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Skye Rebellion, The
An Alt Universe fanfic of Skye
by Adam Jaffray |
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Chapter 1
The air was stale as if it had been used many times before. The air hardly moved except for a little that was drawn into the air ducts to be reprocessed. The metal halls of the Vengeance class Dropship hummed with the sound of many machines doing their job. Crew members wandered the halls doing their jobs or using up their free time.
In the converted bay for 'Mechs a swarm of technicians were welding together pieces to repair the damage that had been done to the four 'Mechs in the bay. The chief tech was walking in through the door dragging a bewildered man behind her wearing the white glove of a Loki agent. "All right Tina, why did you drag all the way down here?" The man said to the chief.
Tina was a medium sized woman. Her hair was shoulder length and light brown. She almost always could be found wearing a pair of work coveralls. She was also one of those people who seemed underdressed if she didn’t have a smudge of oil visible somewhere. She had an odd sense of humor which allowed her to mesh well with the man she had brought to the ‘Mech bay. “A little surprise. You know how most Jenners such as yours are equipped with a standard sensor package?” She said.
“Yeah, the Sentinel series, why?”
“Well, I got my hands on an Apple Churchill system that has better passive scanning,” she said. Noticing the blank look in the man’s eyes she quickly added “That’s the same sensors as on the Raven!” She said a momentary rush of glee as understanding dawned on the mans face, “That will allow you to spot targets farther without their seeing you. So, what do you think Adam.”
“Where the hell would you get money for that sort of thing?”Adam asked “You didn’t steal it from the LAAF did you?”
She laughed at the meaning of the abbreviation when pronounced phonetically then said, “No, nothing like that. I sold a ring that an old boyfriend had given me. It was fake anyway. Also, their was a little left over so I got some other things,” opening a nearby repair kit exposing rows of dark liquids.
“Better hope no officers catch you with that,” Adam said smiling at his little joke, he was the ranking officer on the mission, “I don’t know how to thank you for the upgrade. Remind me to take you to a real dinner when we get back to civilization. Hopefully whoever you sold that ring to doesn’t realize it’s fake.”
“She died a few weeks ago,” Tina said, her mood turning to sadness, “We were best friends for years.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know.” Adam said as Tina begins to cry, “It’s all right. We’ve all lost someone in this damned war.”
Tina leans on Adam and tries to calm down. Adam leads her over to a workbench and tries to comfort her. She slowly returns to normal. “Sorry,”she says apologetically, “I guess it’s better to get it over with now.”
“You don’t have to be sorry. It will happen to anyone who sees enough.” Adam said.
All of a sudden the loudspeaker blares out, “Hauptmann Davion please report to the bridge.”
“I have to go. Take a break and relax. We still have a few more days before we get to the planet.” Adam said as he rose to leave.
Chapter 2
Brevet Hauptmann Adam Davion floated in the null gravity towards the bridge. He was a little disturbed by his experience in the ‘Mech bay. He had never seen the chief act that way before even during very high stress days. The war had ruined many people’s lives. Since the Skye province had declared independence the Lyran Liberation Front, under the leadership of Field Marshal Vilhelm Steiner, had been fighting a war to depose Katherine Steiner-Davion, known as Katrina to her subjects. The LLF did not plan to create a new government just to remove a ruler who did not serve the peoples interests.
Adam was a tall man, at about 5’ 11”. He had darker skin clearly showing his Indian background. His father, a Hasek Davion, had married a wife he had met while he was serving. He had inherited his dark hair from his father and was in a constant mess no matter what he tried to do to keep it from acting like wire and sticking out. He had a very easy manner about him that helped him make friends with almost anyone. His father had served in the AFFC when he was younger which gave Adam the incentive to join as well. Unlike his father he did not want the regimented life of a regular military and so served for a few years as a mercenary. Adam’s distant Uncle, who was also a good friend of his, convinced him to join the LAAF.
Adam had joined the LAAF but soon disagreed with some of the policies made by Katherine, he refused to use her grandmothers name which she had stolen. He left and heard of the rebellion brewing in Skye. The military part of the rebellion was being led by Vilhelm Steiner himself. Vilhelm may have led the LLF militarily but he still reported to a civilian government. He quickly joined up and was put in a unit. Adam served for a few years in a line unit of the rebellion and then was recommended for Loki training. Vilhelm, himself a Loki agent, had stressed this program which kept the end quality on par with the Lyran Alliance Loki agents. Adam had graduated rather high in his class. He accepted a demotion to Leutnant and commanded a lance of Loki MechWarriors. After a short leave on New Earth he was recommended for command of a reconnaissance mission to see what Clan Jade Falcon was up to.
Ever since the halting of the clan advance with the Truce of Tukkayid the Inner Sphere states that bordered the Clan occupation zone were worried about what would happen when the Truce ran out. Skye, being directly on the border with the Jade Falcons, was at high risk of invasion when hostilities finally resumed. To this end Adam and a small group of soldiers from Task Force Onyx, the special group of Loki agents formed by Vilhelm, were sent to recon the border beyond Lyran space.
Adam moved with the ease of having been space for a long time. He quickly reached the hatch and touched the panel that opened the hatch. He floated through after the hatch hissed upward. “Officer on deck!” called one of the Marines at the door.
The crowd in the bridge looked up at him and saluted quickly before turning back to their panels. He still wasn’t used to so many people saluting him. “What’s up?” Adam said to Captain Turner his second-in-command and also captain of the DropShip.
