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Post by G.C.I. Charles E. Maxwell on Dec 8, 2005 18:06:25 GMT -5
Site 187 is a converted nuclear facility on the northern continent, with its origins tracing as far back as the original settlers of the lush jungle world known as Sheratan. It is built almost entirely underground, and is equipped with a large, subterranean landing bay, with capacity to house a single Union-class DropShip. The landing bay is protected by a set of ferrosteel blast doors which retract to permit vertical takeoff of the DropShip. For obvious reasons, this design prohibits Aerodyne-class DropShips from landing at the Site itself, and thus, any non-conforming AeroTech must find berth at the nearby spaceport, situated in the capitol city of Gellen’s Heights.
The facility is equipped with a high-capacity BattleMech and vehicle service and storage facility, also built beneath the surface, and connected to the landing bay via a large tunnel, which can be sealed in stages via six sets of blast doors should an emergency arise. The BattleMech facility has twelve 'Mech bays, with an additional four allocated to BattleMechs undergoing heavy repairs or extended refits, effectively bringing the total number to sixteen.
There is also a parking garage located in the BattleMech facility, capable of housing up to fifteen support vehicles and ten assault craft. Each parking spot doubles as a service bay, so vehicles in need of repairs need not be moved from their berths in order to be accessed by technicians.
Site 187 was originally equipped with two Excalibur-class, high-yield nuclear missiles, designed for space and atmospheric warfare in situations demanding extremely large-scale destruction over a widespread area. Over ten stories tall, these massive weapons typically found roles as capital ship killers and planetary bombardment devices. The Excaliburs were removed after the FedCom Civil War, and Silo 1 was converted into living and operations space for the installation's crew, while Silo 2 was refit to accommodate a heavy lift system, capable of shuttling 250 tons of cargo (including BattleMechs) between the surface and the lowest levels of the installation. Both silos have interconnecting passages between each level.
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MechWarrior Alex Thorn
Regular
LEGIONNAIRES
"I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat." - Winston Churchill
Posts: 176
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Post by MechWarrior Alex Thorn on Dec 8, 2005 18:20:27 GMT -5
Soon after the Word of Blake was destroyed, the Legionnaires were allowed to go back to Site 187. With the help of Ben's dad the Legionnaires were allowed to stay on the planet. The unit began to rebuild the base. Being low on 'Mechs and personnel to man the base I decided to go and find myself a 'Mech. After talking to Adam, I was allowed leave until I was able to find a 'Mech. I went to what was left of my room and grabbed a couple of things which included a pack of supplies, my Desert Eagle, and my c-bills. I found my helmet and headed for my newly acquired motorcycle. I put my helmet on and speed off into the setting sun.
A few days later I found myself in a city not far from Gellen Heights and Site 187. As I slowly rolled into downtown I drew several stares from the people that stood on the sidewalks. I kept facing forward, trying not to attract much attention to myself. Soon I slowed to a stop as I found a seedy looking bar. I parked the bike outside and casually walked in. My attire once again drew many stares but I ignored them and headed for the bartender. I sat my things down and leaned over the bar. The bartender wipped his hands on a dirty towel and walked over.
"What kin I do fer ya stranger?"
I leaned in closer and laid down a few c-bills.
"I need some information."
The bartender whistled and then leaned closer and whispered. "What is it ya want?"
I smiled. "I need to know if there is a 'Mech dealer around here?"
The bartender smiled and started to say something, but I cut him short. I quickly spun around and slammed the person behind me into the bar. I quickly drew my Desert Eagle and pressed it into the back of the person's head. The person, a woman from the sound of her voice, raised her hand's.
"I mean no harm. I heard you needed some information."
I let her get up but kept my Desert Eagle ready. She stood up and straighted her jeans and t-shirt. One quick look at her and one knew she was very beautiful. Her eyes were bright blue and she had deep brown hair that reached her shoulders. She sighed and then continued.
"I may be able to help you."
I nodded and pointed to the door. "Let's step outside then."
