[RP/MM] Turn 42, IS-Hex 1417 Coventry, CJF/ACW vs FWLM + Others [Complete]

[chaosxtreme]

*bump*

[GraeGor]

*bump*

[ooc: I havent forgotten, just been having problems getting into the proper frame of mind to play Charlie properly]

[Fatebringer]

We're running out of time for the cycle.

[GraeGor]

[ooc: my apologies for being rather slow on this, but here's what I've come up with...I'm still not satisfied with it, but as Fate said, the Cycle is passing by]

Aboard the Mjolinir, Charlamagne Steiner paces impatiently, how he so deeply wishes he could consult the cards right now, but he has neither the time nor the proper state of mind in order to form the proper query, instead he must rely on Chance.

He reaches into his pouch and draws the top three cards, one for each side and the other to represent an outcome:

As the querent, his card will be the first, Justice - the Clans are here for Justice, and will give their lives for it on behalf of the Steiner Protectorate.
The Inner Sphere forces are represented by the second, The Star, reversed - the stubborn IS Powers refusing to accept change, especially when not in their favor.
The outcome comes as no surprise, The Tower - destruction and catastrophe, but for who it is not revealed.

"My reply will go out on an open channel, quiaff," he asks of the CommTech.

"Aye, er, Aff, Star Colonel. All frequencies and simulcast to the surface of Coventry," is her answer.

"Good. I want nothing hidden from the People. The Federated Suns and SLDF also need to be kept in the loop as it were. This event will Symbolize the greater conflict of Clan Star Adder against the Free Worlds League, as well as the Clans as a whole against the Star League of the Inner Sphere."

"My duty to explain the customs of the Clan Warrior to a member of your Toumann?

"They may have a grasp of the process but they do not know the intricacies, and thanks to your meddling and interference in their decision, many never will."

"The Warriors you encountered here have a desire for something new, for a leader that offers them something other than the same, centuries old, stagnant leadership so common to Inner Sphere Nations. Is that me, I do not know, but through me they will get to know the Clans more intimately and more thoroughly than you ever will, unless you are taken as a bondsman by either Clan Star Adder or Clan Jade Falcon."

"As one Commander to another, would you accept someone who expressed a desire to be part of your command without determining his worthiness or ability as a soldier or Warrior? Or would you educate him, train him, teach him what he needs to know in order to survive and not be a danger to himself and those who serve beside him, before putting him in front of an enemy? So, while he may have had a grasp of Clan bidding practices, I state that by now most every Inner Sphere military formation knows the very basic protocols."

"And as one of considerable Rank, I bet even you do not know everything about Clan bids and what a Superior Officer is capable of doing when it comes to Trials accepted by one of his or her subordinates."

"You should be grateful that I decided to accept the results of the Trial conducted here to the degree that I have, when I would be well within my rights to deny any one of, or all of, them."

Well Galaxy Commander while you are new to Lyrans I think you will find they are a relatively thick people, as I am sure you will notice the longer it is you work with them. Trying to explain concepts that do not involve a parade, a party, or a salad fork to a Lyran Commander is a lot like trying to teach ones yorkie Kearny-Fuchida Algorithms. Fun while drunk but otherwise a waste of time that ends up with pooh on your shoes.

For the record Galaxy Commander, I am Lord Admiral Regal I have the honor of shepherding him through the bidding process and I might add he seemed to have a quite impressive grasp of the process.

"For the record Lord Admiral, my current and correct rank is Star Colonel. I have not earned, or purchased, the rank of Galaxy Commander, even though the authority I have been granted equals or exceeds that of the rank you applied to me, it would behoove you well to remember that."

"Should a Trial of Grievance be required, then as the challenged, I will determine the means by which such is conducted, after this Trial for this world is concluded."

By the Will of the Captain-General and the Council Lords of the Star League, such Star League and Federated Suns forces here at Coventry are under the nominal command of myself. As such I am empowered to speak for them in this trial, so long as I do not do anything too foolish I can expect their compliance. Too foolish for instance offering them up as chattel incase of defeat. Just so that you have a proper frame of reference.

"Then I will expect them to be part of your defensive bid, quiaff."

As such I ask for clarification of your request. Now I am no grand master of the Clan bidding process but it is my understanding that forces requesting SafCon usually begin with their opening bid or at minimum a designation of the forces they are bringing to the trial.

