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Post by Star Captain Killian Bekker on Apr 11, 2005 15:08:17 GMT -5
[glow=green,2,300]- Elsewhere in House Liao Border Space.-[/glow]
Commander on deck!
At ease, carry on.
The data transfer had gone smoothly and I had received a high priority message. It seemed that the Gokusotsu were in for some sort of scuffle and that it might be in our best interest to take a look.
I wonder how long this is going to be kept under wraps...and how long it wasgoing to be before THEY revealed their identities...
I strode over to my chair and sat down. I checked my datapad once more before giving the order. I furrowed my brow at the realization that I could not make my desired time table. I quickly typed a Priority message to inform the necessary party of our delay.
Comms, send out all level Priority Messages.
Aye aye, sir. All Priority Messages have now been sent.
I banged my fist on the arm of the chair and pulled up my control panel. I disliked the fact that I would be where I wanted to be, when I wanted to be there.
Helmsman we are heading to the planet Rochelle. Calculate the fastest timetable. I want us to get there quickly, but no jumps. I don't want anyone following us, so take the necessary precautions.
Aye aye, sir. Setting course for the Planet Rochelle. Estimated time to arrival is approximately 28 hours.
I knew all too well that it might take much longer, especially if we were to avoid being tailed.
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Post by Captain Adam "Gunman" Wolf on Apr 11, 2005 18:17:17 GMT -5
Having exited the 'mech bay in a slightly disgruntled mood, seeing the General from MRBC bearing down on me in his hovercar did little to improve it. As the General dismounted from the car, I adopted a standard military stance with my hands behind my back and awaited what the General had to say.
"Captain Gunman. I'd like a moment of your time, if I may."
"Of course, General Kleais. What can I do for you? Are you here to tell me that the MRBC has handed down their decision to disband the Legionnaires in the next 48 hours?" I said in a light joking manner, although the slight chuckle from the General was a bit unnerving, I had never known the MRBC officials to have a sense of humour.
As the General proceeded to explain to me his current assessment of the audit, the colour slowly faded from my face as the accuracy of my previous comment became gravely clear.
..."Captain, let me be frank with you. I don't believe the true measure of a Mercenary unit lies so much in its ability to carry out administrative duties, but rather, their performance on the battlefield. I'd like to offer your unit a second chance to pass this evaluation."
As the General finished up, the colour began returning to my face and I managed to force a small a grin
"Of course General Kleais, we'd be glad to have you accompany us on the mission, and thank you for giving us a chance to show you that this was all just due to bad timing. I'll inform the crew of the Thorin to prepare quarters for you, and Im sure the bridge crew will be more than accomodating for you to watch every detail of the mission."
"I don't think you understand me Captain," he said sternly, a slightly puzzled look spreading across my face, " I do not wish to merely 'observe' this mission, I wish to take part in it, in the actual combat."
Staring at the General almost dumbfounded, I collected myself and replied, "With all due respect sir, I dont think that would be a good idea. This mission is extremely hazardous, even the Thorin won't be completely safe, not with this many hostiles around. Also, you've been a General for several years no, am I correct to assume you also haven't seen any real combat time since becoming a General? Besides, they requested that we only bring a single lance of reinforcements, and I need my men in that lance, not a General who hasnt real combat in a 'mech for several years"
Slightly taken aback, the General quickly recovered and responded in a rather irritated voice, "Look here Captain, just because I'm a General does not mean that I dont keep my 'mech piloting skills up to par. Im willing to bet my rank that Im just as good if not better than most of the mechwarriors you have here. Questioning my piloting skills is not a good idea when I have the power to shut you down in a moment, I've seen more than enough real combat time in a 'mech, even since becoming General. I will NOT sit idly by and simply watch your operation, and as far as only asking for a single lance of reinforcements, I'm sure they won't mind one extra 'mech, besides they'll probably need it. The way I see it Captain, you dont have a choice, you either take me on your mission, AS part of your unit, or else your unit is disbanded, effective immediately."
