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> Operation VIII: Hellfire, By William Rhodes
Corporal Nick Schuster
post Jan 12 2006, 08:04 PM
Post #31



Legionnaires | MechWarrior
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I walked into the mess hall and took a look at the huge amount of crewmbmbers gathered. Although I had requested to be a part of the Legionnaires following my brother's death, I wasn't sure I was up to the task. Seeing the mass of new faces I had to get accustomed to, a chill went down my spine. I was shy by nature. This wasn't helping.

I walked to the AutoVendor and stared at the selections. They all looked appatizing by their pictures. I reached for my credit tube, rifling through my pockets but coming up with nothing.


Drat!


--------------------
Position : Tech Specialist | LEGIONNAIRES
Callsign : MANTIS
Current BattleMech : LGN-01 Kit Fox [Light -35 Tons - 96.75 km/h max]
Loadout : [1x ER Large Laser] [1x Small Pulse Laser] [1x LB-X Autocannon/5 - Ammo: Slug (20 rounds)] [1x Streak SRM-2 (Improved OS) - Ammo: 50 Acid SRM-2 | 50 Anti-Personnel SRM-2] [CASE] [FireScan II with Multi-Trac II & IndirecTrac]
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William Rhodes
post Jan 12 2006, 08:12 PM
Post #32



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Rank: Lieutenant



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William raised the cup of black noxious liquid that the AutoVendor claimed was coffee to his lips as Major Maxwell began talking. The vile brew made its way down his throat to begin the assault on the walls of his stomach, but at least it was hot and washed down the quasi mashed potatoes and mystery gravy on his tray.

Lieutenant - I have a feeling that we're going to need to take full advantage of your background with the Croix Rose on this. How would you feel about taking the lead on this mission?

Coffee spluttered from William's mouth, soaking the front of his jumpsuit and adding a new sauce to his lumps of reheated potatoes. Embarassed, Rhodes hastily applied a napkin to the mess he had made.

Excuse me, Major, but did you just say you want me to take lead on this Op? I mean, I was just promoted to lieutenant...

Maxwell leaned foward, dismissing Rhodes' concerns with a shake of his head. What's crucial on this Op, Lieutenant, isn't years of command experience but rather our relationship with a clandestine religious group on a foreign planet.

The Major lightly jabbed his finger against William's coffee stained chest. You're the only one among us, William, who has been to Delacruz and you're the only one who has met this Umberto Abelard fellow. This is one very black Op and I need to know if we can trust the indigs...I need to know if we can trust these Croix Rose people.

But Major, I never had any contact with the Croix Rose personally...I was just a lay brother at one of the religious houses.

That's more than the rest of us...besides you said yourself that your family was involved in the creation of the order.

But those were just stories my grandfather told me...

Regardless, the facts are that you are the one who has been on the ground on Delacruz. You know the terrain of the Roche Grande highlands and you have lived among these monks. I need you to step up to the plate, Lieutenant.

William squared his shoulders, accepting his duty, though the coffee had turned to acid in his stomach. Yes sir, I understand. I'll do my damndest to get us through this in one piece.

Don't be so grim, Rhodes, announced Benjamin with a slap on the back and a roguish grin. Just try to avoid starting an interstellar war between Davion and Kurita.

Oh thanks, groaned William. Now I feel much better.

As their conversation turned to other matters, William couldn't help ponder the heavy weight of responsibility that was now on his shoulders.

Am I ready for this?


--------------------
Position: Lieutenant, Legionnaires
Callsign: Damocles 1
Current BattleMech: Verfolger (Bucephalus) [Heavy]
Current Loadout: 1 x ER PPC, 1 x LB 10-X, 3 x Med. Lasers, 1 x AMS
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Commodore Benjamin Maxwell
post Jan 12 2006, 08:35 PM
Post #33



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The color had drained from William's face. Whether it was caused more by the coffee, or by the weight of the responsibility unceremoneously heaped upon him, I couldn't tell. I leaned forward on my elbows.

