Clan Blood Spirit IC Roleplaying Thread

[tassa_kay]

Temple of the Nine Muses
Roche, Kerensky Cluster

In the cavernous central chamber that once served as the heart of the Temple of the Nine Muses, Loremaster Bayle Campbell stood assembled with a retinue of figures, all attired in their dress uniforms and capes, and he in the crimson-and-black robes and ruby-tipped staff of his office.  Gathered in the focal point of the chamber, the series of massive oak doors that lined the walls were guarded by nearly a dozen Elementals clad in Vampire battlearmor, their eyes alert to any treachery that might still lurk on Roche.  After the nuclear destruction of several Blood Spirit WarShips, no one was willing to take any chances here.

Xysia Boques, commander of Delta Galaxy, was his protege and champion in many ways, and had led the Spirits' forces in securing Roche after the Scorpions on-planet surrendered themselves to the Spirits.  Josh Kemp, commander of Omicron Galaxy, was another of his most fanatical supporters, and had been happy to lend the assistance of his warriors to the seizure of Roche.  And the latest arrival, Galaxy Commander Jesse Keller of Alpha Galaxy, was the faction chief of the Isolationist movement, which still claimed the adherence of many of Clan Blood Spirit's traditionalist veteran warriors.

It was this august body of warriors that greeted Pavel Kirov and Morgaine McFadden as they were admitted into the chamber, their every footfall echoing almost hypnotically from the vaulted ceiling.  Though they knew that something of monumental import was going on, they did not know the reason for their summons to this place.  All they knew as they strode briskly towards the assembled leaders was that all eyes were upon them.  It was an unnerving feeling to both warriors.

The pair had arrived on Roche shortly after the surrender, pursuing the orders given to them by Khan Schmitt to discover and make contact with the conspiracy.  The Spirits had already occupied the major Scorpion settlements left on Roche, and most of the remaining Scorpion populace were outside of the urban centers, which had been evacuated first during the Scorpions' exodus.  Though the Temple had long since been stripped and the Seekers long-vanished, Pavel was certain that a clue could be found within its walls.

And so the pair ventured into the underground chambers that made up much of the massive complex once known as Spiderholm, center of the long-dead Clan Widowmaker's power in the Homeworlds.  Allowed access within was child's play for those who carried the credentials of the Khan herself, though more than one suspicious and even hostile eye was turned upon Pavel in the process.  And for two days, the ilChi ProtoMechWarrior and the Seeker MechWarrior pored through the remains of the Temple's storehouses.

It was Pavel who made the discovery.

A series of holotapes had been placed into a wall safe which bore an intriguing insignia: that of Clan Steel Viper.  Once Pavel had used his own access codes to open the safe, the pair retrieved the holotapes and used their portable emitter to play the contents of the tapes.  And what they saw was nothing short of shocking.  

Recorded conversations between Khan Steven Breen, who led the Vipers in the wake of the Traitor Khan, and the Founder himself, Nicholas Kerensky.  The conversations that the legendary Sanra Mercer had alluded to when she birthed a renaissance within her Clan, fueled by the belief that the Vipers would conquer the worlds of the Terran Hegemony and lead the Successor States from holy Terra herself as the ilClan.  Conversations which, as many in other Clans had whispered during the Golden Century and even now, had never actually taken place.

It was then that one of the Loremaster's men arrived, a sullen and suspicious man that was no doubt a member of the Watch in good standing, with an order to go before the Loremaster at once.  And promptly turned about and was gone.  Leaving Morgaine and Pavel scant few moments to consider the summons before finding themselves marching down the marbled floors of the central chamber towards the Loremaster and his retinue.

Coming to a halt before the gathered Spirit leaders, Morgaine and Pavel both assumed an attention stance, and Morgaine brought her right hand (fingers touched to thumb in a teardrop shape) to her left breast in a sharp salute.  While the gathered Galaxy Commanders regarded the pair with measured and silent gazes, the Loremaster turned his dark, sunken eyes to them with an almost inhuman cant of his head, fanaticism gleaming within.

"Star Captain Morgaine McFadden," intoned the Loremaster.  "Welcome to Roche and the Temple of the Nine Muses."