“Sir, we appear to be tracking a ship of some sort in orbit of the planet. We only get glimpses of it because it is behind the planet. It looks like it might be a small warship. They haven’t detected us yet thanks to our entry angle and baffled engines.” Captain Turner said.
“Keep me informed on any changes,” Adam said glancing at the shipboard clock, “Damn, I almost forgot I have to inspect the Loki trooper barracks. The ship is in your hands. I couldn’t command this tub if I had to.”
He saluted quickly then dashed out the door hoping he wouldn’t be late. This is going to be a long trip if things like this keep happening, Adam thought to himself.
Chapter 3
The barracks smelled of stale sweat, urine and other unsavory smells, though the smell was much better than could be found in an average barracks. The room could accept up to 50 soldiers. The Loki warriors lounged around the room trying to find ways to entertain themselves. One was blowing air into the white glove that symbolized the Loki agent. By the door stood a man in a Hauptmanns uniform.
Adam entered the door to the barracks and spotted the other Hauptmann waiting for him. “Sorry, I’m late. I got a little hung up on other business.” Adam said apologetically.
“Quite, all right. The troops are ready. They may look like misfits but each is very good at their job,” the man said.
“Your voice sounds familiar do I know you?” Adam said puzzled as he tried to remember where he had heard the voice before.
“I believe we have met. Many times before in fact. I saw you as a child many times,” the man said cryptically.
“As a child. I wouldn’t have met a Lyran at that time. Also, your much to young,” Adam said suspicious.
“Looks can be deceiving,” he said as he reached for his face . . . and tore off a mask.
It can’t be. “Field Marshal Steiner?” Adam said surprised, “What the hell are you doing out here. Shouldn’t you be back running this war?”
“I have a replacement taking over. I decided to take a little break and see personally how my favorite nephew is doing.”
“Vil,” Adam said using his nickname for his odd uncle, “you do realize we may not make it back to a safe port. That means you could die and then who will run the LLF?”
“I realize all that. You still have operational command though I will advise you,” Vilhelm said, “It could be worse. We could have to listen to Katherine giving a speech for a whole day.”
“We should reach the planet in another few days,” Adam said as his uncle sat down and started to sharpen his rapier, “You are still young enough to keep up with us young folk.”
“The day your generation can beat me will be the day Katherine asks forgiveness for what she has done and steps down of her own volition.”
While the two talked some of the Loki started to clean their weapons or nap on there cots. It was definitely going to be an interesting next few months.
Chapter 4
For the next week preparations were made for planetfall. Still the ship behind the planet did not move. The Vengeance moved using it’s baffled drives preventing its detection by the other ship. As the DropShip prepares to land their is a bustle throughout the ship as people head for their stations and strap themselves in.
Adam was suiting up in the cockpit of his Jenner. This 'Mech was much older than he was and was often used as torture for misfit pilots. Now it was used in a true role. It had been upgraded to the modern standard for the Jenner making it more effective than it’s predecessor. The other ‘Mechs in his lance were preparing for the landing. Two Commandos and a Mongoose. All the 'Mechs were light but when used correctly they were deadly. As well as the 4 'Mechs of Task Force Onyx a hidden compartment had been hauled back and there stood the figure of a Wolfhound. The 'Mech painted with the famous “Falcon Slayer” emblem, a Jade Falcon with a sword stabbed into it. This ‘Mech belonged to Vilhelm Steiner. It had killed many a Falcon warrior. The only MechWarrior to ever face it and live was Khan Marthe Pryde. Since their first meeting they have been trying to kill the other. So far neither had succeeded.
The ‘Mech’s system booted up and asked, “What is your name?” with an odd cackly sound to it (hint: Think Monty Python).
“Adam Davion,” said Adam.
“Voiceprint identity accepted. Systems On-Line. And now for something completely different,” the computer spat out.
Adam looked out the cockpit glass and gave the thumbs up sign to Tina who was standing by in case something were to happen to the ‘Mechs while starting.
The ship began to bounce and jostle as the ship hit the edge of the atmosphere. All equipment was strapped as well as the mechanics who had strapped in at the last moment. The ship dropped quickly and soon gave a mighty jolt as it came to rest against the ground. The hatches leading outside popped open and out came the lance of ‘Mechs.
Ever since the first ‘Mechs were created they had ruled the battlefield. Giant machines reaching as high as ten meters they carried enough firepower to level a city block easily. These ‘Mechs, though lighter than most, still could be used very effectively.
The lance formed up in a loose travel formation and moved to the first patrol point, an abandoned fortress. Hopefully, it could be put to use and provide a forward base for scouts. The ‘Mechs moved quickly and made the fortress in a few hours. As they approached Adam warmed up his jump jets. “I’ll go over first. You go in through the gate,” he said as he hit his jump jets.
The Jenner lifted into the air on a geyser of blue plasma. The ‘Mech landed on the top of the wall and surveyed the interior. The sensors picked nothing up. He switched from VisLight to MagScan. Still nothing. “Move in but be careful.”
The ‘Mechs entered and made sure the area was safe. It had a small airstrip and a barracks. The control tower was a bit smashed but it looked like it might still be serviceable. The walls were still sound though a bit scorched. The call for the Vengeance was sent and it came in hauling the entire team minus the Headquarters unit and medics as well as a few armored vehicles to direct operations. The techs, soldiers, and armor disembarked and the DropShip took off for orbit. A pair of Karnov Transports left the DropShip on it’s outbound leg and landed supplies necessary for survival. The transports were left in case fast transportation was needed.
The first leg of the mission was nearing completion.
