, something veiled behind innocuous words. If there was ever any straight talk, it was always refreshing.
"Mister Gründer," a Japanese accented voice said beside him, "do you mind if I join you?"
"Not at all, Ms. Shimizu." Gründer deigned to look directly at her.
Sayaka Shimizu, agent of the Internal Security Service, approached the Systems Security Service officer, "I do want to apologize on behalf of my people. The incident last week was… an interesting occurrence."
He smirked as he retrieved his glass of sparkling wine, "Water under the bridge. I hope they enjoyed the musical stylings of Earth."
She shook her head, "I believe the exact words were 'insidiously catchy.' What is the name of that song?"
"Déjà Vu by Dave Rodgers. I admit, it's not to my personal taste, but a few of our people get a kick out of it."
"I see. I don't think it would see much success among the nations of the Inner Sphere."
"Never underestimate the power of music."
"That holds true, no matter the age." She shifted gears, "I do have to express the frustrations of my employer on their ability to gain access to the information they desire."
"I do apologize, but my employers are simply not sharing such at this time."
"A shame. They do want to inform you that if such is the stance of your people, they may resort to… other means."
"Those means are not amenable to the future of either of our employers."
"I simply relay a message. Do with it as you will."
"I will say this on behalf of my employer: acquiring assets is what we do. We are also more than capable of protecting those assets from those who wish to wrest them from us."
"I cannot ensure they will be dissuaded."
"Nor can I ensure the outcome will be favorable for them if they decide to pursue this course."
NBC Studio 4E, NBC Studios
Earth
Sol System, Independent Systems Alliance Space
24 June 2008/863 AS/3023
"Hello and welcome back to Dateline NBC. I'm Ann Curry. Tonight, we're covering one of the many seemingly impossible events now taking place within our own solar system. We're talking of course about the most recent project announced by the Coalition of Sovereign Nations and the Independent Systems Alliance: the Dyson Sphere. It is a structure out of science fiction, seen in Star Trek, Andromeda, and other media as a massive shell that encompasses a star to generate power for a civilization. There has been some concern from the public that such a structure would render Earth uninhabitable, but the scientists and engineers behind the program are convinced otherwise. We sent Josh Mankiewicz to the Earth Orbital Defense Headquarters to learn more."
"Earth. Our home. The pale blue dot that shines as a reminder that our place in the universe is a tenuous one and one to be protected. To ensure our survival and ability to thrive for generations, scientists here aboard the EODH have put forward an ambitious project to collect untold amounts of energy from our Sun. To many in the public, this sounds crazy. Traditional portrayal of such a megastructure is a shell that envelops the star. I'm here with the head of Research and Development on the station to clarify how this project is going to be executed. Doctor Staci Garnier, could you please introduce yourself and what exactly you do here on the EODH."
"Thank you, Josh. Yes, I'm Doctor Staci Garnier, head of Research and Development on board the Earth Orbital Defense Headquarters. I manage what projects are worth pursuing, what resources to dedicate, things of that nature. Sometimes, I step in directly to engage in a project, but most of my work is organizational now."
"Doctor Garnier, many on Earth believe that the Dyson Sphere project will lead to the death of Earth. What about this project makes it different than the Dyson Sphere projects in science fiction?"
"Hahahaha! Oh, sorry, it's just your sci-fi depictions of Dyson Spheres. The sheer amount of material needed to create a shell like that around a star would require at least the material of the solar system. The one in Star Trek, with a shell about the orbit of Earth? Materially, that would require either a few solar systems worth of material or siphoning the material of a star. At that point, it's just not worth it. No, the Dyson Sphere project underway both here and in the Sanctuary System are not going to completely encase the star in a metal shell."
"How exactly will it be constructed?"
"We call it a Dyson Swarm. Think of a system of thousands of satellites that orbit a star, reflect energy from that star to a series of collection points in orbit of that star, then transmit that energy wherever it needs to be transmitted."
"So, essentially a solar power plant, but in orbit of a star?"
"Correct. The system is remarkably simple. If we didn't come along, Earth would have achieved the technology to do this within a century, probably less. The methods of construction have to be fairly sophisticated, but the satellites themselves are just mirrors with rudimentary controls to ensure they reflect to the most optimal collection satellite."
"So, the fear of Earth freezing over is entirely unwarranted?"
"Completely. The real challenge is safe power transfer between the collection satellites and points around the system. That is where the technological sophistication comes in. There will be some loss in power from source to user, but that's to be expected. No generation method is completely efficient. What this does mean is that in about a decade Earth's power needs will be completely exceeded by several orders of magnitude."
"That sounds far too good to be true. There has to be a significant cost."
"There is always a cost. In this case, it's the entire planet of Mercury."
"I'm sorry, an entire planet?"
"Yes. The raw material of Mercury is more than enough to create the Dyson Swarm. The most beneficial part is that the process is exponential. Each satellite will provide the power to build the next, so long as the collection points transmit the power to the construction site. The benefits of the project will appear sooner rather than later if construction continues apace. In fact, a portion of the planet can remain as a collection point and also to provide repairs and replacement satellites as necessary."
"So, when can we expect construction to begin?"
"It already has. The first Mercury Swarm Site is already underway. The first few satellites are already deployed to power the project. I can't give an exact timeline for project completion, but we are confident that this will revolutionize the Sol System."
"Thank you very much for you time, Doctor Garnier. Back to Ann in the studio."
Imperial Palace Gardens, Imperial City
Luthien
Luthien System, Draconis Combine Space
11 July 2008/3023/863 AS
Dusk was a gorgeous sight to behold in the Palace Gardens. The fauna of the grounds were just about to bloom as it was the tail end of winter on Luthien. The carefully curated grounds were alight, the faux-paper lanterns displayed the beauty enjoyed by a very scant few in the Draconis Combine. It stood in contrast to the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. Much of the grounds were open to the public there, with guided tours provided on a daily basis. That was neither here nor there for the people who browsed the garden at this hour.
Coordinator Takeshi Kurita and his personal guest Colonel Chou Kurita strolled down the garden paths as the light of the lanterns replaced the light Luthien's star.
"I must thank you once again for the excellent meal, Lord Coordinator." The Colonel offered his sincere thanks as they walked in the silence of the garden.
"Think nothing of it, cousin." The Coordinator nodded, "After those unseemly delays, it was the least I could do. A meal alone has its place, but good company is a reward in of itself."
He paused to allow his palace guards to sweep the next section of the garden. He had a healthy caution as the assassination attempts over the course of his reign reinforced. As they stood in silence, he reflected the gift that Colonel Chou presented earlier in the night. His chief gardener was investigating the authenticity of the Sakura cutting that was presented. The results of the investigation would shape the future of the relations between the Dragon and the Systems Alliance, at least on a personal level. He received the signal from his palace majordomo and the pair continued on.
"So," he broke the silence, "I trust you find my world to be to your liking?"
Chou was careful in his reply, "It is different from my homeworld, Lord Coordinator. It must confess the differences are refreshing and I find them a wonder to experience."
Takeshi nodded. It was an acceptable answer. There were more subjects he wished to broach with this lost cousin of his and felt that such discussions admidst the splendor of the Imperial Gardens would put the lost Kurita at ease.
"Tell me, cousin, what did you do before the Antallos campaign?"
"I commanded a battalion tasked with the defense of the homeland. After the second invasion, I was assigned to the ground forces of the First Combined Army, second to General Davis."
"It must be hard for you, to be so far from your family. Have you received messages from them yet? From you wife and sons?"
Chou considered his reply, "I have no immediate family, Lord. My father died naturally some years ago, my mother shortly after. I confess, my duties have denied me those joys."
Takeshi glowered, "A man of your stature should not be alone in his life."
He considered more but refrained. The personal shame of his own son without a wife, let alone a legitimate successor (he was sure of illegitimate grandchildren, though he could not recognize them) meant that to interfere in the life of another Kurita in such a manner without his own house in order… He couldn't make more claims with any reasonable authority.
With the talk of family, Chou decided to ask a question of his own, "What of yours, Lord? I know of your son, Theodore, and I have heard of the beauty of your wife, but I did not see either of them tonight. I wished to pay my respects."
"My wife had other duties, cousin. It is unfortunate that those duties interfered with her ability to attend. I assure you, no slight was intended." Takashi paused as he sought the words for his son, "My son… he has his own duties in the service of the Dragon and is away from Luthien."
"Ah, how unfortunate. I had hoped to meet them and give them proper greetings." That was one part of Chou's assignment he would be unable to achieve on this deployment. It was the wish of the Triple-S, the Civilian Council, and the Basharate to make contact with Theodore Kurita. They held a hope that the reforms the future Coordinator would ensure the security of the ISA. Chou decided to press the issue a bit, "I take it you are unhappy with the distance between you."
Takeshi considered his response, "Indeed. Not having a loyal son at one's side is an absence felt sorely."
The pair stopped and waited in a pool of light for the palace guards to clear the next garden sector. A rustle of cloth alerted the men and they turned as one. The chief gardener stood at the edge of the light, flush as if having just sprinted from where he was before. He glanced at Chou then shifted his gaze to the ground.
"My Lord Coordinator," the gardener took a breath to steady himself, "Great Dragon, forgive the intrusion, but I have results."
Chou relaxed. He knew the gift was genuine. The Emperor himself selected the sample himself from the Imperial Gardens for the occasion.
Takeshi stepped forward, "Please, enlighten me."
The gardener glanced at Chou with a sense of wonder, "My Lord, Glorious Dragon, a comparison of the gift and our own samples are conclusive. It is the same. No, more than that. The gift shows it was grown in the soil of Terra itself. It is real, more than real. I have checked with ComStar. The gardens on Terra are dead, but this third Earth has preserved the Chrysanthemum Throne in this. It is… I cannot say!"
"Say it!" Takeshi boomed in a voice that nearly caused Chou to flinch.
"My Lord Dragon! This gift… it is closer to the Imperial Gardens of Nippon than our own garden! I have failed you!" The man threw himself on the ground and prostrated himself before the two Kuritas, "My life's work! My Lord Dragon, please, I beg of you! Give me leave to travel to this world that has preserved the past perfectly! Let me—"
"Calm yourself." Takeshi softened his tone.
"That was unexpected." Chou whispered to himself. The display was excessive even by the standards of the Combine if the Coordinator's reaction was any indication.
"A moment cousin. I must deal with this matter." Takeshi bid the gardener rise as Chou bowed slightly to the pair. As they withdrew to relative privacy, Chou was alerted to the presence of the palace majordomo beside him.
"Lord Chou," the man said in barely a whisper, "I must offer my apologies. I had thought your nation uncultured, but I have seen what assails my fellow so. We had thought you another neo-barbarian culture, but this… You have honored this House immensely with a solid link to the ancestors on Terra so long lost."
"It was the only appropriate gift to show." Chou replied, "Those who are loyal servants of the Dragon show it every day with every breath. Technology, 'mechs, such offerings are not worthy to establish such a friendship. This was our best chance to prove we are more than what other perceive."
"Cousin!" Takeshi called to him. Chou suddenly found himself alone again, "Return!" There was a change in Takeshi. An injection of pride and a hint of a smile on the Coordinator's face.
"I take it you are satisfied with our gift, Lord Coordinator?" Chou maintained the level of formality.
"Cousin! May I call you Chou? You may address me as Takeshi. Yes, your gift was of such undeniable beauty that I may have lost my trusted chief gardener. He has declared it is now his life's ambition to travel to your third Earth and partake in your gardens, to die happy."
Chou was taken aback. This is quite unexpected, "Of course, Lord Takeshi. I cannot say when such a thing can happen, but I know that we are open to cultural exchanges given the clear benefits."
"I can ask for no more on this, Chou. Now on to more serious matters."
"Of course, Lord Takeshi. What do you wish to discuss?"
"It has come to my attention that the honorless Suns have offered to sell small fusion engines for those aircraft your military so favors."
"I was not informed of such a thing, Lord Takeshi." Chou deigned to hide his surprise, "Although I cannot say I find the idea impossible."
"Of course. If you could please pass a message on to your Lord Ryan on my behalf. Tell him that the Dragon holds their friendships near to their heart, and it would break mine to see my friends stray to untrustworthy strangers with darkness in their souls."
Chou admired the thinly veiled threat's wording: play with the Combine or suffer the consequences, "Of course, Lord Takeshi. We know who our friends are, and who they are not. To act against the former and for the latter is the realm of barbarians, whom we are not."
"Such is truth." Takeshi pondered how to broach the next subject. A threat already issued then followed by another was not becoming. He chose a gentler piece of news to buffer the two, "Chou, you may not be aware, but the Draconis Combine has nearly finalized negotiations between ourselves, the Capellan Confederation, and the Free Worlds League. This was done for more open border and to exchange technology with nations we have no quarrel with, all done with our magnanimity for our lesser equals throughout the Inner Sphere."
Chou cocked an eyebrow in surprise. The Coordinator spoke of the Concord of Kapteyn with him…
"Oh? I know we are not the equals of the great houses…"
"Indeed, but our cooperation in the Five Bridges Factory on Antallos, from which we have received numerous 'mechs in excellent order, showed those nations that the Combine is honorable and trustworthy. For that, you have our thanks. It made the negotiations smoother and better for all parties." He knew the statement was an exaggeration, but it would serve his purposes here. In all honesty, the fact the Combine sought cooperation with their lessers rather than patronize them was a huge leap forward in how those nations viewed the Dragon.
The fact the Coordinator shared such information him was a surprise indeed, "We are glad to be of such a small service, Lord Takeshi."
"Of course, such things are not without their price, you understand."
Chou felt his insides twist a touch.
"The Dragon is quite disturbed, Cousin Kurita, that the Independent Systems Alliance defended a world with vile weapons, banned by all civilized nations. We understand the need but understand that the use of such weapons in the future, for any but the most extreme of scenarios, will be met by the full displeasure of the Dragon."
The Basharate had anticipated such a reaction from the Combine, so helped Chou prepare a response, "Lord Takeshi, such weapons were used before we had more effective means at our disposal. The Combine can rest assured that the use of such arms will not occur in the future as we have more potent means of dissuading hostility against us now."
Imperial Palace Relaxation Quarter
13 July 3023
Two members of the Kokuryu-Kai sat beside one another in the well-lit room and enjoyed the fruits of their positions. Neither engaged in the excesses as other members of their organization were want to, but they did not allow such things to interfere in doing what was right for the Combine. Between them lay the complete transcript between the Dragon, Lord Takeshi Kurita, and the false Kurita Chou. It was accurate in every detail as severe punishment would have lay for any who tampered with the evidence they now examined.
"This is a perplexing train of events." The elder of the pair began, "On one hand, we must find fault with the false humility the Coordinator displayed to this backward cousin of his. Yet, on the other hand, we must applaud the actions he has taken to strengthen the DCMS. The Antallos factory is producing Jenners at an astonishing rate, one every week if the latest reports are correct. That is over nine times faster than when they were under the auspices of New Samarkand Metals. Those delivered to us have gone to the Galedon District, where they were armed appropriately."
"I must concur." The younger gave her senior the proper deference, "It would seem the gamble of Subhash and the Coordinator have given the Combine a boon, not a bane. Yet, it is still not right. We are dependent on a foreign power, even if it is for a small fraction of our might."
"I agree completely. Yet, due to the impressive nature of the boon, we cannot act against it directly. However, it seems the thoughts of the Coordinator and our own are aligned somewhat. The Dragon has sent a Writ of Command to Warlord Samsonov. In it, he told the Warlord that if there is an immediate threat to the Antallos factor that he is to secure it with haste."
"Surely the wording of the letter was not so vague?" the younger processed the consequences of such an open-ended command.
"Of course. There are limits and details. The Warlord cannot move against a perceived threat, but a concrete one with evidence to match. However, with this in hand, a good Warlord can move to protect the Combine in an hour of need."
"Such is good news. Unfortunately, the Warlord is not of us. A shame."
"No, but there is another whom we were already considering joining us. One who could prove to be an asset to our cause."
"Oh?" the younger hid her surprise behind indifference, "Who would that be?"
"Sho-sa Jerry Akuma. Given recent events, it has been decided to expedite his recruitment. He has the ear of Warlord Samsonov and thus would be a useful asset." The elder paused to allow her younger counterpart to digest the information.
"What is to be my place in this plan, honored elder?" she asked, "I do not see how I may contribute to the Society."
"You will be tasked with aiding the good Sho-sa in what he needs. A warrior of your skill, a woman of your beauty, you will be able to sway him even when the needs of the Combine cannot."
She considered this and accepted her duty.
Ambassador's Office, Independent Systems Alliance Embassy
"It's official, then." Tiankai read the document before him and compared it to the source material. They were functionally similar, except one was written by a diplomatic staff while the other by a games company.
Across from him, Colonel Kurita nodded, "We have yet to receive a transmission from the Council or the Basharate concerning this."
Between the two, Fleet Captain Gründer spoke, "I've assigned analysts on this. I'm sure this is already on Bashar Scarman's desk by now. With any luck, we'll get word soon."
"I hope so." Tiankai sighed, "I had to fend off my Combine counterpart with empty missives, stated the alliance between the Lyrans and the Davions changed the power dynamic of the Inner Sphere, that kind of thing. Kept things noncommittal, as per the official stance of the Council and the Basharate. I do wonder how we plan on doing business with both the Combine and the Suns."
"I don't think it's something to worry about for now, Ambassador." Kurita offered, "I had to do something similar with the Coordinator."
"Fair, Colonel. Quite fair." The Ambassador turned to Gründer, "Anything interesting in your realm?"
"Well, our electronic assets are well deployed. During the construction of the Embassy, the drones dropped a number of sensors and scanners about. The ISF attempted to breech the compound during a security change by replacing one of our local staffers. Didn't work. Ended up interrogated for an hour, then standard catch and release stuff. Memory wipe of the incident, that kind of thing."
"Wait, we can do that?" Colonel Kurita asked him.
"When you know how a brain works, you can massage it. I anticipate we're going to have more incidents of the kind, but we know how to handle it. They're gonna have to straight clone one of those staffers, and even then we can weed 'em out."
"Glad we're on the same team."
"Oh, when the hell are you gonna get cybered up, Chou?"
"Forgive my reticence for such a thing." Kurita shook his head and pinched the bridge of his nose, "I still don't know how I feel about such a procedure."
"Chou, we're on a potentially hostile world. Given the state of the Combine, the competing forces at play, someone may be stupid enough to try and pull some assassination or kidnapping shenanigans. You're gonna want every edge you can get."
"We're on Luthien. Where the hell can I go to get these implants?" Chou protested. He sought desperately for a way out.
"On the Kitsune. What, do you think we'd leave without proper medical facilities?"
"I'll consider it." He finally conceded.
Bridge, ISV Shaddam
En Route to New Dallas
New Dallas System, Former Free Worlds League Space
25 July 863 AS/2008/3023
It was absolutely ludicrous. The Basharate's first mission for Strike Group Sol was to do what it termed as 'waving the flag, quietly.' After they conducted their shakedown runs, they set off to New Dallas and Helm to bring much needed reinforcements and material support. For this mission, the Basharate authorized the reactivation of the planetary carriers ISV Harah and Liet-Kynes. They were to be deployed on station to support both worlds in the ISA's efforts. Fleet Captain Mai Tokhia had severe misgivings about deploying such a large naval force outside of ISA space, especially into the heart of another nation. She had faith in the stealth drives aboard the vessels, but the principle remained. If they were detected, then panic could spread throughout the Inner Sphere. They had been careful in their jump plot, sticking to unpopulated systems as much as possible. Only Gesserit-class cruisers and Tleilax-class destroyers could conceal their jump signatures, and they were a conventional fleet. A few times in transit, they thought they had been detected by a populous system when they had no choice but to discharge their jump drives into the magnetosphere of the nearest world, but their stealth drives held. In populous systems, they jumped to the absolute outskirts and tried to reserve drive discharge to unpopulated worlds, but such a long journey tended to have unexpected outcomes.
In spite of everything, they made it to their destination. With their arrival, that would signal the end of the ISV Lady Jessica's current mission and allow their reassignment to other points of interest around the Inner Sphere. The burgeoning world of New Dallas, one independent for so long, would do very well under the guidance of the ISA. Forgotten by the galaxy at large, it would make for a fantastic forward world against the Clans and the Word of Blake, if they could get it up and running in a reasonable amount of time. The arrival and semi-permanent deployment of the ISV Harah to jumpstart New Dallas would be the first real step in that goal.
Bashar Aleksandr Vitko entered the bridge from his ready room and approached his XO, "Status report."
"We're a day away, sir." Tokhia nodded, "We have yet to receive a transmission from the Lady Jessica, but that's standard operating procedure for Gesserit skippers. They usually—"
"Sir," the comms officer interrupted, "incoming transmission from the Lady Jessica."
"Speak of the devil."
"Put them through." Vitko nodded.
The holographic image of Fleet Captain Marie Anahera appeared on the holo-table in crisp salute, "Bashar Vitko, welcome to New Dallas."
"Glad to have arrived, Fleet Captain Anahera." He returned the salute in kind, "How have things developed since your last report?"
"Things have gone as smoothly as expected. The industry of this world is nonexistent, but the sheer amount of material should be more than enough to jumpstart production."
"Well, considering we are the only ISA presence for hundreds of lightyears, shall we get started?"
"Gladly."
Starport Austin, Alamo Base
New Dallas
26 July 863 AS/2008/3023
The first of many Baliset transports touched down in the outskirts of Alamo Base, with them fresh supplies and more tools to rapidly industrialize. Over the past two years, the ISA had established a thriving but limited industrial base as they supplemented the output of the fabricators aboard the Lady Jessica with fabricators on world. Such a process was painfully slower than local ISA brass liked as New Dallas as a whole underwent a new renaissance. The city-states of New Dallas, heavily reliant on primitive agricultural methods and scavenged technology from the ruins of the Star League-era settlements were revitalized by the dissemination of the contents of the Memory Core. Efforts were underway to establish a unified government between them with all the pains that came with it. The locals wanted to restore the old capitol, to return to the fabled past of old glories. If that were ever to happen, the planet would need to be reindustrialized responsibly. That's what the ISA wished to facilitate.
