*Here's where things get interesting go find some popcorn and a soda, the
suspense mounts and the momentum of the story is set now. (If you think
this is good, wait until Ch. 3!!)*
Matthew and Dave were in the Repair Bay rehabilitating the Matthew's Loki from the damage it had suffered. Dave was through with his Timber wolf; it was armed with 2 gauss rifles, 2 LRM 20's, and 2 Erlarge lasers. Unlike the Loki, it didn't need extensive reconstruction but it did need a new targeting computer and electrical system.
Matthew was tall and had dirty blonde hair and deep green eyes that were dulled from the 5 hours already spent today on the Loki. Although he had been an elemental, he did not have the build of one. Dave however did. He was 6' 3" and had strong shoulders and blue eyes. He was nowhere near as fatigued as Matthew was.
A tall slender tech interrupted their work with an announcement," Khan Zalman has summoned you both." "The Khan?" Matthew asked, "Why does he need us?" "Beats me." The Tech shrugged as he walked over to a tool cart. "Before we leave, can you research this Loki for me? The controls aren't standard and I'd like to know why that is." Matthew politely requested. "Sure thing, I'll have that done by tomorrow," the tech answered. "I'd hate to disappoint the Khan." Dave said dropping his work and running his hands through his brown hair. Matthew wiped off his hands and agreed, "No kidding. lets get going." And with that they had abruptly left the Repair Bay.
Matthew and Dave had both entered the Khan's office saluting, the Kahn was seated at a large desk with his back turned to them. His office oversaw the Launch Pads and he was distracted watching the landing of one Drop ship and two Jump ships. "Sir?" Dave tried, "you wanted to see us quiaff?" The Khan was unresponsive until both ships had touched down.
The chair shifted around and the Khan stood. He was a respectable 5' 9" with broad shoulders, gray hair and a large forehead. Though he was around 54 he was not old. He was experienced. His face reflected this quality quite well. His steely gray eyes that were known to turn dark blue when he was angered and a short vertical scar on his left cheek all come together with a sense of power that struck the still saluting pilots with awe.
Khan Zalman grabbed a data disk from his desk and walked to his view screen. "At ease" the Khan ordered while turning the display on. The pair relaxed as the Khan began "Gentlemen, The planet Black Earth that was won by us from Falcon space was only the first and smallest step in a much grander design." The screen showed some of Jade Falcon's territories, several planets were blinking. "As you both know," The Khan continued, "Steel Viper has no sole possessions, all of our worlds are shared and we are the second smallest of the clans. Until now." The map focused in on a small cluster of five worlds that were all blinking. "I have planned battle by battle how we are to expand our might and territorial possessions. One by one we will capture five worlds back from the falcons. After Tyukkiad we lunged at several worlds that the falcons owned but were thrust back after a short while. During that time we ascertained which worlds were valuable to us. Which brings me to you." He paused to look directly at them for the first time.
"I am taking the best warriors with me to gain the other worlds by force. The Elite will spearhead the attack." The Khan took a small moment to chuckle at the concerned look on their faces. "I'm not sending you into combat! I'm leaving you as the custodians of Black Earth. You will guard this planet as we earn the other worlds and repel any invasion. Any questions?"
Dave was first, "Why us sir?" "Most Mechwarriors will be coming with me. I don't have anybody else to ask. If you took down a Timber Wolf in an Elemental then I'm sure you can guard the planet in one."
"What exactly are we going to do there, sir?" Matthew asked.
"Excellent question." The screen filled with objectives. "You will lead a lance of pilots to defend the Drop ship and secure it's landing zone. Then you will protect the Star port that will be built near your LZ as it is constructed. Finally oversee a Mech repair and manufacturing facility on the far continent. Eliminate any resistance you face, but be cautious, the falcons are still evacuating the planet so don't open fire until they do." The Khan turned off the view screen and lowered his voice. "No one but the council and the Mechwarriors have any knowledge of these plans. This is classified."
He paused to examine how the two pilots were taking this. "Any more questions?" There came no reply. "Good. I am placing 10 lances in your command, there will probably be light resistance if any but the lances are all greens or veterans. They'll need the experience just as badly as you so keep them on patrol often."
"Sir?" Dave interrupted. "Why us two? We're so inexperienced."
He took a breath before answering him. "What you lack in experience you more than make up for in your resourcefulness, you demonstrated that in the Trial of Possession. I have the utmost confidence that you'll both make the clan proud one day. You leave as soon as that Jump ship is ready to take off."
The Khan walked back to his desk and began sorting Data pads. "Dismissed" He said without looking up. They both saluted and turned away before the Khan spoke again. "Mechwarriors?" "Yes sir?" They said in unison. "Good luck." "Thank you sir." Dave said in a proud tone, then the two headed to their quarters to pack.
