Smokehouse Tavern
Mica V
Periphery
2 November 3059
12:40:00 local time
Chris waited impatiently at the table, finishing his second bourbon in 10 minutes. Still fuming over Minister Caronna's little bombshell and mentally listing all the things that were wrong with Caronna, or anyone other than Chris (who still needs prior approval) to recruit anyone into the Barrett's Privateers. Did these people have any idea how awkward a position he's just been put in?! Chris could just imagine how his message to the CO would read:
Oh, hey Captain, just picked up 2 more Mech warriors, no idea if they own mechs or can even pilot mechs; did I mention one looks about 12... Oh, and while I was at it, I thought I'd change our uniforms to match the Star League Defense Force, promote the girl we rescued 6 months ago to Lieutenant after a week of training, and, ahh hell, since I'm going all in, why don't we just forget about trying to join you before the next contract and me and the slumber party will just storm the Jade Falcons territory and take out another Clan?!
With that dripping sarcasm burning through his head, Chris signalled the waiter to bring him another round. Clyff entered the grill just as Chris' next round arrived at the table.
"I'll have what he's having," Clyff said to the waiter taking the empty seat across from him. In his defence, Clyff did look like he'd gone 6 rounds with a Mech, which almost softened Chris' initial reaction.
"Oh, hey Clyff, quick question... did the Mica Majority buy the Privateers last night, or am I missing something?" Chris recognized this was the most informal he'd been with any official of the Periphery State, and he probably should dial down both his drinking and tone. But today was something else, so he downed his current drink in one swift motion.
"Did you even get my message before Alister showed up?" Clyff asked sympathetically.
"Yeah, like 20 seconds before he got to me. So, before I say something totally justifiable but ill-advised, perhaps you can tell me what's going on, why you think we can work with this, and how can this possibly be a good thing?"
"Well, first, what's going on. I take it you don't watch the local holovid or access the civilian global network much?"
"Not at all. I've been foolishly trying to get 2 fresh recruits in a place where they can pilot 75 and 90 tons of Mech through a civilian parade without killing themselves or others. I assume I missed something on the planetary chat group?" Scarasm was palatable in Chris' tone.
Clyff laughed, "more than a little. Ever since the announcement that the girls were leaving with you they're all anyone is talking about. At some point, someone, either a clever reporter or a social poster, started saying Michelle was a Lieutenant. We're 3 worlds of miners, there's not a lot to keep them distracted other than drinking and wasting their money, so this has taken hold like a pandemic. Caronna and the First Minister dismissed it at first, but denial only fed rumours of secret missions. Not the kind of thinking we want, given the real circumstances."
Chris nodded in agreement, starting to see where this went wrong.
"So," Clyff continued," Hanse, sorry, the First Minister, decided that until they left, it's not wrong for us to assign her the rank, given we're paying for the Mech and everything else. We should have notified you immediately, " he admitted, "Of course, Caronna led the public relations. Well, with all the publicity and golden political momentum, mixed with Alister, that's like pouring dropship fuel on high explosives."
"Ok, so that explains the new rank for Michelle; where did the new recruits come from? Oh, and do they actually have Mechs?"
Clyff chuckled and downed his drink before he continued, "Ahh, yes. Well Amy Stewart is the daughter of a mech warrior who got stranded here 30 years ago. Her mother's mech got shot to hell in a pirate raid right here on Mica V. She was a merc between jobs when they arrived, the raiders were recorded shooting at civilians, so she mounted her Shadow Hawk and marched out to try and either drive them off or lead them away. Well, there were twice as many pirate mechs as the reporting indicated. She did manage to hold them off long enough for us to mount a defence. We rescued her from the mech, but it was gutted. Without a working mech, she started a store selling work clothes and uniforms. Turns out she has a real mind for business. Today she has stores in every major city on all 3 worlds of the Majority and sells everything from work boots to outdoor hunting equipment."
Clyff paused long enough to flag down the waiter and order another drink.
