The Prop Room
'Mech Bay, DropShip Argo
Hours. It had taken hours. Though the battle for the perimeter of the Argo had gone smoothly, it was assumed that inside the cramped confines of a pirate nest it would not go so smoothly. The mission planners of the ISA were correct. There were traps, hardened positions, indiscriminate use of flame weapons. The sheer number of enemy combatants, the seemingly endless supply of weapons, and the fact that they were ordered to take the Argo as intact as possible mounted to one of the bloodiest days in ISA history since their two-decade long war with the Brotherhood. Out of the two-hundred-forty infantry deployed to take the interior of the Argo, they garnered ninety-eight casualties, with almost half of them declared dead before even a corpsman was able to get to them. Whoever issued that last command over the Argo's comms inspired the pirates to fight to the last. It was only after the last handful of pirates were surrounded in the mess hall did they surrender.
Corporal Hawkins attended to her squad. They did not escape unscathed just like the rest of the marines. She lost three under her command with another two wounded. They were the lucky ones, hit just as they breeched the Argo. She shoved the thought out of her mind as she helped check gear. The Argo was a mess, and she and her platoon were tasked to gather pirate gear from the 'mech bay as drones assisted with body retrieval. While she racked the gear, she made a mental note of how hodgepodge the gear was. She was an MP in the US military before she signed on with the ISA and even the Taliban were more standardized than this.
"Corporal!" her platoon sergeant called for her, "Captain wants a word."
Hawkins handed off a weapon to a squad mate and hurried on over. Captain Jay Cremonesi stood in rapt discussion with her platoon sergeant, helmet off now that a temporary shield barrier had been erected and the 'mech bay repressurized. She took off her helmet and stood at attention. Cremonesi waved off the sergeant.
"At ease, Corporal." He retrieved a cigarette from one of his pouches and lit it, "You soldiers did a hell of a job today."
"Thank you, sir." She replied as she adjusted the Kindjal on her back, "Cost us enough, sir."
"Too much if you ask me. They handed us the butcher's bill today." Cremonesi shook his head, "Anyways, Corporal, I want you and your squad to escort the tech team to engineering. Grab some soldiers from the other squads to fill in the gaps. You and two of your squad mates escort Doctor Murad directly. Keep a respectful distance but keep an eye on her."
"Permission to speak freely, sir."
"Granted."
"Sir, why did we have to grab this ship? The ISA is filled with vessels much more capable and more heavily armed than this."
"I wish I could tell you, Corporal." Cremonesi took a drag off his cigarette, "I have a feeling on why, but given the cost… I dunno. I was told by the Triple-S guy that the losses for a proposed MAF force would've been the complete company. They said, 'we were lucky.''
Hawkins scoffed, "Sorry, sir, but it sure don't feel like that."
"Agreed, Corporal. Anyways, grab your people and be ready for the tech team's arrival."
Doctor Tähti Fischer led the technical team off the ramp of their Baliset through the shield into the 'mech bay. They had been an official part of the ISA research apparatus for almost three years now since they were thawed out from Columbus base. The had been informed that their efforts had already assisted Earth in the deployment of Earth's first domestically produced JumpShip. From what they understood from news feeds and historical data the Succession Wars had reduced the technological capacity of the Inner Sphere so much that even the most basic of starfaring vessels were considered rare. WarShips were extinct, and JumpShips were jealously protected. It bolstered their hope that their new patrons were able to produce the machines necessary to keep interstellar civilization moving forward instead of stagnant.
Their newest project was the retrieval of the ship they were now within, the Argo. They were a specialist in DropShip design and Columbus base had a working blueprint from Boeing Interstellar from that era. It was intended that exploratory efforts by the Star League would be serviced from Columbus so relevant data packages were sent to ensure proper service of vessels assigned to the expected Star League Exploration Corps. Despite that never reaching fruition, the blueprints were invaluable for their effort here.
Fischer was met by a young marine Corporal, "Doctor Fischer, I'm Corporal Hawkins. My squad and I will be escorting you to engineering."
Fischer cocked their head, "Is the Argo not secure, Corporal?" they asked.
"All hostile forces have been accounted for, but until the job's done we have to ensure your safety."
Fischer shrugged, "Understandable. Lead the way, Corporal."
"Please, follow us, Doctor."
The gaggle of tech staff followed the marines through the destroyed doors into the scorched corridors of the Argo. The evidence of battle was fresh, bullet holes and bloodstains still on the bulkheads. They shifted their attention forward to the back of Hawkins' head. There was no point in asking what was paid to secure the Argo. The evidence was all around them. They pressed a few buttons on their omni-tool and referenced the full blueprint with what was scanned by the marines and their drones. Damage was significant, but the essential systems were relatively intact. That was lucky. If the original powerplant was capable of even partial burn operations, then it could lift itself off the low gravity of Axylus. When engineering was deemed functional, they would move on to the bridge to ensure control systems and surfaces worked well enough. The last would be to check the engines themselves. Star League technology had a reputation for being 'apocalypse proof' and all evidence seen from their own experience in the Star League and the current state of the Inner Sphere pointed toward a high probability of functionality.
The tech team arrived at the engineering section, evidently hurriedly cleared of battle damage to allow them to work. Doctor Murad approached them and clapped them on the shoulder.
"Holy hell, Tai…" she said as she looked about the engineering section, "What a relic, eh?"
Fischer took in the sight of what was once the pinnacle of Star League exploration technology, "The Star League was going to use a small fleet of these for exploration and colonization efforts." They strode to the fusion generator panel, "Let's get to work, shall we?"
Murad smiled under her helmet, "Gladly."
Majesty Metals and Manufacturing, Central Headquarters
Delphi, Canopus IV
Canopus System, Magistracy of Canopus Space
21 July 864 AS/2009/3024
It was an auspicious day for Majesty Metals and Manufacturing. Representatives from the Independent Systems Alliance had arrived the day before under covert escort from both MIM and the Triple-S. They were sure that if premature news broke of a new industrial partnership between their nations there would be attempts to sabotage their efforts. The ink was already dry from the signing ceremony yesterday. Today was the offloading of equipment and delivery of the data packages for MMM to produce a bevy of military hardware under license from Rostov, UralVagonZavod, Norinco, Land Systems OMC, among others. The dizzying number of companies represented from the ISA was impressive for such an unknown nation. Research partnerships were established and medical knowledge from before the fall of the League was already in the hands of the ISA. MMM would have their deliverables and a first batch of product examples today.