She nodded and brushed passed me. I looked at the bartender and nodded a silent 'sorry' and headed out the door behind this woman. Once outside she pulled me to the side and down a dark alley.
"Okay here is the deal. My name is Krystal Mclue and I think I can help you in more than one way."
I tilted my head. "My name is Alex Thorn. And just how can you help me?"
She sighed once again. "I know that you are from the Legionnaires. I am a 'Mech pilot and I would like to join the unit. Also I know where there is a 'Mech dealer around here."
I stood there for a moment and contemplated on whether or not to trust this woman. I sighed and then nodded.
"Alright. You can come along, but you will have to deal with my commander before you can officially join." She nodded in agreement. I began to walk back to the street. "Alright follow me. You can show me were to go for this 'Mech dealer."
I got on the bike and looked at her. I handed her the helmet and she looked at me unsteadily. Then she reluctantly got on.
I sped down the street. Soon, after Krystal giving me directions we found ourselves in front of an old abandoned warehouse. I came to a slow stop and got off the bike. Krystal walked swiftly to the door.
"Follow closely."
I caught up to her and we stopped at the door. She knocked and a man came to the door. After a few moments a smile appeared on his face. He opened the door.
"Krystal! Good to see ya. Who is this?" he said looking in my direction. Krystal smiled as she looked at me.
"I've brought you a new customer." The man nodded and smiled.
"Excellent. Well come in, come in. What can I do for you?"
I walked in a looked around. There were several 'Mechs in the warehouse. I walked to a small desk and sat down. The man came and sat across from me as Krystal went to another room. I looked at the man sternly.
"I need a heavy class 'Mech." The man smiled.
"I think I have just the 'Mech for you. Follow me."
We got up and rode a small cart deeper into the warehouse. The warehouse itself was larger than I had expected. We came to a stop in front of what looked like a Vulture.
"Here my friend is a Omni-'Mech. A Mad Dog to be exact. It happens to be the A variant."
I walked forward and walked slowly around the 'Mech. I then climbed the latter and looked into the cockpit. To my suprise it was in excellent condition. I looked back down. "Is it loaded?" The man gave me a quirky look.
"Expecting much resistance on your way home?"
I smiled. "The less questions the better."
He nodded. "I get the idea. Yes she is loaded and ready."
I nodded. I will take her." I then stepped down the latter. He smiled and we shook hands.
A few hours later me and Krystal were on our way back to site 187. I was in my new Mad Dog and she was in her Uziel. After some dealing I had also gotten the unit some new clan technology and some extra ammo. I was also able to get someone to come along with us in a transport to help carry all the equipment.
Several days later we were soon pounding into the base. A lot of improvement had been made to the base in my appsence. I slowed my Mad Dog to a stop and climbed down the latter and met Adam. I shook hands.
"Welcome back Thorn."
I nodded. "It's good to be back."
He looked at my 'Mech. "Nice find."
"Thank you sir. I also have done some recruiting."
Krystal walked up. "This is Krystal Mclure. She is looking to join us with her Uziel."
Looking back I added, "I was also able to get us some excellent clan technology." He nodded and we began to uload the cargo.
Several months later we were back to full strength in the unit. Me and Krystal had grown closer and had started to see a liking in each other. We found several contracts to help support the unit. Once again we found ourself back into the fray. We quickly grew our reputation back as we were able to complete operation after operation. We were finally a unit again. And we had found some new faces to join us.
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Post by Assassin Saburo Kintaru on Dec 17, 2005 19:25:10 GMT -5
Night had covered the city of Gellen’s Heights like a protective blanket, bringing gentle slumber to the world that had suffered so much loss recently. Site 187 was coated in complete darkness as I wondered around it. It had been several hours since I had been realised from Charles’ custody, but I still didn’t feel free. All Charles had done was put a few pills in my hand and asked to meet tomorrow, but I couldn’t help but shake off the feeling that something wasn’t right. It was as if I had just signed my life away to the devil. I felt as if I was in Charles’ pocket now, which probably meant I would be in a whole world of shit. I shuddered at that thought. Would I once again become a puppet for another ’bright spark’ who wanted to play god? This was starting to feel all too familiar.