Chapter 5
The base was soon running. A perimeter of sensors was set up to detect anything that might be approaching. The Officers quarters were still in good shape but Adam insisted on staying in the Enlisted barracks and using the real quarters as an office.
The time had been stressful. Patrols were run both on foot as well as ‘Mech. Adam tried to go out on as many of both as he could. Falcon’s had been discovered on the other side of the planet so Vilhelm insisted they stay on planet and see what they were up. By the end of the first week he was feeling as if he had just run a marathon for the entire. He was almost passing out in his chair when a knock came at his office’s door.
He jolted awake and said gruffly, “Come in!” Hopefully it’s not another damn problem.
The door opened and Tina walked in carrying a pair of rations and two cold beers. “Thought you could use a meal. You haven’t eaten since breakfast,” she said.
He looked at the clock he had put on the wall: 0100. “Damn, I guess it’s been longer than I thought. Thanks. That’s another I owe you,” he said as he accepted the food and beer.
“Why don’t you have someone do some of the work for you? You’re already near exhaustion,” she said looking concerned, “Also maybe you should take a break from going out on patrols.”
“Don’t you think I know that!” he snapped then quickly said, “I’m sorry about that. Maybe, your right. I don’t know it’s just hard for me to rest when their is so much work to be done.”
“I know you didn’t mean it. We’ve all been working hard. Now with the Falcon’s being found here we have to be even more alert,” she said softly.
“Their’s only one thing that can make this day worse,”he started to continue when the speakers blared out a message.
“All hands to battle stations. ‘Mechs on the perimeter. Looks like a Clan scout star.”
“Damnit, it’s like fate is conspiring against me having a normal life,” he said as he tore open the ration pack and grabbed a package which he promptly swallowed.
“Well, sooner or later life has to reach normal,” she said as he ran out they ran out the door, only a little disappointment showing on her face.
Chapter 6
The ‘Mechs were heating up when the Falcon’s reached the fortress. A spattering of small arms fire came from the defenders. The star was composed of 2 Dashers, 2 Ullers, and a Puma. The ‘Mechs took no more than scratches from the fire. A single SRM erupted from the brim of the wall and impacted the Dasher’s center torso. A scar was torn in the armor but it still help. The clan ‘Mechs returned fire cratering the wall with laser, missile and autocannon fire. No holes were punched in the wall.
From behind the wall a roar came and Adam’s Jenner flew upwards unleashed its weapons on the star. Three of the lasers scored hits on the Uller. Two hit the right torso scorching away all the armor and probing the insides. The third hit the left leg turning the armor to liquid but did not breach. Two of the SRMs exploded in the right torso. The thermal image of the Uller grew brighter and Adam’s secondary monitor. Some of the shielding around the engine had been damaged. The last two missiles went wide and impacted the ground.
The Commandos rounded the corner and opened up with all they had. Their medium lasers drill the Ullers center torso and damage the internal structure. The full SRM spread from both impacted over it’s torsos wreathing it in flame. The right torso collapsed and the fusion went up in an explosion that spread shrapnel around the area. The Streaks were aimed at the damaged Dasher. Only one salvo hit destroying most of the armor and judging from the way the 'Mech stopped the pilot had been knocked out.
The Mongoose rounded behind the Commandos and fired at the last Dasher. It’s weapons all hit and punctured the torso armor destroying the ‘Mech, though it was still salvageable. The small laser fizzled into the dirt.
The remaining ‘Mechs returned fire as the LLF ‘Mechs ducked for cover. On ER Large Laser sizzled into the Center Torso of the first Commando. The 'Mech lost it’s armor and staggered as it’s gyro took a hit. The Streaks hit the Commando in the leg and right torso cratering armor but doing little else. The Puma fired it’s PPCs at Adam’s Jenner. One blast of the artificial lightning slagged off one of the boxes that served as arms on the Jenner. The remaining bolt shot past and hit the already damage tower.
The infantry behind the wall had broken out the store of SRM launchers and fired as many as were possible at the clan ‘Mechs. A half-dozen missiles slammed into both ‘Mechs tearing gaping holes in the armor. The head of the Puma took the brunt of the onslaught and was blasted off the body. The other ‘'Mech fared little better. The ‘Mech was torn apart by the SRM wave. Gaping holes could be seen smoking on all the ‘Mechs. Adam ordered his infantry to check on the pilots of the ‘Mechs to see if any lived through the quick battle. Adam brought his ‘Mech to the repair dock and shut it down. As his climbed down Tina walked over and started to berate him jokingly, “You never can play nice can you. Your like kids with toys always breaking them.”
“It could have been worse. That ‘Mech could have lost a hell of a lot more.” Adam said.
“Sir!” called a soldier at the wall, “One of them’s alive. He wants to speak to the leader.”
Adam walked over and looked at the MechWarrior who had been hauled out of his cockpit. “Greetings, I am Hauptmann Adam Davion of the Lyran Liberation Front. As with your traditions you are now a bondsman,”Adam said, “And as with our traditions you will always have a guard present near you.”
The man looked at him and did not have a look of anger. In fact it was almost of relief. When he hears the rank he snaps to attention and delivers a smart salute. “Leutnant Jamison Jones of the LLF expeditionary force reporting.”
“What in hell are you talking about?” Adam said.
“I was sent earlier as part of another mission to find information on the actions of the Jade Parrots. We didn’t get far before we were captured. I was inducted into their Warrior Caste and was able to pilot a ‘Mech. I fight so if I survive they will think I am loyal. If you do not believe me ask Field Marshal Steiner. He sent us along personally.”
