Clan Ice Hellion IC Roleplaying Thread

[GraeGor]

Esteros, until recently an unassuming world, not really much on the interstellar political radar, that is until it was first suddenly put on the front line of the current Clan-Inner Sphere War, becoming another casualty to the advancing Clan Juggernaut, falling to Clan Ice Hellion.

On the whole not much had changed, yeah the lives of the citizenry was a bit more organized and regimented, but other than that they went about their daily routine much as before.

Today though it was about to have a surprise visitor, and while the Techs were on the alert for any incursion, the announcement made by the force that arrived was not at all what they expected.


Multiple sensors picked up the forming Jump Point signatures just seconds before several Ships materialized at the Nadir point, and as the vessels stabilized themselves, a radio transmission was broadcast on multiple channels. IFF signals indicated them as Lyran in origin, but the few satellites with video capability quickly zeroed in and caught the image of a hastily painted serpent along the length of most of the JumpShips. Two words were emblazoned above the snake For Charlamagne.

"Attention Esteros Control, this is Lieutenant Colonel Kinkaid Josephs of the 367th Lyran, hmm, I guess that really don't apply any more," the voice comments, "no matter, 367th Lyran Independent Aerospace Regiment accompanied by the 499th Lyran Independent Aerospace Regiment late of Arc-Royal."

"Not sure if you've heard, but the Lyran Commonwealth is shattered, and well we heard that one of your fellow Clansmen, a Charlamagne Steiner of," his voice softens, as if he's speaking to someone else, "what Clan is Charlie part of." he asks.

Another voice, muffled by some distance from the comm station replies, "something Adder, Star I think."

"Clan Star Adder has thrown his name in the ring for the title of Archon. We'd be mighty grateful if you wouldn't blow us into so much junk, and perhaps point us along in the direction that we can reach Charlie. We've decided that someone different can't do us any worse than those that we're familiar with and would like to become part of his Lyran Faction."

"And you may want to give a heads up to some of your other Clan friends, they also may be getting similar requests if the scuttlebutt is accurate. We aint the only ones that are willing to call Charlie our Archon.

Following the broadcast is a full documentation of the composition of the 367th and 499th Lyran Independent Aerospace Regiments.

The combined forces of the 367th and 499th amount to 28.5 FP of ASF. Their transports are standard JumpShips, and listed as their transport arm, with appropriate number of DropShips, all converted to carry ASFs and required supplies.


(ooc: each Unit moving 2 hexes, using 0 MPs (that's what the Order Sheet tells me) to reach Esteros, which has been calculated on Orders, just getting some of the movement details and RP out of the way)

[Marlin]

CommTech Castor's mouth dried when he had received the data. That was a huge group there.. that must be hundreds of fighters! He called the Star Captain of the watch.

Roy was in his sleep when the watching Star Captain had called him. Something must have happened!

He ran to the next intercom and then moved quickly to the HQ. When he had replayed the message, he was slightly calming down.

"It seems they just want to move through. No immediate action." He called for Star Commodore Bianca Kanter, the 7th Aerospace Commander. Her screen would not be sufficient. She agreed with doing nothing, but when they came from Arc-Royal.. that could mean it would be an easier target..

Finally a message was sent: "Colonel Kincaid, this is Star Colonel Roy. We will not disturb you while you recharge. You may proceed to your target. Star Colonel Roy out." After some seconds another message was sent by the same: "I will give you a good advice: If you want to stay on good terms with Clansmen, do not use contractions the way you are."

Below was a still wondering Staff of Hellion personnel, but they would be even more irritated when they received new orders from Command.

If the groups were still there a week later an advertising went on air on the planet, seemingly produced for other Hellion planets too. It seemed to aim at the populace to tell them that prisoners of higher caliber would be shipped to the Independent worlds. Others would be given a choice. Also people who were discontent with the Clan rule.

Not only the Hellions on planet wondered about that but few did not see the logic of giving away expensive unproductives and lessening the population of criminal elements or malcontents.

So far, those Hellions did not seem that bad, though.

[Marlin]

Mississauga Zenith
"Eisfluch"

Raina had reviewed most of the reports that kept flowing in, despite the problems of having no functional HPGs on the newly aquired worlds. She would blow up those HPGs herself if she had to rely on Not-Named personnel to run it. It would be overcome. The Hellions had overcome much more difficult times.

