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Sept 4, 2005 3:40:42 GMT -5
Post by Commander Garrett Garland on Sept 4, 2005 3:40:42 GMT -5
Ironic, I thought, if Morgan Blake had run into trouble with his own words—the Word of Blake. Then again, it would seem that his encounters with the clans were a more likely cause for his scars. Regardless I could only look at the man for so long before turning away; it was not a pretty site. However he did offer a great package; I was just worried about his seemingly lone wolf attitude. His ‘mech, his technician, his parts… But hey, as long as he worked well within a lance then things really couldn’t be that bad. Although I was a commanding officer, the decision really lay in the Captain’s hands. Looking at the Captain, I nodded in approval of Blake, waiting to see if the Captain extended his hand towards the scarred ‘mechwarrior.
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Morgan Blake
Logistics Coordinator
LEGIONNAIRES - Elite
Posts: 122
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Sept 5, 2005 6:11:54 GMT -5
Post by Morgan Blake on Sept 5, 2005 6:11:54 GMT -5
I stood there patiently waiting for the recruitment officer's reply. Thoughts raced through my mind.
Would we be accepted ? Could we fix the Thug ? Can they support another assault class mech ? What if we cann't fix the Thug ? Will they take me without my own mech ? I've only just gotten the Thug and I could be dispossed again so soon. Will they take a dispossed warrior ? The clan salvage and remains of the Thug should be worth enough to buy another mech shouldn't they ? Maybe I can trade them to the Legionnaires for a working mech ? But I just offered to hand over to the Legionnaires anything I don't need to repair and refit the Thug. Replacing the Thug is the same thing isn't it ? Whats taking the recruitment officer so long ? Is he trying to figure a way to get rid of me and keep the salvage for himself ? Whats this other guy doing behind me ? Better be alert for any signals from either one of them.
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Sept 5, 2005 10:24:44 GMT -5
Post by Captain Benjamin Maxwell on Sept 5, 2005 10:24:44 GMT -5
I shuffled through a service jacket that Blake produced upon his formal introduction. He was the real deal. Thousands of questions raced through my mind - not the least of which was, quite simply, whether or not we could trust this mysterious, enigmatic individual. In many ways, his murky background made him more dangerous than any Clanner we had taken in, and the potential for disaster was very high. I wasn't sure I was prepared to take that kind of risk.
"Mister Blake...your credentials are most impressive - and, dependent on the outcome of this meeting, our BattleMech facilities will be at your disposal for whatever services you may require.
"I am curious about one aspect of your track record, however. Your background. Where do your loyalties stand - and how did you come to this point? With all due respect...I need to know that we can trust you."
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Morgan Blake
Logistics Coordinator
LEGIONNAIRES - Elite
Posts: 122
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Sept 8, 2005 1:07:25 GMT -5
Post by Morgan Blake on Sept 8, 2005 1:07:25 GMT -5
"Sir, I'll be quite honest with you. My loyalties lye first and foremost with Aliesha and myself. We have a bond based on mutual reliance and trust between our two selves. Anyone and anything outside of that bond is questionable as far as we are concerned.
We chose to apply to your mercenary unit because of what we had heard about you. Your honor, commitment and battle record. The stories of the Legionnaires has even made it's way through to the Jade Falcon Sibkos such is your reputation.
We are both homeless in every sense of the word. Neither of us has a home planet, great house, unit, friends or even family to turn to. We are looking for a home, somewhere to belong. You can trust us as much as we can trust you.
One last thing to convince you. Clanners will not accept to become bondsman if they consider the victorious warrior has no honor. This is even more acute in my instance. Aliesha has decided to accept the burden of reclaiming the honor of two clan warriors as my bondsman. I have tried everything I can think of to dissuade her from this decision but she cannot be persuaded otherwise. "
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Sept 8, 2005 13:53:07 GMT -5
Post by Captain Benjamin Maxwell on Sept 8, 2005 13:53:07 GMT -5
I nodded knowingly. If our experiences with Aisa Thastus and the Ghost Bears had taught us anything, it was that honor, above all else, was valued by the Clans and their allies - even more so than life itself. Glancing at Commander Garland, I caught a nod of approval.
