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Post by Lance Commander William Rhodes on Aug 13, 2005 12:50:28 GMT -5
Forty-eight hours later, Liberty was making her breaking burn toward Ares and William was strapped into his mech's cockpit like the rest of Bravo Lance. Patched into the dropship's com-net, things did not sound good on the planet's surface. The mission was quickly changing from a reinforce the planetary militia job to avenge the deceased militia and recapture the Earthwerks facility. Not good.
Yeoman Hobson's voice come over the com-net. All hands, we have an enemy bandit on our incoming vector. Sensor scans reveal a Leopard-CV class launching fighters. Prepare for evasive action.
Bloody hell. This is going to be one uncomfortable drop.
Patching into the dropship's external cameras, William saw the approach of the enemy fighters. The stubby craft sported twin laser cannons sprouting from their noses.
Sparrowhawks. Traditionally a Davion design.
The camera image zoomed in on the insignia of a broken crown on one fighter's wing. The MRBC data file in the computer indentified it as the 3rd Fighter Regiment of the 3rd Air Wing of the Outworlds Alliance Aerospace Arm. According to the data file William was scanning, the 3rd had gone rogue a couple of months back and had started raiding shipping in the Outworlds Alliance...vessels they had once sworn to protect.
But what the hell are they doing way over here in the Capellan Confederation?
The first impacts hit the Liberty causing the massive Union to shudder, followed immediately by the sharp report of the Union's autocannon and missile batteries returning fire.
Once more into the breach...
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Post by Gen Miyamoto on Aug 13, 2005 16:27:20 GMT -5
I had just gotten out of a meeting with Ben. Apparently Wedge was coming down with something and would be out of comission for this operation. With Nick fresh out of an infirmary bunk and still reeling from the veritable chemistry set of substances taken from him, it seemed alpha's ranks were growing thin. I gladly accepted when he asked if Charlie lance could be connected to Alpha for the duration.
I entered the armory for a last minute arming, years of experience in covert operations told me I was going to need a lot of tricks to get this job done. I just hopped the Quartermaster was remotely sane right now.
"Oy, Watchew doin' 'ere? Causin' more trouble?" I was taken aback, half from his horrible accent and half from his horrible manners.
"I don't know what your talking about, I'm new here. Name's Miyamoto."
"Ye, ye, I know yer. 'iyamootoo, 'es the one always doin' the craziest shit! I thought you got the boot after ye tried to kill the captain." I could barely gather what he was mumbling furiously.
"No sir, you must have me confused with someone else." Which got a highly incredulous look from the Quartermaster.
"Look I've got an important mission to do," I said as I held up my yellow requisition forms, "and I'd really just like to get ready. You follow?" The large red-faced quartermaster scanned the form for a second with bulging eyes. He seemed to look it over furiously, like he wasn't sure what he was looking for, but he better find it.
"Ulroight, every'ing seems in order. Well now, what can I do 'ya fer." I sighed as that took far longer than it should have. This man's performance was like a running joke about colapse.
"It's on the form. Just flip it over."
It reads: 1 X .50 Assault Rifle w/ 12-gauge under-cannon 6 x .50 magazines & 24 cannon shells 2 x .50 Desert Eagle Mk III 8 x .50 clips w/ Armor Piercing rounds 2 x .223 Magnum 36 x Full Metal Jacket rounds 2 x White Phosphorus Grenades 1 x Smoke grenade 2 x Plama Grenade 1 x Therm-Lite Detonation Pack w/ detonator* 1 x Endosteel Combat knife 1 x Kuritan Battle Kama* 1 x set Anti-Balistic Polymer Armor
*if available
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Post by Wedge Lourde on Aug 13, 2005 22:37:23 GMT -5
I sat alone in the infirmary, and watched a holo-vid. I had caught a fever, and I was forced to sit out the next operation. A swell of acid rumbled around in my esophagus, warning me of an approaching vomit.
I leaned my head down, and after 3 seconds of warm bile, I wiped my mouth with a napkin, and returned to my movie.
"Man, this sucks." The sickle voice echoed around the room. Complete silence.
"Well, hello, Mister Lourde! How are you?"
"Oh, I'm fine. Back at you, Lourde!"
"Whoo!"
"Echo!"
Just then, one of the base's medical staff came in.
