Faction roleplaying thread
Fox's Den, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
February 20, 3069
Sweat and tempers flared in the room in the late hours as a meeting continued way past the intended hour of breaking due to a heated argument. On both sides, there was no exact middle ground especially when it was learned that worlds of the Federated Suns were burning. In the middle of the table, the holographic generator showed the images of Great Gorge.
It was from a merchant jumpship trying to escape the system. Streaks of light flew towards the world from the McKenna and Congress warships. As a bolt of blue headed towards the ground, a fist hit the holotable as the bolt of energy rained death down on the planet.
"Again, you deny that we should not just use the option of nukes on these . . . monsters," said Marshall Kossacks. Sitting on the opposite end of the table was Conrad Davion, Regent for Yvonne. "The First Prince would not authorize it. And I won't either. If we go down that path . . .," Conrad never finished.
"Cut that chatter, we lost the Havock so far, and hundreds of citizens of the Federated Suns are dead because we are delaying the use of our nuclear stockpiles." Conrad shock his head. "But it will let out that genie out of the bag."
And then Quintus Allard spoke. "Ladies and Gentlemen, we know the First Prince's opinion, but let's first see what the reaction in the Star League is. If we stand alone, it would probably be best to act a bit more bull headed."
And then Quintus added. "But for now generals, lords, and whoever else is here. I think its time to go get some sleep."
Finally the men and women decided to adjourn on the issue for now.
In the air above NAIS Campus
Continent of Albion, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
March 2, 3068
Conrad sat nervous in his seat as the blades of the VTOL spun. Heather, his wife had gone into labor, and at the same time news of Victor's condition had reached him. "Yvonne must be a nervous wreck at the moment," said Quintus Allard. The ancient steward of Suns Intelligence sat opposite Conrad.
When news and pictures of the invasion by the remnants of the Smoke Jaguars reached the rest of the Federated Suns especially New Avalon, there was panic. Some of the worlds in the Outback had already demanded immediate action especially Filtvelt and Marquees Helen. These issues weighed on Conrad acting as Regent for Yvonne who had been helping her brother Peter who had been in a coma. Suddenly Conrad was brought out of his thoughts by Quintus. "I said, Yvonne must be a nervous wreck."
Conrad shook his head. "Honestly, I have no idea. The news of her brother Victor's condition has yet to be sent out on the Black Box network. If she gets news, it will be by another jumpship transferring news." Quintus smiled. "I knew that would get you out of your stupor, boy." Quintus tightened his grip on his cane. "Unfortunately, I expect since she is so close to Terra that she will probably take a detour there. With Arthur and Katherine unable to see him due to their own conditions rather it be heaven or hell, I think the Archon-Prince would appreciate his youngest sister being at his bedside."
Conrad sighed. "But that leaves me in charge," he shook his head. "I now know how John Davion felt." Wearing a AFFS uniform barring any ribbons or awards save for a Major's rank and the emblem of the Federated Suns, Conrad fingered the cuffs on his right sleeve. Quintus shook his head. "I wouldn't worry Conrad. When Minoru Kurita set off the First Succession War, your ancestor John didn't have a force that could really slow down the Combine. At the moment, the AFFS has a sizeable number of RCTs and warships out there."
Conrad shook his head. "But we already lost a third of a march milita, two of those new planetary defense forces, the Havock plus her escorts, and most glaring of all several millions citizens. The orbital bombardment and pillaging has not done wonders in the press." Quintus sighed. "If you are just going to give up now, we should just invite the Dark to burn New Avalon now, but I don't expect you to."
Conrad nodded. "It's just the loss of the Havock was insane. Going up against three heavily armed warships meant that it was impossible for it to survive." Quintus who swirlved with the VTOL as it began to go into a vertical descent smiled. "And yet the Robinson destroyed a battleship and escaped. So, God has not yet left our side. We just have to do what we have always done and be able to outsmart our enemies."
Conrad nodded as the chopper began to descent.
As a Davion Guardsmen, Major Schwarz Bruder opened the passenger door of the VTOL. Conrad and Quintus had several guards who arrived earlier as they crossed the greens of the majestic campus of the New Avalon Institute of Science. The ground had begun to look green again after a recent snow that made the ground a bit soggy.
Moments later a mountain of a man, former Khan Cameron Kabrinski of Clan Ghost Bear walked up. Under the alias of Cameron Phillips, he had taken over two positions at NAIS: one as a trainer of Battlearmor troopers at the New Avalon Military Academy and also as a coach of the American Football team.
Cameron being the size of a bear with the strength of one too meant that most thought that he was in fact a vicious individual especially with the secrets of his mechanical arm. However, he was in fact a cook and ironically a good father from what Conrad had observed.
Quintus spoke first. "Ah Cameron, I see that you are doing well. I expect that Albion will not expect a total pushover season next year from NAIS. But that is not why Conrad and I have come especially since Conrad attend Albion."
Cameron nodded. "Aff, I have heard that the bandits struck worlds. Even now, the Jaguars have not learned anything in their disgrace. So, what has you come here for advice. I spent most of my career fighting living clans not bandits."
Conrad spoke up as the VTOL continued to give cover to the discussion as several trainer mechs walked by on the grounds. "But you might be able to give us in a insight into what might prevent the Dark from doing too much damage."
Cameron shook his head. "A jaguar is a jaguar. If Howell is still in charge of them, I'd imagine that they will try and drown with brute force. As the Inner Sphere learned, overconfidence and puffing out their chest like new cadets are hallmarks of Clan Smoke Jaguar. And I don't imagine the Jaguars have changed while being in the void."
Conrad suddenly got a grin that a fox would envy. "Cameron, I believe you have just made me feel better what I've been considering."
Cameron laughed. "Well that's good, but I believe that you should get back to your wife, Regent Davion. She apparently needs you more right now than a decision that will take months to implement quiaff?"
Conrad nodded. "Quintus, I need you to go to the Den and approve Nero."
Smiling at Quintus, Conrad then returned to the VTOL and flew off to his wife. Quintus stood back with Cameron. "I appreciate you giving him the advice. The attack has nearly crippled him. We just needed something to jolt him into the correct corner."
Cameron shook his head. "Is it true that the AFFS is considering throwing nuclear weapons at the Jaguars?" The former Khan of the Ghost Bear looked bleak. Quintus didn't lie. "The thought has occurred to the High Command. It is just that thanks to Aers II, we don't have access to a lot of weapons since it has taken time to dispose of them effectively. Though we inherited some from St. Ives it appears. But it would take two months to send those to fight the Dark."
Cameron shook his head. "That may buy you win this battle, Old Spymaster, but it will probably cost you in the end." And Quintus nodded. "Indeed, it would cost us a lot. But to protect Avalon, most of the AFFS would use Perdition's flame to ward off those that would dare touch her ground."
Cameron laughed. "You talk like this is Terra sometimes." Quintus laughed. "Why would I insult New Avalon by calling it Terra? Terra may be the homeworld of humanity, but it is a place of contradictions. Forests and massive deserts battling each other for control at all time. New Avalon on the other hand is nearly a paradice. And there are so few true paradises in this universe."
Above New Avalon near Recharge Station- Lancelot's Charge
Between the arrival of jumpships, space suddenly was filled with energy is the Andrew Davion appeared along with her Near Escort Fleet. Then a moment later, the FSS Independence appeared. One of the replacement Foxes.
Fox's Den
Marshall William Kossacks looked at the hologram in the middle of table of the Andrew Davion appear. "It seems Operation Nero is in full swing now," he said. "Hopefully the smoke will cover up the plans for Unicorn."