He continued, "So, Amy has her mother's business sense, maybe better. She tapped into the excitement to create a fund to get her mother's mech fixed and join "the defenders of Mica". As far as I've heard, she exceeded all expectations. Her mother's Shadow Hawk was really just a skeleton with arms and legs. But she found everything else she needed recently."
"The Shadow Hawk torso at Dusty's," Chris injected.
"Right the first time, " Clyff said, nodding. "She's 26, but she's been training to be a mech pilot since she was 10. And she's been driving loader mechs since she was 16. I'm told she called Alister herself requesting to join."
The waiter returned with Clyff's drink interrupting his tale, "Thank you, can I get a burger and fries as well?" the waiter nodded, writing his order on a pad, "You want something?" Clyff asked Chris.
"Sure, I'll have the same. Seems I need to stop drinking to keep up with this." The waiter just wrote x2 on his pad and left. "ok, so now the kid."
"Tiphanie, yeah, she's actually 19, but looks 14"
"I thought 12," Chris interjected.
"Her parents own a mining company, about the same size as Michelle's fathers. In fact, I believe they're direct competitors. Anyway, Tiphanie has always wanted to be a mech warrior. Her great-uncle was one, which is where she got her mech simulator. According to what I've been able to confirm, her cousin smuggled it to her when she was 9, and she's been squirrelled away practicing since. Her mother is very "class conscious," and Tiphanie played her like a fiddle. A well-spun tale of family glory, one call to Alister, and a quick purchase of a scout mech to secure the family's place in Mica history, and here we are."
"Don't leave me in suspense, Wasp or Locust?" Chris asked wryly.
"Wasp," Clyff said, matching his tone.
"Damn, Dusty and Jenna are having a stellar week," Chris said earnestly.
"Yup." Clyff agreed.
"Ok, so what makes this such a good idea for the Privateers? Keeping in mind, that despite this snazzy outfit, I don't actually own the Company. So whatever you have, I hope it's enough to get my CO to bite."
"Well, with all this hype, you've pretty much got a blank check. To start with, we've hired a drop ship to take you all the way to wherever you need to go, plus all the jump ship fees. Any ammo, equipment, clothing, and supplies you want will be provided. We're getting 2 more mech simulators, in addition to the current 2, that are yours to take to help with training. And we're offering a full contract, $500,000 c-bills, for your unit to cover the costs of training. If you need anything else, just ask."
"Ok" Chris said, rubbing his temples as the food arrived. "That's a hell of an offer. I think I can sell that. Just one last thing, what's with the uniforms?"
"Ever since the SLDF reformed, SLDF uniforms are all the rage with young people. Amy's mom had a large shipment come in this week. Alister postulated that using SLDF uniforms and painting the mechs to match will add credibility to the "off to defend our youth" storyline we are using for the big send-off. I don't disagree."
"That's all well and good, but you do know the purpose of that send-off? These new recruits don't know the very real danger we trying to lead away from here." Chris stated with an expression of sincere concern.
"I know," Clyff admitted, "and I wish I could see another way. We're playing this up to convince the most powerful people in the universe that the girls are leaving for legitimate reasons. If we don't ride this wave wherever it takes us, it'll come crashing down on us all."
Highway 12
Mica V
Periphery
2 November 3059
17:30:00 local time
Chris left the bar and made a beeline to the Comstar hyperpulse station. It took two hours to carefully craft the message back to the privateers to describe what happened. This time, he shared as much detail as he could safely share electronically.
Better get back to the warehouse before those young ladies try and fire up their mechs by themselves, he thought to himself, leaving the station. The whole drive back, Chris kept thinking about the details of the events of recent days, trying to figure out how he would put together a training program for four new Mech pilots.
As the Jeep pulled up outside the warehouse, there was a small crowd gathered around the entrance, all waving banners, cheering and waving as he drove up.
What now, he thought.
The crowd parted to allow him to drive through, and he drove straight into the warehouse through the open Mech Bay doors. Stopping just inside, he dismounted and walked the remainder of the way to the back, finding the four new warriors milling around by the simulators talking excitedly.