Anger rushing up in my mind, I felt a sudden urge to draw my fist back and just lay into the General, but years of discipline held me back, simply tensing my fists at my sides, I grudgingly accepted is terms while trying to keep a level voice.
"Alright, fine. You can come as part of the unit, I'd rather have you tag along that have my unit disbanded over something as piteful as a small bar riot at the wrong moment. You say you've seen 'mech combat and kept your skills brushed up eh? So Im correct to assume you have your own BattleMech then? Well seeing as how it didnt come on the transport when you arrived I guess you'll have to use one of ours." Motioning breifly with my hand towards the 'mech bay behind me, having calmed down slightly, I continued on. "Just head in there and pick out something you like that isnt assigned yet. And one last thing General, if your going to be a part of MY unit, out in the field I need you to follow MY orders, you want to see how we operate in combat, then you have listen me, just remember, your there to observe, not command, you may be higher rank sir, but Im still in charge."
" You made the right choice Captain, I dont want to disband the Legionnaires, but I will if I have to. As far as my personal BattleMech goes," looking down at his time piece he pauses for a moment as though doing some quick calculations before continueing, " it should be arriving in about 70-90 mins. I had already pre-arranged for it to be here. As far as me following your orders on the battlefield, rest assured I'll do what Im suppose to do."
Quickly turning and remounting the hovercar before I could say anything further, the General sped off back towards the main facility, leaving me standing there still infuriated at the situation but unable to do anything further.
Looking around I see a partially empty transport that was being used to quickly shuttle some off duty techs back to the barracks, hopping aboard I reach the barracks and head inside. Once reaching my personal quarters I que up the base wide comm channel to announce the presence of the General attending our mission.
This is Captain Gunman, to all Legionnaires, I repeat Captain Gunman to all Legionnaires. It appears that General Aegis from MRBC will be taking part in Operation MoonShield II with us, I expect you all to accomodate him and treat him with the respect deserving of a General. Also all units participating in Operation MoonShield II, is to report to the 'mech bay at 0900 tomorrow morning to finish prepping your 'mechs and equipment for launch. We launch at 1200 hours tomorrow, I want all personnel ready. Captain Gunman, out.
Keying off the comm, I drop down into my bed, laying there staring at the ceiling, hoping everything would go off without a hitch this time.
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Post by Captain Benjamin Maxwell on Apr 11, 2005 20:02:23 GMT -5
"...yes, that's right, he threatened his way into an active spot on the roster. He left me with very little choice."
I buried my head in my hands and ran my fingers through my hair. I had a migrane. General Kleais was making it worse.
"Very well. We'll just have to humor him. But I want him kept on a tight leash. Under no circumstances is he to be left unattended at any time. The last thing we need is an MRBC General going off and getting himself killed on our watch."
"Got it. See you aboard."
With that, I flipped the comm channel closed, and throttled my Stone Rhino to full, charging forth from the 'Mech bay and ascending the ramp into the bowels of the Thorin, my 'Mech's pounding footsteps echoing my own inner frustration.
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Post by General John "Aegis" Murlance on Apr 11, 2005 22:17:13 GMT -5
The ground shuddered beneath my combat boots as the MRBC DropShip Nautilus descended beside the Thorin, coming to lay at berth just a few hundred feet away from the bustling ground crews. The gantry dropped, and the thunderous clanging of clawed ferrosteel feet on metal grating could be heard as my personal Mad Cat, Bruticus, emerged from the shadows and pounded its way down the boarding ramp, crossing the ferrocrete and thundering past me into its bay in the Thorin. Swinging my rucksack onto my back and grabbing my gear bag, I strode purposefully toward the waiting mercenary vessel, returning the salutes of ground crews who dropped their tools to snap to attention. As I began making my way up the gantry, Captain Maxwell appeared from within the vessel. Taking notice of my presence, he snapped a quick salute, and descended the gantry to walk alongside me. His hands were covered with grease, and he smelled of ammo lubricant.
"Captain Maxwell. A pleasure."
"Likewise, General Kleais. I'd shake your hand, but..."
The Captain glanced at the grease on his hands.
"It's quite all right, Captain."
