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Birth of the Gryphon
by Krisman |
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20 kilometres east of Caledonia City, Caledonia,
Rahneshire, Lyran Commonwealth
06 July, 2848
Hauptmann Alexandria Gryphon fired another shot of her left arm particle projectile cannon (PPC) and watched as the blue beam hit the enemy BattleMech and melted armour from its right leg. The enemy 'Mech, a Warhammer like hers, was painted with the red colours of a Draconis Combine Swords of Light unit. The two 'Mechs faced off, like a pair of ten metre tall twins, one wearing red and one wearing the white of the Lyran Royal Guard.
As she waited for the PPC to cycle back, she fired the SRM-6 and watched as four of the six missiles impacted on the centre torso of the Draconis Warhammer. She glanced out the right portion of her canopy and wished she still had the right arm of her 'Mech. But that had been destroyed in the early part of the battle. She cursed as the alarm indicated incoming missiles from the Draconis 'Mech. All six hit and were followed by two PPC bolts, stripping more armour off of her left leg and left torso. The internal structure was now visible through the holes in her leg armour. She fought to keep control from the weapons barrage her Warhammer had just received, and lost. She braced herself as she fell backwards.
As the dust settled she saw the sky darken as the shadow of Colonel Tiber Hinders Zeus appeared. It attacked the Draconis Warhammer with its Autocannon/5 and LRM-15. The missiles removed armour from the centre torso and the AC rounds ripped armour from the already damaged leg, rocking the Draconis Warhammer, throwing it off balance. As it fell, Tiber fired his Zeus's large laser, causing more damage.
"You OK, Alex," Tiber voice said in Alex's helmet radio.
"'Mech took a beating, but I'm OK," she replied as she brought her Warhammer back to a standing position.
"Then let's finish this piece of Drac garbage," Tiber said as he opened fire again on the prone Draconis Warhammer. Alex joined in and soon saw the right leg separate from the monstrous war-machine. It would not be rejoining the battle. Alex and Tiber turned their machines toward the main battle being fought on the plain outside of the city. Tiber picked up the pace and Alex had to push the limits of her Warhammer to keep up.
"Colonel," she said over the radio. "I've got a bad leg. Computer says the foot actuator is damaged. It's gonna be hard to keep up."
"Just move as quickly as you can," he replied. "This has become a fighting withdrawal. If you can, provide cover fire for the infantry. That's all I ask."
"Yes sir," Alex said as she lined up another Draconis Warhammer. As she and Tiber laid down covering fire, the remaining company of infantry and one lone troop carrier made it past the Lyran 'Mechs. Alex could see, via radar transponder, which other Fourth Royal Guard BattleMechs were also pulling back. It was a full retreat.
"Pull back into the forest," Tiber said over the general frequency. "We'll regroup and take stock of what's left." Alex put her Warhammer into reverse and helped to deter any Draconis 'Mech from following. As she entered the forest, she felt a wave of guilt and anger flow over her. The Fourth Royal Guard, the "Pride of the Commonwealth" had just lost more ground, and with the loss of Caledonia City, all of their supplies. This had not been a good day for the Fourth.
Colonel Tiber Hinders sat underneath a large maple tree as his brother, Major Michael Hinders, Alex, and Leutnant Kel Davis sat in a semi-circle around him. Tiber left his black hair long, except for the patch at the top of his skull. Like all other Lyran Commonwealth MechWarriors, the top part of the skull was shaved to allow better connection to the smaller neurohelmets used by Lyran 'Mech pilots. Michael wore his hair similar to Tiber's but Alex wore hers in a Mohawk fashion. Kel removed his cap and ran his hand over his short brush cut.
"No offence to the Colonel," he said, "but what the hell do we do now?"
"I don't know," said Tiber. "I've had it with this crap. Seven years of being whittled down to one company of 'Mechs and one company of Infantry. Seven years of them knowing exactly where we are. If I ever find that spy... I'll rip his throat out."
"What of your request to the Archon?" asked Michael.
"Ah, our glorious leader. He sends his praise for lasting as long as we have but as to reinforcements, again he has turned down our request. We are to do without," Tiber replied.
"What?" exclaimed Kel. "We're getting destroyed and there's no relief? After seven years of this, I thought maybe, just maybe, the Archon would send us some help."
"There's more," said Tiber. Turning his attention to Alex he said, "Upon order of the Archon, Claudius Steiner, I am to remove you, Hauptmann Alexandria Gryphon, from active duty and place you under arrest for crimes against the Commonwealth."