"What's happening now," Chris asked with a sigh
"Supporters," Michelle said, "they've been gathering outside since you left."
"Apparently, we are some kind of celebrities now," Jennifer added
"Oh good," Chris said wryly, "on that note, Michelle, Jennifer, let's talk in my office."
Chris led the girls into his office telling Jennifer to close the door as he sat down behind his desk and gestured for them to sit in the chairs opposite.
"Ok, here's where we are. The Majority has conferred the rank of lieutenant on Michelle while we are in system, authorized by your uncle," Chris said, locking eyes with Michelle, "to line up with the media and global network rumours that have been circulating since our announcement. I agree it's the best approach. "
Chris paused for a moment, thinking, "Now that I think about it, Eugenio called you chu-i when he and Cassie arrived. That's the Kuritan equivalent of lieutenant;" he said for clarification when the ladies stared at him blankly, "I assumed it was just an honorary title for the purposes of their ceremony. But it seems like they were just repeating what has been on the news."
"Michelle, you and Jennifer go out and kit up uniforms for each of the staff. Have the other two help. You'll need 2 pairs of boots, 4 t-shirts, 3 combat fatigues and 1 dress uniform each. Michelle, you're the officer in charge; get used to acting like it. When you're done, take the unit on a 5 km run, no packs. Let's see what kind of shape they're in. Oh, and remember, If anyone asks, including Amy and Tiphanie, Michelle is the lieutenant, and I'm the ranking officer. No need to be specific about my title. ".
Chris stood to end their impromptu meeting when a knock on the door interrupted.
"Come in," Chris said lightening his tone, assuming that it was Amy or Tiphanie.
An older gentleman entered the room, wearing a senior police dress uniform; behind him, a slightly younger man, also wearing a similar uniform, followed him in pulling a large suitcase. His companion closed the door once they were inside.
"Captain?" the first man said.
Chris threw a look at Michelle and Jennifer and muttered, "Well, the mysterious rank issue cleared up faster than I thought."
Turning back to the man, "Yes, how can I help you?"
"My name is Gil Alpin. I'm the Executive Director for Law Enforcement for the Mica Majority. And this is Rory Blois, Superintendant for Mica V. Please forgive the unannounced visit."
"No problem, Director; how can I help you?" Chris responded as cheerfully as he could muster.
"Actually, we're here to help you. The First Minister read us and the other Superintendents for Mica II and VII in on the situation. We're going to provide some crowd control outside your facility and security for you and your team. But before we get into all that," turning to Michelle and Jennifer, "First, I like to thank these two brave young women. The terrible pain you endured the past year, and now this? I have had the honour of working with many brave men and women in my lifetime, but the sacrifice you are making for our nation eclipses them all." He finished, eyes misting.
Michelle and Jennifer stood nervously, smiling shyly, uncertain how to respond.
"And you, Captain," he said, turning to Chris, "I would like to apologize."
"Apologise for what?" Chris blurted out, confused.
"For a lifetime of prejudice. I allowed myself to be drawn into believing the worst about Mercenaries; I've spent a career wholly believing that Mercenaries are nothing more than jumped-up pirates. When I saw you in the procession when you returned the young ladies here, I thought and said some terrible and jaded things. I can't undo the past, but you and your unit..." He trailed off, briefly overcome with emotion. "Your unit. A Mercenary unit, are shouldering a risk our entire star system cannot! It's not for money. It's not for glory; there will be none. It makes me think perhaps I never looked past the public image. I thank you sincerely!"
Chris studied the Director for a moment, then said, "Mercenary is a label. Labels don't make us good or bad. I read somewhere once that forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future. I can't speak for anyone else, but if my forgiveness can enlarge your future, you have it."
The old Director smiled and nodded, "Thank you!"
"You truly defy the reputation, " the superintendent added. "And Ladies, on behalf of myself and my counterparts who couldn't be here, thank you. You are the greatest heroes our nation has ever known in my books, all the more so because almost no one will ever really know. Just to let you know, we have found some of those responsible for your capture last year, and we will find them all," he finished as though uttering a solemn vow.