Planning was underway for the next steps. With the crumbling of the Lyrans and the Adders having grotesquely a Steiner of their own and so many people desperate to even acknowledge him, the pressure on the other worlds would grow. It seemed that Lyran units were defecting en masse even through Clan systems. Astonishing. Yet, it could get more problematic as the remaining defenders could become even more desperate. The last battles had been to the last man, which was wasteful. Further reinforcements by the Terran scum or their lackeys notwithstanding, of course. With the growth of the territories, Raina had thought about expanding their forces and of course Philippe had proposed the idea of looking for autochton people to defend themselves. The Adders had executed that to some success, and if the new warriors were loyal, there was few that spoke against it. The irritating Blood Spirits aside, they would smell betrayal in every new direction, but with Clans dying left and right, that was no more Raina's concern. Survival was hers.

She gave green light for those first units. They would rank in like Omega Galaxy, perhaps lower and no one should expect them to appear besides Front Line units. With the expatriation of malcontents after the offer of that Kowlon UIW, the integration of the new worlds would go forth.

[Marlin]

HQ of the Loremaster
Melissia, Europa

"I have a new one," proclaimed Philippe Lienet. Despite getting some gray hair, he seemed relaxed and fit to his gathering of officers. He had made a habit to crack newly learned jokes before each of their meetings, testing his ability of delivering a pointe. It was quite irritating to most of the attendants, to say the least. It seemed that he deliberately ruined any joke and besides, most were Spheroid ones with topics alien to the Clans. The following would show that again. Philippe harrumped and started with a sheepish grin:

Wife : You always carry my photo in your handbag to the office. Why ?
Hubby : When there is a problem, no matter how impossible, I look at your picture and the problem disappears.
Wife: You see, how miraculous and powerful I am for you?
Hubby: Yes, I see your picture and say to myself, "What other problem can there be greater than this one?"

Still grinning, he looked at his puzzled attendants faces. Most were not getting it at all. But it was a topic of discussion after any meeting, when it became less formal again.

Of course, relationships were not common to those warriors, but to stay with a problematic woman at all? That was just nonsense.

As nobody laughed, Phillippe's grin died a slow death and he opened the Star Map for all along with the data that was of interest. Much change had come since the Adders had presented their coup. It would ease the "western" theater decisively. Those new independent worlds, obviously under protection by the Adders were no threat to the Hellions. But the biggest hindrance to security of their worlds lies still before them. It was time to move against it.

The Star Colonels and Galaxy Commander Hawkins were now at attantion again, at least they understood what this was about..

[Marlin]

"Galaxy Commander Damon Hawkins, I have reviewed your reports and ROMs of your training. It seems that the 2nd Assault is now officially classified as Veterans again. That is formidable." Hawkins nodded at his superior: "I will add that Star Colonel Josephine Lienet did a formidable work in guiding them and whipping them into shape." Philippe added:  "I can only encourage the others here to get their act together and become higher rated."

"On another topic: the Khan has now finally approved the creation of Volunteer units to garrison our Inner Sphere Planets." Into the murmur of the gathered officers he explained further: "They are handpicked, willing and screened by our Watch and are indeed members of the Warrior Caste. They will unlikely take part in offensive operations and shall stay on their home planets. For our Gouvernors and Inquisitors, this has already proven to be of use and so far they have proven their worth. For the most part, not much will change for them anyway, as is the case with former "police" who are now part of the Warrior Caste as well. I expect that you treat those volunteer Warriors with the respect they deserve. Yes, they are freeborn and yes, they did not have the same level of training like we do, but their training they will keep is to be valued high enough compared to the Lyrans and adequate for their duty."

He waited for the murmuring to subside. "Also, the jails are in the process of being emptied of hardened criminals who were sentenced to more than 5 years of prison. The UIW will receive shipment of them, thus reducing our need to guard those dezgra scum. Malcontents have been given the choice to join them, although I think they should be transported separately. It will increase our hold on our worlds and it is likely that the people will appreciate this move." He gestured for comments, which were spoken about as well. The Path was clear, they would soon be on the move again.

[Marlin]

Hot Springs
14. September 3069


Hot Springs and its Capital, Boulder, with it, was booming. The populace saw much infrastructure built by the Ice Hellions, besides a gigantic HPG Hub also Factories and even a massive Shipyard. Most of it was obviously for military reasons, but the big Hub would make messages to other planets now nearly as easy, albeit somewhat more costly, as a planetary phone call. This was unheard of for this place, despite people coming here from all over the Inner Sphere.

This has changed, sadly due to the fact that Clans are there and the House Lords prevent civilians from visiting Hot Springs due to their petty interests (and the Ice Hellions due to security concerns, mostly). However, the Hellion Worlds now could send many civilians to Hot Springs' springs and the Institute for Advanced Studies in Physical Therapy which had been neglected since the Clans were invading. Now it shines anew and cares for the exhausted and severed.

