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Post by Assassin Saburo Kintaru on Oct 22, 2005 15:37:27 GMT -5
With the Puma troopers safe and secure, I soon found myself standing short amongst mech giants, sending a volley of Laser fire in the direction of the growing mass of Blake battlemechs that walked towards us like invading creatures from another planet. And they were just like that, for they couldn’t be human. No freaking way. Rhodes and the other Legionnaires (including several of the militia forces) we’re pushing themselves to the maximum of their skills. But the more we took down, the more Blake bastards seemed to just straddle up the small incline and onto the battle field ahead of us. In an act of desperation I fired as many SRMs as the battle armour could muster, depleting nearly half of my rocket ammunition. Though it was a desperate move, it had proven worth while. The mass amount of rounds screamed towards the Vulture I was aiming at and hit their intending target. Fire splashed and engulfed the small mech as it continued to walk through and out of the flames. However, while the enemy monster was blinded by the intense fire, the pilot did not have time to react to the alpha strike Gen Miyamoto had just launched. The thundering attack ploughed in and through the mech, causing it’s innards to collapse and spew out of it’s back. This was only visible for a second. The Vulture erupted into a gigantic explosion that caused it’s surrounding companions to hurriedly side step it.
“One down, an entire army to go.” I mussed to myself, taking pleasure in ending a swine’s life. But was that right? Of coarse it had to be, I was taking out someone who could have killed another innocent. Thoughts raced through my mind as I continued to fire at the oncoming enemy. Several moments ago, I didn’t give a damn about these people. At first, the only reason I had come here was because of my visions. Now… I was thoughrougly enjoying myself. I hadn’t taken out many of the enemy forces, but the thrill of the fight was edging me on, causing me laugh out load at time.
“This is fantastic!” I roared in laughter, narrowly escaping from the ground that had just been shot up by enemy machine gun fire. Mud and grass flew up around me as I soared into the air, firing my small laser and several SRMs at a time. As I flipped around, I caught sight of a low flying Blake aero tech fighter as it evasively dipped and dived through exploding shells and laser fire. A wicked grin crossed my face as my sensors picked up it’s heat signature. Without a second’s thought, I fired two SRMs and watched them chase after the jet as I landed back down to the ground. The first rocket chased after a flare the aero fighter had fired in a split second reaction. This couldn’t be said for the second rocket that smashed into the plane’s tail wing. The rear of the metallic bird was wrapped in fire as the pilot ejected milliseconds before the bird smashed into the ground bellow.
Dodging enemy fire, I chased after the ejected pilot with a crazed grin spreading across my face. Leaping into the air, I crashed into the pilot, bear hugging him as we descended to the ground. As I landed, enemy pilot first, into the ground, I instantly clasped my deadly steel hand around the Blakest’s skull, watching him scream in agony as he kicked and thrashed like a mule.
“Yess….” I hissed, my eyes wide, taking the pleasurable sight.
“Die… sloooowwwllly…” I chuckled nervously, like an excited child waiting to see his favourite television program. The pilot’s head began to strain under the immense pressure. He squealed with utter terror in his voice, knowing that he was about to die. With my thumb and the bottom of my hand pressing into the bridge of his nose and his eyes, I couldn’t help but become curious. Were his eyes bulging out now? Questions like this and many more passed through my mind as I felt another satisfying squelch of bone and cartilage begin to break under the extreme pressures.
[glow=red,2,300]“That’s a good boy…”[/glow] The creepy voice of Mr Chingely said, causing me to tense slightly, silencing the voice of the Blake fanatic as his head “popped” under the immense pressure of my grip. The rest of his body fell to the ground as I held the compressed version of his head. Blood, gristle and brain matter poked through and dripped down my metallic claws. I had suddenly felt ill; not through insane torture and death I had just put that man through. No, it was something much more scarier. Mr Chingely’s voice. Somewhere in the depths of my heavily clouded mind sat Mr Chingely, someone I hadn’t met or heard of before, yet I seemed to know everything about him, all at once.
[glow=red,2,300]“Don’t stop there boy, there are many more souls for you to take!”[/glow] he chuckled, sounding like a clown from the circus.
“Shut up…” I growled, turning around to see the WoB carry on their onslaught.
[glow=red,2,300]“Just remember though, you need to stay alive! I need you just as you need me!”[/glow] he said, sounding like teacher giving a special talk on safety to a bunch of kids in an auditorium.
“Who the hell are you?! What the hell are you going on about?!?!” I shouted, not caring if anyone on the radio heard me or not. I was replied with another clown like chuckle, which disappeared, slowly fading away.
This Chingely guy was starting to piss me off.
This Chingely guy was also starting to scare the shit out of me…
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Post by Gen Miyamoto on Oct 22, 2005 15:47:54 GMT -5
The charge had begun and the fight was on. The lead Gurkha was a mean little bastard and had shot off an ER PPC before I could get a missle lock. I took the full force of his energy weapon in the shoulder and eagerly retaliated with a missle salvo. Had I been fighting a mercenary or pirate, I would have been worn down at range. However with fanatics there is one pleasant advantage; thier insane aggression.
This tiny Gurkha charged me dead on, not bothering to flinch for a second when I fired off a near miss from my Ac/5. I started a gentle walk trying to avoid the next PPC shot that would no doubt be flying my way. Luckily for me, the little beast crossed into a friendly line of fire and cought an LBX volley intended for its big brother. The glowing sphere flew wide and now the pint-sized mech was charging wildly right into my laser range.