On the factory floor tons of equipment were unveiled and carted to their appropriate locations. Much of the floor space had been unused as much of the knowledge to manufacture many of the advanced components they used to mount on their materiel had been lost over the centuries. It was debated by the Civilian Council, the Basharate, and the Triple-S whether to allow the more advanced material data package in the licensing agreement. After days of deliberation, they allowed the license to include engine lightening techniques, rotary ballistics, lightened armor technology, and laser upgrade packages. The research agreement would allow MMM to pursue other avenues of technology with the assistance of the ISA but that would be done on their own. Any breakthroughs would be shared with their parent organizations as per the agreement.
The CEO and board of directors were excited to see how their business would grow after the injection of knowledge and capital that the ISA provided. The deal was extremely generous, but it was not one-sided. ISA companies gained exclusive licensing and manufacturing rights with MMM for a period of twenty years with an option to extend six months before the contract expired. There were favorable rates for ISA-produced goods in Magistracy space, excluding those which MMM held license agreements. The gates of commerce were open with the Magistracy and Earth's companies were salivating at the chance to catch up to John Deere and become truly interstellar.
Engineers and technicians from both sides discussed the future, what technology to pursue, what new doors they could open together. They even talked of orbit and expanding the materials foundries and DropShip facilities into full-blown JumpShip lines. In an office far from the hustle and bustle of the day, Triple-S and MIM operatives oversaw the security of the day's events. Cooperation between the two organizations was easy. No generational mistrust of either side and the professionalism of operatives used to navigating the river of political intrigue made such a collaboration a simple matter.
Lady Ana Maria Centrella had been relocated to Canopus after the successful brokerage of the Aurigan Restoration deal. She was here with ISA Commander Shizuka Banderas to oversee the joint effort between the Magistracy and the ISA. Her opposite was the immediate second of the ISA Station Chief on Antallos. That kind of crucible, one where the entire galaxy is watching, can make or break one's career. In Banderas' case, it made it. She was promoted before her deployment to Canopus and was well weathered in the great game as played in the Inner Sphere.
"Lady Centrella," Banderas glanced up from her bank of monitors, "what do you think of this?"
Centrella approached behind her counterpart, "What, Commander?"
"This whole deal." Banderas motioned to the monitors, "MMM's getting an injection of capital, materials, and technology. What do think?"
Centrella sat beside her and considered her words, "It's phenomenal to say the least. The centuries of Succession Wars didn't devastate us the way that it did the rest of the Sphere, but it did extensive damage all the same. We were heavily reliant on tourism and trade from the Inner Sphere. You can imagine what happens when your trade partners and tourists all decide to start shooting one another. Our economy was devastated, so dependent on the Star League and the other powers. Our technology, in particular our unmatched medical edge, was lost due to negligence from lack of resources."
"Hard to maintain tech when you don't have replacement parts."
"Exactly. We still have examples of the technology, they're just nonfunctional. Thank the Magistrixes for the foresight to preserve these in the event that we could discover how to get them operational again."
"That was a part of the deal, to help restore some of the Magistracy's medical prowess. From what I understand, your gene therapy techniques were remarkably advanced even compared to our own."
Centrella smiled, "Well, I think we can reach such heights again. Perhaps, for the first time in a very long time, we can defend ourselves as we did against the Star League all those centuries ago."
Beyond the perimeter of the factory in the heart of Delphi an operative of ROM gazed through their scope and took extensive notes. MMM shipping containers by the hundreds had entered the facility completely unannounced. They checked with the HPG Station. There was no cargo manifest sent through ComStar's channels, no communique from the cargo's source. This was unusual in the extreme. Majesty Metals and Manufacturing was not known for its industrial capacity. There were no bids from outside financiers to invest in the company, no announcement of new partnerships. Something large was happening at MMM and it was the operative's responsibility to figure out what.
Another convoy of trucks from the starport made their way to the loading dock. The shipping containers were lifted off the bed by a waiting crane and the truck was off again all in minutes. Whatever kind of project MMM was working on required more containers than had ever been delivered to MMM in recent memory. They made a note to inquire about the contents of the delivery. They returned their attention to the scope and kept recording.
23 July 3024
In the Press Hall, Interim CEO Gavin Priest-McDonogh straightened his tie and looked toward the teleprompter. He had reviewed and rereviewed today's speech with marketing, his scriptwriters, and MIM to ensure that the relevant information was conveyed without arousing too much suspicion. There was the matter of public record, as MMM was a publicly traded company their financials were a matter of public record. It was for this reason that a corporation that represented the interests of the companies of Earth was established on Canopus as soon as the deal was rumored. He took a breath and gazed into the camera. This broadcast was for the Magistracy and MMM stockholders. There was no reason to delay any further. The producer gave him the signal.
Showtime.
"Progress. Something that halted all those centuries ago after the First Succession War. The Magistracy was spared the worst, but that did not mean that we did not suffer in turn. Under the yoke of war, our nation took a turn. Where once health and education were second to none, they are now a memory. Where prosperity once stood, poverty reigns. Our country's wealth evaporated in the deserts that were once prosperous worlds. The cornerstones of the Magistracy were weathered by the tides of war. Peaceful trade and flourishing tourism were shattered. Our ability to defend our homes crumbled, unable as we were to manufacture everything needed to do so."
"Today, we are glad to announce that progress begins anew. As CEO of Majesty Metals and Manufacturing, I am happy to report that we have started multiple new production lines in the Canopus factory and have begun the process of restarting those inactive for innumerable years. We have a multitude of new products to introduce to our armed forces and our people. We have new partners who have invested in our company and in turn our nation. In a matter of months, we will see the first examples of this partnership in the Magistracy Armed Forces and on the streets of our worlds. Marvels unseen in ages will be commonplace once more. Worlds ravaged by our listless economy will rise as new beacons of hope and growth. We at Majesty Metals and Manufacturing will unveil these products as they come to market. Thank you, and good day."