"Wedge? Is that you? Why are you making so much racket?"
"Sorry, Ma'am, just trying to break the silence."
"Wedge, i'm going into my office to study. Please don't bother me. Also, please be sure to get some rest."
I vomited, then the mighty rumble of a DropShip's engine shook the bunker. There they go...
This wasn't the first time I had to miss some or all of an operation. The same thing had happened during Operation 4... The feeling never changed...
I turned off the video, and whispered to myself, then fell asleep...
"Fight well, Legionnaires, fight well..."
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Post by Lance Commander William Rhodes on Aug 14, 2005 2:03:30 GMT -5
William watched on his cockpit monitor as one of the enemy Sparrowhawks was engulfed in a salvo of LRMs from the dropship. After a quick flash of fire, only a few burning fragments remained of the pirate fighter. Another Sparrowhawk dived low across the dropship's hull, spitting ruby beams of light from its twin medium lasers. The laser outpit was too puny to do anything but scratch the Liberty's paintjob. The pilot paid for his arrogance when the blue streak of a dropship PPC smashed into his cockpit turning him into sub-atomic particles.
William was sweating in his command couch and not from the heat.
I hate being cooped up in here with no control over the battle's outcome. These Sparrowhawks are basically just a nuisance but the heavy guns on the Leopard CV could be a real problem.
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MechWarrior Alex Thorn
Regular
LEGIONNAIRES
"I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat." - Winston Churchill
Posts: 176
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Post by MechWarrior Alex Thorn on Aug 14, 2005 13:11:27 GMT -5
I was strapped in my Black Knight waiting to touchdown. I listened as the radio buzzed of fighters and the Leopard-CV. I was anxious to get out of the 'Mech hanger. I felt usless just sitting here.
I looked around and spotted a few of Bravo Lance inside their own cockpits. I nodded to a few but then returned my thoughts to the mission. I needed to concentrate as much as possible on the task ahead of us.
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Post by Dr. Jessica Saturina on Aug 14, 2005 16:02:39 GMT -5
With Nick released from the infirmary I was busy in the back with some paper work. I heard voices outside in the infirmary. I walked out to where I heard the voices. It was Wyatt and Wedge Lourde talking. Apparently Wyatt had put Wedge in a bed to rest. I walked over to them both to inquire what was going on.
"Wyatt? What's up? Does Wedge need medical attention?"
"Well Doctor he is sick with some kind of flu. He is running a fever, and vomiting. I have put him on bed rest and we are watching his vitals. I was just going to put him on an IV to replace body fluids, to avoid dehydration."
"Sounds good Wyatt. I'll finish up here though. I'll do the IV you can go back to your duties."
"Yes Doctor."
Wyatt left to go about some other duties he had to finish up. I turned to Wedge and began to prepare him for the IV.
"Now just relax Wedge, I've done this hundreds of times and I'm good at it. You won't feel a thing."
He just nodded his head and lay on the bed limp. He looked pretty bad. The flu could really kick your ass, and it looked as if it were having its way with Wedge. I gently cleaned the spot for the IV. Tied a band around his upper arm. Inserted the IV needle getting the vein on the first try. Wedge didn't even flinch. I smiled to myself. Remembering how many of these I had to do before I was good enough to get it without causing the patient pain. I tape the tubes to his arm, gently placing his arm beside him. I took a sterile cloth package, opening it wiped the sweat from his face gently. He groaned a little barely opening his eyes to see who was there.
"It's ok Wedge, it's Doctor Saturina. Just sleep now. I'll be right here until someone else comes in."
None of my patients were to be left alone at any time. I insisted on someone being in the room with them at all times. I sat in a chair close by, waiting for someone else to come on duty. Everyone was a little busy at the moment making sure everything was ready for the mission, but I still would not allow Wedge to be alone. I sat in the chair and let my mind wonder to other things as I waited. Wedge slept.
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Post by alice on Aug 14, 2005 16:23:02 GMT -5
I was finally done making sure the VTOL that the SAR Team would use was stocked and ready for service. Climbing out I noticed all of bravo lance was in their mechs ready to go. I couldn't let him leave without seeing him one more time. I ran over to his mech, climbed the ladder to the cockpit, knocking on the glass, he noticed me and opened the cockpit. I smiled at him.
