|
Post by Gen Miyamoto on Jul 20, 2005 18:00:50 GMT -5
I lingered in the hall for a moment. Turning over things in my mind. A growl in my stomach reminded me of the light diet I kept on Hamal. I had better stop by the mess hall.
When I arrived there it had a fair number folks congolmerated along the tables. Techs, engineers, mech pilots all sitting mixed, enjoying thier fresh eats.
"Real informal" I noted to myself.
I hit the line and grabbed myself some healthy portions of lemon-marinated chicken and a heaping mound of *real* fake mashed potatoes.
I chose a place at the end of one row of tables, not far off from a group of engineers. The topic on everybody's mind, no matter what thier job, seemed to be the clanswoman. No big surprise there. It's not everyday they send you a murder.
|
|
|
Post by Dr. Jessica Saturina on Jul 20, 2005 19:35:07 GMT -5
I went to get some flexible dressings for Kintru when Dr. Edwards went running from the infirmary like the devil was in pursuit. I looked in Kintaru's and Maxwell's direction. They both said in unison
“It wasn’t us…”
"Well I was going to have him look at Thastus as I finished with you Kintaru, but I'll just have to take care of it myself. You stay put Kintaru and I'll be right there. I motioned to Thastus to follow me. Please follow me to the exam room. I’ll need you to disrobe, and put on this gown.”
I handed her a standard exam gown. She did not look very happy about the whole situation, but it didn't matter, the Captain wanted her checked out and that's just what I was going to do.
"Now Ms Thastus please get on the exam table and I'll be with you right away. Captain you can ......."
”I’ll be waiting in receiving”
"Thank you Captain. Now Kintaru, let's take care of you and get you on your way. Ms. Thastus I'm sorry for the delay but all my techs are out and I have no clue where Dr. Edwards just went off to. I will be with you as quickly as I can."
I turned to Kintaru. I gently examined his wounds. They were coming along nicely, but he still needed a wrap.
"Kintaru I wished you would allow me to use the dermal regenerator on you. You don't have to carry these scars around with you. I know you want to heal on your own; you’re being a little stubborn about that. I don't force medical attention on someone if they don’t want it, but think about it please. Is it really necessary for you to keep the Scars?
He grumbled something about thinking about it. I finished him up and sent him on his way. Turning to Thastus, I began her check up. I used my old archaic instruments to do an up close exam. The tables were fine for monitoring vitals but I like to hear for myself whats going on. I used my scanners for checking internal organs. I drew blood into the machine that could analyze things immediately. These new technological machines were very convinent. Things went pretty fast, which was good cause Thastus did seem very uncomfortable the whole time.
"Well, that's it Ms. Thastus. We are all done with you. I'll give my report to the Captain but suffice it to say you are in tip top 100% shape. Now you can get dressed as I get the Captain."
I went to reception where the Captain was waiting. I called to him, and motioned for him to come back. He got up and followed me.
"Well Captain, all done. She is in perfect health. No problems at all. She is cleared for duty."
Thank you Dr.. That’s good to hear.
The clanner came out dressed and they left. I returned to my packing duties wondering still if Dr. Edwards was going to come back. I laughed softly to myself wondering what had scared him off.
|
|
|
Post by Wedge Lourde on Jul 20, 2005 23:51:34 GMT -5
Alex, Quartermaster and I strode into the mess hall, where the new Commander Miyamoto sat around techs and engineers. I hit the salad bar, and chose a caesar salad with croutons, and spooned macaroni and cheese onto the plate. Checking out, I found Miyamoto's table, and Alex and Quartermaster followed. The four of us ate in silence, then the Quartermaster broke out and slured a scentance a bit too loud.
"So wots this I heer about a clanner on the ship? Er we being raded! There not 'gunna steal my stuff!
"Don't worry, she's in Alpha Lance. She'll help us out in this mission.
"Mission? I build walkers! 'dunno about no damn mission."
"You must be the Quartermaster. I'm Miyamoto, The next Operation will begin soon. By the way, yes, Star Colonel Aisa Thatus will be joining us for the duration of Operation 5."
"Why does nobody of ye' tell me this things?! I thot we were still on Operation 2! Me never gets the damn grapevine in me nuthouse of a livin' space!
"But Quartermaster, you live in the 'mech bay. You get to see all the action. You get to watch the construction of the 'mechs.
"Hey, yer the Belial kid, rite? I can see 'er from me bed."