“Corporal, keep him under guard until we’ve verified his story. If what you say is true than Vil has a bit of explaining to do.” Adam said.
Adam walked to his bunk and passed out, but not before thinking about all the things that had happened. That’s why Uncle Vilhelm wanted to come along. He felt guilty for what happened.
Chapter 7
The next morning was a bustle of activity as techs scavenged parts from clan ‘Mechs, replacing what they could with their clan equivalents. The weapons box on Adam’s Jenner was replaced and the two medium lasers that were in it were replaced with clan extended range versions. The medium lasers on the Commandos were also replaced with clan ER versions. Also, unbeknownst to Adam, Tina had placed the targeting computer from the Puma in his Jenner.
Adam was busy running patrols and keeping everything running. This is definitely not worth it he thought as he led a patrol of infantry through it’s checkpoints. The ‘Mechs were being kept at the base in case of another attack by the Falcons. Suddenly, through the vegetation a loud thumping sound could be heard. Adam held is hand up in the halt position then the take up defensive positions gesture. The seven men spread into a semicircle, weapons held at the ready. They were all carrying weapons that could puncture the shell of an Elemental, the giant armored infantry of the clans so named for their ability to operate in any terrain. Most were solid slug loaded shotguns though the point man carried a man portable gauss rifle. In the distance a group of mottled gray heads could be seen with V shaped visors. “Elementals!” Adam stage whispered into his transmitter.
The Elementals were headed towards the base making a terrible noise as they did so. The Loki smiled slightly as they thought of how easy they could be heard. “Wait for them to pass. Then open fire. Hit them hard and quickly. Try to shoot to disable. Remember they can take a shit load of punishment,”Adam said into the transmitter again.
Quietly they readied their guns. Adam began counting the Elementals. 1..2...3...4...6...7. Damn two points of them. This will be interesting.
The Elementals walked past and did not seem to notice the group on any of their sensors. The patrol fired as one. Immediately four Elementals dropped dead. The rest turned and began to open fire wildly as they tried to find targets. The Loki patrol spread out and kept low keeping them out of the way of the incoming fire. Another crack as a shotgun fired and another Elemental dropped, it’s faceplate cracked and a sickly looking black substance pouring out. The Elementals organized themselves and began to fire systematically. One of the patrol dropped to the ground as a machine gun round hit him in the side.
Another Elemental dropped as a sharpened spike of ferro titanium plunged through its head. One Loki man was able to disable an Elemental and keep it alive, barely. Adam called out, “Disarm your weapons and you will not be harmed!”
A shot of laser fire passed over his head as a response, “We will never surrender, least of all to freebirth scum!” the Elemental at the front yelled.
He was about to add more curses but a shot from a shotgun silenced him permanently. The other Elementals seeing their leader go down lost the will to fight and detached their weapons from their suits. “Thank you. I didn’t want to have to kill him but he should have made a better choice,” Adam said as he and his patrol stepped from the vegetation.
“Ten of us bested by seven freebirths. Incredible,” the Elemental nearest Adam.
“Well, stranger things have happened,” he said with a slight smile.
“We are now your prisoners,” the Elemental said searching for the “spheroid” term.
“Consider yourself our guests. Marshal Vilhelm will probably keep you well. Though it will take some time before we can ship you to HQ.”Adam said
“The Falcon Slayer is here. No wonder we were beaten. We have heard much of his exploits.” the Elemental replied.
“Most of which is probably true. Anyways, I would love to play get to know you but right now we have a job to do. If you don’t mind would you take off your armor. I don’t trust you with those claws.”
With a laugh the Elementals began to take off the armor. Adam turned to the comm office, “Report this position. Tell them to send a Karnov to load up this stuff.
When he looked back he saw that one of the Elementals, the one he was talking to was in fact a woman. The other looked as if he barely fit into the suit. He was tall but not as bulky as some of the Elementals he had seen. “You are an excellent warrior. Taking seven non battle armored infantry against ten armored and winning with one injury,” the woman Elemental said.
“We aim to be the best,” Adam said.
The sound of chopper blades could be heard now. The Karnov came in low and fast. It touched down and a mixed group of infantry and techs climbed out. “Load up this armor it might be useful. Also keep these two under guard. I don’t think they will try to escape but you can never be sure.”
The group loaded the armor and also loaded the Elementals onto the transport. As it lifted away the patrol continued it’s route. They finished five hours later and returned to the base.
Adam saw a group of people waiting at the gate. Most looked like they were about to cheer. In fact, that is exactly what they did, especially the infantry and techs who now had new toys to play with. Two full Elemental suits and another four or five which could be easily repaired. “Well, looks like things are going right.” Adam said.
“Those two Elementals haven’t been able to help us in figuring out the controls. As soon as the Field Marshal found out about them he immediately wanted to see them,” said one of the infantry.
“Well, the Field Marshal has his reasons. You should be able to play with those things soon. He always comes through for us, right?” Adam said, “Now if you don’t mind I am going to have some dinner and go to sleep.”
Chapter 8
Adam had a restful sleep. He didn’t wake up until reveille the next morning. He dressed in his uniform and stepped out of the barracks door. He saw that the Commandos were already out patrolling. He could hear their heavy footsteps. He started to hear a much louder stomping sound then the ‘Mechs outside. He turned to look at the 'Mech area but none were started up. He looked behind him and nearly had a heart attack as a giant Elemental stepped up beside him. “What the hell?!?!” Adam spluttered.
“I insisted to act as your bodyguard,” said the person behind the mask, the voice sounded familiar.