"Thank you, Loremaster," Morgaine replied, dipping her upper torso in a respectful bow.  This was one of the most powerful men in the Clan, and his reign as Loremaster for nearly twenty years was a long and storied one.  Though she was a Clan warrior and thus knew very little fear, she was more than wary and on her guard in the Loremaster's presence.

"Your arrival comes as quite a surprise to us.  Our warriors are still in the process of securing the planet and processing the isorla that has been presented to us."  He, of course, referred to the massive force of gathering Scorpion warriors which had chosen to accept the offer of Star Admiral Geoff Johns and surrender to a vengeful Clan Blood Spirit.  Though his use of the term isorla certainly couldn't have been sitting well with her Seeker comrade.

"Aff, Loremaster," stated Morgaine with a nod.  "We have arrived on orders from the Khan herself."

"And what are these orders, Star Captain?"  His tone had shifted, and Morgaine noticed that the gathered commanders all began to regard her even more closely.   As she glanced to her left at Pavel, her eyebrow twitched almost imperceptibly.  Careful, she could almost hear Pavel say.

"Seeker Pavel Kirov was invaluable in locating the journal of Colleen Schmitt," Morgaine responded after a moment.  "The Khan believes that there is perhaps more truth to be found here in the Temple.  We have been instructed to carry out a search for such truths."

As a warrior who was fiercely honorable, as any ristar in Clan Blood Spirit must be, Morgaine would not lie, and certainly not to the Loremaster himself.  But she could be selective in the truths she told.  And she knew that the Khan would not wish for the Loremaster to know of the specifics of their orders.  

Loremaster Campbell held Morgaine's gaze for a long moment, his dark eyes gleaming with fanaticism.  The ProtoMechWarrior felt a rising compulsion to avert her eyes, uncomfortable under his scrutiny, but she did not flinch before him.  She was still Clan, after all.  And after that moment had passed, the Loremaster looked upon Pavel with an utterly unreadable expression.  

"Your heart knows no fear, Seeker," the Loremaster said wryly.  "To stand here in the presence of the warriors whom your own people tried to murder with nuclear fire, the warriors whom took your homeworld away from you.  If only the dezgra that surrendered to us here had even an ounce of such utter fearlessness, that they might have a place among our own warrior caste."

Pavel regarded the Loremaster for a moment... and then he smiled, impossibly enough.  "Perhaps they may yet, Loremaster."

Loremaster Campbell raised an eyebrow at that.  Then he shook his head.  "Neg, Seeker Kirov," he said with finality.  "They sealed their fate when they unleashed nuclear weapons against our fleet and tore their own honor to shreds by refusing to acknowledge our lawful Trial.  We cannot suffer such dishonor in our warrior caste."

The Scorpion MechWarrior shifted in his stance, his dark eyes regarding Loremaster Campbell from a well-tanned face that was nearly completely covered by a black headwrap.  Pavel also wore a loose-fitting black jumpsuit with segmented, metal armor (silver, trimmed in red) worn over the torso like a knightly tabard.  With shiny black leather gloves and boots, the Seeker certainly looked "at home" within the Temple, but could not have looked more out of place with the present company.   But his stance was simply one of resolute confidence, unafraid and unflinching in such awkward company.

"There are nearly two Galaxies' worth of Scorpion warriors who have surrendered themselves to Clan Blood Spirit, Loremaster," Pavel said without hesitation.  "None of which are responsible for firing those nuclear devices at your fleet.  You could present these warriors with the same deal that you offered to the Black Mandrills on Foster, quiaff?"

Though the Galaxy Commanders present all looked as if they were burning to respond, the Loremaster simply regarded Pavel silently for a moment.  Morgaine could see that Bayle Campbell, quite possibly the most fanatical of all in Clan Blood Spirit, was actually considering the Seeker's words.  "And what do you propose, Seeker Kirov?"

Morgaine watched in utter astonishment as her comrade addressed Loremaster Campbell as perhaps he might address an equal... and the Loremaster simply listened to Pavel as he spoke.  "I propose you hold Trials to give those warriors a chance to serve their new Clan in the way in which they are best-suited.  But also ensure that all command positions are held only by your own warriors, who would also engage in Trials to win their new positions."

"Preposterous," said the voice of Galaxy Commander Jesse Keller, the Isolationist faction chief scoffing openly at the Seeker.  "How could they ever be trusted to serve as warriors, even if they were skilled enough to survive our testing?"

