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Post by Captain Adam "Gunman" Wolf on Nov 1, 2004 17:45:32 GMT -5
Standing in the mech just in front of Bay 8 I look around at the usual bussle before an OP, techs running left and right, the sounds of arc weilders and plasma torches echoeing throught the large metal hanger as new weapons, plates of armour, and other last minute modifications are made to various BattleMechs.
Turning and heading into Bay 8 past the black tarp still in place to keep out prying eyes. I speak breifly with one of the techs on the status of Pheonix before turning towards the console located along the wall. Keying in a few commands I access the compound wide communication channel.
MechWarriors, this is Captain Adam 'Gunman' Wolf, commanding officer of the Legionnaires, all personnel need to report to the dropship Thorin with all personal items and equipment for Operation Broken Arrow. We lift off in one hour, I repeat we lift off in ONE hour. All personnel must report to the dropship Thorin immediately with all personal items and equipment.
To all recruits your requested BattleMechs are all fully equipped and ready in the Mech Bay please load them into the Thorin's Mech Bay immediately. I repeat all BattleMechs are in the Mech Bay and need to be loaded onto the Thorin immediately. We lift off in one hour MechWarriors.
It's nice to have you all aboard with the Legionnaires.
After a moment's pause I add And for those of you interested, I'll be unveiling the Pheonix in about 30 minutes time.
Switching off the communication channel, I turn to techs and begin giving them a hand with some of the work they were doing to the Pheonix
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Post by Holms Net on Nov 1, 2004 21:16:33 GMT -5
I finally got to the bay. It seems I got there a bit early, so I got my newly named Silent Echo into the Thorin, and then went and waited around, talking to some techs, hoping we could get to see the Pheonix soon.
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Post by MechWarrior 'MechWarrior' on Nov 1, 2004 21:29:32 GMT -5
After I get the Chidori into the Thorin, I enter the Mech Bay, and I walk up to Captain Gunman and ask, "Would you like me to snipe with the Chidori? The mods have been completed, and sniping could help. The Mech is mobile and powerful, I think it's a good idea."
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Post by Captain Adam "Gunman" Wolf on Nov 1, 2004 21:45:08 GMT -5
Finishing off some work with the techs I grab a rag and begin to clean the oil and grim from my hands and face, in the past 30 minutes I had been over nearly every inch of the Pheonix welding and tweaking things left and right til Im satisfied that the 'mech is operational enough to safely maneouver onto the Thorin.
Having cleaned most of the oil and other grim off of my face and hands I step out from behind the tarp, looking a bit shocked at the number of personnel gathered outside, smiling I wave my hand towards the black tarp saying,
"Well it would appear that the Phoenix project has spread throughout the compound and you are all anxiously awaiting the revealing of the Phoenix 'mech, either that or that or something has gone terribly wrong and Im urgently needed for something?"
A slight chuckle from a few of the more comfortable personnel assures me that my first assumption was correct. A moment later one of the techs come out from behind the tarp, moving up beside me he leans over and whispers a few things, I nod to him and he heads back behind the tarp, turning back to the small crowd I smile.
"Well it appears that Im needed back in the bay, apparently the techs wish to give me the honour of being the first to pilot the risen beast."
Turning about I quickly head back behind tarp, moments after trying and failing horribly at hiding my enthusiasm.
Quickly clambering up the endo-steel ladder, I get seated in the familiar cockpit of a Timber Wolf (Mad Cat). Looking around slowly reacquanting myself with the controls, I flip a few switches and a familar soft voice began to flow through the cockpit speakers.
Computer Online.... Life Support Online..... Targetting systems Online..... Fusion Reactor Online..... Weapons System ......... WARNING Incomplete weapon system Gyro Online ..... Actuators ..... WARNING Critical failure in left calf actuator
Rolling my eyes and keying a comm channel to the console beside the Chief Technician below I quietly say Hey Chief, we've got a serious issue here, the actuator in the left calf seems to have failed
God damn it, I thought we fixed that, hold on a sec
The Chief grabs a large 4' metal rod and slams it against the side of the left leg, a large resounding metallic clang can be heard throughout the hanger, as I shake my head sitting in the cockpit
Try it now, how's that?
Actuators .... Online
Was the computers response, I hit the comm button again and spoke a little louder this time Alright we're good to go, you can remove that tarp any time now, unless you want me walking through it.
The techs quickly scurry to the sides and pull the tarp down, allowing everyone in the area to view the heavily modified Phoenix Timber Wolf (Mad Cat).