I leaned forward on my desk, and smiled.
"All right, Mister Blake. Aside from repair facilities, is there anything else you'll need?"
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Morgan Blake
Logistics Coordinator
LEGIONNAIRES - Elite
Posts: 122
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Sept 9, 2005 6:48:53 GMT -5
Post by Morgan Blake on Sept 9, 2005 6:48:53 GMT -5
"Sir, thank you Sir.
As I stated earlier, I am the 'lucky' owner of several pieces of clan technology. I would like to speak with your quarter master regarding some horse trading I have in mind. As offered, any clan tech not used to repair / refit my Thug or if the worst comes to pass, replace it outright if I cann't repair the Thug is the Legionnaires' "
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Morgan Blake
Logistics Coordinator
LEGIONNAIRES - Elite
Posts: 122
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Enlist!
Sept 9, 2005 7:10:40 GMT -5
Post by Morgan Blake on Sept 9, 2005 7:10:40 GMT -5
Captain Maxwell offers me his hand
"Welcome aboard Mechwarrior, granted"
I snapped my best salute to Captain Maxwell, thanking him for giving me this opportunity. It was good to finally be working for someone of my choosing, not someone who had been placed over me because of who they were.
"Commander Garland if you would be so kind as to show Mechwarrior Blake to the Quarter Master's office. Once he has finished there, maybe you can arrange billets and a tour of the facilities"
Commander Garland saluted the Captain and escorted me from the recruitment office. As we walk down the hallway together I can tell that he is still appraising me but I also know that I would have never been accepted without his approval. For that I am grateful.
"Commander Garland, I have heard many stories about the Legionnaires, your victories against overwhelming odds, especially your raids against the Jade Falcons and also about the loss of comrades against the Jade Falcons."
I didn't know how any of the Legionnaires would react to the mention of the death of their former CO so I tried to be as tactful as possible until I knew them better.
"I hope to earn my place in the Legionnaires and to be held in the same regard and trust as any other member, thank you for giving me that opportunity."
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AeroJock Tom Kazansky
Regular
LEGIONNAIRES
I put my bullets into the target as if I placed them there by hand.
Posts: 8
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Oct 4, 2005 23:28:54 GMT -5
Post by AeroJock Tom Kazansky on Oct 4, 2005 23:28:54 GMT -5
I had watched the descending star of the Liberty make touchdown in Site 187’s SpacePort behind the protection of the port’s FerroGlass windows. Although the glass was dirtied from the thrust exhaust residue of DropShips come and gone, I still managed to see the departing Legionnaires emerging from their ship, their numbers fewer than I’d thought. The planetary news covered their return commenting on the number of dysfunctional ‘mechs emerging from the DropShip on repair gurneys instead of under their own power. Looking carefully I noticed a Daishi and Shadow Hawk both covered in a layer of charcoal being transported by the ‘mech recovery trucks. A lightly damaged Hackman was also on a gurney—but it seemed operational—was there no pilot for it? The final incapacitated ‘mech was a Marauder, it’s avian chassis fitting awkwardly on the recovery and transport truck’s back. The ‘mech had sustained considerable cockpit damage—I’d be surprised if the pilot had survived such a savage attack. Although all of the un-powered ‘mechs showed visible damage and wear, the two guard ‘mechs, flanking the procession, were in top notch shape, painted in the ancient Roman colors of Red and Gold. It was obvious that the Liberty’s repair teams had focused on repairing the only two ‘mechs which could be fully restored while the DropShip was in space—it was difficult to do heavy repairs outside of a gravity well and in the confines of a DropShip’s ‘mech bay.
Having heard of the Legionnaires’ impending return I had traveled to their main base—I was sure to find an enlistment officer this time. However after seeing the mercenary outfit’s Captain I changed my mind—I’d meet with them the next day—interviews never went well when one had been on a DropShip for weeks.
