Chapter XV
City of Kangka,
Carver V, Chaos March,
January 20, 3060
Just like Kyle expected, the battle on January 5 delivered a huge moral blow to the Zhanzheng deGuang. They knew that the Shooting Stars and the Cavaliers were badly damaged and low on ammunition, but they never came back. Natalie and Kangpae managed to salvage an abundance of weapons, which Kyle gave to the pro-Marik civilians of Kangka in honor of their agreement. Allison discovered a newfound spirit as a mechwarrior after she avenged the death of Matt Mamias and Chris Fulton. And Evee healed swiftly, although the standard medical kits of the Shooting Stars were not adequate to treat gunshot wounds for extended period of time.
The Shooting Stars and the Cavaliers stayed in Kangka for two more weeks, until FedCom Task Force 341 arrived. Two Union dropships mounted the pro-Davion civilians and the Shooting Stars. Another dropship, a Leopard, landed for the Cavaliers. The Leopard was not FedCom's, but an independent transporter that Kyle chartered to bring the Cavaliers to Outreach.
"With your help, the civilians will soon find a new home in Davion space, far from Liao's incursion," Kyle said to Evee. "They've seen enough violence, so hopefully they can resume their lives as normal people. This is when we go our ways, Evee. You'll find your bank account with double the money we promised before."
"Very much appreciated, Captain," Evee nodded, a smile adorned her face. "I don't know many patrons in my life, but you're the best patron I've ever worked for."
"Likewise," Kyle offered his hand. "If I ever need a mercenary unit in the future, the Ridinghood Cavaliers is my first choice."
"You know where to find me," Evee grabbed Kyle's hand in a warm shake. "Goodbye, Captain Garret."
"Goodbye, Commander Ridinghood," Kyle smiled, then walked toward the Davion dropships to regroup with his unit.
"So… that's it for this contract," Allison quipped. "We're the only ones left."
"I can't believe everybody's gone," Kangpae tuned in. "What do we do now, Chief?"
"Something I always want to do," Evee replied. "But first, we have to go back to Outreach to debrief."
Hanson Roughriders Representative,
Harlech, Outreach,
March 18, 3060
"The mission was an outstanding success," the Hanson Roughriders' representative debriefed Evee, Allison, and Kangpae. "You earned twice the amount of money than you were promised. That never happened in Hanson Roughriders history. We are very impressed by your performance. We did lost good guys out there, but it's minor compared to the fame."
"They're humans, Sir," Evee interjected. "At least show them some respect."
"You don't have time to mourn, Miss Ridinghood," the man ignored her plea. "Your reputation skyrocketed because the Davions speak highly of you. Three potential employers had contacted us, asking you to do extended campaigns. These are big money opportunity. Hanson Roughriders will replenish your unit. You'll have fresh graduates for reinforcement, but with your experience, you won't have trouble managing the rookies."
Against everybody's expectation, Evee said, "With all due respect, Sir, from now on the Ridinghood Cavaliers is not affiliated to Hanson Roughriders anymore."
"What?" the Hanson Roughriders representative roared. "You want to go segregate from us? You damn fool! You think you can survive without our sponsorship?"
"I take my chances, Sir," Evee stood defiantly.
"No! You are bound under contract with Hanson Roughriders! You cannot separate from us, unless you buy off the contract! But looking at your condition, there's no way in hell you can do that!"
"My contract is with Knell's Cavaliers, Sir, not Hanson Roughriders. Since the Knell's Cavaliers is currently defunct, I am free to go wherever I want to go. And for the record, I'm keeping the money. If you want to challenge my decision, we can settle this matter at MRBC."
The Hanson Roughriders' representative arose from his seat, trembling as his anger overwhelmed him. But he knew Evee's words held the truth. With rattling teeth he hissed, "Fine! But watch your back, Evee Ridinghood! We may cross path someday, and when we do, I'll make sure the Hanson Roughriders crush you to the last man!"
"I'll be waiting," Evee nodded, then exited the room, followed by the confused Allison and Kangpae.
"What the hell are you thinking, Evee?" Kangpae burst into rage. "We have good years ahead of us! How could you throw away opportunities like those?"
"Kangpae is right, Evee," Allison added. "It's not too late to regroup with the Hanson Roughriders. We need their support!"
"Listen, I don't ask you to come with me," Evee replied. "I have to do what I have to do. If you don't like my decision, I believe the Hanson Roughriders still want you back."
"I'm going with you," Allison said. "You're like a sister to me. But you have to think of our future. We're just a small unit. We can't buy mechs to make up a company. Liaising with Hanson Roughriders is the wisest thing to do."
"I agree, but right now I have my priority," Evee took a deep breath. "And that is to go to Wotan and get my Parker out of there."
"Wotan?" Kangpae choked. "Jade Falcon? You want to die, Evee?"
"I died long time ago if Parker did not throw himself into the Jade Falcon's hand," Evee fizzed. "I owe him my life. I will not stop until I can rescue him, or until I know I can't rescue him anymore. Call me nuts, but this is my life-debt I have to pay."
"Damn!" Kangpae huffed. He paused for a while, digesting Evee's word, and in the end he said, "Aw, hell! I'm going with you. I guess the experience fighting the Clan is priceless in Solaris."
"Thank you," Evee tapped his shoulder. "I need you. I can't do this alone."
"We can't do this alone," Allison stated. "We need some serious help if we really want to beat the Jade Falcon in their own yard."
"I know just the right man," Evee smiled. "Why don't you find a nice place to sleep. I'll join you in a short while."
As Kangpae and Allison went to find a hotel, Evee went to a phone booth. She put in some c-bills into the phone, then dialed some numbers. She waited until the answering machine took over, then spoke distinctly…
"Commander Rick? It's Evee, Evee Ridinghood. Still remember me?…"
THE END
To be continued to I, Kerensky Chapter XX
Thanks to Kat Wylder, Canonizado, and SulliMike23 for reviews.
Special thanks to SulliMike23 for lending the Shooting Stars.
Parts of this story are inspired by MechWarrior 2: Mercenaries and MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries