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Post by Lieutenant Kei-teh Kintaru on Apr 22, 2005 13:38:07 GMT -5
hay guys, i just read and replied to gunmanns mail he sent to me concerning the level of unrealism i was putting into my posts. I just want to say thanks for bringing that up and telling me, rather tan letting me carry on and ruin it for all of you. Im sorry about posting like that, i was never meant to portray kintaru as an "invinceable" warrior and im sorry you guys got that feeling. Thanks gunmann for modding the posts btw. The reason i have posted like that is because the past few RPGs i have done with friends were supernatural manga style ones... and it still hasnt rubbed off ^__^... sorry about that.
anyways, i will try and post more realistically. Sorry about what i had originally posted, thank you for bringing it up, and no, there aint any hard feelings ^__^
catch ya next post
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Post by Captain Benjamin Maxwell on Apr 22, 2005 15:40:56 GMT -5
The battlefield was covered with the smoldering hulks of BattleMechs, vehicles, aircraft, and gun turrets that once represented the Word of Blake's jammer garrison. Off in the distance, the thunder of fierce combat could still be heard, as the fanatical Blakists continued their charge toward the base. Overhead, the skies had turned a pallid grey as the smoke of wildfires and combat billowed across the landscape. Air raid sirens wailed as combined-arms squadrons of VTOLS and bombers continued to pound what was left of the FWL's armored infantry. A smoldering MFB lay near my 'Mech, its crew sprawled upon the ground, victims of a naplam grenade tossed through the windshield.
An ambulance screamed past, with a pair of unidentified Purifier battle armor units clinging to its sides. They evidently belonged to the mystery unit that arrived in the midst of the first battle. As it raced by, I toggled open my tight-beam communications console. It was time to find out who they were.
"This is Captain Benjamin Maxwell of the independent mercenary unit Legionnaires, transmitting on secure chanel to unidentified unit supporting Free Worlds' League forces. We are a friendly unit, and wish to properly tag you in our IFF. Please transmit identification codes and IFF frequency. Over."
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Post by Star Captain Killian Bekker on Apr 24, 2005 9:04:39 GMT -5
This is Captain Benjamin Maxwell of the independent mercenary unit Legionnaires, transmitting on secure chanel to unidentified unit supporting Free Worlds' League forces. We are a friendly unit, and wish to properly tag you in our IFF. Please transmit identification codes and IFF frequency. Over.
Well, there they are...
This is Ghost Lance to Captain Benjamin Maxwell. Good to hear your voice again Captain. Transmitting identification codes and IFF refequency now.
I must admit Captain, you have a knack for picking the most...interesting missions. Anyways, our position is pretty unsteady if they come at us again just as hard as the first few waves. About 1/3 of the turrets in our zone are KO'ed, the control tower for the air support in the area was detroyed and they've been trying to setup some Thumper Artillery on the nearby ridgeline.
My Lance is still pretty fresh and mostly untouched, but that is bound to change. What's your status?
Another stray artillery round exploded harmlessly in the crater from the control tower. I looked around and realized that if this kept up, the Ghosts would be real Ghosts, real fast.
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Post by Captain Adam "Gunman" Wolf on Apr 24, 2005 12:10:19 GMT -5
Finishing my scan of the horizon my radar read all clear, no more WoB units in range. Provided they didnt have any stealth units nearby, that meant we just bought between 30 mins and an hour before the next waves hit, according to the last FWL intel at least.
Turning my BattleMaster and heading back towards firebase Scorpio I toggled the comm to all friendly units in the area.
This is Spectre-1 to all friendly units, I am detecting no signs of WoB on my scanners, all clear in this sector. Spectre Lance form up, we're heading in for minor refit and reload.
Spectre-1, this is Scorpio-1, all units are reading clear and are heading in for minor refit and repair. We estimate about 40 minutes before the next wave, lets get you fixed up as best we can before then. Thanks for the assistance.
As Spectre Lance formed up in a standard V formation with my BattleMaster on point, we headed back towards the FWL firebase, the charred remains of various BattleMechs and support units lay scattered about the base perimeter, and many of the base's turrets looked badly damaged or out of commission all together. Toggling the comm to Captain Maxwell's frequency, I checked in on the status of the unknown unit.
Spectre-2, this is Spectre-1. Were you able to contact the unknown unit? If so, who are they. Over.
Spectre-1, this is Spectre-2, The 'unknown' unit, is our insurance policy, the 'Ghosts'. Over.
Aff, Spectre-2. FWL units report them as being a secondary detachment from us, let's keep it that way shall we?