People, vehicles, machinery, drones, all manner of things poured out of the transports as locals watched from a distance. From a safe space a few hundred meters away, the ISA had built a civilian reception area with a clear view of the starport. Given the constant flurry of activity, locals had gotten dangerously close in the past to examine the comings and goings of their neighbors. Leadership found it prudent to provide a safe and comfortable area for those civilians to entertain themselves, not to mention a place to jumpstart commerce between them. Similar to Antallos, spaces were rented out to the locals to hawk their wares. Unlike the gateway to the ISA, there was no commerce from Earth or Cradle based businesses yet. Instead, the locals simply paid rent and nascent local business was allowed to develop.
General Tycho Jefferson watched this all through a telescope installed in the reception center. Though he was the head of the newly formed New Dallas Militia he took the time to appreciate the little things in life. His new duties hardly allowed for such enjoyment. He was here to meet with the new ISA brass over the proposed militia training regimen. He was once a Boss, in charge of the township of Al'Isard, but circumstances forced him to be relieved of that position and placed in charge of New Dallas' defense. He was the closest thing to a unified military leader the world had, and by golly did he feel like he was drowning. Though he and his compatriot leaders on New Dallas still held reservations about the ISA, they were the only real option when it came to devising a curriculum for the militia. He glanced through the telescope again and spotted what looked like the new brass. He straightened what passed for his uniform and walked toward the exit. A vehicle awaited him, two of his most trusted officers joined him, and they left to the entrance of Alamo Base.
Bashar Vitko walked off the ramp with Bashar Harlow Marić, commanding officer of the ISV Harah, one of the two Fremen-class planetary carrier assigned to stay in orbit of New Dallas.
"How does your first naval deployment feel, Aleksandr?" Marić asked as they approached the nearby building.
"It is not dissimilar to command of a maritime fleet, except more comfortable." Vitko mused as he nodded to the guards as they entered, "Your vessels are powerful, fast, and have creature comforts reserved for admiralty available to all officers. Even the enlisted have access to amenities I have not seen on a combat vessel."
"Hot food, warm showers, and good recreation are decent perks when you're hanging your ass on the line. Especially on long deployments like these."
"The logic is sound, it is just… unusual. Even with such luxury, your vessels are forged for war."
"When you don't technologically backslide, you try to enjoy the finer things between dodging fire."
"Too true, Bashar Marić."
The pair made their way to the CO's office. To their considerable surprise, a trio of irregularly uniformed men were sat across the empty CO's desk. They rose in unison when they heard the door open and offered sloppy salutes to the two Bashars, who returned them crisply.
"Howdy, gents. My name's General Tycho Jefferson, head of the New Dallas militia."
"Ah." Vitko noted as the pair strode to the opposite side of the desk. Vitko sat at the available chair while Marić closed his eyes and issued a command to the room. Next to Vitko, two small drones silently deployed from the ceiling and began to construct another identical chair bit by bit.
Marić stood by as the drones did their work, "You two, what are your names?"
"Luke Duke, sir."
"Bob Duke, sir."
"Rank?" Marić asked.
"We's both Lieutenants, sir." Luke replied.
"Please, sit." Vitko motioned to the chairs the trio rose from. They obliged, "What brings you three here?"
"We had an appointment to discuss the training of our militia." Jefferson stated.
"Ah, right. Fleet Captain Anahera mentioned this to me. Something about training?"
"Yeah. Not gonna lie here, Bashars, but it's a hell of a headache. The townships have all contributed a portion of their people for the common defense, but we haven't seen war since the Rain of Fire. Sure, local raiders and stuff, but not war from the outside. We don't know where to start. Hell, we don't even have gear to give these folks."
"So, you need help." Marić noted, "Equipment, training, uniforms, the whole nine as it were."
"What?" Jefferson gave him a confused look.
"Figure of speech. So, you need support. I see no problem in providing it. How many people do you have under your command?"
Jefferson withdrew a piece of paper from a breast pocket, "Umm… Latest count says a little over five thousand."
"You have yourself a brigade." Vitko nodded, "We can divide that into five battalions and then down to companies. How is your chain of command?"
"Well, it's a bit of a mess. A lot of these folks still tend to hang with others from the same township. Lotta competition, no one's really clear on who's in charge besides me."
"We'll need to see who rises to the occasion, then." Marić stroked his chin, "Who can be trusted with command."
"So, you'll help?"
"Of course." Marić finally sat in the drone constructed chair, "We have people that specialize in this sort of thing."
"Fantastic!" Jefferson clapped his hands together, "Mighty glad to come to an agreement with you folks. You've done right by us so far, and we're grateful for it."
"I would not be so happy, General." Vitko said with a menacing smile.
Jefferson was suspicious, "Why's that?"
"You have to participate with them."
Abandoned Capitol Building
Nexus Ri
Nexus Ri System, Unclaimed Space.
8 August 863 AS/3023
Fleet Admiral Kevin 'Cerun' DeMers arrived at the ruined capitol building of Nexus Ri. Abandoned for centuries, the structures of the old capitol city still held up despite the ravages of time and the devastation of war. Such sights he had seen before on alien ruins, in multiple universes, but to see it on a world formerly inhabited by humanity… it was humbling. Though he had been only in universe for a short amount of time, he had seen much of what had caused such devastation time and time again. Across the multiverse, decades of wandering with his crew, he had seen multiple versions of humanity ravaged by war. Some, like his own, managed to keep such conflict from spiraling too out of control and allowed their people to preserve their progress and move forward. Others, he had seen aliens lay low everything humanity had achieved. Here, humanity did that to itself. Entire worlds unable to feed themselves, technology lost from eras past because people had no idea how it worked. He shook his head as he walked up the steps of the building with a small security detail. His guards insisted he stay behind them as they carefully opened the door.
They slowly pushed open the heavy faux-wooden doors, the soldiers behind crept in. Their weapons raised, they advanced with caution into the foyer. The fireteam swept the first floor, methodically clearing every nook and cranny before they signaled the all clear to Cerun. He entered the room with his sidearm drawn. Though they had cleared the floor, there was a lingering suspicion that whoever he had contact with five months ago had arrived before him. If it were Merlow, then it would be assured that they were closely watched by both electronic and human assets, probably from the time they touched down on world. If it were someone else, then he didn't know what to expect. They had scouted the site for days and were quite sure that if anyone was here, they were already well entrenched or there was simply no one. His thoughts were interrupted by an obvious clack of multiple footsteps. He and his detail took cover as a trio of figures emerged on the top of the steps that lead further up the building.
"Took you far too long to arrive." One of them said, not obviously armed.
Cerun kept his weapon level from behind a pillar, "Forgive my caution. You don't live as long as I have by being reckless."
"I appreciate the caution, but I think we both know that curiosity brought us both here."
"You got me there." Cerun inched himself over from the pillar and kept his weapon trained on the speaker, "Why don't we introduce ourselves?"
The figure chuckled, "Then lower your weapon. Such things are best done without the immediate air of violence about them, aff?"
"Wise words." He issued a mental command to his fireteam to stand down then lowered and holstered his own weapon. He stepped out from behind the pillar and stepped forward, "Cerun."
"So you are real…" the figure uttered to themselves as they stepped forward, "I am Star Captain Anya Rosse. Where do you hail from, Cerun?"
Nowhere you'd know, trust me, he thought. He let the moment breathe, "A nation that no longer exists. You?"
"A place far from here. Somehow, I gather that is the same for you."
"You're not wrong." Cerun glanced up at her then at his own people stood about uneasily, "Why don't we continue this conversation somewhere more comfortable."
"Aff."
In the center of the foyer behind the old reception desk, Cerun and Rosse set up an impromptu meeting table with some small slabs of the decayed building as chairs with the old reception surface between them. Their entourages took positions opposite one another, Rosse numerically outmatched but not lacking in confidence.
"I have to ask, Rosse, why were you looking for me?" Cerun asked.
"I was not. You simply appeared in a vision of mine." Rosse shrugged.
"Forgive me, but a psychic probe doesn't just appear in my ready room out of nowhere."
"It was not a deliberate probe. I was simply seeking a vision and you appeared in it."
"A vision you say." Cerun stroked his chin, "Forgive my skepticism, but that sounds far too coincidental."
Rosse nodded, "I agree, which is why I think whatever has guided me thus far has brought us together. All my visions have been metaphorical. You must be related somehow."
"I have to ask, what have your previous visions entailed?"
Rosse glanced at her entourage. The taller man nodded in response, "Visions of a golden eagle with a black knight that struck down representations of my people. A version of that has haunted me for the past two years. With your sudden appearance, it must mean something."
Golden eagle? Black knight? Wait, hold on… Cerun connected the tenuous dots, "What do you know of the Independent Systems Alliance?"
Alamo Base Training Grounds
New Dallas
New Dallas System, Former Free Worlds League Space
12 August 863 AS/2008/3023
Major Mikhail Loskov walked behind the New Dallas Militia as they practiced on the firing range. They had been drilled in the use and capabilities of the ISA M-7 Kindjal Infantry Weapon. The basics of marksmanship still applied, and more than a few of these recruits were decent with the weapon, their groups tight at one hundred meters. Further on a company of militia were with Captain Tasha Petronova on the obstacle course. Physical fitness was essential to every soldier, and though these were militia they had to be able to perform up to their level. He watched as General Jefferson struggled to clear a two-meter raised log.
"Goddamnit." Jefferson muttered to himself as he jumped again to get a grip on the log. He hadn't pushed himself like this in over a decade, having lived in relative comfort as a Boss. Forced to be a grunt wasn't humiliating, but his lack of fitness certainly was.
"Come on, Jefferson!" Petronova urged from the sidelines, "Your soldiers are waiting, and no one wants a leader that cannot keep pace!"
Jefferson growled. He managed to wrap himself around the log and hoist himself over the obstacle. He huffed as he dove for the mud-soaked ground and dragged himself under the razor wire. Loskov rendezvous with his XO as Jefferson struggled to keep pace with the slowest of his people.
"I see the militia are beginning to understand what will be required of them." Loskov noted to the Captain.
"Quite so, Tovarishch Major." Petronova nodded as Jefferson managed to catch the tail end of the company, "Keep moving!" She shouted at them, "The enemy will be relentless! You must be as well!"
"I see you still have not shaken the hard attitude from your days in the SVR, Captain."
"The cross-training with Spetsnaz never fades. I think it is the same for you, Major."
"That is correct. Have you seen anyone worthy for command yet?" He asked.
"Not yet, but we have not done true field exercises yet. We will see what happens in a month when we put them through that crucible. At least a number of them can shoot straight."
"When you spend your time in what could only be considered an interstellar backwater with nothing to do but ensure your survival, you become proficient in what arms you have at hand. While the principle of the weapons they used compared to ours are different, they both deliver death on target. Have you ever been to Siberia, Captain?"
"I was never deployed, no."
"I have heard a tale of an old sniper who fought in the Great Patriotic War. After the war, he moved out to the Siberian wilds and made his way as a survivor, a hunter. When he was forced to be evacuated in the war with the Chinese, he refused unless he could fight alongside his countrymen once more. Despite his age, his aim remained true. He killed a Chinese General with a weapon older than the soldiers who saved him."
"I remember the stories, Major. I just thought the reports were apocryphal, the usual propaganda to unite the nation against a threat."
"In this case, it was one hundred percent true. It is something to remember, Captain. While he honed his craft in the fires of the Great Patriotic War, he kept the skills he learned sharp in the Siberian wilderness. For many of these people, they honed their skills fending off raiders or hunting game. Their ability to shoot was never in question. It is to maintain that ability when under fire that these people need to learn."
Jefferson wheezed as he stumbled to the end of the run. The ISA folks has run he and his militia ragged. Obstacle courses, time on the weapons range, and to end it all the ten-kilometer run. He was the General of the New Dallas Militia, but he knew that in order to gain the respect of these people he had to prove himself as one of them. He was elected to the position by the Bosses of New Dallas. It was not one earned, and the ISA was keenly aware of that. They knew that this training wasn't just to hone the militia and to create a chain of command. It was for him to prove that he was worthy to lead them. He wondered if the ISA brass ever had to prove themselves the way he had to.
Luke and Bob Duke, his Lieutenants and constant thorns in his side, ran up to him, sweaty but energetic as ever.
"Well, sir," Luke began, "I think that was a fine day, don't you?"
"Christ. Son. Them. Them folks. Nearly killed me!" Jefferson barely spat out, "You. You. You see. The rest of our folks? Half. Half them be left gasping. Gasping on the ground."
"Naw, sir," Bob countered, "we're fine. Those ISA folks sure do know how to work people, but I think it was fine."
"Jesus. You. You two. Are somethin' else." Jefferson hacked out a cough, "Think they'll run us again?"
"Not today, General." Major Loskov joined them on the grassy hill, "I have to admit, your militia's performance today was fairly satisfactory. Do not worry, you all earned some rest and relaxation today. Tomorrow will have a lighter workload along with the first round of tests to determine what your people are good at. Then, back into the fray you all go."
"What kinda tests, sir?" Luke asked.
"Oh, just some proficiency tests. It is good to have an idea of what one is capable of, no?"
Office of the Vice President of External Independent Relations, Irian Technologies
Irian III
Irian System, Free Worlds League Space
20 August 3023
Vice President Mirelle Jakart absent-mindedly stamped her approval on yet another report and sent it on its way to its recipients. It was the usual, standard corporate double speak to threaten a potential competitor. Her title rang of a public relations maven, one whose responsibilities entailed the benefits of cooperation between smaller companies and Irian Technologies. In more practical terms, it was her job to identify threats in the marketplace and either acquire them or deal with them in a more permanent manner.
It was a straightforward position. Irian's reputation preceded it, and she had already facilitated the acquisition of talent, assets, or the entirety of other entities for IrTech. It was only when events played out in extremes when the most unfortunate occurrences happened. The last time such an event developed was when her immediate predecessor bungled a major buyout in the Capellan Confederation. They were given an early retirement package in the form of multiple pieces of lead ingested straight to the head, officially labeled as food poisoning. Unfortunate, but thus was the scale of such an error.
The next report due her attention was a slim one. It was from the Accounting Department on a recent startup company on Helm. An AgroMech factory had been recently purchased and converted to specialized ground cars. The document displayed projected profits for the company and noted it may be considered for acquisition. However, it was young. The company was two years old and IrTech never normally considered any business under the age of five. Historically, it had proven unprofitable when promising companies were purchased then it came to light there were many more problems than initially presented. IrTech then had to foot the bill on a waste of money and time. Age was an indicator of viability. If a company could operate independently and remain profitable for some years it was then worthy of attention.
Accounting ran the numbers on the factory. It made a tidy profit, but the startup funding appeared from nowhere. No paper trail from ComStar or any local source. The company name and owner were absent from any prior records. That was worrying. She sent a message to Legal. The response was immediate. They had an investigation already underway and would send up their findings when ready. There was another note. This company, John Deere, rejected the existing AgroMech lines and focused almost exclusively on specialized agricultural ground vehicles. RnD had closely examined a few purchased John Deere products. They were rugged enough, hardy enough, but the engines were efficient internal combustion models that required more maintenance. The machines required more overall maintenance than any other product on the market, but these cost-cutting measures made them an attractive purchase for agri-business on a budget.
Jakart had a desire to issue instructions on how to deal with this new company in the heart of League space but hesitated. There was something wholly odd about this startup. She decided to await Legal's report before she committed to a course of action. At minimum John Deere needed to be shown how business was conducted in the Free Worlds League, wholly owned subsidiary of Irian Technologies.
Command Information Center, Freeport-One
Helm
Helm System, Free Worlds League Space
31 August 863 AS/2008/3023
The day had finally arrived. After an over yearlong deployment, they were finally receiving relief. Lieutenant Colonel Mayamiko Marek was eager to have a larger presence on world to both defend Freeport-One and the John Deere Factory. They were spread dangerously thin, the only saving grace the current irrelevance of Helm. David Jackson, promoted to President of the Agriculture and Turf Division for the Free Worlds League had wondered about the lack of response from Irian Technologies, the corporate juggernaut of the Free Worlds League. He understood that an upstart competitor in the heart of their territory would garner a reaction, but it had not come yet. That spooked him. He wanted to dedicate a couple of companies of ISA armor to defend the factory, but they simply did not have the manpower to supply to the nascent industrial front.
"Colonel," the comms officer reported, "the Liet-Kynes is in system. No comms traffic from Helmsdown Traffic Control or other civilian bands about their arrival."
"Good." Marek nodded, "The Liet-Kynes pulled a ballsy move, jumping on Helm III they way they did. ETA?"
"According to their transmitted route, should be about five days. We'll know if they've encountered any problems by then."
"Roger that."
"Incoming transmission from the Irulan and Liet-Kynes, sir."
"Put'em through." The holographic images of Bashar Lucas Anderson and Bashar Maria Theresa Habsburg appeared around the holo-table. He saluted the two superior officers, "Bashar Habsburg, welcome to Helm."
"Thank you, Colonel." Habsburg returned the salute, "I hear you need to be relieved." She said with a smile.
"We were doing fine, Maria." Anderson returned the sentiment, "I will admit, we were slightly undermanned, but the lack of threats made this deployment pretty cushy."
"I hope it's just as quiet when you leave, Anderson. Your departure always seemed to herald a shift in solar winds."
"Hey," Anderson retorted, "just because last time you were deployed you were attacked by a Brotherhood task group doesn't mean that was my fault. Besides, you handled it."
"I can recall a fair number of times, Lucas. You tend to shake the snakes out of the grass." She raised an eyebrow, "Sigma Thirteen? The first Silverfish Station? Cambridge? I can keep going."
Anderson raised his hands, "Okay, maybe I'm your bad luck charm." He sighed, "Got a corps ready for Freeport-One?"
"A corps, with equipment and fabricators to match." Habsburg confirmed, "By the time the Basharate assigns you on another far-flung mission to the edges of known space, we'll have Freeport-One and the John Deere Factory quite secure."
"Just as long as we don't tip our hand, correct Bashars?" Marek asked.
"Of course." Habsburg brought up the cargo manifest, "We brought the standard equipment for hidden base protocol along with optical camouflage. I don't think House Marik would be glad to see us here, but we can keep our presence hidden well enough."
"Of that I have no doubt, Bashar Habsburg." Marek nodded, "Shall we review the current situation on world?"
"By all means."
John Deere AgroMech Factory
6 September 2008/863 AS/3023
President David Jackson was relieved. After near two years of paper-thin defense, the factory was finally slated for a full security detail and ISA-spec security system. Though no breeches had occurred since the purchase of the facility, Jackson was well briefed on the corporate tactics of the Inner Sphere. Even for a small agri-vehicle factory, the competition may resort to diplomacy by other means. Armed mercenaries or proxy pirate raids funded by megacorporations were not out of the realm of possibility, and though such an eventuality was discussed with Lieutenant Colonel Marek and Sam Fisher. Though some automated defenses were deployed in the form of drone patrols, there were significant holes in the factory's perimeter than could easily be penetrated by a dedicated attacker.
All those worries were put to rest since the arrival of the ISV Liet-Kynes the day before. Already the security drone fleet was expanded to fill the most obvious of patrol holes. Two ISA companies were assigned for base security detail disguised as an unknown mercenary company. Apparently, the ISA had uniforms in their fabricator databases just for this purpose. It wasn't Jackson's place to question such things, he was simply there to give the ISA a proper cover for their operations deep in the Inner Sphere.
He looked over the last reports from home office and around the Sphere. After a few months of deliberation, he got the blessing of the rest of management and the board of directors for the upgraded versions of agricultural equipment he'd sold across known space. It represented a fundamental shift in John Deere's business strategy to not rely on manufactured obsolescence to ensure repeat customers. The customers he and his sales team had encountered demanded a more robust product that they could work on themselves. This revelation in the Inner Sphere market earned him his recent promotion and saddled him with the responsibility of how to capitalize on this. He and his modest research and development wing consulted with Toyota on how they executed just-in-time manufacturing. It was a growing trend on Earth to maximize profit and minimize parts storage, but his time spent with his Toyota counterparts exposed the misconceptions of how to properly implement such a manufacturing model effectively. He quickly learned that for some parts it was essential to keep stock on hand in order to continue orders. Essentially, not all components were equal, and that was invaluable. Relatively recent international events on Earth, from the Japanese invasion of the Marianas to the abortive war between Russia and China taught the corporation which of their components were the most vulnerable in their supply chains. Though the ISA provided fabricator technology, traditional factories were still more efficient and thus more profitable. These lessons were impressed upon Jackson and his team. His findings were shared amongst John Deere at large.
Around the Sphere, it looked like business as usual. ComStar's news reports were the same mix of pirate attacks, skirmishes between nations, new products, the usual state of affairs when it came down to it. Sensational stories drove traffic, and ComStar charged for every download. There were a few interesting items of note. An advertisement for an upcoming trade conference on Solaris VII hosted by ComStar for agritech businesses. He punched that into his calendar. Though a front, he was determined to expand the influence of John Deere throughout the Inner Sphere, and this was the perfect opportunity to show off the economic wares of Earth's products. He made a note to prepare the factory for his departure and to ensure proper protocol was adhered to in his absence.
With no notice, Sam Fisher entered his office with a shadow of a grin on his face.
"To what do I owe the pleasure, Fisher?" Jackson asked without looking up.
"Got wind of a little something from Helmsdown." Fisher stated as he handed across a small letter.