"Lieutenant, the command structure isn't being usurped - if that's your concern. However, the guidance you can provide will steer this Operation, and I will defer to your judgement once we make contact with the Croix Rose. This...Umberto Abelard," I began, pulling up the dossier supplied with our current contract,
__________________________________
[Brief Personnel File on Father Umberto Abelard]
[Benedictine Monk, Ordained Catholic Priest, and member of the secret order of the Croix-Rose]

Umberto Abelard was born on Delacruz to a Catholic family in 3027. When old enough he entered the Sun-Tzu Military Academy and specialized in BattleMech piloting with a minor in combined arms operations. He graduated with high marks, and won his katana and wakizashi blades.

After a four year stint with the 12th Galedon Regulars, Umberto won a prized place in the elite 1st Genyosha Regiment under the command of Hohiro Kurita himself. During the cataclysmic Battle of Luthien, Umberto was awarded the prestigious Order of the Bushido Blade for exemplary leadership and valor.

The 1st Genyosha saw a great deal of action during Operation Bulldog, and Umberto quickly rose through the ranks to Sho-sa (Major). He was present at the Great Refusal on Strana Mechtny with the rest of the Genyosha, and was mentally so scarred by the brutal fighting against the Clans that afterwards he resigned his commission and retired to a monastery on his native planet of Delacruz in 3062.

Hoping to repair his shattered mind and soul, Abelard devoted himself to prayer and manual labor. But his idyllic retreat did not last for long. With the brutal crackdown of Governor Travick and his cronies on religious freedoms, Abelard was one of the first to join the Croix-Rose, putting himself in harm's way once again.

Abelard is of mixed Italian-Argentinian descent, and his scalp is clean shaven. He wears the simple black robes of a Benedictine with a plain wooden crucifix that he carved himself around his neck. Umberto no longer carries the samurai swords he wore in the DCMS, having replaced them with a massive two-handed sword of ancient design. His eyes are deep set and haunted with the pain of the past, but in them is also determination to see a better future for his people and his faith.

X:\>end_doc
__________________________________


"sounds like a real revolutionary. What do you suggest the best approach would be in interacting with him? Are there any particular...dogma...that should be adhered to once we make contact?"


--------------------
Position: Senior Captain | Legionnaires
Current BattleMech: WHF-3B White Flame (Lothos) [Heavy - Quad]
Loadout: 1x Large Pulse Laser, 1x Medium Pulse Laser, 2x ER Medium Lasers, 1x Anti-Missile System, Jump Jets
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Krystal Mclure
post Jan 12 2006, 10:38 PM
Post #34



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I've found that I learn someone's style and technique better not from fighting alongside them—but by fighting against them…

I nodded as the Captain walked away.

I'll be there.

I smiled with enthusiasm. I needed to talk to Alex, but I didnt know where to find him. I decided to try the weight room first. According to him he liked to work out sometimes during flights. I made my way toward's the weight room.

Once there I peeked in. There were several crew members already working out. Some of them were even women. As I panned the room, I saw Alex standing in a ring twirling a combat moves. I slowly walked up and watched him as he made several moves, which I guessed would probably be death blows. After a few moments I cleared my throat.


As I did so Alex dropped the knife, grazing his arm. He let out a low curse.

I'm sorry.

When he looked up and saw that it was me he smiled. Dont worry about it. What do you need?

I smiled. I had a question for you.

Okay shoot.

What is Captain Garland's fighting style like? I'm fixing to go face him in the simulator.

He straightened and thought for a moment.

He's very good. Be careful. He knows how do use his Shadow Hawk.

I nodded. Thanks. I turned and walked out. As I reached the door I turned and faced him. And you might want to get that fixed.

He grunted and I left.
_________________________________________________________________________

Soon afterwards I found myself standing in the darkened simulator room waiting for Garland to come. I looked down at my watch. 15:07.
Where is he, I thought to myself.

This post has been edited by Krystal Mclure: Jan 12 2006, 10:39 PM


--------------------
Position : Recruit
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William Rhodes
post Jan 13 2006, 09:59 AM
Post #35



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William pondered the Major's question for a moment, digging back into his memories of his time on Delacruz.

I guess you could say he was my mentor when I was living among the monks. He helped me work through a lot of issues I had left over from the FedCom Civil War. Despite our close relationship, I never knew that Father Umberto was a member of the Croix Rose. He always seemed so...calm I guess is the right word...at peace with himself. Though you could tell he had a lot of turmoil in his past.