Returning the next day I announced myself to the secretary—I still hadn’t caught her name—and waited in a small room joining to the Captain’s office. A moment later I was beckoned in by a man in his early thirties with very distinctive red hair although of a particularly lighter shade than my own bronze-red color. Shaking the man’s hand I sat down across the desk from him, waiting for him to speak.
“Welcome to the Legionnaires Mr. Kazansky. Janice tells me that you’re an AeroJock.
Janice, I’d remember that. Putting on a smile—people told me it was a smug one—I replied.
“Ah yes, Janice of course. She must be an excellent secretary. Yes I am an AeroJock, a damn good one. I don’t have my own fighter right now, but I’m told that you’ve got some undedicated ones.”
The Captain was drinking in every word I spoke, it was obvious that he needed a pilot with my impressive skills—I certainly would be one of his most valuable, and well-paid, assets. I sat smugly awaiting the Captain’s undoubtedly generous offer—I had it made.
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AeroJock Tom Kazansky
Regular
LEGIONNAIRES
I put my bullets into the target as if I placed them there by hand.
Posts: 8
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Oct 6, 2005 22:49:42 GMT -5
Post by AeroJock Tom Kazansky on Oct 6, 2005 22:49:42 GMT -5
Before the Captain could reply, the door opened with the shapely form of Janice Reed in the center. She flashed nervous eyes to the captain as she stepped aside, revealing two dark suited men. The Captain, that arrogant bastard, dismissed me with a wave of his hand like a dog. I left the room, stepping past the two suited men, not bothering to hide the disgust on my face. My expression instantly changed to that of a sly smirk as it was now just Janice and myself out in the waiting room. She looked distraught so I moved to comfort her—or at least pretended to. Putting my hand on her shoulder I looked into her big, teary eyes, her mascara starting to drip.
“Janice what’s wrong? Those two didn’t look too friendly.”
Looking her eyes with mine another wave of sadness passed through them.
“They’re MRBC—I don’t know what they want with the Captain, but it can’t be good. Oh god after all the Legionnaires have been through and now this.”
She began to turn away, but suddenly spun back, her eyes clear as if she’d dismissed the problem.
“Ah how could have I forgotten? You’re still intending to join us correct?”
After seeing those two enter the office I had my doubts about the unit, but what the hell else was I going to do? I had spent all my money just getting to Sheratan—I was essentially stranded.
“Certainly. Since the Captain is unavailable what should I do—I could wait…”
No, no, that’s unnecessary. Besides, I think it’s going to take awhile. Commander Garland’s office is just down the hall, he should be able to take care of you. Here, I’ll take you there.”
I wasn’t sure what it was with secretaries—but I sure was glad that she was letting me follow behind.
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Post by Commander Garrett Garland on Oct 8, 2005 0:30:10 GMT -5
A knock on my door interrupted me from my paperwork—I never realized how much bureaucracy the Captain had to deal with. The previous day I had received a similar knock on my door revealing a disheveled Janice Reed followed closely by some cocky AeroJock. He wanted an interview but Janice’s news of the Captain prompted me to race out my door, catching up with the Captain and his two escorts before they entered the lift. All the Captain told me was that he was going to indisposed for awhile—I was going to have to take command. Fortunately for me these seemed to be peaceful times—the Legionnaires were recovering from our last operation and no one was seriously entertaining us with a contract. Regardless the amount of forms I needed to fill out was staggering—I had signed up to fight, not write. The visitor was a welcome distraction but I decided that I’d rather be filling out sanitary management forms than meet with this person after I discovered their identity.
“Come in.”
A hand turned the doorknob, pushing the door forward, letting its momentum open the door and tap the wall’s doorstop—couldn’t he just politely open the door and close it behind him? Framed in the doorway stood the AeroJock, Tom Kazan-something. The office’s light reflected off his bronze-red hair and his unnaturally white teeth—why did he have to smirk like that? Standing only a few centimeters shorter than me, the AeroJock approached my desk slowly, pulling out the opposing chair and sitting in it casually; his slouch was another sign of conceit.