"What's this?" Jackson took the letter from Fisher and opened it.
"An intercept from the HPG, though in a decidedly low-tech form."
"This letter is an HPG intercept." Jackson was in disbelief.
"This galaxy is all sorts of strange, Dave. I don't make the rules, I simply take advantage of the stupidity of others."
Jackson opened it and read over the contents, "Ah, finally. I was wondering when Irian Technologies would get interested. I'm surprised they haven't sent an inquiry to the local government sooner."
"You're the businessman." Fisher sat down, "What can we expect from them?"
"Legal probes, checks into our business practices, making sure we're paying our taxes, the usual to see if they can catch us slipping. They may attempt to extort us. Hell, from what I've read on BattleTech businesses I half expect a pirate raid or mercenary force to attack the factory and set us back some. If our noses are clean, and by God I made sure they are, I anticipate some sort of espionage attempt or garbage legal proceeding. If it comes down to force of arms, well, that's what the drones and two companies of ISA troops are for."
"We'll be ready for them if push comes to shove."
"Oh, I have something here that I need to run by you."
"What's that?"
"There's a business conference coming up in a couple months on Solaris VII for agritech companies."
"Oh." Fisher shook his head and sighed, "What do you need?"
Command Information Center
Earth Orbital Defense Headquarters
Sol System, Independent Systems Alliance Space
14 September 2008/863 AS/3023
"Orbital Defense Headquarters, this is the ISV United requesting clearance to commence first stage of testing, over."
"ISV United, we have received your flight plan. You are clear for first stage of testing, over."
"Confirmed. ISV United, over and out."
The Lockheed Consortium, after months of delays and unseen problems finally ironed out, set its first proper interstellar vessel out into the deep dark of space free of its drydock. This was an auspicious day, a historic achievement in the three short years that Earth joined the galaxy at large. The ISV United represented not only Earth broken of the shackles of a single-planet existence, but also the culmination of the knowledge of the Star League, the technical expertise of the ISA, and the ingenuity of Earth's own industry to adapt and improve upon the technology provided to them. Docked with the United were Dragon-class and Wyvern-class DropShips, the first prototype DropShips designed and produced by Lockheed Martin and Mikoyan.
This maiden voyage and test trip was to determine if the expenditure of billions of dollars in research and development was worth it. The commanding officer of the United was Commander Vitold Kovalchuk, former submariner for the Russian Navy who signed on with the ISA and volunteered for this position. His bridge crew were all former sailors from the United States and Russia who enlisted with the Independent Systems Alliance Navy when the opportunity arose. They all understood the relevance of this moment. The people of Earth were not just relying on borrowed and bestowed methods of leaving their world. The United represented Earth's ability to stand on its own.
General David Mathews and Fleet Captain Kyra Toft watched the holographic image of the United depart from Chester W. Nimitz Fleet Drydock and propel itself under its own power for the first time.
"Goddamn, that's a sight to see." Mathews remarked as the United cleared its moorings.
"It's good to see Earth beginning to stand on its own." Toft nodded, "Amazing what we can accomplish when we work together."
"Truer words, Captain." He looked at the projected jump point, "They're gonna jump on Mars then test out the Dragons and Wyverns, right?"
"Correct, sir. This will be the first test of Earth-designed transports in the vacuum of space and on a different world."
The image of the United moved quickly from the drydock into open space. It cleared a few hundred kilometers in a matter of minutes. As it cleared the safe orbital line, its image disappeared from sensors from a moment then reappeared in orbit of Mars.
"ISV United to Orbital Defense Headquarters," the United's comms officer called, "test one complete. Moving to test two, over."
"Orbital Defense Headquarters to United," the EODH's comms officer replied, "jump confirmed. Good luck. Out."
Robert Marsden Memorial Spaceport
Tharkad
Tharkad System, Lyran Commonwealth Space
16 September 3023
Archon Katrina Steiner, most powerful woman in the Inner Sphere, strode down an oft ignored hallway in the depths of the busy spaceport with clear anger and annoyance etched on her face. She had a clear purpose here, one that the public had no need to know. She came upon a nondescript door flanked by two members of the Lyran Royal Guards who stood at immediate attention upon sight of her. She ignored them, slammed through the door with a crash and stood ready to unleash the full fury of the Commonwealth upon the person sat in the room.
Melissa Steiner, Archon-Designate of the Lyran Commonwealth, shoved her surprise of the arrival of her mother deep down and adopted an expression of honest calm. She had to defuse the situation quickly, lest they both do something they would later regret.
"Mother!" Melissa greeted with apparent excitement, "Come to see me off?"
The door closed quietly behind the Archon as the guards edged away, "MELISSA STEINER!" she yelled, "What in the hell are you thinking!?"
Melissa put on her most nonchalant expression, "I was thinking of going to Solaris, mother."
Katrina did her best to quell her anger, "What exactly were you planning on doing there?"
"I was going to see the games, mother."
Katrina swore she felt a vein burst in her temple, "I'm sorry, WHAT!?"
"There's a difference between watching some holovid or BattleROM and actually being there. If I'm going to become Archon, wouldn't it be better for me to see BattleMechs in action before I encounter them in the field?"
"You want to gallivant all the way to Solaris just to watch the games!?" Katrina barely held her anger in check, "You are Archon-Designate! You have responsibilities!"
"It's not like I'll be away for long." Melissa held her composure, "Just a couple weeks there, a week or two on world, then a couple weeks back. I'll be studying in the meantime."
"No." Katrina shook her head, "If you want to experience the battlefield, I can arrange for you to observe an anti-piracy patrol on the rim."
"NO!" Melissa shot back, "Anything you arrange will be just like everything else: Safe, boring, stupid as sitting in a simpod all day. You learn nothing." She stood and tried to match her mother's glare, "I learn nothing."
Katrina tried to change tact, to be the mother that knows best, "You will not! There are safer places for you to be!"
"It's Solaris VII, mother! I'm not an idiot! It's not like I'm running off to New Avalon or joining the Foreign Legion!"
"Exactly! It's Solaris VII, right on the border with the Free Worlds League. The risk is far too high!"
"The Thirty-Second Guards and Tenth Skye Rangers are stationed there, I checked! Besides, who would be dumb enough to attack Solaris of all places?"
Katrina mulled over her daughter's two other proposals. New Avalon was an option, but to do so before the details of the Federated Commonwealth were finalized between herself and Hanse Davion didn't seem right. The Concord of Kapteyn put pressure on them to ensure the future of their own alliance. The thought of her daughter attempting to sneak through the Draconis Combine and join the nascent Independent Systems Alliance's Foreign Legion was laughable in its arrogance. Even if she could outrun an HPG message, Melissa was completely incapable of 'mech-human interface and would be washed out of training.
Katrina sighed, "The Thirty-Second is still rebuilding, you know that. You will come home, Melissa, and we will discuss this when we are both less emotional." She turned about and left the room.
Melissa was cloaked in silence for minutes until the door opened again. Cheryl Schmitt, her principal bodyguard, entered with a package. Cheryl tossed it to the young Archon-Designate. Melissa opened it and smiled.
"Plan A is a go?" She asked her guardian.
Cheryl nodded. Melissa's plan had worked perfectly. She volunteered to distract her mother while Cheryl did the real work of ensuring passage for the Archon-Designate. She felt quite pleased with herself.
Down the hall, Archon Katrina rejoined her own guard detail. She took a few breaths to steady herself after her very real outburst of rage. Melissa's plan had been vetted by Katrina and head of the Lyran Intelligence Corps Simon Hauer. They had ensured the safety and survival of Melissa at every step. To lose the Archon-Designate would be a disaster to the formation of the Federated Commonwealth, but this was an opportunity to test their ability to clandestinely protect such an important person and to allow the young Melissa to grow.
Melissa thought she had pulled one over her mother, but Katrina Steiner was Archon of the realm.
Port Kirin Interstellar Port
Antallos
Antallos System, Independent Systems Alliance Provisional Space
20 September 3023/863 AS/2008
Natasha Kerensky shielded her eyes against the harsh Antallos light. Her journey had been a long one, delayed by pirate raid route diversions and the lack of charging stations lead to a long voyage. Finally, after six months, she was on Antallos. Behind her were the three other members of her lance: Sergeant Colin Maclaren; MechWarrior Lynn Sheridan; and MechWarrior John Hayes. As ordered by Colonel Jamie Wolf, she brought her lance, their 'mechs, and a small support staff to keep them operational. She was surprised at how developed this former hive of villainy was much closer to a capitol world in the Inner Sphere. She looked a bit further on and noticed a ground vehicle on its way to their Leopard.
"Looks like a welcoming committee." Sergeant Maclaren reported as he peered through a pair of binoculars, "APC, don't know the model."
"Think they'll shoot us and loot the 'mechs?" Hayes asked nonchalantly.
Sheridan pointed to a distant 'mech, "With hardware like that? I don't think they need it."
The APC came to stop before them. Out of the rear came a squad of soldiers lead by an officer, all dressed in desert camouflage. Kerensky noticed the black-red patch with a golden eagle on their shoulders.
"Captain Natasha Kerensky?" The officer asked.
"Yes."
"Lieutenant Commander Ichirou Sato." He greeted, "If you and your lance will come with us, we'll bring you to the Bashar."
Port Kirin Administration Building
After a short ride through the busy streets of Antallos, they arrived at the Port Kirin Administration Building. The former palace had transformed into a full-fledged center of government. Any signs of the wear of centuries were gone, replaced by clean utilitarian architecture. Commander Sato lead the Dragoon quartet through the halls of governance directly to the Office of the Basharate. Kerensky looked about the busy halls and noted the efficiency in which everyone conducted their work. Unlike the bureaucracy of the Lyran Commonwealth the people who inhabited the strata of power here took their work seriously. There was no ostentatiousness to the local nobility, no grand displays of wealth, just people with their objectives in mind.
The group approached the office, its doors flanked by two soldiers dressed the same as those who greeted them at the starport. They saluted, which Sato returned in kind. The pair opened the door for the group, which revealed an office with three well adorned desks two of which sat unoccupied. The third and obviously most important was, and the man who sat at the other end bid them to the four unoccupied chairs. Sato saluted the man, turned about, and left the room. The door closed behind him.
"Ah, the Black Widow Company here in the flesh." The man behind the desk greeted them as they sat down, "Once again, welcome to Antallos."
"Good to be here." Kerensky responded, "I am Captain Natasha Kerensky, this is Sergeant Maclaren, and these are MechWarriors Sheridan and Hayes."
"Pleasure to meet you all. I am Bashar Superior Thomas Serov, commander in chief of ISA forces here on Antallos."
Kerensky was confused, "I am sorry, but we were under the impression that we would be in direct contact with Supreme Bashar Merlow."
Serov shrugged, "Though this contract is of import to the Independent Systems Alliance, I'm the CO of forces in system and I will be who you'll be directing your concerns to."
"Very well." Kerensky motioned to Maclaren who produced a piece of paper and handed it to her, "We have a list of items of interest we wish to observe while we are here." She handed it across to Serov.
He took the paper and read it over, "We can certainly provide. How long before you report back to Colonel Wolf?"
"We have a month." Kerensky nodded.
"Fantastic." Serov clapped his hands together, "I can arrange a stint in the simulation farm so you can test your mettle with some of our best in a few days. In the meantime, I'll assign you an officer escort to give you a tour around the First Combined Army facility. They should be able to answer any questions you have. If you want, we can also secure your 'mechs in the 'mechbays there."
"That would be appreciated, thank you."
Serov nodded. The doors behind them swung open, and in reentered Commander Sato, "Sato here will be your escort for the duration of your time here on Antallos. We have quarters arranged for you in the Foreign Legion's section of our base. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have another meeting to attend to." He stood up. Kerensky and her lance took that as their cue to leave. Serov extended his hand, which Kerensky gave a firm shake. With that business attended to the command lance of the Black Widow Company left the room as Sato lead the way.
"Hey," Hayes whispered as he nudged Sheridan, "these guys don't feel like periphery folks."
"You're right." She whispered back, "The hell they come from?"
"Good question…" Hayes saw Kerensky glance back at them and shut up immediately.
Serov activated the office's active surveillance countermeasures and opened a channel to Bashar Superior Marcus Scarman.
"They're here." Serov stated simply as the crisp holographic image of Scarman sat in front of him, "Any word on Jamie Wolf's next move?"
"Nothing so far," Scarman conceded, "but keep in mind our surveillance apparatus hasn't even touched the Lyrans yet, let alone the FedSuns."
"So just wine and dine 'em, eh?" Serov grinned.
"They may have started as Clanners, but they're mercs. You speak their language better than any of us."
"Yep. Treat 'em right, show 'em why we need them, and maybe we can set up a contract board here. We could also use their help in learning a lot more about Clanner tactics."
"First-hand sources will be much more reliable than a game book."
"Hell yeah. Should we surprise them with a little Clan knowledge?" Serov asked.
Scarman shook his head, "Not until the contract is in the bag. We don't want to scare them off, make them think we're Clanners in disguise."
"No problem. We'll just flash some tech, let 'em see our folks in action, and hey. We just might have the best instructors against the Clans at our disposal."
Office of the Bashar Superior of Intelligence
Earth Orbital Defense Headquarters
Sol System, Independent Systems Alliance Space
1 October 2008/863 AS/3023
Scarman reviewed the proposal from the Civilian Council and the diplomatic corps. The discovery and consolidation of knowledge of the memory cores had proven to be an immense boon to Earth and the ISA. The Star League's technology had given them a wealth of knowledge not seen since the discovery of an ancient alien lab decades prior. What remained is what was to be done with the knowledge with the rest of the Inner Sphere. First Councilor Metzli Glass, Councilor Jack Ryan, and a cadre of diplomats from both Earth and the ISA proper proposed to use this as diplomatic leverage to get the rest of the Inner Sphere to play nice. They understood that they had at best twenty-six years to prepare the Inner Sphere for war unless they could intercept the ComStar survey vessel Outbound Light, and even then, there was no guarantee that events would not unfold the same way again. The Basharate stood divided on if this should be implemented, let alone how to do it.
Supreme Bashar Merlow put forward a proposal: The Beacon Doctrine. He consulted with the BattleTech source material and some of the former members of the Star League on what was called the Mother Doctrine. The Star League carefully controlled what technology they exported to the rest of the Inner Sphere to facilitate trade and relations with the great houses. Due to their position, completely surrounded by the other nation-states, they leveraged their greatest asset to gain access to resources and influence. For the ISA, resources were a non-issue. Fabricator technology rendered that particular need obsolete. Their position in the Inner Sphere, on the periphery, allowed expansion for Earth's beleaguered population base. It was influence that the ISA needed, the ability to sway the other powers and convince them of their way of thinking. Unlike the Star League, this policy would be implemented on a nation with only two established worlds which allowed for tighter control. With major companies only based on Earth, it would be much easier to persuade them that this was in their best interests. There was already a preliminary set of lists for non-sharable and sharable technologies. Scarman thought it a shrewd proposal. It would allow companies to profit from licensing agreements and allow the ISA to garner influence while raising the technology of the Inner Sphere in the meantime. He marked down his tentative approval of Merlow's proposal and shifted his focus.
That focus was interrupted by the entrance of Ed Foley and Sergey Golovko, the heads of the US CIA and Russian SVR, respectively. He motioned to the empty chairs in front of his desk.
"Gentlemen," Scarman greeted, "you've seen the reports from the Combine."
"That we have." Foley confirmed, "Predictable, in line with the source material. They want us to play nice with them and no one else."
"Which we will not do." Golovko shook his head, "We will not get embroiled in the pettiness of the Inner Sphere when we have not established ourselves across the stars yet."
"Agreed." Scarman nodded, "We can't limit our options when the Federated Commonwealth is about to form, and we also have the Outworlds Alliance to consider. The periphery situation is also one that we must cultivate. Though the Magistracy is far, an independent friendly power in that region of space out of the Clan invasion path is a good one, same with the situation in the Aurigan Coalition. The Taurians are another nation we need to formally approach. A friendly periphery is another means to keep the Inner Sphere in check, not to mention much less likely to fall to the Word of Blake."
"Regarding the Combine," Golovko interjected, "I am concerned with the presence of Jerry Akuma with the ambassadorial staff assigned to our people. His presence indicates interest from Grieg Samsonov. If one of the most infamous Warlords in the source material has taken interest in us, we must know more. Our electronic assets are incredible, but we still must get closer. If he attempts to use the factory on Antallos as a pretense for war, we must know."
"He's right, Marcus." Foley glanced at his Russian opposite, "I have a feeling that while the Coordinator has made some diplomatic gestures, we must anticipate hostility, especially because FTL communications is in the state its in."
"The inner workings of the DCMS will be a relatively tough nut to crack…" Scarman stroked his chin, "A mercenary company would be a bad idea, as reports have already shown that the Combine has chewed through a number of them already, at least according to the Mercenary Review Board. We'd have to rely on good old-fashioned recruiting."
"Cash is king." Foley shrugged, "Paying for informants will probably yield the quickest results."
"I concur." Golovko nodded, "Both within America and the old Soviet Union, we paid informants on the other side. With our c-bill printing facilities operational, it would be of no concern to find potential moles. I understand you have sophisticated means to ensure loyalty?"
"If necessary, yes." Scarman nodded solemnly, "They're not the most preferable method, but we haven't utilized foreign-sourced human assets in decades so we can make do."
"I have to ask," Foley leaned back, "was it wise to release the memory core data to the population of New Dallas?"
"Give we're the only way on and off the world and it's been centuries since they were last in contact with the rest of the Inner Sphere, I don't see a problem. Ultimately, it was a decision made by our people on the ground. Not to mention that they're on track to become a world in the ISA, getting them up to speed is probably the best solution."
Foley thought about that for a moment, "I suppose you're right. Still, it makes me uncomfortable to have such an edge sitting smack dab in the middle of foreign territory."
"Edward," Golovko smiled, "unlike terrestrial conflict, if no one can detect a place in space no one will dedicate resources to find it. To assign a JumpShip and DropShip compliment when one can barely produce enough for their hundreds of existing worlds would be foolhardy. We hold many cards, my friend. I believe it will be how we play them that will determine any potential outcome."
"Oh, Sergey, have you talked with your government about us purchasing some of the first production run of 'mechs for future operations?"
"Yes."
"Were they receptive?"
"President Grushavoy was amenable to the proposal, CEO Potapov more so. Potapov is eager to establish an export market, and what better testing ground than what you have in mind?"
Foreign Affairs Office, Magistracy Intelligence Ministry Headquarters
Canopus IV
Canopus System, Magistracy of Canopus Space
12 October 3023
Ana Maria Centrella read the latest from Lady Kamea Arano concerning her efforts in retaking her embattled realm. The coup in the Aurigan Reach was quick and bloody, with now Director Santiago Espinosa in charge of the renamed Aurigan Directorate. The Arano family had long been friendly with the Magistracy. When Kamea reached out for support, the Centrella family was all too happy to provide. They were an important buffer state between themselves, the Capellan Confederation, and the Taurian Concordat. Kamea needed funding, and the Magistracy was more than happy to provide. There were some rumblings out of Antallos that the ISA was interested in the situation, but why would a far-flung periphery nation be interested in the goings on of this corner of space?
She looked at another document, this time directly concerning the dealings with the ISA. Commander Carmela McFarland, interim ambassador to the Independent Systems Alliance, secured assistance from them to restart and finance several factories in Magistracy space in exchange for medical knowledge and a portion of the production capacity of those factories. Given the reported progress on the Combine's leased factory on Antallos, it would be a huge boon to the Magistracy in their continued defense against the Free Worlds League and other threats. Majesty Metals and Manufacturing had long since struggled to produce 'mechs for the Magistracy Armed Forces. With assistance from a nation untouched by the Succession Wars, MMM may be able to provide the MAF with what they needed once more.
Her communicator beeped and blinked at her. A live transmission request from the HPG station. She knew the costs were expensive for such a transmission, but there was only one person authorized for such direct interface. She pressed the button and the holo-image of the transmitter appeared before her.
"Lady Centrella," Kamea Arano greeted with a nod, "I come with good news."
"Lady Arano," Centrella returned the gesture, "glad to hear it. Please."
"I've gathered a number of supporters, political enemies of my uncle who managed to escape persecution and soldiers who refused to swear fealty to him. It is slow going, but we are making significant progress. Unfortunately, we are severely lacking in BattleMechs and my numbers of trained soldiers are limited to say the least. I was hoping you were able to find some assistance for one of these two shortcomings."
Centrella stroked her chin, "I may have found something for your 'mech problem. I have a line on a mercenary company struggling outside of both Magistracy and Aurigan space. Their current commander was trained by Raju Montgomery before his untimely passing."
Arano's eyes lit up, "Wait, you mean—"
"Yes, Markham's Marauders lives, though they go by a new name these days. I will give you their contact information. I should note, they are in substantial debt after the coup and are limited to a few worlds as of now."
"I'll send a few contracts soon, see if they're up to the challenge. If they are, then perhaps they can be the spear I need to pierce my uncle's hold on the Reach."
"Don't worry about financing the operation. My accounts can handle the burden. You just work on drumming up support and retaking your throne. We need you, Kamea."
"I do appreciate it, Lady Centrella. Once the Reach is peaceful again, I will repay this debt."
"Think nothing of it. Until we speak again." With a nod, Centrella terminated the transmission.
She returned her attention to the ISA document. There was another item here. They wanted to aid the Arano line in retaking the throne with material support. She thought about that option. What interest did they have in this region? What did they see that she did not? To ease the financial burden off the Magistracy was noble, as was dethroning a usurper, but what did they gain? She had to think on this. It was not a decision to make lightly.