The crosshair spun with calm assurance as I marked my target and opened with a mighty salvo of lasers. Bolt after bolt of large pulse lasers danced across the mech's torsos. My left arm wasn't very accurate but with the pulse laser's quick firing rate I could simulate tracer fire to slowly find my mark. Once my faulty limb had at last corrected to where it should be, I cut loose with a close range blast of autocannon fire. My heat was spiralling up by leaps and bounds but to good effect against the Gurkha.
It had occured to me that this little mech may have been so zealous in it's attack merely for ranging purposes. I knew well the likelyhood that this little suicidal war machine probably had a c3i system in its belly. With so many 'mechs to benefit from a more accurate shot on Gaurdian Lance I decided to deliver the KO.
For a second I held my fire as I lined up my the joysticks for center torso and keying up an alpha strike. The bold mechwarrior probably had an idea of what was coming, but he just lifted his left arm to fire some suite of lasers at me and drew back his sword to slash at me. A second later missles, depleted uranium, and focused coherent light rended through the middle of that little mech, sending it falling to the ground to burn.
The kill was hardly a large victory, there was plenty more mech's to fight, but this victory of intelligence of over fervor gave me heart.
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Post by Bounty Hunter Sam Grisham on Oct 22, 2005 16:20:13 GMT -5
Sam Grisham, a bounty hunter hoping to find safety and shelter at Site 187, eventually found what he was looking for. However, through a series of unfortunate events, Sam Grisham is about to be flung into something he didn’t want a part of.
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Through the militia and that William Rhodes guy, I had managed to reach my goal. It wasn’t easy, but thanks to their help, I was in the safest place in Gellen’s Heights. I was originally told to wait in some sort of Dining hall with some other civilians who had made it out of the city centre, however I soon got bored and decided to walk around the base. Although my senses had told me I was better off in that dining area, I sure as hell couldn’t put up with the sleeping, farting fat ass and the waitress from the Cantina, who’s idea of an interesting conversation is talking about her “stamp collection”. Those two were enough for anyone!
I had accidentally stumbled onto the mech bay (a busy and frantic place) when I saw “her”. She had legs that stretched for miles and perfectly shaped breasts that could send any man’s heart racing. As she turned her head to face me, my eyes widened with excitement. The perfect body AND the perfect face. How lucky was I? After I picked my jaw up off my chest, I straddled over to her, turning on my appeal as music and sparkle filled the area between us.
“GET THAT FUCKING MECH UP NOW!” she suddenly screeched down below as she lent over the rail, causing the imaginary music to scratch as the needle was ripped off the vinyl record. I twitched at this new sight, her face red from screaming orders. Damn she looked sexy when she was angry… I crept over, a bigger grin creeping over my smug face.
“Hello there miss--”
“WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU?! WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING HERE?! GET IN THAT FUCKING MECH!!” she roared, her saliva coating my surprised face. Though I had managed to keep my smug grin on, the twinkle in my eyes were completely gone.
“Hello miss. The name’s Sam Grisham, pleased to meet you---”
“I DON’T GIVE A FLYING FUCK IF YOU NAMES JESUS H. CHRIST! GET THE FUCK INTO THAT MECH, PILOT!!” she screamed, twice as loud as before. I look of puzzlement crossed my eyes as I kept that same, stupid smile. I gently dabbed at the slobber I was just coated in before starting again.
“MY name is Sam Grisham, I was just standing there and couldn’t help but introduce myself--”
“ARE YOU A MECH PILOT?!” she screeched again, drawing her face close to mine, locking white hot eyes with mine.
“Well.. Erm… I--”
“LISTEN!” she screamed, folding her arms and pouting. “If your not a mech pilot then you don’t belong here. I don’t have time for anyone else! My orders are to get all available mech pilots to their mechs. If your not a pilot…”
She stepped forward, bringing her lips close to my ear. The smell of her expensive perfume filled my nostrils, sending my mind loopy. She took a deep breath.
“… FUCK OFF!” she bellowed, deafening me.
“Wow wow wow! You got me all wrong…” I smiled, waiting for the ringing in my ears to subside.
“Of coarse I’m a mech pilot… I wouldnt be here otherwise...” I lied, trying to impress her. Like hell did I know how pilot a battle mech. After all this WoB crap was taken care of, I would take her out and show her a good time…
“Fantastic!” the replied, the brightness in her eyes exploding and radiating her beauty. Reaching behind her, she spun around and smashed a neruo helmet onto my head. Before I had time to regain my focus after the mind numbing strike to the head, she had planted a cooling vest into my open arms.
“There is a Hackman available over there. Its fully loaded and ready to go! Move move move!!” she roared, pushing me towards the light mech.
“Wait a second, I--” I began, but it was too late. I was pushed head first into the cockpit, landing with a crunch. Turning around, the sexy blonde lady was waving to two other techs who were typing away at a console. Without warning, the cockpit hatch began to enclose around me, sealing my fate. What had I done? I hurriedly strapped on my cooling vest, unsure as to whether or not I had secured it correctly, and sat upright in my cockpit chair. The computer in front of my sprang to life as the OS jotted words and graphics across the screen before disappearing and showing a view from one of the several cameras dotted around the mech.