Aff, Spectre-1. Let's see what they can do to patch us up here.
As we reached the firebase, Captain Maxwell's last response gave me a chuckle as I thought about it. Surprisingly though, for having been through hell and back the base still had a fair number of supplies available. Backing Feral Wolf into a storage bay, I climbed down the emergency ladder and notified one of the nearby techs that I only needed a few rounds of ammunition for an SRM-6 and Gauss rifle. As he punched the data into his handheld DataPad, I also informed him of the damaged torso armour, but that it wasn't a major concern. I'd rather get the other more damaged 'mechs back operational that be at peak efficiency at their expense. As I made my way through the maze of spare parts, salvaged 'mechs, and varioius equipment the intercom in the mech bay came on, with a rather loud booming voice.
All commanding officers are to report to the breifing room immediately, that includes the Legionnaires. We have a very small time frame before the next wave hits, all commanding officers are to report to the breifing room IMMEDIATELY.
Great, hopefully we can get some more info this time, hmmm now where is Maxwell and Leatherneck, and just where is the breifing room on this base.... Making my way through the debris filled 'mech bay, I finally came across Maxwell's Stone Rhino just after he finished parking it in a repair bay, as a swarm of techs rushed up the lifts on either side assessing the damage to the behemoth of a 'mech, I spotted Captain Maxwell making his way through the throng of techs and assistants scattered about the base of his 'mech. Apparantly the Stone Rhino was quite a sight for them, even with a missing arm.
Running up to Maxwell, I grabbed a nearby tech's attention and found out where the breifing room was located, letting Captain Maxwell know, we both jogged towards the doors, trying to get through the rather chaotic mess of the 'mech bay as quickly as possible. Finally reaching the doors, we found Commander Leatherneck already at the doors waiting for us. Once the three of us met up, we started to head out, when we heard an all to familiar voice at the moment, hollering out at us to wait. Turning around I saw General Aegis Kleais making his way through the crowds of techs and various personnel to our position. Inside I dropped my head and shook it wondering why we ever agreed to even let him come, while on the outside I remained standing casually, waiting patiently for him to get over to us.
What were you thinking? Did you think that I'm not a Commanding Officer just because I'm from MRBC?Asked the General with an almost offended tone of voice.
Biting my tongue, I simply replied. "I'm sorry General, I had forgotten momentarily that you were here as well." And I wish you had too.... I thought to myself as I turned back towards Maxwell and Leatherneck and began heading out the door, "Let's get going, I saw several FWL MechWarriors already leave, they're probably waiting for us in the breifing room."
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Post by General John "Aegis" Murlance on Apr 25, 2005 7:24:06 GMT -5
As we made our way into the briefing room, I reached into my jacket pocket for the digital holo-corder I always carried with me to briefings and meeting of high importance. It was a wonderful little device, posessing the ability to generate a holographic recording of even the smallest details during a meeting, and play them back in vibrant 3-D.
And it was missing.
I fumbled through my pockets for several moments longer, slowly falling behind Maxwell and Gunman, until one of them noticed my absence and turned around.
"What is it, General Kleais? Forget something?"
I patted my side pockets and returned a look of confusion.
"Yes...I seem to have left my holo-corder aboard the Thorin. You two go on ahead...I'm going back to get it."
I dashed back toward the landing pad, hoping this wouldn't take too long.
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Post by MechWarrior Sergei Zhukov on Apr 25, 2005 8:34:22 GMT -5
I worked with the techs that were busy reloading Panther's Ballistic Ammo. I was slated to be second for armor replenishment, but having ammo was slightly more important to me as a smaller mech with a Gauss Rifle. Simple fact is, smaller, faster as nearly as lethal.
Sgt. Zhukov, your ammo is 100%. Once Mech Berth 12 is clear, move your mech in for armor replenishment.
Very well.
The ammo crew ran off to the next mech in the line. I looked over to the berth that I was scheduled to go to once the previous mech was complete. To my dismay, I saw a battered Mad Cat belonging to the General that had deployed with us. Looking at the amount of damage that had been dealt to it, I just might not get in there to get my armor replenished, which in a small mech could prove fatal.
Well, if that is the case.
I decided to run a diagnostic on the ejection system and do a visual inspection.
I've got enough on my plate with these Blakist nutjobs. I don't need an ejection malfunction at a really bad time.
I won't die. I'm a seasoned combat veteran that's just using a different, much larger and more heavily armored tank.
...with legs.
I smirked as I performed the inspection.