"Miyamoto, do you enjoy the Legionnaires so far? If you have any questions, feel free to come to me. I always love new members. Taking in Alex and Josef was a pleasure. I'm sure you'll be a great pilot. I've got to return to my quarters now to get ready for action. Alex- good luck. Miyamoto- i'm pleased to meet you, and good luck with Bravo Lance. Quartermaster... you do your thing... I'll hopefully see you all in the 'Mech Bay before Operation V begins."
I saluted, and was greeted with 2 salutes, and a 3rd... forehead tap... Strange man that Quartermaster is...
When I was returning to my quarters, I looked out the window to see Slocum Recharge. Tiny chunks of metal was still floating around in space... obviously the Cairo's debris. I opened my door, and sat on the bed. I reached into my pocket, producing my handheld. 0 Inbox. Damn...
|
|
|
Post by Captain Benjamin Maxwell on Jul 21, 2005 10:20:26 GMT -5
“And these will be your quarters.”
The largish room I had escorted Thastus to served as living quarters for the six members of the Legionnaires’ Longinus Battle Armor squad, which had recently dubbed itself “The Gladiators,” as a play on our Mercenary unit’s Romanesque name. The team, comprised of six men and six women, had agreed, without incident, to let the Clanner bunk in their squad bay, amidst concerns that placing her in a rooming situation with members of the Liberty’s general populace might create a stir. As we entered the bay, Thastus made a quick circuit of the room, and returned to me with an approving nod, albeit accompanied by her trademark scowl.
”This will be adequate. Thank you, Captain.”
“I’m going to leave you here to tend to my duties. For your own safety, please do not leave this bay without an escort. We make the jump to Valasha in under an hour – I’ll summon you to the bridge at that time.”
”As you wish, Captain.”
Without another word, Thastus turned from me, making her way to a vacant bunk, and unpacking the few pieces of gear she had brought aboard. I stepped through the hatch, closing it securely behind me, and headed for the bridge.
|
|
|
Post by Lance Commander Marcus Taylor on Jul 21, 2005 11:34:11 GMT -5
I sat up in my bunk and looked at my watch. I decided that enough time had passed that it qualified as the next day and I performed my daily fitness regiment.
After stepping out of the shower feeling awake and very refreshed I decided to check my inbox one last time before the Op began. I was happy to find two messages were waiting.
The first was to inform me that I had some new personal gear waiting for me at my quarters back on Site 187. I had ordered new boots, a nice retro-style, but very up to date neurohelm and a new cooling vest, and a lighter, but more efficient Level III Flak Vest with Trauma Plate that also had a nice Level II puncture insert.
The more important letter was one from my mother. Dear Marcus,
I just got your letter and I hope you get to read this before you go on that new mission you were talking about. It's nice to know that you are doing well and more importantly, happy with your new assignment. As always, I worry about you, but I know you are a capable pilot. You fought clanners remember and those are supposed to be the cream of the crop. Too bad they weren't good enough to stop you and your fellow mechwarriors and soldiers.
I got your money and I am grateful that you are helping me out. That extra money will goto good use and you can be sure that I will buy something nice. There is talk about some new invasion force rampaging around, but nobody is really worried here. I'm sure that we will beat them back, just like those clanners.
Well, don't you worry none. I'm sure you know all about it and would tell me if it was something serious. Else, it's probably just rumors to get us all riled up.
Well take care and perhaps you can come visit sometime soon. I enjoy your letters, so please keep writing.
Signed, Your dearest Mum
I put the datapad down and realized that the Word of Blake was now starting to make it's name known among the more common folk of the Inner Sphere. This wasn't like the Clan invasion I thought, but I shook the image from my head and decided to grab some food from the Mess Hall.
Hmm, little over an hour until we jump to the combat area. Better eat fast.
|
|
|
Post by MechWarrior Aisa Thastus on Jul 21, 2005 12:45:57 GMT -5
”Thastus. Wake up. Thastus. What the…aaarrrgh!”
The sound of a man’s voice filtering through a breathing apparatus, coupled with the stab of a cold, metal hand prodding my shoulder, jolted me from my meditative state. In an instant, and before my eyes even opened, my left arm shot out, finding its mark on the Battle Armor’s rebreather within seconds. I shoved my index and middle finger down on the device’s rubberized intake manifold, preventing oxygen from reaching the inside of the Longinus’ helmet. I leaped from my bunk, swinging around behind the stunned Battle Armor, yanking its backup pistol from its right thigh, pressing it against the thin layer of ferrorubber which protected its neck as I immobilized its head with my right arm. The Battle Armor flailed desperately, and could have easily bucked me off with its overpowering strength, but fear had clouded its mind.
