The Compact's radio channel flashed, and Hap reluctantly switched channels. "This is McFinnigan and Sons."
"Mercenary whore, it is unacceptable how long you failed to respond. We demand you give us tactical control of your air support immediately." Zhang said.
"Zhang, I'm not a Mercenary. I'm a liaison officer assigned to McFinnigan and Sons. I'm also a Captain in an allied nation, and you're a lieutenant. Cut the crap, show some professional decorum-"
"I don't have time for this Mercenary whore representative, you will relinquish-"
"I'm sorry my radio was breaking up for the parts when you said, 'yes sir' and 'please'. I'm going to reset it and see if that fixes it."
Hap switched his radio back to the McFinnigan's radio net. There was the thump of the artillery and Hap realized that it had fired multiple times but he hadn't noticed it until now.
"That was probably unwise." Anastasia said quietly.
"I know you're right, but I'm about this close to punching that guy in the face, with my Griffin's fist.." Hap said. "Besides, we're going to help them, but I just need to teach Zhang that there are consequences for his attitude."
"Very good." Anastasia answered in a tone that implied it was anything but good. "Hopefully no one gets killed while you are teaching him a lesson."
The Stuka made another strafing run and as Kate pulled up the Cataphract exploded from a breach to the fusion reactor.
"Banshee 1, the Capellans need some help, how much longer can you stay on station?" Hap asked.
"You got more ground pounders who need air support to save their sorry asses? I can do this all day."
"Right." Hap said "Let's start with the artillery emplacement in the fortress."
"You know the deal. One of you give me a vector and I'll make your problems go away."
"Joker, hop over the fortress walls and guide Banshee 1 down on the artillery." Hap said.
"Why me?" Joker whined.
"You're the only one of us that doesn't have any internal structure exposed, and if there is infantry on the other side of that wall you're the best one to handle them."
"Roger that." Joker said as he activated his Firestarter's jump jets and sent his 'mech up and over the fortresses wall.
"Banshee I got artillery, in, uh, it's set up in a dirt berm, vicinity grid 0086."
"Okay, Good copy. I'm not set up to dive bomb, so you want to give me an east-west or north-south strafing axis?" Kate said.
"Uh…" Joker said, "wait one."
Mags hadn't moved her 'mech. The Jenner was looking down, it seemed to be resting. Hap started to walk his Griffin toward her. Hap had seen this posture before. It was usually when a 'mechwarrior' just let go of the controls and had to take a moment to make sense of things. When Hap had seen it was because they were shocked or amazed after surviving something.
Anastasia followed Hap as she called out, "Banshee 1, conduct a strafing run east to west from grid 0084 to 0068. As stated, priority target is artillery in defilade, vicinity grid 0086."
"Hey, I'm right in the middle of that." Joker said.
Anastasia sighed loudly "Danger close, friendly 'mechs in the open." Anastasia added.
"Are you trying to kill me?" Joker asked.
"I have been thinking I need to be less passive aggressive toward you." Anastasia said.
"I see him. Joker, get out of my strafing lane. I'm about to go nose done and tail up."
Joker jumped his 'mech up onto the thick wall of the fortress. "Wait there's a joke there, but I need to say something to Anastasia before I can think of it."
"Let me help you" Kate said as the Stuka started another strafing run, "nose down and tail up is how your mom spends her Saturday nights."
"What, no. Damn it. I forgot what I was going to say now." Joker huffed. "Mom jokes are also the worst form of humor you should know."
"Yeah and you should know how to call for air support. Maybe you can ask Coyote 2 to teach you and your lancemates." Kate answered.
"I try to explain so many things to them, what's one more thing?" Anastasia said with quiet exasperation.
"That's why you're the Professor, Kitten." Kate answered
The Cappellan command net flashed again on Hap's radio. He switched the system over.
"This is McFinnigan and Sons."
"Captain Calahad. This is Major Nguyen, we humbly request air support." The Major's voice had an edge of icy annoyance.
"Yes Sir. Banshee 1 is currently strafing the artillery emplacement. I'm transferring tactical control of our air support to you now. My lance is able to enter the fortress now. We'll destroy the artillery and neutralize any resistance they're holding in reserve."
"Thank you." Major Nguyen said coldly.
Hap flipped back to the McFinnigan net, "Banshee 1, move over to the Compact net, and support the Compact forces."
"Roger, I think I at least sent the artillery crew running in terror." Kate said.
"Yeah, I'll burn down what's left of the tubes." Joker said, "What's the situation with the Compact lance? They had assaults, they could have easily crushed the 'mechs we were up against. What's taking them so long"
Hap could see the Stuka come up from its strafing run and bank hard over to the North. "Iit looks like they're dealing with a Warhammer and a Rifleman standing on the high ground." Kate said, "and their being harassed by a couple hovertanks. I see an urbanmech missing a leg. They're moving very slowly and single file, so. I'm guessing they're in a minefield. Oh! The Compact is trying to talk to me. Well, heart-breakers and life-takers, I'll talk to you later when we're Mission Complete.
"Hey boss there isn't much left in the fortress, at least as far as 'resistance' goes." Joker said as he jumped back into the fortress, "At least there won't be once I'm done with this artillery."
Hap was close enough now he could lean his 'mech over and look into Mag's cockpit. "Hey, sister, you good in there?"
Hap could see Mags head was bowed, but as he spoke she looked up and nodded to him.
"I don't think we're quite done yet." Hap said, "The Compact still need our help. We gotta clean out this fortress, and probably slip behind a Rifleman or Warhammer and remind them that a Jenner can be just as dangerous as an Atlas."
The Jenner straightened up, "Lets get this done Hefe. I want to go eat some real food, like a steak, maybe get laid." Mags said, and Joker hooted.
"Artillery cannon is now a pile of melted slag. I don't think there is anything else to neutralize in here. The Capellans are either dead, gone, or in getting strafed. Also I'm with Mags, we need to finish the op, get some real food, and get laid."
"If I see Zhang, though, I'm going to cut him." Mags added, "That's also on my list."
"That's my girl." Joker laughed. "What about you Professor."
"I concur with Mags. I'm ready to complete this operation. I'd also like a Steak with a good Cabernet Sauvignon. I feel I should add, I have a mild headache, and I suspect I may have a concussion so I may apologize for my behavior later.
"So if you have a headache, does that mean-"
"Alright." Hap said. "Let's get this operation complete."
There was the tone of a system entering the radio net, "Alright I'm back. The Compact are going back the way they came, because they don't want to risk going through a minefield." Kate said. "I took down the Warhammer and the Rifleman, and the rest of the Capellan forces scattered. You're to hold the fortress until they can send a force to secure it."
"Is Major Nguyen angry with us?" Anastasia asked.
"Couldn't tell you, but one of them called me a 'mercenary whore' and the Major ordered him off the net. If I knew which 'mech he was piloting I might have accidentally caught him in a strafing run."
"That was Lieutenant Zhang, I believe he was assigned the urbanmech." Anastasia said.
"Oh damn, that would have been an easy 'accident' to make. I'll have to better next time." Kate said. "If you guys are good, I'm going to go back, refuel, have a hot meal and pick up Roweyna. We'll see you at their FOB."