Michelle and Jennifer blurted out, "Thanks," in unison. The whole situation taking on a surreal quality.
"Now, I know you're all Mech warriors, but given we can't pin medals on you for what you've already done, the Superintendents and I decided to give you something we hope will be practical in appreciation." He nodded to Rory, who lifted the large case onto the folding table at the back of Chris's office.
After using his thumb to unseal the locks, he snap-switched open the case and stepped back for all to see. Chris let out a low whistle.
"24 Laser Pistols, " The Director said, "not the flair of a BattleMech, but sometimes the difference between life and death is having a good pistol at your side. I hope you never need to use it... outside a firing range of course, " he said grinning. "If there's anything we can do, please don't hesitate to ask!" He finished with a very sincere tone.
"Can you make sure my parents are safe, " Jennifer asked hopefully, "After we're gone, I mean." She added, shifting nervously.
"As long as they live, you just focus on staying alive to come back to us all." The Director said earnestly.
Mica Depot 278
Mica V
Periphery
3 November 3059
07:30:00 local time
The group jogged back into the warehouse, steam rising off them in the cool air after their early morning regiment, and dropped their packs. Michelle and Jennifer leaned on some crates while Amy and Tiphanie collapsed to the floor, lying flat on their backs, panting.
Chris just smiled, taking a long pull on his water bottle. "Not bad for a first attempt," he said to the two collapsed on the floor. "Get cleaned up, grab some grub, and we'll start simulation training in pairs in 2 hours.
Chris' tablet, sitting on a crate near the simulators, suddenly shrieked, "WOOHOO! I LANDED IT!" 3 of the girls giggled while Michelle just blushed and shook her head.
"Oh boy, I wonder what fresh hell that could be?" Chris exclaimed as he walked over to retrieve the device. His jovial demeanour dropped to all business as soon as he saw the "Comstar - eyes only" message waiting indicator flashing on the screen. "Lieutenant, please see to the unit. Reconvene here in 2 hours ". With that, he walked to his office for privacy.
Chris sat impatiently, waiting for the decryption algorithms to finish decoding the message.
This is a very quick response, he thought for the umpteenth time. Fretting about the contents, he checked the device again. Not yet. But just as he was about to lay it down again, it chimed.
Instead of a text message, a video appeared with Ryan Praska's face frozen, awaiting Chris to start the playback.
Hi Chris. Well it seems like you've been having all the fun. We agree with all your decisions and assessments. I will say, if timing is everything then yours is uncanny.
The unit has expanded to a battalion in your absence, and there have been a number of new promotions. Your number has also come up. So, the Colonel has given me the green light to officially promote you to Captain; we've designated your unit Mica Company until you give us the final name.
Right place at the right time; congratulations, Chris! Your new papers are attached.
Now for what you know is coming! We have a new garrison contract on Asgard that lines up with your travel; a detailed file is attached. However, we are going to be delayed, so I need you to take your unit there. The contract calls for a minimum of 8 mechs, so round up at least 4 more. Should be no problem with your knack for growing a unit out of nothing.
The contract should be a great testing ground for your new team. We'll contact you with an update as soon as possible.
Happy hunting, Captain!
Chris watched the video carefully 4 times to ensure he got all the extra messages. Subtle cues, position of insignia on Ryan's uniform, items in the background, small movements, etc... The Privateer's special forces had been trained by Ryan and were the best. From the extra visual clues, Chris gathers the additional messages:
1) Something big was up related to Astrokazy, but they had it under control
2) The new contract was simple on the surface, but being a recently recaptured Smoke Jaguar world, be ready for anything
3) Ryan thought Chris' plight was hilarious
The last one is an inside joke only used by the special forces group, denoted by a colourful troll figure, officially named Frederic II Better-you-than-me, on the shelf behind Ryan in the video. Fred, the original troll, was tragically lost in the great canned soup assault of '57, an incident too horrific to repeat.
Chris opened his new promotional papers documents to review, then proceeded to study the new contract in detail.