Would you describe him as a fanatic?

Certainly not in the Word of Blake sense, no. Despite being an ordained priest, he was never one for unthinking dogma and always expressed tolerance and understanding of different view points. I'm not really a Catholic, for example, but that was never a problem with him. It sounds a bit corny, but I guess he views everyone as God's children.

But can we trust him?

Yes, as long as our interests don't conflict with the safety of the people of Delacruz. I must admit, however, that I'm not sure why the Croix Rose is helping us. I mean, I'm sure they would love to strike a blow against the ISF, but our mission doesn't directly involve the local Governor, Tavrick, who is their main enemy. Recovery of a Word of Blake data core seems tangental to their goals.

Major Maxwell leaned back and stroked his chin thoughtfully. We definitely need to keep our eyes open on this one. I don't like working with allies that I'm not one hundred percent sure about.

I'll do my best to keep us on the straight and narrow, sir. I think for now we can count on the Croix Rose to be on our side.

Benjamin nodded but William could tell what he was thinking.

For now is all very good, but what about the future?


--------------------
Position: Lieutenant, Legionnaires
Callsign: Damocles 1
Current BattleMech: Verfolger (Bucephalus) [Heavy]
Current Loadout: 1 x ER PPC, 1 x LB 10-X, 3 x Med. Lasers, 1 x AMS
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Wedge Lourde
post Jan 13 2006, 05:52 PM
Post #36



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"Oh?"

"Man, you should have seen it! Once, we had to board a jumpship heading for Hamal, so me and Schuster got BattleArmor, and we got to run around in the vaccuum of space, and kill these droid things! Then, when the guards where dead and stuff, I used the station's weapons to blow up a huge DropShip! It was AWESOME!"

Grisham cocked his head, and looked around at the MechBay.
"Right, Wedge, I beleive you. Sounds more like a holo-game." He said, loosing intrest. Then he nodded. "Is she yours?"

"What?"

"Is this Thanatos yours?"

"Yes, sir. Guardian V. I had a Raptor named Guardian IV, but I generously gave it to Reconstruction for spare metal. Kept the weapons, of course."

"Good man."


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Director Gen Miyamoto
post Jan 13 2006, 06:20 PM
Post #37



Crayven Securities, Inc. | S.W.O.R.D. Director
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The bunkroom was desolated as most of the crew wandered about the decks of the Liberty. It seemed unlikley anybody would be returning any time soon, so I quietly sat upon my corner bunk attempting to disguise my handheld computer. Keenly aware to every sound and working devlishly fast I quickly brought up my tightbeam reciever. I waited for a few moments in tense silence checking the door franticly. Then suddenly the screen lit up with a message from my contact.

DAED01>Is_it_secure?<

I looked up and then typed a quick reply.

ACHI03>Afirmative._Mission_status?<

Almost as soon as I had transmitted the reply came back.


DAED01>We_are_go._Transfer_at_station.<

ACHI03>Is_Icarus_informed?<

DAED01>Shortly._Look_for_the_signal._out<

ACHI03>Confirmed._out<


It was over and I heaved a sigh of relief. I eased down the reciever and placed the handheld back in my footlocker. A final survey of the room revealed nobody had noticed. Now it was a matter of time before we arrived.


--------------------
Position : Lt. Colonel, Crayven Securities, Inc.
Callsign : Redeemer
Current Battlemech : Atlas
Loadout : 2 MRM-10s, 2 Large X-Pulse Lasers Mk II, SRM 6, Gauss Rifle, C3 Master Computer
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Sergeant Hobson
post Jan 13 2006, 08:43 PM
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I toggled the Liberty's 'autopilot' on, locking what was left of the navigation system onto the repeating beacon eminating from the Sheratan recharging station. With three days' travel left, there was very little need for a navigator when the ship was to be travelling in a straight line - it was a task even the most basic of computers could carry out.

"Autopilot locked in, Captain."

Captain Harrison stepped up alongside me, peering over my shoulder at the settings I had programmed into the navigation console.