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Post by Captain Benjamin Maxwell on Apr 25, 2005 10:05:25 GMT -5
The installation's commander droned on about tactical protocol and troop movements pertaining to the next twenty-four hours, and I started to glaze over as I realized none of it was truly applicable to the very real threat we now faced - the Word of Blake. The fanatic zealots that composed the religious group's shock troops were unlike anything the Inner Sphere had encountered before - even the Clans' tactics seemed docile compared to the raw brutality that was weilded by the Hand of Blake, and yet the Commander was plotting attack vectors and defensive lines with such routine, by-the-book rigidity that one was forced to wonder if he even relized what had just taken place outside his installation. Even General Kleais, a battle-hardened powerhouse in his Mad Cat, showed mild concern at the potential threat the Blakists posed, yet here, in the heart of the battle, calm was the order of the day.
"...where the Legionnaires will then swing around from behind and strike them from the rear. This should cause enough chaos to allow us to get our Naval PPCs positioned outside the perimeter so we can start wiping up. Do you feel your unit can handle this, Captain Maxwell?"
I was jerked out of my contemplative state by the Commander's sudden change of direction. I quickly eyed the attack vectors on the hologrid before responding.
"Yes, Commander. The Legionnaires most assuredly can handle anything thrown our way." I responded, hoping that my reply had been vague enough that the Commander wouldn't realize I hadn't a clue what he was talking about.
"Good. Then, if there's nothing else -"
Before the Commander could finish his sentence, there came through the narrow windows of the briefing room a flash of brilliant white light, so overwhelmingly bright that, for the next few minutes, I was totally blinded and fought to keep my bearings. There was a low rumble, like an earthquake, almost, but much more viscious, that grew in volume and intensity as it drew nearer. I heard the sound of wrenching metal, alarms, and explosions, and felt a rush of scalding hot air blow angrily into the room as the windows shattered inward. There was a great deal of yelling and screaming, but over the roar of the wind, I couldn't make out what was being said.
My skin burned, and debris smashed against my arms and legs as I waded blindly toward where I thought the doorway was. I felt a crush of people moving past me, and I decided that was where I most likely needed to be. A cylindrical metal object pressed against my thigh, and I reached out to take hold of it. I realized immediately that it was a sheathed bladed weapon, and it was attached to someone.
"Adam! Is that you? What's going on??"#nosmileys
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Post by Lieutenant Kei-teh Kintaru on Apr 25, 2005 10:38:32 GMT -5
As I moved into the Repair bay with my newly acquired NightStar and parked it into a berth, I took a long deep stair at the WOB symbol on the inside of the cockpit. My attention was taken away by a knock on the cockpit door, as a saw a large amount of techs gathering around it, many of which carried cameras. I stepped out of my mech after opening the mechanic door, all the machinery whirring into life. As soon as I had left the cockpit, a handful of techs began taking photographs and speaking into small Dictaphones, recording all their finds within the WOB mech. I tapped the shoulder of one tech and told him all that needed to be done.
“I need ammo reloads, light armour repairs… and a new cockpit seat…” I smiled slightly to myself when I mentioned the seat.
“Understood… We will inform you when we have made an analysis and a diagnostic on the mech for enemy intelligence.”Said the tech, with a slight tremble in his voice. That last battle sure proved hell… and we had more to come.
I nodded in acknowledgement and walked down the platform of the repair bay. As I reached the stairs leading to the lower floor, I saw two techs pulling up a new cockpit seat.
These guys sure work fast…
I offered to give them a hand with it, mainly to inspect it, but also because of the sheer weight of the damn thing. Even without its rocket boosters for the ejection system, it was heavy. As I helped carried it over to a small room where maintenance specialists were going to look at the replacement of the whole thing, I inspected the quality. Other than a few charred markings and the burned flesh of the previous owner, it was in good condition. I just wish it hadn’t been received from a fallen soldier… poor guy must have been the victim of a napalm grenade of some sort. Poor guy…<br> I placed the seat on the floor, accepted a few nods of appreciation and left the room. As I exited the platform of the repair deck, I saw a familiar body being dragged in. It wasn’t a person. Tou Chou’s crippled carcass was being dragged in on a hover platform that resembled that of an old rocket transporter. As the hover platform came to a stop, a crew of techs began to swarm her. I leaped down the stairs and grabbed one of the head techs inspecting the mech for salvageable equipment.
“Excuse me… I know this is a bad time but could you please only take what you need of this mech… I plan on taking her back with me after the battle.” I said, panting in between words.
