The Ballard of Cairo
Part twenty-five: The chase begins

DropShip Wataru
Out-bound, Constance
Clan Ghost Bear Domain

The hull of the Wataru hummed as Jackson pushed her to 2-G's of acceleration. Cairo sat strapped into the captain's chair as the intelligence officer used all his skill to keep the DropShip on course. At the weapons console was Lenny Rodgers, one of McCoy's Assistant Techs. The huge mountain of a man's Maori ancestry was evident - not only by his sheer size, but also by the network of tattoos that covered his body.

The giant turned to Cairo, "We are coming up on them fast sir: estimated time to intercept – two hours. We should be on them just as they reach the JumpShip".

Cairo nodded and turned to Dancer, "What does our new friend have to say about this?"

Dancer was having some trouble with the speed of the DropShip, the acceleration pushing his small frame deep into the padded chair he was sitting in. "She says that they were based on Leoban and have been ordered back to Clan space for rest and refit. The Star Colonel commanding decided to make a slight detour and hit Constance to see if he could take the planet".

Cairo's face didn't change, "Did she say where in Clan space they where going?"

Dancer smiled, "Seems they were being sent to garrison the city of Bager on Huntress. The Wolves took it after the Star League took out the Smoke Jaguars back in 3060".

Rodgers interrupted, "Sir, we have two fighters peeling off from the Wolf DropShip and heading our way. War Book identifies them as Clan Sulla-class OmniFighters. They will intercept in less than ten minutes".

Cairo moved forward in his chair, "Bring weapons systems on-line. Close all interior hatches. Prepare ship for attack". He keyed a line to the engine room, "McCoy, I'll need every amp you can squeeze out of the reactor". He keyed off without waiting for his reply. He turned to Jackson, "Paul, show me what you got". The normally jovial pilot's face was a mask of grim concentration.

When the fighters made their first pass, Rodgers fired every forward-arc weapon at the lead fighter. The PPC's and lasers hit, but the missile missed high. The fighters responded with an ER-PPC and twin ER Large Laser each. The attacks left streaks of melted armour along the right flank of the Wataru and the lead fighter veered off, trailing smoke.

Jackson was forced to break off pursuit of the Clan Wolf DropShip to take the fighters. Again and again the sleek Sulla's dived at the Wataru. Again and again Rodgers fended them off with the DropShip's armament. In the end the Clan DropShip made it to the JumpShip and left the system behind.

Cairo sent out a broadband transmission to the two Clan fighters, "Attention Clan fighters, this is the DropShip Wataru. Your friends have left without you. Surrender and you may continue to fly your ships... just not for Clan Wolf".

The radio crackled into life, "This is Star Commander Scot of Clan Wolf. You intend to make us bondsman and take our fighters as Isorla, Quiaff?"

Cairo's response was curt, "Aff Star Commander Scot, I do indeed intend to make you my bondsman and take your fighters as Isorla. The only other choice you have is to float here until your air runs out. I know that you can't have enough to make it back to Constance and your Clan will not come back for you...its your choice – surrender or die".

The Clan fighter pilot's voice was full of resignation, "Aff, DropShip Wataru, we surrender".

Cairo nodded at the radio. "We will open our docking bay. Manoeuvre your fighters in and power down. A member of the crew will meet you there. Do not try anything funny. I am in no mood to make deals".

He turned to Rodgers, "Lenny, go and welcome our guests...take a shotgun with you, just in case. Take them to the mess, I'll meet you there". He turned to Dancer, "Bring MechWarrior Rebecca along". The Combine warrior nodded and left after Rodgers. Cairo turned to Jackson, "Take us back to Constance. We need to find a way to Huntress".

The intelligence officer looked round to make sure they were alone, "Is that wise? Our mission is to find Cain, not rescue a mercenary who got shot out of her Mech".

Cairo gave Jackson a look that made his blood run cold. "I am in charge of this mission, Mr Jackson and I decide what our priorities are. I will not leave anyone behind. Even if I have to take on Clan Wolf alone, we will find Sinead and we will get her back".

Jackson was surprised by Cairo's uncharacteristic display of emotion. "You must really like her".

Cairo bowed his head towards the deck, "I think I love her".

To Be Continued...