“Grisham, you are clear to go!” Sexy legs said over the radio. I paused in hesitation, not sure as to what to do. Suddenly my mech sprang to life, carefully manoeuvring around the mech bay automatically.
“What the hell is going on?!” I shrieked, sounding like a school girl.
“I’ve plotted the coordinates for your Hackman, to help save you time! Good luck! You'll need it” Sexy legs said, causing my heart to drop. As I took the corner and entered outside, I saw a massive battle, Legionnaires Vs. Blakists.
“Oh… Sam Grisham… what have you done?!” I murmured as I suddenly felt the gravity of my mistake.
“And I didn’t even find out her name…” [/color]
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Post by Dr. Jessica Saturina on Oct 22, 2005 18:04:24 GMT -5
Everyone that needed to be evacuated, was loaded onto every available moving vehicle in the bay area, including hovercraft. My staff still hard at work, along with the non combat personnel. Everyone that was not injured helped with the evacuation.
With everyone loaded up I ordered them to move out. I put Dr. Edwards in charge. He was not a very brave sort but was good at organizing things. I just told the rest of my staff to watch out as well. Adams came over to me.
"Jessica, why are you giving all these orders. Telling everyone to watch over things like you aren't going to be around?"
"Because I won't be going with you."
"What! That's crazy. Commander Garland gave an order for us to evacuate."
"Yes, and we are doing exactly that. You guys don't need me to go. You have plenty of medical help. I on the other hand am staying here, in case someone needs me. I can't leave them with out medical help."
"Well I'm staying with you then."
"No, you're not. They need you with them. You are one of my best. I'll have one of the longinus battle armor team stay with me if it will make you feel better."
"Not really, but knowing you, I know I won't be able to change your mind. I hope you know what your doing Jessica. The Commander probably isn't going to be happy with you."
"Oh, he'll get over it." I Laughed softly, thinking of how Commander Garland might react to my staying behind. I figured he was too busy to worry about me.
"Ok Adams, get everyone going. You know the plan. Up that back road up the mountains. You guys be careful and god be with you."
"Ok boss. Please be careful yourself. I still think your crazy. Be on your guard Jessica. Those Blakist dogs are cold and honor less."
"I'll be fine. Now get going. Get these people to safety."
Adams went to the MIT. They all moved out. The MIT in the lead. I stood watching them fall in line one by one out the bay door. I couldn't help but wonder what would become of us all. This was as bad as things could get. We had lost one home already. I hoped this was not going to happen again. I also couldn't help but think of Captain Maxwell. Wondering how he was doing. I hoped better then we were.
I waited till all the vehicles were out the bay door and well on their way up the back road before I informed Commander Garland.
"Archangel to Guardian 1. All my staff, injured, and non combat personnel on their way to safety. I'm still in the infirmary to receive any other injured if needed.
I waited for his response. Wondering how he would take the news that I did not evacuate with them.
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Morgan Blake
Logistics Coordinator
LEGIONNAIRES - Elite
Posts: 122
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Post by Morgan Blake on Oct 23, 2005 0:15:07 GMT -5
"Gunman" and I slowly backed our mechs mechs away from the river and towards the other members of Guardian Lance standing as a last line of defence in front of the breached outer wall of site 187. Long range missile munitions came with several different warhead options aside from the standard High Explosive Armour Piercing (HEAP) warheads found on most rounds. One of my favorite alternatives was the Thunder round. Instead of having a HEAP warhead, the missile exploded just above ground level to deploy several sub-munitions which were actually an anti-mech minefield. My new Zeus carried two LRM missile bins allowing me to carry two different type of munitions if I wanted to. And I had wanted to. Flicking over to the bin carrying the Thunder Rounds I started sowing minefields infront of and amongst the lead Blakist mechs. Firing as quickly as my launcher could reload I had deployed eight minefields in under a minute and a half.
In the Blakist's zeal they plowed straight on through, ignoring the blasts detonating around their mechs' feet and legs. At least one, a hundred ton Vanquisher suffered critical damage to it's leg actuators. From the way the increadibly slow moving moving mech suddenly seemed to stop it looked like a hip actuator had been destroyed at least.
It couldn't get much better as far as targets were concerned. Big and stationary. I started firing at the Vanquisher with my PPC and LRMs while attempting to dodge it's incoming fire at the same time. Slashing at it with azure beams of charged electricity and hammering away with armour piercing missiles, I destroyed armour all over the squat beast. I failed to penetrate the armour or do any major damage to the mech, but the sheer force of my attack, coupled with the damaged hip and leg actuators from the minefield caused the pilot to lose his footing and topple the ungainly machine. Without arms the Vanquisher was unable to arrest it's fall. In a stroke of luck the Vanquisher landed and detonated another of the minefields I had deployed earlier. This one exploding around the head and shoulders of the stricken mech.
The Vanquisher made several attempts to stand itself again but failed dismally. It's lack of arms, combined with a nearly destroyed leg condemmed it to an ignomious defeat. It had finally landed on and crushed one of the gauss rifles that made up the stubs of arms. The explosive discharge of the gauss rifle's capacitors had rendered the pilot unconcious and the Vanquisher out of the battle.