Pavel smiled, though none could see it beneath the folds of his headwrap.  "They have no other choice, Galaxy Commander."

"You are correct, Seeker Kirov," said Loremaster Campbell before anyone could respond to Pavel's words.  "And I intended no disrespect to you with my words before.  Were it not for your efforts, the journal of Colleen Schmitt would never have come to light.  This alone proves that you are honorable, if none of your kinsmen can say the same."

"The Black Mandrills have also proven their loyalty to the Clan since we have taken a number of them in on Foster," said Delta Galaxy Commander Xysia Boques.  "Andreu Beyl has given them the task of defending our enclave alongside Sigma, which has always called the Mandrills their friends."

Omicron Galaxy Commander Josh Kemp shook his head.  "Clan Fire Mandrill has stood by us for centuries.  The Scorpions claim no such honor in our eyes."

Those words caused the Loremaster to hold up his hand to forestall any further discussion on the matter.  "It was a Scorpion that restored to us the words of Colleen Schmitt, and a Scorpion that was responsible for turning us away from the path of destruction in the Draconis Combine in the mad war with the Not-Named!  It shall be a Scorpion that shall be heard this day."

Pavel bowed his head to the Loremaster in respect.  "Allow my people the chance to prove their worth."

"Very well, Seeker Kirov," Loremaster Campbell said after a long moment, the tension palpable in the air until Bayle's words broke it beyond repair.  "The testing shall commence as my Watch screens them for ties to the conspiracy.  Those who succeed will be reorganized into a new Galaxy that shall stand in defense of our newest conquest, Roche.  They shall be Phi Provisional Galaxy..."

Then, the Loremaster smiled almost sardonically at the Seeker and MechWarrior before him.  "And they shall be commanded by you, Star Colonel Pavel Kirov, if you can pass your own blooding as a Spirit warrior and prove yourself victorious in the final Trial of this new Galaxy."

Morgaine's mouth opened in shock.  The Loremaster had all but guaranteed Pavel the position of Galaxy Commander if he agreed to become abtakha and be tested as a warrior in his new Clan.  But it would mean the end of his time as a Seeker, and an end to his time as a Goliath Scorpion.  And Morgaine could not even begin to guess at how Pavel would respond to that.

"All honor to you, Loremaster", Pavel said immediately.  Then, hesitation having caught him, he downcast his eyes for a long moment before raising them again to the Blood Spirit Loremaster.  "I have never considered how my life would progress after my time as a Seeker came to an end.  But neither have I considered where I would stand when my Clan made the choice to stand against the Way of the Clans.  Perhaps you would allow me some time to... think it over?"

Loremaster Campbell laughed aloud, drawing looks of to-varying-degrees surprise from Morgaine and the assembled Galaxy Commanders.  "Aff, Seeker Kirov, and a most wise answer to a most difficult question.  But do not tarry long in finding an answer.  The investigation is ongoing, and the Trials shall consume considerable time in the days after, but I will revisit this question with you when that time comes."

Then, the Loremaster regarded Morgaine again, then Pavel, and then the pair of them simultaneously.  Standing more upright as he brandished his staff of office, he nodded once, sharply, as he spoke.  "Thank you both for your time.  It was most... illuminating."

And with that, the pair exited the chamber and made their way to the nearby DropPort where their vessel awaited them.  Holotapes in hand, they boarded the DropShip and returned to the JumpShip Boudicca that awaited them in orbit over Roche.  After speaking with Sentinel Boques via HPG link, the pair were ordered back to Huntress, to meet with the Knights Sanguine on Huntress and determine the next course of action.

[Holt]

The Blood Spirits techs had been on a higher state or awareness and on edge with all the happenings on Strana Mechty, so when five bleeps appeared on his screen, he almost spilled his coffee. Before he could contact the incoming forces a booming voice came on an open channel.

"This is Khan Sennet coming to meet your Khan per her invitation, you will forgive my intrusion with more than just a bodyguard, but given the recent actions of some of our brothers and sisters; i felt it warranted. We will approach slowly with tracking systems off. Please advice your Khan of my approach."