Office of the Precentor, HPG Station
Crimson
Precentor Filippa Yordanov watched the broadcast from MMM on her monitor. This was an unexpected development. The ROM contingent on world had not given her anything conclusive, simply information that something large was underway in Delphi. To hear news that Majesty had obtained new investors from a live broadcast surprised her. She gave silent acknowledgement to the Magistracy Intelligence Ministry. They had proven to quite capable in their duties even compared to the great powers of the Inner Sphere. ROM had issues penetrating any ongoing MIM operations and this was the latest example of their ability. No HPG traffic, no prior indication of representatives from foreign lands, just silence. Whatever group brokered this deal made it with the utmost secrecy under the noses of ComStar. She pressed the comms button on her desk.
"Please send Demi-Precentor Santiago Przbtesky to my office." She asked of her secretary.
"Right away, Precentor." Came the response.
She waited a few minutes for the arrival of the head of ROM on Canopus. He arrived promptly and stood opposite her.
"You called for me, Precentor?" He greeted.
"Yes, Santiago." She turned her monitor toward him and bade him sit, "How were we not aware of this sooner?"
"No conclusive information came across my desk, Precentor." He explained, "No HPG transmissions, nothing we could decode from any source."
"Hmm…" she leaned back in her chair, "I read the same report. All the same, we are ComStar. Anything and everything that passes through the Sphere is through us. Are there no leads to indicate who these partners are?"
"We have some preliminary findings." He produced a tablet from his robes and placed it upon her desk, "There is a local corporation created in the past couple of days that is listed as the investor in this deal."
She retrieved the tablet, "'Interstellar Investment Holdings.' Where did you get this information?"
"It is a matter of public record, Precentor. This corporation did not exist until a couple days ago, yet they have invested significant funds and material into MMM. Such a young company with pockets this deep…"
"Someone is making a play."
"That's what it looks like to me." Przbtesky nodded, "We won't know more details until the shareholders meeting next year, but we will certainly see the fruits of such investment sooner rather than later."
She rewound the broadcast, "He says that 'progress begins anew' and makes mention of the Magistracy Armed Forces multiple times. Could they really have more capacity to rearm the MAF?"
Przbtesky stroked his chin, "A possibility to be sure. The Star League had immense issues invading the Magistracy during the Reunification War. The casualties numbered in the millions. If they rearmed to even a fraction of what they were back then…"
"I want you to find out who is financing this and the terms of their deal. While the Magistracy is historically peaceful, who knows what they would do if they were a more capable military power."
"As you wish, Precentor."
Bridge, DropShip Argo
Axylus Surface
Alloway System, Unclaimed Space
30 July 864 AS/2009/3024
Doctor Farah Murad sat at the helm of the Argo and double checked the startup procedure. The last two weeks had been a whirlwind of activity for the technical staff. They had reinforced and repaired everything they could while planted on the surface of Axylus. She was adamant within the first couple days that they could easily lift off the surface, but Doctor Fischer tempered such a notion. They argued that even though they could didn't mean they should. In their words 'proper procedure had to be followed, especially for a crashed ship.' It took a few more days for Murad to see the veracity in such a statement but the careful approach had borne fruit. For any mercenary in the Inner Sphere such a prize had to be secured quickly with consequences to be hashed out later. For the ISA, they weighed the risk of such hot-headed action. After a week of repair to ship's mainframe, they had found a potent computer virus contained within. If they were in space, who knows what kind of catastrophe that would have caused. On the surface, they had time to isolate it and its effects. Instead of a fatal failure of the engines, instead they shunted it into one of the secondary mainframes. It was then determined that they needed to replace the whole system with an ISA-spec VI suite. That halted progress, but installation was faster than dealing with a hostile computer system. The hardware that contained the virus was shipped up to the Irulan for study, along with all of the data retrieved from the mainframe.
Doctor Tähti Fischer roamed between stations to ensure that all systems were as nominal as they could be for lift-off. All damaged sections were sealed off by bulkheads and temporary shield systems in the event of failure. The structure of all accessible sections were reinforced and exceeded original specifications. Some ISA upgrades were installed in the sections they could. Nonessential personnel were off the ship and awaited their lift-off. All that remained was this last check.
Fischer sat at the command chair, satisfied with all stations, "Helm, escape vector plotted?" they asked Murad.
"Aye, Doctor." Murad responded with jubilance, "Engines primed, course laid in."
"Alright." Fischer looked about the bridge and locked on to the comms tech, "Open a channel with all ISA vessels."
"Aye, Doctor." The comms tech did their duty and nodded back, "Channel open.
Doctor Fischer stood from the command chair, "Fischer to all vessels: This is a historic moment. For the first time in over two and a half centuries, this beacon of the Star League will fly again. The spirit of exploration, that is what the Argo represents. Through our efforts, that spirit is reignited. To explore strange new worlds. To seek out new life. To go where no one has gone before. Thank you all. Fischer out."
"Shall I?" Murad asked.
Fischer sat down and pointed forward, "Engage."
Bridge, ISV Irulan
Low Axylus Orbit
"I did not know that Star Trek was popular in the Star League." Colonel Khoroushi mused as the holographic image of the Argo freed itself from Axylus' surface with Balisets in close formation.
"I'm sorry?" Bashar Anderson glanced at his XO, confused.
"Star Trek: The Next Generation, sir." Khoroushi responded, eyes locked on the holo-table, "A sci-fi show popular on Earth. That was the opening monologue, more or less."
"Huh. Well, what was once fiction became fact, eh?"
"Quite true, sir."
They watched in rapt silence as the Argo successfully cleared the surface of Axylus. Carefully, it maneuvered into orbit next to the Irulan. The Balisets that escorted the Argo up took their berths in the hangar bay. The next phase of the retrieval was now.
"Helm," Anderson commanded, "latch on to the docking collars of the Argo. We need umbilicals to get the techs back on board. Once we're secure, set a course to Earth."
"Aye, sir."
Third Aerospace Force Hangar Bay
First Combined Army Headquarters
Antallos System, Independent Systems Alliance Provisional Space
11 October 864 AS/2009/3024
The Third Aerospace Force, though theoretically the aerospace force responsible for the entirety of Antallos, played second fiddle to the aerospace squadrons from the ISV Stilgar, Chani, and Shadout Mapes over the past three years. The only aerospace craft under the direct command of the Third Aerospace Force were those 'retired' from those planetary carriers. They had the three converted Leopard-As from the first Antallos campaign and a few Balisets for transport. Other than that, they had no other aerospace craft at their disposal.