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Post by Elizabeth Evers on Oct 23, 2005 13:21:50 GMT -5
With the recovered Battle Armor assets unloaded I was free and clear to lend fire support to the mechs on the ground. A few moments later I was sweeping along th side of the main engagement. Striding vehicals of destruction were caught in a furious battle and had little time to notice my quiet entrance on to the battlefield. I was quick to send out a flight of missles at distracted Initiate.
As I circled the battlefield, sending out missle salvos to my targets, I could see the Legionnaires were being hit hard. Thier juggernaut Fafnir had been cut down under an endless hail of fire, and now they were working thier way down the food chain.
A quick double check of my LRM ammunition levels, and I was ready for a heavy flyby attack. This was going to be a hell of a fight.
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Post by Captain Adam "Gunman" Wolf on Oct 23, 2005 15:18:17 GMT -5
As Morgan Blake let loose a hailstorm of missile rounds, I frantically searched my radar and double checked my system, as near as I could tell he was firing blind at no apparent targets, nothing was within range for LRMs yet, but then I noticed the warheads exploding a few feet above the ground, he must be firing Thunder munitions to lay a minefield for the oncoming Blakists, a smart tactic and one that proved invaluable as the first wave of 'mechs rounded the banks along the near side of the river.
Raking my targetting redicule across the ever growing spread of white Blakist 'mechs flowing from the river like a plague, I patiently waited for a positive lock, drumming my thumbs lightly across the firing buttons laid out along the upper portion of the control joysticks. A brief beep and the flash of my crosshairs turning red for moment, caused me to stop fidgeting and refocus my aim on the target, locking on the targetting computer brought up a tactical display showing estimated armour levels and the make and model of the targetted unit.
H - RT - RT(R) - CT - CT(R) - LT - LT(R) - FRL - FLL - RRL - RLL 4__4___4____4____4____4___4____4____4___4____4
Is what the HUD displayed, showing that it was a 4 legged 'mech and that all its armour levels were estimated at 4, or between 75 and 100 percent. The submonitor showed tactical information indicating that the target was a White Flame, the WHF-3B variant. This particular model apparently mounted all energy weapons, consisting of 1 Large Pulse Laser, 1 Medium Pulse Laser, and 2 ER Medium Lasers. It also had an AMS system, a C3i system and 15 tons of armour.
The sights glowed red as I continued my retreat along side Blake's Zeus, the White Flame had entered range of my PPCs so I squeezed both triggers at once, sending twin arcs of bluish energy ripping through the sky leaving trails of ionized particles sparking through the air. At maximum range the aim of the aged Warhammer was off, the right most PPC flying harmlessly wide and splashing into the wet, thick waste scattered along the far shore sending several steam gysers blasting skyward. The left most charged particle round impacted broadside along the 70 ton 'mechs left flank. The superheated armour melting off in small rivulets of gold as the beast continued on without a flinch.
Despite its overwhelming appearance and its fairly large size the 'mech was able to move at a staggering 86km/h and even had the ability to jump up to 150m despite its quad design. The almost demonic looking quad 'mech finally turned to pay attention to outclassed WarHammer only after it took a full barrage of dual PPCs into its side again. The heat in the cockpit spiked drastically before the aged single heat sinks could compensate, as soon as the PPCs had charged I had fired both again, this time the rounds impacting the legs on the left side, scoring a hit along the upper thigh and the lower calf portion of the front and rear legs respectively. Falling into a more manageable firing sequence I fired the right arm mounted PPC and then waiting til it was half way finished recharging before firing the left. This pattern allowed me to maintain nearly continous fire with the PPCs with very minimal consequences from excessive heat.
Glancing over to my left I noticed Blake had just downed the Vanquisher with the help of his minefields, but was quickly brought back to focus solely on my fight as my WarHammer was bathed in several bolts of red coherent energy, the White Flame was opening fire with its Large Pulse Laser and rivers of molten armour began to pour down the frame of my 'mech. A fatal step made by the Blakist pilot of the White Flame had him set the front right leg down upon a minefield recently sown by my comrade Blake. The resulting explosion sending shrapnel blasting out in all directions as the weak armour on the bottom of the foot was torn open giving access to the internals as more of the mines exploding around the giant machine. Secondary explosions ripping up through the leg indicated that at least one of the actuators had been destroyed or critically wounded sending the 'mech falling forwards, as a testiment to the skill of the pilot the White Flame recovered, and although a little shakily, rebalanced itself upon its remaining 3 good legs, the 4th still provided support but not very well.