“You are never to lay your freebirth paws on me again, quaiff? If you have need of me, you are to address me, and nothing further. Future transgressions will result in your putrid entrails becoming a permanent fixture in this bay. Do we understand each other?”
The stravag nodded frantically, clawing at its rebreather as I continued to cut off its air supply.
“Good.”
I released the Battle Armor, reholstering its pistol as it doubled over, gasping for air.
“Now…what is it that gives you cause to disturb my meditation?”
The suit’s external speaker came on, and I could hear its pilot still gasping for breath. I leaned forward, looking directly into its faceplate.
“Speak up, dezgra. You are trying my patience.”
The Battle Armor took several more labored breaths.
”Captain…Maxwell…wants you on the bridge. We’re jumping in…fifteen minutes. I’m to…escort you.”
“How thoughtful.” I hissed, heading for the bay door. The spineless Longinus remained immobile, probably gathering its wits.
“Coming?”
|
|
|
Post by Dr. Jessica Saturina on Jul 21, 2005 13:30:14 GMT -5
after getting all of my medical supplies together for the drop. I realized I was very hungry. Dr. Edwards had come back with no real explanation, and I didn't want to embarrass him by pushing the matter.
"Dr. Edwards, I'm going to go get some food. Do you think you will be ok here with Wyatt, and Zurichi?"
"Yes Dr. Saturina. Everything will be fine."
"Ok then. I'll be in the messhall. Call me if you need me."
I left the infirmary headed for the messhall. Walking at a leisurely pace gave time for thoughts to flood into my mind. I still couldn't stop thinking of Garland, how he met his demise, and how we were all very much effected by it. Garland was an excellent Commander, he would be missed terribly.
I entered the messhall. This one was not even half the food preparation facility that the one on Sheratan is. I missed Sheratan. I wished we had been able to go there before starting another Op, but it was not to be. I sighed softly, then snapped myself back to the task at hand. I grabbed a salad and some baked chicken. Looking around I didn't see anyone here I usually sat with. Now wishing I had stopped by Kintaru's or Schuster's quarters to invite them along, I went and sat down alone. I seen Miyamoto over with a group of the guys talking and eating. I started eating hoping someone would come in and keep me company.
|
|
|
Post by Wedge Lourde on Jul 21, 2005 14:24:28 GMT -5
After I took my shower, I decided to walk to the 'mech bay to see if the Quartermaster had returned. On my way, I saw a Loginus BattleArmor escort a tall slender woman with a Dragoon's emblem on her lapel.
"Sir. Thatus is not to be conversed with. We are escorting her to the bridge. Please move along."
"Yes sir."
Thatus... I passed Miyamoto and Alex, who had just returned from dinner. I walked in to see Quartermaster having a conversation about what to do with the Fafnir...
"Oy, what's we to do with this 'mech? We gots'nt a pilot, shoud we just take 'er guns and stuffem in the stash and take the armor and systems?"
"I'm not sure. I don't beleive the Fafnir will be piloted for Operation 5. It'd be safe to leave it up in case we need backup, though.
" 'Ello, Wedege. What ya think? Should we leave 'er up or take 'er down and get 'er guns? 'Ere ye go, read the specs. Whatcha thinkin?"
He handed me a loadout sheet that he the 2 techs had been looking over.
"Hmmm, I think it might be a good idea to refit the armor, but leave the cannons. Refit it and leave it in stock. Nobody has edited their 'mech, so it may be wise to use some of the salvaged parts to refit the Fafnir."
"Good thinking. We'll leave it as a backup 'mech, but it will be ready for use."
Then, Yeoman Machia came over the loudspeaker:
”Maxwell to all hands – prepare for hyperspace jump. Operation: Endgame will commence in fifteen minutes. Commander Miyamoto – to the bridge, please.”
"I've got to be going, I have to contine my preparing. Talk to you gents later."
|
|
|
Post by Lieutenant Kei-teh Kintaru on Jul 21, 2005 14:28:45 GMT -5
I was amazed at how flexible my new bandages proved to be. It was almost as if I was wearing a thin vest underneath my combat gear. It allowed for ultimate manoeuvrability and didn’t slow me down at all. However, I still felt slight stinging pain if I over did things and I certainly wasn’t planning on exiting my mech to do any form of ground combat. Yes, this new type of bandage had had proved more than adequate to my needs. After thanking Doctor Saturina for “mummifying” my torso, I made my way towards the gym for a light training session to really see what this stuff was made of.