This shortcoming was rectified a few months back as it was determined that with industrial fabricators established in Port Kirin, proper infrastructure, and a well-entrenched military presence the Third Aerospace Force needed to have its own aerospace craft independent from the planetary carriers. The Basharate recognized that tying down three of their most powerful vessels to the defense of Antallos was counterproductive as their flexibility was needed if they were to be deployed to other theaters. With that recognized, this command was set to receive some of Earth's first domestically produced aerospace craft to completely populate the gaping holes in the inventory. They had to have literal hundreds of aerospace craft to be able to respond to any threat on or off world. Though this process was estimated to take the better part of two years, the first shipment of aerospace craft was set to arrive today.
In orbit over Antallos was the ISV United, Earth's first domestically produced JumpShip. Unlike Inner Sphere JumpShips, it was capable of safely jumping into orbit after it jumped into a star system and had maneuverability unheard of on JumpShips. Within were one hundred aerospace fighters: forty F-14 MiG-50s; forty F-12 Lightning IIIs; and twenty A-11 Warthogs all ready for transport. Attached were five Dragon-class and five Wyvern-class DropShips. These designs were produced by the Lockheed Consortium. This was to be the first deployment of native Earth aerospace craft to be seen by the rest of the Inner Sphere, and they wanted to make a good impression.
On the tarmac, ISA aerospace personnel waited in vehicles and in their hangars for the ten DropShips to make their landing. On cue, the Dragons and Wyverns appeared and descended from the atmosphere in close formation. They performed an obligatory fly-by of the headquarters before they began their landing procedures. With grace, they touched down in front of their assigned hangars. In droves, aerospace personnel swarmed the landed DropShips. Ramps dropped and aerospace craft were carefully extracted. Each Dragon and Wyvern carried seven aerospace craft, with the remaining space left for the spare parts packages. MiG-50s, Lightning IIIs and Warthogs were carted into their waiting hangar berths where technicians and drones began the activation processes. After the hour-long unloading process, the Wyverns took of again to retrieve the rest of the aerospace craft and their spare parts while the Dragons were brought gently to their own hangars.
One hundred aerospace craft and ten DropShips. It was far from enough to protect the entire world, but it was a start.
Office of the Basharate
"They bloodied us up some for the ship, didn't they?" Bashar Superior Serov remarked as he read the news of the Argo's arrival on Cradle.
"By itself it's the strongest recommendation for the deployment of the Erinyes power armor." Doctor Carina Brewer's holographic image responded across the desk from him, "Despite how well trained, armed, and armored our marines were that day the losses were immense."
"How have Staedele's people adjusted to their usage?" Serov asked as he flicked to another page of news.
"They've been writing and rewriting doctrine, especially since the aftermath of the Argo's retrieval." Brewer's image reclined, "Though some paid the ultimate price, what we've learned is immeasurable. The Buron Cav have run numerous scenarios over the months to refine Erinyes deployment in urban and other restrictive environments. With production lines finalized after their findings, I think we're ready."
"You're extremely gung-ho about this, aren't you?"
"With respect, Bashar, if Anderson had the Erinyes available for the capture of the Argo, then casualties would have been much lower. Our standard armored exosuits just don't cut it, not when we're dealing with a hardened and motivated opponent."
"Alright, Carina." Serov gave a half-hearted laugh, "I'll greenlight deployment on Antallos. If they perform here, then we'll roll them out throughout the ISA."
"Excellent!" Brewer clapped and retrieved a tablet from her coat, "I'm sending fabricator specs now. When the United returns from it's supply run, you'll have a battalion's worth of Erinyes with spare parts."
Serov sighed, "You were just waiting for approval."
"The warehouse was already complaining about how these crates were taking up space." Brewer grinned, "You won't be disappointed, my good Bashar."
College of Engineering, New Avalon Institute of Science
New Avalon
New Avalon System, Federated Suns Space
22 October 3024
The work was coming along nicely. The past year had seen the Ares project advance leaps and bounds. An agreement reached with the ISA for fusion reactors and lasers was reciprocated with some technical data packages, examples of unique technology produced in the ISA, and trade agreements to allow ISA and Federated Suns products to flow between their nations. One of the benefits was a weight-saving technique for engines unseen since the end of the Second Succession War. Extralight engines were a commonplace weight saving technique in the Star League era, but such technology was lost when the last of the extralight engine factories were burned in the fires of unrestricted strategic warfare. Rumors of such engines being installed at the Five Bridges Factory on ISA and Combine Jenners were confirmed as the Department of Military Intelligence had 'obtained' Kuritan Jenners in a massive intelligence coup.
This engine design did not come with the bulk of the Star League-era, with no protrusion into the side torsos but with the weight-savings. The Ares Project immediately put the engine into the design and the results were phenomenal. Jump jets were added into the design, allowing for further mobility. Heat sink designs obtained from captured Combine Jenners were being reverse engineered by other departments at NAIS to determine if they could be reproduced and utilized by the Ares. The armor profile, though thought to be at the edge of feasibility, was increased further to rival many assault 'mechs in the Sphere. Weapons profiles were more flexible as the weight reduction allowed for more and different weapons to be mounted. These breakthroughs unlocked the potential of the Ares design, and the First Prince personally stamped his approval for additional funding in the project.
Quentin Watson and a group of students were huddled around an arm of the Ares in rapt discussion of potential weapons. It was spirited as a divide arose between two schools of thought.
"PPCs and lasers allow for logistics independence and sustained fire." One student argued, "The Ares can keep firing without worry of an ammo feed jam."
"Heat." Another student retorted, "Even if we get this new design of heatsinks to work, heat is a severe concern. Deserts? Low or no atmosphere? The pilot will cook themselves alive if they try to maintain fire in such an environment. If you replace some proposed PPCs and lasers with a pair of AC5s or 10s, then you can keep firing in such environments."
"What about the weight?" Another student jumped into the discussion, "For the same tonnage as an AC5 you can fit a PPC and a medium laser, or a large laser and two medium lasers. That completely ignores the need for ammo, and twin ACs can chew through ammo much quicker than you think."
"Of course, you have to balance the loadout, but you trade off pure alpha damage potential for flexibility and sustainability."
Watson smiled as his students kept up the debate and wandered to his colleague Robyn Leewood's corner where another discussion about mobility and optimal engine size took place. He tapped her on the shoulder.