"Very good, Hobson. You're relieved. Go get yourself a meal and some rest."

I nodded.

"Aye, Captain. I've got my comm unit on me if you have need - "

The Captain chuckled.

"I'm sure we'll be quite fine, Sergeant. I'll be spending the next several hours yanking circuit boards - hopefully we can have the NavComm system repaired by the time we dock with the Athena."

I smiled at Harrison, and delivered a quick salute before making my way into the lift. The galley seemed oddly appealing right about now...

This post has been edited by Sergeant Hobson: Jan 13 2006, 08:49 PM


--------------------
Recipient of the Order of Katherine Steiner medal for distinguished performance in combat.
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William Rhodes
post Jan 14 2006, 02:07 PM
Post #39



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William looked up from his less than appetizing meal to see the new kid, Nathan Schuster, searching for his credit tube at the AutoVendor. He had recently been assigned to Damocles Lance as the pilot of a custom Raven scout mech, which gave the unit a valuable recon capability complete with an advanced Angel ECM suite and Bloodhound sensor probe. Rhodes had taken Nathan, the younger sibling of the ill-fated Nicholas Schuster, under his wing.

Nathan, heads up. William tossed the young private a credit tube. Schuster caught the tube and dialed up some form of strange looking sustenance.

Come join us, said William gesturing to the table that he and the Major shared.

How are you settling in here on the Liberty?


--------------------
Position: Lieutenant, Legionnaires
Callsign: Damocles 1
Current BattleMech: Verfolger (Bucephalus) [Heavy]
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Corporal Nick Schuster
post Jan 14 2006, 02:49 PM
Post #40



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"Nathan, heads up!"

I turned just in time to see a credit tube come sailing toward me. I grabbed it out of the air, realizing that it had come from the table shared by Lieutenant Rhodes and Major Maxwell. I smiled, waving a thanks, and jammed the credit tube into the AutoVendor. I typed in the selection for a cheeseburger, and waited. The machine banged and clunked, and a tray crashed into the food slot below. A blower came on, spraying a messy pile of ground beef onto the tray, followed by what looked like cheese whiz. A squirt of ketchup came right behind it, splattering the tray in a sickly red. The blower kicked off, and a loud thunk echoed in the machine. A semi-frozen hamburger bun landed on top of the mess, accompanied by a happy sounding 'ding.' I sighed, and pulled the tray out of its food slot.

"Come join us," William said, gesturing to the table that he and the Major shared. I made my way over slowly, not sure of the protocol for a Private sitting with two top-ranking officers. Major Maxwell waved his hand with a flourish at the open chair directly across from him, and I took a seat. I slid into the chair, making note of the fact that William's food looked equally offensive, and that the Major had avoided eating altogether.

"How are you settling in here on the Liberty?"

I took a scoop of the AutoVendor's 'cheeseburger' up on my fork. The smell was offensive enough that I put the fork back down.

"Well, it's a change from the Free Trader's Guild. The food's better," I laughed. "A DropShip's very different from a Mammoth-class freighter. But I'm getting used to it."

Major Maxwell eyed me dubiously.

"Getting used to your quarters, perhaps. I haven't seen you come out of your bunkroom once since we boarded."

A wash of crimson splashed across my face. The Major was right. I had been isolating myself.

"Well, sir...I guess I hadn't gotten...hungry...yet," I smiled, gesturing at the pathetic slop on the tray before me. I hoped the answer would suffice.


--------------------
Position : Tech Specialist | LEGIONNAIRES
Callsign : MANTIS
Current BattleMech : LGN-01 Kit Fox [Light -35 Tons - 96.75 km/h max]
Loadout : [1x ER Large Laser] [1x Small Pulse Laser] [1x LB-X Autocannon/5 - Ammo: Slug (20 rounds)] [1x Streak SRM-2 (Improved OS) - Ammo: 50 Acid SRM-2 | 50 Anti-Personnel SRM-2] [CASE] [FireScan II with Multi-Trac II & IndirecTrac]
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Krystal Mclure
post Jan 14 2006, 10:37 PM
Post #41



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I quickly ran from the simulator room to my quaters. I wanted to change out of my now drenched shirt. After changing quickly I headed to the weight room once again to see if I could find Alex. I reached the room and found no one in there. I stood for a moment thinking of where Alex could be. I wonder if Garland went to talk to Alex about the match, I thought to myself.