"What? Why?" asked Alex.
"The Archon discovered the supply juggling your father was doing. Although he kept us in supplies for the past three years, it was against orders of the Lyran military council. For his action in the diversion of supplies from the local militia he has been placed under house arrest. For your part in the 'conspiracy' you are to be confined to quarters until the end of this engagement, at which time you will face a full court martial."
"This is stupid!"
"I agree," said Tiber. "That's why I'm going to pretend the message never got here. I need all the warriors I can find."
"Thanks Colonel," Alex said with a smile. Tiber returned it.
"That's what friends are for," he said. "All right people, I've made a decision. To hell with Claudius Steiner and his Military Council. We are going to hit back with everything we have to reach the Comstar facility in Caledonia City. Once there we apply for protection and make our way off planet. It's obvious that Archon Claudius doesn't care about us or this planet, so why should we."
"When do we leave?" asked Kel.
"In about one hour. Go tell your people. Dismissed." With salutes, all left except Alex. When she figured the coast was clear, he hugged Tiber and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"I've got some more news for you," he said.
"I've got some new also," she said. "You first."
"I received word following the first message. It's about your brother." Tiber's face became long and he looked at the ground. "He was killed," Tiber said. "He died laying cover fire for the remaining troops trying to escape New Caledonia."
"No," Alex whispered. "The body...?"
"Comstar offered to transport it home, but the Archon wouldn't pay because of the situation with your father. He was buried in the Comstar graveyard." Tiber could feel Alex begin to tremble as the news hit home. "I'm sorry," he said in a soft voice.
BOOM!
"What was that?" said Tiber as he looked in the direction of the explosion. They heard screams and small arms fire. Tiber pushed Alex behind him. "Run!" he said.
"I can't," she replied. "Not without you."
"No time," Tiber said as he pulled his revolver. "They've found us, again. Get out of here now!"
"But Tiber..." Alex said as Tiber began to walk toward the sounds of gunfire. "My news..."
"It can wait, now get out of here!" he shouted. "That's an order Hauptmann." And with that, he ran into the trees to join the fighting.
"Tiber," Alex said in a whisper as she watched his back disappear amongst the greenery. "I'm pregnant."
Alex and three other prisoners watched as the two Thunderbolts beat each other with their metal fists and kicked with their metal feet, since the weapons on both 'Mechs were disabled. In one, was Tiber. The other was the supposed spy that had been giving away the Fourth's position and plans for the past seven years.
Before the battle that was playing out below, Tiber, Alex and the other three were allowed a final meal together. Sergeant Maria Tompkins, one of the other three prisoners, said she had seen Michael fall during battle, but she had not seen a body and didn't know what happened to him. None of the other two knew what happened to Kel. Alex was also able to tell Tiber that she was pregnant. His face showed both joy and sorrow. That's when Hugai Kurita, son of the Coordinator of the Draconis Combine, offered Tiber the chance to kill the spy. Tiber could not pass up the opportunity.
The battle was swift, as the Thunderbolt piloted by Tiber seemed to gain the upper hand almost instantly. The opposing Thunderbolt seemed to be slow with its left arm, allowing for an opening in its defence. Within fifteen minutes Tiber's Thunderbolt was standing over top of the spy. Reaching down, Tiber's 'Mech ripped the canopy from the downed Thunderbolt. Shock fell over the remaining members of the Fourth Royal Guard as the looked at the video feed from Tiber's 'Mech. There, sitting in the pilot's chair of the downed Thunderbolt was Michael Hinders. Everyone could see that blood was weeping from a gunshot wound to his left shoulder and a large gash from under his neurohelmet. Tiber opened his canopy and climbed down to his brother. He started to unbuckle Michael from the pilot restraints.
"Michael?" Tiber asked. His voice was being carried over the helmet's radio to those up on the ridge.
"Tiber," came a weak voice from Michael. "You're not the spy are you?"
"No," Tiber said as his voice trembled. "I was told you were. I am so sorry Michael."
"You didn't know," said Michael weakly. "Neither of us knew." Michael coughed as he put a hand to his wounded shoulder."
"Don't move Mike," said Tiber. "We'll get you patched up."
"It's too late, Ti. I've lost too much blood. I just held out long enough for a chance at revenge..." Michael's hand slumped from his shoulder as he passed on. Tiber stood and looked up at the ridge where Hugai Kurita and the prisoners were standing.