Of course, all visitors have to be screened at the space port of their Worlds and here as well, but this is definitely worth it. Thanks to the improved Communications, they can spread the word faster about what is available here. Thus, even other Clans may send people to relax.

Warriors may eventually see the benefit of healthcare in their spare time as well, and the newly trained volunteers might be the first Ice Hellion Warriors to go there regularly. They now are trusted with protection here and one of them, Heinz Fuhrmann, once assistant defense director for the planetary Command with considerable power and connections to other planets and commander of a battalion of Infantrymen has successfully tested in, swearing his loyalty to the new Overlords. And he has just received a message by one of his old friend from Melissia. This might be wrong, but will help the Clan. At least he hopes they see it like this. He just has received orders to weed out criminals for shipping to Arluna, thus losing much of the rabble that plagues most societies.

Even less populated worlds like Hot Springs have their share of offenders and even really evil ones. Thus, he sees some wisdom in it, and despite having some doubts, he starts to select and asking around at the prisons for useable ones. That will make quite some JumpShip loads, he estimates. And if his old friend really can cut a deal like that and is not killed for it by the High Command, then he advances the Clan as a whole, likely strengthening the defense of its planets with easier to maintain, and more robust warmaterial.

So, he puts his new Clan before his own. At least that is his way of thinking. He hopes his friend knows what he is doing.

[Marlin]

Raina had had a tough day. Securing the newly acquired planet could be interesting, but it also could be a test of patience and energy.

Santana was certainly important, but still, politics were not much her thing. They had now a new governor who seemed competent enough and the battlefield had been cleaned.

Other news were not that good, however. Morges had fallen to Scum League Forces, it was whispered that another fleet was with them. And the Militia had fought to the best of their abilities. Perhaps more. However, that put all offensive plans at risk.

Morges had to be retaken, else it would risk the entire zone. In the Homeworlds, several Clans had taken up trials against the Wolves, Shadow had been a success, the Star Colonel there would receive a commendation. His anti-air tactics might prove valuable here as well, but it had been a trial, so then this might not mean much.

Eden however had been a shameful loss. She didn't know why she was upset, sending freeborns it was the estimated outcome against trueborns. Even if they only were Wolves.

She needed some training. Even if she grew older, she had to stay in shape, else she could not defend her position. And with the increasing problems here and there, that would be critical. How long would Connor stay calm? Or others? If she issued more orders that some might find unclanlike?

A grin appeared on her face. Even if Connor would win over her, the duty he would inherit might prove too much. And if he failed then, the Clan would suffer. Thus, she had to stay strong. Any less Warrior would fail. Fail the Clan. That must never be.

[Marlin]

Melissia
06. Oct. 3069

Most of the birds had landed and went through the quarantine procedure as they had been in contact with Arluna, the center of the plague. No one could want this to spread. Anywhere.

Star Commander Lester (Strickland) had been desinfected and would have some spare time.

He knew where he would go. The "Raging Stallion" would do. There were rumours that even the Loremaster had visited it and tried some jokes on the old and rugged Barkeeper, oddly enough, but Lester would just visit an old friend. Although first he would get into civil attire.
He found, the Clan System was not nearly as bad as the Prop had said. But then, he was quite flexible, adapt at Combat and skilled at what he did. So perhaps it was just that he could test into the Warrior Caste? He had to admit, should he ever take a wife and get children, they would not need to risk their lives, other than a civilian Job, that is. Accidents happened still. Screw it, he should be more alert now.

Entering the small, but tidy bar, he already saw him. He got himself a drink, a PPC and a tea would do, better only naranjijuice and tea, and perhaps a good steak. Better than the crappy stuff them Clanners called "rations". Slowly and with a smirk he went to the desk where a customer sat.

"G'day Mista. How are you?" The other, somewhat older man nodded. "How are you. I see you are back. Have a seat."
Lester sat in front of him and sipped his juice. "Yeah, not much has happened. That Star Cap seems ta have had a hunting trip. Came back quite injured. It's rumoured that there are giant pigs and stuff running around. He took one down with a spear. Pretty tough." The other raised an eyebrow. "Is that so. Well, sounds like fun. Do you have something of a souvenir for me?"