"I was loading my own ammo when you arrived. One of the techs mentioned you were out here."
I gave the Captain an incredulous look.
"Don't trust your own crews to do it, eh?"
"On the contrary. I trust my techs implicitly. But they can't be there to unjam my weapons in the middle of battle, now can they? And if they can't, who does that leave if I don't know how to do it?"
Captain Maxwell gave a shrug, and began making his way up the gantry once again.
I liked his attitude.
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Post by Star Captain Killian Bekker on Apr 12, 2005 8:26:36 GMT -5
[glow=green,2,300]- Somewhere on the border of House Liao -[/glow]
Klaxxons blaring.
General Quarters. General Quarters. All hands man your battle stations. All hands man your battlestations, this is not a drill. I repeat, this is not a drill.
The thunder of combat boots echoed throughout the ship.
What have you got?
Two unknown vessels on an attack vector.
Class?
Corvettes it looks like. Smaller than average.
Comms, what sort of radio traffic are they sending.
Nothing long range. These two are operating on their own it sounds like. Just chatter back and forth.
...it sounds less than disciplined for it to be House Liao.
Pirates...
Helmsman, bring us on an intercept with as much firepower on the starboard side to bear.
Fire Control, target the lead warship with all available weaps.
Let's see how they like a full broadside of Naval PPCs...
Aye aye, sir.
Alarms.
Torpedoes inbound! 2...3...5. 5 torpedoes inbound. Projected point of impact Deck 4, Cargo Bay Section.
All hands prepare for impact. Damage Control stand by for orders.
Impact in 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1....
The ship rocked only slightly. These two ships were way outgunned and they knew it. However, to take down a Combat Jumpship would be a sweet prize for a pirate.
Damage Control to Bridge. No hull breach detected. All systems still at nominal levels. Armor still holding at 95%
Fire!
The full force of Samurai's Destiny fury was brought to bear on the lead pirate Corvette.
Direct hit! Looks like we nailed the bridge. The lead ship is now just...moving.
The trail?
Slowing down...I think they are calling it off.
Their pirates...smoke em'.
Aye aye, sir.
30 minutes later, both pirate ships were destroyed and unsalvageable. The Samurai's Destiny took some minor damage, but nothing that couldn't be fixed before arriving at Rochelle.
Sir, that battle cost us 2 hours according to our current projected timetable.
2 hours? Well, we took care of some pirates as a consolation. Continue on the projected timetable.
All hands, stand down from General Quarters. Rest while you can, we have some fierce fighting expected in the next 30 hours or so.
Engineering crews, I want everything back at 100% before we arrive at Rochelle. Replace armor, top off our ammo, and whatever else needs attention.
Mech bay, prep the mechs for combat operations. I want all available mechs on at least standby. You will be made aware of the main force shortly.
All Mechwarriors report at 0900 hours for a brief. Make any necessary changes for your mechs for a standard defensive combat Op.
That is all.
A symphony of acknowledgements came in as the Samurai's Destiny turned back on course for the planet Rochelle.
...Only this time, the battle is going to be much more fierce.
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Post by Captain Adam "Gunman" Wolf on Apr 12, 2005 13:19:48 GMT -5
"Very well. We'll just have to humor him. But I want him kept on a tight leash. Under no circumstances is he to be left unattended at any time. The last thing we need is an MRBC General going off and getting himself killed on our watch."
Shaking my head within the confines of my BattleMaster's command cockpit, feeling the same way as Maxwell about the General's presence, I respond briefly before switching the comm off.
"Got it. See you aboard."
Having switched the comm link off, I sat back in the cockpit of my recently powered up BattleMaster. Looking over to the left side, I can see the edge of the new shield mounted on the arm, playing with some of the extra controls for the arm manipulators I manoeuver the shield arm across in front of me, smiling a bit I power up the leg actuators and move the 'mech out of the bay, dropping the arm back to the side, I turn and head out the main bay doors and catch a glimpse of Captain Maxwell's Stone Rhino plodding up the ramps into the Thorin's belly. Punching the throttle forward I accelerate the BattleMaster towards the Thorin slowing down appropriately to walk up the ramp and fall into place in its berth beside Maxwell's 100 ton beast lovingly nicknamed Vengeance.