Simulation Farm
First Combined Army Headquarters
Antallos System, Independent Systems Alliance Provisional Space
14 October 3023/863 AS/2008
Captain Kerensky watched the holo-feed as the Foreign Legion battled with their opponents, a simulated 'Star League' level battalion. The level of technology of the 'Star League' force outstripped what was available even to the fabled Black Watch. The 'mechs, the weapons, they all hit harder and moved faster than their original specifications. She saw eighty-five-ton Marauders and eighty-ton Warhammers do battle with 'mechs she had never seen before. The 'Star League' fought in units of five with a ferocity and capability she had not seen in years. The Foreign Legion fought well, their weapons and 'mechs able to match their opponents and played to their strengths. They fought as one, chose their targets carefully, baited them into supposed single combat before the 'League' were laid waste by weapons kilometers away or above. Their unit cohesion was phenomenal, but the Foreign Legion still suffered casualties. When the exercise came to an end, she looked at the data report: effective destruction of the battalion for fifty-percent casualties. Impressive results, especially having done battle with the Legion days prior. The simulators were incredibly potent and much more advanced than any she had seen around the Inner Sphere.
Major Tony Dansel walked up beside her, "Not exactly our best moment, I gotta say." He shrugged.
"Given what your people faced, it was an impressive result." Kerensky countered.
"We take losses like that, we can't exactly keep fighting." He shook his head, "Most of the losses were the green elements. Gotta drill them harder, maybe mix them in with the more experienced units. Fifty-percent casualties, fifteen-percent total material loss, twenty-five-percent dead. Don't like those numbers. The strain on our logistical infrastructure after a single battle like that would be enormous, never mind a war."
"I must say, Major," Kerensky turned her head, "that 'Star League' opposing force was an interesting one. Five 'mech lances? Extremely advanced weapons? Oversized 'mechs? None of those are present in any military in the Inner Sphere."
Dansel shrugged again, "We assume we'll face an enemy like this one day, and we want to be ready for it. Who says that one of the Houses doesn't have a reserve force like this? Hell, ComStar might have something like this."
She narrowed her eyes, "Yes… one of the Houses…" She glanced one more time at the data report. She had much to deliver to Colonel Wolf.
College of Engineering, New Avalon Institute of Science
New Avalon
New Avalon System, Federated Suns Space
18 October 3023
Quentin Watson and his colleague Robyn Leewood circled the incomplete prototype frame for the Ares. They referenced their shared clipboard as they examined the internal structure of the of the heavy 'mech. It lacked armor, weapons, and a fusion engine. Instead, from the ceiling of the experimental 'mech bay protruded a mass of power cables to provide energy and a block of metal to simulate the mass of the engine for movement testing. In another bay, the failed Mars project was in a state of mechanical decomposition. Parts from the 'mech were salvaged for the more successful Ares design. The efforts of the now unified development teams had lept development forward by several months. Watson and Leewood just had to check and double check the Ares for the next round of testing.
It was lunch, so the students were off on their break. The floor of the construction foundry was a mess, a result of the need to essentially hand build this new machine from the ground up. The NAIS foundries had been tapped to provide materials, but it was up to Watson, Leewood, and the thirty or so students of this course to do actual construction. If none of them passed the course they would still be 'mech engineers and technicians of phenomenal skill. Watson flipped through the checklist to the proposed revisions to the design. He huffed at one as he glanced up at the chin of the cockpit. Leewood gave him a questioning look. He showed her the sheet.
"Strip a half-ton of armor and replace that laser with a flamer?" She looked incredulously at the proposal, "What...? Oooh." She grinned at the hastily drawn image of the finished 'mech as it poured flames over Capellan infantry, "Alright, I can see that. Like some kind of dragon."
"Better not tell the Kuritans." Watson chuckled, "They might throw a fit over us taking their symbology. On second thought, let's!"
"What should I tell Takeshi Kurita next I taunt him?" a voice at the door asked.
Watson and Leewood froze in place. They knew that voice. Any good Federated Suns citizen knew it in their soul. They turned in unison to face the most powerful man in the Inner Sphere. The professors leapt to their feet as First Prince Hanse Davion entered the room. He waved them down.
"Please, be at ease." Davion said in his most reassuring voice, "I'm not here to do anything rash. I just want to check on your project, it's progress and if I can do anything to help expedite it."
Watson and Leewood shared a nervous glance before they sat down across from their Lord. Hanse Davion sat on a Federated Autocannon AC-10 crate formally destined for the failed Mars. Leewood cleared her throat.
"Well, my Lord, what did you want to know?" Leewood asked with trepidation, "What do you want to talk about?"
Davion pointed at the Ares, "Well, that. I admit that I was surprised when the proposal for this crossed my desk. I have every confidence that NAIS can outdo a periphery nation, that's a given. So, how is it?"
Watson thought back to the proposal submission. When word of the ISA's Kartikeya 'mech made it to New Avalon, a heavy 'mech that exceeded anything in the arsenal of the Inner Sphere, the Federated Suns needed to respond. It was unthinkable for an unknown periphery nation to have technology not seen since the Star League, lost in eras past, but this was the reality that faced them.
He took a breath to steady himself, "Well, your highness, the Ares is in late alpha testing. We are working on optimal myomer placement to balance the 'mech as well as testing the viability of a quad-legged design without sacrificing protection and firepower. We used the Marauder as the basis for the design, which this class doesn't have significant experience with, so we've deliberately limited their access to that information so they are encouraged to work out the problems encountered from first concepts." Davion nodded and motioned him to continue, "The layout of the basic endoskeleton and internal structure was easy enough, but one of the student groups is tinkering with an improved foot design to allow better grip on uneven surfaces.
"Show me." Davion motioned to the foot in question.
Leewood and Watson quickly worked the winch controls and raised the foot for the First Prince to examine. He bent down and ran a hand over the massive appendage.
"How does it work?"
"A series of small gimbals, Lord." Leewood began, "It's not affixed hard to the leg. This allows the foot and toes to flex around ground that isn't crushed by the seventy-five-tone frame. This produces a small stability advantage with minimal increased complexity."
"We take every advantage." Davion nodded sagely, "Weapons and armor. I heard you mention replacing a small laser with a flamer. Why?"
"Well, sir, the default configuration consists of a pair of shoulder-mounted Federated Ten-Shot LRMs and a ChisComp Forty-Three Special large laser on each arm with as much armor as we can feasibly mount. One of the students proposed a change to the anti-infantry weapon. See for yourself." She showed the First Prince the picture drawn. He smiled.
"I do like that." Davion looked farther up the clipboard, "So much armor on the design… I don't think you can put any more on the platform. What about heat management? This is not a cool design."
"Yes, Lord Davion. It was decided early on to maximize the protection of the Ares in accordance with the assault-heavy paradigm we observed from Antallos. Maximize protection with the heaviest weapons we can fit on it. The heatsinks look to provide enough for heat-neutral operation through an alpha strike in most environments, save at full sprint."
"What about alternate loadouts?" Davion looked up at the empty arms, "The current proposal is focused on long-range firepower."
Watson stepped forward, "The students chose this, your highness, but your concerns have already been raised in previous classes. There is a tentative alternate design based around close-range engagements. Three Harpoon-Six SRMs with two tons of ammunition and half-a-dozen ChisComp Thirty-Nine medium lasers. At close range, the design would tear through any assault 'mech."
"That's excellent to hear." Davion stood, "Now, I wanted to get a gauge of your progress because we simply cannot fall behind. The ISA, from latest reports, has deployed a full battalion of Kartikeyas to Antallos and has rotated out all of their standard 'mechs not of the assault class. I know that we lack the facilities to recreate the gauss rifles and pulse laser weaponry featured as the main armament of their now mainline 'mechs. If we are to maintain parity at least, we need to leverage our industrial capacity. The League, Confederation, and Combine are sure to be developing something to meet this new 'mech in combat. I want the Federated Commonwealth to be first. So, tell me, what do you need?"
Antallos HPG Facility
Port Kirin
Antallos System, Independent Systems Alliance Provisional Space
20 October 3023
Captain Natasha Kerensky settled into the private room the ComStar adept provided for her. Live transmission was a pricey matter, but all costs were covered by the ISA. She doublechecked her notes as she looked at the holo-communicator button. She had come to her decision after her command company's month of observation. Their orders were clear, as was her conclusion. She punched the button. The image of Jamie Wolf appeared over the table. She saluted her superior, who responded in kind.
"Colonel," she greeted, "our month has concluded."
He motioned her to stand down, "Report, Captain."
"According to our observations, I have come to the conclusion that we should pursue the proposed contract with the ISA."
"Confirmed, Captain. We will pursue this with haste. I will send the approved contract to the Mercenary Review Board, and we will travel to Antallos post haste."
She nodded, "Orders?"
"The approval of the contract should reach ISA brass soon after I submit the acceptance. You will follow their orders until we arrive, then back to standard chain of command."
"Yes, sir."
"I will examine the rest of your observations when we arrive."
"Yes, sir."
"Anything else, Captain Kerensky?"
She thought about the more sensitive matters, but she already gave those observations to the WolfNet agents. They were already in Wolf's hands, "No, sir."
"Expect us in a few months. Wolf out."
John Deere AgroMech Factory
Helm
Helm System, Free Worlds League Space
26 October 2008/863 AS/3023
Jackson checked and doublechecked the documents he had packed. The trip to Solaris VII was considered in advance, a decent vertical slice of John Deere's products already loaded on the 'company' DropShip. The convention was an opportunity to expand the customer base and observe the competition. The ISA approved the trip with the ISV Irulan as their immediate protection. Fisher assigned a team to him, one already well versed in sales and adept in their protection duties. Fisher also opted to attend, as this would be their first foray into Lyran Commonwealth space. The opportunity to get the lay of an important world on the border between House Marik and House Steiner was too crucial to ignore.
The trip was only two jumps away, just over a week with the upgraded KF drive in the civilian JumpShip. With such a short trip, it was safe to bring a load of grain to show off the capability of John Deere products and as a show of goodwill to the Lyran customers who needed it. It would be sold at a competitive cost, subsidized by the ISA through John Deere. They were well underway in becoming an embedded part of the Helm economy after only a year and a half.
This trip was an important part of the ISA's cover, and just as before, he would be damned if he wouldn't be profitable.
Bridge, ISV Irulan
High Helm Orbit
"Solaris VII. Of all the goddamn worlds…" Bashar Lucas Anderson muttered under his breath as CIA and Triple-S officer Sam Fisher shrugged in reply.
"You knew this was happening, Anderson." Fisher sat in the executive officer's seat, "I told you a month ago, the Basharate approved soon after. We have to go cover the John Deere trade mission, especially because it's Solaris VII. We need to get a lay of the land, Anderson."
"I get it, but according to intel this is one of the busiest worlds in the Inner Sphere. Traffic increases our chances of being spotted. We may be invisible to sensors, but optical camouflage is a bit difficult with a whole goddamn naval vessel."
"Be glad we're the ones with a proper navy, then."
"Gods wept." Anderson shook his head, "I don't plan on shooting our way out."
"We won't need to. We just stick to our established practices when in an inhabited system and we'll be fine."
"I'm gonna talk to Marcus and Tessa about this…" Anderson grumbled as he walked to his ready room.
Office of the Vice President of External Independent Relations, Irian Technologies Stewart Branch
Stewart
Stewart System, Free Worlds League Space
31 October 3023
"They're gone?" Vice President Mirelle Jakart could barely contain her surprise.
Her current legal assistant, Trey Miller, nodded, "The President of Agriculture and Turf of the Free Worlds League has left to attend an exposition on Solaris VII regarding agricultural concerns hosted by ComStar. We already have a booth there, so I've taken the liberty of asking them to watch John Deere."
Jakart nodded. She chose her subordinates carefully, and Miller knew exactly when to exercise independence, "Good. Make arrangements for us to pay a visit to Helm. Without their President, I want to see how they react when faced with… serious investors."
Bridge, ISV Lady Jessica
Heart Fjord VI Medium Orbit
Heart Fjord System, Former Free Worlds League Space
4 November 863 AS/2008/3023
Gesserit-class skippers were used to far-flung missions, one after another. One month out to some remote world, another two in transit to someplace farther. Fleet Captain Marie Anahera had decades of command experience under her belt in such scenarios, and to return to duty meant to resume the missions of a stealth skipper.
The objective of this mission was a world called Artru in the Aurigan Directorate. Largely ignored, it was supposed by archival apocryphal source material that there was an old Star League castle out there with an intact cache of technology. The Basharate wanted to establish a forward operating base there to watch the situation in the Aurigan Reach and keep an eye on a section of the Periphery far away from the ISA. There was some forewarning about the possibility of the base possessing automated defenses and electronic countermeasures, which the Lady Jessica and her crew were more than prepared for. Centuries of combat between nations who utilized ECM and ECCM in equal measure had developed into honed operational doctrine on how to approach and defeat such systems.
The detachment of Russian troops and civilian consultants was replaced by a multi-national force on New Dallas when the ISV Harah arrived on station. It was decided to keep those most familiar with the citizens of New Dallas on world to help smooth the deployment of brand-new people on world. It was still early days, and they did not want to set a foot wrong on a potential new member-state.
Major Kulap Metharom, commander of the new rotation of marines assigned to Anahera's ship, approached from the side.
"Ma'am," she greeted, "everyone's all good after that last jump. Duty rotations have been assigned for our time on drive discharge."
"Good." Anahera responded to her new XO, "How are you finding it here on the Lady Jessica compared to the Harah?"
"Permission to speak freely, ma'am."
She anticipated this, "Granted, Major."
"Though not as spacious as the Harah, your ship has a certain… character to it that I can't quite pin down." She took her seat beside the CO, "There's a heartbeat to this ship that's so different than the planetary carrier. From what I learned, the carriers are relatively recent additions to the fleet, and the Lady Jessica feels… it's like a home. These bulkheads have seen some things."
Anahera smiled, "You're not wrong, Major. You're not wrong at all. If you have some downtime on our way to Artru, I recommend looking at our past missions. Full recordings are in the ship's database."
"How long has this ship been in service?" Metharom asked.
"Forty-four years last I checked."
"And has this ship been recording data that entire time?"
"Of course. Standard procedure."
"Do you have anywhere I should start?" The Major asked with some trepidation.
"From the beginning. You should be able to process the mission database in sizable chunks before we arrive."
"How…?"
"Your implants, Major. You received them before departing Earth, at least that's what your file says."
She gave her superior officer a tilted head, "I can do that?"
Anahera stared at her for a moment, "Do you not have a tutorial in your memory?"
Metharom thought, and the file emerged in her mind, "I do…?"
"Start from there, then. You should be briefed on how your implants interface with our tech."
"Why am I only becoming aware of this weeks after the fact?"
"Because it hadn't come up yet. Though you benefitted from the more obvious advantages: the enhanced strength; increased dexterity; reduced reaction times; you were never asked to directly interface with technology. Makes sense, given your accelerated timetable to get deployment capable. We would usually allow a week after recovery dedicated to getting an implantee acclimated to their new abilities."
"That does explain why I can open and close things with a thought, and why the food fabricator gives me exactly what I want before I punch anything in."
"Let the tutorial program run, and you should have a good understanding on how it interfaces."
"Thank you, ma'am." Metharom switched gears, "May I ask you a question, ma'am?"
"Go ahead."
"What do you make of this mission?"
"Infiltrating a war-torn region of space and establishing a covert presence far away from home? Par for the course, honestly."
"A listening post is one thing, but reactivating an old installation and taking command in foreign territory?"
"I will admit, it is slightly unusual from our standard fare, but I enjoy the change of pace from purely aggressive operations."
"Do you anticipate the situation heating up at all?"
"We're on one of the most advanced cruisers in human history headed into the unknown. I just say be ready for anything, Major."
Arrivals Terminal, Solaris Spaceport
Solaris VII
Solaris System, Lyran Commonwealth Space
7 November 3023/2008/863 AS
Colonel Herb Enders, commanding officer of the Tenth Skye Rangers, watched the arrivals terminal for his mark. Duke Aldo Lestrade IV of Summer and leader of the Federation of Skye, had a notion that Melissa Steiner was due to arrive on Solaris VII today. Given that a regiment of military force had not been transferred to the Gaming World in anticipation for her arrival rendered that assumption to be tenuous at best. Frederick Steiner dismissed the notion himself, a disagreement between the two most powerful opponents of the Archon that quickly smoothed over. Still, whoever was set to arrive was important enough that both Frederick and Lestrade agreed to have him meet them.
He put the thought of politics aside as he checked his watch and the arrivals board. A young, distant cousin of Ryan Steiner wanted to attend the games and explore the city. This was all done under the table, which was a bit suspicious. He was to attend to the child and advertise the misgivings of the Federation of Skye to this young noble. Their name was Joana Barker, an alias no doubt as Ryan Steiner had no Barkers in his extended line. It seemed that this Barker was important enough to curry favor with, so he kept watch.
He stood and walked to a wall closer to the arrival portal to sooth his restless legs. It was not long now. He glanced up at the arrivals screen. The DropShip which carried Miss Barker had arrived, its passengers loaded onto the spaceport's ground vehicles and whisked to the terminal. He straightened his uniform and approached the terminal portal. She was easy enough to spot, though her awestruck gaze mirrored many of those around her. He glanced at the picture given to him to identify her one last time. When he looked up again, something felt off. She looked vaguely familiar, just with auburn hair and blue eyes. That was not unusual. What was were the bodyguards assigned to her. It was not difficult to pick them out. One was another auburn-haired woman who looked to be Barker's sister. Another was a burly man who looked like many others who did grunt work across Solaris. The third was a businessman of a nervous disposition, ready to bolt to the front of the line to expedite the process.
The good Colonel wondered what sort of quagmire he was ordered into, and how much Free Skye stood to gain from it. It was obvious that Joana Barker was more important than was let on, but just how important remained to be seen. First, he made the decision to approach the elder woman and make the 'mistake' of greeting her as Joana.
Jerome Blake Convention Hall, Solaris Mall
President David Jackson checked his John Deere booth one last time. The ComStar sponsored 'Inner Sphere AgriTech Exposition' was a prime opportunity for him to position John Deere as a premiere provider of agricultural products across the sphere. During booth setup, he made sure to do a few laps of the massive convention hall and speak with his contemporaries. He researched their product pricing structures, what kind of services they provided, licensing options, any nook or cranny to find methods to outmaneuver the competition. Fisher and his Triple-S contingent performed similarly as they examined the hall, and the security of the companies present. Many had hired mercenary companies to provide protection for the booths and the gear brought to the expo. Fisher understood well that any private military company worth their salt valued these corporate contracts, especially when backed by an ostensibly neutral organization like the ComStar-backed Mercenary Review Board. These people were consummate professionals and treated their assignment seriously. This exposure to the various mercenary companies on contract with these companies did allow Fisher and his team to begin compilation of mercenary commands, especially those not listed in the source material.
Jackson's laps over the course of booth construction and his conversations revealed that John Deere's competitors relied heavily on AgroMechs for the bulk of their sales. With the industrial state of the Inner Sphere, this limited their ability to ship enough product to meet demand. The complexity of upkeep was offset by the sheer resilience of 'mech design, but their price point put them well out of the range of many potential agricultural customers. Rastaban Agricultural had an AgroMech called the CattleMaster they were set to debut during the convention, and for the price of a single 'mech a customer could order dozens of the newest model 9630 or 9630 tracked, accompanying accessories to fill near every need on a farm, and spare parts for every single machine at least once over. John Deere's products may be more fragile, but they could fulfill the needs of clients more effectively than their competition.
He retreated behind the sales table and withdrew his Nintendo DS. The device had kept him company throughout the past year while they traveled about the Inner Sphere on the way to Helm. He was grateful for the latest batch of games that came with the ISV Liet-Kynes. He was a fan of both the Pokémon series and Advance Wars and was glad to have Pearl and Days of Ruin in his collection. He sat back, slotted in Advance Wars: Days of Ruin, plugged in his headphones, and relaxed.
Steiner Stadium, Southeast Solaris City
10 November 3023
Melissa Steiner wanted to wail in pain as a mauled Locust was carted into one of the hangers. The light 'mech had been nearly torn asunder by the HNT-151 Hornet it faced, despite the equivalencies in armor and armament. She waited behind the technicians, her 'sister' behind her. They had been invited to the 'mechbay by Colonel Enders, who had been a gracious host so far during their first days on Solaris. He made it quite clear that he was in the pocket of the Federation of Skye. He put forth the region ahead of all others in the Commonwealth. She played her role, nodded and agreed with his points. She pressed for details of the history of Skye as was expected and complained that she did not have the whole truth from her education. That wasn't a lie, as Archon-Designate she was taught about the big picture, the entirety of the realm which left out details from each individual region. There were simply too many worlds in her future governance to know the histories from each one, as rich or entertaining as they may be.
When she returned to Tharkad, she was certain she would be confined to the Triad for some time. Given her likely future confinement, she planned to spend more time perusing the library than before. Hopefully, she would be free from confinement when she turned thirty. At least that was the hope. All things considered, this trip was already well worth the punishment awaiting her.
Later, she sat with the technicians as they took their lunch break. Her self-study in electronics paled in comparison to the practical experience of the people around her. The gulf was wide, but they were all incredibly supportive of her interest and burgeoning knowledge. Sometime later, they said their goodbyes and parted ways when her principal bodyguard Cheryl Schmitt, disguised as her 'sister,' approached.
"These," Schmitt withdrew some tickets, "are a gift from Colonel Enders. The Tenth Skye are assigned as the primary security for the event. He figured given your interests, some tickets were made available to you." She handed them to her charge.
The Archon-Designate examined them, "Sure! That'll be fun!"