"Good to see our students are getting into the finer details of the design now that the broad strokes are out of the way." He remarked as the students kept their discussions going as they stepped away, "The Kuritans really donated a boon to us, didn't they?"
"That's an understatement." Leewood commented as she continued to observe their class, "The technology package along with the Jenners have taught us a lot. The ISA are more advanced than we could've anticipated."
"It stands to reason that this is just the tip of the iceberg. They are able to mass produce gauss rifles. They have what look like extended range pulse lasers, something the Star League never achieved. Damn things seem to double as an AMS system, which… Their targeting systems must be highly advanced."
"You've seen some of their computers. Fragile, sure, but the processing power in such a small space? Of course, their tracking and targeting is advanced."
"Hmm…" Watson looked at the halfway assembled Ares in the 'mech bay, "Still, what we've managed will outpace the rest of the Sphere even with standard weaponry. Still, if we get even one advanced weapon design, we can shatter the stalemate with the rest of the Sphere."
"You're not wrong. Maybe those Jenners have a bit more in them than the engines and heatsinks."
Department of Military Intelligence Impound Facility
"What?" Quintus Allard asked his counterpart as he toured a disassembled ISA production Jenner.
"The lasers have a module on them." Field Marshal Silvia Dimov pointed at a component in a disassembled medium laser, "The engineers have conducted tests and concluded that these modules increase the range of the medium laser to match those of the lostech extended range variants by swapping out the foci."
"Is it really so simple?" Allard was skeptical, "Would such a change really allow for that kind of performance?"
"The focusing lens is much higher quality than a standard medium laser, but this construction allows for any model of medium laser to be upgraded."
"Are you saying that's all it takes to create an extended range medium laser?" Allard was kind of annoyed, "Why hasn't NAIS attempted such a thing?"
"While the concept is simple, the engineers have assured me that the underlying materials science is very difficult to achieve, not to mention how to mass produce these things." Dimov leaned in closer to the focusing module, "Given the fact that these are on export models, I wonder what the ISA mount on their own?"
"From what we've seen, the Jenners would be second line at best. They have Kartikeyas and a new medium 'mech, what's it called?"
"Bishamonten. If memory serves, it is named after an ancient god of war. I believe they have a couple more models on Luthien according to our sources." Dimov retrieved a tablet from their jacket, "…right. The medium is called… the Gundam and the heavy… Zaku. I suppose they wanted to make an impression in the Combine by beating them at their own game. Intelligence photos are very reminiscent of how the Combine likes to style their 'mechs."
"Certainly a tempting target if they're on Luthien."
"As much as we despise the Combine, they do treat their guests well. However, given they have a formal presence on Antallos, it feels like it's only a matter of time until they try to make a move."
"With technology like this, you make a good point. I assume you already have people on this."
"Of course, Quintus. I like to keep an eye on things."
"When was this sent to NAIS?"
"Last week. The engineers gave me an estimated timeline of reproduction: about two years. We'll see how they do."
Skobel MechWorks
Terra
Sol System, ComStar Space
15 November 3024
In the central offices of one of the most influential 'mech companies in the Inner Sphere a series of documents were stamped. ComStar, after centuries of keeping most of Skobel's factories shuddered, authorized the reactivation of all Terra-based facilities. The corporate leadership at Skobel knew it was only a matter of time for ComStar to acknowledge the need for more materiel after news of the ISA spread throughout the Inner Sphere. Funding from the coffers of ComStar and Skobel's farsighted business strategy forced from centuries of being ousted from prominence by the conclusion of the Amaris Civil War kept their 'mech factories 'on ice,' ready to restart in a short period of time. ComStar had decided, in light of the emergence of the ISA and the increased tech level they brought to the table that the ComGuard needed to be properly armed and armored for any upcoming conflict.
Precentor Dieron Myndo Waterly was sent to oversee the reactivation of Skobel's industrial capacity. She had managed to work herself back into the Primus' good graces and this tour was a sign of renewed faith in her abilities and contribution to the First Circuit. Waterly also saw it as an opportunity to further her own agenda. She had successfully lobbied for increased funding to the Explorer Corps and expanded ROM's budget to better monitor the Sphere and the potential conflict that was set to erupt. She was determined to keep ComStar's sacred mission alive as the guiding light of humanity. Skobel still had access to lostech, having been under the protection of ComStar for as long as they have. There were certain technologies of great interest to her and ROM, namely the Null Signature System and the Chameleon Light Polarization Shield. The ISA had proven that they had highly capable sensor suites. Analysts at ROM and her own staff determined that the best way to gather information on the battlefield was with through deception of said sensors. One of the factories was to be dedicated to the production of this ancient technology for those ends. Additional funding was allocated to research and development, unheard of since the collapse of the Star League. This was done with her personal approval.
Waterly was given a tour of the existing factory to see how it would scale to six facilities all over Terra and how much materiel they could produce if ComStar were forced into a wartime footing. Raw material orders were already placed with exporters across the Inner Sphere at favorable prices thanks to ComStar guarantees. They had already retooled their currently functional back up to sixty percent capacity in anticipation for full scale production. There were already components and chassis under construction, with more workers than Skobel has had active in centuries. It was no longer a component manufacturer for other companies. ComStar was funding their primary 'mech manufacturer.
At the end of one line in a waiting 'mech bay was a finished example of an Excalibur B2, one of the first fresh 'mechs to roll of the production line since the fall of the Star League. It had been an incomplete chassis, lacking weapons and a fusion engine. With the lines reopened, Skobel technicians installed the requisite engine and weapons with their newfound industrial capacity. Waterly smiled as she gazed up at the seventy-ton 'extinct' design. ComStar's place as the guiding hand of humanity had to be assured. Come hell or high water, she would make it so.
ComStar Central Headquarters
Hilton Head Complex
Primus Julian Tiepolo and Precentor ROM Tojo Jarlath met behind the closed doors of his office. The Primus had signed off on Waterly's proposal as the ISA intelligence apparatus had been more resilient than anticipated. Her fear of ISA technological dissemination sowing destruction across the Sphere was a very real possibility, and they had to limit the damage as much as possible. Still, with her ascension back into the favored, her growing power base did worry him. Jarlath assured his superior that Waterly's efforts were in the service of the vision of Blake, and he would keep a close eye on her machinations. There was a more important matter for the day.