Twin emerald beams tore viciously into the armour of Bengosha's left arm, throwing my aim off as I sent another PPC round flying uselessly into the sky. Although I had managed to keep up a staggering rate of fire from my twin PPCs, my aim had not been too accurate and most of the rounds hit nearly uselessly against the more heavily armoured sections, or else sprayed across the ground and far river bank doing nothing more than scorching the earth and sending torrents of steam spiraling upwards. I did manage to wear down the White Flame's armour along its left side considerably though and as the large 'mech closed to within 270m of my battered WarHammer I let loose with the twin Medium Lasers mounted in the right and left torso of my 'mech. The emerald beams of coherent light streaked across the frigid air towards the wounded left flank of the relentless beast. The first beam struck across the shoulder portion of the front leg, but the second found its mark in the wounded armour of the left torso and managed to melt a small yet profitable hole in the armour. Throwing my 'mech into a forward jog I decided to flirt with Lady Luck as I closed to within 200m of the wounded 'mech, bringing me dangerously close to many other Blakist 'mechs as they forded the river, fortunately Lady Luck decided to flirt back as a round of somewhat random fired LRMs blazed a trail through the cold still air, the burning trail of smoke leading back towards the recent position of a friendly Pinto, it appeared that our recently arrived VTOL pilot was doing everything she could to help us out, and I for one was extremely grateful. The LRM 5s, aided by the Artemis IV FCS installed on the attacking VTOL, struck the previously wounded left torso of the now stricken White Flame their HEAP warheads tearing into the internals of the 'mech, sending several pieces of Endo-Steel internal structure blasting out from the now gaping wound in the 'mechs armour. Fortunately the AMS system had only managed to knock out one of the incoming missiles as it struggled to draw a bead on the flaming warheads when they approached from a low altitude and from the rear of the 'mech. Although failing to do much damage to the internals the missiles had opened up a much larger target for my lasers as I let loose with a furry of twin medium and small lasers, coupled with a single PPC blast. The high energy weapons leaped through the air in triumph as they slammed home into the 'mech, easily hitting their target of the left flank at such a close range. The coherent light energy tore into the internal components of the White Flame even as the pilot manged to return a devasting blast from its Large and Medium pulse lasers, armour melting down the left arm and torso of my 'mech I fired another PPC round into the internals of the stricken 'mech to score a critical hit against the AMS ammunition bin. The two tons of ammunition, mostly still present, exploded as the superheated blueish energy arched across the container and loading mechanisms, the majority of the blast bursting out the already open wound in the 'mechs side, the lack of a CASE system normally would have doomed the 'mech to be crippled if not destroyed, but the wound I had so recently enlarged acted as a sort of CASE and actually saving the 'mech from the majority of the explosion. Still the entire left torso was awash in flames as heavy black smoke poured from the side of the once formidable White Flame the C3i system and twin ER Medium Lasers had their internal workings fused together from the heat and explosion and rendered all of them inoperatable.
I quickly through my 'mech into reverse trying to get back away from the other incoming Blakists as I fired a final set of twin PPCs into the 70 ton 'mech, the twin PPCs sending my heat sky high as the single heat sinks struggled to maintain a bearable heat level, but the end result was a moment of triumphant victory as the White Flame was engulfed in a whitish blue haze of a reactor going critical, the only remains left behind were the smoldering remnants of the 4 legs and few scattered pieces of endo steel laying about the melting snow.
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Post by Commander Garrett Garland on Oct 23, 2005 18:03:54 GMT -5
“Archangel to Guardian 1. All my staff, injured, and non combat personnel on their way to safety…”
At last we’d be able to pull out of this hellhole—sure we were inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy, but we’d be wiped out from attrition in a few minutes if we tried to hold much longer. I was about to signal the unit's retreat when my radio blared to life again.
“… I'm still in the infirmary to receive any other injured if needed.”
“Sorry Archangel I think the transmissions breaking up—it sounded like you said you’re still in the infirmary.”
“That’s correct Commander, I’m waiting to receive any more injured personal.”
Damn, she was too brave for her own good. Running parallel along the river with my torso twisted to the left, I took potshots at the enemy forces now crossing the river. Small hovercraft zoomed across the water inflicting minor wounds on all of Guardian lance, myself included. But the hovercraft were mere nuisances in comparison to the fire from heavy tanks across the river. Projectiles flew across my path as I neared the lance’s main body, scoring the wall behind me. I as I neared the lance I saw a massive volley of energy weapons and missiles pepper all of the ‘mechs, especially the Fafnir’s large frame. The lance scored a small victory as a White Flame exploded under a hail of PPC fire and LRM volleys from the Pinto above, but that ‘mech had only served as a shield for those behind it. An enemy hovercraft platoon had just crossed the river north of the base and were skimming towards us at high speeds while jump capable ‘mechs were using the smoking remains of the bridges as launch platforms to make dry crossings. Our small force was huddled together, outflanked on both sides—it was time to make the call.
“This is Guardian-1 to Guardian lance and the Pinto—get the hell out of here—form up with the rest of the unit and keep the all the non-combatants safe. I know that old logging road is going to be tough going but the infantry will try and plant some surprises for any pursuing forces. I’ve got a housecall to make and then I’ll be right with you. Evers, stick to the trees—I think I can see a Bulldog cresting the hill.”
Switching my comm frequency I sent out another communiqué. “Archangel, get topside ASAP, I’m coming for pick-up.”
With that I hit my JumpJets, flying over the base’s outer wall. The rest of Guardian lance’s ‘mechs began to pull back, saturating the air with retreating fire. Focusing on the base I brought my ‘mech as quickly as I could to one of the base’s small surface access elevators. With my reactor still hot I opened my cockpit letting the chain link ladder slide down. The elevator doors opened revealing Doctor Saturina, her medical garb bloodied. To my relief no one followed—there was no way in hell I could fit two more people in here.
“Doctor! Doctor get up here!”
Climbing furiously, the doctor clambered up the chain link ladder. Anxiously I waited for her to reach the cockpit as I saw a Blakist ‘mech jump over the wall less than two hundred meters away. Thankfully Thorn was still covering our retreat, drawing the enemy’s fire with his considerable mass. As his ‘mech slowly backpedaled I realized what was wrong: looking carefully I saw that he’d completely blown out his left leg’s foot and knee actuators—he could barley make 10 kph if he was lucky. Looking to the side of the cockpit I saw a head of brunette hair clamber over into the cockpit.