Jerome Blake Convention Hall, Solaris Mall
11 November 2008/3023/863 AS
The young Steiner and her principal bodyguard navigated through the crowded convention hall, not completely out of place despite their background. They asked intelligent questions of the machines, their upkeep, and the economic benefits of potential purchases of each manufacturer. The 'Inner Sphere AgriTech Exposition' was sponsored by ComStar to allow manufacturers large and small to advertise to markets from all over. A great many companies were present to leave a positive impression on the controllers of Terra.
She stopped before a large green ground car that shimmered with a glossy finish. The symbol of the manufacturer was a yellow stag in a yellow square. It triggered a memetic response, an awareness that she should know this brand. She glanced about the booth. The ground car was one of a dozen, their sizes ranged from barely taller than her to the height of a small BattleMech. She looked up at the manufacturer name. John Deere… where had she seen that name before?
"Hello there!" a voice interrupted the reverie, "Can I help you with anything?"
"Hello." Cheryl extended her hand to the man behind the voice who grasped and shook in response, "We were just browsing, but since you're here, maybe you could give us a tour of your products."
"Of course." He handed across a pair of pamphlets, "This is our product line for thirty-twenty-three. Our most powerful models are this pair here, the 9630 and 9630T for larger agricultural work but are still quite affordable."
"What of the smaller models?" Cheryl scanned the booth, "I also note a lack of AgroMechs here.
The man smiled, "Our company has just broken into the Inner Sphere market, and we've found that the increased mobility of the platform doesn't conform with our current company projections. Our tractors are nearly as capable for a fraction of the cost, even if they are more fragile. Cost and ease of maintenance mitigate that problem. Take the 6100 series and 5000 series, some of our more flexible models…"
David Jackson sat behind the curtains that denoted the sales room of the booth and relaxed. This trip to Solaris was a good idea. It got him out of the factory and into the wilds. It was the nearest he'd come to a vacation since he left Earth, and he appreciated the more relaxed environment of a business expo.
He flipped open his DS and continued his campaign in Advance Wars. The new games from Earth were a welcome change from the well-played games he had beaten repeatedly over the course of his assignment. He muted the volume and kept an ear out in case anything required his attention. He heard Sam Fisher ply his charms on some prospective customers. Despite his profession and his dedication to that career, he knew when to apply his charisma. He felt quite thankful that such a man was on his side.
Melissa Steiner asked to see the inner workings of one of the machines. It was a natural question, given the advertised efficiency. The engines in the machines could produce kilowatts upon kilowatts of power in such a small volume. The salesman nodded and motioned to a holo-display that featured a blown-up schematic of a John Deere engine. The technical intricacies of the design were well over her head, but it fascinated her, nonetheless. Cheryl then asked to see the person in charge to see about pricing and sales. The salesman complied again and lead them behind a set of curtains to the salesroom where another man dressed in a suit played with a small device at the sales table. Steiner spotted said device and perked up even more than she already was.
That man had the same game system she did.
"HEY!" Steiner exclaimed as she pointed at the it. The salesman and the seated man stood stunned as Cheryl tensed.
The man quickly pocketed the device, "Yes? How can I help you?" He kept his voice level.
"YOU!" Cheryl tried to reach for Steiner, but her efforts were in vain. She strode quickly toward him, "Where did you get that!?"
Jackson's mind jumped into overdrive. What happened? Did I leave something unattended? The girl pointed at my hands… He came to the conclusion that it was his DS she referred to. How did she know what it was? Did the ISA send out another trade mission with different goods? He pushed the thoughts out of his mind and adopted his company presidential persona.
"Young lady, where are your manners?" he asked with a fatherly tilt of his head.
Steiner abandoned 'Joana Barker' and shifted into the Archon-Designate, with the gravitas and charisma that was drilled into her through years of elocution lessons. Cheryl noticed clearly. Her senses heightened and scanned for threats. The man behind them radiated a similar aura to her own.
"You have something you shouldn't, sir." Steiner stated with calm confidence, "Those are very rare to come by, given that the only source has not distributed them on the open market. The only way you could have one is through pirates, the black market, or you hail from there."
"What exactly do you mean by 'those' and 'there?'" the man replied, undeterred.
"The Nintendo!" she exclaimed, "From Motherlode!" She withdrew her own well-worn DS from a pocket and waved it before them, "PLEASE TELL ME YOU HAVE NEW GAMES!"
Joana Barker, the name of the teen who produced the outburst, received a blistering tongue-lash from her sister on the proper etiquette and behavior of her station. Jackson watched, amused, as Fisher covertly called an all-clear to the rest of the security detail. A false alarm, but one that would amuse them for weeks to come. To see that items from the New Zealand raid made it all the way to the Lyran Commonwealth was a surprise and one to report to higher, but it was not an immediate threat.
Fisher stepped out of the sales room and scanned the surrounding expo floor. He spotted a lone member of the Tenth Skye Rangers as they hovered a meter or two away from the booth. He remembered his name: Jack. Fisher had met him while drones and hired union members set up the booth. He pegged the man as assigned additional security for Miss Barker, probably to ensure that the young noble couldn't get into too much trouble.
"Once again, I apologize for my behavior, Mister Jackson." Steiner bowed.
"I accept your apology, young lady." Jackson nodded in response. He turned to Cheryl, "Thank you for speaking to your sister."
"Think nothing of it, sir." Cheryl waved it off, "She can be a handful sometimes."
Jackson chuckled, "I'm sure, but I can understand the excitement." He pushed his DS forward to Steiner, both devices centimeters from one another, "I'll tell you how I got mine if you do the same, Joana."
The young royal took a breath to steady herself, "My mother gave it to me. It was taken from Motherlode by a pirate raid a few years ago and she got it thinking it was lostech. When it wasn't, she gave it to me as a birthday present."
Jackson nodded knowingly, "Makes sense. Mine has different story. Before my benefactors and I opened the factory on Helm, we were on Antallos opening negotiations with the new government there to supply them with agricultural vehicles for increased local crop yields. We managed to negotiate a successful contract, and as a gift they gave me this and a few games. Now I know what you're going to ask, do I have more games with me? Well, not on me right now. I may have some duplicates as that contract in Antallos has borne some fruitful contacts, but I don't know that I can loan them to you. If I did, I have no guarantee that you don't already have your copies, nor can I say how long before we could meet again."
Steiner pouted. She was so close, "Well, you're based on Helm, right? I could always go there—"
Cheryl choked and nearly spat out her words, "You'll go there after the Commonwealth conquers that world! Bad enough you're sneaking this far from home." She crossed her arms, "Maybe, if you asked nicely, you could borrow them then mail them back when you're done. I'm sure ComStar has rates for light items like that."
Jackson stroked his chin, "Seems decently reliable. I don't suppose you know what games you have at the moment?"
"Super Mario 64 DS, Ridge Racer DS, Spider-Man 2, Need for Speed: Underground 2—"
He put his hand up, "On second thought, could you write them all down for me?" He took out a pad of paper and a pen from under the desk and handed it across. She took it with enthusiasm and began to write out all her games from memory, "You know, you could send an HPG to Antallos and put in an order for some games, but the shipping costs may be prohibitive."
Steiner handed back the pad, filled with the games she had in her possession, "We can meet back tomorrow, deal?" She offered her hand.
Jackson shook it with amusement, "Tomorrow, then."
12 November 2008/3023/863 AS
"Managed to get the Basharate to talk to Nintendo." Fisher stated in the sealed John Deere break room, "The suits at that company aren't happy about us duplicating a few of the game carts that came from Earth, but they were convinced."
"Surprised they were able to convince them so quickly. Japanese companies are notoriously inflexible when it comes to IP." Jackson drew a small cart container from his jacket pocket along with a small toolkit, "This could be a good opportunity for us."
"How so?" The spook asked the regional president.
"Miss Barker is a part of the Federation of Skye." Jackson surmised, "After her outburst, a few other nobles from that region came, drawn in by the ruckus. I managed to secure a few contracts there. We build the business, we gain prestige, we build influence and profit. Less questions about our presence, more opportunities to expand."
"Operating out in the open." Fisher crossed his arms, "A higher profile opens doors but also puts more eyes on us. Our best work is done when no one else is watching."
"I beg to differ." Jackson countered with a smile, "I think we can do our best work when the eyes of the galaxy are upon us. With their focus on the company, who knows what we could get up to in the shadows?"
"Let's hope those eyes don't decide to bring a spotlight and guns."
Jackson checked his watch and glanced at the door, "Floor traffic is about to pick up. Come on."
Melissa Steiner did not feel comfortable in the dress she was made to wear for the day. Cheryl was adamant that she needed to make a better impression, and after the day previous she knew better than to cross her. Forced to acquiesce, Steiner still complained as it felt tight in certain places. A once over from Cheryl confirmed that the young woman had begun to blossom and despite Steiner's protests would not change out of the dress.
She approached the John Deere booth, thankful that she was permitted to carry a proper satchel bag that matched the dress. She preferred practicality but was versed enough at her age to understand that her position required some compromises to be made. A smile emerged on her face as she spotted David Jackson and the salesman that greeted them yesterday. It took a remarkable amount of restraint to not demand the exchange occur here and now, but the pleasantries of introduction and well wishes were necessary before negotiations could proceed. This kind of diplomacy was the same as what her tutors had attempted to teach her, it simply concerned something that she had a vested interest in. That fact was lost on her.
With the pleasantries aside they made their way to the sales room where they could speak in peace, her treasured device secure in her satchel soon be improved.
"Now," Jackson sat down behind the sales table and withdrew the cart container and a small toolkit, "I checked my collection and I have more than a few duplicates. Instead of a trade, I offer a gift. This is a collection of ten games and a toolkit to help you repair it in case it gets damaged. Also," he procured a packet of paper from below the sales desk, "this is a series of guides to help you in case it does get damaged. You may need to special order some of the parts if you can't find suitable replacements. In that case, you may as well just attempt to place an order through Antallos for a brand new one, but just in case."
Barker's eyes bulged at the offering before her, "I… I don't know what to say…"
"Like all things, this does come with a price, though not a monetary one." Jackson leaned forward and rested his elbows on the sales table, "If you could, I would appreciate it if you could put in a good word for us with the Federation of Skye."
Barker, still very excited, regained some of her composure, "Forgive me, Mister Jackson, but I don't know what good my word could have to sway Skye to adopt your machines."
"All I ask is that you put in a good word. We want to do business in the Lyran Commonwealth, and I think what we offer is quite competitive. Just give it some thought."
"I will." Barker sat up straight and collected the items before her. She extended her hand, "It's been a pleasure, Mister David Jackson."
He grasped it and gave a good shake, "It was a delight to meet you, Miss Joana Barker. I hope we meet again."
The Barker sisters departed the John Deere sales room with a bow. Jackson and Fisher returned the gesture. The pair then turned heel and gracefully exited the booth. Fisher turned to Jackson.
"I did a little digging on the young noble." Fisher whispered, "Joana Barker shows up in the source material."
Jackson motioned to the break room and the pair retreated within, "Melissa Steiner. I did my own research, Sam."
"Good." Fisher sat on the room's couch, "Then your move there was more deliberate than just a realm within the Commonwealth."
"The future Archon is going to be the glue that holds the Federated Commonwealth together."
Fisher nodded, "We need her, and we're going to need her alive."
Helmsdown Spaceport
Helm
Helm System, Free Worlds League Space
14 November 3023
Vice President Mirelle Jakart glared helplessly as another large grain shipment trundled before her ground car. The city's railroads had been absolutely inundated since her arrival the day previous. Casual inquiries from her people indicated this was normal during harvest seasons. This season was better than average. The result was tons upon tons of raw foodstuff to collect from around the world and deliver to this single starport where dozens of DropShips awaited their cargo. Those DropShips would then deliver to worlds unable to fully support themselves.
It was a vital, necessary part of the interstellar economy of the Inner Sphere. Each cog and gear worked together as an intricate machine of commerce to ensure that every world had everything they needed. It was Irian Technologies' goal to be a vital part of that machine, to be the device that set the pace of this interconnected economy and controlled the distribution of all forms of wealth. Jakart liked that analogy.
Trey Miller, her legal assistant, read over a missive sent from Stewart. The Solaris 'Inner Sphere AgriTech Exposition' proceeded as expected, with Defiance Industries their only real competition. The observations requested on their current target had come with little commentary. A detail stuck out to them both.
"They can fit an assembly line in a single Union?" Miller asked out loud, "That's preposterous. A full manufacturing facility runs in the kilotons, and one for AgroMechs would be orders of magnitude higher. I can see assembly being done on that DropShip with parts manufactured here on Helm, but what they're claiming is outrageous."
"Remember," Jakart responded, "they're not building 'mechs, Mister Miller. We must remember that. This company has eschewed ArgroMechs in favor of a more primitive technology, emphasizing ease of self-maintenance and expendability."
Miller shook his head, "Sure, but there are requirements of any manufacturing facility that need to be met. Yes, they could use the DropShip's fusion engine to provide power, but material storage and floor space requirements for tooling just don't work. The 'practical demonstration,'" his fingers in air quotes, "they perform daily at the expo has to be a deception of some sort. Also, the idea that they are encouraging local metalworkers to build their own replacement parts under a very generous license goes against everything that centuries of modern economics have taught us."
Jakart nodded. The idea that a company would willingly cut into their profits like that was corporate suicide. Why would they try to destroy themselves like that, and under Irian's nose no less? There was something here she missed, and it ate at her. They would arrive at the AgroMech factory in a little over an hour, traffic willing. Maybe more clues lay within.
John Deere AgroMech Factory
Miller led the way into the lobby, both to hold the door open for his superior and to get a good look at the company. He had no idea of what to expect, so he was surprised by what greeted him. Two drones hovered above them, unassuming but also intimidating. Such a new company would have a level of automation like this was a surprise. Two security guards held their posts at points in the room. Standard fare, as one never knew what to expect. The room itself shone with natural light; the tinted bay windows made it hard to see from the outside but also allowed light from the system's star to play across the two-story atrium in a well-designed measure of aesthetics. John Deere carried itself like a proper corporate entity, all investigations notwithstanding.
Jakart paused to adjust to the light before she strode with confidence to the reception desk, a curved design in the green that so dominated the John Deere brand. There a pair of receptionists worked, wireless headsets worn to direct calls that reached the desk to their appropriate destination. She knew how to handle such people. One raised their head and met her gaze with a welcoming smile.
"Hello there!" the receptionist greeted, "Welcome to the John Deere Factory. How can I help you?"
Miller handed across their credentials, "My name is Trey Miller, and this is Mirelle Jakart of Irian Technologies. We would like to speak with the person in charge."
The receptionist looked at the credentials and back at them, "Do you have an appointment?"
"No, we don't." Miller replied.
"I see." She motioned to the empty seats in the lobby, "Would you be so kind as to take a seat while we verify your credentials?"
Miller spine stiffened at that response, "Of course." He responded with some hesitation.
Jakart hid her fuming well. To make an appointment was for interacting with one's superiors as to not disturb them when they may be engaged in more important items. The sheer gall of these hicks to have her wait while they checked her credentials made her want to leave and summon a more… direct response. That would be a personal failing, and she couldn't have that. Instead, she forced herself into their perspective. A pair of people came up to them and demanded to speak to the person in charge, knowing full well that their president was absent. They introduced themselves as representatives of the largest megacorporation in the Free Worlds League, if not the Inner Sphere. Of course, they wouldn't believe them. If she were in their position, she would check as well. It was simply annoying to be on the other end of the interaction and deflated any dramatic entrance. It was much easier to get what you wanted when the other part was off balance than when they were prepared.
A pair of people approached from a door on the far side of the room. They were dressed in crisp suits, each adorned with a lapel pin of the John Deere logo.
The taller of the two introduced them, "Hello. My name is Rachel Meinrad, Territory Finance Manager here at our Helm factory. This is Damien Gerald, Project Manager for our Smart Connected team."
Miller stood up, "Trey Miller, Legal Attaché to the Vice President of External Independent Relations. This is Mirelle Jakart, Vice President of External Independent Relations for Irian Technologies. I must formally forward the displeasure of my superior and myself at the indignation we just received."
Gerald smiled, "We do apologize for that, but standard procedures must be followed."
Meinrad laced her fingers in front of her chest, "Now, shall we go to a more suitable location?"
"Please." Miller nodded and followed the pair of John Deere managers to a meeting room. It was another naturally lit room that overlooked the forest far beyond and allowed natural light. They sat on one end of the beautifully stained table. Miller and Jakart sat on the other.
"I understand you wished to speak to our president." Meinrad began, "He is currently away on business, but we are allowed to speak on his behalf."
Jakart cleared her throat, "We at Irian Technologies are very curious about our new neighbors on Helm. We wanted to get a gauge of your business, your products, that sort of thing."
Meinrad and Gerald looked at one another and back at Jakart before Gerald responded, "We see no problems with that. Would you care for a tour of the factory?"
"Of course."
It took less than fifteen minutes from arrival to tour, a mark in John Deere's favor. It showed preparedness for the unexpected. The tour began with the general offices. All work was handled electronically, on computers with slim two-dimensional displays. Some paperwork was present, but after some questions they found out it was only for archival purposes. For a company that sold what could only be described as primitive agricultural products they were a very digitized company. Jakart glanced behind at Miller. He had a pad of paper, a pen, and took notes quickly and efficiency. That would be useful for later. After a few minutes around the offices, they made their way to the factory floor. A couple of workers handed them hardhats and safety glasses. As they walked through each step, Miller diligently took notes. The manufacturing process was efficient and quite space efficient, unlike the previous owners they were told.
"How many vehicles do you make?" Jakart asked as they passed by a large tractor near the end of its assembly.
"A day?" Gerald stroked his chin, "We average about ten when demand is steady, but that can scale up depending on customer demand. Helm has been very good to us, and in previous months we've scaled up to thirty across our current models."
Jakart kept her surprise off her face. Ten a day, with the ability to scale further. Even the most efficient AgroMech factories could only produce one a month. To produce machines at such a rate, even so primitive, from a new company, it boggled her mind. After a tour of one of the production lines, they were lead to the factory proving grounds, where all models of their equipment were tested before approval. They offered the opportunity to drive a few of the models, which she accepted. The smaller models were straightforward, similar to any ground car in the Inner Sphere. The larger models required a bit of a tutorial, which Mister Gerald was more than happy to provide. A few minutes of instruction and she was off, albeit a bit awkwardly.
Afterwards, with minimal grime but a certain level of mud, Jakart and Miller had everything they needed. They bid their hosts good day and made their way back to Helmsdown. They had to do some more work on this company.
Conference Room, ISV Liet-Kynes
High Helm Orbit
16 November 863 AS/2008/3023
Bashar Maria Theresa Habsburg sat at the head of the table as she awaited the rest of the meeting attendees. The ISA's increased presence on Helm was something they needed to keep under wraps from the rest of the galaxy, and it seemed that Irian Technologies wanted to poke and prod around John Deere. The nonchalance of the company at the behest of the Systems Security Service seemed to produce more suspicion rather than allay it and that worried them.
One by one, the holographic images of each member of the meeting appeared around the table. Lieutenant Colonel Mayamiko Marek, Triple-S/CIA analyst Anna Grímsdóttir, John Deere Vice President David Jackson, and factory security commander Captain Kumari Vaishnavi. Habsburg brought up an image of the John Deere Factory in the center of the table and began the discussion.
"Alright, everyone," Habsburg began, "we've conducted a threat assessment of Irian Technologies after their surprise visit to the factory. From what we've gathered, they're interested in profitability. From ledgers obtained via HPG inquiry, they have a history of buying out their competition. They usually look for companies that have operated profitably for at least five years. Given that John Deere is only about two, their interest is suspect."
"They thought they could intimidate my staff." Jackson pointed out with a snort, "Come in, waggle their big corporate name and catch us off balance. Brought in their VP of 'External Independent Relations,' their corporate shark if I've to make any guesses."
"They're serious, alright." Grímsdóttir interjected, "Intel from Helmsdown indicates they've been digging for intel on the factory. They pulled up tax information, factory blueprints, terrain analysis, the list goes on."
Marek sighed, "They're gonna try to hit us, aren't they?"
"That's our best guess." Grímsdóttir replied.
"I was under strict orders not to flex muscle around the factory." Vaishnavi spoke, "Should I?"
"No." Habsburg shook her head, "We can't be caught with open patrols this far out in the middle of another sovereign nation. That's why your command wears unmarked uniforms, Captain."
"We have a list of potential mercenary commands we could expect to attack us here currently under the employ of IrTech." Marek reported as the holo-image changed to an extensive list, "If they plan on outright buying the factory, the battleplan would be one of a raid rather than destruction. These," the list shrank, "are who specialize in that kind of battle currently under their employ."
"They want to damage my factory to make me run to someone for financial assistance…" Jackson scratched his temple, "They then come in when we need money to rebuild. It's like a mafia tactic. We're business competitors, not at war for God sakes!"
"One of the results of unreliable FTL communication." Grímsdóttir pinched the bridge of her nose, "Jesus, imagine a company trying this on Earth."
"This is more common than you think, Ms. Grímsdóttir." Marek conceded, "This is simply corporate ruthlessness taken to its logical conclusion. Back in our home universe, mercenary forces were just as common as they are here, just with more action in space."
"Do you have a battleplan, Captain Vaishnavi?" Habsburg asked.
"Yes, Bashar." Vaishnavi changed the display back to the factory, zoomed out to the surrounding terrain, "The automated emplacements are all around, and they'll activate once there's a confirmed threat from the drones which will engage first. When the shooting starts, I'll deploy Alpha Company to the most immediate threat. They're a combined mech infantry and armored company. I'll keep aerospace on call if the situation deteriorates. This isn't Antallos. Beta Company will be in reserve, ready to deploy to any other hotspots or if Alpha needs the help. The factory's location is extremely favorable. The hills around the factory have hidden defenses that cover the road, and the cleared-out forest around the factory give us a couple hundred meters of good sightlines. Orbital sensors give us the upper hand. Even if they try to come from the wooded areas, we can hit them before they can get in range of us."