The Flag Bridge on the FSS Melissa Davion was filled to capasity. Not only was she Admiral Sir David Cunningham's Task Force command ship, but had also been taken over as Fleet Marshal's Alister Buckwald Headquarters for the upcomming Opperation Full Frontal (nudity)
"David"
"Yes Sir"
"Remind me to shoot Willie, when I get Back."
"Why, what did Fleet Admrial Kossacks do?"
"He gave us this stupid opperation name"
"What ever haponed to the old Board of Opperation names."
"Well after we hit Opperation Fox for the 18th time since the 2nd Sucession War we decided we needed a new board, but in the mean time we just went with pulling names out of our back sides, But I think Wet Willie reached just a bit to far this time "
" Amazing his hand did not get stuck."
"Indeed still theplan has marets and boy will these over guned bandits be in for a shock when every one else shows"
Near the Clan Homeworlds
Admiral Louis Tourville had come to a decision as he looked at the men and women who made up the command staff of his Battlegroup. In the comfort of the FSS Alexander Davion's gravity deck, the spacers could decide in the flag mesh, the final decision. Vice Admiral Kate Summerville had her own opinion. "You have to let the Alex go out there and prove her worth, Louis."
The Admiral shook his head. "If we had some sort of proof of the Combine actually coming, it would be one thing." He answered thoughtfully. For several days, it had weighed on Tourville that the Combine may actually be in range to change the plan. It had been an unusual plan from the beginning. And in many ways, he felt more like Hannibal, but Tourville had no elephants or in his case mechs to start the raiding of the Clan Territory.
And finally he got to his point, he lowered his arms and shook his head. "However, our objective has never been to hurt Clan Infrastructure. It has been from the beginning to make them twice about using whatever they have to attack the Inner Sphere. Ladies and Gentlemen, we will continue on the original plan." Tourville looked at a Commodore at the table.
"Commodore, is the FSS Nahoni, ready?" Commodore Nathaniel Godwinson smiled. "She is as ready as she every will be. Along with our dropships, we will give the Clanners something to remember," he said with a smile and a nod.
That was when a bit of harsh but feminine voice answered back. "Sure for you Knights of the Void, it's all dandy, but for us marines, it's another day in the void with just a space suit or in some case battle armor and the vacuum." Tourville shook his head. "However, you are ready, right Kathryn?" asked Vice Admiral Wayne Campbell, commander of the FSS Intrepid.
Kathryn nodded. "Of course, we are ready. I just wanted to remind you of what we are going to be doing out there."
Louis Tourville exhaled from his nose. "Then we have eight hours till we part ways to meet back at the rendezvous point."
7 Hours and Forty Five Minutes later
The Dagger Omnifighter along with the standardized version of the Eisensturm flew by where Admiral Tourville was watching the lithium fusion equipped tramp class jumpship get ready to make the first raid on Clan territory by an Inner Sphere power. Tourville gripped the rail as he watched the fighters from Alexander Davion's Fox escort fly by. He wished that his orders included going with Commodore Nathaniel Godwinson, but the AFFS just wanted a small fear to trickle up the collective leg of the Clans.
That was when Kate Summerville walked in. "You know the soup today is pretty low. We might actually see the jump." Tourville nodded. "Indeed, but I just wish that I knew that God was on their side. I'd hate to see Godwinson and Coleman end up taken captive by the Clans."
Summerville nodded. "And we already took their Black Box as well. I just watched the DMI 3 Major escort it to join its sister in our room." Tourville nodded. "It's been a hell of a journey. All leading to this moment." And then he added as he turned back to watch the flower looking jumpship start to begin fade as massive light filled his sight. "NAIS will love the samples that we got out of the Hansetic League."
As the light from the jumpship grew to its zenith and disappeared, Summerville made a small pray. Tourville crossed himself. And then it was time to leave, but Summerville wasn't ready. She pulled out a bottle of whiskey. Tourville took one look. "You know they say this stuff killed Morgan Hasek-Davion."
"Well then let's have a drink and then take this young lass back on the way to the Inner Sphere."
Kallon Headquarters/Spaceport
Hamish, Wernke
Capellan March, Federated Suns
April 1, 3069
Justine Nakoma was looking over a report from the division in the Free Worlds League. It had been sent by courier and then finally transmitted once it got to the a planet not currently under Interdiction. "This is ridiculous," she said. There was fear in her heart that Kallon's Free World League division may have been eaten up for all she knew. That was when her secretary escorted Leftenant-General Hector Franklin in. The man with his crisply cut hair and polished boots detonated a man who had served his whole life in the infantry, but even though he was still in fine shape a bit of middle age bugle marred his physique as commander of Fort Samson Wood. "Mrs. Nakoma, did you get those mechs from Talon yet. My quartermaster has been hounded by New Avalon for two weeks. It didn't take that long to get the Caesars from New Syrtis."
Nakoma took a glass of water from her desk. "General Franklin, the mechs are being shipped from Talon right now. Though I hated having to do a rush job on the order." Franklin merely laughed. "You agreed to the order, and the money from the AFFS Quartermaster Office cleared, so what is the problem?"
Nakoma gave a look at Franklin. "Do you know what it is like to deal with three different governments and boards? It's not good on my indigestion. For the love of the Unfinished Book, I missed the Tikonov Ball due to the fact that the Terran Hegemony suddenly had me come explain why there was an actuator problem on one Wolverine from the Nanking facility." Then she got quite sorrowful. "And don't even get me started on the Free Worlds League dive into democratic government. I had to order more lobbyists to influence the suddenly more powerful Parlement. And now, they go back to the Captain-General. Will that state ever make up its mind?" About to pull her hair out, Justine looked at Franklin. "So please tell me how your life could be stressful?"
Franklin laughed. "Well, I've been preparing the fort for Amazons, but as you said it can't be as stressful as your life. Just make sure those mechs get here."
Prince Ian Davion Memorial Spaceport
Vegas, Broken Wheel
Crucis March, Federated Suns
April 13, 3069
The wind hit the ground swirling up sand particles. On the tarmac were various dropships of the 3rd Davion Guards and one belonging to the Broken Wheel Crucis March Militia. As a Thantos mech was being loaded onto an aging Overlord, it's pilot watched as it was loaded. "To think, AFFS High Command assumed that Broken Wheel would be assaulted after Maram," he said.
General Margeurite McCaffee watched as her full command was loading up again into the dropships. "So Leftenant-General after picking you up on Crossbones, you are continuing with us? I would have thought that you would rather stay on Broken Wheel with most of your command." Leftenant-General Harlock-Morrison shook his head. "After having my head being yelled at by the people of that mad planet, I'd rather give the strike unit of the Broken Wheel Crucis March Militia a chance to get back at the Dark who ripped into most of the unit."
As a Conquistador dropship that belonged to the 3rd Davion Guards started to rumble as its engines heated up, General McCaffee nodded. "Well at least we can bet that the Dark will be disagreeing than those people on Crossbones." Then she walked quickly to get to the Eagle's Claw.
Harlock-Morrison looked up into the sky.
Above in space, five warships flew in formation. In the lead was the first ship of the Avalon line launched, the Melissa Davion. But following her was the Hanse Davion and Simon Davion along with Foxes following her as well. Near Escort Fleets stood ready. Operation Full Frontal was nearly complete to launch.
The question that filled the AFFS forces would it be enough to take down the Dark. One of their battleships had already been destroyed by the Robinson. So, it was possible that Providence may smile on them.
New Avalon Recharge Station
May 29, 3069
Around the round recharge station were jumpships over several different stellar lines including White Swan along with military jumpships, something was off though. Inside both were hurdled civilians. Not since the First Succession War had the heart of the Federated Suns truly been threatened. But now under orders of the Federated Suns government all non war effort personal were been asked to leave the blessed world.
AFFS naval warship and their escort watched and kept order, but it was not easy. Especially after the failure to find the next target of the Dark with the forces out of Broken Wheel. Now the doorway to the heart was wide open.