"How are we going to get this new hardware in the hands of the ComGuard across the Sphere?" Tiepolo asked Precentor ROM.
"I have already made arrangements for transport." Jarlath assured the Primus, "Staggered transport schedules, randomized export companies, and a methodical rollout as equipment becomes available. I have made the necessary arrangements with ComGuard garrisons in terms of schedule and need."
"Good. What of the Five? Can we utilize the resources there to accelerate the process?"
"Well, given the state of the Five and their importance if we are to defend the order in the event of an existential threat, I do not believe it wise to leverage that resource for this endeavor."
"Hmm…" The Primus thought about ComStar's 'ace in the hole.'
The Five, hidden worlds scrubbed and altered in all Inner Sphere records save the vaults of ComStar itself. These systems were in each of the five houses in the event that total war ever happened again. ComStar had the last WarShips, an unhindered access to technology, and even some level of research and development thanks to these five systems. There was some chatter from hushed corners of Hilton Head that advanced cybernetics were involved, but he had seen no evidence to support such claims. Still, even if there was, it would all be in support of ComStar's efforts.
"Primus?" Jarlath snapped him back into the present.
"Sorry, Precentor." He shook his head, "You were saying."
"Yes, well, while we should not utilize the Five for our rearmament efforts, we can utilize this new hardware in other ways."
"What do you have in mind?"
"Previous efforts to keep the Inner Sphere on the road we've laid before them involved less than savory individuals. Pirates aren't controllable assets, nor do they listen to reason."
"That's why we pivoted away from such efforts."
"Still, there were some favorable outcomes from those efforts. So, instead of wasting hardware on pirates, why not bestow them upon those that have a better head on their shoulders? Those we can have real leverage over?"
"Did you have targets in mind?"
"Nothing concrete yet, but I have analysts formulating a short list of potential beneficiaries of our guidance."
Space Station Hephaestus
Low Antallos Orbit
Antallos System, Independent Systems Alliance Provisional Space
29 December 3024
The Wolf's Dragoons were establishing themselves above Antallos. After their official arrival a few weeks ago, Colonel Jamie Wolf and Captain Natasha Kerensky spent a significant amount of time finalizing the details of their contract to the ISA. Over a period of ten years, they were promised one-hundred million c-bills with full logistical and wage support. One-hundred million in full profit with no need to pay for ammunition, repair, or company wages. There would be an option to extend the contract in the last six months of the contract for another five years at the discretion of the ISA. At least half of the money would have to be reinvested into the ISA economy, but that was not an issue given they had access to ISA technology for purchase. They also negotiated for the details of the upgrade for Hephaestus Station, every detail to be brought not only up to the lofty heights of the Star League but beyond. The last two weeks has seen the station have luxuries installed that they had never seen, from artificial gravity to food 'fabricators.'
Engineers from the ISA were examining their Archer 2W assembly facility on Hephaestus and had been hard at work at retrofitting the assembly line to not just assemble an Archer from parts but to manufacture Archers up to an improved spec. They managed to negotiate the upgrades without cutting into their payment. The ISA determined it to be in their best interest to have a 'mech force with a design not currently in their inventory. The upgrades to the line were billions of c-bills in value but that did not bother the ISA whatsoever. The 'mechs of the Dragoons were all undergoing an upgrade package, with mandated cockpit expansion to allow for a copilot like every other 'mech in the ISA's military. Wolf saw the tactical advantage of such a system, but Kerensky opposed. Her trueblooded nature saw it as an affront to her warrior ethos, but Colonel Wolf overruled her.
The Dragoons had an interesting dilemma: Should they substitute some of the less capable 'mechs in their inventory with new production Archers? Many pilots had served in their 'mechs for some time, but upgrades to the Archer platform promised higher combat capability. Potential upgrades were tossed about across the board, as access to a higher tech level would allow them to completely replace Inner Sphere gear with more advanced options. Of interest was the Annihilators that they brought with them from the Clan Homeworlds. They came with Inner Sphere-spec weaponry. If upgraded…
Colonel Wolf observed the ongoing retrofits from a catwalk above the 'mech assembly area. Natasha Kerensky joined him.
"Well, they certainly know how to deliver." Kerensky observed.
"Their technicians are masters of their craft." Wolf noted, "Our techs are learning much from them."
"We are running out of space on the station, sir."
"I have been assured that any additions to the station will be provided as needed as long as it can maintain the ability for transport." Wolf motioned for Kerensky to follow him, "They want us to draft a training regimen with the assistance of some of their instructors."
Kerensky was confused, "I do not understand. Our usual postings involve us participating in raids and attacks against other powers."
"They have the situation on Antallos well at hand, Natasha. Do your recall the report you gave to me about their simulated battle they performed with your observation?"
"Yes, of course. The simulated enemy they fought acted suspiciously like our Clans."
"They want us to refine that program."
"What?" Kerensky stopped and blinked.
"They will not say it outright, but I believe they are preparing for our people's return." Wolf turned to face her, "You remember our orders."
"What good are we training this small force, then?" She was confused, "They may be flexible, mobile beyond any other in the Inner Sphere, but they cannot defend the entirety of a dedicated invasion."
"I asked myself the same question, but they clearly possess a different outlook than the rest of the Inner Sphere. They also have the technology to rival the Clans. Also, with all of us here, WolfNet has had a better chance to entrench themselves here."
"What findings have they uncovered?"
"Hephaestus has given them a vantage point they did not have previously and believe that the ISA are in possession of several WarShips."
"Has there been confirmation on that speculation?"
"Optical photos, grainy at best, but they have at least one in orbit around Antallos."
"'At least?' How has no one seen them on sensors? Surely someone would have spotted them given the traffic from the jump point."
Wolf gave a half smirk, "You see what I mean? To the rest of the Inner Sphere, WarShips are extinct, wasted on the Succession Wars. The ISA has at least one, it can hide itself from sensors and is in active orbit around Antallos. If they did not have an active sensor camoflage, then they would park that vessel on the far side of another world."
"What gives you the impression that they have more than one, sir?"
"Their number of aerospace craft that patrol daily. Though they are also invisible to sensors, we can get a rough estimate from their numbers on patrol. They do not have a space station here, and their aerospace hangar only recently received a number of craft that do not match what WolfNet has seen in the skies."