“She yours?” Said the tech, pointing at the veteran mech. I nodded, taking in another gasp of air.
“We need the ammo mainly, but other than that we can leave her for you in a secure area after we have finished. I can’t guarantee her security though when the second wave hits…” The tech finished, brushing some sweet of his forehead.
“No need to bother with the securing, save that space for another salvageable mech. When you have finished, contact me over the PA, and I will need it moving to the Thorin. Thank you for holding her back… I appreciate it.”<br>
The tech smiled and gave a quick nod. When Tou Chou was back in operation, I would donate the WOB NightStar to the Legionnaires... a sign of my appreciation. After that I made my way to grab some water. All this excitement had given me quite a thirst. After a few minutes of power resting, the wall mounted megaphone screamed into life, startling me something awful. Dust that had rested on top of it fell down and landed gracefully on my head. I let out a sigh.
“MechWarrior Kintaru. Please report to repair bay.” I shot up and jogged to repair bay. As I entered the large area, I noticed Tou Chou was on the hover platform and the tech I had previously spoken to waving at me. I waved back in acknowledgement.
“Damn you guys work fast.”
“We aim to please!” replied the tech, giving a friendly smile. I then directed them to the Thorin. As we drove off, I saw General Aegis, jogging towards the Thorin. I patted the tech on the back and asked him to stop by the General. As we slowed down the walking speed, Aegis hadn’t noticed us at first.
“Sir! Are you heading to the Thorin? Want a ride?” I said, catching the Generals attention. He gave a thumbs up and jumped aboard.
“Thanks Kintaru, you’ve saved me some time. I need to return to the Thorin for something…”
“No problem sir, just taking Tou Chou to the Thorin for security and later salvage.”
“I thought I saw you in another mech. How did you manage that?!” Aegis said in questionable tone. I gave him a brief explanation of my encounters smiling all the way.
“So you abandoned your mech with a crazy stunt? What the hell is wrong with you? There are so many wrong things that could of happened, one of the most dangerous things was abandoning an MRBC mech and leaving it open for the enemy to steal it! Did that thought cross you mind when you pulled that stunt? What if you hadn’t of been so lucky?” Aegis said, on the verge of screaming.
I merely stood there in shock. No congratulations on capturing enemy technology. No well done on taking out the enemy. What a kick in the groin this was… but at the end of the day he was right. My shocked expression loosened, and a more saddened and thoughtful expression took its place. WHAT IF it had gone wrong? WHAT IF the enemy had captured Tou Chou? WHAT IF they could mask their IFF’s and identification codes and pose as a friendly pilot? All these questions and many more made me doubt myself as a warrior. I wasn’t fighting on my own anymore as I had done for years, I was fighting with a team… and I could of let them down. I was taken away from my thoughts when Aegis gave me a pat on the shoulder.
“However… that WOB will come in handy for future intelligence. Just… Don’t pull anything like that again, got it?” He said, his face cracking into a small smile. I returned the smile as we made out approach to the Thorin. After placing the mech in a suitable berth, exchanging a couple handshakes with the techs that had helped me out, I made a steady walk back to the base site. The General had already left for his cabin, he was in a rush for an emergency briefing, and so I walked alone with my thoughts gathering in my head.
Just… Don’t pull anything like that again, got it? Aegis’ words replayed in my head.
“I’m working with a team now, not independently… I’ll make up for it guys…” I muttered under my breath.
Team…A word that had seemed so foreign to me was now going to be the staple of my battling ways.
Time to get a move on I thought, picking up my pace…
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Post by Captain Adam "Gunman" Wolf on Apr 25, 2005 15:15:11 GMT -5
Equally as bored as Captain Maxwell in the breifing room, I shifted repeatedly until I found a position where my equipment uncomfortably dug into my side, forcing me to more or less keep awake. Offering a few suggestions to the FWL Commander's plans, wondering if he realized just how ineffective they would probably be against the Blakists.
That's when it hit. The brilliant white light, followed by the sudden rush of an explosion. I was sitting with my back to the main windows, so I only got the glow reflecting off the walls and was still nearly blinded, anyone facing those windows would have been completely blinded for several minutes if not longer. At first I wasn't sure what happened, as the floor began shaking in a low rumble I began looking about my eyes already recovering when the shockwave hit. The entire building shook violently as the windows exploded inwards, shards of glass turning into deadly shrapnel as it raced through the air. Several shards slamming into my combat armour, one slicing across my left arm in one of the few unprotected places. Wincing in pain, I ducked down using the seat as cover as the sudden heat wave and dust filled the room, scorching my lips and lungs. Throwing an arm across my face, I made my way towards the door as everyone else in the room seemed to do the same. Bumping against everyone on the way there, I felt someone grab a hold of the Katana on my back and over the now quieting roar of the explosion I could barely make out Captain Maxwell's voice.