Starting from the legs up, it has the thicker legs of a Mad Cat Mk II with the wider spread stance, leading up to the lower torso (rotation section) of a Mk II as well. The main torso is that of an original Mad Cat outfitted with some ackward looking plates of ferro-fibrous armour along the sides of the cockpit and rear of the torso. The arms are that of Mk II going straight out with large omni pods on the end, in the right arm a Rotary Autocannon 5 can be seen installed, and in the left arm the pod has been configured to recieve a second Rotary Autocannon 5. The upper torso has been extended upwards more similar to the Mk II style shoulder mounts. The shoulders housing the missile components is that of an original Mad Cat as well, large squares facing directly forward rather than the traditional angled up of the Mk II.
Pushing the controls forward slowly, the large 'mech lifts its three toed foot and takes a single step forward, twisting the torso about I look down on the small crowd of people as the move over to the side so I can pass safely to the Thorin, rotating the torso back up and then to the right to face the Thorin I manipulate the controls again and raise the other massive foot and twist the legs over slight to the right to begin turning, the large Assault class 'mech slowly plods its way past the other stalls heading for the Thorin.
Thorin this is Captain Gunman, please open the loading bay doors, Im bringing the Pheonix on board.
I say over the comm, the bay doors sliding open fast enough that I dont even have to pause before heading up the loading ramp. Reaching the bay doors I turn the plodding brute around and just for the show, I twisted and raised the 'mechs right arm in a half-wave, half-salute, the best possible with a 'mech anyways. Then back peddled into the loading bay and into the appropriate stall along with several other 'mechs of Castle, Rogue and Spectre Lance.
Keying the comm again this time I access the compound wide channel again and begin to speak.
Again all MechWarriors, this is Captain Adam 'Gunman' Wolf we are going to lift off in approximately 15 minutes, all personnel are to immediately load their BattleMechs and other equipment onto the Thorin I repeat ALL personnel participating in Broken Arrow, MUST load their BattleMech and equipment aboard the Thorin IMMEDIATELY. We lift off in 15 minutes.
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Post by Gen Miyamoto on Nov 1, 2004 22:08:05 GMT -5
Strapping myself into my ancient Power Armor, "DRAGON," I made it run forward from the hanger where I had parked it and made it charge up the ramp into the dropship stopping hard and making sparks fly from the feet for effect. I backed DRAGON into its stall and shut it down. Jumping from my cockpit I let out a victory yell and did a mantis stance to honor the ancient gods who would protect me on this mission.
"Let the mission COMMENCE!"
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Post by MechWarrior Shea Anzovino on Nov 2, 2004 0:38:45 GMT -5
I quickly made my way into the crowded mech bay to find my elemental class mech. It was an odd choice for a mech but it will do. I'm more stealthier than combat effective. Besides, I can detect anyone withine 50-100 yards of me through my telepathy. I feel alone as I watch all the other mechwarriors converse with each other. I eagerly jump into my new elemental. It was love at first sight, if you could consider it between a man and his machine. What am I saying? I am becoming a little paranoid and a headache is forming the size of texas. I suddenly recieved a prompt on a screen that appeared in front of my visor. It was my system checks, to make sure everything was in order. The same old routine. I then recieved another prompt which came from the Captain. It was commands for us to strap in because we are ready to lift of. Was I ready?
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Desparado
Recruit
MIA
In the land of the blind, the one eyed man is king...
Posts: 51
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Post by Desparado on Nov 2, 2004 2:11:04 GMT -5
The order was given, it was time to pack up and go. I quickly threw on a black tanktop, my dogtags and my usualy side arm, a Mag 90 and headed to the Mech bay.
It was a beautiful sight. The Dropship that would be shuttling us to the Jumpship was ready for launch and from its conical engine exhaust, molten air flowed and disappated into wavy distortions. Pushing my way through a crowd of techs, A nasty habit I've had ever since my service with Clan Steel Viper, I had made it in my Atlas in decent time.
I was beautiful. The pain job was perfect and some Tech was getting my thanks and a nice round of shots for this when I got back. From head to toe, the Mech was a black color that seemed to suck the light straight from the sun and filled it with a haunting void. Laid atop that layer, were pearly white markings taht accuratly mirriored bones of a Human Skeleton. The skull was the most fearsome and detailed of all.