I shrugged and decided I would leave him a message on his personal computer in his room. With that I went back to my room and sent him the message. Afterwards I fell on my bed and fell into a deep sleep.


--------------------
Position : Recruit
Callsign : none
Current BattleMech : Uziel (Braveheart) [Medium]
Loadout : 1x ER PPC, 1x ER Larger Laser, 1x AC/ 2, 4x ER Medium Lasers, Jumpjets
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MechWarrior Alex Thorn
post Jan 14 2006, 10:45 PM
Post #42



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I had continued to practice with my combat knife even with the large gash in my arm from my previous accident. As I was doing so Garland walked into the room. He slowly walked up to me. As I noticed him I stopped and put the knife up. My breathing became heavy and sweat poured on my face.

What can I do for you Captain?

He smiled. Let's walk. We need to talk.

I jumped down from the ring as two other guys jumped in. I grabbed a towel, wipped my face, and placed it in the wash bin at the door.

Soon we found ourselves walking down the main hall. Garland asked me about how learned how to use a combat knife among other things.


After a few moments of silence I looked over at him. So how did the simulator match go with Krystal.

He looked down. She did well. I think she will fit in with the lance.

Then he looked at me. Did she ask you about anything before the battle?

I smiled. I knew what Garland was wanting to know. He wanted to know whether or not Krystal did some recon before facing him.

Yes. She did. She asked me about how you fought. I told her that you were very good. That you knew how to us your Shadow Hawk extremely well, and to watch out.

He smiled. Thanks.

We continued to walk through the hall, once again making small talk.


--------------------
Position : Mechwarrior
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Current BattleMech : Marauder IIC (Wolf's Teeth) [Assault]
Loadout: 3x ER PPC, 2x Medium Pulse Laser, 4x ER Small Laser
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William Rhodes
post Jan 15 2006, 12:55 PM
Post #43



LEGIONNAIRES | Mission Planner
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Note: For convenience on my part, I posted this under William's name even though he is not present in the following post, which takes place on Delacruz.


Meanwhile in the city of San Joaquin, capital of the planet Delacruz in the Draconis Combine…


Governor Alistair Tavrick, the Daimyo or Lord of Delacruz, paced the length of his opulent office in the Alcazar, or royal castle, that overlooked the beautiful city of San Joaquin and the lush river valley of the Rio Verde that traced its western border. From the office’s large armored windows in the Torre del Homenaje, or central keep, he could view the whole breadth of the town that was the capital of his personal fiefdom. At the far southern end of the city, he could see the soaring towers of the city’s cathedral, whose elaborate facades depicting the nativity and passion of Christ had been modeled on the Sagrada Familia of Terra’s Barcelona.

The architecture of soutern Spain dominated the streets in between the cathedral and the alcazar, the two polar opposites of the town and the seats of spiritual and temporal power respectively. Here were narrow winding streets flanked by high white washed walls designed to alleviate the sun’s heat during the summer months. Homes clustered around courtyard gardens alive with the fragrance of flowers and the sound of caged song birds. The center of town was dominated by the great Plaza de Compostella, or field of stars, with its bronze statue of Santiago Matamoros, St. James the Moor Slayer, the warlike patron saint of medieval Spain, on rearing horseback, wielding his sword against the heretics.

Tavrick saw all of this beauty and history tracing its roots back to Terra’s Iberian penninsula and despised it all. Though of European decent, his family had held to the ancient samurai traditions of the Draconis Combine, seeing no need or room for any other culture or way of life. He despised the mysticism and faith of the monks on this planet in their remote monasteries in the mountains. He despised the easy going nature of the townsfolk, with their lazy practice of a ciesta every afternoon, when the shops closed and people clustered in tapas bars or just dozed under an olive tree. And most of all, he despised the cursed Croix Rose and their refusal to bend to the will of the Dragon. He vowed on his own honor that he would remake this world in the Dragon’s image and he was willing to use fire and sword to do it.

