" You're out of your dammed mind ! ". Sumire didn't have outbursts very often, but this was one of them. " Natasha Kerensky- the Lady of Death herself- is coming here, and you want to fight her ? Lance against lance, in a straight up slugfest ?! "
Frankly, Jared wasn't sure what bit of " We're going to bury that spider " was so difficult to understand. He was certain he'd been fairly clear in stating his intentions on how the Steel Legion would be dealing with the incoming threat. Clearly, though, he had underestimated the extent that said Spider's reputation had permeated his Navigator's mindset.
So, he countered it yet again. " Yes, Sumire. That is exactly what we are doing. Well, my Mechwarriors and I, that is. "
The Taurian wasn't dissuaded so easily, though. That didn't surprise Jared so much anymore, although it did elicit an internal sigh of frustration.
Why is she so...cowed ?
" You heard what she said: We're all in her crosshairs ! The Black Widow considers the whole company as her enemy, and she won't discriminate between you and your Mechwarriors, and the on-board janitorial staff ! She will kill us all. ", Sumire insisted, her voice steadily rising in pitch as her tirade rolled on.
If there was anybody in the Legion who was known for being level headed and calm, or at least not openly ranting, it was Sumire. Jared could list most of the ones she tended to end up in, but this one wasn't one of the more common ones. The most aggravated she ever got, was when she'd objected to Jared's decision to assist a contingent of Free Worlds League Mechwarriors who were under attack by a full Steiner Scout Lance. She was definitely in a mood by now, though...
Everybody has their exceptions, he had to remind himself. Should've expected the Black Widow would be it.
Well, that doesn't matter now. I won't let her paranoia- or overly heightened fear, at least-derail the situation.
He stood his ground. " And you know, she has to fight through me and my lance to reach you. "
Jared patiently highlighted how the Legion operated. It was something he was well aware Sumire shouldn't need a reminder of on most days, but evidently, today wasn't one of those days. The navigator was in a very " withdraw post haste " mood, so to speak, and was intent on digging in her heels, while doing her utmost to get that across to the others.
" If we were to all die on the field, then you have to worry about the Widow, Sumire. That, however, is very much a major if. "
" Jared ! Listen to- "
" Commander ?! "
All the while, Doctor Murad and Darius were listening in on the riveting back and forth. Now, the former finally spoke up.
" If I may interject...? "
Her request was certainly unexpected, but glancing over at her, Jared noticed that she didn't seem annoyed with how the Taurian Navigator was making a scene with ( moderately ) irrational paranoia over a " legendary " Mechwarrior that was coming to put a violent end to each and every one of them.
Might as well...
" Yes, Doctor ? "
" Thank you, Commander. ", The Free Worlds League native took a few steps forward, before beginning to speak.
" For what its worth, I am on board with your choice. ", Dr. Murad declared. There was no shaking in her tone, but only her usual style of passion whenever it came to discussing something she cared deeply for. She was an emotionally driven individual, and while Jared had found that such a personality was entirely or at least mostly unsuited to being a Mechwarrior, as the doctor was very much not one, it usually wasn't any kind of major issue.
As if, though, what they all had on their plate right now was usual...getting themselves square in the crosshairs of what many considered to be one of the most lethal Mechwarriors who had ever lived, anywhere.
" You want to defend the Dobrev. That's our best chance to discover what happened to what remains of the Star League, because we need to access and data mine its Nav logs. I can handle that, but I need cover. Rifling through all that internal space on Jumpship isn't ever a quick process , and even less so when we're retrieving full navigation logs. I must call for substantial defending forces around the perimeter until my team and I have finished, Commander."
" Well, we're not providing it ! ". Sumire immediately seized the opportunity to step in. " This company is a highly valued asset to several of the Great Houses. You want to discard arrangements like those ?! "
Now, this was more like her: Sumire was relying on the tried and true maxim of all Private Military Contractors, and that was " Go where the money is ". Sure enough, the Steel Legion had always kept lucrative business relationships with the Free Worlds League, and of course, the Federated Suns. A good portion of all their funds for everything they now had such as more than half of their Assault Mechs ( including Jared's own deeply prized AS7 DHT Atlas ), had come from the high paying jobs they'd taken from said great powers.
Aside from being the unit's chief navigator, Sumire was also mainly responsible for managing their finances. If she couldn't convince Jared to abandon the effort to defend the Dobrev by espousing how dangerous the Black Widow was, she's play the C-Bills card instead.
Clever girl. But, still pointless.
" Actually, Sumire, we are. ".
Jared wasn't standing down. That wasn't up for debate. The only trick, therefore, was actually getting that point across to Sumire. Unfortunately, he already knew how much a hurdle that was going to be...Sumire was an insistent one by default.