"Nah, I wasn't with the hunting party. Sorry Bill." The other one frowned. Les found it hilarious. He continued. "Oh, uh.. " tapping on his front pockets. "I think I have it in my uniform.." Now Bill seemed pissed and Les couldn't help but grin. He took out a piece of paper with a Datachip and handed it over. It was too good an opportunity to pass. "Bill grabbed it eagerly but the displeasure was showing as he growled. "Idiot."
Lester ignored it. "So, how did it go here? Any news on the war?"

Bill was still grumpy but after buying him a beer, he started to talk some news.

[Marlin]

When Bill was in his appartment, after a security check and his test in he was allowed to stay, it was good to be Militia based and part of the government, he could read the message.

And this was good. '10 companies. That's no small thing.' He would have to get this working ASAP. It would get him killed if they found out, if not, well, the planet would have some more defense. After his wife had divorced him, he did not cling to his life that much. But he would take it as it came. He was Warrior after all.

[Marlin]

Loremaster's Cabin,

Philippe sat in his G-Chair, and read through various reports. Most were alright, nothing special.

But there, the first transport to Arluna. Star Captain Ezra. Aha. Had made good contact with the government, and went hunting??

Interested, Philippe immersed himself in the well-written report. Attachments were also available. That Ezra seemed competent, despite being only Marine of 3rd tier.

Hm. Genetic tampering. He took down a 1-ton Boar? Hard to believe if he would not know that he was a Warrior. But the genestuff was certainly unchill.

As Loremaster, he would assign some more resources to it.

And having an ilChi would not be harmful.. He would have to think about it. Groaning, he took the risk to stand up in G flight, and moved. Perhaps Coupling could clear his mind?

Or he could also ask his Coregn.. before or after? Did not matter. He would advance the Clan and its relations.

[Marlin]

Loremaster's Cabin, Eisfluch
location classified

The reports went in. Progress was made. The SibKos, once instituted by Asa Taney and his predecessors were now paying off. The Clan could now draw on them. The problem of too few Warriors would now be much less, especially when some voices advocated increased buildup of freeborn troops, which of course was a major point for the Clan Council. But the industry was not really suited to the task. At least the first Warship was now built since the Eisfluch. A Fredasa, but it was a start. The loss of the Cage's Pride would still mark a wound for at least several years, if not more. But what could they do. They would need the help of Lum or Sudeten to put such a ship together, however, needing help of others was not favored by the Khans. Philippe had much less qualms about it, but he was different anyway.

The next steps of the Clan would mark its path. Glory was to be gained, hopefully, or it could cripple them, even without enemies stabbing at their back. They all would be accounted for, though. No one messes with the Ice Hellion.

He sighed. Perhaps he should try to read the Remembrance?

Star Captain Zig's verse had been the latest addition to the poem. Freeborns seemed to be able of extraordinary deeds, perhaps more Clusters of them would help, indeed?

But for the Wolves, the last verses would soon be written. What would Kerensky think of those traitors?

[Marlin]

Homeworlds
Kerensky Cluster
Eden

It was time. Armed personnel went into the Center and started lining up the Wolf-Raisers and The Eden Wolves were calmed by their trainers.

Now the end was coming. All were offered to join the Ice Hellion Clan immediately, or else. There was no debate. It went over smoothly.

The special Exclave of the Wolves was no more. The Wolves would not be harmed, but Clan Command had seen fit to remove this stain. The time of the Wolves was over.

[Marlin]

An aged face looked from the screens and Holos into the crowds of the Clan's holdings.

"Greetings, citizens. I am Senior Master Chief Worker Letitia Bosch leader of our great Clan's Worker Caste. I have good news for you: Our proud Clan and Clan Star Adder reached an agreement to improve several Planets' infrastructure. This includes a HPG Beta Class and substantial improvements of infrastructure, example being an upsized Dropport with the supporting structures. The first planet for this, and thus coming into the fold of Clan Ice Hellion, is Machida. When Zhongshan was liberated by forces of both Clans, Machida was sidelined and had to survive mostly on its own. This will change now. Life will improve there like it has for all the Worlds Clan Ice Hellion has liberated and will liberate. We will keep you informed of that progress.

Likewise, the despicable terrorists of ComStar and Word of Blake, unable to provide service for you have sabotaged the HPGs on any newly liberated world. This caused interdictions for the respective Planets, the Clan tried to ease via its Warships. However, these hardships are soon to be over and once again you will be able to send your messages in even better quality to your families or friends within the Clan Zones.
Remember, only you can make your life better. Volunteers are always welcome. Join the biggest and greatest family of all, Clan Ice Hellion. The Pack is stronger than anyone alone, and much stronger than our enemies combined." A smile ended the message.

Subtitles were sent with it in German, Hindi, Italian and some other languages.