Slowly and methodically the five Shark Assault Mechs made their way into the Blood Spirit enclave, the techs could see that the lead mech was a Mad Cat II, followed by a design their war books did not recognize, it was a Warhammer, but not a variant they knew.

[tassa_kay]

It was not long before the Star of Shark assault 'Mechs detected the relatively rapid response from Clan Blood Spirit.  That response was, ironically enough, a Star of assault 'Mechs, bearing the colors of the Blood Guard Keshik.  

A Warhammer IIC, a Phoenix Hawk IIC, and a Highlander IIC, which flanked a pair of 'Mechs that were unquestionable in origin: a Blood Kite, which bore the markings of the Spirits' saKhan, and a massive design the Sharks themselves had never laid eyes upon.  The Sharks' targeting computers identified the 'Mech as a Blood Avatar, bearing the markings of Khan Schmitt herself.

"Welcome, Khan Sennet.  Do not apologize for your show of force, for we are Clan, and we are meant to meet one another from a position of strength.  And such caution is well-advised in such times as these."

The Blood Avatar halted nearly half a kilometer before the Sharks' machines, and its own tracking systems were powered down.  "You are our honored guests here, and your safety is as much my concern as it is your own.  We shall conduct you to Blood Spirit Hall, as I trust you are anxious to learn of the matters of which I entreated you to speak with me about, though I request that we do so alone."

With that, the Spirit 'Mechs took up formation with the Sharks' own 'Mechs to form an ad hoc honor guard, as the Khans proceeded into the heart of the Blood Spirits' enclave.

[Holt]

The Shark mechs took up their position in within the honor guard as the made their way closer to the Hall, "You honor my clan and myself Khan Schmitt and i am eager to know what you have to say."

Once they had reached the Hall, Barbara came down from her mech and proceeded to where she would meet with Khan Schmitt.

[tassa_kay]

Khan Schmitt led Khan Sennet into Blood Spirit Hall, which was rather well-guarded... a hallmark of Clan Blood Spirit's isolationist policies.  But the Diamond Shark Khan and her accompanying warriors were given no more than cursory looks from the Spirit warriors, as they were there on the sufferance of the Khan herself, and none questioned Khan Schmitt.

Once the Shark warriors had been shown to a secure room where they could relax beyond prying eyes, Khan Schmitt and Khan Sennet entered into Schmitt's own office in Blood Spirit Hall.  Schmitt secured the room quickly, having ordered a pair of her most trusted Elemental guards to stand guard at the doors, and moved to stand before her massive, ebony desk. 

"I thank you for accepting my invitation, Khan Sennet, and I will not waste your time, for the matters I wish to discuss are of the utmost importance.  The other fools who style themselves Khans may be content to whisper and plot behind your back, but my Clan and your own have always respected each other, and I will not dishonor that."

Heaving a slight sigh, Schmitt reached for a datapad on her desk before returning her attention to the Shark Khan.  "It is no secret that some in the Grand Council have turned their eyes upon you and your Clan.  They feel that because of some of your recent actions, you run the risk of deviating from the Way of the Clans.  But this is an accusation that my own people have faced more than once in our history, so I understand that it is not always so clear."

Holding up the datapad, Schmitt continued.  "During my Clan's seizure of Roche from the Goliath Scorpions, I received a report from my Watch that a sizable fleet had recently departed the system, and it was bound for a world under your Clan's control... Homer.  It was also determined that the point of origin of the message that had allegedly originated with the ilKhan, the message you and I discussed some months ago, was also the world of Homer.  But these pale by comparison to the latest report I have received."

Standing to her full height, Adrianna Schmitt looked upon Barbara Sennet with an intense, cobalt gaze.  The two women could not have looked more different.  Where Adrianna was tall, light-skinned, and possessed of lengthy golden-blonde hair, Barbara was rather petite, with dark chocolate skin and short, black hair.  A study of contrasts if ever there was one. 

"My Clan has recently been engaged in an operation in the remote Nueva Castile region in the Deep Periphery, home to the Castilian Principalities and the Umayyad Caliphate.  During a battle between the two sides, in which we were serving as observers and arbitrators, the Castilians engaged the Umayyads with BattleMechs of a design far beyond their own technological level.  BattleMechs that my Watch tells me are of Terran origin.  BattleMechs that my Watch also tells me were sold to the Castilians by Diamond Shark merchants."