"I'll keep Delta Squadron on standby." Marek nodded, "I don't know how we'll explain this if it goes hot, though."
"Let me handle that." Grímsdóttir stated with authority, "I can work pretty well, especially when it comes to spoofing HPG traffic."
Iferouane Development Zone
Earth
Sol System, Independent Systems Alliance Space
29 November 2008/863 AS/3023
Places all over the planet underwent revitalization. Factories neglected for decades saw activity once more. Life flourished once more in wastelands once destroyed by rampant industrialization. There were no more radical changes than what had occurred in the most destitute.
Many of Earth's poorest nations had seen their fortunes turn over the past three years. The ever-neglected continent of Africa saw a surge of development unseen since the exploitative colonial era. Towns like Iferouane, once subject to roving warlords and population displacement were in the process of transformation. The airport, once a dust-covered disused piece of tarmac saw expansion into a small starport where supplies from all over the world and from Cradle passed through. The people were offered education and jobs as part of the development process. In two short years, Iferouane had expanded from a small town into a bustling center of commerce and trade. The nomadic Tuareg people had considered another bloody rebellion which would have started in Iferouane. Instead, the Coalition of Sovereign Nations offered amnesty, the ability of self-sufficiency, and most importantly semi-independence over their traditional lands in exchange for no attack and the dismantling of their system of slavery which existed into the modern day. Heated debate raged for weeks, but in the end the Tuareg accepted the terms. They understood to stand alone against the rest of the world was folly, and they had the opportunity to expand into the stars.
The town which once only held five-thousand people was now populated by over thirty-thousand, with more every day. Local construction firms had cropped up, aided by the CSN and their ISA benefactors, and expanded the habitation capacity with modern ISA-type architecture. Buildings designed to naturally deflect the heat of the sub-Sahara were commonplace, as were the ever-growing presence of Inner Sphere and Earth-designed DropShips at the spaceport. Fusion-powered civilian off-road vehicles were tested on the town's outskirts by brand-new local brands. The government of Niger was more than happy to accept the direct aid of the ISA to help foster local businesses in their effort to diversify industry all over the world and allow countries with little notable international commercial presence a chance to compete and even grow.
It was not all smooth sailing, however. Tensions still simmered between the traditionally nomadic peoples of the Tuareg and the governments in which their people live. Centuries of tradition and differences would not be settled overnight, but Iferouane was an example that they could live in peace. The scramble for resources on Earth was in its twilight.
Azami Quarter, Port Kirin
Antallos
Antallos System, Independent Systems Alliance Provisional Space
A similar story played out on Antallos. The Azami who decided to brave the pilgrimage to visit Earth had carved out a strong alliance with the ISA. Azami businesses, tradespeople, even the spark of industry, thrived in their part of Port Kirin. They utilized the ruins of the old city, rebuilding and repurposing the stout materials of the Star League era in a new home for their people. Their mercenary commands trained side-by-side with the First Combined Army, machines long due for maintenance were improved beyond those who used them remembered. Some were even formally folded into the Foreign Legion, that command expanded to fit its name. There was still some friction as the Free Azami were a fiercely independent people, but the freedoms under the ISA helped alleviate tensions, as did Colonel Aladdin Al Azim. The former Free Azami officer helped ISA brass navigate the clan systems and culture of the Azami, and was a beacon that origin mattered not in the hierarchy of the ISA.
Though technically an independent part of the city, the Azami quarter was just as developed after two years. The technological assistance allowed the people to live comfortably without fear of attack. The closest hostile city-states were hundreds of kilometers away, and the once frequent military patrols had waned significantly. Pilgrimages to Earth were organized every quarter, with thousands screened and permitted to visit Mecca, an event they and their ancestors would have deemed impossible after the fall of the Star League. The sight of the Kaaba, erased from Terra, was an affirmation of their faith. Islam in this form had not been present in ISA society for centuries, and both Earth and the Free Azami taught them valuable lessons about religions seldom practiced in an exceedingly long time.
Colonel Al Azim wandered the Azami quarter, free from his responsibilities for the day. Though his position was important as the current executive officer of the First Combined Army, he travelled free of bodyguards here. Unbeknownst to him, both the Azami and the ISA had both assigned plainclothes security details careful not to tread on one another's toes. He stopped at a street food vendor and picked up a kebab. He had a social call with some of the leaders of the Free Azami. Though a simple dinner, his experience over the years knew to expect informal negotiations of some kind. The leadership wanted more opportunity to prove themselves, to show the independent spirit of their people. The ISA did not enforce conformity, indeed they encouraged diversity, but the military hierarchy was different in the Free Azami. Many units fought with their Clans, something that had to be drilled out when they joined the Foreign Legion. Though this cohesiveness was desirable, it also lead to a lack of flexibility with what units could be deployed with whom. This would be a point to bring up at dinner later.
Still, with everything that had happened, the Free Azami were freer than they ever had been in their history. He hoped that this prosperity would last for years to come.
DropShip Semper Fi
En Route to Helm
Helm System, Free Worlds League Space
1 December 3023
Major Fi stood in front of the holo-table in the modified Mule. Her bald, scarred visage held witness to many battles and this one had the stink of everything that had gone wrong in the past. It was a simple raid for her company's employers, a show of force. All they had to do was land, shoot up the target, then withdraw. It promised to be an easy job. Too easy, and that was the problem.
They had gotten the word on Stewart a week prior. The raid was go, so they headed off. The company DropShip was heavily modified to hold more military material, a necessity given their profession. She looked over to her XO Captain Intira Lawan, a former employee of Irian Technologies allowed to 'retire' to her command after exemplary service in defense of IrTech assets from Combine-based competitors. Fi was always thankful for his input. They had a system: both would analyze a situation independently and compare their plans of action. This approach served them well over the years as their combined analysis probably saved their lives more times than they could count.
"What's your take?" Fi asked.
"Our employers have stated that they've secured the inaction of the local garrison," she began, "but we'll need to remind our people who to direct their fury upon. Besides that, the hardest part will be getting to the target itself. We can't land anywhere closer than the port, so we'll have to contend with the quagmire that's harvest time. I recommend reserving a lance of our heavier 'mechs to cover us and ensure the locals stay cooperative. Our recon lance can hit the target. We'll want to put one of our fighters in the air for recon."
"Agreed." She leaned over the holo table and compared it to the printed map in her hands, covered in notes, "We've got no intel on defensive capability. No records of a raid made against this place before, thanks to its status as an AgroMech factory with no fusion generator production."
"That means the defenders will be untested. Best guess, what do you think they'll bring?"
"This kind of factory that makes tractors? If I were in their shoes, I'd bring a company of infantry and have some static defenses. The hills here provide good coverage on the approaching road and a great view to direct LRM fire. The woods around the factory end at least two hundred meters away, which give them fantastic sightlines. We're gonna wanna try and hit them from the woods, probably the east side. It's at least got some paths for us to use." She shook her head, "I hate this place already, and I haven't even landed there yet… The woods also slow us down and if they know they're gonna be hit, we'll be tangled up in there while fire rains all around us. Whoever built this place made sure that it was protected from ground assault."
"Definitely. We should keep our vehicles along the road back to Helmsdown. The garrison might do something to keep up appearances for the locals, though they have their orders not to."
"Right. Now who do you think…"
Command Information Center, Freeport-One
Helm
5 December 863 AS/2008/3023
"Sir," sensors called, "we have movement at the starport."
"Bring it up." Lieutenant Colonel Marek commanded.
"Displayed now."
The holo-table showed Mule-class DropShip disgorging 'mechs and vehicles. They moved with purpose, organized for an objective. The local militia forces had not responded, which meant only one of two things: these were here to supplement the existing garrison, or they were told not to interfere. The readings showed eight 'mechs and a number of armored vehicles. The larger 'mechs were identified as mediums, a Wolverine, a Whitworth, a Vindicator, and a Centurion. The smaller light 'mechs were identified as a Valkyrie, a Stinger, a Panther, and a Commando. The vehicles numbered at least a combined armor company. There were also a pair of aerospace craft that circled lazily above the Mule.
"Comms, contact the factory. Issue evacuation orders and ensure that Mister Jackson is secure."
"Sir," the comms officer replied, "the principal has already been secured and the civilians have already been evacuated."
"Good to see Captain Vaishnavi moving quickly. Get Delta Squadron on standby."
"Yes, sir."
One Kilometer Outside of the John Deere Factory
Captain Vaishnavi checked the information uplink from the security of their Ix tank. They spread Alpha Company over a kilometer in hull down positions along the anticipated line of advance, with themselves in the center of the line. The automated defenses were ready to receive the signal when the enemy got in range. Drones had their targets marked and were ready to engage as soon as they crossed into the 'dead zone.' If they were to guess, they would perform recon with their aerospace assets and probe the defenses with the light 'mech squad before they committed the vehicles and medium 'mechs. The road approach was death, as the hills provided great positions for them. The woods from the south were the most direct approach, but also the densest, thus would slow the advance to a crawl. The only viable option was the eastern woods as the forest was younger and there were some paths already carved by sporadic vehicle traffic. The omnipresent eyes in orbit would give them the final direction, but the hull down positions that overlooked the eastern approach was the best initial spot for Alpha Company.
"Freeport-One to Alpha-One, over." The voice of Lieutenant Colonel Marek came over comms.
"Alpha-One to Freeport-One, send, over." Vaishnavi replied.
"Confirmed two birds incoming, over."
"Roger that."
"Hold on, scratch that." The muffled thud of multiple explosions rang above the tanks, "Both birds have been splashed. Skies are clear. Good hunting."
"Thank you, sir. Alpha-One over and out."
Fi knew the job was presented as too easy. Before they had even reached the outskirts of the combat zone, her command's two aerospace fighters were destroyed. There were no contacts on the scope, no indication of where the fire came from. One minute ago, they reported nothing as they passed over the factory. The next, they were gone.
"Do we know where that fire came from?" she called over comms.
"No idea, ma'am." XO Lawan responded, "I think they both ejected, but we're not sure."
"Damnit." She brought up the command interface, "Alright, new plan. Lawan, bring the scout lance to the eastern edge of the forest and advance. We'll be in direct support. Birch, swing a light lance of vehicles and approach from the south. Open fire as soon as you see a glimmer of the factory. We need their eyes off us. The woods should give you enough cover to reposition after a volley."
She willed her Wolverine away from the defensive post and fell in a couple hundred meters behind the scout lance. The rest of her lance followed as a light vehicle lance also broke from their defensive position to carry out her orders.
"Look at that." Vaishnavi noted to themselves, "Just as predicted." They watched the orbital feed as the 'mechs advanced to the eastern edge of the forest. They spotted a platoon of light vehicles headed to the southern edge, "Diversionary force. I see. We'll let the emplacements handle that problem." They switched their comms to Alpha Company's channel, "Alpha, prepare to engage. Confirmed eight 'mechs approaching from the east. Check your targets, try not to overkill the light 'mechs. Good hunting, people."
Major Fi tread carefully behind the scout lance, taking care to leave a couple hundred meters between. Years of experience showed her the results of tightly grouped units and how quickly they could be wiped from the face of a world. The mission was a nightmare scenario already. They were headed in blind, their recon pass destroyed by… something. No fighters meant no intelligence. The only information gained was that whoever ran the factory was prepared. The twinge of fear crept up her spine. Fear of the unknown, fear of death, familiar companions in battle. This, this fear was colored differently. She couldn't put her finger on it, but she didn't have time to.
"Fire!"
"On the way!"
The gunner squeezed the trigger. Synchronized with the other eight Ix tanks of the company, rail slugs were accelerated to a fraction of the speed of light. Each shot found purchase and knocked off legs, arms, torsos. The pilots of the light lance heard and felt each impact as they were systematically torn to shreds under the coordinated fire. Metal shattered, joints snapped, and in that moment the light lance was rendered useless.
"'Mech, one o'clock." Vaishnavi called to the gunner.
"Identified."
"Fire!"
"On the way!"
Fi watched the light lance disappear under a hail of fire. She couldn't see from where, the woods hemmed in her visual field, but the fire control radar blipped with the approximate location of those who destroyed the scout lance. Sensors noted sixteen unique fire positions, all well out of her effective range. She had no time to respond as the fire that cut down her comrades found her. Instinctively, she hit the jumpjets and angled herself back. She hoped that the sudden movement would throw off the enemy's shots and maybe she would come out of this alive. Her lance, save the unlucky Centurion, had the same idea and jumped just moments after her.
One shot found purchase and tore off her right arm. Her primary weapon was now another piece of scrap on the battlefield. She was lucky. The Whitworth and Vindicator lost parts of their torso, while the Centurion was rendered useless when four rounds cleaved off both legs and an arm. The situation was hopeless. The best she could do now was retreat.
"All units, fall back to the rendezvous point!" She called over the comms, "Birch, we need smoke! Give us cover with the LRM carriers!"
"Negative, Major!" Birch responded, panicked, "The LRMs were wiped out by a battery on the hill! They never even got a shot off!"
"Goddamnit!" Fi's mind raced, "Marko, fire smoke from your LRMs! We need to get the hell outta here!"
"Alpha-One, this is Beta-One, over." Lieutenant Jessie Panagiota called over comms.
"Alpha-One. Go ahead, over."
"We're in position for cleanup, over."
"Hold, over."
"Roger that." A few thuds and explosions echoed a few hundred meters away.
"Sweep up the vehicles, round up the survivors. We'll do the same with the 'mechs, over."
"Roger. Over and out." She switched comms to her company, "All units, we're cleaning up the vehicles. Vernius drivers, prepare to pick up prisoners. Let's roll. Beta-One over and out."
Her Ix roared forward down the road to engage what enemy remained and capture the survivors. The drones did much of the hard work and sowed chaos among the ranks of the interlopers. She chuckled to herself as she thought about how uneven the fight was. She was a former Greek officer who quickly adapted to the ISA's methods of warfare. It was so very similar to modern methods, just more closely integrated. She had a real-time feed from orbital assets, drones, factory perimeter sensors, enough to overload any soldier. She was thankful for her training and the assistance of the onboard virtual intelligence. She was brought back to reality by the beep of an enemy vehicle on her scope.
"Gunner, tank, twelve o'clock!" She called.
"Identified!"
"Fire!"
"On the way!"
One by one, Lieutenant Hiram Birch's company was torn apart. His lightly armored scout lance was supposed to draw fire away from the 'mechs. Instead, they were obliterated shortly after the 'mechs came under fire. This factory was supposed to be run by an agricultural firm. They didn't even use fusion engines in their designs. How they were able to not only scrape together enough money for a professional defense, but one so well versed in warfare? They had swatted their fighters from the sky, they had engaged from ranges he thought were inconceivable. They didn't even have a chance to respond! They struck from over two kilometers away, and whatever fired the missiles that shredded up the scout lance were in the sky somewhere, undetected.
His attention snapped back to the present as another missile volley and a tank round rocked his Tiger tank took out two more vehicles.
"Shit!" He instinctively grabbed his helmet, "Driver, push it! Gunner, load smoke! Fire when ready!"
Without hesitation, the gunner switched the ammo in the SRM-4 to smoke warheads and fired in front of them. A second later, the warheads exploded. He prayed that whoever or whatever shot at them would have a tougher time through the smoke. A round cracked past the turret, just a meter away from impact. A missile went wild and exploded right behind them.
He changed channels on his comms, "All survivors, pop smoke if you've got it!" He checked a periscope and watched as over a dozen smoke warheads burst in front and around them. It was their last chance, their only chance to escape. His company, reduced to seven vehicles, beat a hasty retreat and hoped to link up with his commander. If she was gone, who would the company fall to?
"Barker-One to Archer-One!" He shouted over the radio, "Barker-One to Archer-One, come in!"
"Ar- On- -o Ba-r –e!" The garbled response came back, "Fa-l b—k, I re-ea-, -al- -ack!"
"Shit!" he muttered to himself. He blinked hard and made his decision, "Driver, full speed to the Major's last position! Gunner, how many smokes do we have left?"
"Two volleys, sir!" they yelled back.
"That'll have to be enough. Prepare volley!" He switched his comms one last time, "Company, on me! Prep smoke!"
Lieutenant Colonel Marek watched the holo-table as the battle played out. It was clear that the enemy assault had failed. What remained of their force was on the run. He noted that they remained composed under fire. Though they had suffered greatly at the hands of Vaishnavi's companies, they kept rank and used whatever they had to get fire off them. Their use of IR smoke temporarily spoofed ISA sensors and threw off the shots of the vehicles and drones in pursuit. Three 'mechs managed to survive the savage beating his soldiers dished out and were limping away from the fight. It looked to him that what vehicles were left had an objective. They turned off the road and looked to link up with the surviving 'mechs.
Gods, I wish I were authorized to use heavier ordinance here. Marek thought to himself, We could cut them off completely. Though…
"Comms, get Captain Vaishnavi on." He ordered.
"Yes, sir."
"Alpha-One, this is Freeport-One, over."
"Freeport-One, Alpha-One." Vaishnavi responded, "Go ahead, over."
"You are to secure the surrender of the enemy. Get them to stand down, over."
"Alpha-One copies. Moving to intercept. Over and out."
Marek watched as Vaishnavi's vehicles broke cover and began to close the distance. It wasn't long now…
Vaishnavi switched to a known open Inner Sphere channel, "This is Captain Vaishnavi to the survivors of this raid. Exit your vehicles, power down your 'mechs, and lay down your arms. Failure to comply will mark you as an active combatant and we will act accordingly. Acknowledge, over." The seconds were tense as their tank company sped to the position, ready for anything. Beta Company was hot on the heels of the vehicles and herded them towards the 'mechs. If things went completely sideways, as a collective they could eliminate the threat.
"Th—Ma- -i -…"
Vaishnavi recognized damaged equipment when she heard it. She issued a mental command to the onboard VI to clean up and help interpret the garbled signal.
"Send again, over."
Major Fi's mind raced. Her 'mech was badly damaged, her support was evaporating, and those that repelled her attack were closing. Her options were few. She saw what vehicles remained were seconds away and ready to whisk her lance out of there. Unfortunately, if they made it back, not only would they report a failure it would be the end of her career. She would have to disband the company as who would hire a command with no functional 'mechs? There was also no guarantee of escape. Whoever shot at them was very good at their job and could engage from ranges she thought impossible. What choice did she have? Did she really want to sacrifice everyone's lives for this?
"This is Major Fi." She called again over comms, "My equipment is damaged, but…" She paused a moment. This is not how she imagined her career ending, but unfortunately that came with the job, "I will issue the surrender command as efficiently as I can. Please don't shoot. Over."
"We will give you a couple of minutes to comply, over."
"Acknowledged. Over and out."
Major Fi initiated power down procedure and punched the button which opened her cockpit. She climbed down carefully. She was battered enough as it was. Birch's tank pulled up right beside her. She made her way to the infantry telephone on the rear hull.
"Birch," she sighed, "I need to use your radio."
"Make it quick, ma'am." Came the response, "They're right on top of us."
She gingerly clambered up the side to the commander's cupola where Lieutenant Birch had taken off his helmet to hand to her. She nodded, donned the Lieutenant's helmet, and began to speak.
"This is Major Fi." She announced, "We're surrendering, guys. They got us in a corner, and I think we have a better chance of living if we surrender. Power down everything and come out with hands up. I'm sorry." She switched channels to her DropShip, "Fi to the Semper Fi. Leave as quickly as possible. Report our capture and mission failure. It was an honor to serve with all of you. Fi out."
She glanced at Lieutenant Birch who still gave her a salute. She replied in kind and handed back his helmet. He retreated into the tank to shut everything down.
Marek watched the feed as Vaishnavi's companies carefully surrounded the last of the raiders. All the Ix tanks and most of the Vernius IFVs were in overwatch as two Vernius' approached. The enemy vehicles and 'mechs began to show signs of deactivation. Heat signatures fell, and human figures began to exit with their hands up. It was organized, proper, unlike some of the messier engagements on Antallos. Whoever led them were professionals, like some of the mercenaries that hit Earth. The IFVs closed in, took up close overwatch, and unloaded two platoons of infantry.
"Sir, incoming message from Bashar Habsburg." Comms reported.
"Put her through." He turned about to face the materialized image of his superior officer, "Ma'am."
"Colonel." She nodded as she faced the holo-table, "Captain Vaishnavi did a hell of a job out there."
"Best result we could've hoped for, ma'am."
"I note you have some space here for prisoners, Marek."
He glanced about the CIC at the concerned faces around him, "We do, ma'am, but I would advise against that. We don't want to break cover, especially when we don't know what we're gonna do with this people afterwards."
She shrugged in response, "Understandable, but where else are we to keep them? I don't want them aboard. That introduces potential complications. I'd rather them on-world. If the source material is correct, we can ransom them to their people."
"Depends on who they are. If I were to guess, they're probably a mercenary force. If this attack is what I think its for, then Irian funded it. I don't think they'd be willing to buy them back after such a catastrophic loss."
"We won't know until after questioning." She turned to face him, "Ensure quarters are prepared for the prisoners and keep a close watch. A security breach in the middle of a hidden base on a distant world is not something we want to deal with."
"Aye, ma'am."
Office of the Supreme Bashar
Silverfish Station
"The Bubble," Interuniversal Space
10 December 863 AS
It was only a matter of time, and he knew it. If his old friend, mentor, and superior officer reappeared after so many years there had to be a reason why. Merlow leaned back in his chair and thought of the implication of such a revelation. Over five decades had passed since the LSV Artemis departed from Silverfish Station for a tour of the multiverse. They would leave signs, signals, and updates over the years, but never direct contact. Never did they reveal their location as brashly as they did nearly two years ago. The question nagged at him: Why? Why reveal themselves now? What changed? It was a question pondered by himself and the upper echelon of the ISA. The reason for his disappearance had never been disclosed to him or the rest of his contemporaries. The mission document was sealed in the now nonexistent headquarters of the former Liberty Navy.