Shutting down the 'mech I clamber out of the cockpit and slide down the emergency ferro-steel ladder rather than taking the waiting lift. Hitting the comm I make another annoucement regarding the current progress of our launch.
This is Captain Gunman, to all Legionnaires. We are nearly prepped for launch and need all personnel to report to the Thorin with all 'mechs and equipment for Operation : MoonShield II. I repeat all personnel are to report the the dropship Thorin with all 'mechs and equipment for Operation : MoonShield II. We launch in 1 hour.
Toggling off the comm, I turn and jog lightly towards the doors exiting the 'mech bay, catching Captain Maxwell just as the doors slide open for him to leave.
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Post by MechWarrior Sergei Zhukov on Apr 12, 2005 13:42:20 GMT -5
This is Captain Gunman, to all Legionnaires. We are nearly prepped for launch and need all personnel to report to the Thorin with all 'mechs and equipment for Operation : MoonShield II. I repeat all personnel are to report the the dropship Thorin with all 'mechs and equipment for Operation : MoonShield II. We launch in 1 hour.
...Okay, everything looks good, all my gear is in place and my letter is on my desk.
Sgt. Zhukov to control, requesting permission to clear Mech Bay and board the Thorin
Request Approved. Go get 'em Mechwarrior.
I did one last check on my panel and the ground before me as I pulled Panther out of her Bay and made my way over to the dropship. Shortly before the ramp I did a quick Jump Jet check to see if that extra tweaking I requested was in working order.
Looks good to me. Now, I just hope that this won't act up at a bad time.
I made my way up the ramp and headed to my assigned berth. There I powered down and climbed out.
Sargeant Zhukov.
Yes?
I turned to see Capt. Maxwell standing there.
Yes Captain?
He gave me a stern look and crossed his arms.
Sargeant, I know this is your first Op with us and your first Op as a Mechwarrior. I just want to tell you now that I don't want any stupid actions out of you. You might need to prove yourself and abilities, but I don't need reckless pilots out there either.
I understand Captain. I'm not stranger to combat and I am fully aware of what my abilities are. Mechs or tanks, they are all the same. Just mechs are much bigger targets.
Captain Maxwell's face softened and he gave me a grin.
True, but just the same don't forget that Mechs aren't invincible. Though I'd take a Mech over a Tank any day.
Well, I'm not so sure about that, but I'll keep that in mind.
I snapped a salute and headed off towards my Quarters. I wanted to catch some sleep before the Op.
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Post by Captain Benjamin Maxwell on Apr 12, 2005 23:05:42 GMT -5
The bridge was abuzz with the frantic activity that always accompanied the final pre-launch checklist before the dustoff order was given. Techs scurried around the bridge, performing last-minute inspections, while communications and weapons officers checked their various stations. Yeoman Hobson and Crewman Machia ran down a series of flight procedures and calibrated their instrument panels, feeding in the navigation data that would carry the Thorin from the tarmac of Tau Ceti IV to the battlefields of Rochelle.
In the midst of the chaos sat General Kleais, appearing quite at ease in the command chair that dominated the center of the bridge. He took no notice of me as I stepped through the hatch, and moved to stand beside the command chair.
"I trust you've found the bridge in order, General Kleais."
'As much as can be expected, I suppose." Kleais replied, giving a smile that made me feel distinctly uncomfortable.
"Did you not find your crew quarters to be accomodating?" I inquired, trying to approach the matter of his presence in my command chair as delicately as possible.
"On the contrary, Captain - I find the Thorin to be surprisingly accomodating - much more so than I had expected. They really knew how to build these junkers back then, didn't they?"
I gave a nod.
"No, I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to watch the launch procedure live. There's just too much detail you miss when you take yourself out of the center of the action and try to watch the show over a vidlink in some isolated MFB somewhere. No, THIS -" he said, slapping the arms of the command chair for emphasis, "...this is where the heart of a warrior is formed and grows strong."