Probably even more of one than taking on the Widow, actually. At least in Mech combat, you could solve your problems with a volley of SRM fire, or a quick volley of UACs.
Being as matter of fact as he could, Jared continued without missing a beat. " I will only say this once: We're staying put, and we're going to defend the Dobrev from the Black Widow's forces when they arrive. "
" I'd say that's pretty conclusive ". Darius finally interjected. " Sumire, its a done deal, weather you like it or not. I can't lie and say I love our chances, but if I thought they were outright hopeless, I'd say so. "
There could be no doubt that the Taurian was going to respond, but Dr. Murad spoke up again before she could.
" Yes, and you're right, Darius. We can do this. Mostly because we must do this. The secrets of the Star League- "
" Oh, dear God..! ", Sumire facepalmed, exhaling sharply though clenched teeth.
"-would change everything for the whole Inner Sphere. The knowledge and technology they had ? It could improve the daily standards for so many millions ! ", finished the doctor, with her round face shining with unmistakable excitement, which was also seeping into her tone of voice.
" Oh ! And, let's not forget: The Moderbjorn ! "
" Doc- ! ". Darius wasn't often one to object to her tendency to prattle on, preferring to reserve that for Sumire, but he did so now.
" Let her finish ", Jared raised a hand.
Probably a mistake, but I have a plan.
" Moderbjorn has waited 300 years. All alone, for 300 years. We're his only chance to have a purpose again in his existence, and to keep serving the Star League. To find them again. They were his masters once. We can help him do it again, even now. " Dr. Murad's gaze met everyone present in turn as she spoke.
" Doc ? How many COIL guns and Gauss rifles do you think are stored on the Dobrev ? ", Jared casually inquired. " In your humble scientific opinion. "
It was a perfect verbal tripwire; related to the SLDF, so it would get her attention here right away, but taking a more realistic and grounded tack, rather than her grandiose rambling about how the lost league was the greatest thing since sliced bread. To be honest, Jared hadn't ever been driven to solidify his grip on the Dobrev for the sake of uncovering what had happened to the long-lost Exodus, but now he understood that he needed to be a tad more explicit on that front.
Evidently, it had gotten the job done. Blinking, Dr. Murad stopped abruptly, midpoint ( it could be assumed ) in a much longer exposition on how wonderful the SLDF was.
" And, possibly how many Atlas mechs might be there as well ? Or Annihilators. Plenty of space in that hold for multiple lances of even assault mechs. ", the PMC commander added.
" I-". Dr. Murad hadn't anticipated the remark, and it took her a few seconds to get around it.
" Well... "
" That's only helping him, Doctor. ", Sumire sternly warned. " If you say anything about how much firepower that could be stored in there, that is. "
Finally, Dr. Murad came up with something to say. "...Commander, we can't assume that the Dobrev is some kind of armory vessel. Jumpships do carry military hardware, but not if they're civilian. I can't tell either way without getting inside. "
" Hmmmm. Well, that seems logical. ". It hadn't quite been what Jared had expected to hear, but it was better than the worst case. As long as there was at least some substantial amount of weaponry/Mechs on board, the badly rusted derelict wasn't an immediate write-off.
" Not to rain on your speculation, but we can technically find those at any black market port. Actually, that's where your own Atlas came from. ", pointed out Darius.
" I remember the day it came aboard, Darius. Trust me, I know what can be found there. "
" Still, I get your point", the XO assured. " The tech the SLDF would've had aboard the derelict still more advanced and on a higher tier than everything except the odd chunk of LosTech we've found in said markets ".
Jared allowed himself a smirk; it was good to have support, even if his case was one he was reasonably sure he could make on his own. Out of everybody here, one of them was still practically salivating over how spectacular it would be to find out where the SLDF had disappeared to...and the other was essentially shaking in her shoes at the mere thought of having to go up against the so called " Death Lady ".
Yeah. You know the score, XO. That's why I keep you around
" Well put, XO. What the markets can offer is only the tip of the iceberg of what LosTech is still out there in the Inner Shpere. Now with the Dobrev, its right here in our hands. "
" Oh, and , Dr. Murad ? ". He redirected his attention back to the Free Worlds League native. " You are welcome to believe what you will about the Star League, but don't trick yourself into expecting them to be thriving out there in the depths of space, and that the Dobrev came here from there. All we can say for sure about her, is that she's a derelict Jumpship with a very high chance of LosTech carried. Even if your theory holds any water, that's not why we're here. "
" As long as we can stay, and open her up ", Dr. Murad smiled gratefully. " Thank you, Commander. "
" We're getting sidetracked-". Sumire finally reentered the conversation, and as urgently as before.