As expected, everything was fine. I was able to move my body as if I nothing had happened to me. The feather weight material had indeed impressed me. I accomplished a number of acrobatic techniques to fully test the fabric. Everything was top notch. Satisfied with my tests, I decided a quick bite to eat would settle my growling stomach. Even warriors of my standard had to eat sometime…
I grabbed a bowl of mixed, artificially grown fruits and a glass of water before joining a lonely looking Saturina at the table. She stirred her salad around with her fork before she noticed me.
“Is this seat taken Doctor?” I asked, pulling it out slightly. She looked up and quickly swallows the contents of her mouth.
“…No, its free…” she said after a moment of masticating. I took my seat and started eating the substitute fruit.
“Jessica… I’m sorry if I’ve been acting strange. Since my last encounter with Ren… things… haven’t been good for me.” I said staring deeply into my food. I didn’t want to make eye contact as saying “sorry” wasn’t something that came easy to me. Through my peripheral vision, I could see that her head had perked up and that she was taking in everything I was saying. After swallowing another piece of food, she spoke.
“Kintaru… I don’t know everything that went on back on Hamal… but I do know you have reason to be acting like this. Something that you swore to protect was stolen from you. I can only imagine how that feels…” she said looking at me as I grudgingly looked up from my food.
“…And I’ve noticed that there is something that is still wrong with you. Something that us Doctor’s cannot mend or treat with medication…” I listen intently. “…your pride is making you suffer. You feel as if you have no reason to live anymore…” She had hit the nail on the head.
“How did you know?” I said, now avoiding eye contact again. I felt ashamed of myself for losing the stone and being beaten by the one man I swore to kill.
“I’ve not only studied practical medicine Mr Kintaru...” she said with pride in her voice. “… I studied psychology and passed with a high degree, I might add! I can read you like a book.”
Her way with words had often comforted me. Strangely enough, she had calmed me down. It felt… good that someone recognised the pain in me. I wanted to confide in so many people, but I never had the nerve to talk to anyone about it. And now the opposite happened. Someone noticed it. Someone had “read me like a book” and saw what I was going through. I felt as if a tonne was lifted off my chest.
“… Saturina… you’re the first to truly understand me. Thank you.” I said quietly, regaining eye contact. She cracked a small smile and replied:
“Hay, its what I’m here for.”
We both continued our meals, chatting away happily until Yeoman Machia's voice boomed over the speaker system.
"All techs, crewmembers, and pilots, please prepare for hyperspace jump. We jump in 10 minutes. Thank you."
Without further haste, we rushed to the mech bay to get suited up...
|
|
|
Post by Captain Benjamin Maxwell on Jul 21, 2005 14:29:44 GMT -5
As the JumpShip Rising Storm maneuvered out of its berth, with the Liberty securely in tow, I watched the main screen intently for anything at all that might be amiss. Our last encounter with the Slocum Recharging Station had been than favorable – and I didn’t want history to repeat itself. We had enough on our plate as it was.
I heard the bridge’s blast doors slide open, and as I pivoted the command chair in its direction, Colonel Thastus, escorted by a Longinus Battle Armor, strode onto the bridge.
”She’s all yours, Captain.” the Battle Armor announced.
“Was there any trouble?”
Thastus shot a glare at the Battle Armor, which almost visibly flinched.
”None at all, Captain.”
I looked back and forth between the two.
“Good…thank you Corporal. Dismissed.”
The Battle Armor saluted, and went clanking down the corridor. I rose from the command chair, and motioned for the Clanner to join me at one of the vacant tactical stations.
“Thastus, this will be your station. From here you have access to the sum of all of the tactical data provided to us with regard to this Operation. You also have a complete listing of all of the Legionnaire assets currently on hand – from infantry to BattleMechs, recon drones to support assets. I’ve also ensured that you’ve been provided with the same mission briefing data that all other crew have received. What I’d like to have you do…”
”…is to prepare a force deployment strategy that is both compatible with the mission parameters and allows for maximum effective utilization of all available assets.” Thastus interjected. ”I have done this before, Captain.”
“Good. Then I’ll expect that report within the hour.” I replied, and moved back to the command chair, toggling open the shipwide comm.
”Maxwell to all hands – prepare for hyperspace jump. Operation: Endgame will commence in fifteen minutes. Commander Miyamoto – to the bridge, please.”
|
|
|
Post by Gen Miyamoto on Jul 21, 2005 15:20:12 GMT -5
The call came over the PA system, stopping my where I stood in the hallway.