Silent only for a moment, Khan Schmitt took a single step forward, though her posture was far from threatening.  "I swear upon my honor as a warrior that nothing we speak of today will leave this room.  But I am compelled to ask you, Khan Sennet, what occurs with your Clan?  I must know."

[Holt]

"I thank you for bringing this up to my attention and the honor you show, for as you know it has been lacking from most of our fellow Khans," Barbara sighed heavily. "The sizable fleet that your watch said was headed to Homer was also tracked by my watch to just outside of Homer where it was lost, I can tell you that no Scientist forces are located on the world on within its space and would grant a warrior of your choosing full access to every nook of the world; unlike some others, my Clan has nothing to hide. The operations on Homer did not go as planned, the Adders hesitation to engage the Scientists, their acceptance and subsequent refusal of a Trial and even their use of guerrilla forces, left a sour taste in my mouth. It was to be a simple Trial that went awry."

"As far as Diamond Shark wares being in the possession of the Castilians, it is a matter that i would need to research. As you know our merchants travel far and wide and thought records are meticulously kept, it is not something i commit to memory, but as far as selling Terran designs apart from a few second-line mechs that have Star League origins, my clan does not produce Inner Sphere-tech armaments."

"The Diamond Sharks are not the clans enemy, we have most of our fleet in the Inner Sphere under the orders of  Star Admiral McKenna. My clan also recently took control of Columbus Station from the Terrans, but sadly not before they vacated. We have also engaged two scientist warships in Deep Periphery, managing to salvage one. What we refuse to do is leave our vast holding here in the Homeworlds without proper guard, with the Scientists still out there and some of our fellow clans looking only for themselves, it is not a risk i can take."

[tassa_kay]

To her credit, Khan Schmitt only mulled those words over for a frenzy of moments before she nodded sharply.  "I will accept your word as I would my own, Khan Sennet.  But I would also ask you to understand why I am forced to ask these questions, given the blatant treachery of the Scorpions and the self-serving, dishonorable behavior of those who sit on the Grand Council.  This conspiracy has deep roots within our society, and none of us have been unaffected by its actions... and yet, the Grand Council is content to continue their policies of landgrabbing and powermongering in the Inner Sphere and virtually ignore the rot that eats us from within, while the Terrans continue to remain unmolested within the borders of their Hegemony."

Pausing for a moment, Schmitt then returned her gaze to Sennet.  "I have grave reservations about the Grand Council's ability to lead the Clans on a path that will ensure the survival of our way of life, Khan Sennet.  And while I am not familiar with your own stance on this farcical excuse for an Annihilation, I must ask you... is this a course you are committed to?  I do not question your loyalty, but I question your desire to carry out this self-destructive course that the Council has set us upon.  In the eyes of myself, my Clan Council, and even in the eyes of our own founding Khan, Colleen Schmitt, the Annihilation failed long before either of us were ever Decanted."

Schmitt's expression became as hard and as cold as ice.  "I will disavow uttering these words if ever they are repeated outside of this room, but I have asked myself a question which borders on the blackest of heresy: perhaps this conspiracy has the right of it.  Though their methods and their actions reek of dishonor and scream for reprisal, is the current course we are embarked upon any better?  From what I understand, this conspiracy fears that the Grand Council is going to force the Inner Sphere to completely destroy the Clans in order to stave off the Annihilation... and from what I have witnessed thus far, I cannot say with any truthfulness that they are wrong."

Shaking her head, Schmitt waved away her reverie.  "I ask that you consider the course of your Clan in the days to come, Khan Sennet.  I ask that you consider where the Grand Council will lead you and your people, for the waters seem most treacherous and there seems to be little benefit to those of us who are not Jade Falcon, Star Adder, Snow Raven, or Ice Hellion.  I ask that you consider returning home to the Kerensky Cluster and to the Pentagon, to look to your own people instead of looking to prosecute a senseless and destructive war that will force the Inner Sphere to Annihilate us once and for all."

[Holt]

"I agree fully that it seems like the Grand Council is as much of a threat as the Scientists, that it seems that the actions of a few are controlling everything."

"Sadly my Clan and I have to support the annihilation of the Not Named, as much as I do not think it is being handled properly; Shark warriors will be there. Though i have stated we will not support it over the safety of our clan."