But right now, all I wanted was another drink. So, I kept walking towards Cantina, hoping I could drown my sorrows and fears with as much liquid calm as I could swallow. However, things don’t always go as planned. Even I knew that.
“Halt!” I strong voice from behind called. My fast pace slowed down to a few steps before I came to a complete stop.
“So, you have decided to come out from hiding, you coward stravag!” came the dark words of someone all too familiar. It was none other than Aisa Thastus, the only person in the entire Inner Sphere I could relate to on some level. She was the only person that I had any sort of respect for. I turned around, my body and most of my face covered in the protective darkness.
“Don’t you have anything to say you deserter? I doubt I would have anything to say if I were in your shoes!” she roared, hot air escaping her lips as her eyes burnt with an utter fury I hadn’t seen in a long time. I remained silent, unsure as to what to say back.
“… And to think I respected you to some degree… you DISGUST me…” Aisa hissed, clenching her shaking fists.
“… So I see you survived the recent onslaught. I’m pleased…” was all I could reply with.
“I wish I could say the same thing to you, coward.”
Another long silence passed.
“Don’t you feel any regret or self loathing for leaving your team mates on the battle field?! Don’t you at all feel sorry for abandoning us?!”
“Oh, I can assure you, I feel self loathing Aisa… however I did not abandon the ones you call my “team mates”…” I said, barely above a whisper. Although I was masked in the darkness, Aisa did not share that with me. She stood in the basking warmth of the artificial lamps that were dotted around the instillation. In the light I could see a look of confusion wrap around her face. Her frown was very distinctive in the bright light.
“Deserting my team? No… it wasn’t that at all…” I whispered again, looking away from her as the images of those killed by Mr Chingely filled my head. Their screams and moans of pain rung in my ears for several seconds as I considered taking a big and very dangerous step.
“Aisa… during your time as a Clanner… you must have seen and heard many horrific things… right?” I asked. Aisa replied with a nod.
“Saburo, whats wrong? If you didn’t desert us, then what happened?” she questioned, taking a step closer into the darkness, a step closer towards me. At first I hesitated in my response.
“Aisa, I didn’t turn my tail and run… I was being held captive on the Dreams of Avarice… I was being held on suspicion of murdering innocent people…” I replied, my face cringing as if I had just eaten something very bitter. Thastus remained very still and very quiet.
“Saburo…” she began, taking in a deep and long breath. “Did you do it? Did you kill any innocent civilians?” she asked, locking slightly worried eyes with mine. She knew about my past with General Ren. She knew about how dangerous I could be. She knew what destruction would wake in my coming.
“No! Of coarse I didn’t!” I snapped back instantly. “… but… it was me… but it wasn’t at the same time!” I shouted, trying to plead my innocence to her. I was now panicking, realising it was a big mistake to have mentioned this to her. Aisa looked back at me with a mixture of horror and sympathy. Or was that just my convincing myself that she looked that way? I was too scared and confused to really look deeply into her eyes and find out what she was thinking.
“I DIDN’T DO IT!” I roared, sounding more terrified than angry. Maybe this was a reaction to the pills? Who was I convincing?
“IT WAS HIM! I DIDN’T DO IT! IT WAS HIM!” I thundered again, before turning around and running into the darkness, running as hard and as fast as my feet could take me.
Aisa was right. I am a deserter…
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Post by MechWarrior Aisa Thastus on Dec 19, 2005 0:12:12 GMT -5
I didn't run after Saburo. In fact, I didn't even walk rapidly. I knew he hadn't gone far. Intuition, and years of exposure to the emotionally unstable stravag that infested the Inner Sphere told me that he had simply fled into the shadows, and was likely hiding nearby.
