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Post by Holms Net on Nov 5, 2004 19:47:06 GMT -5
"Roger that Castle-1; Castle-2 forming up on you.
He was obviously way ahead of me on figuring out what was wrong. Everything seemed OK, but the Captain seemed worried. Even worse than I was. But I figured everybody was getting worried right now. We just had to hope for the best, and do what we were told.
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Post by Gen Miyamoto on Nov 5, 2004 19:51:44 GMT -5
I didn't want to wait for the drop crane to finish cycling and come back to get me, and it took too long to get my humvee strapped to the cargo pallette and unloaded as it was, so I decided to take things into my own hands. I turned the key in my hummer's ignition and jammed the ga sspeadel onto the floor and revved the engine, I released the handbrake and sped toward the drop hole, as I saw it coming I tried to apply my brakes enough to slow down and not hit the wall of the drop bay as I flew out but I hit the brakes too late and my humvee wrecked into the wall and kicked up in the air, the airbags went off in my face and slammed me back against my seat as the hymmer bounced off the wall and went flipping out of the dropship end over end. I just barely managed to stay awake as the g forces pulled on my brain and I yanked the parachute ejection cord to open my drag chute. It opened and unfurled behind me which took a long time due to the fact that it had got tangle d in ythe wreck. It unfurled and deploded behind my hummer and slowed me down but then I noticed the rip in the middle which was getting bigger do to the wind going through it.it finally ripped completely out and I was flipping threw the air again for a couple more seconds and then i saw the ground coming up at me ral fast and i hit hit hard. My hummer flipped threw the air and knocked up against a tree as it went by, then it flipped some more and i got thrown threw the winshield as the hummer went by me and it blew up, I passed out.
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Post by Captain Benjamin Maxwell on Nov 5, 2004 20:02:41 GMT -5
As our lance began to move forward, I boosted the gain on my sensor array in an attempt to extend my range past the 1200 meters my Active Probe suite allowed me. But all seemed quiet - just as I had suspected it would.
Making our way into the thick underbrush, Lieutenant Holmes Net's Raven darted out in front of me, sweeping the area with its advanced sensor system while simultaneously putting out a splitting ECM signal to ward off would-be attackers. The diminutive 'Mech was a real asset to have in areas where guerilla warfare was the preferred method of attack, and I was grateful that we had managed to salvage one intact.
Suddenly, the Raven stopped short, and crouched down ahead of me. I nearly plowed into it as I threw my Stalker into full reverse, attempting to stop as quickly as it had. I began to open a com channel to Lieutenant Holmes Net to find out what the situation was, but I never had the chance. He had already begun feeding a stream of data to my C3 computer, and I was startled to see the image that appeared on my readout.
There, in the clearing ahead of us, the Lieutenant had spotted a Cougar, standing upright, canopy open, and pilot no where to be found.
"Do you see what I see, sir?"
As I drew a bead on the Cougar's cockpit, the weapons board sprang to life, and my targeting system screamed a missile lock, I simply nodded to the com system.
Yes, I do.
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Post by Holms Net on Nov 5, 2004 20:27:31 GMT -5
I could tell from the silence the Captain had seen it.
"Wha...what do you think happened. Can you tell who owns the Cougar?
I ahd wanted to move forward, but I wanted to wait for a confirmation from the Captain. Not to mention, it would be great to wait until someone came back, at least, if they would come back, and take them as a hostage to figure out what had happened, and maybe even some info about Isis' Lance. And having an extra Cougar would be nice, since we still needed a 'mech for Sarg. Miyamoto.
What are we gonna do?
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Post by MechWarrior Murphy on Nov 5, 2004 20:31:09 GMT -5
Me and 55 tons of war machine drop from the sky. Watching the Altimeter klick off the decreasing range to ground. I light the jump boosters slowing the 'Mech. My Bushwacker's knees bend slightly as we touch down feather soft. The booster now empty drops free from the BattleMech.
Practice makes perfect.
Checking my monitors, all sytems online. I switch on the Weapon Master Arm. All weapons show loaded or charged. We are ready for war.
Spectre -2 is down and safe. All systems show nominal.
I move to formation off Spectre-1 and pull a protien bar from my vest pocket. Finally I'm feeling well enought to eat.
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Post by Captain Benjamin Maxwell on Nov 5, 2004 20:39:01 GMT -5
I pulled my Stalker up alongside Lieutenant Holmes Net's Raven. Sweeping my zoom window across the Cougar's frame, I keyed the channel open.