A gloom sat in on the pristine world. A world lovely than Terra itself would argue any loyal son of the Suns. And would they be lying? With only one desert and lush forests invoke ideas of fairy tales nearly across the world, New Avalon was as beautiful as any orb in the void. But now, it's existence was threatened.
Near the Davion Palace
A mech that appeared to have a flight helmet and jet pack on swung about. It's foot actuators digging in as it unleashed a alpha strike on its opponent a gangly Garm with its malformed side watched as it registered a critical breach of its engine.
"Dammit, I need to get my Hawk out of here before it . . . blows?" the pilot cursed as he realized the Garm already went critical. And now the simulated explosion had enveloped him. Expletives left the mechwarrior's lips. "Regent, do you us to get reset up?"
Regent Conrad Davion's body was worn out after four hours of training that night. And he was tired, he shook his head as sweat crawled down his face. "No, I've done enough for now. Thank Doctor Parker for lending you ladies and gentlemen out to get me back into fighting shape."
Conrad then along with members of the Royal Guard marched his mech back to the Palaces' mech bays.
Inside the Palace Mech Bay
"The worst part about mech combat is getting out of the mech," said Conrad. Usually when a mechwarrior gets out of their mech, techs have to air out the cockpit due to the stench that can form from the combination of a faux leather seat and sweat. And this time was no exception.
Looking at the Phoenix Hawk, Conrad sighed. Red hair dangled with sweat drops as he felt his cooling vest hoping to find some ounce of trapped coolness. And as techs began to swarm over the machine, Conrad saw something that he didn't expect to see down in the mech bay: his wife.
In her frilly night gown holding their twins, she looked peeved. "Heather, what are you doing down here? This is no place for Lucien and Marie."
Heather snarly said something. "How long has this been going on?" she asked. Conrad shook his head. "Since the Dark started this latest invasion, I've been coming down here to train at night since I can't sleep."
That came as a shock to Heather. "But I've seen you up early in the morning as well. You even help out with the twins." Indeed, he looked at the healthy twins that Heather had given birth too a month and a half ago. But as the aroma of oil and mech coolant filled his nose, he again reiterated his initial plea. "Come on, let's get the twins out of here, and I'll explain. I promise."
As they left, some techs were upgrading an aging Battlemaster getting it ready for emergency use.
Regent's Office
Conrad sat in a robe still covered by much as his wife sat down. "Heather, I've been meaning to tell you, but I didn't want you to worry." That solicited a reaction from his wife. "Oh I shouldn't worry. You've been sneaking out at night; I honestly was more worried that you were having an affair than anything. But you've been training. . .," Heather said. But softly she added. "Is it that serious?"
Conrad nodded. "The Dark hit eight worlds in the last month. And DMI lost the ability to track them. So Operation Full Frontal failed to take down even one of the Dark's warships. That is going to stall Operation Unicorn due to the fact that the Dark's main warship force is now within sixty light years of New Avalon. And that is their intended goal."
Heather was a bit shocked by this answer. "But how can you know that is their intended goal? Just two months ago, you were sure with the High Command that Broken Wheel would be hit by the Dark."
Conrad sighed. "We hoped that the Dark would exhibit a more Clan like behavior going after larger targets with things to be won for honor. Or at the least they would actually practice some sort of military doctrine other than what occurred in Tortuga during the last incursion." And then Conrad shook his head. "But instead, they have merely cemented that they are just raiders and monsters. We can only guess on the numbers of crimes including rape and outright murder against civilians based on the estimates that came out of Tortuga. But probably 83% of the populations of worlds that the Dark have hit are now dead or slaves."
Heather was shocked. "And the High Command has done nothing to stop the Dark." Conrad sighed. "We were bringing our forces together which takes time when they strung across the Periphery plus we assumed that they would hit our command and control operation plus our logistics. Instead, they have hit something that makes no sense unless you know their true target."
Conrad press several button on his wooden desk as a voice began to play. " New Avalon will burn." It was on loop. The voice was harsh and deep. Heather finally had her husband stop. "Have you been listening to that this whole time?" Conrad nodded. "I can't shake it. It is the only thing that we know about the Dark. It haunts my dreams, and that's why I have to ask you to do something, Heather."
Conrad looked at her with his blue eyes pleading for understanding. "Please, I need you to take the children and head for Argyle. It's safer there." Heather looked at her husband who looked exhausted and haggard. "And where will you go?" Conrad shook his head. "I'm staying her on Avalon."
Heather pounded her fist on the table. "No, you don't get rid of me that easily, Conrad Davion." Conrad shut his eyes. "This isn't about getting rid of you. This is about your survival. And honestly, you are not able to fight. And after reading the books on Clan Smoke Jaguar plus the new book on Operation Klondike from NAIS, I know that Smoke Jaguar is nothing but a cruel and horrid dark mirror of the Federated Suns."
Heather was shocked. "What do you mean?" Conrad shook his head. "Often those who are warriors wonder what it would be like to storm Gogh- Bukowski or even knock out a annoying reporter that compares you to Coordinator Jinjro Kurita. We never acted on these feelings because we are taught that the citizens of the Federated Suns have a right to freedom of speech and press. However, the Smoke Jaguars from their beginnings under Franklin Osis always destroyed those underneath them. Slaughtering Edo Bay was only the most noted example."
Conrad sighed for a moment. "When the Clans were born during Operation Klondike, they murdered entire towns and villages in a place called Amur and Irkutsk on Eden. And they continued to do it throughout the centuries including killing an entire Clan. Never receiving much dressing down until the Second Star League finally destroyed the Clan."
"You would think the Clans would have thrown off such a bully," offered Heather. Her husband thought for a second. "It's something that we wondered. But from everything that we know the Jaguars were looked down, but they were always feared because they were essentially bullies. I'd guess that some Clans are glad that they are gone."
Heather scoffed. "But the Jaguars returned with warships and galaxies, they don't seemed destroyed to me." Conrad looked up. "That bothers me as well. One galaxy at the most of their battered and beaten troops could have survived Huntress, and even then that is been generous to the Smoke Jaguars. Their sibkos were accounted for along with their genetic databases after the battle there. So I have no idea how Natalie that Dark member who attempted to kill my cousin Victor was unaccounted for."
Conrad looked at the painting of the TAS Camelot in the corner of his office. "Honestly, they baffle the mind. I had analysts go over what we know, and they even look at it as insane. That is unless the Dark has discovered a better way of creating troops." Heather looked at her husband. "What do you mean?"
Conrad sighed. "This is what really keeps me up at night. There have been rumors about the Bandit Caste of the Clans that they have gone into places that no moral individual when even dare to tread due to the harshness of most of the worlds of the Kerensky Cluster. Of humans that are barely even human." Heather scoffed. "Yeah, I heard from someone once that they have giant woman who are just basically huge wombs that produce full grown children. I hated delivering the twins. I can't imagine that they like their lives." Then Heather added. "And might I add that person was as drunk as Capellan scion."
And then Conrad added the sinister aspect after laughing about his wife's description of the last person who talked of genetic horrors from the fringes of the Clans. "Though it is probably just indoctrination of pirates or some lost colony of men. It does not explain how elite these troops have been."
Conrad then pounded on his desk. "What if the Dark found these factory wombs to create this new fighting force? Remember the Tortuga Territories were nearly emptied of human life after the last Dark Incursion. This is not only for revenge, but the Dark are harvesting humans for some reason either as slaves or something much more sinister."
Heather sighed. "You've worked yourself into a panic; you know the wise thing is to leave. Plus won't the Star League help." Conrad frowned. "We've tried since the end of Feburary to get some sort of commitment. And nothing."