The daimyo turned to the northern and eastern windows of the Torre to a view he much preferred. To the north, upriver from San Joaquin were the foundations of a new palace city that Tavrick had ordered constructed. Progress was slow going and Tavrick would probably be long dead by its full completion date, but here was what the governor wanted for this world. He gazed proudly at the already finished pagoda style roofs of his new palace and the foundations of the Shinto temple that would dominate the river’s edge. Here would rise a castle and town worthy of a true Lord of Bushido. Yamashiro it would be called, simply meaning “mountain palace”, a mountain that would subdue this rebellious world and all its people.

And for the means to make that dream happen, Tavrick turned to the east were stood the modern facilities of the Urizen Kurita Proving Grounds, the base for his personal garrison of the 11th Ghost Regiment. Tavrick had long since bought the services of the Rekara yakuza clan and they were fanatically loyal to him alone. A full battalion of forty BattleMechs plus armor and infantry support were lodged inside the ferocrete walls and calliope turrets of the base. The governor had been working hard to equip his Mechs with the latest upgrades in military technology, using channels both legal and illegal. This would be his hammer to mold this world on the anvil of his necessity.

Two other men, both of Japanese heritage, shared the room with Tavrick, both dressed in the white jacket, red boots, and black uniform trousers of the Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery, the Arm of the Dragon. One was Chu-sa Teyhiku Wara, commander of the 11th Ghost, and the other was Tai-sa Hohiro Kurosawa, the commander of Task Force Kajiki, and a man that Tavrick was just a bit afraid of. He knew the ISF had a secret research facility somewhere in the Roche Grande highlands but he had no idea what they were up to and that made him nervous.

Tavrick turned from the armored windows and did his best to stare down the two officers beneath his bushy grey eyebrows. He succeeded with Wara but not with Kurosawa.


Colonel,using the English version of Kurosawa’s rank was a calculated insult. “I repeat again that your Mechs are needed to flush out these damn monkish rebels. I simply don’t have the forces to hold this city and fight the Croix Rose.

And I repeat again, Governor, responded the ISF officer sternly. That I am under no obligations to obey your orders. My responsibility are the ISF assets on this world and nothing else. The Croix Rose is your problem, not mine.

I am the Daimyo of this planet! All DCMS forces are under my direct command!

Every cadet knows that the Internal Security Force reports directly to the Coordinator and to him alone.

Bah! All the reports indicate that Theodore has had a stroke and is most likely dead. And I say good riddance! Where have his liberal ways gotten us, I ask you? Overrun by the Clans and the Blakists! Luthien under siege! Undesirables and whore-mongers dancing in the lair of the Dragon! And his mewling idiot of a son is no better!

Careful, Governor. The Coordinator is the Dragon and the Dragon the Coordinator. Cross him and even your little friends in Kokuryakai won’t be able to save you.

Tavrick, seeing the deadly truth in the man’s words, bit his lip and turned back to the windows to stare at his half-finished palace. Lieutenant-Colonel Wara cleared his throat, hoping to east the tension between his Lord and the man from the ISF.

My lord, our agents have discovered several monasteries in the highlands where the Croix Rose might be receiving shelter. We could dispatch a small force from the 11th Ghost to deal with these insurgents.

That brought a smile to the Governor’s face. Very well, Chu-sa. I place this matter in your hands. Draw up the necessary orders and plans for my review. I feel its time that these ridiculous monks learn the price of defying the Dragon.


--------------------
Position: Lieutenant, Legionnaires
Callsign: Damocles 1
Current BattleMech: Verfolger (Bucephalus) [Heavy]
Current Loadout: 1 x ER PPC, 1 x LB 10-X, 3 x Med. Lasers, 1 x AMS
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William Rhodes
post Jan 15 2006, 01:15 PM
Post #44



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Three days later at Sheratan's Zenith jump point...

William and Emma Mirado floated in zero-g, looking out of one of the Liberty's armored viewports at the long slender outline of a Merchant-class jumpship. The vessel had already folded its kilometer long jumpsail that was used to recharge its Kearny-Fuchida drive that made faster than light travel possible. The vessel, dubbed the Kashmir, was technically registered as an independent trader (sometimes a polite word for a smuggler) but in reality it was owned and operated by the Davion Ministry of Intelligence Investigations and Operations. The ship was equipped with lithium-fusion batteries which enabled it to make two thirty-light year jumps before needing to recharge. The jumpship's three hundred and twenty meter length dwarfed the 3,500 ton Union as it approached the docking colar.