“Your name says Mattlov. Their’s no one with that name in this unit.” Adam said as he drew his pistol fearing the worst.
“I was captured yesterday. I am now a bondswoman of the Lyran Liberation Front,” came the voice, he realized it was the woman Elemental he had captured yesterday.
“What the hell. Did Vilhelm clear this?” Adam said shocked.
“He agreed completely. He also assigned me the task of training your warriors to use our armor,” Mattlov replied.
“Great, just great. Now I have an Elemental following me around. I knew this mission was trouble,” Adam mumbled, “How long have you been here?”
“Almost twelve hours,” she replied matter-of-factly.
“Jesus, if this is an example of what this day will turn out like than this is going to be a bad day,” Adam said.
He wandered over to the ‘Mech staging area and saw Tina working on his ‘Mech. “Help me. I have an Elemental as a pet, care of our illustrious leader.” Adam said sarcastically.
Tina turned and tried to stifle a giggle but failed. “Damnit, I am not getting any sympathy. Just yesterday they would have killed me and now they are working with us. It doesn’t seem right.” Adam said.
“I shouldn’t laugh at you but you look so funny with that Elemental standing over you,” she said bursting into another fit of giggles.
“Seriously, it might be useful to have one of them with us,”she said.
“It may be, but does she have to follow me around like this. I can protect myself.” Adam said and was about to continue when Mattlov took to the air on jump jets.
She landed on the wall and hauled up a man in clothes that bore a Jade Falcon crest. “The Falcon Watch is good but not good enough,” she said as she carried the man down.
“ ‘I can protect myself’. Looks like you may have been wrong,” Tina said as she broke out laughing at the circumstances.
“I get no respect around here. None. I’m having breakfast,”Adam said and stomped towards the mess hall as Mattlov placed the Falcon spy in the hands of the guard.
Chapter 9
Adam was eating his meal semi-peacefully, except for the annoyance of the Elemental hovering over his shoulder. He was getting curious, and in some cases, disbelieving or frightened looks as they saw the giant hulking behemoth standing over him. The peace was disturbed by a call over the PA. “Hauptmann Davion please report to the comm shack immediately!”
Can’t I have a minute without being called to put out another brush fire, he thought as he grudgingly got up to leave. The comm shack was located in the old control tower. It was a short walk and he was soon their. A group of techs were looking very worried. “What’s going on here?”Adam asked.
“Sir, a call just came in from the Field Marshal. The Falcons are making a full scale attack. He has ordered an abandonment of all defenses on planet and to return to the JumpShip,” said one of the comm techs whose voice cracked as he repeated the message.
“Give me the microphone now and punch me into the PA!” he ordered as he grabbed the mic, “This is Hauptmann Davion. We have been given the order to pack and leave. Get all the crap together get the ‘Mechs on last. All MechWarriors to their machines. This could get ugly. Infantry fire 2 volleys of SRMs, make ‘em count, then get your asses aboard. Leave all non-critical materials behind. This is not a drill. Let’s go people.”
He clicked off and ran to the barracks and dressed in his cooling vest and a pair of shorts. He dashed to his ‘Mech which was getting a last minute look over by Tina and her techs. Mattlov the Elemental was climbing onto make shift rungs she had installed on the torso of the ‘Mech. He leaped into the cockpit and placed his helmet on. He hit the power and closed the cockpit. His sensors at the periphery filled with upwards of ten ‘Mechs. He positioned himself so that the arm with the ER lasers had the first shots.
A boxy Black Hawk led the charge. Adam discharged his lasers as soon as he was in range as his crosshairs bracketed the right torso. They gouged deeply into the armor but did not breach it. The Commandos also loosed their weapons gouging trenches in the arms. A volley of weapons fire came from the enemy ‘Mechs ravaging the walls that protected the ‘Mechs. A group of two Stukas bearing the mark of the LLF made bombing runs to soften up the attackers. Four ‘Mechs went down hard under the punishment. The clanners quickly closed to SRM range and a double volley of SRMs erupted from behind the wall. Another light ‘Mech and two of the heavier ‘Mechs went down. The infantry broke for the DropShip. Another volley from the clan group erupted back damaging the wall even more and clipping the arm of a Commando. The sensors began identifying the remaining ‘Mechs. The Black Hawk still stood, as well as a Dasher, Koshi, and an Uller. Another volley of laser fire stabbed from the defenders. One Commando missed completely while the other hit the remaining Dasher destroying it in an explosion. Adam’s weapons hit more accurately then usual frying armor over the heart of the Uller damaging it’s gyro. The Mongoose fired on the Koshi frying the head of the 'Mech. “Retreat, to the DropShip tell the pilot to take off in thirty seconds. If I’m not their take off, better to loose one instead of an entire ship.” Adam told his lance as he saw more ‘Mechs on the edges of the long range scan.
“Roger, good luck,” said one of the MechWarriors.
He noticed that his passenger had dismounted and was making her way towards the Black Hawk, firing all the way. He jumped over the wall to draw the attention of the ‘Mech towards him. He fired his SRMs but missed wide. The ‘Mech returned with a shot from it’s autocannon. The shot exploded armor off of his left torso. The ‘Mech shuddered but didn’t fall. Another volley of SRMs sought their targets and exploded across it’s arms and torsos. No breaches yet.
Another volley from the Black Hawk went wide. The crosshairs on Adam’s screen passed over the damaged right torso. He depressed the trigger and his four lasers vaporized the remaining armor and all the internal structure. The ‘Mech fell apart under the hellish light. Adam turned his ‘Mech as the Elemental bounded back and attached to his ‘Mech. The DropShip was lifting off. He had taken to long. On the radio the pilot said, “We’ll be back sir, don’t worry. We have to split. ASFs are coming in fast and we have to leave now. Sorry.”