"Well, you are welcome to observe for as long as you'd like, General Kleais." I replied, gritting my teeth slightly.
And park your ass wherever you like...sir...
Yeoman Hobson gave the signal that the Thorin was ready for dustoff, and I reached over to toggle the comm switch on the far arm of the command chair.
"Captain Gunman, to the bridge, please."
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Post by Captain Adam "Gunman" Wolf on Apr 13, 2005 0:27:56 GMT -5
Having gotten side tracked by a few techs just after reaching Captain Maxwell in the 'mech bay, I was glad for the call to the bridge as I didnt really have time to chit chat with the techs about a few minor discrepencies in the latest payload logs.
"...but sir, this 'mech and the extra supplies weren't originally detailed in the log, normally I wouldn't say much, but I dont know this new guy that all this is suppose to be for..."
"Captain Gunman, to the bridge, please."Interupted the comm.
"Sorry guys, but duty calls, dont worry about the logs I'll review them myself later." Trying not to look too pleased with my convenient escape route, I turned and hurried off towards the bridge.
Arriving a few moments later, I stepped through the hatch to a slightly less chaotic buzz than normal, figuring that it must have something to do with the General being aboard, everyone was trying to appear as professional as possible. In a few quick strides I was standing by the command chair on the other side of Captain Maxwell and General Aegis. Noticing the slight grimace on Maxwell's face, I guessed that the General had been "invited" to take the command chair.
"We're all prepped launch sir, awaiting your orders," said Yeoman Hobson from his command subdeck, standing slightly back and to the side of a console.
"Well then, let's take her out. Begin launch sequence and accelerate to escape velocity."
"Aye, sir."
Quickly relaying a few short commands to various crewman at their stations, Yeoman Hobson took a seat at his console and the Thorin began to rumble to life. At first the giant leviathian rumbled and trembled ferociously before settling into a more gentle continous hum as it accelerated upwards, its thrusters burning at full power to reach escape velocity, quickly clearing through the upper layers of the atmosphere the ride smoothed out in a gentle calm, a momentary feeling of weightlessness washed across the deck before the engine thrust shifted and created the artificial gravity we were used to during space flight.
"Sir, we have cleared orbit and are showing green across the board," said crewman Machia, almost without necessity.
"Very good, set in the co-ordinates for rendevous with Wolf's Dragoons and proceed at maximum speed. As soon as we are within range, contact them to notify them of our ETA, as well as the additional weight of the extra 'mechs and equipment we are carrying," I glanced briefly over at the General as I said that, curious to see if he'd say anything, but he didnt. "... just for the official records of course."
"Aye, sir. Co-ordinates set, we should be in range for standard transmission in 5 minutes. Fusion engines firing in, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1." Responded Yeoman Hobson, as he read off the countdown at his station.
Once again the entire ship trembled rather violently as the fusion drives fired up and reached maximum power, this time I looked over at General Aegis, and noticed a slight frown on his face and his hands almost white knuckled on the arms of the command chair, with a slight movement I bumped against Captain Maxwell's arm and motioned with a slight nod towards the General, a small smile spread across the Captain's features and a strange sense of pleasure washed breifly over me. Once the engines leveled out and the Thorin was cruising smoothly towards the rendevous the General straightened his collar a bit and cleared his throat.
"Hrmm, hrmmm. I had forgotten how rough these old beasts were on take off..." was the only thing the General said.
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Post by Lieutenant Kei-teh Kintaru on Apr 14, 2005 14:12:41 GMT -5
Take off always made me feel unsettled. Not because of the shire force of these spectacles of modern achievement, but the fact that there was no going back…<br> This was my first mission with the Legionnaires, and after the mission briefing I was hoping it wouldn’t be my last. I had become acquainted with the Legionnaires after the “General Ren” incident.
I clutched onto “The Jade Map Stone” before burying it into my rucksack.
After picking up a meal from the mess, I decided a walk and further training with “Ryu” would help me sleep better. After moving straight from the Mess I decided to pay a trip to maintenance. Strolling down one of the many corridors the mighty Thorin housed, my mind preparing me for the battle ahead, I nearly walked into a familiar figure. Snapping to attention I saluted General Kleais.