"We have established a solid hold on the Deep Periphery outposts from the Wolves and Terrans and stand to provide as much support as we can, to those that require it."

[tassa_kay]

Schmitt nodded slowly in response, drinking in the words of the Shark Khan reflectively.

"You must do what you feel is best, of course, Khan Sennet, and I would never advise you to do otherwise.  And I will gladly support you in Council if any call your loyalty into question.  There are precious few amongst our number that I would even consider calling an ally, but it is my hope that perhaps our two Clans might be able to do so in the future.  I think that both the Spirit and the Shark could use all the support they can muster, and I stand ready to commit that support to you if and when you should call upon it."

"Your fleet remains in the Inner Sphere under the aegis of Star Admiral McKenna, and yet the Ravens tell the Grand Council that your warriors have not contributed to the war effort thus far.  I am not calling your actions into question by stating this, but I will simply ask if there is any way that I and my warriors might assist you in your efforts in the Inner Sphere.  We may not support this war, but we will not abandon a loyal and honorable Clan to fight alone, either.  If you are willing, perhaps we could discuss how we might be able to bring about coordinated, cooperative actions against our enemies."

"What say you, Khan Sennet?"

[Holt]

"The Ravens may say whatever is on their mind, for i know the truth and can verify it with the positioning of my warships, the Ravens are just sore they did not cart blanch access to our industrial capability and that we repaired whom we wanted to repair after Sudeten."

"I would be honored to have your forces fight along mine in the Inner Sphere, under shared command. The world of Columbus is being upgraded to support more personnel as we speak, so if you wish to send your troops there as a meeting point; it would seen like the optimal place."

[Fatebringer]

Blood Spirit Enclave
Lum

A message from Loremaster Klaus Harper to the commander of the Blood Spirit Enclave is sent requesting a meeting.

[tassa_kay]

Command Center
Blood Spirit Enclave
Lum, Kerensky Cluster

As per standing orders, the pair of Blood Spirit technician-caste communications officers within the Spirits' command center on Lum, a hardened facility seized from the Nova Cats when the Spirits invaded Lum, forwarded the message to the office of Bri McFadden.

McFadden immediately initiated a priority-one, encrypted, HPG-delivered transmission to Strana Mechty, where the former Snow Raven ilChi engaged in a brief conversation with the Blood Spirit saKhan, Caden Church.  The conversation was only a few minutes in length, and terminated as quickly as it began.

Bri's response was not long in coming.

Loremaster Harper,

By the authority invested in me by the Khans and the Clan Council, I am tasked to inform you that your request for a meeting has been accepted.  However, I am also to inform you that the meeting will take place via HPG transmission, as no one outside of our Clan is welcome within our enclaves by order of the Khan. 

I am sending you a secure frequency with which to conduct the meeting you have requested, and await your response.

Bri McFadden
Clan Blood Spirit

[tassa_kay]

Meanwhile, on Strana Mechty...

Khan Schmitt straightened her posture to stand at her full height and raised her right hand, with thumbs touching fingers to form a teardrop shape, to her left breast in a sharp salute.

"Thank you, Khan Sennet, for your candor today.  I will speak with saKhan Church about coordination with your Clan's own touman, and we shall see what we can do to bring this alliance to fruition.  Though I must say that Columbus is a surprising destination for a staging area.  Rather distant from the front.  May I inquire as to what your first target is intended to be?  I am not as familiar with the goings-on in Steinerspace as I perhaps should be."

[Fatebringer]

HPG Transmission

The image of Klaus Harper faded in with all of his office regalia showing. The immense man had a stony face and peircing eyes. "Khan Schmitt, I have been asked by SSA saKhan Bryn Cooper to request the status of the CBSS Caughoo. The last we heard of this ship, it was still above Roche and salvagable."

[tassa_kay]

Bri McFadden raised an eyebrow at the query of the Ravens' legendary Loremaster.  Though he had clearly intended to speak with Khan Schmitt, she was currently engaged in a meeting with Khan Barbara Sennet, leaving the task to Bri. 

"Aff, it is still above Roche and salvagable.  And we will salvage it when we are prepared to do so.  If you are looking for a corpse to feast to, I suggest you look elsewhere.  We will not tolerate scavengers in our territory."