"It doesn't have any markings, but it's definitely empty. No sign of tampering, from what I can tell. It's just...empty."
Something still didn't feel right.
"Is your scope still showing clear?"
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Post by Star Captain Killian Bekker on Nov 5, 2004 21:19:58 GMT -5
Ghost-1 This is Wraith-3, they are at Navpoint Omega.
Roger that Wraith-3.
For a minute there I thought we got bad intel.
Vampire-1, Ghost Lance and Wraith Lance are going to fall into position. We'll call you if we have any trouble. Sir.
I acknowledge Ghost-1. Proceed as planned. I'll standby.
Wraith Lance, fall into a V formation, you're on point. Ghost Lance Delta Formation on me.
Ghost-2 in position! Ghost-3 I'm in position! Wraith-1 on point. Wraith-2 formed and ready to roll. Wraith-3 in position.
On my mark.....NOW! As soon as you have a lock, open up. Ghost 2 and 3 Alpha strike the heaviest things out there.
Ghost-2 Copies. Ghost-3 Copies.
The 2 lances formed up into an "X" formation. The speed in which the mechs formed up and began the attack was obviously the work of long hours spent in training.
Intercept in 5...4...3...2...1
All units weapons free!
The roaring sound of LRM racks emptying from Marauder IIc and Hunchback IIc in the lead elements was almost certainly deafening to anyone not inside. The first salvos hit the Stalker with such force that it almost overloaded the gyros and nearly toppled it. A few moments later, Ghost Lance's Thors were in range for an Alpha Strike on the Hauptman. The force of the blows knocked over the unaware assault mech. My Loki opened up on the Cauldron Born in an Alpha Strike and also nearly knocked it over with the force located all into the lower torso. The tiny Raven in the middle of the X began taking pot shots at the other Raven trying to stay well inside the circle of friendly heavy mechs.
Vampire-1 This is Ghost-1, they aren't in as large numbers as we were told, looks as if they split into 2 or more elements. Sir.
Roger that Ghost-1, Vampire Lance is moving in for assistance.
Having taken the Mercenaries by surprise was the easy part. Hopefully, phase 2 and 3 of the plan would be equally as easy.
I hope that they realize we're playing nice.
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Post by Lieutenant Victor Eisenfaust on Nov 5, 2004 21:26:38 GMT -5
Victor moved his Hauptmann to watch over the Captain and the Lieutenant while they examined the Cougar. Setting his Bloodhound probe to maximum gain, he scanned the surrounding two kilometers closely. He toggled his comm at the same time.
"Castle-1, this is Castle-4. No matter the fate of that machines pilot, we cannot leave it here unsecured. Every machine we deny to the enemy is one less machine we have to face later. Suggest you send Spectre-3 or Rogue-2 to secure the machine for salvage, over.
The Bloodhound probe on Victor's Hauptmann is one of the most powerful scanning devices avalible. It can even detect stealth units, such as those equipped with NullSig gear. It can even pick up unarmored infantry. If there is anything around and abound, Victor's scanner should pick it up.
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Post by Captain Benjamin Maxwell on Nov 5, 2004 21:50:48 GMT -5
The LRM salvo tore through the right temple of the prominent nose of my Stalker, setting off a massive internal ammunition explosion in the upper LRM pod. Missile after missle exploded in a violent chain detonation which wrought the BattleMech's right arm completely free of its mount as the lower LRM rack was also consumed in the hellish inferno. I fought fiercely against the Stalker's stabilization controls, trying to maintain control of the gigantic biped as the 'Mech staggered sideways, and the CASE system struggled to vent the brunt of the explosions safely away from the 'Mech's internals. A second salvo found their mark, slamming the Stalker's torso ninety degrees sideways, and blowing my weapon intermix computer completely to pieces, pelting my exposed face with bits of shrapnel and causing me to cry out as one slashed my cheek open in a cruel gash. Fire rolled through the cockpit, and damage indicators screamed as panels exploded, lighting flickered, and the Stalker reeled drunkenly against the viscious onslaught. It was all I could do to re-center my torso and return an angry Alpha strike at the Hunchback IIC which had opened fire on me. As I tore at the Hunchback's lumbering body, I could hear Lieutenant Holmes Net screaming into the comms.
"Mayday! Maday! All Legionnaire units! Castle-1 is under attack! Repeat - Castle 1 is under attack by unknown hostiles! All units, move to intercept!"