"Hi Marcus. I just wanted to tell you to be careful out there. Just remember I'm waiting for your return."
He got a big grin on his face. He winked at me.
"Don't worry Alice I will be back. You can count on it"
Smiling and blushing a little bit, I nodded my head. A little embarrassed not knowing how to say goodbye, I stood in silence hoping Marcus would say something.
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Post by Lance Commander Marcus Taylor on Aug 14, 2005 16:51:47 GMT -5
I had finished getting my mech online and ready for the Operation. I made sure all my Nav Points and other important tactical data was properly entered into my computer. Since I was now a Lance Commander, there was a lot more information that I had to have uploaded than I did as a regular MechWarrior.
I heard a knock on the glass of my cockpit and I looked up to see Alice standing there. I quickly popped the hatch as she smiled.
Hi Marcus. I just wanted to tell you to be careful out there. Just remember I'm waiting for your return.
I grinned winked.
Don't worry Alice I will be back. You can count on it.
She stood there and blushed a coy smile and nodded her head.
I leaned over and kissed her cheek.
Well, you better get secured in the VTOL. It's getting rather nasty outside and I'll be damned if something happens to you while your up here.
I know, just wanted to make sure I said goodbye and wished you luck.
With that, she smiled and slid down the ladder and ran back to the new Anhur Transport VTOL that Clan Ghost Bear had sold to us after the last Operation.
I sealed the cockpit hatch once again and keyed up my comms.
This is Bravo Lead to Bravo Lance, better buckle up and prime your weapons, but keep 'em on safe. Things are getting dicey outside and I want everyone on their toes.
I sat and awaited for Bravo Lance to check in and confirm my first order as a Lance Commander.
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Post by steelecho on Aug 14, 2005 17:17:19 GMT -5
"This is Bravo Lead to Bravo Lance, better buckle up and prime your weapons, but keep 'em on safe. Things are getting dicey outside and I want everyone on their toes."
This is Bravo-5, I'm locked and loaded.
I'll feel a little better when we aren't cooped up in here. Mighty DropShip or not, it's still a deathtrap if we get shot down while we're in here.
I cinched the restraints on my harness tighter and awaited my next order.
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MechWarrior Alex Thorn
Regular
LEGIONNAIRES
"I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat." - Winston Churchill
Posts: 176
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Post by MechWarrior Alex Thorn on Aug 14, 2005 18:14:45 GMT -5
"This is Bravo-3. I'm ready sir."
I warmed my weapons. I could hear the hiss and whine of the laser pre-heating. I kept the saftey on like Bravo Lead had said.
I shifted in my cockpit. I was ready to get out of this dropship. It was a powderkeg just waiting for a spark.
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Post by Lance Commander William Rhodes on Aug 14, 2005 20:19:08 GMT -5
This is Bravo 2 to lance leader, reporting all systems green and ready for hot drop.
William turned his attention back to the video screens in his mech, watching the camera feed from outside space. Enemy Sparrowhawks spiraled across the field of vision, followed closely by streams of tracers and flashes of laser light. In the distance, the snub-nosed shape of an apporaching Leopard CV could be seen. The small fighters had managed to distract the Liberty long enough for the pirate dropship to get into range. Several weapons blisters had been fried by the small Sparrowhawks' straffing runs but the old Union still had plenty of punch. The gunners turned their armaments on the approaching Leopard and fired off a blistering salvo of PPC and LRM fire, scorching the enemy hull with criss-crossing lines of destruction.
The return salvo from the fighter carrier shook the spheroid dropship like an egg in a trunderstorm, vaporizing armor plate and hull sheeting. Despite the beating, the Liberty maintained her course towards the drop point above the Earthwerks facility while two more Sparrowhawks died in a flaming inferno from the Union's autocannon batteries. The remaining Sparrowhawks began to retreat out of range, leaving the battle to the two struggling titans and their heavy array of weaponry. The space between the two dropships was now full of missile contrails and beams of coherent light as both ships' gunners let all hell loose.
Man, somebody let me out of this bucket...