"Oh." Kerensky let that sink in.
"This may be the best place for us to fulfill our mission and prepare."
DropShip Ghost of Montgomery
Bellerophon Star Port
Bellerophon System, Unclaimed Space
7 March 3025/865 AS/2010
It had been hard times for the Mentor's Ghosts mercenary company. The former Markham's Marauders barely escaped the coup on Coromodir three years prior and spent that time circling the edge of bankruptcy. They had wandered from contract to contract, their dilapidated Leopard on the verge of flying apart. They had creditors on their back, and they had barely enough to pay the pilots in their employ. They were restrained to a few systems to raise funds else their creditors thought that they would make a break for it.
That changed today. After a mysterious message was relayed directly to them by a contact on Detroit, they were requested on Bellerophon for a face-to-face meeting with a mysterious benefactor. They found their travel restrictions lifted and their creditors informed them that they had submitted enough to cover a sufficient amount of their debt. After their arrival, they were instructed to remain in place until contact was made. The situation made the command staff of the Ghosts nervous, but they had no choice. If they ran, their creditors would find them eventually.
Darius Oliveira, the executive officer of the Ghosts, shook his head, "Jesus, Commander. Would it kill'em to be prompt?"
"We're on a tight leash." Sumire Meyer, navigator, shrugged, "Not too much we can do about it."
Commander Marcus Scarman sighed, "Yeah. Not like we haven't been jerked around before. Remember the IPL?"
Oliveira shuddered, "Don't remind me."
"Darius, why is your intel always shit?" Sumire asked with mock disdain dripping from her voice.
"Hey!" Oliveira snapped back, "I have news feeds, the ship's sensors, and our employers to rely on. I can't vet everything, especially if they're trying to walk us into a trap!"
"It just seems like every single mission it happens." Scarman observed, "You've been off on enemy numbers every single time we've touched down."
"Hell, not you too, Commander?" Darius looked to Chief Engineer Yang Virtanen to bail him out, "Come on, Yang?"
Virtanen raised his mechanical arm, "Hey, I'm an engineer, not a tactician."
"Fuck." Oliveira facepalmed.
"Hold on," Scarman saw the blinking comms light, "Incoming transmission."
Bridge, DropShip Cheshire Cat
En Route to Bellerophon
The details of how the command structure of the new Black Lotus Battalion had been hammered out after Cerun and his people returned from whatever far-flung endeavor they had been on. Anya Rosse and Kevin 'Cerun' DeMers decided on utilizing ranks native to the Inner Sphere so to not tip their hands to the universe at large. Cerun and Rosse shared joint command, both at the rank of General. They each kept their respective command staves, but they would take different responsibilities during combat operations. Rosse handled ground operations and Cerun handled aerospace. For important decisions and events relevant to the company, they would both be present as was the case today.
Their first contract was through Cerun's benefactors. They were to make contact with the mercenary company Mentor's Ghosts and inform them of their new employment. Then they were to wait for a representative from the Magistracy. From there, the contract detailed that they would receive a shipment of equipment and then be handed off to another contact. It was a case of contract hot potato, but this was not officially approved by the Mercenary Review Board. Such obfuscation was necessary as to not draw the ire of ComStar with such action.
Generals Rosse and Cerun stood at the holo-table of the Cheshire Cat. They saw it prudent to take a vessel identifiable by the galaxy at large to meet with the bevy of parties that were expected on Bellerophon. The comms officer turned around from their station.
"General, channel is open." They reported.
"Very good." Rosse turned to Cerun, "On your go, Cerun."
Cerun smiled and took a breath, "Yep. Put 'em through."
On the holo-table of the bridge stood the image of a familiar face to Cerun. He hid his surprise as well as he could.
"This is Commander Marcus Scarman of the Mentor's Ghosts." They began, "I assume you're our contact?"
"That's correct… Commander." Cerun blinked a couple of times. His eyes weren't deceiving him, "I am General Cerun and this is General Rosse of the Black Lotus Battalion."
"Never heard of you guys before." The holo image stroked their chin, "So, what the hell are we doing here?"
"Our orders are to make contact with you, then as a group we proceed to a series of meetings where this all gets hashed out."
"Huh." Scarman's image shrugged, "Well, at least we know what we're doing now. I'm assuming we wait for you then."
"That is correct." Rosse answered, "We will be landing in a few days time. Please transmit the coordinates of your DropShip and we will proceed together."
"Alright." Scarman nodded to someone off screen, "Done. See you in a few days?"
"Correct, Commander. Black Lotus Battalion out." The holo-image disappeared. Rosse glanced at Cerun, "You look like you have seen a spirit, Cerun."
"In a sense." Cerun's mind flashed back to a previous incarnation of Scarman from another universe, "Time and space have a way of fuckin' with you, that's for damn sure. Excuse me." Cerun walked off the bridge.
Rosse turned her attention to the helmsman, "ETA?"
"Five days at current speed."
Cerun retired to his quarters and sat down at his desk. He enabled ECM protocol and opened a channel to the ISV Artemis, "Artemis, this is Cerun, over."
A holographic image of Fleet Captain Will Valder appeared on his computer, "Cerun, Valder. What is it, sir?"
"We've got another one. Transmitting memory now." Cerun mentally issued a command.
"Receiving." Valder quickly reviewed the footage, "Gods, what the hell is this multiversal garbage?"
"No, the question is why is it always Marcus." Cerun shook his head, "I… We killed the last one, right?"
"Yes, sir." Valder shuddered, "We don't need to relive that one again."
"Just keep an eye on me, yeah? Don't want a repeat of that version of Marcus."
"Aye, sir." Valder nodded.
"That's all. Cerun out."
Central Marketplace
Bellerophon Star Port
13 March 3025/865 AS/2010
Lady Ana Maria Centrella was getting rather tired of the constant relocation. MMM was secure, she assigned another MIM operative in her place to take care of the security of the ISA deal. She had to oversee the final stages of the Aurigan situation, and that meant returning to the MIM safehouse on Bellerophon. She rubbed her temples and took a sip of coffee. She needed to stay alert despite the taxing nature of travelling across the Periphery. The fatigue was real, but it had to be shoved aside quickly. She shook her head and refocused.
"Ma'am," a MIM operative poked their head into the room, "they're on the move."
"Excellent. Please inform me of their arrival."