This was a man who always had plans for nearly every possibility, save perhaps the apocalyptic eviction of humanity from the Sirius Sector. Even in that tumultuous year, the Artemis never reappeared. The years following were no different, just data packets and progress reports to Silverfish. The transmissions helped guide the Migrant Fleet in the decades of meandering that followed. Many of the discoveries that ensured their survival were credited to the information provided by the Artemis, though they never returned for refit or resupply. Cerun never returned to the fold. Merlow closed his eyes, leaned back, and delved into the past.
"Well," a voice interrupted his reverie, "looks like I got the drop on you again."
Merlow's eyes flew open. Across his desk was the holographic image of the man on his mind, "Cerun."
"Long time no speak, Robert." Cerun's image sat across from him with a drink in hand, "It's been far too long."
Merlow sat up, "About time." He summoned a glass of water on his desk and took a sip, "To what do I owe the pleasure, Fleet Admiral?"
Cerun chuckled, "That rank's retired, you did it yourself." He sipped on his own drink, "As to why I'm here, well, it certainly isn't simply to reminisce."
"After all these years you emerge from the dark. I've been meaning to thank you for the guidance you've left for us over the last few decades."
"Let's save that for later, yeah?" Cerun pulled out a tablet and the desk's holo-display flared to life, "I have a proposal for you."
Merlow cocked an eyebrow, "What would that be?"
"You remember the group I personally formed during my tenure as Fleet Admiral, correct?"
"How could I forget the fabled 'Omicron Company?' That particular asset I dissolved and folded into the other branches of the ISA."
"I know. It served its purpose back then, and I have a sneaking suspicion you need something like it now."
"Elaborate."
"Deniable assets that can be deployed all over. Admittedly, there's a whole lot more players to worry about now, but that's why I think it's high time to reestablish such a group."
"Marcus is already establishing the Triple-S, Tessa and Tom are doing just fine in the space and land departments. Why do we need such a thing again?"
"Consider this," the holo-display changed to a rendering of a stylized lotus petal, "Tommy-boy's old command, the Black Lotus Battalion. His insights working for all sorts before he signed on with the Liberty Navy bolstered our intelligence and military capability in strategic, operational, and tactical capacities in regards all those he worked with and against. Of course, that edge faded as the BLB no longer existed. Now what if we were to revive the Black Lotus Battalion?"
The neurons fired, "You're thinking of doing what the Clans already tried to do."
"You'll have to fill me in on that. Anyway," Cerun changed the image to one of the iconic 'mechs of the Inner Sphere, the Marauder, "a new mercenary company, under the direct command of… what did you replace the Admiralty Board with?"
"The Bashar Council, or the Basharate."
"Always need to leave your mark on it, don't you? Yes, a mercenary company under the direct command of the Basharate can test new technology in the field, gather intelligence on the factions of the Inner Sphere, and be a billboard for the ISA's export technology all the while. I'm sure your people have already put some 'mechs into action here."
"That's… an interesting proposal. Who would lead such a unit? I can't put Tom back on that, his responsibilities have expanded far beyond just commanding a battalion."
Cerun simply grinned at him.
"You." Merlow was deadpan, "You're career navy. How the hell are you going to lead a mercenary unit?"
"I've been on board the Artemis for half a century, not to mention that we're both experts at asymmetric warfare since VP Scott tried to have us killed. I've been around, Rob."
Merlow rapped his fingers on the desk, "I'll talk to the rest of the Basharate. I don't know how Tom will feel about you using his old company's name, not to mention the rest of them."
"Fine by me." Cerun tapped on his tablet and deactivated the holo-imager, "Oh, can you also grant me access to the relevant files on this universe? Bullshit and comms intercepts only get me so far."
"Sure." Merlow issued a mental command to unlock access to the archives to Cerun and the Artemis, "Welcome back, Kev. You're right. It's been too damn long."
Office of the Basharate
Port Kirin Administration Building, Antallos
Antallos System, Independent Systems Alliance Provisional Space
22 December 863 AS
"I'm sorry, let me get this straight," Serov rubbed the bridge of his nose as he sat on the office couch, "Not only is the old bastard back, but he also wants to revive my old merc company and take them galivanting around the Inner Sphere to test our tech and gather intel on the players?"
"That's the idea, yes." The holographic image of Merlow responded, sat at one of the desk chairs, "I've spoken with him some more after he reviewed the files on the Inner Sphere from the archives and he was even more determined that such a unit was necessary."
"'Such a unit' carries much risk." Nagato observed across from Merlow, "The good Admiral has operated independently for fifty-two years. We give him carte blanche to operate as he sees fit and who knows what consequences that will have."
"Not to mention Cerun himself." Scarman's image stroked his chin next to Nagato, "I know it was him and his crew that provided the guidance over the years to keep us alive but he represents far too many variables. Staying away for so long, only sending data, no confirmation on his original mission, I don't know what to make of it. He's never steered us wrong, but he never explained himself. I don't know if we can trust him."
"We served with him for decades, Marcus." Merlow protested.
"He's been wandering the void longer than we served together previously," Testarossa's image interjected next to Serov, "Caution is warranted. I admit, I'm intrigued by the idea, a unit that directly answers to us with the flexibility to do what is necessary…"
"Trust." Scarman reiterated, "It's about trust. We need to know that we can rely on him."
"I agree with Marcus, unfortunately." Norrington spoke up as he leaned on a bookcase, "We're lucky it's all us Liberty alumni here. We know him the best. On the one hand, he led us out of the coup attempt and put down that traitor and his supporters. If it weren't for Cerun, I doubt we would be discussing this today. However, half a century is a long time to be out in the void. We don't know what he's been up to for fifty years, we can't know his motivations for wanting to return after all this time."
"Very valid, everyone." Merlow nodded, "I wouldn't think of unconditional terms. We need to know what Cerun and the Artemis have been up to for the past half century. We'll need to download everything, conduct interviews with the crew, give them a proper debriefing after all this time."
"You gave him access to the archives unconditionally." Nagato observed, "Do you think that wise, sir?"
"Access to all BattleTech, MechWarrior, and related items." Merlow clarified, "They've already been distributed all over Earth, Cradle, and our people. He does not have access to the rest of it. It said so in the briefing."
"Still," Serov pushed on that, "you gave him a lot of information. The Cerun we knew was not a rash man, but he was a man of action and efficiency. We know he has contingencies upon contingencies, just like we do."
"All the more reason to have him back in the fold and on our side." Merlow insisted, "We allow the creation of a reborn Black Lotus unit. We equip them, we set objectives, and we keep an eye on them." Scarman began to open his mouth as Merlow pointed at him to cut him off, "I know what you're gonna say, Marcus: We shouldn't advertise our gear so blatantly in a brand-new unit. I agree, but there is no better field test than active combat operations well away from us. Let the Inner Sphere wonder where another 'Wolf's Dragoons' came from. We deploy them far away from our interests as to not interfere with official operations. We can't directly observe how the rest of the Sphere fights, but they can. The Houses major and minor need every gun they can afford. If some of the equipment ends up on the battlefield, it will self-terminate. Besides, we already have licensing agreements in progress with a Periphery nation. They'll see new designs in the wild sooner rather than later."
"Doesn't mean we should rush it." Testarossa emphasized, "If suddenly a bunch of equipment that IS computers can't identify appear in one company, wouldn't that be suspicious?"
"More suspicious than the appearance of the Dragoons?" Merlow countered, "Space is a big place, and to be fair this corner of the galaxy, while much more occupied than we're used to, still has a lot of places lost and unexplored. Rumors and hearsay are the norm, thanks to the state of FTL communications. Let me emphasize, Cerun would not be getting a blank check here."
"If he wants to come back, let's get him back before making a decision." Scarman proposed, "Get him to come to Cradle, conduct a proper debriefing, pour over the data from the Artemis."
Merlow shrugged with a half-hearted smile, "Okay. First, let's get him in a meeting and talk. If he really wants to come back, then we tell him our conditions. Can we all agree to arranging a meeting?" Almost in unison, the Bashars in attendance nodded, "Glad to see it. Tom, Tessa, Marcus, I'll let you know when we have a solid appointment. The rest of you will be informed of the results. Given nothing else, I believe this meeting is adjourned."
Everyone rose to their feet and saluted. Merlow's image disappeared from the room.
Serov shook his head, "My instincts are screaming that we're missing something here." He collapsed back on the couch.
"That's an understatement." Scarman replied, "I have a feeling that it's simply a lack of information. Hopefully a meeting will help alleviate such concerns."
"I honestly hope so." Testarossa gave a half-hearted smile, "It'd be nice to not worry about this."
"If only." Nagato walked to the door, "There are a lot of moving pieces here. I say we do what we can with what we have. The most relevant asset is time. We leverage that."
"Agreed." Norrington nodded, "We'll handle things on Antallos. I'm sure you'll want to dedicate significant time to this, Tommy."
"Yeah." Serov scoffed, "If he wants to use my old company name, he's gonna represent us right."
Buron Cavalry Administration Facility
International Training Center, California, Earth
Sol System, Independent Systems Alliance Space
1 January 3024/864 AS/2009
A new year, a new set of challenges. The Cav had received a request from the ISA top brass to write up a training program based on their unit. It was an unusual request, but one of many from a variety of sources. The Izhmash Industrial Association and Heckler and Koch were interested in consultancy work from their armorers and gunsmiths. The Foreign Legion's expansion facilitated a need to expand recruitment efforts on Antallos and Earth. They had millions in c-bills worth of equipment orders being delivered. Licensing agreements with companies across Earth were underway for access to their new designs, along with a deal to fund the reinstatement of a couple factories in the United States to produce these designs, most notably the General Dynamics MacArthur Main Battle Tank. The Buron Cavalry's economic success completely turned their fortunes around. Instead of a struggling mercenary company on the verge of constant collapse, they had emerged as a premiere player in the ever-expanding ISA defense industry. Colonel Andreas Staedele had to hire outside consultants to help his people understand the intricacies of the business world. He lamented the split of focus, but understood the new reality that his company was in.
Commander Carson Carl, the Cav's newest ISA liaison officer entered Staedele's office. Within he found the Colonel hard at work on his desktop computer.
"Commander," Staedele greeted, visibly exasperated, "please tell me you're here to help me trudge through all this paperwork."
Carl shook his head with a smile, "Sir, you know you should probably let your secretarial staff sort through all this."
"Remind me to hire more people." Staedele stretched as he leaned back in his chair, "How the hell do you people do it? I'm struggling with what the Earth folks call a startup and you all have an interstellar nation. Sure, two worlds, but things seem so seamless."
"A literal army of people and VIs." Carl sat down across from Staedele, "Commercially available VIs are becoming available now. Baidu and Microsoft have had great success in creating their own. If that's not your speed, you could always apply to MSI for a VI management suite."
"I'll add that to the ever-expanding list of things to take care of." He retrieved his water bottle and took a long drink, "What's with this request from your brass?" he handed across a tablet.
Carl examined it closely, "A training program… Fascinating. I couldn't tell you. The brass has all sorts of stuff going on up there spread across stations, ships, worlds, the works. My job is to make sure that your company is well integrated into the military machine."
"I'll kick this downstairs. Ned and the others can handle this." He looked over other items on his monitor, "I want your opinion on something, Carson."
"Sure, Colonel."
"Me and my people have been offered the opportunity to receive ISA cybernetics. From what I understand, all members of the ISA proper have these implants done to enhance combat capability and enhance integration with your technology."
"It's a hell of an advantage, sir."
"No doubt. If you were in my position, a semi-independent, what would you do?"
Carl shrugged, "I'm quite biased, but I'd jump on it. Your business is combat. Being more capable of conducting your business seems like the most optimal thing to do. Even with nonnetworked tech, the advantages are immense. You're simply more capable with a much higher ceiling of ability."
"Would we lose our independence, Carson? Would we be so closely integrated into your society that we can't exist outside of it?"
Carl thought about the questions, "Things are easier in our society with such technology… I know I don't need to plug into anything to recharge, I don't need any sort of external assistance to live. I simply have access to the wider network with a thought. From what I've experienced, it's an expansion of what we're capable of."
Staedele considered Carl's insights, "I appreciate your candor, Carson, thanks."
"For us it's a routine procedure, one expected of every person in the ISA regardless of social standing or employer. I can understand the misgivings of someone on the outside looking in."
He looked lower on the monitor and scrolled down, "Oh, missed this one. Looks like we've received our shipment of Ix tanks and Vernius IFVs. Wait, hold on…" he leaned in and squinted at the screen, "What the hell is a PA-500 Erinyes and why were we shipped a hundred of the things?"
Buron Cavalry 'Mech Hangar
Arrayed neatly next to 'mechs left on Earth by the Cav were sixteen Ix Main Battle Tanks and sixteen Vernius Infantry Fighting Vehicles. Behind them were crates and crates of equipment. A large majority of it was marked PA-500 and was not ordered by the Buron Cavalry. Marie Staedele paced the 'mech catwalk, scratched her head and wondered.
"Did they ship us something by accident?" she asked no one as she reviewed the manifest and invoice. Her invoice clearly stated that the Cav paid for the Ix and Vernius shipment, but MSI included one hundred units of PA-500 Erinyes.
"It's no accident, Ms. Staedele." A voice responded from the other end of the hangar. A woman dressed in a smart suit emerged with a retinue of technicians, "Sorry these were sent with no notice."
Staedele descended from the catwalk and extended her hand, "You have me at a disadvantage…"
"Doctor Carina Brewer." She grasped her hand firmly and gave it a shake, "I was sent by Malakitona State Industries to oversee the field trials of Erinyes power armor."
"That's gotta be some kind of hyperbole, right?" Staedele looked at the field of crates.
"Not in the slightest. You're the first military unit in the ISA to receive the brand-new PA-500 Erinyes for field trials."
"Power armor." Staedele stated in disbelief, "Not just some kind of exoskeleton, a fully encased armored suit for infantry."
"Correct." Brewer motioned for Staedele to follow her, "See, the ISA has employed a form of this in one way or another for the entire existence of the modern form of the nation but never mass-produced. We have armored space suits, bespoke units for specialized applications, but we've never had the need for production on such a scale before. That's where these come in." She motioned to an opened crate. It revealed an unblemished desert camouflage painted suit of armor, "We sent over enough kits for a full company, along with spare parts. We want to see if they perform like they do in the simulations."
"What?"
"Now, we understood that introducing new training methodology would be difficult, so we wrote up a suggested regimen and application ideas for where this kind of armored infantry would be useful." She handed across a tablet, "I know you handle the maintenance side of things and run the 'mech bay so I'm sure the manual would be of use to you."
She took the tablet from the doctor, "Thanks." She looked around, "Does my husband know these are here?"
"Good question. I don't know. Anyways, would you like a rundown on the specs?"
Staedele blinked, "Sure."
"Let me see…" Brewer dug around the crate and extracted multiple pieces of foam to expose more equipment within, "Ah, let's start here…"
Two hours later the inner circle of the Buron Cavalry gathered around Doctor Brewer as she explained the features of the power armor in their hangar. She showcased the projected survivability against Inner Sphere and ISA weaponry with a shielding system capable of withstanding a direct blast from a class-ten autocannon and vehicle-level rail gun respectively. The armor itself was shown to be near invulnerable to modern small arms fire and only truly in danger when confronted with multiple class-five autocannon hits, a class-ten autocannon hit, a barrage from ISA standard pulse lasers, or other comparable levels of firepower. She briefed them on potential weapon loadouts, hardpoints, power and ammunition capacity.
Captain Celic Nedeljko, head of the Buron Cav's infantry training, raised his hand, "What about transport capacity? We ordered the IFVs for the infantry to keep up with the vehicles and 'mechs. Will people be able to fit in full power armor kit in the Vernius?"
"We took that into account when designing the unit. A Vernius can hold a squad of eight power armored infantry rather than twelve, not to mention that with minimal modification a 'mech can deploy a fireteam into combat."
"Very interesting…" Nedeljko stroked his chin.
"What do you need from us?" Colonel Staedele asked, "Nothing is truly free."
Doctor Brewer nodded, "Correct, Colonel. We're here for data, which is why we're deploying it on Earth with your organization first. Your feedback on its performance will help us improve the design and have it ready for widespread deployment."
He scoffed, "We're test dummies."
"Hardly." Brewer took a seat on a still closed crate, "Weapons development always requires field trials, and this is our first opportunity to deploy a new technology without putting lives in immediate danger. The Kartikeya, that was pushed off the line before we were able to polish it and only now are we implementing the lessons learned from Antallos. Here, though in a less intense environment, will allow us to improve the design and work out what problems we encounter without the specter of death hanging over the whole affair. This also allows you an opportunity to develop tactics and breed a level of familiarization with power armor infantry that will further your capabilities on the battlefield."
"From what I'm seeing on the specs," Marie Staedele carefully examined the manual tablet, "power consumption is a concern, especially on extended deployments."
Brewer motioned to the tablet, "Next page. We've devised a solution for that which allows for forty-eight hours of continuous high-intensity usage. We're talking constant jumps, constant movement, essentially a running battle for two days straight. For extended campaigns, there's a reason why the Vernius can only carry eight person squads into combat. Equipment and spare parts for the suits take up the rest of the space, that includes batteries. Now, this does tether power armored infantry to their IFVs, but that was the case for standard infantry anways."
Cardan Radics, the Cav's chief armorer, lifted a helmet from a crate, "How do these fit? I mean, 'one size fits all' doesn't really work when it comes to fully encased infantry armor."
"Limited auto-adjustment alleviates that particular concern. Internal and external fitment adjusts within a certain range after the user first puts on the suit. Their settings are stored on the suit then uploaded to local then off-site so that any Erinyes platform can fit that soldier. Of course, there will always be outliers and that's where armorers come in." She concluded with a smile.
"Sounds expensive." Colonel Staedele stared at the rows and rows of crated armor, "Can we afford to field this many?"
"Thank the Star League for their years of prototyping. At its heart, the Erinyes is based on the Nighthawk, especially in their assembly methods and manufacturing techniques. Of course, we iterated and improved the design, but the lessons learned after a decade and a half of prototyping were not thrown away. The manufacturing efficiency is why we were able to fit more complex systems on it without ballooning costs or manufacturing time."
The head of the Buron Cav thought a moment, "Well, I guess we'll figure all this out." He began to issue orders, "Ned, take the training recommendations and draft up a training course for these. Get a list of top candidates to field the first units and bring in our people to begin unpacking these things. Marie, honey, if you could please draft up what we'll need to maintain this unexpected addition in our inventory. Also, look into the modifications to our 'mechs to see what that would take for armored infantry to ride into battle. Cardan, work with Marie on that. We'll need to see how extensive the modifications are when a soldier is 'out of spec.' Doctor, how long are you with us?"
"As long as I'm needed, Colonel." Brewer replied with a small bow.
"Good. If we have any questions, and I'm sure we will, we'll need you on hand to answer them."
"Of course. Oh, did you get the notification of the eligibility of your organization for cybernetic implantation?"
He raised an eyebrow, "Yeah, why do you ask?"
"Technology such as this benefits greatly from that level of integration. I would highly recommend half of those you're going to assign to the power armor units to undergo the procedure. It would help us assess the combat capability of those who're cybernetically enhanced to those who aren't."
He paused, "I'll consider it."
"Please do. The data would be invaluable." Doctor Brewer walked off to join Marie and Radics to carry out his order.
Nedeljko walked next to his superior, "You think we should, Andy?"
"Draft up a list of volunteers. I want them to know what they're getting into."
ROM Office, HPG Station
Antallos
Antallos System, Independent Systems Alliance Provisional Space
14 January 3024
Over the past year Precentor Style oversaw the expansion of ROM's presence on Antallos thanks to the recent upgrade to a Class-A station and a release of funding for intelligence operations. Though little progress had been made in infiltrating the decidedly hardened communications of the Independent Systems Alliance, the assignment had not been in vain. Interesting information had reached his desk. Civilian intercepts and passive information gathering revealed intelligence from the ISA's campaign to unite the world. A number of pristine 'mechs were seized from Hermantown and other city-states. Though the models were unidentified from his sources, the fact that scum like that possessed such hardware was extremely unusual. 'Mechs were an asset to be used and used liberally by such forces. They wouldn't keep such an advantage in reserve as it took nearly every gun they had to enforce their will. If they had enough for such a reserve, it would usually be well worn machines that dated back centuries.
He double checked the information presented. All reports pointed to these city-states having possessed a few untouched 'mechs. That made no sense to the Precentor. The only other examples of pristine 'mechs on Antallos were from the ISA and they wouldn't give hardware to potential enemies. Even as appeasement, to give away military hardware to those who are at best treacherous would be foolish for a nation that seemed to pride itself in their technological superiority. The question he asked his analysts was who would grant these groups that kind of equipment. The analysis from Precentor Mulligan Fox broke down each potential facilitator by relevance.
The ISA were immediately crossed off the list. It simply did not make sense. The Combine and Federated Suns were the next powers down. They both guarded their military power jealously and were in the business of currying favor with the hottest new power in the periphery. Now, would either resort to nefarious means to obtain the technological advantage that the ISA held? Of course, they were led by the Scavenger Lords, but to dedicate important strategic reserves on unreliable execution? No, Davion nor Kurita would risk important assets for such a task. The Outworlds Alliance? They had no resources to defend themselves, let alone to give away. The more distant houses: the Commonwealth; the Confederation; the League. There was a greater possibility from the Commonwealth and the Confederation. However, the Commonwealth followed the Suns given their burgeoning alliance and the Confederation had enough on its home soil to contend with given their ever-shrinking territory. The Free Worlds League was far off and still reeling from the civil war instigated by the Capellans and ComStar.