Let me give you an example.

I am requesting SafCon for the Free Worlds forces that are transiting this system to proffer trials in other venues, None of these units are part of the taskforce's arrayed for the defense of Coventry and I ask that they be allowed to continue on so that more of your warriors may test themselves in honorable combat against the

The 2nd Knights of the Inner Sphere
31st Marik Militia
The Iron Fist
The Grey Death Legion

Now that that is out of the way. I take it to mean that you wish this to be a trial between the Free Worlds League and the Steiner Protectorate alone quaiff?

With no interference from Clan Star Adder, Clan Jade Falcon, the SLDF or other states quiff? yes. That IS the word I am sure of it.

"Apparently you missed my pronouncement where I clearly stated who and what I am, so I shall tell you again. I am a Star Colonel of Clan Star Adder, the Steiner Protectorate is part of the Territories of Clan Star Adder, so Clan Star Adder is already involved."

"Regarding the other forces that are here, their Fate is now tied to Coventry, just as yours is, just as is mine. What transpires here was set into motion long ago, and there is nothing we can do to alter it, and it would go against my beliefs to consider otherwise."

"And you have just shown your poor knowledge of Clan bidding. It is the defender who claims the forces that will defend the prize, and the attacker's is secondary. So the forces that you have here are those you may choose from with which to defend Coventry. If you choose not to include them, then that is upon you alone."

"None may leave, none may join, any that arrive may not interfere, if they do then both sides are honorbound to repel the interlopers with all the forces at their disposal."

You ask if the SLDF will abide by the outcome of the trial. That answer is yes, and the Free Worlds League is prepared to guarantee it in blood as we have operational command over Star League forces at Coventry. Just as we guaranteed it in blood in our last fight despite not having the right to command SL forces.

"So it would seem that the SLDF and Federated Suns are Threads in the Weave that has been crafted into the Tapestry that is Coventry. To deny them a role here would be inviting disaster, so again I will expect representatives from them to be included in your defensive bid. The same applying to those Federated Suns Units that have been sent here to shed their blood for worlds that have no interest in being part of the Free Worlds League, nor the Star League, nor even of the Federated Suns or a reborn Federated Commonwealth."

I ask you the same question when the warriors of House Marik once more defeat the forces of the Steiner Protectorate in Honorable Combat will your allies acknowledge our victory or must we then immediately deal with a challenge from Clan Jade Falcon or Clan Star Adder? Will the Steiner Protectorate likewise give the some guarantee they demanded of the Free Worlds League to oppose such an occurrence with their own warriors? Will your defeated warriors and those of your allies withdraw from this system once we have demonstrated our clear martial superiority?

"Since my allies are part of my forces, they will be part of my bid, they will abide by what happens here, as they will be involved in some manner, thus having an impact on the result that even they cannot deny."

"So yes, should we be defeated now, we would withdraw, for a time, but so long as one system that willingly and voluntarily chose to follow Clan Star Adder, through myself as proxy, as part of the Steiner Protectorate of Clan Star Adder, then there will further challenges until those worlds are returned to where they choose to be."

I have taken the measure of several members of the Steiner Protectorate Touman, I believe these answers will be yes and I await your response, and your bid. I think I speak for the warriors of the FWLM when I say we are prepared to shoulder the burden of this fight ourselves if that is what you desire.

"You have taken nothing, except advantage of a situation that has nothing to do with the Free Worlds League. Taken naught but advantage of determined yet inadequately informed Warriors and a traumatized populace."

"If your Captain-General, according to the missive he sent me through one Sir Paul Masters, desires to remove himself and his Realm from, and I quote, a war not their own, then he would be well advised to keep and remain within the borders of the Free Worlds League that existed prior to the splintering of the Lyran Commonwealth."

As such I ask Galaxy Commander, with SafCon granted with what force do you contest the Captain-General's claim on this world. The Free Worlds League Military stands ready to match you warrior for warrior, be it single combat,  company on binary, or if it is your desire to fight in the murder make against the full might of the FWLM 13th Corps.

Should we be victorious we claim as our right of victory, a full Trinary of Clan Star Adder's Blood Asp Omnimechs.

"Should you be victorious, then you shall retain Possession of Coventry, nothing more, nothing less."