“At ease MechWarrior…” He said, in an easy tone.
The General leaned against a rail looking out through the window, staring into the oblivion that is Space. I eased and propped myself against the same rail beside him.
“Sir… about Ren—“ I began.
“What’s done is done Kintaru...” the general said, cutting me off. He reached into his pocket and gently grasped the ancient coin I gave him, a gentle reminder of what had happened.
“This is your first mission with the Legionnaires Kintaru. You'll be asked to demonstrate your skills in a fairly short period of time.”
Demonstrate my skills?! If I wasn’t setting my mind on the battle ahead, I would have been in shock.
“Even thought you're young, your still a promising member of this team.” He continued.
“Kid… you know what to do so don’t sweat it.”
There wasn’t any fear in my heart. I had been brought up with strict training since a small boy and the Legionnaires had trained me further with their battle tactics. No, fear wasn’t in my heart… it was something else. Doubt. Doubt in my own abilities. I had worked so hard on my own for so long, working with a team seemed nearly foreign to me. However, after the Ren incident, I also knew deep down we would all come together in the punch.
“Yes sir.” I replied, with deep meaning in my tone. It wasn’t just an affirmative to the General, it was an agreement of mutual understanding we both had for one another.
“I’m going to retire Sir. See you in…” I glanced at my watch. “7 hours Sir”<br> The General nodded and continued to look into space.
I headed to my Mech “Tou Chou” (Earth Claw), A catapult I dearly loved. I had hand painted it myself, each design a symbol from the Kintaru clan. On the left side of the Mech “Kintaru” was imprinted in metallic colour. On the right “Legionnaires” also in metallic colours. I jumped into the cockpit of my mech, still humming on standby mode as ordered. I ran my fingers over a few of the buttons, not pressing them, but going into the motions of powering up the mech from standby mode. “Tou Chou’s” weapons systems were standard of any catapult. Regardless of the “standard ness” of these weapons systems, I still felt invincible in it. I laid back into the seat of the cockpit, “Ryu” by my side, and drifted into a gentle slumber. A couple seconds later, the clatter of spanners and other tools falling to the floor disturbed my slumber.
“Christ… did I drift off?” I muttered to myself. I looked at the time and cursed to myself. I needed to return to my quarters for some much needed rest.
“Only six hours till Moonsheild II… three hours ought to be plenty of sleep.” I said wirily as I rose from my mech and headed towards the quarters. I had been used to few hours of sleep in my training, so this was nothing new.
“Yep… plenty of time”<br>
I made myself comfortable in my bed and drifted into a deep sleep, dreaming of that sad day of loss 15 years ago.
…Nothing new…
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Post by Star Captain Killian Bekker on Apr 14, 2005 14:56:59 GMT -5
[glow=Green,2,300]- Somewhere in Free World League space -[/glow]
Passing near Devil's Rock sir.
Timetable?
The helmsman grimaced for a moment after looking at his datapad.
2 hours and 37 minutes behind our initial timetable. An additional 37 minutes from the timetable calculated from the battle with the Pirates, Sir.
I was more infuriated that we were delayed by Pirates than the fact that we had lost 37 minutes trying to avoid a small fleet of House Liao's border patrol. Apparently, the Pirates were getting more bold and borders were being patrolled more heavily on the fringe worlds.
Understood, don't take any risks. I don't want to have to call in any favors today...Not yet at least.
Aye aye, sir. Continuing on plotted course.
I turned to Comms slighty annoyed that I had to send an additional Priority message while trying to avoid detection.
Comms, send out our current status and projected timetable to our "contact". Inform them that we are making the best time we can considering the circumstances.
Aye aye, sir. Using high priority transmission frequency and all possible countermeasures against detection.
Good. We should be alright in Free World League space, but regardless continue our current level of precautionary measures.
...Almost 10 hours until we arrive...That gives them close to 3 hours already planetside...
I grunted my current displeasure and made my way to the briefing room.