Heather looked shocked. "You mean no other state has offered anything." Conrad shook his head. "Honestly, the only nation that has helped at all has been the Magistracy, and it was one regiment of mechs. It was accepted, but it feels like no cares if we fail. Kannenberg has talked herself till she is blue in the face, but no one cares honestly."
Conrad then got up and walked over to a painting of the emblem of the Federated Suns. "They consider our forces too large. Then they demand more of our forces for the Clan Front, but then they ignore our pleas for help. No wonder, Lucien Davion wrote so extensively about the dangers of absolute democracy."
Heather was shocked. "Nothing!" she exclaimed.
Conrad nodded. "The Clans are eating up troops. Just today, I was informed that General Edwin May is engaged in a hopeless battle on Morges. The Clan front is faltering. And the Dark will get to New Avalon soon. And afterwards, who know what will happen?"
Heather was a bit shocked. "What do you mean?" Conrad sighed. "There is a string of thought that it is possible that they will just leave after they destroy New Avalon, but do to the bumbling that has occurred when dealing with them, they may have other ideas. What is to stop them from just destroying whatever is left of the Federation after destroying New Avalon?"
Conrad then copied his hands around Heather's own. "Please, get off New Avalon now. I promise that I will do everything to survive the coming battle. But I don't want you or the twins to be caught in the battle on Avalon. That's why I've started the evacuation of New Avalon. The government is moving to Kentares IV."
Heather nodded. "But why Kentares IV?" Conrad looked out the window. "As a reminder that the Suns can come back from even the blackest of nights."
Later that morning in the Fox's Den
Conrad was sipping coffee when he saw Quintus Allard. "Our agents failed to recover General Zhau Liu. Though ROM sent along that the General is apparently working with someone on Atreus."
Conrad shook his head. "Just what I needed to know. Yvonne wants the general found for what he did to your namesake." Quintus nodded as he thought back on the recent funeral. "We buried Quintus next to his father on the estate. If I hadn't gone, I could have done something to have mediated the disaster now on Birmensdorf."
Placing his head on the older man's shoulder, Conrad said something simple. "It's hard to compete against an unknown enemy that covers itself in darkness. But we will find a way, Quintus."
Quintus asked a question. "Did you get any sleep, or you going for another forty-eight hours of work before you sleep for an hour and then wake up from that nightmare that you've been having?"
Conrad sighed. "It's that obvious." Quintus nodded. "You need sleep Conrad."
That was when Jackson Davion appeared. "The meeting starts in ten minutes Regent and Minister."
Conrad nodded. He looked at Jackson' secretary. "Get me another cup of coffee. And we still haven't heard back from the Taurian Concordat on anything of late, send someone over to the embassy to see if their Ambassador will come over to see if they might help with the Dark."
AFFS Watchtower
Avalon City, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
All along the Watchtower, various troops stood guard over the headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Federated Suns. A 4th Davion Guard Valkyrie stood over a Patton from the 7th Crucis Lancers. Infantry from the Davion Heavy Guards screened everything. As a limo and jeep went through the gates to the command castle of the AFFS.
In the central tower, Regent Conrad Davion along with Marshall of the Armies and Champion Jackson Davion looked at the map of the Federated Suns at a table in the middle of a conference room. "It is ironic that the 1st Crucis Lancers are on Broken Wheel with the 7th here on New Avalon."
Conrad didn't feel the irony at the moment. "Unfortunately, there is nothing to to stop the Dark from hitting New Avalon. They are close to Panpour. And of course, we've had no pledges of help from any of our major allies. Though the Canopians wanted to reinforce Panpour."
Jackson shook his head. "It might have been wise, but we wanted to get the Kestrel Grenadiers to Wernke first to hook up with them. We may have to raid the Syrtis garrison to get extra troops to reinforce Panpour." Conrad held his head to his to rub his temples as he got up. "That will probably end up being a mistake. George Hasek will say that we are leaving his world undefended."
Jackson sat down in the comfortable chairs of the room. "The meeting with the commanders went well though. Even if the mood is dour."
Conrad nodded as he sat down at the more plush chairs in the corner of the room. "We've had one win against the Dark, and it was a lucky shot. The rest of the Inner Sphere is laughing at us. This will embolden the Capellans, and if the Combine was thirty years earlier, they'd be at our doorsteps as well as the Dark." The two men watched as many dropships zoomed into the air as the evacuation of New Avalon continued.
Jackson then offered. "We do have one thing; the farmers are appealing that they are vital to any effort of keeping New Avalon alive." Conrad closed his eyes and thought. "Considering that most of them own more guns than most of our planetary militias, I'll let them stay, but they better keep up production."
Jackson knew that his cousin was taking the evacuation of New Avalon hard. "It was a tough but right decision, Conrad. We don't need another Kentares IV." And the fun thing was that the Suns was placing most of the citizens of New Avalon on Kentares IV due to being close and the fact that it was highly underpopulated thanks to the wound that it still had from the First Succession War.
That was when the doors opened and the ambassador from the Taurian Concordat entered. Conrad got up out of his chair and greeted him. "Ambassador Ivers, I apologize about meeting you here at the Watchtower, but the problem is that most of the government buildings are understaffed and thanks to the Dark, New Avalon herself is probably to come under seige soon."
A holographic map was displayed on the table still that showed the Dark's incursions into the Suns. On many worlds, there are garrison listings, but on Broken Wheel, the 3rd Davion Guards are displayed along with other units.
AFFS Watchtower
Avalon City, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
Ivers Hjort had thought he'd armored himself from almost any type of attack.
He was wrong.
With the comment by the man that claimed to be the Regent Conrad Davion, he's realized that he just wasn't up to it. A laughing snort that had way too much of a growl and sob escaped. At the look from the man, Ivers continued: "Ah, I see. So even while your nation attacks the Concordat, you are being attacked as well - I can't believe it. I suppose you could say I am impressed at your acting abilities, as their very perfection... well, I had hoped to play a part in these meetings, but their perfection is simply too great for me to even try to play it. My heart would burst or I'd strangle someone or something. Perhaps you put on the play just in case the Concordat didn't have our evidence" Ivers had unconsciously pulled out his pocket computer and was pointing to it, but that is something the Protector HAS allowed me to reveal if it should come up. So, take the information and bring me to my cell, as that is all the information you'll get, I'll not be part of these game."
With that, Ivers turned around and looked for that guard to lead him to his cell. His red face and mix of sadness and fury too obvious. These actors were far beyond his ability to deal with. It was like they played at being a matador to his bull. They would cheer as he clumsily tried getting out. So, he wouldn't play. there would be no cheering. This Bull was going to be slaughtered, but it wasn't going to budge. No cheering for these Matadors. It wasn't a victory, but it was likely the best he could do in this situation.
Conrad and Jackson looked each other. Jackson was the first to respond. "Close and lock the doors." Two guards shut the doors to the room. And then the sound of bolts was heard. Two guards stood ready to act if needed next to the door still inside the room. Conrad who was already up just looked at the Ambassador. "Now, I know this looks like we are trapping you, but we have no interest in trapping you in here. Other then finding out what has been going on." Conrad then looked at Jackson. "Did he really say throwing him a cell, Jackson?"
Jackson Davion nodded. "I believe he did." Conrad then asked the next question. "Ambassador, did I hear you right? Let me repeat that again, you are saying that the Federated Suns is invading the Concordat, is that correct?" Jackson was a bit flustered. "Honestly, I'm shocked at this revelation." Jackson was looking at the ambassador. "Can I see that noteputer. Because as the Marshall of the Armies, I know where all the units are and their locations. So, I'll know if there is any truth to these allegations that the AFFS is attacking the Taurian Concordat."