"Adam! Is that you? What's going on??"
"I hate to be blunt, but I think we just got bombed. I dont know what kind of weapon can do this damage with just one hit though. We need to get out of here, can you see yet?"
"A little bit, it'll be another minute or so before I can really make things out though.
"Alright, well follow me out, we need to get back to the 'mech bay."
Heading out of the now mostly cleared room, Captain Maxwell followed close behind using my Katana as guidance until he's able to see more clearly. About half way to the 'mech bay Maxwell's sight comes back and we both rush the rest of the way to the 'mech bay. Wondering just what sight is in store for us, and hoping there wasn't too much damage done.
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Post by Lieutenant Kei-teh Kintaru on Apr 25, 2005 16:18:47 GMT -5
I was at the repair bay when it happened. Zep, one of the techs working on the WOB NightStar with me, had just finished installing the pilots seat, including rockets for the ejection system. He wiped some sweet off his forehead, and with that he left a huge oil streak across his forehead.
"That ought'a do it. Besides those marks on there, that seat was a good find!"He said in a deep, sounthern style accent.
"Yeh, thanks for that Zep. By the way, did you run that systems diagnostic? Infact, tell me what you havn't done." I asked, scratching my chin. Zep stood up on the platform as i sat on the rim of the mech.
Well diagnostic show all green accross the board, ammo is at 100%. However, we havn't started on your armour's yet, but that shouldnt take long. You only sustained light damage. A five min job max! Just to fill up a few holes and tears here and there. Replied the grease stained man, as he arched his back to ease the stress he had put on it. I nodded back at him as i cracked my knuckles. "Well, best we get started!" I replied. And with that, Zep hawked back and spat out he gum and some phlyme. Not perticularly charming, but it still brought a smile to my face.
As i began to stand up, and as Zep turned around facing the huge opened doors of the repair bay that acted as an enterance for mechs, a flash of burning bright light followed by a thunderous explosion knocked me back into the cockpit. I screamed in pain; all i could see was white light. Above my scream, many more could be heard, but most piercingly was Zep's. I heard glass shatter, a blood curdling scream and a huge thud. I felt a hand land on my knee. Grabbing the hand, i pulled in the body of someone near. After i knew the body was inside the cockpit, i slammed my hand on the computer board, trying to find the button to close the cockpit. Finally, a hish and the sound of machinery whirring into life could be heard as the cockpit roof enclosed around me. I tried to open my eyes, this time i could make out a few green LED's on the control panel infront of me.
"Hay! Zep?! is that you... i cant see yet buddy! Can you answer me?!" I shouted into darkness. A faint mummer could be heard. I furiously blinded my eyes, trying to see again. No good, it was going to take time to recover from this, at least 5 minutes. I danced my fingers into thin air, trying to feel for "whoever's" face. I had found the head of this guy i was holding and ran my fingers down his face in an atempt to see if he was still consious. Instead of feeling a smooth, prehaps greasy face, i felt a sharp, bloody face. The person i was holding winced in pain and gurgled a little. I blind furiously again, seeing a little more at a time. I looked around. I could make out most things in the cockpit, but the tinted windows of the cockpit didnt help me to see outside. I looked down to see i was holding Zep... or what was destinquishable of him. I didnt see Zep's happy, confident smile anymore. What replaced that image was a bloody mess. The glass from the hanger windows had shattered, the glass "shrapnal" had hit his face and neck. He was bleeding badly. I could see his neck at been slashed open, one of his eyes had been pierced by a larger shrad. Smaller shrads had coated his face, hands and other places of his body that hadn't been protected by clothing.
"Zep, hang on! I need you to hold you hand on your neck, right here..." I said desperatly, grabbing his glass covered hand and placing it on the large gash. Zep looked at me, with his good eye, gave a desperate smile and a wink before letting out his finale breath. I sat in my cockpit seat with the tech in my arms. Another innocent person, gone. I swallowed hard, pulled back my emotions as my sight regained fully. I opened the cockpit door, gently laid Zep's body on the platform, and prepared the NightStar.
"Spectre Lance? This is Spectre-5! Can anyone hear me?" I shouted in to my comm. Those WOB bastards were going to pay for this. In the name of Zep and every life they have taken, they WILL pay!