"How very funny," Hugai said into his earpiece microphone. "Each of you thinking the other was the spy. Truth be told, even I don't know who the spy was. We just received anonymous tips. For seven years we whittled you down. You caused me to lose many good soldiers and MechWarriors. I figured this was a suitable revenge."
"You're mad, Kurita!" screamed Tiber.
"Think what you will, but I'm the one in control. Goodbye Colonel Hinders." Alex watched as Hugai pulled out a narrow pistol, which could only be a laser pistol, and aimed at Tiber. He never moved as Hugai pulled the trigger and the red bolt of energy pierced Tiber's helmet and skull, killing him instantly. Two of the prisoners, both infantrymen, attacked Hugai, or tried to, but were cut down by his personal guard. Maria and Alex just stood and watched helplessly as they awaited their fate. Hugai walked to them and smiled. "Send them to Tishomingo," he said. "They can work the farms while their government decides if they want them back."
Outside the city of Urado
Tishomingo, Federated Suns occupation zone
03 April, 2849
Maria drove the jeep with all abandon to the closest hospital. Alex had gone into labour hours before, but it had been almost impossible to get a ride to the city of Urado. Ever since the armies of the Federated Suns had invaded the planet a month ago, working transportation had been at a premium. The civil unrest had caused the security at the detention centre where Maria and Alex worked the local farm land, to become non-existent, allowing them to escape. As they drove, they could here the battle raging in the city.
"Hold on Alex," Maria said. "We're almost there."
"I'm trying," Alex said as they crested a hill and slow down. She looked and saw BattleMechs, tanks, and infantry blocking the entrance to the city. "Oh crap," Alex said. The jeep rolled to a stop as three infantrymen, wearing Federated Suns green walked up to the jeep.
"Sorry ladies," said one of the soldiers. "No-one's allowed in."
"This is kind of an emergency," Maria said. "She's pregnant and in labour." Alex's face showed the pain she was in. The lone female soldier looked at Maria and Alex. She turned to her two comrades.
"Get a medic," she said. "This is no joke."
"Jesus Murphy," said the remaining solder as he took off to get his superior and a medic team.
"We got a team comin'," said the female soldier. "You don't look like Dracs, but you'll understand if we follow you?"
"No problem," said Maria. "We've only been surrounded by guards for the past nine months." Maria hopped out of the jeep and went to the back to pull out a jacket. The first soldier stopped Maria and looked at the patches on the jacket.
"These are Lyran patches," he said as he saw the clenched fist symbol of the Lyran Commonwealth.
"We're prisoners of war," explained Maria. "We're all that's left of the Fourth Royal Guard."
"You're not prisoners anymore," said a new voice. He was a tall man with short red hair and a goatee-moustache. He wore the same plain green uniform, but he had the red colour shoulder epaulettes that denoted that he was an officer, and a MechWarrior. He was followed by a medic team that quickly went over to Alex. "Leftenant Mark Davion," he said holding his hand out to Maria. "First Argyle Lancers, Armed Forces of the Federated Suns."
"Sergeant Maria Tompkins," she said taking his hand. "Fourth Royal Guard, Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces. And that is Hauptmann Alexandria Gryphon."
"Pleased to meet you both," he said as he looked over the medic team. They helped Alex out of the jeep and started to slowly walk her to the waiting field ambulance. "Sorry to hear about the Fourth,"
"You've heard?"
"Anyone who kills Dracs is a friend of the AFFS," said Mark with a smile. "The news was reported here early in the new year, after your Archon died."
"Claudius is dead?" said Maria.
"Yes. Early in January."
"Thank God," Maria said. "Maybe Alex can finally get some closure..."
Alex relaxed in her field hospital bed. She had heard the rushing around of the nurses as the wounded from the day's battle were about to filter in. But she didn't care. She was too enthralled with the face and tiny fingers of her son. She looked up and saw a very sweaty and tired looking Maria followed by Mark Davion.
"Hey Alex, how're you doing?"
"Exhausted, but good. You look like you've been through Hell."
"Sergeant Tompkins here is a very apt MechWarrior, Hauptmann Gryphon," Mark said. "I was glad to have her in my lance."
"You were out there?"
"Any chance to kill a Drac..." Maria said with a smile and a shrug. "So, who's the little one?" Alex smiled and presented her son.
"I'd like you to meet Richard Tiber Gryphon," she said.
"Richard..." said Maria her face turning serious.
"That was your brother's name," Mark said. Alex stared at Mark with confusion. Mark smiled. "Maria told me all about what happened. I want to give you my greatest sympathies, as one MechWarrior to another. What was done to your family, was disgraceful."