Conrad then added. "And honestly, we are who we say we are. This is not some sort of play, Ambassador Hjort." And then Conrad walked over to one of the windows just as a dropship lifted off overhead. The sound of it deafening. "We can do quite a few tricks with DMI, but a full blue screen that looks that real through a window." Conrad shook his head. "We aren't even that good. And if you are going to say that we are evacuating New Avalon just to trick you. We are losing billions a day doing so. I wouldn't order that if there weren't four enemy warships within jumping range of New Avalon."
One of the guards moved over to guard the opened window as another dropship flew by.
Ivers didn't say a word. He'd already guessed that there were likely others being convinced. He loved the Concordat, but he didn't believe that the Feddies would spend this amount on just them. He didn't resist, didn't offer any pleas, toss any accusations...
Just waited.
Conrad looked at Ivers and shook his head. "I almost want to pass my head in front of his face to see if he is alive like a child." And then Jackson who was working with the noteputer finally uploaded the data to the holographic map on the desk. And then the so-called AFFS units that hit the Taurian Concordat were displayed.
Conrad scoffed immediately. "You got to be kidding. Honestly, look at that one over Gaul." Jackson had the map zero in over Gaul. And then Conrad cried. "The 15th Deneb Light Cavalry. When I saw the name of the warship, I had to laugh, but when I saw the 15th listed as an attacking unit, I lost my appetite for mirth." Jackson shook his head. "Conrad, it isn't your fault that the 15th died over Deia in late April except for the infrantry. Honestly, I should have ordered pull backs of our units on the Clan boarder; the Lyrans and Star League Defense Force are in dismay."
Conrad then looked at the Taurian Ambassador. "And honestly, Ambassador Hjort. You actually believed that we would name a warship the Taurian Death. I don't know if I should be more disgusted about that or the fact that I have good men and women who are currently dead being accused of rape and murder." Jackson then pointed at Marknick. Conrad halfway smiled. "Marshall, remind me if we live to build anymore Congresses to name one the Guard's Pride." Jackson disagreed. "With all due respect, the name doesn't start with an H, and it was decided by the navy to name all Congresses with the letter H such as the Hotspur and Havock." Conrad nodded. "You don't have to remind me of the loss of the Havock as well. Hopefully, we don't lose the Hotspur to something embarrassing like the Ice Hellions." But Jackson added. "Though it was intresting that the Dark used the 3rd Davion Guard. That means their intellegence is somewhat there since the 3rd was in the New Colony Region at the time."
Cornad rolled his eyes as Jackson moved the map onto Oscar. "The Chilsom Raiders? You've got to be kidding me. The First needs serious rebuilding, and the 2nd at the time of this attack was on Teng. By the way, did the 2nd get those mechs from Warlock?" Jackson nodded. Conrad continued. "This is ridiculous. The Taurians could have brought this up in the Star League council, and we could have figured this out there instead."
Of the world of Lastpost, Conrad shook his head. "So again, the Dark shows that they can do intelligent use of the name using the 17th Avalon Hussars that were at Errant Espoir in the new colony region at the time." And then Conrad nearly burst out laughing. "But the 22nd Avalon Hussars were on Kittery, and it was even broadcast that was as well. God, this is sick joke by the Dark."
Conrad finally turned toward the Taurian Ambassador. "Okay, I understand that you will probably only give your rank, number, and name. However, this is serious. We can prove that none of these are our units attacking you. Hell, we don't use Star League era Congresses." That did not seem to warrent any type of response.
Conrad breathed in. "Okay fine." Conrad looked at Hjort. "I don't need another war on my hands, so what does the Concordat want that is reasonable?" Another lack of response. "Fine, I have billions of people to make sure get off of the jewel of the Federated Suns before a bunch of rapists and thugs attempt to destroy this precious world. Beyond all else, I have a duty to protect the children of this world as Regent including my own." Conrad looked at his guard. "If the Ambassador, doesn't want to help his nation and the Suns to avert a war that will just weaken us both and leave further open to attack by the Dark. . .," Conrad then added subtle. "And restore Csomad and Armington for the Concordat then so be it. Guards . . . ."
Conrad lingered on the word trying to see if there was any reaction.
Ivers was skilled at raw data. Putting it together and taking it apart. However doing things with people was a bit harder. One thing he was NOT trained well for was the "poker face"...
Not only did his eye tick, but his head snapped up a bit with the second to last sentence of the supposed regent. He didn't exactly know what was on the table, and he could see from the hologram that the worlds mentioned weren't exactly prime real estate right now so the inferred loss of them by the Suns would make the TC an inferred ally of the Fed Suns...
But wait. This could be a trick - how could they prove they had actually turned the worlds over? The Concordat was likely about to "do something", and if the Fed Suns simply needed time to blunt that something, he could be messing up to a degree that could only be counted as "epic". No, it would count as "EPIC", with bold cap letters. Maybe even flashing. Plus he did already admit that these people were in a league far beyond what he was trained to deal with.
However... It would be bad for the Concordat to be a pawn of another power. The Caps had done that just a few years earlier, as had the Can's. So, if there was some way they could construct a perfect deal...
Ivers turned his head in what to him was a calm manor (he was wrong - it looked more like Frankenstein waking up) and raised his right eyebrow and said: "Ummm... what was that about Csomad and Armington?"
Conrad Davion looked at the man as he lurched around after he mentioned Csomad and Armington. Clearing his throat for a minute, Conrad decided to reoffer the deal. "As I said, the Suns will relinquish the claims to those two worlds to prove we are not invading the Taurian Concordat."
It had long been a view of the Suns when dealing with the Concordat to be careful. After the incident with a merchant jumpship in 3049, Conrad wondered if the Concordat could get any more paranoid. His answer was obviously yes. Jackson shook his head. "But Conrad, those worlds have been under the Suns since the beginning of the First Star League."
Conrad nodded. "But if the Dark continue to divide us, the worlds will be as depopulated as Tortuga and New Port Royal were. I'm sure the Ambassador will allow people on those worlds that wish to stay with the Suns to be moved to other worlds in the region to repopulate them. And the ones who stay will enjoy the Concordat's mercies." And Conrad sighed. "I'd rather not give them up, but the Dark has us in a bind. And I will take ever step necessary to prove the innocence of the Suns in this manner." The regent then looked at the Ambassador. "So Ambassador, is that enough to prove our innocence to the Concordat? Or do you require that I bring several priests and a soothsayer to prove my nation's innocence, sir?"
Ivers was running on 3 cylinders. Unfortunately he was a 24 cylinder bulldozer. So catching up was a bit delayed. However after a few seconds, the brain turned over and he shook his head and said: "Well... pardon me, I feel like I'm popping a clutch while turning 180 degrees while doing a flanking maneuver - not my best I'd say. What I MEAN to say is that while I'm not exactly trusting, if we can get some assurances and send some notices via the HPG, we may just be able to get somewhere. However until then, I'm going to make a wild guess that perhaps, I'll need to be doing a bit of listening...."
[OOC] I'm thinking that the FS have managed to trump the TC's being positive of their guilt. I'm not saying the TC TRUSTS the FS, but I'm thinking that the TC will at least give a listen to what the FS has to say, and can call off the invasion with all the bells, whistles and "cupcakes" without being considered out of character. I'm hoping we can consider the remarkable number of code and counter code stuff was handled off screen at a later time, and if the FS wants to IC give the TC what information it wants to share, great, but it too could be done "off screen" if wanted. [/OOC]
Conrad wanted to fall over and sleep after dealing with the Taurian Ambassador, but he still had things to do. "I'll have the limo brought around for you to either be transported to the main Comstar facility immediately, or we can have the Katherine Steiner-Davion Real Time HPG Connection Room in the Davion Palace ready to be used in an hour. In either case, I'll contact the Foreign Ministry to have a document readied to legally give you Csomad and Armington by the time that you get to either destination."