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Post by Captain Benjamin Maxwell on Apr 25, 2005 16:59:27 GMT -5
The 'Mech bay was intact, albeit chaotic, as MechWarriors scrambled to mount their machines, sirens blared, and lance leaders screamed into their comm units, demanding any intel they could get their hands on. Medics crowded around Keith's 'Mech, extracting a battered body from the cockpit. My heart lept into my throat until I saw Keith exit the cockpit behind the body, wiping blood from his hands and uniform.
This was getting out of control. The word was that the Blakists had dropped a tactical nuclear device from orbit, a genocidal weapon outlawed centuries ago, into the valley where the Wolf's Dragoons were mounting an offensive. Evidently, there had been no survivors, Dragoon or Blakist, and the remaining Blake attackers were now preparing to rush the FWL installation we currently occupied, in a last-ditch attempt to overwhelm the base's haggard defenders. This, of course, threw the briefing plans out the window, as it was now a matter of a coordinated effort to keep what was left of the base secure, as opposed to a strike carried out with a generous amount of planning and tact. Already, Naval PPCs and Gauss emplacements, jury-rigged to function from the base's power grid, were being moved into place in the now quasi-radioactive battlefield topside. These massive weapons, designed for capital-class warship engagements, would be the last line of defense against the onslaught, provided no further nuclear strikes took place.
I ran toward Vengeance, dragging myself up the escape ladder and clamboring gracelessly into the cockpit. The techs had actually managed to get a replacement arm fitted onto the Stone Rhino's frame, though they hadn't been able to replace the outer cowling before the shockwave hit. The end result was that the arm presented a very skeletal appearence...one that I found oddly fitting given our current situation.
It was a strange feeling to maneuver my BattleMech out of its alcove with no mission objectives or nav points on the HUD. With no other direction, there was only one course of action to take...
...go outside and take a look around.
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Post by Captain Adam "Gunman" Wolf on Apr 26, 2005 11:50:03 GMT -5
Rushing through the chaotic swarm of personnel and scattered equipment in the 'mech bay, I follow suit with Captain Maxwell and clamber up into my BattleMaster's cockpit. As the ferro-glass canopy closed down I fired her up and moved out the berth, pushing through some debris and the 80 ton beast plodded towards the open bay doors. Checking over the systems I noticed the techs had managed to fully reload the weapons, but there was still some minor armour damage on the left torso, everything else read green.
Heading out the doors just behind Captain Maxwell's Stone Rhino, with its new skeletal arm, making it look even more menancing than before. Scanning both my radar and the horizon for any signs of enemy movement, I spread apart from Maxwell to perform a sweep of the area while the other 'mechs wait for a clear path through the debris ridden 'mech bay. Watching the horizon a little to the west of where I assumed the Tactical Nuke had hit, there was a large cloud of dust that seemed to be moving along the edge of a ridge, probably about 4-6 clicks out. Way out of radar range, and too far to see clearly. I wasn't sure if it was just dust and debris from the blast still, or if it was a large battallion of 'mechs making their way over here. Not taking any chances I flipped the comm to the base on.
Scorpio-1, this is Spectre-1. I have possible track on enemy about 4-6 clicks out, heading zero-three-zero North North-East from the base. I am unable to confirm the cause of the disturbance but don't want to take any chances. Can you confirm the track yet?
Spectre-1, this is Scorpio-1. Copy the possible track, we are unable to confirm. That blast knocked out our main array, we've got a 2km scanning range tops, and even that won't be able to IFF them. We have visual confirmation of the disturbance though, keep monitoring Spectre-1. Scorpio-1 out.
Aff, Scorpio-1, will keep monitoring. Sir, if I may, I suggest we load the civilians on the transports and began evac now. That tactical nuke hit the Wolf's Dragoons site of operations, probably wiped out them and the FWL base in that sector. If so, we're the only ones left out this far, every WoB unit in the area will be converging on us. This time I don't know if we can hold them off and I dont know about you, but Im not about to bet civilian lives on it.
After a moment's pause that seemed to take way too long, a response was issued over the comm, seemingly with a slight hint of annoyance. Probably upset that a mercenary had to remind them of the civilians. Copy that Spectre-1, we'll take it into consideration. That blast wiped out a few transports and badly damaged one of the dropships at the evac point, the others will be a little overloaded now, but should be alright. We'll discuss the situation and notify all units once a decision has been made.
Aff, Scorpio-1. Spectre-1 out.