My eyes traced a path through the tormented, battle-scarred snow, following the footprints that Saburo had left behind. In the twilight, the freshly-crushed snow appeared dull and gray, contrasting with the glistening accumulation which had fallen earlier.
I strode slowly into the treeline, the starry canopy overhead appearing jagged and broken as the massive evergreen overgrowth began to obstruct my view. My eyes cut through the darkness, decades of conditioning paying off as my search quickly led me to the twisted, snow-covered hulk of a crashed transport VTOL. As I made my way along its fuselage, the unmistakable sound of sobbing began echoing through its steel frame.
As I rounded the chopper's aft compartment, I came upon Saburo, sitting on the ground, his knees drawn to his chest, head buried in his arms. His shoulders heaved, keeping time with the raspy sighs that escaped his lips. It was pathetic. And yet...
"Saburo," I stated flatly.
The young man made no acknowledgement of my presence.
"SABURO!"
With a start, Saburo's head snapped up, his eyes meeting mine with a fiery stare that conveyed both rage and sorrow. I dropped to one knee, my longcoat fanning out behind me, and placed a comforting hand on his crossed arms.
"Who is 'he?' Tell me what 'he' does to you, Saburo. Let me help."
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Post by Assassin Saburo Kintaru on Dec 22, 2005 13:28:40 GMT -5
[glow=red,2,300]“I don’t blame you from running away Saburo…”[/glow] Mr Chingely cackled, his queer, yet gleeful voice spoke. His words rattled inside my mind, twisting and distorting my emotions. It caused me to pull my knees in closer to my chest. It caused me to turn into a tiny ball and hide from the insanity. It caused me to want to surrender.
[glow=red,2,300]“… I mean, if I was in your position, I’d have killed the bitch. But that’s me and not you. We’re too different you and I. Or that is what you think isn’t it Saburo? The truth is, I am more like you than you can possible imagine. My killer instinct is only an echo of your own…”[/glow] he giggled as a strong, thumping headache ripped through my brain, causing me to grind my teeth together.
[glow=red,2,300]“…Saburo, I want you to know something: no pill can stop me. No miracle medicine can save you. Just accept me. Let go of it all…”[/glow]
“The devil tempted many souls like you are doing now Chingely… I decline your offer, you sick bastard…” I murmured, regaining some strength back.
[glow=red,2,300]“Well, we’ll see about that Saburo… Only time will tell. Oh, and just for the hell of it, why don’t you relive that fateful day…”[/glow] Chingley slyly replied, each word was spiked with such bitterness. Each word was spiked with such disregard for human life.
I (he) closed (forced) my eyes shut. Darkness filled my (his) vision.
In a flash, the images of those slain by Mr Chingely just a few days ago raced through my mind, forever imprinted in my thoughts. No matter how hard I tried to open my eyes, they remained tightly closed. I tried to scream, but only a faint wail escaped my lips. My breathing became erratic as the unspeakable images raced over and over and over, scaring me, terrifying me, … mesmerising me… hypnotising me…
“SABURO!”
My head snapped up and my eyes darted around wildly, much like a cornered animal. She crouched on one knee and locked concerned eyes with mine. For a second, I barely recognised her. It was as if I had gone on a long journey, like many years had passed in an instant. Aisa was starting to look as worried as I felt. Hot air escaped her lips as wet, unwanted tears streamed down my face. Had I been crying?
“Who is 'he?' Tell me what 'he' does to you, Saburo. Let me help.” Aisa said, with an unseen tenderness. This tenderness was nearly alien to me. I couldn’t remember the last time I had seen it. I wiped away at the hateful tears as I began to feel the strain of a week’s lack of sleep.
“You say you want to know who ‘he’ is? You want to know what ‘he’ tells me? You want to help me out? Well, I seriously think you would regret asking after I tell you…” I began, realising there was no use. Aisa had trapped me in a corner now. There was no escaping. Right now, I didn’t care if she knew or not. She was the only one I had any sort of respect for in this crazy universe… She was the only one I could trust.