It hurt Conrad to say that, but he had to save the Suns one way or another.
[OOC] On the plus side, you don't have one of the worlds anyway now, and the other is only not being taken due to a lack of ground troops... so all in all a good trade, esp. when you look at the next turn from my perspective. [/OOC]
Yvonne was disheveled from being up most of the night. A strange nightmare plagued her sleep and each time she woke up, the cause of her unrest eluded her. She looked at the atomic clock hanging on the wall. It was only four thirty, but she knew any more attempts to sleep would not be fruitful. Looking thru groggy eyes at the nearby desk, she could see the communiques where she had left them. Each pile had between fifteen and twenty pieces of business that needed to be address except one. As Yvonne staggered over to the desk, her strength sapped by the restless night. She reached for the single face down sheet that lie right in the middle of the wooden desktop. The paper was well worn, she had read the missive at least two dozen times in the past three days between visits to her brother and her advisors...
QuoteTo: Prince Yvonne Steiner-Davion
Subject: Re: Comstar / WoB and the Flitvelt Incident
Priority: URGENT
Your Highness,
At your request the High Council has met in regards to the Comstar / WoB use of a Nuclear Warhead in the face of a Dark invasion on the very important world of Flitvelt. The Precenter for New Avalon is notably not responding to our repeated inquiries wich just leaves us the infomation our investigation initiated. We have verified that the blast did originate from the HPG complex, the Dark had already taken down 17th Avalon Hussars and the Flitvelt Training BN, however their numbers were severely weakened and had Comstar held out, our reinforcements, which they had to have known were on the way, would have engaged the Dark forces before they could have broken into their compound.
It is the opinion of this council that the Comstar / WoB response was extreme and unnecessary. The Marquess of Flitvelt has made an official demand for action from the Office of the Prince to find out the reason behind this tragedy, obtain a public apology, and to get recompense from Comstar / WoB for their actions. We agree that these terms are not unreasonable and that diplomatic pressure should be brought to bear on behalf of this nation at the highest level of the Star League.
Detailed video of the events have been provided for you in order to present your case to the Star League. Swift action on behalf of Lt. General McCaffee and General Coulier have minimized civilitan unrest and exposure of the general public to radioactive fallout. There is still a small Dark pressense holding out on the planet, but they will be dealt with soon. The Marquess is requesting emergency aid as the fallout and presense of the Dark have halted normal operations here down to the most basic level as quarantine proceedures have been engaged.
When she was done rereading the note, she once again put it face down on the desk. Soon the Star League Council would meet again and while the others pushed for information on the complete breakdown of the Lyran Alliance and the new factions that have erupted thru the fingers of the cracked plate gauntlet that has been the symbol of the Lyran Alliance for so long, she would have to ensure that justice was brought forth for her own people. Flipping thru the other communiques, she couldn't get the thought of Apollyon and her meeting with the Dark assasin that struck down her brother. The whole situation had brought out her own dark side, a contrast easily brought to mind by the heraldic Sunburst adorning the top of most pages she was flipped thru. She knew her own grief and desire for vengeance had been clouding her thoughts. Yvonne put the papers down and put a robe over her nightgown before sitting down at the desk.
Picking up the communicator, she woke up her aids early, she needed help finding her bearings, she added a meeting to her calender for lunch with an old friend, at least she thought they were still friends. She would find out later today where they truely stood. For now, today would be a busy day and thought of Victor would be pushed as far back as she could muster.
New Avalon
Marshall Jonathan Davion looked over at his visitor. He remembered the man well for he wasn't exactly an ambassador. The fact that Tai-Sa, Oda Hideyoshi had arrived on the planet and announced himself without anyone in the Fox's Den knowing he was even in Federated Suns space was quite disturbing, but just being this close to one of DESTs top operatives was also unsettling.
As he waited for Admiral Villalobos to return from checking the information that Hideyoshi brought, Jon went over and sat in his chair. "Please Tai-Sa, have a seat, this won't be but a moment." The Tai-Sa was ever confident as he bent his knees, never lowing his eyes and rarely blinking. "I have to admit, you are very good at your job, and if the information you bring is as good as you are. We'll have a good chance at finally catching the Dark with their pants down. Cigar?" jon said while opening a humidor on his desk. The Tai-sa leaned in and took one of finely crafted stogies from the box. "I got these when I was on Sakhara V, they were very easy to get, being so close to Glenmora where they're made. Much better then the ones on Robinson, but don't tell Duke Sandavol that, he swears by his family's product."
Tai-sa Oda bit the end of his cigar off and spit it into the refuse bin and accepted a light from the man across the desk. No matter how he tried to study the man, Jon knew from what he'd seen that what ever this man did, he meant business. Even as he took a few puffs to get the cherry of his cigar hot, Hideyoshi never took his eyes off of him. It was hard to make a decision on if this man, or the people that sent him could be trusted. With Victor out of commission, and Yvonne away, the call was his, but the relations between the Draconis Combine and the Federated Suns had slowly went back to luke warm from the time Victor was in charge.
As be began to light his own cigar, Tai-Sa Hideyoshi spoke up. "Marshall, I know that you have been looking for the Dark Ships for some time now. Perhaps that is why the Dragon's Eyes began looking for them, even before your esteemed cousin finally got up the nerve to ask for help. Now, I am no Warlord, but if I had the resources that you have waiting at your disposal,I have read what is in that document, as is my privileged, and what I see, is that your ships have a long, long way to go if they have any chance at acting on that information. I would. For it was not just reported back from one Dragon Eye, but from a pair of them. One eye has the chance to miss detail with the lack of depth perception, but two eyes are what true predators use to spot their prey. Make no mistakes, you will not get better information by waiting. I would not wait to hear back from your Fox Teams on this matter."
At that time, Rear Admiral Ernesto Ramirez Villalobos returned from the ready room and motioned for Jonathan to come over. He put down the Cigar and made sure he didn't put his back fully to his visitor. Ernesto whispered to him, "We still haven't heard back from the Fox Teams, however the Demi-Precenter is saying he's sorry once again for the down HPG at Flitvelt that is causing this congestion in traffic from the outer realm." he said sarcastically. "Any Black Box messages would take even longer to get here." Jonathan nodded. "So what's the long and short of it?" Ernesto gave a little nod. "The target is at the complete end of our extreme range from our forces here, much easier for our forces at Broken Wheel, but either way, the targets are still headed for Taurian space." Jonathan waved his hand. "I'm not concerned about that. The Prince has already made it plain what we are and are not allowed to do to complete Operation Unicorn." he paused. "Just one more thing?" Ernesto tilted his head. "Yes?" Jonathan looked really glum as he asked. "How do I say 'Thank You' to a Drac spy who just happened to show up on our most important world?" Ernesto laughed and looked over at the Tai-sa who was blowing rings with the cigar smoke, but even at that angle, he could feel he was being watched. "Eeh, not something I'd want to do, buuut, I'm sure you'll come up with something." Jon put his hand on the admiral's shoulder. "Thanks for that update Ernie." after a moments pause. "Saddle em up. Looks like we're riding a Unicorn." With that he turned and walked back to his 'guest'.
"Your intel checked out." Offering the man his hand as he walked over. "We'll be moving out shortly." The Tai-Sa nodded his head and put his hand out too. "I had no doubts." Jonathan Davion grabbed the mans hand and gave it a single good shake, but held his grip. "And now you will allow us to escort you back to your embassy, yes?" The Tai-Sa, still smiling, bent his head down in a nod and for the first time averted his eyes from the Marshall. "But of course, for I .... am done here."
Embassy of the Federated Suns
Crimson City, Canopus IV
Ambassador Baroness Jenny Arcourt was reading the morning dispatches from New Avalon when her secretary announced the arrival of the Military Attache.