They better not take too long deciding, I thought to myself as I noticed a second cloud of dust a little closer and farther east moving on what appeared to be an intercept course with the first one, pretty much confirming that the disturbance was a fairly large unit of 'mechs moving in on us.
Well I guess we just sit back and see what happens for now, I thought while I looked about the perimeter of the base. The jurry rigged weaponry looked very out of place and definately not safe, but it should hold up for a few rounds at least, the base's power grid seemed to be intact for the most part, the smaller laser turrets mounted about the base rotated slowly on their mounts as the yellow dome scanned the immediate vicinity for targets.Well, at least the LAMS is still operational for now.
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Post by Captain Benjamin Maxwell on Apr 26, 2005 12:52:47 GMT -5
I exited the 'Mech bay via the blast doors opposite from Captain Gunman. As my Stone Rhino plodded into daylight, my radiation sensors spiked sharply, and my ferroglass canopy darkened automatically, protecting me from the harsh UV rays of the planet's sun. As my eyes adjusted to the new lighting, I took in my surroundings.
Devastation reigned.
The base had been damaged nearly beyond repair. The sweeping defensive walls had been smashed inward, and the DropShip gantries laid uselessly on their sides. The air control tower was completely gone, and fire rose from several other buildings which had survived. The charred hulks of vehicles and machinery, tossed aside by the shockwave like toys, dotted the landscape, pillars of smoke rising from the wrecks as fire teams struggled to extinguish their burning remains. Triage teams in radiation suits tended to the sick and dying, dragging as many survivors as they could into shaded areas of the base's remains to protect them from the fallout of the nuclear blast.
I swung the Stone Rhino into a left turn, crossing the tarmac and heading to the rear of the base to check on the DropShips. I wanted to be certain that the Thorin was ready for dustoff as soon as possible, and since communications had been restored, after being knocked out by the nuke's EMP blast, I hadn't heard from them.
My 'Mech ground to a halt as I was greeted with a horrific sight.
The Thorin had been eviscerated by the shockwave.
It was painfully clear what had transpired. The roof of the 'Mech bay, and the decks above it, had been shorn to the starboard side of the vessel, and the fusion drives had been blown outward through the rear of the ship. Where the superstructure, including the bridge, crew quarters, and more had been, was now given over to a mass of twisted metal and shattered hull plating. Clearly, the Thorin's 'Mech bay doors had been open at the moment the shockwave hit, and the explosive force had been channeled down the interior of the ship. The fragile internal structure, never meant to withstand a force so large, had simply given way.
Dozens of ground crews, some wearing the uniforms of Legionnaire techs and support personnel, swarmed the mighty vessel's remains, attacking it with plasma cutters and ConstructionMechs, in a frantic search for survivors. Many more crews, of all affiliations, tended to scores of the wounded. I quickly stomped over to the outer perimeter of the rescue effort, and powered down my 'Mech. Sliding down the escape ladder, I ran toward a knot of medics who were frantically working on a patient with command insignia on her uniform. Yeoman Hobson stood nearby, a blanket wrapped around his body, biting his lower lip in an attempt to keep his composure.
"It's Machia, sir...I think she's dead..." he managed, his voice quivering. "They're still looking for General Kleais."
My heart jumped even further into my throat.
"Kleais is still in there??" I yelled, not waiting for a reply. I took off running toward the DropShip, hoping I hadn't gotten there too late.
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Post by Lieutenant Kei-teh Kintaru on Apr 26, 2005 16:06:53 GMT -5
My eyes finally adjusted and I could see perfectly. As I began to power up the NightStar, I saw Captains Gunmann and Maxwell leaving the mech bay. Deciding to take suit, I followed them in the “V” formation. I looked around for the other two members of the Spectre Lance… only to see they were missing.
Where’s Sergeant Zhukov and General Kleais? … I hope they wasn’t hurt in that blast…
A chill ran down my spine. As I walked out through the bay doors, something caught my eye. A crow was perched on the nose of an FWL Ullar that had been damaged from battle. I stared at the bird as it eerily looked back at me. The Crow Of Thorns The sudden sound of the klaxons within the compound broke my attention for a millisecond. When I looked back, the crow had vanished. It reminded me of a verse I read in a book, years ago. The divine is no less paradoxical than the vicious. I shook that thought out of my head. This wasn’t the time to get all philosophical.