"Thank you," she said, bitterness creeping into her voice.
"I'm certain your father would love to hear the news about his grandson," Mark said changing the subject.
"I can't send a message," Alex said. "It would be intercepted by Claudius."
"Claudius is dead," said Maria.
"What?"
"Claudius died early in January," Mark said. "I'm quite certain you could send a message."
"But the cost " Alex said shaking her head.
"Will be covered by Duke Jonathan Davion of Royal," Mark said. "Your sergeant helped us, so we'll help you."
"I couldn't let you do that," Alex said. "I would have to pay you back."
"Consider it a birthday gift for the little one," Mark said.
"I still feel I would have to repay you in some way."
"How about we work the details out later. Right now, the message is the important thing."
House of the former Landgrave John Gryphon
Outside Montmarault City, Montmarault,
Tamar Domains, Lyran Commonwealth
06 April 2849
Vincent Jackson was a tall man with neatly cut jet black hair and a casual demeanour. He wore a dress uniform of the Tenth Lyran Guard with Hauptmann rank insignia. He walked into the foyer of the house, where he was met by the butler.
"Good morning Landgrave Jackson," he said.
"Good morning," replied Vincent. "Is my uncle awake?"
"He's having breakfast in the sun room. Shall I fetch him?"
"No, I'll join him. There is a message from a Duke Jonathan Davion of the Federated Suns."
"The Federated Suns, sir?" said the butler. "How odd."
"That's what I thought," Vincent said as he began to walk to the sun room. He found his uncle eating breakfast and reading the current news sheet. "Uncle," said, to make his presence known. John Gryphon was a man of excellent shape for the age of fifty years, physically, but the stress of the past nine months had done much to age the man mentally. He also wore the dress uniform of the Tenth Lyran Guard, but had removed all rank insignia after his house arrest.
"Vincent my boy!" he said with a smile. "Come, join me for breakfast."
"I wish I could, Uncle, but I am here on official business."
"I see," said John. "It must be very important to come here this early in the morning. What can I do for you?"
"I need some answers, Uncle." Vincent handed him the message disk emblazoned with the sword and starburst symbol of the Federated Suns."
"What's this?" John asked.
"I was hoping you could tell me. It's from Duke Jonathan Davion of Royal, Federated Suns."
"I don't know any Duke Davion."
"I know that, but you know how the secret service has been meddling. And with your house arrest "
"I understand," said John. "Has anyone seen this?"
"No," said Vincent. "It came to 'the Landgrave of Montmarault'. It was wrapped in an official Comstar envelope."
"I see," said John. He scratched his beard and retrieved his disk player. He set on the table and motioned for Vincent to sit. "Let's see what it says." He put the disk in and pressed the play button. On the liquid crystal display came the image of the Federated Suns. It faded and was replaced by the image of Alex, holding her new born son. She was still in her hospital gown. To her right was Mark and to her left was Maria.
"Hi Dad," she said with a smile. "It's me Alex. First I want to say, I'm not dead, and I'm not being held hostage. Sergeant Maria Tompkins," here Maria waved to the camera, "and I have been the prisoners of the Draconis Combine since the fall of Caledonia. We're the only two left of the entire Fourth Royal Guard. We were rescued by Federated Suns soldiers after they invaded the planet of Tishomingo.
"I bet you're wondering who this little one is. This is Richard Tiber Gryphon. And before you ask, the man to my right is not the father. Colonel Tiber Hinders of the Fourth Royal Guard, was killed in the last skirmish on Caledonia. There is another message going to Tiber's sister, telling her of how her brothers, Tiber and Major Michael Hinders, died at the hands of the Draconis Combine and how Tiber still lives on in little Richard here.
"The man to my right is Leftenant Mark Davion, son of Duke Jonathan Davion of Royal. And again, before you ask, he is related to 'those' Davions on New Avalon. In fact, it was his unit, the First Argyle Lancers, which led the attack on the city of Urado that helped to free us. Now, with his father's blessing, he is paying for the messages that were sent out today. He is a man of high honour, Dad. So I am now in his debt, twice over.