Why did the Feddies send a Merchant class? asked Emma, the infantry commander floating next to the MechWarrior. A Scout class would have been just fine for our single dropship. The Merchant has two docking colars.

William shrugged his shoulders. Maybe it was the closest one available. Jumpships don't exactly grow on trees.

With a light jolt, Captain Harrison expertly docked the Liberty with the Kashmir and William could hear the high pressure locks snapping shut, sealing the two ships together. The Liberty extended its Kearny-Fuchida field-conducting (KFFC) boom, a long attenna-like probe that connects to the jumpship and ensures the inclusion of the dropship in the Kearny-Fuchida field during a hyperspace jump.

All hands prepare for hyperspace jump to Deneb Kaitos, came the call over the Liberty's PA. The first leg of their interstellar journey to Delacruz was about to begin.

Ugh, I hate jumps, groaned Emma.

TDS? asked William. Transit Disorientation Syndrome was something that affected a small percentage of people during hyperspace jumps.

Yep. Do you mind if I puke on you, sweetie?

Please don't, grimaced William as he strapped himself into a seat.

This post has been edited by William Rhodes: Jan 15 2006, 01:22 PM


--------------------
Position: Lieutenant, Legionnaires
Callsign: Damocles 1
Current BattleMech: Verfolger (Bucephalus) [Heavy]
Current Loadout: 1 x ER PPC, 1 x LB 10-X, 3 x Med. Lasers, 1 x AMS
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Bounty Hunter: Sam Grisham
post Jan 15 2006, 01:34 PM
Post #45



Bounty Hunter
Rank: MechWarrior



*

Group: LEGIONNAIRES
Posts: 44
Joined: 2-January 06
Member No.: 34





The vending machine groaned and gargled, making a sound very similar to that of an upset stomach. Finally, after much strain, the machine vomited out the meal I had selected. Apparently, the yellow, lumpy slime was “Roast pork in a rich apple source”.

“For the love of God…” I moaned, my head sinking and my eyes shrinking into little slits.

“At least it’s hot…” I muttered, trying to convince myself that this was edible. With a large sigh, I turned away from the machine and looked around the spaced canteen. I eventually laid eyes on a group of people I sort’a knew.

"Well, sir...I guess I hadn't gotten...hungry...yet-"

“I KNOW what you mean buddy! Talk about shitty food or what?!” I chimed in, interrupting whatever conversations the group was having.

“Mind if I sit here?”

“Well actually-”

“Fantastic!” I finished, planting my ass on the cold plastic chair as I began to contemplate how to attack my meal.

“Grisham… nice to see you again…” Came the voice of someone who knew me all to well.

“Nice to see you too Rhodes!” I exclaimed, relieved that I didn’t have to push my dinner around it’s plate any longer. However, he didn’t share my enthusiasm - just like everyone around the table. If anything, they appeared disgruntled by my appearance as they proceeded to make modern art out of their meal. My head sunk lower as I began to feel the gravity of my presence amongst the group.

“So…” I began. “… What are we doing in this mission?”

The group sighed and rolled their eyes in disbelief.

“For fuck’s sake…” I heard someone mutter. Another, Nathan I think his name was, frowned and avoided eye contact altogether. Rhodes just focused on his meal.

“I suggest you actually read the brief Grisham. It might actually give you some clues.” Rhodes said, concentrating on his meal and avoiding my eyes.

“Yeah… I skimmed through it, but I got bored half way through…”

“Sam… You’re a bounty hunter. Surely you read up on your target before you go for the prize?”

“Well yeah, of coarse I do!” I exclaimed, defending my pride. A collective sigh passed the lips of group I sat with.

“I look for “Wanted: Dead or Alive” and “Reward”. The rest I don’t bother with…”

The table fell deadly silent…


***Sorry this hasn’t been very long, I’ve been busy at home these past few days… happy.gif***
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