"My apologies Ma'am, but I've received a communique from the MCC. From the sounds of it, they are organising a further force for deployment against the Dark, however they are requesting if they can procure equipment from our factories to upgrade the units they are sending." Handed the message, the Ambassador began reading. Movement schedules. Forces levels. Logistics. Command and control. And yes, equipment requirements. 'Mechs and tanks. All prepositioned for when the force stopped over at Texlos. No ASF which was interesting, but then from the number of Ironside fighters she had seen flyng over the city recently, perhaps it was to be expected.
Finishing, she picked up her pen and signed it as read. "Have a copy forwarded to the Department of Foreign Affairs on New Avalon for their review and decision," she spoke handing the flimsy back to the Colonel. "I know we provided some new equipment for that regiment they sent initially, but this is a significantly larger."
AFFS Watchtower
Avalon City, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
Ivers Hjort was back to make an odd report to the local's government. He wondered how the Feddies would take the news. Shoot, he hadn't exactly sure how HE was feeling about the news. It wasn't exactly overwhelmingly good news, but it was better than it could have been. Well, he would see soon enough how they'd take it.
It sure was an odd universe he was living in.
xxxxx System
Planetary Military Spaceport
As the trio of Magistracy officers marched across the baking ferroconcrete landing towards the group of AFFS officers waiting on the tarmac edge, Major Jeremy Hasting of the 8th Carabiniers glanced once again at the impassive face of his superior. He had only met the man at Texlos, where on the training mission planetside to wield the separate commands into some sort of battlegroup, the man's origins had come to the fore. All to soon however, they had arrived in front of the small Davion grou, all of whom looked to be either battalion or regimental commanders. Before he could speak, the man who had kept his interest on the walk across spoke first.
"Major Jeremy Hasting. 8th Carabiniers. Conventional armour," as he nodded in Jeremy's direction. "Colonel Patricia Garavelos. 4th Light Horse Infantry. And I am Star Colonel Kelvin of the 4th Armoured Cavalry."
AFFS Watchtower
Avalon City, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
Ivers Hjort slightly tired as he waited to give a report. Since it included informing the Feddies about their shiny new force, plus multiple worlds, plus coordinating a future attack on the "Dark", he was surprised he was kept waiting. On the other hand, it suggested just how big the Fed's military was.
Panpour System
Federated Suns
Stepping off the ramp of the dropship she had arrived on, Emma Centralla moved to one side as Magistracy troops began disembarking behind her to join up with the other MAF troops already on planet.
Panpour
The Magisty noted the extra security approaching them at the dropport. A full fledged Mech BN made formation before the Magistry troops. However, Emmas advisors pointed out to her that they were not trying to "escort" her, quite on the contrary, they were there to escort some one else.
A diplomatic sedan approached thru the formation bearing two flags. One, of the Fed Suns, the other, the duke of the Capellan March. As Duke Hasek exited his vehicle, he waved off his security detail and stepped forward with a few of his advisors.
"Magistrix, I heard you had arrived. I would be remiss in my duties as host of your forces if I did not come and greet you myself." With that he gave the elder woman a studious bow.
Quote from: Jeyar on October 06, 2010, 10:23:45 PM
AFFS Watchtower
Avalon City, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
Ivers Hjort slightly tired as he waited to give a report. Since it included informing the Feddies about their shiny new force, plus multiple worlds, plus coordinating a future attack on the "Dark", he was surprised he was kept waiting. On the other hand, it suggested just how big the Fed's military was.
A deputy minister of defense, the kind word for his true position within the Federated Suns intellignece agency greeted Ivers. "Sir, if you would please follow me, I believe have some information you wish to present?"
Panpour
Emma returned the bow with one of her own, then stepped forward to shake his hand. "Thank you for taking the time out to greet me, Duke Hasek. I know you have much to do here and on the other formerly occupied worlds, as I saw a significant amount of damage to infrastructure and commercial enterprises on my descent. The Dark's actions have been very unclanlike in their enthusiasm for inflicting terrorist type damage. But then again, they are not Clan."
"There does seem to be a particular tendancy for people to go out and get themselves pet clans these days now doesn't there? I had originally not intended on making this trip, but with so many of our serviceman losing their lives, it was good for moral. What is the reason for your visit Magistrix?"
"Very much in the same vein as yours, Duke. My people put their lives on the line in following my orders, so it is only right that they see their leaders. Plus, having personally faced several of the Clans in combat, especially when that damned cursed Pasig Accords was in effect, I wanted to see in person what sort of character these Dark portray. If as has been stated, they are the remnants of the Smoke Jaguar reborn, then they took the most vile aspects of the Jaguar clan and further degraded it."
"Well then my dear Magistrix, I mean no disrepect here when when I say, when you are done touring your front line here, you should head home. Our Intelligence patters on the dark suggest that they're moving towards the Magistracy. While the bulk of the their line hit Taurus, our ships were following the wounded fleet that hit Perdition. They made wide berth of Taurus, but are headed your way. Of course, the same intelligence agency said they were moving a naval star thru Vackisujfalu that never materialized, but the pattern seems sound."
The Star League Defense Force General strode into the Federated Suns command facility and announced his purpose.
"I am General Diego De La Vega. I wish to speak with your staff to discuss improved relations between our forces."
The General and entourage are escorted to the AFFS Watchtower.
-----------------------------------------------
AFFS Watchtower
Avalon City, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
There were already a number of senior Davion officials waiting for the General in a comfortable private lounge area. It was a stark contrast to most of the Spartan command rooms in use around the sphere. Among them were Gen. Jacob Hasek and Marshal Jonathan Davion.
"General Hasek, Marshall Davion, thank you for meeting with me. With all that is going on, I will not keep you tied up. General Hall has sent me here to search for a way to ensure the SLDF has the resources it needs, as well as the ability, to carry out its mission to assist the member states in securing their borders from threats. Even now, the SLDS Victor Steiner-Davion is working to help secure Taurus from the Dark and I understand you have forces there as well. I am hoping that we can find a way to improve our working relationship, while ensuring that the various leaders see the value of ensuring that our militaries, including the Defense Force, have sufficient men and material, to actually achieve the goals they seem to think can be won with a single pistol."
Jonathan approached Gen. De La Vega and offered his hand to shake. "I don't recall our bean counters ever missing a payment. Is that the case here?"
Diego shook the offered hand and smiled.
"No. But, when was the last time the bean counters could accurately determine what was needed for an operation? Given their panache for saving bills, they'd try to send you with an entire RCT for a long term op with a single roll of toilet paper, right? The problem is, with the loss of 10 galaxies of forces at Tamar, and the budget limitations, the Defense Force simply does not have the forces necessary to carry out their mission. The clans are here in force, but, too many nations are sitting on the sideline or are stuffing their faces on the free range they think they have. Meanwhile, the clans continue to come in force. Without some major cooperation on the part of the Star League members and an increase in the working size of the SLDF ground and naval arms, the clans will soon be on everyones door step and it will be too late to stop them. With some member states nearly disappearing already and others thumbing their nose at everyone else, well, frankly, the SLDF is doing all it can just to get its forces back together to do anything more than pray the clans don't come any faster."
Marshall Davion raised an eyebrow. "Have you payed any attention to our Princes description of our finances? Or of Marshall Jackson Davion's description of our current forces? We've been contributing 15% of our resources to the Star League. We've put 10% of our fighting force on the front lines of the Clan invasion and if the reports we're receiving from Coventry are true, we've already lost nearly 3% of those brave men women and have another 2% waiting for assistance from the Coalition sent to rescue them and how much to you think the mercenaries we sent are costing us? To question our people's commitment when we're losing transports and drop ships like flies is insulting General De La Vega."