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Post by Captain Gunman [In Absentia] on Nov 5, 2004 22:02:52 GMT -5
A ping resonated across my sensors as my Mad Cat II ambled slowly through the underbrush. Enhancing the grid on the section the contact had originated from, I attempted an ident. No luck. The contact was either too far out, or running countermeasures of some sort. Either way, it registered as hostile, which meant it wasn't overly concerned with not being detected. And that was never a good sign.
My analysis was very abruptly interrupted when the voice of Lieutenant Holmes Net tore through my comm system, nearly overloading the speakers.
"Mayday! Maday! All Legionnaire units! Castle-1 is under attack! Repeat - Castle 1 is under attack by unknown hostiles! All units, move to intercept!"
"What the devil??" I exclaimed. So soon?? No...it can't be... Captain Maxwell would most certainly have been able to identify them...
As the blip on the sensors moved away from our position, I pulled my 'Mech into a turn so hard that the chassis creaked in protest, and the clawed steel feet nearly slipped out from under me from the force of the turn. Opening the channel to Spectre Lance, I brought my hand down on the comm panel so hard that the switch popped free of its plastic molding.
"Spectre lance, this is Spectre-1! Move to support Castle lance - repeat - move to support Castle lance!"
Slamming my Mad Cat II into a full run, I prayed that there would still be a lance to support by the time we got there.
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Post by Lieutenant Victor Eisenfaust on Nov 5, 2004 22:15:16 GMT -5
As the initial barrage hit, Victor's Hauptmann reeled from the assault. Victor valiantly tried to keep the machine balanced, but the fall was unavoidable. As his Hauptman smashed into the ground, Victor cursed as the restraints on his seat jerked him about violently. Struggling to right his fallen mech, Victor finally managed to get to his feet, and began moving backward to form a defensive perimetter around the Captain's wounded Stalker.
"König-Wulf! Systems check!" Victor yelled to the computer on his machine.
System Integrity...OK Weapons Systems...OK Defensive Systems...OK Movement Systems...OK Armor Level...81%...No Breaches
Victor let loose a bit of breath, and drew bead on one of the Thors that had attacked him. Making sure his radio was not broadcasting, Victor smiled to himself.
"Willkommen! Enjoy some fine Lyran engineering, you bastard!"
Victor opened up with his major weapons, targetting the center torso of the enemy Thor. Bursts of coherrently light and electrically charged steel sped toward the Thor with lethal intent. The weapons struct home, smashing into the torso of Thor, carving all the external armor off of the machine's chest. Victor could see smoke coming from the bowels of the Thor, so he knew he hit something hard.
"Clanner mechs might be faster, and their guns are better, but they don't have nearly enough armor, you bastards...we taught the green turkeys that, now we will teach you!"
Victor switched his Angel ECM into full spread, denying the enemy usage of the majority of their advanced electronics. Seeing the Captain fully engaged, Victor decided to overstep his authority. Quickly, he opened a comm channel to the Thorin.
"Thorin-Command, this is Castle-4. We've received bad intel. Recommend you do not land. I repeat, recommend you do not land. Furthermore, I am hereby requesting close air support at the following co-ordinates. Victor uploaded the coordinates through his comm suite, and hit the transmit button. Repeat, Castle-4, requesting close air support at the transmitted coordiantes, over!
I only pray they make it in time, or there won't be a Castle lance left to give air support to...
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Post by Captain Benjamin Maxwell on Nov 5, 2004 22:48:35 GMT -5
Emerald beams lanced out from my Stalker's remaining left arm as amethyst pulses spit forth from its nose-mounted beam rack, coring into the Thor's center torso. Fractured gold rivulets began to form across the wounded 'Mech's body, and I knew that its reactor shielding was beginning to collapse. Thirty long-range missiles exploded forth from my Stalker's left racks, leaving thick trails of smoke as they took flight and arced across the battlefield, finding their mark deep within the Thor's chest, and setting off an uncontrolled fusion reaction that engulfed it in a brilliant display of white light as the 'Mech exploded violently, showering its lancemates with debris, and sending forth a shockwave that tore several nearby trees from their trunks, and seared the armor from the Hunchback IIC's vulnerable rear quarter. My heat indicator glowed hot red, and launguished in the "danger" zone for a considerable time before reluctantly dropping to yellow, where it held steady. I had learned many years ago that this was an indicator of one of only two symptoms - either the 'Mech had taken a direct hit from a flamer, or a fire was burning deep within the chassis. Unfortunately, I knew it had to be the latter of the two.