(In Japanese mythology seeing a crow is a sign of bad luck or something vicious is about to happen. This scene has been reproduced in many Japanese anime’s and is very popular in mech anime’s – L00N)
I headed outside in formation to see only destruction. It was clear that a nuclear weapon had been used. Debris covered the area, along with many dead. Civilian deaths. I pounded the arm of my seat. I promised no civilian would die while I was here. I felt I had let them down. And Zep… I let him down too. My face screwed in angry as I clenched my fist and pounded the armrest once, making the loose objects shake ever so slightly. The Blakists had gone too far. Their faith had blinded them from the seriousness of the damaged caused. These civilians weren’t just “collateral damage”. They were innocent lives, extinguished like a small campfire. Extinguished as if THEY were the hazard.
I took a long deep breath and straightened myself out. I punched in a few keys on the computer console to continue area analysis. The master danger signal aboard they mech blared warnings of radiation from the fallout. The canopy of the cockpit pressurised to filter the air more securely and the windows tinted to avoid UV damaging my eyes. I noticed that Gunmann and Maxwell had separated from each other and began to do separate analyses.
“Spectre Lance this is Spectre-5. Any news on what happened?”<br> It took a little longer for Gunmann to reply… either he was in shock or in deep contemplation. Just as I was about to repeat my message, he replied.
“Spectre-5 this is Spectre Lance. It appears a tactical nuke was launched by the WOB, possibly orbital. The blast took out the Wolf’s Dragoons site of operations, with a possibility of the FWL base also taking heavy damage from the blast. Remain within proximity of the Lance and await further orders.” Said a shaken Gunmann. I had always associated calm and confidence with Gunmann… but this must have rocked him as much as it had me. I carried on my analysis, with nothing to report that hadn’t been reported, when I noticed Captain Maxwell head towards another direction. I decided to help with investigations in that area. As I carried on following Ben, I realised this the route to the Thorin. When I arrived my heart sunk. The Thorin was in a desperate state. Indescribable amounts of damage could be seen. The beauty that was the Thorin, was now merely a shadow.
The divine is no less paradoxical than the vicious.
Maxwell powered down his mech and ran towards the site. As he left the mech, I began to power down the NightStar, and followed in pursuit. Ahead of me Maxwell was talking to Yeoman Hobson, who was wrapped in a blanket. Thank god he survived.
"It's Machia, sir...I think she's dead..." he managed, his voice quivering. "They're still looking for General Kleais."
Oh god…
When I heard those words, things seemed to slow down. Maxwell’s yells were as load as whispers. I looked around me. As if I was suffering shellshock, nothing much stood out. Other than blood curdling screams of course. I looked to my left to see a one Legionnaire tech clutching his intestines as they hung out of a savvier wound. The medic’s words to the tech were inaudible whispers that were over-powered by the screams on my dieing comrade. To my right, medics desperately tried to revive a woman. It was Machia, the blank expression on her face didn’t promise much. And as I looked up, with all this horror and death surrounding me, stood on top of the Thorin’s carcase, was a crow. The ghostly figure spread its wings and squawked an ungodly squawk, quietly at first, but loader and loader as the death and sorrow began to speed up around me. I blinked and looked up again, the crow had vanished. And with that, everything returned to normal speed. I looked around realising I had lost Maxwell. I frantically searched for him before spotting him running towards the drop ship. I ran after him…
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Post by Star Captain Killian Bekker on Apr 26, 2005 21:49:11 GMT -5
Sir, it appears we came out less damaged than any of the Legionnaires or FWL units. Our mechs were being repaired inside the Jinmu Tenno when the nuke went off.
And the status of the Jinmu Tenno?
Relatively undamaged. We were next to the Thorin on the inside and she shielded the Jinmu Tenno from the blast.
...This is a most unfortunate for the Legionnaires.
How badly damaged is the Thorin?
It became apparent from the long silence that the condition of the Legionnaire dropship was far worse than I initially anticipated.
The Thorin is done for sir. She is beyond repair and totally inoperable. It's safe to say that they aren't getting off Rochelle the way they came in.
Damn.
Very well, make what repairs you can to the Jinmu Tenno and get our mechs back up and running ASAP.
Yes sir.
I hopped an outgoing ambulance that was heading towards the Dropships. Once there, I saw the carnage and the damage wrought to the Dropships that were in this portion of the base. I saw the Thorin and the state she was in.
I could see all of the Legionnaire's mechs forming up and preparing to meet the onslaught that was destined to follow the barbaric attack.
I exited the amulance as the crews rushed to assist a female crewmember of the Thorin. I jogged to the Jinmu Tenno and prepared myself for the coming battle.
...I shall teach these so called warriors the meaning of honor in battle.
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