“Alright Doctor, strap in, this is going to be bumpy.”
Strapping herself into the cockpit's passenger or jump seat, the doctor could travel with me fairly safely, but there was one catch—if I were to eject she’d be fried by the ejection thrusters and there was no way in hell that I’d let that happen. Sealing the hatch I looked back at the doctor.
“I’m fine Commander! Let’s get the hell out of here!”
The infirmary must have been hell indeed—she had to have had the blood of twenty men on her. With the hatch sealed I brought the ‘mech forward, vacating a spot a second before it was filled with gunfire—we were being targeted. Spinning my ‘mech around I brought the UAC5 to bear, using its ultra feature to fire the weapon at a double rate. The enemy skimmer’s windows shattered under the fire of AutoCannon rounds, undoubtedly allowing the passage of the large projectiles into the crew compartment itself. As we made our way to the rear of the base we passed Thorn’s ailing Fafnir, one of it’s gauss rifles pierced by the still present form of a Gurka’s sword. The ‘mech looked like some warrior of old, the weapons of his enemies buried deep in his skin yet he still fought on. Feeling a tap on my shoulder the doctor caught my attention.
“We can’t just leave him Commander—he’ll never make it by himself—he can hardly move.”
I was about to respond when a solemn message came across the comm. “This is Thorn—I’ll hold them as long as I can. It’s…it’s been good working with all of you…”
“Commander!” shouted the doctor, “We have to do something!”
I didn’t even reply, I just put my ‘mech into a trot, headed towards the base’s rear exit. As I neared I toggled my comm for the last time. “May god be with you MechWarrior.”
Stepping through the base’s exit I took one last look at the solitary warrior. Surrounded by enemy ‘mech’s the Fafnir came under a hellish torrent of fire from every direction, bathed in pure energy. Sighing I turned my ‘mech around and headed for the hills—his sacrifice wasn’t going to be in vain.
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Post by Dr. Jessica Saturina on Oct 23, 2005 20:17:33 GMT -5
I sat in disbelief that we weren't going to stop and help our fellow Legionnaire. I didn't understand the ways of the warriors. I knew that in war some sacrifices had to be made, for the greater good. After hearing what Thorn said over the radio, I knew this brave warrior was giving his life for his fellow Legionnaires. Once again a Legionnaire would succumb to the ravages of battle for the greater good.
I suppose it was no different then me risking my life to save others, but it was never easy to accept, even though it sometimes had to happen. I sat silently behind the Commander, not even noticing how bumpy the ride was. My mind going over all the hero's that had fallen in battle. Even Nick. He may have given into his demon's, but he went when duty called. I'm sure he knew he wasn't stable enough but duty comes first. So, no matter what anyone said, Nick was just as much a hero as the rest of them. I for one would never forget him, or the others that had given their lives to fight for what was right and honorable.
Face it Jessica you can't save them all.....
I realized sitting there that I had made a bad decision to stay behind. I thought I was doing what was right for the guys, when in fact I had probably put the Commanders life at risk. He didn't have to pick my dumb ass up, but I was thankful he did. I had no clue the warriors would be vacating the site as well. Guess I should have asked. I leaned forward close to his ear so he could hear me over the deafening noises.
"Thanks for coming to get me."
He gave me a side glance, he didn't speak, but went back to concentrating on his mech and the battle outside. Next time I would have to think or at least ask about what was going on before making my spontaneous decisions. Sometimes I'm sure the guys thought I was more trouble then I was worth.
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Post by Aliesha on Oct 23, 2005 20:46:18 GMT -5
After finally settling into my mech, I fired up the reactor, doing a quick check of all the readouts. I did not want to waste any time, so I moved forward slow at first then bringing him up to top speed. Familiarizing myself with everything in this mech as I moved along.
I did not care what the Mech dealer was up to. I had enough of that weasel. I had noticed him eying me when I was getting ready to climb into my mech. It was a good thing he did not even try to act upon any thoughts he may have had. Because, Little did he know that a few swift moves and he would be on the ground, his blood draining from his stravag body, too late to wish he had not done anything. Maybe he was smarter then he looked or acted.
Moving at full speed now, making my way back to the base. Also trying to adjust the frequency on the radio so I could let Morgan know I was on my way, and find out where they wanted me to be.
I seen the Mech dealer moving in the same direction. At least he knew where he was better off.
I was beginning to hear some radio traffic that sounded familiar. I was coming up on the base quickly. Things did not look well. The Blakist were advancing and it looked like the Legionnaires were retreating. They were definitely out numbered.
"Aliesha to Morgan, I'm just outside of the base closing in, what are my orders?"
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Post by MechWarrior Aisa Thastus on Oct 23, 2005 20:48:34 GMT -5
Site 187's 'Mech Bay was awash in frenzied activity, klaxons blaring, unintelligible messages crackling across P.A. speakers, and the din of power tools and a great deal of shouting filling the air, punctuated intermittently by the rumble of explosions from above, as I stormed from the Condor hovertank, shrugging off my longcoat and draping it over one shoulder. My civilian clothes stood out in stark contrast to the various uniforms which milled about around me, but there would be no time to change into proper combat attire - I was needed on the battlefield immediately - and as such, I paid no mind to the bewildered stares of the stravag laborers as I made my way across the facility to the alcove where General Murlance's Timber Wolf stood at ready status. The behemoth BattleMech's reactor emitted a low, intimidating rumble as I approached, its heat sinks glowing a dull red as they vented superheated air away from the leviathan's heart. I stepped onto the lift unit which flanked the belly of the beast, ignoring a frantic technician who was moving to brief me, and thumbing the control lever which would carry me nearly three stories to the cockpit of the mighty war machine.