"Yes, ma'am."
She reflected on the terms of the ISA's assistance. They would funnel weapons and equipment for the Arano Restoration through MIM to begin the conflict. They would transfer the services of the Mentor's Ghosts and Black Lotus Battalion mercenary companies. Funds saved from scrapping the Argo restoration project were instead dedicated to the employment of both companies and additional materiel for the Restoration. She was here to ensure the smooth transition of the equipment and the mercenaries to Kamea Arano's command. It was a simple task, but one that required her personal touch. Someone else might get it wrong.
So, she waited. Periodic updates of the status of the mercenary leader locations and whether or not they had met her operatives were relayed as time passed. It gave her a chance to rest her eyes as the moment approached. She was about to doze off as that same MIM operative popped their head back into the room.
"Ma'am, they're here." They reported.
Her eyes flew open in an instant. She cleared her throat, "Please, bring them in."
Through the doorway walked in three men and a woman. Two of the men wore garb one would see throughout the Periphery. The other two individuals wore BDUs she did not recognize. She did see a geometric purple flower on their shoulder. She could read into that visual cue.
"Please, sit." She motioned to the chairs around the table. They followed her instruction. She laced her fingers together, "My name is Ana Maria Centrella of the Magistracy of Canopus. If you could all please introduce yourselves."
"General Cerun of the Black Lotus Battalion." The uniformed man nodded, "Pleasure."
"General Anya Rosse of the Black Lotus Battalion." The uniformed woman mimicked the man.
"Commander Marcus Scarman, Mentor's Ghosts." He gave a nod.
"Darius Oliveira, same." He remained still.
"Pleasure to meet you all." Centrella retrieved a thick folder and opened it on the table, "I'm sure you're all wondering what the situation here is." She handed across a sheaf of documents to each pair, "From this day forward, you will be in the employ of the Arano Restoration. You will see the details of each of your company's employment in the documents before you."
The four before her read over the files carefully. The silence was stiff, broken only by the sound of paper shuffling. Cerun and Rosse were finished first despite their larger document.
Cerun raised his head, "Do you mind if we take a few moments to discuss this among ourselves?" He asked.
"I see no problem. One of the people outside will guide you to a private room." Centrella nodded to the operative at the door. Rosse and Cerun left under the careful escort of a MIM eye.
Scarman and Oliveira raised their heads. Scarman had a quizzical look on his face, "Wait, you're covering our debt?"
"That is correct, Commander Scarman. We can't have your company employed with such a collar around your neck."
"We're exchanging one collar for another." Oliveira observed.
"In a sense, Mister Oliveira. Consider this contract a much faster way to pay off your company's debt." She took another sip of her now tepid coffee, "Besides, your company is the natural choice."
"Are we?" Scarman raised an eyebrow, "We have six operational 'mechs to our name with no other support vehicles to speak of. Hell, our Leopard doesn't really have room for more."
"Consider that problem a temporary one."
Cerun and Rosse were guided to a small room near identical to the one they just left. Cerun retrieved a small device from a pocket and placed in on the table. With the door closed and the device active he nodded to Rosse. She put the document on the table.
"Do you see any issues with it?" Cerun asked.
"Why are we not receiving as much of the equipment we are being asked to deliver?" Rosse gave Cerun an inquisitive look.
"Because we have much more materiel than the Ghosts." Cerun shrugged, "We don't have to worry about wages, logistical support, all the above. Our primary purpose is training and fire support."
"We clearly have more utility than that." Rosse crossed her arms, "After you came back, our inventory expanded significantly. We have firepower that the rest of the periphery can only dream of applying."
"Which is why we're in the rear. Consider that flexibility when we're deployed. If a hole needs to be plugged, we can do it. If the enemy needs to be flanked, we can do it. Enemy position needs shelling? We've got it. Air support? Yep. We would be wasted as the tip of the formation."
Rosse clenched her fist, "We deserve to be at the front, facing our enemies 'mech to 'mech! For the first time in years, I have the ability to properly face an opponent with honor. I cannot be denied that"
Cerun sighed with a smile, "Rosse, the objective is victory. How that victory is achieved is irrelevant."
Rosse took a breath to steady herself, "Cerun. You do not understand. Fighting in the way I have over the past however many years has rubbed my honor raw."
"Just because we're in the rear doesn't mean we won't get to fight. Even with all the materiel the Restoration will receive, we're probably going to be a rapid response force. There'll be plenty of combat."
"I demand we have some frontline deployments."
"I'm sure we can swing that."
Cerun and Rosse returned to the meeting room as Scarman continued his questions.
"Wait, brand new?" Scarman's voice was incredulous, "How much space does this DropShips have!?"
Oliveira's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets, "This would not only cover our debt, but exceed it! How long are we gonna be under your thumb!?"
Cerun laughed as he sat back down, "I see you're looking at your equipment manifest."
Centrella smiled, "They don't quite believe what they're seeing."
"How the hell do you know what we're getting?" Scarman stared hard at Cerun.
"We got the exact same document." Cerun flipped the pages of the Ghosts' contract, "Your pages were simply first. Ours are in the back."
Centrella remained composed, Whoever in MIM did this, I will have their head.
"Yes, well, I do propose an amendment to the contract." Rosse said straight.
"Oh?" Centrella was intrigued, "What do you propose?"
Rosse cleared her throat, "We want assured frontline deployments for at least a company of the Black Lotus Battalion."
"I don't think Lady Arano could refuse such a force on the battlefield. Consider it done." Centrella nodded. She turned to the representatives of the Ghosts, "Are there any questions on your end?"
"Are we going to be fully released from our debt after the contract is over?" Oliveira asked.
"Especially with all the new gear you're giving us." Scarman added.
Centrella nodded, "It is as it states in the contract. Upon conclusion of the contract, your debt will be completely wiped clean. Until such time, you will be at the beck and call of the Restoration."
"Well, all things considered, given our options… We accept the contract." Scarman leaned back in his chair, "Darius?"
"You're the Commander. Don't really have much of a choice. We're on board."
Rosse and Cerun returned the contract to Centrella, "Please make the appropriate modifications and we will sign post-haste." Rosse confirmed.
"Excellent." Centrella smiled, "Return here in three days. I'm sure Lady Arano would like to meet her new command. Oh, and expect your new equipment sooner rather than later."