“Aisa… ‘he’ is an accident. ‘He’ is an anomaly; the aftermath of bizarre experiments and mind altering hypnosis…” I carried on, nearly drifting off as I caught a glimpse of the crescent moon just before the mighty clouds blocked it from Sheratan’s view.
“…‘he’, Aisa, is who I USED to be, before my brother awakened me.” I said as Aisa looked on at me with unchanging eyes.
“When I was captured, General Ren began to experiment on me by erasing the mind of this body and replacing it with the mind of a monster he had created. Through mind altering brain washing and deep hypnosis, I was replaced by ’him’. When Kei-teh awoke me from my eternal slumber, back on the asteroid, I thought that ’he’ was gone forever. No sooner than me awakening, I witnessed my brother kill General Ren along with himself. When I saw my brother plunge to the bottom of that pit, forever out of my reach… I felt ’his’ presence again.” I finished, eventually shifting my eyes to meet hers. I didn’t take any notice of her expression. I was too out of it to care anymore.
“’He’ is ’Mr Chingley’, the white in the eye, the twinkle in every hateful emotion. It is Mr Chingley who I battle with each and every day for supremacy of this ’shell’. It is Mr Chingley who takes over my body when it is most vulnerable and uses it for his wicked schemes. All he knows is murder… and I will do at anything to stop him. Even if it costs me my own life…” I murmured, withdrawing the small laser pistol I had secretly picked up earlier at the armoury aboard the Dreams of Avarice. My original plan was to get heavily drunk and find a nice, quiet space to end it all. I was so fixed in a dumb daze, I barely noticed the look of total horror wash over the Clanner’s face as I rammed the barrel of the weapon into my mouth.
[glow=red,2,300]“We wont be having any of that Mr Kintaru!”[/glow] Mr Chingley said coolly, moments before a pulled the trigger. A load high pitch whine screeched deeply within my mind, stopping me from ending my life. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t pull the trigger. I moaned as tears filled my eyes. I couldn’t do it. He wouldn’t let me.
[glow=red,2,300]“That’s a good boy… sit, stay!”[/glow] Chingley shouted, bursting into a fit of laughter that rocked me to the core.
“NOO!” Aisa roared, slapping the pistol out of my hands. The weapon fell into the deep snow, hidden from view. Tears streamed down my face as anger and sadness brew inside of me. With a harsh fist, Thastus wrapped her hand around the collar of my shirt and pulled my face close to hers.
“Suicide is the coward’s way out!” she screamed, shaking my violently as I flopped around like a rag doll.
“How DARE you even consider THAT option over MY help!” she roared in anger. Or so I thought. I was shocked to she the Clanner’s eyes brim with tears; her eyes mirrored my own. Her expression was that of concern and fear, while mine was of utter terror and disappointment. She was brave and I was a coward. I raised my hand to touch her cheek. Her anger and sadness seemed to calm, as did my own.
“Aisa… thank you…” was all I could say, as her grip around my collar loosened. She fell back onto her backside, looking back at me with those glossed over eyes and emotional expression.
We remained silent for a very long time, neither of us saying or doing anything.
“And what now?” She finally said.
“… I was just thinking the same thing…” I wirily chuckled. “However, I’m not sure if now is the right time to answer that question…”
I stood up, brushing the snow off me before catching a glimpse of the crescent moon reappearing from behind the thick, cloud blanket that blocked it.
“Aisa… you have given me some hope tonight. Thank you…”
And with that I left her as I turned my back and walked away.
“We should meet here again… this could be our special place.” Aisa said as I heard her stand up and dust the snow off her winter’s jacket. I raised my hand to signal a ’yes’.
Although I couldn’t see it, I was sure she shared the same slight smile I was now wearing.
“Thank you Aisa. I cannot say that enough times to truly express how grateful I am…”
**Sorry I haven’t replied recently, work at the Post Room has been horrendously hard ¬_¬. Hopefully this post has made up for it! ^_^**
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