As I ascended skyward, my eyes traced over the contours of the Timber Wolf, making note of every nick, scratch, and section of patchwork visible. The freebirth laborers who restored the machine had done so with an exceptional level of skill, and it was with more than a moderate amount of delight that I realized that the 'Mech's name had been painted over. I stopped the lift at eye-level with the bottom edge of the cockpit's ferroglass, and retrieved a writing instrument from my breast pocket. Climbing onto the Timber Wolf's torso-mounted laser, I crouched down, and penned a new identity onto the fallen traitor's BattleMech.
Talon.
Hoisting myself up the machine's flank, I dropped into the cockpit, and retrieved the neurohelmet which perched on its stand beside the pilot's couch. Daggers of pain instantly shot through my skull, dissipating into a dull, persistent throbbing as I strapped myself into the Timber Wolf's control chair. I had grown accustomed to the level of pain associated with an uncalibrated neural interface - to correctly adjust one to meet the needs of a specific user was a long and complex procedure - one which had not been carried out prior to the battle now unfolding above-ground. I made a mental note to correct the discrepancy at my earliest convenience.
The docking clamps which held my BattleMech upright disengaged, and I felt the seventy-five-ton giant sway slightly as its myomar musculature adapted to my sense of balance. A laborer brandishing traffic direction cones signaled me forward, directing me toward the heavy lift system which would carry me to the surface.
I pushed the Timber Wolf's throttle forward. The 'Mech took several ponderously slow steps out of its alcove, finally breaking into a fast walk as I steered it toward the massive elevator shaft. As the leviathan stepped onto the lift platform, a shift in gravity, accompanied by a gentle lurch, signaled the beginning of the platform's rise to the surface. As pilot and machine soared to the snowy battlefield above, I maneuvered the Timber Wolf into a crouched position, which afforded it a more stable center of gravity, as well as a reduced profile. Toggling the comm channel open, I announced my presence.
"Aisa Thastus to command units - I am reporting in. What are my orders?"
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Post by Lance Commander William Rhodes on Oct 23, 2005 22:04:26 GMT -5
William backpeddled his Verfolger away from the breach as Word of Blake mechs begin to penetrate the walls. Morgan's Thunder LRMs had done quite a bit of damage with their minefields, but the fanatics just kept coming. They fought like rabid dogs, not men.
The Mydron was out of ammo, so William was reduced to just his particle cannon and lasers. Around him the surface buildings of Site 187 began to burn. The important parts of the base were underground, but some structures existed on the surface and were now taking fire from the Blakists. Smoke and fire were everywhere but the call had come over the radio that the medical staff had gotten everybody out and headed into the mountains.
Enemy missiles blasted down around William's Mech and his AMS ammo bin was completely dry. Armor plates were shattered and blown to pieces under the barrage, but he didn't let up with his lasers as he steadily moved backwards with the rest of Guardian Lance.
Blue lightning played across the hull of a Zhukov heavy tank as Rhodes savaged it with his particle cannon, immobilizing the Blake armored vehicle. Raising his visor, William whiped the sweat from his eyes in the sauna of his Mech's cockpit.
Much more of this and I'll probably pass out. I just hope we can reach the mountains in time.
For a moment, William thought of all the MechWarriors the Legionnaires had lost recently. His eyes alighted on the brave form of Alex Thorn in his immobilized Fafnir as he took hit after hit from the enemy, buying time for the Legionnaires' retreat. Rhodes cursed the MRBC for hanging Captain Maxwell out to dry. Garland was doing his best but the Captain was...well the Captain. Everything seemed to falling to pieces around them.
But Rhodes rallied himself from the pit of despair just as he caught himself sinking into depression, something that could sneak up on him since his days on Kathil. He looked around him and saw the perseverence of the other MechWarriors...Garland, Morgan, Captain Wolf, and Gen, not to mention the conventional troops of the Militia who were helping to hold the line. He could see other Mechs approaching to lend a hand as well, so the fight wasn't completely lost. There was still a chance to make the mountains and safety.
The Blakists think this is the swan song of the Legionnaires...they will find out just how mistaken they really are.
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Post by Elizabeth Evers on Oct 24, 2005 7:09:27 GMT -5
*Excuse the extreme curtness of the previous post, it was a busy time unexpectedly.
Sure enough and just as the commander had warned, an anti-air mech had taken a position of some elevation and was readying its guns for a turkey shoot. I couldn't go toe-to-toe with anything so massive as a mech, not many Vtols can. I tried to play it smart and make some sensible manuevers before the mobile ack-yak could shred me into debris.