" Commander ? This is my official word on this issue: We should retreat. Right. Now. As in, this very moment. Forget emptying the Dobrev's hold as we were ordered; all that matters is getting out of here. As long as we're long gone when the Black Widow arrives, nothing else matters. That means, you, doc, by the way. We had a good run, chasing your ghosts, but we're done with that now. "
As much as Sumire repeated insistence that they tuck tail and flee was grating on him, Jared hat to admit that it was one of his favorite things about her- paradoxically. Sticking to your guns was something he'd possessed himself from as long back as he could remember, and he genuinely respected how Sumire was displaying that trait. Even if it was driving him mad.
Ultimately, though, it was his choice to make. His and his alone, and everybody knew it. Including her. And more importantly, she would go along with it, no matter what he decided. Not exactly enthusiastically, of course, but you couldn't always have your pie with extra whipped cream on top of it.
He pushed off the side of the center console that he'd been leaning against all along, and cleared his throat. There was no more room for this " discussion " to continue; not when they could ( and should be ) preparing for the arrival of the Black Widow. Unstoppable or not, she would undeniably be the
" Darius ? Tell Yang to prepare a second assault Lance. 3 Banshee BNC-3Ms and one Stalker. I want all of them loaded out with the best LosTech we have. Ensure their armor is maximized as well. "
Sumire's neatly formed brows shot up. " Commander-! "
"Install cockpit reinforcement into all of them as well. ", Jared's instructions swept on. " I'll be sending Sumire up momentarily so she can be there to transport them as soon as they're ready. Confirm."
" Roger that, Commander. ", the XO responded. " He's committed to doing this, Sumire. If I can tell, so can you. Get back on up here. "
" For God's sake, Darius: Do not support this- "
Once again, Jared deftly kept going, denying Sumire a prolonged rant.". That's all for now, Darius. And thanks. Dismissed. "
" Signing off. ", affirmed Darius. A distinct click from the speaker indicated that he was indeed off the comms line.
Now, we can really begin to buckle down. Jared rubbed his palms together briskly, before turning to where a half deeply intrigued, and half apprehensive-looking Dr. Murad was.
" Doc ? I have great news for you: The Dobrev is essentially one hulking toybox, and you will be the one to open it for me. "
" Why won't you pull us back ?! "
" Like you keep insisting that we should ? Repeatedly."
Less than than 45 minutes had elapsed after Jared had announced his intention to confront the Black Widow, and during each and every one of them, Sumire had not stopped riding his back about it. Well, to be more accurate, she had been doing that already, as soon as she'd known the BW was gunning for them, but now...she'd cranked it up even higher.
It'd been expected, but even so: Jared really could've done without.
" That's what I've been saying all along, except clearly, I haven't been direct enough about it ! ", stated the very much exasperated Taurain.
Her neatly polished deck shoes clacked out a pattern on the corridor floor, as she walked beside Jared, en route toward the Leopard's hangar bay. Well, " their " way insofar as that's where Jared had already planned to go; Sumire had latched on nearly at once as soon as the Company commander had strode out of the CIC, and was stubbornly following him about every step of the way.
For no other reason, it appeared, than to exhaustively work though every version of the phrases " You're crazy ", and " This is a bad idea ".
Oh, this woman. Props for resolve, though. Jared exhaled slightly, resisting the urge to grind his teeth as he reached a flight of stairs that he knew led down to where one of the actual entry hallways that fed right into the hangar. Not bothering to grab the handrail, he simply began taking them one by one, moving at nearly a jog.
Sumire matched him easily, still keeping up her running protest. " So, now I must be: Don't fight the Black Widow. There. I can't get any more direct than that. "
" Sumire- you're supposed to be halfway back on the ship by now. Yang's getting a 4 Assault Mechs ready and loaded for bear as we speak, and you need to be standing by to get them all down here. "
" Feed them all to a massacre, in other words ". Sumire was quick on the trigger, and the note of bitterness was crystal clear.
Jared stopped walking. They were alone here, in this stretch of the ship. If there was a good spot to have an out and open argument, this was as good as one as they'd likely find aboard the Leopard.
He turned around.
" Sumi "
Using that nickname for her did exactly what he knew it would. Jared had plenty of experience in using the correct choice of words to tweak a woman's emotions, and the reactions he generally got where the ones he wanted. Often enough to matter, at least. It wasn't manipulation, but merely using a skill in a methodacal way when and where he knew it would work.
Here, Sumire's borderline furious mood alleviated. By only a tad, and only for a second, but it was there nonetheless. More of a hint than anything else- a twitch or so at most-, but even that much still counted.