Clamoring inside and powering up took prescious minutes but I eventually brought my Atlas out of its stall and into the center of the mech bay, I was following a Raven that was trying not to race out as its chassis preferred. Once clear of foot traffic it shot off and up the ramp, into the ship. As soon as I was positive that I would do no one anyharm, I brought my lumbering Ferrous-Alloy Skeleton in a very impressive looking Job towards the ship, still spewing white hot molten air.
The ship is lifting at this time! All personell clear the Launch zone. I slammed my Atlas into full speed and stompped up the ramp, barely avoiding damaging the Dropship's Cargo doors by scraping through.
I was the last pilot aboard. Significantly slowing my 100 ton beast, my objective was to get it fastened to a few restraints for launch and situated inside of a stall. I managed to back into one easily enough and a team of Techs swarmed around me, locking clamps and fastening supports to the Altas's Chassis. I buckled in and decided that until we got past atmospheric turbulance and into smooth space, I'd ride out the launch inside the safest place I knew, in the cockpit of my 100 ton war machine.
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Post by Captain Adam "Gunman" Wolf on Nov 2, 2004 3:39:21 GMT -5
As soon as everyone was aboard, I gave the order to launch, the dropship rumbled and shuddered as plumes of hot air burst forth from the exhaust ports. The large Thorin lifted into the air a little less than graceful as its old Star League era frame creaked and groaned as it accelerated toward escape velocity. Hitting the upper atmosphere at escape velocity the entire vessel shuddered violently before breaking free of the atmosphere and leveling out. The ride smoothing out very nicely.
The techs leaving all the 'mechs in their restraints for the ride to come, several MechWarriors, including myself, get out of their 'mechs and head to various parts of the ship. After a breif chat with the techs to ensure that they can get to work on finishing up work on the Pheonix in its current location, I head towards the bridge to meet with Captain Maxwell, and to be ready for our rendevous with the Jumpship at the Tau Ceti IV jump point.
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Post by MechWarrior Murphy on Nov 2, 2004 6:22:52 GMT -5
I walk my newly issued Bushwacker out of the hanger out to the Thorin. I re-adjust my grip on the controls. 18 months since I have been at the controls of a 'Mech. Feels good. "And as long as I don't get involved with a woman that turns out to be the CO's daughter again I might be able to keep this billet."
Say again Spectre-2.
Crap "Just checking my comm."
Seems to work just fine.
"Thanks Control." Well this is a great way to start an OP.
I park in the bay I was directed to and power down the 'Mech. Sitting in the darkend cockpit I let out a long sigh and just sat there for a few moments before climbing down and finding my quaters.
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Post by Captain Benjamin Maxwell on Nov 2, 2004 11:06:22 GMT -5
The Dropship Thorin cleared orbit, sliding gracefully into an escape trajectory that would take it away from the comforting confines of home and across the heart of the Inner Sphere to the cold, imposing realms of Draconis Combine space. As the DropShip cleared Tau Ceti IV's outer nav beacons, its glistening hull shimmered opulently against the black veneer of the cosmos, its gossamer exerior belaying the awesome firepower that lay within the belly of the giant. [/color]
"Dropship [/i]Thorin, you are cleared to initiate fusion drives."
"Roger that, perimeter control. Fusion drive initiation on your mark."
"Godspeed, Thorin. Mark."[/color]
A burnt-umber glow began to emit from the sleek DropShip's conical fusion drives, phasing quickly to an ultrablue as the reactors reached critical mass. A mighty roar reverberated throughout the hull as the vessel lunged forth into the depths of space, plying its way across the star system to the waiting JumpShip, which would carry it across the galaxy and into eternity.[/i]
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Post by Captain Benjamin Maxwell on Nov 2, 2004 14:03:45 GMT -5
NEW RECRUITS: Now's your chance to get to know one another - we're travelling to the jump point, and since you're all aboard, this is the time to tinker with your 'Mechs and get familiarized with who's who.
**EDIT** Just a little add-on done by Captain Gunman, all posts relating to the campaign (tinkering with 'mechs, socialization, etc, etc.) should be done here in the active campaign forum. (Thats not to say you can't post other places, but everything campaign related [or anything on board the dropship] should be done in this thread)
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Post by Holms Net on Nov 2, 2004 17:34:30 GMT -5
It seems we had just cleared the atmosphere and started toward the JumpShip. I had reaquainted myself with the Raven's controls, but I wasn't sure if I had everything down, since I couldn't actually use the Raven yet. I decided to go see Captain Maxwell, to see if I needed to know something that I haden't remembered to ask about. At that point, I thought I knew what I needed to, but I wanted to make sure. I decided to just find my way around Thorin and hopefully I would end up running into the Captain. I figured that first off, I would head to rooms where everyone was staying.