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Post by Captain Benjamin Maxwell on Aug 15, 2005 8:50:08 GMT -5
The bridge lighting flickered wildly as the Leopard CV pounded away at the Liberty's armor. The hostile vessel was badly outgunned by our Union's superior weaponry, and it was only a short matter of time before a concentrated salvo blasted through the Leopard's tormented rear armor and caused a massive explosive decompression, venting atmosphere, components, and crew into the depths of space as section after section of hull plating began to crumble under the change in pressure. A number of additional strikes helped quicken the process, and in short order, the marauding vessel was reduced to scattered bits of ferrosteel floating listlessly through the cosmos.
Our path cleared, we began our descent into the atmosphere. Within a few scant minutes, we found ourselves on approach to the Earthwerks facility. Even from our altitude, I could just make out several unmistakable massive shapes standing sentry in front of the factory. Bravo really had their work cut out for them.
"Bridge to Bravo Lance - you are go for hotdrop - repeat - you are go for hotdrop. Good luck. We'll be right behind you."
I waited several moments before continuing.
"Alpha Lance - form up in the vehicle bay. We drop in five."
I rose from the command chair, and, accompanied by Commander Garland, made my way once more into the breach.
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Post by Lance Commander William Rhodes on Aug 15, 2005 13:57:44 GMT -5
"Bridge to Bravo Lance - you are go for hotdrop - repeat - you are go for hotdrop. Good luck. We'll be right behind you."
Finally. This not being able to shoot back is getting old fast...
William disengaged the steel supports that held his Hellhound in its mech cocoon and maneuvered the fifty-ton Clan mech over to its drop chute. The hydraulic catapult mechanism that would eject his war machine clear of the Union's deadly drive flare attached itself and William did a last minute check of his instruments.
Diefenbaker had been fitted with disposable rocket packs to slow its descent and prevent the mech from becoming a huge pancake when it made contact with Ares' surface. William double and triple checked the rockets systems just to be sure.
Beneath his mech's feet at the base of the chute, the massive armored drop doors cycled open, revealing the howling winds and cloud cover of Ares upper atmosphere. Fortunately, Bravo Lance wasn't dropping from orbit so they didn't need any ablative shielding for reentry.
Rhodes held his breath as the drop counter marched steadily down to zero. With a lurch the catapult shuttle rammed down on its tracks, launching the Hellhound clear of the Liberty as William's stomach seemed to jump into his mouth.
After a few seconds of free fall, the rocket boosters fired slowing his descent. He could see the other mechs of Bravo Lance slowly falling toward the ground on plumes of fire around him. William checked his Nav display and saw that they were on course for touchdown at the LZ.
The greens and browns of Ares spread out below him like a giant Persian rug as the radar altimeter spiraled downward. Soon, William could make out the gray bulk of the Earthwerks facility, partially obscured by a plume of black smoke, a sure sign of heavy fighting. There were numerous impact craters around the factory as well as scattered wreckage of destroyed mechs and vehicles. Using the zoom features on his mech's visual scanners he could also make out plenty of pirate combat assets on guard duty.
Diefenbaker touched down in a grassy field with a slight jolt, instantly frying the surrounding vegetation into a black carpet of ashes. With a flick of a switch, the rocket boosters were jettisoned, and William made sure all of his weapon systems were armed. Around him, the other mechs of Bravo Lance were touching down as well.
"Bravo 2, feet dry."
"Feet dry" was an ancient radio call used by Navy pilots on Terra to indicate they were over dry land. It had been adapted by MechWarriors to signal landing after a hot drop in the 31st century.
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MechWarrior Alex Thorn
Regular
LEGIONNAIRES
"I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat." - Winston Churchill
Posts: 176
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Post by MechWarrior Alex Thorn on Aug 15, 2005 20:38:34 GMT -5
My Black Knight landed with a thud. I looked around and saw the other members of Bravo Lance also landing.
"This is Bravo-3. I've landed and I'm ready to go."
I looked across the field.
"Waiting for your orders Bravo Lead."
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Post by steelecho on Aug 16, 2005 9:01:48 GMT -5
A loud thud echoed inside the cockpit as the rocket boosters detached from my Hunchback's legs.
Bravo-5 is on the dirt.
Thankfully, I had survived yet another trip in a flying machine. I still wondered how in the hell such things could fly, much less not kill people anytime they did.
A quick scan had revealed that the immediate area was clear of hostiles for the moment. However, seeing a Lance of BattleMechs falling from the sky isn't exactly hard to miss either.
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