It put her off balance, and Jared used that opportunity. " Tell me straight: Are you refusing ? "
A statement, put as a question. The PMC commander stepped forward a few inches, slipping his thumbs into his top pockets as he waited for an answer.
" Are you telling me you will not do what you always do ? Following my command ? "
" I...". The Taurian struggled with her words, biting one lip.
" I ...I don't want to lose you ".
Out the corner of one eyes, Jared watched one of her hands tighten into a fist.
" But, if you, or any of your Mechwarriors fights the Black Widow...Jared, we've both read up on her. Every. Single. Battle, that she's fought in, has ended without anybody on the other side surviving. That's how good she is. I am not saying for a second that you're not good yourself...but is this how you want to find out if you're on the same level as her ? By getting hosed out of your cockpit after she puts an UAC/10 shell through it ? "
Every engagement could've technically been his last. Jared had seen what a lone autocannon round hitting the head of a Mech could do, and how quickly one could wind up dead on the battlefield of Mech combat. He had been wounded more than once during several of those battles, and had carried lacerated and burned Mechwarriors into the infirmary on more than one occasion.
Still, it wasn't the perils of Mech on Mech fighting that Sumire was getting at, needless to say, and he'd already caught onto that. Or, that she wasn't so much afraid of the Black Widow, as she was convinced that the BC was simply so advanced, that they couldn't hope to take her on. At least, not yet, if ever.
I can't turn back, though. That's not who I am. She knows that...
...but this is the most against taking the field I've ever seen her. Its...bizarre. Not in a good way, either. We need to hash this out, now.
" We're not cowards, Sumire. And we're not novices. ", he reminded her, a bit more gently than earlier, arguing it out in the CIC. " We've got a record ourselves. And as much as I hate boasting, we've compiled more than one win out there. But, then, you already have the stats. "
" That's not- ". Sumire was calming down, but certainly wasn't all the way there yet.
Inhaling, she made another stab at opposing the BW. " As good as we are, as good as I know we are- between you and me ? I think she's better, Jared. So much better, that she'll kill us if we fight her. It'd be like a beginner karate fighting a champion MMA fighter: As good as you are in your own field, you can't match someone else in theirs. "
" Mailmen ? ". Jared had to stave off the urge to smirk. " I think we're a bit better armed than that. "
Sumire wasn't deterred, though, slightly cumbersome comparisons or not. " So, no: I am not refusing. I am, however, all but begging you...not to engage the Black Widow. I can't stop thinking about what will happen, and none of it looks good for you. Or for our Mechwarriors.. "
She'd been looking at up till now, but her gaze soon drifted toward the floor as she finished. As if she was ashamed to admit to what she'd said, or...mourning him in advance.
Jared caught onto all the signals at once, whether he was supposed to or not.
The section of him that wasn't a Mechwarrior understood her. Understood in some way, at least. Jared would've been drawn to her at all to begin with if she hadn't been who she always was. Sure, it could definitely prove to be a test of his patience, when she so openly objected to his courses of action, but she wasn't ever nagging or bossy about it. Direct and not mincing words, yes, but didn't cross into insubordinate territory.
Good at her job. And good to me, as well.
And, there was the rest of it. Jared wanted to be a Mechwarrior for as long as he was able, and he wanted to come back to Sumire after every battle. But, he wouldn't want to be a Mechwarrior if he backed down from a fight without giving it everything he had, and proving to the Black Widow that she was not the ultimate one in the business.
It was like warmth and an electric current in him simultaneously. There was no question of him contemplating not standing his ground against the Black Widow, but he'd be playing right into Sumire's fears.
But, he couldn't retreat from the ( allegedly ) most feared Mechwarrior in the Inner Sphere. Even if he wanted to, which he didn't. It wasn't an excuse- in a way, he was helpless. He had to fight her. He had to prove he was the best.
Of course, she's out to prove that to me as well. More or less; she's mostly angry, and not much else...
That's one woman I know I hate. Not this one right here, though...she needs to know I know...I can do this.
Removing his hands from their resting place, Jared let the calmer side of himself take over. He closed the distance, and embraced the Taurian navigator.
He pulled her up against him. She gasped slightly, caught by surprise, as they pressed up against each other. She was tall enough for the top of her head to press into Jared's face, as he bent it downwards.
Jared would've been completely fine with her not embracing him back, but after several seconds, he was rewarded by Sumire putting her own arms around him. She held on, tight enough for it to matter.
The PMC commander seized a chance to quickly kiss her on the cheekbone. " I won't let her win, Sumi. You know me. You know what I can do. We're going to fight her, and I believe we can win. The Black Widow's going to die."
Sumire breathed out, still gripping him tightly.
" God be with us. ", she whispered.
Jared smiled.