My Stalker staggered violently as a thunderous clap and the shrieking of metal on metal signalled the impact from an LBX-class autocannon. Damage indicators flared red across my Stalker's left leg, and I whipped my torso sideways to face the assailant. The second Thor had taken a liking to me, and was now chewing away at my 'Mech's actuators in an effort to "leg" me.
You bastard...I cursed, under my breath, as I let fly with another laser salvo that flew wide, scoring a black trail across the OmniMech's torso as an LBX round impacted with my cockpit, cracking my canopy's ferroglass.
"Damnit!" I exclaimed, pivoting my BattleMech around to face the Thor directly. As I did so, the Marauder IIC, which had been engaged with Lieutenant Holmes Net's Raven, turned its Rotary Autocannon on my right leg, carving away at what remained of the actuator. I struggled to turn away from the angry, depleted-uranium slugs which punched through my 'Mech's fragile tendons, each one doing more damage than the one before it. As my damage indicators flashed to red, I managed to get off a final Alpha stike, which tore the Marauder's viscious gun mount completely from the frame, causing the 'Mech to stagger wildly as its gyros attempted to compensate for the ten tons of dead weight which had gone missing in an instant's time.
The Thor backpedaled wildly, whipping around at the sound of its lancemate's critical hit. Before my weapons had had time to cycle, the 70-ton OmniMech dealt a punishing blow to my Stalker's tormented leg, which finally gave way under the crippling blow. My mighty, 85-ton behemoth, which had seen me through so many battles in its lifetime, plowed to the ground, nose-first, smashing the ferroglass from its cockpit, and coming to rest in a prone position, finally unable to stand.
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Post by Lieutenant Victor Eisenfaust on Nov 6, 2004 0:03:55 GMT -5
Victor let out a cry of triumph as the Captain's and his massed fire dropped the Thor like so much dead weight. The high was crushed though, as he saw the Captain's Stalker fall to the ground, prone, and badly mauled. His remaining lancemates were up, but without direction, that would soon change...Victor cursed inwardly.
Scheiss! Rank be damned!Switching to the Legionnaire-channel on his comm system, Victor took a deep breath and spoke.
"All Castle elements, this is Castle-4. Castle-1 is down, I repeat, Castle-1 is down. I'm assuming command of the Castle-lance. Castle-3, form on me. We are establishing a defensive line around Castle-1. Castle-3, concentrate your fire the Hunchback. You should be able to punch through his armor and drop him quickly. Castle-2, try to draw your opponent toward Spectre lance. If we are lucky, they might break formation and attempt to give pursuit. Your stealth systems and high speed should keep you safe. That should help even the odds."
Victor cursed again. Even tyring to divide the attackers up was a long shot at best. Inwardly, he prayed that Spectre lance would make it in time. The sound of his armor taking hits drew him out of his mometary thoughts, and got him focused back on the battle. Victor brought his sights up to the other Thor, and smiled.
"Your probably suffering some negative effects from all that heat your weapons generate...my Hauptmann on the other hand, doesn't have problems like that."
With that last word, his targeting system indicated a steady lock, so he fired. One of the lasers hit the right breast of the Thor, while the other Laser and Gauss Rifle hit the center again. Victor cursed, knowing it wasn't enough to break the armor, but it did have a bonus...the Thor staggered as the Gauss round hit him dead on, and began to fall...perhaps the fall would finish him. Just to be on the safe side however, Victor kept his guns trained on the Thor, waiting to see its response.
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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 6, 2004 1:48:10 GMT -5
There was Chaos on the ground. The comm lit up with all sorts of messages. Castle lance was under attack. It looked like I'd be wasting my Armor before I ever touched the dropship. I cursed my terribly slow speed as I moved my Atlas to Castle Lance's position, which was a roughly made estimate. The slow thumping of the feet of a 100 ton Inner Sphere giant didn't ease my anxiety. I was eager to fight, but not eager to be fought. I never expected such a heinous attack this close to out LZ.
Castle Lance, This is Rouge-1 I'm en route. Hold on, ETA is 8 minutes depending on terrain. Lets see if I can't level the playing feild a bit. Do you Copy Castle-4?
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Post by MechWarrior Murphy on Nov 6, 2004 1:53:06 GMT -5
I vectored off to follow Captain Gunman. I slam the throttle all the way to it's stops. Trying to draw as much power from the 275 Hermes XL Fusion engine could muster. Even if I could get to my top speed of 86km/h in these woods it would still take time to close the 2.5 klicks to where Castle Lance had deyployed.
I hope we get there in time
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