Adam stared as he saw the nearest help on this planet disappear. It had to be the most disturbing sight he had ever seen. He hoped sincerely they would be back.
Chapter 10
He pulled back to the base to see if he could find anything of use. A few hand weapons were left. He quickly dismounted and gathered them up. Mattlov was digging through the junk looking for supplies. He heard a groaning sound coming from under some rocks. He dashed over and lifted off some covering rocks. “Did they leave without me?” a voice asked weakly.
He recognized that voice instantly, “Tina, what the hell are you doing here?”
He pulled out a med patch and attached it to her arm. “I forgot some stuff in the barracks and got caught in an attack,” her words were slightly slurred and she was just about to add something when the patch took effect and she went to sleep.
Carefully he pulled her up to the cockpit of his ‘Mech. “Mattlov, let’s get out of here before your buddies show up.”
“Yes, ovKhan,” she said using the clan term of respect to irritate him.
He climbed in the cockpit and quickly got it running. He made a course towards the south heading at an angle away from the advancing clan ‘Mechs.
The ‘Mech quickly left the area before the clan unit could overrun the base. The ‘Mech entered a forest that was growing a few kilometers away from the base. He steered to a small clearing that had been used as a temporary base for long range patrols. A small cache of food and other supplies were stored in trees around the periphery. He was checking to make sure that Tina was still breathing in the cramped space of the cockpit. The sedative was still working so she was still asleep. “Dismount, this is our base for today,” he said as he brought out a tent and some other gear stored under his seat.
He pulled open the cockpit and carefully extracted Tina. Mattlov crawled up the side of the ‘Mech to assist. Together they brought her to the ground and did a quick examination with the Medkits simple diagnostic equipment. She was running a slight fever and their were two small fractures and a concussion. He inflated the tent and placed her inside. If this last few hours shows anything about what life will be like until they get back I am going to demand a vacation.
He grumbled slightly as he set about constructing a shelter for those outside the tent. It was only designed for one person. He pulled out some sleeping bags and built a lean-to out of some wood. “We take turns keeping guard. Tina gets the tent because she is not well. The accommodations aren’t the greatest but it’s better than sleeping on the ground,” Adam said.
“You sleep. I have already heard of how little sleep you get,”her tone was that of a scolding mother and she was brooking no nonsense.
He tried to get as comfortable as he could in the sleeping bag but it just didn’t feel. Soon his exhaustion was to much and he passed out.
Chapter 11
He was dreaming the dream he often had. A dream of what it might be like after the war was over. He had no doubt that the LLF would carry the day. He dreamed that maybe, just maybe, he could live a normal happy life.
A hand shook his shoulder. He opened his eyes and thought that maybe everything that had happened was just a dream but when he saw Mattlovs shaved bald head he knew that nothing had changed. He groaned as he sat up. His back felt as if there were a hole in it. “What time is it?” he asked.
“1900 hours,” Mattlov said.
“Jesus, that’s almost twelve hours and yet I still feel half dead,” Adam said.
“Your turn on guard. The technician woke up and was asking for you,”she said with a hint of disdain, still feeling the clan disdain for lower ranked “classes”.
“Hey, her name is Tina. Call her either that or Chief, understood?”Adam said sternly.
“I am sorry. I am not used to spheroid ways of thinking,” she said.
“That’s all right. I should have remembered you still aren’t used to us,” Adam said apologetically, “Good night.”
She climbed into the other sleeping bag and went to sleep immediately. Adam walked over to look in on Tina. She was sleeping peacefully. He didn’t disturb her as he closed the tent and went to stand guard. It seemed like only a few minutes before his watched chimed the end of his watch. He decided to let the Elemental rest. Those giant suits had to be tough to wear. He noticed that she had removed the suit. Placing it near the center of the camp. He lit a small fire at his station to keep him warm. He remembered to keep it low so as to not cast much light around. He dug through a sack of supplies and found some IR goggles and a ration pack. He quietly tore open the pack and scanned the foliage with the goggles. He remembered not to eat any of the flavoring because the smell could seep through the skin and drift for miles if it was strong enough.
A few minutes later he heard a moan come from the tent. He ran over and opened the flap. Tina was awake and was apparently in some pain. He grabbed a lighter dose sedative patch, enough to dull the pain, and placed it on her arm. She quieted down quickly. “How you doing?” he said softly.
“I feel like I was hit by a truck,” she said weakly.
“That’s almost what happened. You should be glad your still alive,” Adam said.
“Thanks for saving me,” she said trying to sit up.
He pushed her gently back down, “Don’t try to sit up. You’re welcome. I couldn’t let my favorite tech fall into clan hands,”he said with a small smile, feeling not at all as cheerful as he acted.
A half-smile crossed her face as he said that, “Without me you boys wouldn’t still be working,” she went to sleep again as she finished saying this.
I hope Vil gets back here soon. I don’t know how long we can survive here.
Chapter 12
The next few weeks were rather easy. Tina was getting better though she still was not out of danger. She still had a slight temperature but all the wounds were healing well. No clan patrols had found the camp. By that time they were used to the natural sounds of the forest. This morning all was quiet. Adam looked at his wrist chronometer: 1000. Their should be more sound that this by now, Adam thought. Damn, somethings going on.
“Get ready, I think we may have visitors.”
