Location - Durann IV - Battle of Twin Valley

June 11th - 3035

The Raptors of Thrakad found themselves embroiled in an unexpected and challenging situation. Assigned to guard a trade depot, they had anticipated a routine contract with promising salvage and pay. However, the arrival of the Draconis Combine's Ryuken elite threw a wrench into their plans.

The Ryuken, known for their awesome skills and advanced technology and trained by the Wolf Dragoons according to rumors, posed a serious threat to the trade depot and the mercenaries tasked with its protection. The sudden escalation of the conflict elevated the stakes for the mercs, turning what was expected to be a straightforward assignment into a high-stakes battle against elite adversaries.

As the chaos unfolded, the Raptors would need to adapt quickly, relying on their skills, teamwork, and the unique strengths of each mechwarrior to face the unexpected challenge posed by the Draconis Combine's Ryuken. The outcome of this intense encounter would shape the course of their journey and further solidify the bonds forged in the crucible of war.

In the battlefield of the Twin valleys, Rhyan 'Raptor' We'ber and his partner Fox found themselves engaged in a fierce battle against Draconis Combine forces. The air was thick with traction as the Original Raptors of Thrakad faced off against their opponents. It should have been a good contract, good salvage and good pay to guard the trade depot. Noone had expected the Draconis Combine to send their Ryuken elite against the trade depot. Rhyan piloted his mighty Atlas, a 100-ton assault mech armed to the teeth with long-range missiles, lasers, and an autocannon. Fox, his trusted companion, maneuvered alongside him in a light-class mech.

The landscape was a mixture of scorched earth and shadowy remains of once-vibrant structures. The clatter of weapons fire, explosions, and the mechanical hum of mechs filled the air as both sides fought for dominance. The Raptors, known for their resilience and adaptability, faced the Draconis Combine with determination.

Rhyan's tactical mind assessed the battlefield, anticipating the movements of the enemy mechs and coordinating with Fox to execute strategic maneuvers. The Draconis Combine, a terrifying opponent with their advanced technology and skilled pilots, provided a challenging adversary for the Raptors.

As the battle raged on, Rhyan and Fox showcased their synergy and combat prowess. The thunderous footsteps of the Atlas reverberated through the battlefield, while Fox's mech darted and weaved with agility, delivering precise shots to enemy targets, a dance of metal and firepower.

In the heat of the confrontation, communication between Rhyan and Fox was seamless, their unspoken understanding of each other's moves a testament to the camaraderie forged in warfare. The Raptors, not just Raptor and Fox but everyone, fought not just as a mercenary company but as a cohesive unit, each pilot relying on the others for support and had all served in the Lyran Commonwealth for years together, and knew each other inside and out.

The fate of the conflict, remained uncertain, a precarious balance hanging in the air. Victory or defeat hinged on the decisions made in the turmoil of the battlefield, and Rhyan, as the leader of the Raptors, navigated the challenges with a mix of experience, strategy, and the unyielding spirit that defined his company.

Amidst the tumult of battle, Rhyan, seized a moment to exchange words with Fox, his steadfast companion on the battlefield, over a private channel. The rhythmic pounding of their mechs' footsteps and the relentless exchange of gunfire served as the ambience to their conversation.

"Soo how about it, Fox? Can I get a yes to my question?" Raptor's voice crackled over the radio, a hint of determination underlying the words.

Fox, with a hint of amusement in his voice, responded, "You really wish to talk about marriage now?" The absurdity of discussing personal matters in the middle of a firefight added a touch of irony to their exchange.

The banter between the two mercenaries revealed a camaraderie that transcended the battlefield. In the face of danger and uncertainty, they found a moment to share a conversation about life beyond the war. It showcased the unique bonds forged among the members of the Raptors of Thrakad, a group that had become more than just comrades; they were a chosen family navigating the tumultuous world of metal and war.

The sudden influx of voices over the radio disrupted the relative calm of the communications channel, injecting a sense of urgency and chaos. Raptor, momentarily distracted by thoughts of his love for Carol, swiftly refocused on the unfolding situation. The radio chatter from Sigma and Epsilon lance stationed to the western flanks with the dropship 'Esmeralda' hinted at a development that demanded immediate attention.

In the fast-paced and unpredictable environment of battle, communication was crucial for coordination and adapting to changing circumstances. Raptor's instincts kicked in as he strained to decipher the snippets of information coming through the radio. The urgency in the voices and the abrupt intrusion of additional lances suggested a complex and rapidly evolving situation that required his attention.

The familiar voice of Wolfman, his old best friend and junior officer from the Lyran Commonwealth, echoed through the radio.

"Raptor, the offer was too good to refuse. I give you this for old time sake. Retreat, Retreat now I don't want you to die like the rest"
The message sent chills down Raptor's spine as he processed the ominous warning. The blips on the tactical screen flashing and vanishing indicated that someone or something was eliminating Sigma and Epsilon lance stationed on the western flanks.

The large flash of light on the western horizon confirmed Raptor's fears. The destruction of 'Esmeralda,' the dropship that had been a significant asset to their operations, was a devastating blow. Wolfman's betrayal, going over to the Ryuken, and the subsequent loss of comrades and resources intensified the gravity of the situation.

In the disarray of battle, decisions had to be made swiftly. Raptor weighed the options, considering the value of retreat versus standing their ground. The Ryuken's now overwhelming forces left them with a stark choice: retreat and live to fight another day, or face the risk of annihilation. The Raptors of Thrakad were faced with a critical moment.

"All units, fall back to the Fangs of the Raptor. Fall back now!"
Raptor's order reverberated over the radio, a command that cut through the turmoil. The urgency in his voice was tangible, reflecting the gravity of the situation. The Raptors of Thrakad were in retreat, their once-defiant defence halted by the unexpected betrayal and the overwhelming force of the Ryuken elite.

Beside him, Raptor felt the look of horror on Carol's face as she looked up from her Commando. The weight of the decision to retreat, to abandon the field, bore heavily on each member of the company. The Fangs of the Raptor, their fallback point, became a beacon of hope in the face of impending danger.

The Raptors began to disengage, moving swiftly and strategically, covering each other as they pulled back from the battleground. The Ryuken had turned allies into enemies, and the retreat was a bitter acknowledgment of the immediate threat they faced. The battle wasn't over, but for now, survival took precedence over victory.

In the relative safety of the Fangs of the Raptor, the survivors of the ill-fated battle took stock of their losses. The air in the dropship was heavy with the weight of grief, betrayal, and the harsh reality of war. Rhyan and Fox, the leaders of the Raptors of Thrakad, made a somber assessment of the toll the recent events had taken on their company.

The loss of two full lances, along with most of their medium mechs and eight comrades, was a devastating blow. The betrayal by their once-allies, now part of the Ryuken elite, added a layer of betrayal that cut deep. The remaining members of the Raptors were left grappling with the harsh truth of war—that victory often came with a heavy price, defeat even heavier as three more pilots died during transit.

As the Fangs of the Raptor hurtled through the cold void of space, the survivors began the painful process of mourning their fallen comrades and strategizing their next moves in a war that had just taken an unexpected turn. The espirit de corps that had defined the Raptors of Thrakad would be crucial in facing the challenges that awaited them.