Matthew and Dave were in the Repair Bay rehabilitating the Matthew's Loki from the damage it had suffered. Dave was through with his Timber wolf; it was armed with 2 gauss rifles, 2 LRM 20's, and 2 Erlarge lasers. Unlike the Loki, it didn't need extensive reconstruction but it did need a new targeting computer and electrical system.
Matthew was tall and had dirty blonde hair and deep green eyes that were dulled from the 5 hours already spent today on the Loki. Although he had been an elemental, he did not have the build of one. Dave however did. He was 6' 3" and had strong shoulders and blue eyes. He was nowhere near as fatigued as Matthew was.
A tall slender tech interrupted their work with an announcement," Khan Zalman has summoned you both." "The Khan?" Matthew asked, "Why does he need us?" "Beats me." The Tech shrugged as he walked over to a tool cart. "Before we leave, can you research this Loki for me? The controls aren't standard and I'd like to know why that is." Matthew politely requested. "Sure thing, I'll have that done by tomorrow," the tech answered. "I'd hate to disappoint the Khan." Dave said dropping his work and running his hands through his brown hair. Matthew wiped off his hands and agreed, "No kidding. lets get going." And with that they had abruptly left the Repair Bay.
Matthew and Dave had both entered the Khan's office saluting, the Kahn was seated at a large desk with his back turned to them. His office oversaw the Launch Pads and he was distracted watching the landing of one Drop ship and two Jump ships. "Sir?" Dave tried, "you wanted to see us quiaff?" The Khan was unresponsive until both ships had touched down.
The chair shifted around and the Khan stood. He was a respectable 5' 9" with broad shoulders, gray hair and a large forehead. Though he was around 54 he was not old. He was experienced. His face reflected this quality quite well. His steely gray eyes that were known to turn dark blue when he was angered and a short vertical scar on his left cheek all come together with a sense of power that struck the still saluting pilots with awe.
Khan Zalman grabbed a data disk from his desk and walked to his view screen. "At ease" the Khan ordered while turning the display on. The pair relaxed as the Khan began "Gentlemen, The planet Black Earth that was won by us from Falcon space was only the first and smallest step in a much grander design." The screen showed some of Jade Falcon's territories, several planets were blinking. "As you both know," The Khan continued, "Steel Viper has no sole possessions, all of our worlds are shared and we are the second smallest of the clans. Until now." The map focused in on a small cluster of five worlds that were all blinking. "I have planned battle by battle how we are to expand our might and territorial possessions. One by one we will capture five worlds back from the falcons. After Tyukkiad we lunged at several worlds that the falcons owned but were thrust back after a short while. During that time we ascertained which worlds were valuable to us. Which brings me to you." He paused to look directly at them for the first time.
"I am taking the best warriors with me to gain the other worlds by force. The Elite will spearhead the attack." The Khan took a small moment to chuckle at the concerned look on their faces. "I'm not sending you into combat! I'm leaving you as the custodians of Black Earth. You will guard this planet as we earn the other worlds and repel any invasion. Any questions?"
Dave was first, "Why us sir?" "Most Mechwarriors will be coming with me. I don't have anybody else to ask. If you took down a Timber Wolf in an Elemental then I'm sure you can guard the planet in one."
"What exactly are we going to do there, sir?" Matthew asked.
"Excellent question." The screen filled with objectives. "You will lead a lance of pilots to defend the Drop ship and secure it's landing zone. Then you will protect the Star port that will be built near your LZ as it is constructed. Finally oversee a Mech repair and manufacturing facility on the far continent. Eliminate any resistance you face, but be cautious, the falcons are still evacuating the planet so don't open fire until they do." The Khan turned off the view screen and lowered his voice. "No one but the council and the Mechwarriors have any knowledge of these plans. This is classified."
He paused to examine how the two pilots were taking this. "Any more questions?" There came no reply. "Good. I am placing 10 lances in your command, there will probably be light resistance if any but the lances are all greens or veterans. They'll need the experience just as badly as you so keep them on patrol often."
"Sir?" Dave interrupted. "Why us two? We're so inexperienced."
He took a breath before answering him. "What you lack in experience you more than make up for in your resourcefulness, you demonstrated that in the Trial of Possession. I have the utmost confidence that you'll both make the clan proud one day. You leave as soon as that Jump ship is ready to take off."
The Khan walked back to his desk and began sorting Data pads. "Dismissed" He said without looking up. They both saluted and turned away before the Khan spoke again. "Mechwarriors?" "Yes sir?" They said in unison. "Good luck." "Thank you sir." Dave said in a proud tone, then the two headed to their quarters to pack.