Mattlov climbed quickly into he armor and powered up. Adam picked up the rifle that Mattlov had found at the fort. He slammed a clip home and took the safety off. He ducked behind a log that he had placed for cover. Mattlov disappeared into the woods. She has gotten good at moving silently, he thought.
His senses tuned to the natural sounds of the forest easily detected the rhythmic sound of heavy footsteps. “Ready to fire,” Adam stage whispered into a microphone.
A double click came in response: affirmative. A point of Elementals stomped into the clearing. Adam’s clothing hid him from the visuals of the Elementals and he was lucky that the temperature was around 98 degrees preventing him from showing on their IR scans. He clicked the transmit button once and fired on the nearest Elemental. The faceplate cracked as the rounds impacted it and blasted the Elementals head open. Adam dove out of the way as all four Elementals lined up on the sound and fired. He was grazed by a round from the machine gun fire but it wasn’t serious. A small laser burst blasted the cockpit open on another Elemental. The Elementals hadn’t expected armored troops so they had their lasers shut off as Mattlov charged into their midst firing. Adam popped up and hammered another one with his rifle. The rounds bounced off the armor and did no more than anger the Elemental. He turned and fired at Adam. If not for the reflexes drilled into him he would have died but he dove out of the way and got a shot through the glass killing the Elemental. Mattlov took down another Elemental and swung on the last one. Seeing that their was no use he raised his MG arm and started firing wildly. Mattlov took him down with a well placed laser burst.
“Maybe having you along isn’t so bad after all,’ Adam said, “Now if only we had a dozen more of you.”
“We have the next best thing: armor.”
“Can you get that stuff working?”
“If I replace the face shield of one and clear out the body.”
“Well, let’s get to it, but first let me check on Tina.”
Adam walked over to the tent. It seemed undisturbed from the fire fight. He looked in and saw that the sedative pack had kept her unaware of any fighting that had gone on. He stepped in and readjusted the blanket over her. I wish we all could sleep that well.
Chapter 13
They had gotten the suit working, barely. It ran pretty well now that they had repaired it but it still smelled of blood. The Falcons had moved unbeknownst to them to a point between their position and a position where a DropShip was landing. A one way message came through the emergency receiver in his ‘Mech. There was a DropShip from the LLF. It gave their position in code and asked for anyone who could hear it to move to their position. It was a bit odd but it still made sense given the situation so Mattlov and Adam packed everything up and started to move towards the position. Almost immediately all message traffic stopped. Probably jamming in this area. Their still trying to catch but their a little late Adam thought smugly. The ‘Mechs sensors started to read fusion signatures ahead. Adam assumed that they were scouts from the DropShip. Just to make sure Adam and Mattlov made a recon patrol forward in their armor. The vehicles weren’t LLF, they were clan. Damn we were tricked.
A loud voice came through his headsets. “Attention forces of the Lyran Liberation Front. We know you are attempting to reach your Dropship but we will find you and take you prisoner. You have fallen for a simple ruse. Do not take to long to expose yourself. My warriors will become more hostile towards you,” said the woman.
“What the hell. Their is a DropShip but the Falcons jammed the normal transmission and sent their own. Then placed themselves between us and them,” Adam felt dejected at this turn of fate.
“Could we not invoke hegira, for we are defeated and we wish to get off planet but we need to prove our mettle. If we raided their headquarters we could enter the command center and make our request.”
“I don’t like it. It’s heading to the lion’s den but it is simple and it is decisive and unexpected. It might work. We have little time and we need to get Tina to a real hospital or she may die,” Adam thought it was crazy but he was a bit crazy and was getting desperate to get off the planet.
Returning to where they had left the ‘Mech they loaded everything they could onto their armor that could do damage. They looked like characters from an old movie Adam had seen in his youth: Rambo. They trudged through the sludge ready for anything. The headquarters facility was a makeshift wall with Elemental guards around the top. They waited till nightfall to attack. A click on the microphone in the helmet gave the go signal. Two grenades sailed through the air and impacted the wall. A distance down from the original point a quintet of staggered laser fire dropped two of the Elementals from the wall. Moving quickly Adam and Mattlov had thrown the grenades then rushed down and fired the killing shots. Now they dashed around to the opposite side where only a few Elementals stood guard as others rushed to see what was happening at the other end of the compound. They hit their jump jets and rose to the air on jets of flame. The branches they had attached to the suits made them look like some angry god of the forest come for revenge. An SRM shot out of Adam’s pack and impacted the communications dish destroying communications. With deadly accuracy Mattlov fried the Elementals standing guard as they stood rooted to their place in shock. They jumped the wall and landed inside the wall. Another volley of weapons fire took care of the Elementals dashing about on the wall. The wall sagged inward under the fire. Elementals were scattered and crushed in the fall. The vengeful warriors used their lasers to kill the Elementals who were alive, more out of mercy than anything else.
Mattlov dashed to the barracks and prevented the MechWarriors from reaching the machines. Adam ran to the Headquarters building and kicked open the door. His laser fire cut down the two Elementals in the room and the machine gun aligned with the staff at the table. “Which of you is the leader here?” Adam said through the external speakers.
A tall woman with long black hair stood up, “I am Khan Marthe Pryde of Clan Jade Falcon. What is the meaning of this?”
Her eyes focused on his through the glass with an intent and intimidating stare but he did not flinch. “I am Hauptmann Adam Davion of the Lyran Liberation Front. I believe you were trying to pull a trick on me.”
“You happen to be related The Falcon Slayer would you?” Khan Pryde said.
“Yes I am, his nephew. Now if we can dispense with the pleasantries. I have a request to make,” Adam said.