“What can I do for you Mr. Kazansky?”
“As I was explaining to your Captain, I’m an AeroSpace fighter pilot—a fairly talented one. I don’t have my own fighter but I think that my skills would be invaluable to this unit.”
Speaking carefully, I answered, “Yes, I’ve looked over your resume—your combat skills seem impressive, at least against other fighters, but it would seem that you are considered somewhat…reckless and I have no documentation on your anti-mech abilities.”
“Am I rash? No I am not—on the battlefield I think through my actions—perhaps I seem unpredictable but it is a calculated unpredictability...”
I interrupted, “Ah, from your combat record it would seem that you handle your fighter well—your recklessness is not in reference to combat.”
“What are you implying Commander?”
I couldn’t afford to anger the AeroJock too much; despite that I didn’t like him personally the Legionnaires desperately needed an experienced AeroSpace fighter pilot, even if it had to be Kazansky.
“Nothing—Corporal Kazansky.”
A smile lit up across his face—he’d got the job.
“My I ask, sir,” He said slyly, “the class of my fighter?”
“Luckily for you we have a brand new EST-O Eisenstrum, hot off of Lockheed’s factory line. The Captain ordered it a few months ago as a Legion asset but since he was the one designated to use the fighter it seems that you’ll be piloting it now.”
I was having trouble keeping my fake smile on—I needed to end this quickly.
“Please see Mrs. Reed on your way out, she’ll get you situated.”
His brow furled when I mentioned Janice’s title. Good I thought, hopefully he’d go looking in Gellen’s Heights for women—no woman in the Legionnaires warranted an arrogant bastard like him.
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Enlist!
Oct 11, 2005 17:25:19 GMT -5
Post by Elizabeth Evers on Oct 11, 2005 17:25:19 GMT -5
I knocked before entering the enlistment office. Sitting behind a mountain of papers was a dark haired officer with sullen eyes. His uniform informed me that he was called Garland, the man that reception had instructed me to see.
"Can I help you?" he asked wearily.
"Yes, I was responding to the posted opening for an experienced VTOL pilot. Is this a bad time?"
His face brightened for what I'm sure was a pleasant break from lethal amounts of paper work. "Oh, come right in! Have a seat."
I thanked him as I sat down in the chair on my right. While handing him a manilla folder containing my resume' and profile, I was sure to thank him for seeing me on such short notice.
"It's no problem at all. We're fairly informal here. If you should be hired, then you can expect a fairly brief turn around before our next operation."
While thumbing through my introductory psyche analysis he remarked, "With our impending deployment, we will be giving large preference on pilots who already maintain thier own craft."
I nodded and afirmed, "Yes sir. I had read that, there's no problem there. I fly a Pinto Attack-Vtol. All the technical information is there in the back."
Just then Commander Garland flipped to my combat history, paused for a moment and read a particular line with avid interest. I held my breath as he prepared to speak.
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Enlist!
Oct 14, 2005 19:40:58 GMT -5
Post by Commander Garrett Garland on Oct 14, 2005 19:40:58 GMT -5
“You were in a clan reeducation camp? Do you know that they are several clanners with the Legionnaires?
The news seemed slightly surprising to her. She paused before responding—thinking of what to say.
“I did not know that sir, but it isn’t surprising—they are excellent warriors after all.”
“I was just letting you know that you’ll probably be in contact with them fairly often—do you still want the job?”
“Yes sir, I do.”
Extending my hand I spoke, “Then welcome to the Legionnaires Warrant Officer Evers, it’s good to have you aboard. Please check in with Janice—she’ll take care of your quarters. Afterwards please speak with our quartermaster, he will help you get your Pinto all settled in. I have a simulated battle with our other flyer, Tom Kazansky in about a half-hour but afterwards please feel free to ask me any questions if something comes up.”
With that, Elizabeth stood, saluted, turned, and walked over to the secretary for her assignments. It would be good to finally have a VTOL pilot—the Legionnaires needed all the assets it could get.
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