"With that in mind, I have come to a decision, even he doesn't know. Our family motto is 'Dare'. I dared to believe I could survive and I did. So now, I dare to challenge the Archon and the military council. The running joke among the AFFS is that Lyran soldiers are led by con-men and cowards that would sooner surrender or stuff their own pockets than actually fight. After what has happened to my regiment and then to my family, I see this to be true. So, I here by swear my loyalty and fealty to Prince Michael Davion of the Federated Suns and to Duke Jonathan Davion of Royal. I'm sure you can understand. After the way Claudius Steiner treated our family and my unit, I cannot in good conscious serve the Steiner family. They killed my brother. They stripped you of your title and placed you under house arrest. And my unit. That bastard killed my unit. He left an entire regiment to die slowly over a seven year period. I hope to have your blessing Dad. I love you, and remember, just dare."
The screen went black. Vincent turned to his uncle. He could see the tears running down the man's face, partly tears of joy of his daughter's safety and new grandson, but also tears of anger as he remembered his son, Richard Gryphon, who had been killed saving the rest of his unit, and the punishment and ridicule he had incurred trying to save his daughter's regiment from total destruction.
"Uncle " Vincent began.
"Would it be wrong to leave," John said.
"Leave? I don't understand."
"Alex is right. I can't serve the Steiners any longer. If I collected a few personal items and such, could I count on you to look the other way?"
"Look the other way? You cannot be serious?"
"I am. You are the new Landgrave of Montmarault. What is there here for me?" Vincent looked at his uncle. He knew that John Gryphon, former Colonel in the Tenth Lyran Guards and now disgraced former Landgrave of Montmarault, had nothing left in the Lyran Commonwealth.
"Where are you going to go?" Vincent asked.
"To Royal. I want to give my thanks to Duke Jonathan Davion personally. And then to New Avalon, to pledge my loyalty to Prince Michael Davion," said John.
"Then I suggest you leave as soon as possible. I'll handle any questions. I'm quite certain, with you not being here, the secret service will leave all of us alone."
"Take care of yourself Vincent," John said as he stood. He took the video disk from the machine and placed it back into its case. Taking the case, he smiled, and without turning back, he walked out of the room.
Royal Palace
Avalon City, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
16 July, 2849
Prince Michael Davion was a tall man with an aura that, to the newcomers from the Lyran Commonwealth, said this was a man of peace. Unfortunately he was trapped in a time of great war, which he displayed by wearing an AFFS dress uniform, although it lacked all rank insignia except for the spurs on his boots that all AFFS MechWarriors wore out of tradition. His Uncle, Peter Davion, on the other hand had the demeanour of a great warrior. He also wore an AFFS dress uniform like Michael's, but with the shoulder epaulette with Field Marshal rank insignia.
Alex, four month old Richard and John had travelled with Duke Jonathan Davion to New Avalon to meet the Prince. Michael and Peter first shook hands with Jonathan and then were introduced to John, Alex, and little Richard. As they sat, John and Alex told him of how their family was ostracised by the Lyran government and the horrible tale of the demise of the Fourth Royal Guard. When done, Michael looked at John.
"I can understand your loss and I give you my sympathies, but what is it that you want from me?" the Prince said.
"Only the chance to show you our loyalty, Highness," said John. "Your military saved my daughter and my newborn grandson from life long slave labour at the hands of the Draconis Combine. Your cousin, Duke Jonathan has currently taken them in, at the request of his son, Mark. We are in your debt. I have some money, but that would be worthless versus the compassion shown by Duke Jonathan.
"Therefore I ask that for the chance to remain in the Federated Suns, myself, and my heirs will serve you, Prince Michael Davion, and your rightful heirs, with total and unswerving loyalty. You need us, we will be there. No matter how gruesome the task, no matter how disturbing the circumstance." John then stood, pushed his chair to the side and genuflected and bowed his head.
"My family is forever in your debt, Your Highness. Command me. Command us," John said. Alex had been expecting this. She and her father had discussed what was going to happen. What she did not know was the reaction of Duke Jonathan, Peter, or Prince Michael. Alex then rose from her seat and also genuflected, which was difficult, since she was holding a baby. Michael rose from his chair and walked to John and Alex.
"There have been days when I have wondered about the loyalty of my own armed forces. Very few people have shown me loyalty to the lengths you have. Rise and consider yourself a friend, John Gryphon. Of course you may stay in the Federated Suns. I am quite certain Duke Jonathan would enjoy your presence on Royal."
"It would be an honour," said Jonathan as he rose. John and Alex rose to stand before their new Prince. "I would be glad to have these warriors as part of the AFFS," Jonathan said.
"I, myself am not really a man of war," said Michael. "But my uncle, Peter, he is like my father, Prince Paul. He'll know where we can fit you in."
"Thank you, Your Highness," said John.
"No," said Michael. "Thank you." |
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