“And what would those be Hauptmann?” she said icily.
“My men wish to ask for hegira. Your allowance for a defeated enemy to retreat. We will return all equipment captured after the retreat and will leave for our homes.”
“Your soldiers, how many do they number? Answer me this and I will consider your request for hegira.”
“We are three, ma’am. One of us is a tech who is injured. I am a member of the LLF Loki and also a MechWarrior and the third is formerly of your clan. Mattlov, an Elemental.”
With this statement a mumble rose from the gathered crowd. Khan Pryde’s attitude of icy discipline almost faltered but she kept it up, “You killed over two points of our best Elementals with only two warriors. You have earned the right to leave but not under hegira. You are not the defeated side for we suffered the more total losses. You shall be given free travel to your DropShip. Also I will allow you to keep the equipment as trophies of this battle. You have earned the respect of the Falcon but remember that we will no forget this embarrassment. Is their anything else?”
“That is all I have to say. Thank you. We shall depart now. From what I have heard you are honorable and will not attack us. Until we meet again,” Adam bowed ceremoniously and left the room, “We have freedom to leave. Let’s get the hell of this damn planet.”
Chapter 14
The next days trip was easy. No more worrying about getting shot at. As they neared the DropShip his sensors picked up clan ‘Mechs approaching from both sides. From the tree line two novas, a star of ‘Mechs with a star of Elementals riding along, came out of the trees. The clan units stopped two hundred meters to both sides and the Elementals dismounted. Adam stopped his Jenners movement as he watched the oddest spectacle he had ever seen unfold. The Elementals stood at attention and raised their weapons to fire over where his ‘Mech would pass. The ‘Mechs mirroring their counterparts did the same. Adam realized it was a sign of respect. He walked his ‘Mech forward and watched as each rank of units fired over his ‘Mechs head and dropped its arm. The last ‘Mech in the line, a Summoner, opened a channel to his ‘Mech. “When you see the Falcon Slayer next give him this message. Do not read it,” said Khan Pryde as he received the message and stored it, “You are a great warrior. We would do well to capture you but we have no such luck. I wish you luck Hauptmann.”
The screen shut off and the Summoner raised it’s arm in a rough approximation of a salute. Adam turned his ‘Mech and bowed it as he had no arms to salute with. Tina was sitting in the back seat peacefully still asleep from the drugs. Adam turned forward and marched aboard the DropShip. He dumped the message to a Verigraph for Vilhelm. He saw a familiar figure standing in the bay. It was Vilhelm in the flesh. Adam pulled Tina out carefully and the medics put her on a stretcher. “Take care of her,”he said trying not to sound worried.
Vilhelm approached him as he climbed all the way down the ‘Mech. “That was quit some adventure, ehhh?” Vilhelm asked.
“Yeah, some adventure,” he said sounding distracted as he was thinking of Tina, then switching into an official tone, “Sir, I am requesting a very long break for all the members of Onyx. We really need some rest. Especially us. I also want to inform you that I never want to see a forested planet ever again,” finishing by going into a comical sounding voice.
“I know what you have been through so I have authorized two weeks of R&R for you and your unit. As for the planet thing I don’t think I can do that,” he said.
“Oh yeah and this is from the Khan of the Jade Falcons. Don’t ask me what it says it is encoded for your DNA,” he said as he handed the Verigraph to Vilhelm, “Hey Mattlov get over here!” Adam shouted.
She trotted over in her armor, “Reporting.”
“Two things. First, thanks for sending her along without her I don’t think we would have pulled through. Second,” he turned to Mattlov and extended his hand, “Thank you for all your help. I was wrong in judging you by my feelings towards the clans.”
“Thank you sir,” she said, then in a rush of emotion got Adam in a bear hug with the armor on.
Adam struggled and managed to tap her on the head, “I need air!!!”he gasped out.
She released him and apologized. Adam turned and addressed Vilhelm, “Request permission to have Mattlov enlisted and assigned to the Task Force.”
“Permission granted. That was what I was planning on before now.”
“If you’ll excuse me I need a shower and then I am going to check on Tina.”
Adam saluted then dashed for his quarters. He grabbed a shower, he was smelling pretty badly by now, and after dressing went to check on Tina.
Chapter 15
The medics had done a good job she was going to be fine by tomorrow. She was conscious and waiting for him to show up. “Hauptmann, thanks for saving me,” she said.
“You would have done the same thing. I just was talking to the Field Marshal and he says that everyone in the Task Force is getting two weeks furlough. How about me getting you that real dinner I promised you?”
“Sounds like fun. Which reminds me. Have you noticed an increase in accuracy on your ‘Mech?”
“Yeah, you didn’t tinker with something else did you?”he said.
“Well I stripped out a targeting computer from one of those ‘Mechs you destroyed and retrofitted it to yours,” she said smiling mischievously.
“You are too good to me. As soon as you feel up to it we’ll have that dinner on a real planet without any people trying to kill us.”
“That seems like a new thing. I just want to get away from this war for a while. Let’s do some real camping in the wilderness,”she said, “That sounds like fun.”
“We just finished a few weeks of that,” Adam said.
“Good point. But it will be much nicer with just the two of us and no clans to try and make our lives miserable,” she said.
“Actually the quiet would be nice. Let’s do it,” Adam said as he looked at the only woman he decided that he truly loved.
“You had better get some rest so you recover and I need some as well. I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said as he knelt and kissed her on the cheek.
She smiled happily as he was leaving and thought that maybe she could have a normal life after all. |
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