Time to plan the party...
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Post by Captain Adam "Gunman" Wolf on Apr 14, 2005 15:52:08 GMT -5
The meeting with the Wolf's Dragoons had been surprisingly breif, although both Captain Maxwell and myself, as well as General Kleais had been invited aboard the jumpship, we were only there for maybe 45 minutes. Fortunately in that short time we were able to recieve at least some additional information, shaking my head slightly from side to side as I walked down the corridor in rememberance of the breifing. Why did he have to come? If Aegis hadn't been there we would have probably found out just who we are up against, but nooo, he says "...its a need to know basis..." I guess we dont need to know who it is we are fighting, typical brass never understanding what it means to know your enemy.... I continued my little ranting monologue in my head as I made my towards my quarters.
"Still carrying on about the General huh Adam?" came a voice from slightly behind me. Pausing and turning to look I recognized Captain Maxwell strolling up beside me, looking slightly puzzled and wondering if I had been talking out loud, he chuckled and as though reading my mind said, "I tell from the look on your face, I feel the same way though, the General obvious knows something we dont, and for his own reasons won't let the Dragoons tell us who they think it is either. I dont like this, I dont like this at all." His voice trailing off a bit with the last sentence, I shrugged and tried to change the subject.
"So ... what do you think of the new recruit? That Keith Kintaru fellow. Pretty intrigueing if you ask me." Forcing a small smile and continueing on walking with Maxwell, he returned a slight grin and our discussion soon turned from new recruit to the various systems on different Battlemechs and their pros and cons, neither of us really sure how the subject went from one to the next, but neither of us really caring much either.
Suddenly the ship's comm chirped signifying a ship wide transmission, when the comm opened it was solid static for a few seconds before clearing up.
" Th*s i* C**m***e* ...... **tha* .. *a**ek ... of the Wolf's Dragoons, first of all I apologize for the comm link, I'll have to go bust some Stravags after this, but anyways I have been ordered to inform you that we are approaching Rochelle and should be exiting the jump within the hour. From our exit point its a 2 hour trip to planetside. Remember we are the first JumpShip entering the system, I advise you all to be ready for anything. **m**nd*r .... N***an Sai*** out.
As the comm went static again at the end of the transmission, I wondered how safe their technicians would be from the Commander.
Turning over towards Maxwell I chuckled a bit and said, "Well, sounds like the party is about to start, I'll inform the crew, just in case they didnt make out the transmission and meet you on the bridge after heading to my quarters for a moment."
"Alright sounds good, I've got a few things to take care of and I'll meet you there."
With that Captain Maxwell turned and heading off down a branching corridor and I headed to the nearest comm station on my way to my quarters. Deciding to skip every station and just head straight to my quarters, I hit the comm station on my desk and keyed up the ship wide channel.
This is Captain Gunman to all Legionnaires, we have just recieved a transmission from the Wolf's Dragoons that we will be entering the Rochelle system within in the hour. From our jump point it will be a 2 hour flight to planetside. Also we will be the first JumpShip into the system, so be prepared for anything. I want all 'mechs prepped and ready for hotdrop by the time we reach Rochelle, meaning every 'mech should be ready for hotdrop in 2 hours time. That is all for now, Captain Gunman out.
Grabbing a few things I sling my Katana across my back and make my way back towards the bridge, wondering just what will be waiting for us at Rochelle.
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Yeoman Hobson
Yeoman
Senior DropShip Pilot
DropShips...the only way to fly!
Posts: 18
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Post by Yeoman Hobson on Apr 14, 2005 17:03:21 GMT -5
The boards showed green as the Wolf's Dragoons jumpship Kerensky prepped for final approach into the Rochelle system. Toggling the automated drop system, which would run the procedures for the Thorin's disengagement from the body of the JumpShip once we reached the marker, I pulled the NavMap up on the main display and went over the orbit vectors one last time.
"Getting a little antsy there, Hobson?" Machia joked, glancing over from her station. "You don't need to worry - 'General Grevious' isn't around to hassle you...for the moment." Winking at me as I laughed, she went back to busying herself with communications traffic.