At first I glided away while maintaing a light but consistent volley of missles against the ghostly legions of mechs as they emerged from the dense clouds of misty vapor. However a change of plan was clearly needed as tracer fire found its way closer and closer to my Pinto. At last, in despiration I dove down behind the far wall of the Site's perimeter. The thick barricade protected me from the hellstorm of fire that was already sending pillars of black smoke into the frosty air. I was hovering a scant few meters off of the ground and racing to gain as much ground as possible. With my rotors kicking up clouds of powdery snow and sending trails of condensed waters down the cockpit's ferroglass.
I cought the bend and turned to follow the wall straight towards the intended escape route when I noted movement on a very small scale. A hard stare laid clear the camoflauged SRM troops that were sprinting into an ambush to waylay the retreating Gaurdian lance. I was quick to give the heads up,
"Watch yourselves Gaurdians! We've got SRM troops coming through the back door! Will intredict if possible."
My lasers had nearly double the range of thier missles and I was more than happy to make use of my mobility and range to my best advantage. I pulled on my thermal optic eye piece and the world became a warped pallete of oranges, reds, and blues. Orders and updates dueled across the channel as I picked my marks and put them down.
The soldiers charged me as I had expected these zealous bastards to do, promting me to merely swing away from the wall and circle over the open landscape. No sooner did I move away from the wall then did it explode in a blinding flash of heat and light. The call for artillery failed to bring me down and I remained a present threat to the foot soldiers. The sense of power was exhilirating, perhaps that more than anything made me keep risking my neck.
Alternating between the three lasers, I kept a fusillade of lime-green lasers constantly flying. The heat of my own weapons was mildly distracting among the squad of infantry but not so much as to create disappointing results. The infantry team was being steadily mowed down and surprisingly, as I surrendered to the most primal core of my being, I felt a strange calm. As this sensation of cool methodism took hold of me I began to see my hummanity slip away, I felt clan and it scared me.
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Post by Gen Miyamoto on Oct 24, 2005 8:14:50 GMT -5
The retreat was in full swing and thanks to Thorn's sacrafise the heavier mechs had fallen behind. Long range weapons fire was in constant exchange among our fleeing team and the oncoming enemy forces. My AMS roared as it spat out a hail of rounds to catch a flight of LRMs in the air, reducing the volley, which ended in four missle hits to my right arm.
I returned with a five long range missles and five class autocannon shot. Luckily for me, the MRBC had deemed this mech as needing substantial ammo supplies. The extra tons of shells and missles combind with thier tame consumption rates meant that I was going to have some serious staying power. Though my autocannon missed more than it hit, I was happier to have it than not.
The Initiate I had been sparing with over long range became old news as a pushy Raijin boosted high in the air and began spraying me with large red laser darts. It was pretty clear that it's order of buisness was to hobble my left leg and crush my chances of outrunning the assault mechs. I was quick to respond with double the Raijin's laser fire power. We exchanged fire for a few seconds, both blasting at our targets of oppertunity before the galloping mech had moved in close enough to set loose a hail of streak missles and medium lasers. In order to spare my left, I pushed the convienent target of my right leg in the line of fire. A pitiful one SRM was caught by AMS fire with the remainder plowing into the fresh armor along with a trio of lasers.
An alpha struck was my pay back for it's insolence, and the Raijin no doubt learned its lesson as I blew open the left torso bringing forth an internal ammunition explosion that shook the mech violently. The heat from it's wild bliztkrieg and recent explosion brought its laser fire down to nill. I happily took the time of it's silence to unload pulse after pulse of laser fire into the already exposed internals. After a short while I had bored through the last remnents of armor and destroyed the xl engines. The Raijin came to a tumbling halt allowing me to turn and lope full speed to catch up with Gaurdian lance.
Once fully turned away, the Bulldog began to lean into me with ballistic fury. "This is Six, does anyone know where our back up is? We're getting torn apart out here!"
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Post by Aliesha on Oct 24, 2005 15:02:48 GMT -5
I had just released my comm mic to listen for Morgans orders, when I heard a cry for help come over the radio.
"This is Six, does anyone know where our back up is? We're getting torn apart out here!"
I could see the Dragon mech running top speed toward the rest of the Guardian lance. He had a Bulldog on his tail, giving him grief. I was not sure who six was, but he was a Legionnaire and to me that was all that mattered.
I slammed my giant into motion, my fingers flying across the electronic console, trying to get a precise targeting reticule on the Bulldog. I did not have a lot of time so I blasted off an LRM as quickly as possible. Not taking my time it was not a direct hit, but it did get his attention, and managed to slow him down since it did hit right in front of him.
The good thing, was it got him off Guardian Six's back. Bad thing, was he was now focusing his attention on me. I did not care, this was what I was born and raised to do, I was going to give it my all.
My fingers flying deftly across the console. Using my targeting system to zero in on the Bulldog. I had to be quick he was headed my way and would be too close soon. Finally the Bulldog was targeted, I was sure I had him dead on this time. I sent off both my LRM's flying across the distance between us. He seen them coming and tried to move out of the way. One of them did miss him, but the other hit him on his right side so hard it spun him to the side, stopping his head on flight at me. Waiting only long enough for my ammunition to recycle, using the targeting system again, this time he was stopped. I let them fly, One hit him dead in the center, the other his head. There was a big explosion. Must have hit the reactor dead on.
Guardian Six had gotten away ok. I still did not know where I was suppose to be. If I was to follow them or stay and fight. Either way Morgan knew I would do what he asked.
"Morgan are you reading me? It is Aliesha. Still awaiting your orders."
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