[Marlin]

Mississauga
19. December 3069

Several weeks there had been propaganda for the new HPG, now it was nearly done. The people would have now the change to get news quickly and get out Messages to their kin or friends abroad.

The final opening of the new HPG Compound, far away from the old and sabotaged, that was now marred with Graffiti and decay, would become a spectacle. Much like a Volksfest. (people party) The Capitol of Mississauga Maine was bursting with activity for this, and although the policemen had enough on their hands, it was mostly peaceful activity.

Mississauga would not disappear from the interstellar map again. Not if the paw of the Ice Hellion watched over it.

[Marlin]

21st December 3069

Coventry, route to Nadir
DropShip "Intensity"

In his cabin sat a grumpy mooded Loremaster. Coventry did not go as he had hoped. But certainly he should not be surprised. What did some Successor State lackeys know of Trials and honor? Nothing. But his Star Captain had certainly fought well. The Regulans too, even as he had clipped their wings as he isolated a few Mechs of them on one flank, they fought back valiantly. However, it was clear they were outclassed until they called in the rest of their unit. The whole unit! This proved they did not bid at all. Of course, lately most Clans dealing with dishonorable or even Clan opposition did much the same. That this was against the spirit of the law seemed not to bother anyone anymore. He sighed deeply, even as the thrust of the Dropship pushed him into the seat. Were the Clans to go extinct? The Bears had adapted to a mixed state, some Elements of their heritage still in place while democratic elements had been put into place to form a society that had the Warriors on top, still. But for how long would that go well? Despite their strength, they were vulnerable for pressure.

The Lyrans had been under pressure since the Katherine led second Assault on the Falcons that bound many Clans together.

As more and more Clans gathered to bite out of them, finally someone destroyed Tharkad and their Archon. This shattered this big realm finally. When even the Star Adders, a most progressive Clan, for sure, gained a portion of this realm, something seemed rotten at the core of this realm. Perhaps of all realms? Somehow, Philippe doubted that the Dracs would have fallen this way, but who knew? They were plagued from within by those Black Dragons historically, but so far had kept them quiet. And thus, could grow stronger even more shown in their renewed commitment on the Lyran front.

Philippe had hoped that Coventry would have ended with a victory, it could have triggered him to try to calm down both sides. Adders and FWL, who had a mighty fleet, were entangled in an increasingly bloody war. Starting with Coventry, and a stupid Trial for the Adder Mjölnir. Coventry they had accepted, the Mjölnir they did not give. And now were seemingly trialing the FWL for their ships? It was just nonsense and bled them dry. The FWL had unengaged assets and struck Adder Worlds at will. Why could Stanislov not see this? He was certain that Raina had already offered mediation or at least would prod him to step back a bit.

A message was coming on? Sudeten had been an outstanding success for the saKhan. Of course. His military prowess was unmatched. But what would happen if Raina went away from Khanship, eventually? Philippe wondered. As Connor was more conservative, what would he do? No doubt, the Clan had changed heavily, but stayed quite successful, compared to others. But where would they stand without that bloody, stravag Scientist Cabal?

Once again he swore at these offenders. How was that possible? Was their greed for power that badly contained? But he vowed that such thing would not happen again.

Considering his old punching bag, the Coyotes, he wished they would be around. In light of the Spirit Cats revelations, they certainly would invoke Surkai, where only their higher-ups really were involved, and then smash into the lines of the Terrans, no doubt. Their heavy machines would do great harm to the terrible enemy.

He felt old. So much change had happened over eight years. Mostly for the worst. For how long would one recognize that there were Clans? The Coyotes were abjured, but could they not be called more Clan than the real Traitors of Scorpions, Cobras and Wolves? And those that rather hid in the shadow of the Homeworlds, could they be called Clan? Could the Hellions be called Clan? Right now, certainly, despite destroying an infected Caste. But what would happen with them in the Inner Sphere? Would they become corrupted? Certainly Philippe would do all he could to prevent that, but.. as he liked much of the Inner Sphere's differences, was he already one of those?
'Do not allow yourself doubts.' He commanded himself. The path was set. If possible, strengthen the others with coworking, but preserve the Clan's power and life. The time to strike the Terrans drew closer, if the Clan was not on its peak, then it could likely mark the start of the end of the Clan. If not all. Who knew what the Terrans were capable of? Nuclear Warfare and Orbital destruction, obviously. Perhaps more? The UIW had suffered under an engineered plague. Would this come too? He refused to think that to the end.

When he finally fell asleep that day, his mood had not bettered.