Suddenly, the Thorin shuddered violently, and warning klaxons went off across the ship as the Kerensky was jolted from hyperspace without warning. Alarms wailed as the docking clamps binding us to the mighty JumpShip were stressed to their breaking point by the shearing forces at work as the Kerensky bled off hyperspeeds at a rate never calculated into her design. Before I even had time to react, there came another jolt, and a console behind me exploded as the Thorin was raked with weapons fire. On the main display, the DropShip's A.I. had begun tracking a squadron of Aerotech fighters that had disgorged from a hostile carrier-class frigate a mere two hundred klicks out.
"Damage report!" I bellowed, ducking under a rain of sparks and debris that cascaded from an exploding conduit just meters away.
"Communications are down! We've got a hull breach in the 'Mech bay...external sensors are all but gone - we lost the main dish in the initial attack when that hyperspace mine went off...and the docking clamps to the Kerensky are frozen!"
"Somebody get the Captains up here!!"
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Post by Captain Adam "Gunman" Wolf on Apr 15, 2005 13:09:36 GMT -5
I was heading back towards the bridge to meet Captain Maxwell when suddenly the ship lurched to the side, as the Klaxons sounded off down the corridor, I recovered and started sprinting towards the bridge, every once in a while stumbling slightly to either side as the ship rocked and bucked. As another massive jolt hit the ship I fell face first into the flooring a mere two sections from the bridge, quickly getting up and slipping past several other crewman that were hussling about, I could hear the commotion coming from the open bridge door.
"Somebody get the Captains up here!!" I heard Yeoman Hobson yell as I entered the bridge. Giving a quick grin I replied, "Im here, Im here, no need to yell now."
Quickly, dropping into a standard command routine I got the latest status and damage report and began to assess the situation. Reaching over I hit the emergency comm system as it was the only one running at the moment. After issuing an "All hands to battle stations" I turned back to Hobson.
"So we're locked in tight with the Kerensky right now then?"
"Yes, sir the clamps are frozen, and we can't contact the Kerensky to let them know."
"Alright, its just a carrier class ship and a handful of aerotech fighters, definately not a serious threat but the Kerensky will be hindered in mobility if we can't detach. I want a damage control team working on the comm system immediately, we have to be able to contact the Kerensky."
"Aye, sir."
"Crewman, I want all weapon systems online, if we get a shot at that carrier with anything, take it. We can't do much while docked here, but we can still hit them with a few guns."
Just then Captain Maxwell came running through the bridge door, heading over to meet him halfway I quickly explained the full situation to him and waited to hear his take on the sudden turn of events.
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Post by MechWarrior Sergei Zhukov on Apr 15, 2005 13:43:22 GMT -5
All at once the ship shook and violently threw me against the door to my quarters. As I got up, I felt a warm liquid on my forehead. A glance in the mirror told me that I was right, just a little split. Nothing serious.
...All hands man your Battlestations...
I decided that I'd patch myself up later and grabbed my gear. I ran the length to the mech bay to find most of the place in slight disarray. Some places had tools tossed about and a berthed Raven scout mech had come out of its moorings and toppled to the deck. I grabbed a tech running past.
Where do you want me to help and what do you need help with?
Ah, Sgt. Your a pilot now right? Normally we wouldn't need a Mechwarrior to move a mech inside the Mech Bay, but it'd lighten the load off some of the techs for damage control.
Alright, where do you want the mechs to go and which ones need to be moved?
He paused for a moment and pointed to several berths that were sparking near a door that had several techs donning space suits.
Move the mechs near that door farther down this way so we can get some heavier repair equipment in.
No sweat. I'm on it.
He nodded and dashed off, grabbing a few techs that were arriving on scene. I made my way to the Raven and climbed in. Her cockpit lights showed all green across the board, save for the fact the alarm was going off telling me my mech wasn't upright.
After the second try I got the Raven on it's feet after being knock over again after the ship took another hit. After placing the Raven in a new berth, a tech pointed out the next mech to be moved and dashed off.
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