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Post by Captain Adam "Gunman" Wolf on Nov 2, 2004 20:00:45 GMT -5
As the ship rocketed through space, proppelled by its fusion engines, I quickly made my way to the bridge. Meeting Captain Maxwell, who was already there, I give him a salute and then proceed to look over a few instrumentation panels.
"Well Sir, ... er Sirs. We are enroute to the JumpShip and should arrive momentarily, may I suggest you alert the crew?" said a young looking Lieutenant, got slightly off guard by my sudden presence on the bridge.
Bringing up a zoomed in planetary view, I watched our progress as we approached the JumpShip. Looking up towards Captain Maxwell, he nods slightly and I turn back to the console, keying in a few commands I open up the ship wide comm channel.
This is Captain Gunman to all Thorin personnel and Legionnaires MechWarriors, we are approaching the JumpShip that will take us to Saffel. The JumpShip is a civilian transport and is not aware of our mission, let alone our cargo. We want to keep it that way. The first jump will be made to Altair, and then to the Saffel jump point. During that time all personnel are ordered to remain onboard the Thorin unless directly ordered otherwise. The jumps won't be long and we need to keep all personnel accounted for at all times.
Hitting a key to mute the comm channel for the time being, I recheck the progress display and see we are approaching the JumpShip, hearing the communications for docking proceeding in the background at the other end of the bridge, I unmute the comm channel, while isolating the bridge to avoid interference with docking, and continue
We are approaching the JumpShip now, all personnel prepare for docking.
The expereinced pilot and navigator of the Thorin expertly bring the large dropship into the docking bay of the civilian JumpShip, the deck creaked and groaned as the ship came to a halt, the docking clamps reaching out and engaging onto the sides of the ship, the magnetic clamps holding fast ensuring that the Thorin isn't going anywhere, .... even if she wanted to.
A moment later the comm channel from the civilian dropship was opened and broadcasted to all the dropships.
This is the civilian JumpShip Arrow we are about to jump to the Altair system, please secure all docking clamps and prepare for Jump.
A warning klaxon blared through the docking bay warning of the impending Jump, a moment later the Thorin lurched in its docking clamps as the Arrow began the jump.
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Post by Holms Net on Nov 2, 2004 21:23:06 GMT -5
I started walking toward the bridge. I had figured out the layout of the Thorin, and now needed to find Captain Maxwell. As soon as I heard Captain Gunman over the comm, it hit me that he was probably with him up in the bridge. I wasn't too far from the bridge, so it didn't take long to get there. I didn't want to disturb anyone, so I decided to not go in the bridge. I probably wasn't allowed in there anyway. I started looking around, seeing if there was some kin of scanner to detect who could go in and out. I couldn't see one, by I still waited outside the bridge, because I didn't want to rsik getting in trouble before the mission even started.
"I don't want to get in trouble AFTER we've started at Saffel"
I chuckled at my own joke, even though it was more serious than I intended. Of course, making jokes isn't my stong point.
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Post by Captain Adam "Gunman" Wolf on Nov 2, 2004 21:56:49 GMT -5
Once the initial Jump was started the ride smoothed out again, I quickly left the bridge to head down to the 'mech bay. Exiting the bridge I stop, spotting Lieutenant Holmes Net looking around somehwhat apprehensively."Are you alright Lieutenant?" I ask, after a quick exchange of salutes"Uh Yes Sir, I was just looking for Captain Maxwell..." Turning around back through the still open door to the bridge I call to Captain Maxwell. "Captain, Captain Maxwell, Lieutenant Holmes Net is here to see you. Do you want him sent in?" "Just a minute." Was the response from the bridge, turning back to the Lieutenant I inform him, "He'll probably be out in a bit, shouldn't be too long." Then salute and head down to the 'mech bay.
Upon reaching the 'mech bay, I quickly head to the stall that the Phoenix is stored in. Checking on the techs to ensure they have everything they need to finish equipping my 'mech for the upcoming combat. Going over a checklist with them marking off the equipment.- Rotary Autocannon 5
- Medium Pulse Lasers
- Clan Streaks
- Ammunition
Looks like everything is present I think to myself as I hand the checklist back to the tech and then proceed to the officers quarters to get a few things before meeting with Captain Maxwell.
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