"I'll have to show you some other time" said alex. "Duty calls" I replied, and turned to head to the bridge.
When I arrived on bridge, I found the clanswoman systematically pissing off everybody in earshot of her. This woman was a first rate bitch. I made sure to keep my distance as I spoke to Maxwell.
"Miyamoto on deck."
|
|
|
Post by Dr. Jessica Saturina on Jul 21, 2005 16:15:49 GMT -5
Immediately upon hearing the announcement for the hyper space jump, I discarded the rest of my food. We jumped up, both of us saying we would see you at the drop. I ran back to the infirmary, gathering up all the bags I had packed to carry with me for whenever I might be on foot without the MIT23. I gave some last minuet instructions to my staff, and left to go to the mech bay.
On entering the mech bay, it was a flurry of activity. Techs finishing last minuet things. Pilots getting their mechs ready. I went quickly to my MIT23. The techs had outfitted the Ambulance on a palette, with propulsion units around it, so I could control its descent to the planet. I put my extra bags in the back, climbed into the front seat, and did a complete check of all systems. I yelled out the window to one of the techs.
"Is it all ready to go?"
"Yes ma'am, all ready"
Everything looked good, all systems on line and ready. I relaxed for a moment waiting for the jump, then the flurry of activity once we were ready to do the planet drop.
|
|
Yeoman Hobson
Yeoman
Senior DropShip Pilot
DropShips...the only way to fly!
Posts: 18
|
Post by Yeoman Hobson on Jul 21, 2005 16:53:06 GMT -5
The JumpShip Rising Storm tore a hole in hyperspace, and dragged us through it. A distortion wave rippled across the Liberty's decks as the ship made the transition out of normal space, and the external view flashed to a blinding white wall of energy. A dizzying sensation washed through my body, and I felt weak and faint - a typical side effect of a hyperspace transition.
Before I knew it, the journey had ended, and we returned to the cool darkness of normal space once more. The comm unit chirped, and I glanced at the board. It was the Rising Storm. I patched the transmission through to the bridge speakers.
"This is the Rising Storm to all piggybacked vessels. We have arrived at the Valasha jump point. The recharging station was destroyed by terrorists last week - and as such, we will be holding our position here, extending our solar collectors and recharging on our own. Those of you wishing to disembark here may do so at this time. Otherwise, hold tight, and we'll be back in hyperspace as soon as possible."
Captain Maxwell nodded to me to begin the separation sequence, and I laid in a course for the planet.
"All MechWarriors - report to your 'Mechs. We are beginning our descent!"
|
|
MechWarrior Alex Thorn
Regular
LEGIONNAIRES
"I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat." - Winston Churchill
Posts: 176
|
Post by MechWarrior Alex Thorn on Jul 21, 2005 16:55:37 GMT -5
I strode to my place on the jumpship. I needed some much needed sleep before this operation. I got to my room and sat down on the bed. I laid down and closed my eyes, falling into a light sleep.
I woke to the announcement to get to our 'Mechs. I quickly walked to my Belial. I hoped in and checked the systems.
"This is Bravo-5. I am up and ready to go. All systems normal."
|
|
|
Post by Lance Commander Marcus Taylor on Jul 21, 2005 17:07:46 GMT -5
All MechWarriors - report to your 'Mechs. We are beginning our descent!
Fortunately, I was already enroute to the Mech Bay having eaten a salad and a somewhat decent thick vegetable soup.
I walked past several mechs and saw the Doctor that had treated my wounds earlier prepping the M.A.S.H. unit for the landing. Instead of interrupting, I walked to the next berth where my mech was located. As I approached a technician approached with a clipboard and began to speak.
Thunderhead is prepped and ready to go Corporal.
Outstanding. Thank you.
I climbed the gantry up into the cockpit of my Bushwacker, nicknamed Thunderhead. I sat in the command couch and strapped myself in tight. I donned my neurohelmet and double checked it's connections.
The hatch closed and sealed tight. After running a quick diagnostic on all of my systems and getting a Green light, I turned and gave the technician outside the cockpit a thumbs up.
Bravo-3, reporting all systems are good to go.
Copy that Bravo-3. Sit tight.
Roger that. Bravo-3 standing by.
I plugged my datapad into the auxillary port in my command console and uploaded all pertinent data that wasn't already uploaded by the command staff.
Once everything was uploaded, I placed the datapad back into my pantleg and secured it. I reached into a hidden compartment and turned on the small digital music player and began to play some heavy metal.
|
|