"I understand your position sir. But, the Coventry operation was never advised by the SLDF, for a reason. That the FWL has insisted on using their forces to take over neutral worlds, rather than to support the Coventry operation is unfortunate. Now, I do not mean to insult your contribution. However, the lack of accountability by the Free Worlds League for their actions has brought us here. You see, the SLDF has commited 100% of its forces to the effort. We have contributed 100% of our income to the effort. Now, we have forces still relocating. The Terran's are helping with our lift needs. The Dragon is helping us with our assets stuck in the deep periphery. Frankly, what we need is commitment by the member nations on a single course of action, rather than everyone pursuing their own agenda. As mentioned, the FWLs dual agendas have cost you heavy losses in assisting them. Their refusal to operate with the SLDF makes it impossible to get true cooperation on the level the clans have been using. Frankly, we need to be able to do to the clans what they did at Tamar. Arrive with a unified force and hammer them hard. But, unless we can all truly agree to do this, we will continue to lose 5% here, 10% there, achieiving whatever goal has come across the wind. I am saddened and angered by the loss of your troops at Coventry. I wish none would have to die. But, to die helping an ally who is busy increasing the size of their nation...."
"So what is it you want General De La Vega? Let me guess, to 'better coordinate' our efforts you wish all of the Federated Suns put under your control? Do you want to be the Prince as well? Because Yvonne will be here soon, I can ask her if you can be in charge if you want?" Stopping the sarcasm, Marshal Davion looked De La Vega in the eyes. "How long did it take you to get here General?"
"I only recently received the order to make this slight detour. I am heading to your Outback to coordinate our efforts against the Dark. And, no, I don't believe we need to be in command of things. We do believe that efforts being completed under SLDF banner and with SLDF flag officers, even those under JCA, would be better than what has happened at Coventry. Reports of the Free Worlders using their warships against the world are not something we can approve of. Of course, this holds true with the actions of the Taurians I recently received word on. It appears that our forces were able to coordinate and take out another Dark warships, but, that the Taurian's are using warships against their own planet. I am open to suggestions on how to respond to that situation. For the time being, the Victor Steiner-Davion will continue to follow the Melissa's lead."
Jacob interjected, "Too bad he's not here right now, word is Yvonne is bringing him back here as we speak. The people will be happy about that, but if he doesn't recover soon, that might change again."
"That seems to be the way of it," Jonathan commented. "Still, in regards to the SLDF's request to put our current Naval assets under JCA command, we can arrange that. I'm still not 100% sure that we were following a ghost while we were tracking unit's headed towards Magistracy space, but our latest scouting report showed that the DC intel we received was flawed. Still, it's hard to imagine they would push their galaxies on Taurus itself without keeping a push going in that direction."
A previously invisible screen in the back of the room came to life, "We had two conflicting reports, our own sources had the units moving back towards the outside of Tortuga, while most of our warships may be out of place, the Magistracy has been warned about the possibility that the Dark area headed their way. We did make contingency plans to re-enforce the Tortuga sector in speculation that the intel was wrong. It just sucks that we might not find the Dark ships before they get repaired. We sacraficed a lot of good men trying to take them down at Perdition and if they did double back, most of our warships will be out of position. We bit hard on the prospect to catch them before heading further west and away from our supply lines. At this point, we'll be pulling them back in, driving them towards Randis en route to Tortuga. That, General De La Vega is our plan"
"Yes, Victor was an excellent general. It was an honor to serve under him. While the Victor is our lead asset in the area, we do have additional ones enroute. There are forces that relocated from Magistracy and Niopsian space. I have received no word of them encountering any evidence of the Dark. Your intelligence is certainly more detailed than ours for this area. We do you believe we should marshall our ground forces coming from those areas, as well as the forces enroute from Wenke?"
"While we've been forced to concentrate our defenses in the realms due to strong Dark units moving in Galaxy plus formats with Naval support and strong Aerospace forces, the search for their hidden base will require a lot of recon units to try and track them down. As a stop gap measure for our naval losses we've created a new Air Corps based in the Outback, with some Taurian support. They will be the main attack units, ladened with several Pocket Warships to try and match up with the firepower the Dark Congress fleets can bring to bear. I'm afraid anything larger then a Congress and we'll have to back off and call for more support, but any sightings would be preferential to knowing they're out there and not knowing exactly where."
Jonathan sent used the com unit to send an aid for the files he'd prepared for the General. "At this point, I think we're agreed on the fact that we need to proceed in a coordinated fashion. I was unaware of how many units you planned to move through the Federated suns, I had reports here and there about various units under TC, MoC and SLDF control, please provide the details on what units and what route they plan on using and I will get them cleared thru, meanwhile, I'll ensure we forward you the current Intel we have and forward on both the DC and FS reports to you." The aid showed up with a data pad which he offered to the De La Vega.
DC Intel
Quote from: Holt on October 09, 2010, 07:49:46 PM
43 Osis' Pride Formation Location +2 4
En route to hex 5343 (deep space)
43 Red Dwarf Formation Location +2 4
En route to hex 5343 (deep space)
Quote44 Osis' Pride Formation Location +2 4
No intelligence gathered
44 Red Dwarf Formation Location +2 4
Spotted in hex 4346 (deep space)
FS Intel
QuoteTurn 44 TBA TBA IG- Formation Location +2 2 Locate the Osis's Pride (Potemkin)
Turn 44 TBA TBA IG- Formation Location +2 2 Locate the Red Dwarf (Mckenna)
Both ships are believed to be in Deep Space hex 5343
"We recieved the report and sent the ships based on the updated DC intel, they were already on their way before we heard back from our own assets in the field. As a back up plan, we had several units move toward the reported empty sector of space. Jacob?"
The younger Hasek played the video on the screen. Jacob narrated the findings as the ships sensors were displayed while the ships moved thru the system with their vid recorders on. "Long-range sensors detected a massive object in orbit of the system's single barren, resource-poor planet; however it wasn't not nearly large enough to be the battleship Red Dwarf. It turns out that the 'warship' loitering in this system was a battered and derelict 22nd-century Aquilla-class JumpShip in a stable parking orbit around the planet. There are signs that a small settlement once existed on the planet, but appears to have died out long ago. Most likely from some Teraforming event."
Jonathan thanked his General. "With the DC intel confirmed as false, it's fairly evident how to proceed."
Panpour System
Federated Suns
Emma Centralla stepped forward to once again shake hands with Duke Hasek. Given the lack of further Dark Caste attacks on the Davion Outback, and heeding what the Duke had said previously about the Dark's movements, it was time to head home. Several MAF commands were leaving with her, and the units at Texlos, which had been held there as a general reserve, were also heading back to the Magistracy.
0045, March 30th, 3071
New Avalon
Yvonne was tired. The endless campaign against the Dark had finally subsided. The last vestiges of their assault on the Outback had been eradicated, their fleet finally smashed in the periphery. Things had cooled along the Capellan border, once Duke Hasek had cleared up the incident on Perkasie. No action would be taken against the Capellans this time, but it was made clear that the next time an investigation ran into Davion territory, they wouldn't go out on their own initiative.
The first good news in what seemed like years had just reached her however. She still held the peice of paper in her hands, reading it for what seemed like the 1000th time since recieving it a week ago. It was hand written, the script flowing and precise. It was only a single line, but it was a line loaded with meaning. She had just spoken with Arthur, recently returned from his estate on New Syrtis, having been seen quite publicly with Angela Hasek. She was glad he was finding happiness, although he had droped the Steiner part of his last name, something which was still somewhat troubling.
She read the letter again, before turning the light next to her bed off and drifting to sleep. She smiled once more, reading the words in her mind, not beliving they could be true.
-Dearest Sister,
I am coming home.
Your loving brother,
Victor