In a second, sealed document was a highly sensitive potential revelation. Style opened it and read the solo analysis of Precentor Fox.
According to what data we have, the only conclusion I can reach is that the Blessed Order provided the city-states of Antallos equipment to fight against the Independent Systems Alliance. This type of action goes against Primus Julian Tiepolo's current agenda of maneuvering two large competing power blocks in the Inner Sphere. ROM has not sponsored such extra-legal forces in such a manner after the resignation of former Primus Allen Rusenstein. Standard procedure would have notified you, Precentor Style, of such actions to control a possible volatile situation. If the reports we have received are accurate, six city-states on-world were provided with a lance of BattleMechs each. To smuggle that amount of war material under the nose of what we have seen as the most advanced nation-state in the Inner Sphere requires an equally sophisticated force, and we are the only ones who could do so.
If my conclusion is true, then that leaves two reasonable possibilities. The first: you were simply not informed of the action due to its failure and the wish of the Blessed Order to distance ourselves from such an operation. The second: there is a faction within that is acting independently of the will of the First Circuit to ends I can only speculate. Regardless of either, as a newly minted Class-A station we have the ability to contact Terra and confirm if the action was ordained by ROM. Therefore, I must advise that we do so at the first available opportunity.
The analysis of Fox had proven to be valuable over the past year. His insights into the ISA had given him and Precentor Long prestige as the leaders of the latest Class-A station. The young man had come into his own here and they reaped the benefits. However, if there was another faction within that worked without the guidance of ROM under their watch that could jeopardize their standing and the mission of the Blessed Blake. Style had the ear of Precentor ROM Tojo Jarlath. He hoped that his old mentor would be able to clarify the details for him.
UralVagonZavod Testing Grounds
Sverdlovsk Oblast, Russia, Earth
Sol System, Independent Systems Alliance Space
3 February 2009/864 AS/3024
The Russian Federation was the first among the nations of Earth to begin to tool up for the manufacture of their own BattleMech designs after the invasion of Earth. Having captured numerous examples of 'mechs, the data of two memory cores, the data obtained from the Five Bridges Factory and the technological assistance of the ISA's military engineers, they had the first operational BattleMech factory on the planet. Others, such as Japan and the ISA proper, had opted to produce their first 'mechs completely from the recently completed industrial fabricators and the fabricators on board ISA vessels. Russia and China opted to focus on their production capability first as they understood that if they were to survive on the interstellar stage, they would need the industrial might to do so.
UralVagonZavod was the largest producer of main battle tanks on Earth and understood the necessities of large-scale military hardware production. They were already in the process of designing a new production line for the proposed Object-195 before the war with China. With the invasion of Earth and the influx of new technology, that production line was redesigned for 'mech production. They had seen the data from the Five Bridges Factory. The improvements made by the companies that won the contract for the Draconis Combine's Jenner factory had improved production of the 'mech to one a week from an abysmal handful a year. While impressive, Earth would need even more production capacity if it hoped to survive in the Inner Sphere. Last year, UVZ produced two-hundred T-90s for export. While impressive for a peace-time stance, this would not do for an interstellar scale. Military planners predicted that they would need to completely overhaul their hardware and that meant production needed to ramp up to World War Two capacity if they wanted to replace that machinery in an acceptable amount of time. At the height of the Great Patriotic War, the Soviet Union produced twelve-hundred T-34s every month. They would need to at least match such capacity if they wanted to modernize Earth's military but without the quality defects of that time.
There was a design concept in its infancy in Russia that was slated to adopt after the war with China. The Armata Universal Combat Platform, a family of armored vehicles that would replace the frontline tanks, IFVs, self-propelled artillery, and several other armored vehicles. With the advent of BattleMech combat and designs, this concept was repurposed for a family of 'mechs. The OKB-520 design bureau worked on the backbone of the design, a bird-legged chassis reminiscent of the Inner Sphere's Marauder. The deigned to follow the ISA's Kartikeya quad-legged design as they wanted a proven configuration and lessened manufacturing complexity. They opted to focus on a universal chassis that could easily scale up in size for the same reasons. After over a year of design, prototyping, consultation with the manufacturing team, and preliminary logistical procurement, the first of the Armata family came off UVZ's BattleMech production line. Dubbed the TL-08 Pantyukhov, the thirty-five metric ton machine represented Earth's first foray into BattleMech mass production.
A platoon of them were present on the testing grounds, equipped with numerous sensors to search for any defects during the day's tests. Prototypes of three classes (light, heavy, and assault) were delivered to the Russian Army and the ISA Marine Army months prior. They were well received, and the Russian Army put in an order for one thousand Pantyukhovs, with a number of the heavy and assault variants slated for future purchase if the production Pantyukhovs were up to expectation. The ISA placed an order for four hundred Pantyukhovs along with two hundred each of the heavy and assault variants. The tests today would resolve any issues with the machines and inform UVZ if there were problems in the production process.
The first stepped forward and took aim at a burned-out husk of a T-54 with Inner Sphere-spec armor mounted all over. It fired its arm-mounted particle accelerator cannon at the target in a burst of brilliant blue light. The next moment, a significant crater appeared in the armored shell of the husk. The weapon delivered the expected result on target. Engineers and scientists examined the instrument readouts from the 'mechs sensors. The particle cannon's recoil imparted no appreciable effect to the structure of the 'mech, nor did it interfere with the electronics. The 'mech took aim at a different portion of the armor, ordered to increase power output. The 'mech complied and sent another flash of ionized particles at the target. This time, it punched through and lit a barrel of gasoline in the husk of the T-54. The resulting explosion signified the successful penetration. The test staff examined the readouts again. The increased heat load was handled admirably by the heatsinks and again there were no appreciable effects on the machine.
Tests continued as the other 'mechs in the platoon took turns on various targets. Tracking capability, jump distance/recovery, effectiveness of weapons ranges, capability of the ECM/ECCM systems, armor and shield durability, the exhaustive tests lasted hours as military observers and their civilian counterparts looked on. Mountains of data inundated the instrument readouts as they analyzed and collated the relevant points. To the satisfaction of the military observers, the first Pantyukhovs performed within specification. Jump jet tests showed increased heat output when pushed to the limit, but that was acceptable as each bound was three hundred meters, farther than almost any 'mech in the Inner Sphere. If the 'mech was measured in its usage, this would not be a problem. The variable power output of the particle accelerator cannon produced by Motovilikha Plants proved to be not only effective but allowed for a heat-neutral alpha strike after a jump. The missiles designed by one of the newly minted subsidiaries of Rostec proved effective and had a longer effective range than Inner Sphere SRMs with comparable payloads. Every piece of the new 'mech was produced in Russia or on board Russian orbital facilities with resources from Earth's new asteroid mining industry.
They still had some obstacles to overcome, namely supply and logistics in a combined military force. The ISA pushed for ammunition and weapons compatibility in the field as multiple countries were contributing military hardware to the combined army and navy. The parts and weapons in the initial Pantyukhovs used proprietary connections for this first batch which would not be a problem for strictly Russian formations but raised concerns about possible deployment in the First Combined Army and future formations. Russian engineers and scientists were still consulting with the ISA and the rest of the CSN military complex on a standardized format for weapons, electronics, and other systems for field repair and logistical simplification. Interstellar conflict was not kind to logistics chains, and solutions were needed.
Despite these concerns, the military observers voiced their approval for the machine. Minister of Defense Anatoliy Serdyukov reinforced the order for one thousand units and put forth an order for the initial production run of five hundred heavy and five hundred assault variants with the option to expand the order as necessary. The day's test proved that Earth had made their first great stride into the modern ground combat arena.
Aberdeen Proving Ground
Maryland, United States
On the other side of the planet, General Dynamics delivered their first examples of the M2 MacArthur main battle tank to the United States Army for testing. The casualty rate faced by M1 tankers unsupported by ISA assets during the invasion inspired the US to begin development of a new platform to replace the outmoded Abrams. Inner Sphere weapons sliced right through the Chobham armor of the vehicle and prompted the Department of Defense to commission a new tank after major combat operations concluded on Earth. General Dynamics Land Systems, with the assistance of the ISA and Buron Cavalry, began in earnest to design a vehicle capable of matching the Ix in combat. Development accelerated when the Helm and New Dallas memory cores were discovered and transmitted back to Earth and Cradle. The result of nearly three years of feverish design and prototyping, along with the retooling of the M1's factories, led to the machines that graced the US Army's primary test bed.
An ISA-spec railgun, supported by a large and medium ISA-spec laser, dual missile pods, and a combat drone, made up the armament of the seventy-five metric ton machine. A General Motors produced fusion power plant, revolutionary armor composites, US produced shield systems and VI/electronics packages rounded out the package. The engineers at General Dynamics also had an upgrade path for the M1 Abrams, but that had been put on the back burner as a frontline fusion powered tank was deemed essential for equipping US forces. Simulator projections and prototype models proved promising, but these were serial production tanks, the first off the assembly line. It was hoped that minimal changes were needed as the US military were desperate for replacements.
A tank lurched forward onto the obstacle course. The course was designed to test the mobility of the platform to its absolute limit. The surprising part was the relative quiet of the MacArthur. Compared to the turbine engine of the Abrams, the loudest noise was the movement of the tank itself. The switch from internal combustion to fusion had the positive effect of a significantly decreased sound signature for the benefit of those around the tank. The crew drove it forward and began the course. Immediately, faced with an incline dotted with trees that would have stopped the Abrams dead, the MacArthur pushed these obstacles aside. A patch of soft ground littered with loosely packed gravel and rocks was the next hurdle. The tank drove on, seemingly oblivious to the rough terrain. On and on it went, one obstacle after the next were managed handily with no mechanical or material issues.
Further on, other MacArthurs fired their weapons on targets, examples of Inner Sphere opponents manufactured off the specs of the memory cores and examples gathered from Antallos. Railguns blasted apart IS-armored M60 husks and IS 'mech mock-ups. Lasers scarred armor and sliced dummy missiles fired at the tanks. Missiles, derived from the FGM-148 Javelin and upgraded with ISA and memory core technology, struck multiple targets, and blew holes in their marks. The day's tests were proceeding as well as could be hoped. The tests of the day would determine immediate problems, issues to be solved. What remained was an intensive endurance trial that would last a month. US military doctrine anticipated deployment far from their shores, so their equipment and logistics chains had to extend thousands of kilometers away. The advent of warfare on other worlds extended this by several orders of magnitude. They wanted a machine that could arrive on the battlefield, work, and be brought back to the fight quickly with as little time as possible. General Dynamics were among the first to put forth a universal standard for compatibility between different hardware and software systems.
US Department of Defense representatives were pleased at the conclusion of the day's tests and tentatively put forth an order for ten thousand tanks to completely replace and expand the US military's main battle tank force. Tests were scheduled throughout the year for the replacements for the M2/M3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle and M1126 to M1135 Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle. The US military wanted to be the premier arm of Earth's military and would not settle for anything less.
Dingxin Test and Training Base
Gansu Province, People's Republic of China
19 February 2009/864 AS/3024
China was lucky during the invasion. No force had landed in its borders and subjected the still rebuilding People's Liberation Army to the realities of combat in the Inner Sphere. Armored formations weakened by the war with Russia were not damaged further, nor did the PLAAF have to contend with Inner Sphere fighters in their air space. This put them in a unique position compared to other countries around the world. They had less equipment to replace, thus could pursue military research more aggressively. The first on the block was a replacement to the ZTZ-99 and ZTZ-96 main battle tanks. Thoroughly ravaged by the US and Russian military, many formations of frontline tanks were disabled or destroyed in that conflict. They needed a solution to the gaping hole in their armored inventory. The PLA tasked Norinco to design a suitable replacement that could handle the varied terrain of China and future battlefields off world.
With assistance from the ISA and knowledge from the memory cores, their people came up with the bipedal thirty-five metric ton ZMQ-9 Black Panther BattleMech. What they looked for was speed, mobility, and rapid deployment with compatibility with existing weapons stocks. China, and in fact the rest of the world, had stores of weapons and ammunition that were considered obsolete by their respective nations. Norinco did not see it that way. What they saw was an opportunity to incorporate existing supply and manufacturing capability with new technology. Hand in hand with the 'mechs development, a new cannon was designed to increase the effective firepower of the platform without significant increase to weight or logistics. What they created was what would be considered a rotary auto cannon in the BattleTech source material. From the one-twenty-five-millimeter cannon on the ZTZ-99 and one-hundred-five-millimeter cannon on the ZTZ-59, the weapons designers came up with six-barreled rotary versions derived from ISA rotary rail gun technology made lighter by Star League/ISA material composites. This arm-mounted weapon allows for existing stores of ammunition in countries around the world to be utilized while increasing the firepower by orders of magnitude. On the other arm, paired Inner Sphere medium lasers with ISA upgrade kits round out the long-range armament. For anti-infantry, anti-missile, and light anti-air work, the head mounted quad-mounted QJC-88 heavy machine guns rounded out the weapons loadout. With the inclusion of ballistic weaponry, Norinco lead the way in the development of an Earth manufactured variant of CASE technology, improved with assistance from the ISA. Fabricators were fitted to keep the conventional weapons fed if access to supply was cut off but these machines were still more tethered to their logistical chains. Improved ferro-fibrous composites, endo steel composites, Chinese shield and jump jet systems rounded out the defensive and mobility capabilities of the Black Panther.
Under the supervision of the PLA, the newly manufactured 'mechs were put through their paces. The trials mirrored those conducted in Russia and the United States earlier that month with the same level of precision and rigor as their contemporaries. The ZPT-98-6 and ZPT-83-6 rotary cannon performance proved that serial production of the weapons was ready. The rate of fire over their single barreled auto loading cousins proved effective in overmatching Inner Sphere armor while they retained the capability of firing the existing variety of ammunition. The improved medium lasers worked effectively in their standard and high-power modes. The quad machine gun array swatted missiles out of the sky as the sophisticated electronic systems proved able to predict their trajectories. Terrain that hindered the ZTZ-99 and inconvenienced the -96 were of no concern to the armored biped that could jump three hundred meters a bound.
Though their frontline armor fell against Russia, the PLA felt confident after the day's tests. The tests Black Panther reinforced their mobile armored doctrine and gave the PLAGF the confidence to order twenty-thousand units to completely replace the main battle tanks, light tanks, and assault guns of the ground forces. They knew that if they were to have a place on the front with their contemporaries in the west, they would need to back it up with their own in-country technology.
Earth Orbital Defense Headquarters
Low Earth Orbit
21 February 2009/864 AS/3024
General Mathews read the latest from Earth's myriad of events on world. Much of the US' military hardware was reported to be completely replaced in a matter of a couple years under the newly elected administration. With the social and economic stimulus from the ISA's material aid packages, this left much more space in the budget to rebuild the US military apparatus, especially with the ISA footing the bill for tooling and most of the development cost. With the tectonic shift in the political situation, Councilor Ryan deigned to run for a second term. This forced a hard look at the President that now led the country. China and Russia were set to adopt BattleMechs as an official part of their ground forces. Both countries had light 'mechs on the table, and China had revolutionized the arms industry with the ZPT-98-6 and ZPT-83-6 rotary cannons. Rheinmetall was in talks with Norinco to license the technology and develop it for a vast swath of Europe as the arms industry underwent a revolution.
Orbital manufacturing facilities were coming online as endo steel composites and ferro-fibrous composites were finalized and put into serial production. Space elevators were built from the launch facilities on Earth: Cape Canaveral; Jiuquan; Baikonur Cosmodrome; the new Vostochny Cosmodrome; Guiana Space Centre; the list grew by the day. These internationalized facilities were transforming into centers of industry and commerce as orbital facilities continued construction at pace. Companies like Virgin Galactic, SpaceX, and Blue Origin carried the metaphorical torch of the US' nascent commercial space industry. Civilian companies looked to gain footholds in a new region for new opportunities. Lunar settlement was set to commence after the military facilities were complete, Mars had governments and companies salivating at the potential, and Venus was seen as a near future terraformation candidate as soon as the Sol Dyson Swarm project was complete.
Fleet Captain Kyra Toft entered the office with a crisp salute. He returned it in kind and motioned her to sit.
"So, what do you think of my replacement?" Mathews asked with a half grin.
"I think they'll settle in just fine, sir." She confirmed with a nod, "Besides, I think you'll find Base Luna more accommodating, though you won't have the convenience of visiting home as often."
"I saw the accommodations and the base proper. We turned it into a Death Star."
"We don't have to worry about stealth. We want Base Luna to be an intimidating bulwark against aggression. With the main facility built into the side facing the pirate point, we have the surest defense against attack, not to mention we're still expanding."
He brought up an image of the base, "Anti-capitol-ship torpedo batteries, rail gun batteries dug into the surface, missile batteries, pulse laser batteries, aerospace launch facilities, hardened bunkers kilometers below ground, recessed landing facilities, the sheer scale and sophistication boggles the mind. Here I thought the EODH was the final word in orbital defense."
"It helps when your workers are literal drones, General. Civilian facilities are also ready for settlement. Between Luna and Lapu-Lapu, I don't envy the DCA's workload. I'm guessing they're going with a 'quilting' approach."
"Quilting?"
"Term we used to describe how we mixed about our cultures and societies after the exodus. We had to integrate and quickly, so it was decided that we would mix crews between ships and people between the sleepers. Made it so no one nation dominated the others and quickly acclimatized all of us to one another. Effective. We want to prevent an Inner Sphere-type scenario here as well, so 'quilting.'"
"Makes sense."
"Now, concerning your relocation to Luna…"
ComStar Central Headquarters
Hilton Head Complex, Terra
Sol System, ComStar Space
17 March 3024
"No evidence of missing 'mechs from Terra… ComGuard garrisons around Antallos report full compliments of equipment…" Precentor ROM Tojo Jarlath combed over the manifests delivered to him at the behest of Precentor Style. He sent his protégé to build a reputation in a previously unexciting part of space as safe as could be away from the toxic halls of Terra. The man was a talented analyst and capable field officer but not as well versed in the web of ComStar politics. Better to build away from Terra and be useful in the far periphery than be a potential weakness here.
"Where could these have come from?" he asked himself. Twenty-four 'mechs out of the ComStar inventory would have left a gaping hole in any garrison's inventory. A 'mech here or there would be suspicious, especially around Antallos. A question hung over his head: was Precentor Style right? Was there really a rogue element within the order that would have released such hardware? Those in the know of the First Circuit knew the failings of his predecessor Vesar Kristofur and the previous Primus Allen Rusenstein. The Jolly Roger Affair was a blight on ROM and promptly discarded after the abysmal failure of the endeavor. To use the same strategy to target a small periphery nation, even one so advanced, was foolish in the extreme. Yet, here was evidence that someone had attempted to relight that operational doctrine.
Jarlath knew he did not have the full picture. To gain further insight into the issue, he would have to inquire with the ComGuard stationed in the Draconis Combine and the Federated Suns. Perhaps some reserves were poached on both sides of the border to supply this operation. He wrote up an initial request to the theater commanders in both nations on the status of their garrisons. If there was evidence, he was sure that ROM would find it.
He picked up another document, one from the desk of the current Primus Julian Tiepolo. The Primus requested an operational update on the hopeful conflict between Concord of Kapteyn and the Federated Commonwealth. He reviewed the situation. The Combine was pushing hard to have the ISA join the Concord. The attempted sabotage against the now fully operational Five Bridges Factory ended in complete failure, with reports of production at an incredible one Jenner JE1-A a week. This more capable version of the JR7-D was a shift in the balance of power, but the Federated Commonwealth did not take this lying down. They had begun to deliver a supply of small fusion powerplants and various energy weapons, primarily medium class lasers, in exchange for technology and other unknown items. Analysts on Antallos indicated that such trade attempted to keep the ISA a neutral party among the players in the area. There was word of an exchange between the Magistracy of Canopus and the ISA but nothing concrete had developed on that front. Why the ISA would be interested in a nation so far away from them? Any potential economic or technological exchange would take years to truly reap the benefits. The Outworlds Alliance had not made any concrete proposals to the ISA, but it was known that the OA parliament was considering some sort of exchange.
The Primus' request emphasized that while conflict between the power blocks was the goal, he did not want the destructive power of the ISA to disseminate throughout the region and cause more havoc than necessary. The status quo of persistent low intensity conflict and border clashes was ideal, but the Primus wanted a larger-scale conflict to ensure the Successor States maintained a relatively equal footing in the future while also keeping technology at its current level. The ISA threatened to upset the balance or even reignite the Succession Wars into a conflict more devastating than had been the norm for the past century or so. The Primus' request wanted a concrete plan to prevent such a thing, and Jarlath had an idea of how to proceed. ROM assets in the Combine and the Suns indicated two parties that could prove to be useful in taking care of this Dragoon-level variable. Warlord Grieg Samsonov and Duke Michael Hasek-Davion. Hasek-Davion was the geographically far as March Lord of the Capellan March but could be a useful tool to goad the First Prince into conflict. The Warlord Samsonov had ambitions and if the opportunity presented itself would attempt to claim Antallos 'for the Dragon.' If Antallos were caught in the crossfire between the two powers, perhaps that could neuter the threat the ISA presented technologically. If an attempt was made by Samsonov to seize Antallos, the Federated Suns would be forced to respond if appropriate political pressure was applied.
"Let's see…" He looked over ROM assets on Luthien, the Galedon Military District, New Avalon, and the Capellan March. If such a conflict could be kicked off before the Suns or the Combine were prepared and the ISA were taken out of the equation for the foreseeable future, then perhaps the balance of power could be maintained, and the Primus' agenda could move forward. He began to run through the list of assets and got to work.