"The Fates have declared that the Steiner Protectorate of Clan Star Adder, and Clan Jade Falcon will vie against the Free Worlds League and their allies for Coventry."

"If you desire a Trinary of Assault Class of Blood Asp OmniMechs, then that will be conducted as a separate Trial, however the FWL will put up three Companies each of the Medium Weight Snake and Wraith BattleMechs as a prize for my Clan before I would be willing to accept. Said Trial to be engaged between the forces of Clan Star Adder and the Free Worlds League alone."


"So I once more ask you Lord Admiral, with what forces, from those you have available here and now, will you defend Coventry, and will you grant safcon to the forces I commit from those I have available?"

[Fatebringer]

Field Marshall Arden Sortek offers the use of 1st Davion or the 11th Varagian Guards for the Trial.

[chaosxtreme]

"...No really Charles tell me how you really feel about me. If your of a mind to die at my hands by some means or other I will of course oblige you after the current trials are resolved of course."

"...Respected the trial to the degree you have? Sounds like sore loser talk to me boy, V.I.N.H. said the Star Adders only hold to clan traditions and law when it suits their uses. I can see this holds true at least in your case Warrior Charles Adderson and I use the term warrior very losely."


"True or False boy, The Free Worlds has beaten you on every world you claimed with equal or fewer numbers?"  

"Does not victory in honorable combat by your own laws mean you were not worthy to hold those worlds or protect those people quarf isn't it? Speak up boy the whole Inner Sphere nay the whole of humanity is listening. Im certain there will be a re-broadcast or two of this along both HPG relays."


That they were largely pitting the elite of the FWLM against militia's and second line Lyran forces is something the Lord Admiral chose quite consciously to gloss over.

"That being said first things first Star Colonel, there is the matter of irsorla from the last trial quart?"

"The one your not disputing we won quiff?"

"Or is it your intention to decide another battle before you pay what is due on the last?  I believe you are standing on my Mjolnir Class Battlecruiser boy, I assume it has my Overlord A3 on one of its docking collars, as well yes?"

"Would you be so kind as to get your arrogant condescending sorry ass the hell off of my ship before you profane it further with your presence. I was thinking The 'Proclamation of Hector' for a name for her but now The 'Adder's Folly', The 'Ever Victorious at Coventry'm or perhaps the 'Striking Mongoose' which some on this ship have suggested in the past is beginning to grown on me."

"Getting off her now would be goodf you please, or to be quite honest even if you do not."

"Or will you be known before your Falcon superiors and your Adder brethren as an oath breaking coward who's word is worthless before those who have bested you by the strictest of your own honor rules?"

"I will be so kind as to wait while you transfer to your flag to what was it now some sort of yes a Corvette...truly a ship to be proud of as ones flagship...a decade ago.

" Star Admiral Folkner of the Jade Falcons, I ask you to bare witness on this batchall and trust in your ability and fairness to adjudicate this dispute over Clan Law.

Must the Adders not present the Irsorla that is due us before seeking another trial over the same world Coventry?

Must they not declare WHAT forces are requesting SafCon before I must grant it?

"How can they declare a counter trial for the Trinary of Blood Asp's  when they will not accept MY counter trial for the a mere Trinary set against an entire system with significant military asetts."

"I submit to you Star Admiral Folkner that Star Colonel Steiner has bid poorly and dishonorably.  The Falcons fight with honor as such as I have seen at Baker 3 in that great Naval Action."

"Now back to you Charles the Coward, I trust General Singh to deal with any ground troops you might have with you but quite honestly with the sheer cowardice of the move you have made just now. You shall not be allowed to move any naval assets towards Coventry. You have not our trust in this matter."

OOC:

Gist is, Steiner Protectorate is being asked to turn over the isorla of the Mjolnir in system an Overlord A3 and specs for both won at First Coventry before the bidding of Second Coventry. Falcons can arbitrate any dispute over this.

In the interim Ground forces are granted blanket SafCon, Warships, Assault Droppers, and Aerospace Fighters are not.

Falcons are being considered neutral arbiters IC of Clan Law by the FWL for the disputed items.
------------------------

- Can the Adders NOT present the Irsorla to the FWL before commencing a new trial.

- Can the Adders not give a detailed listing of what forces are requesting SafCon

- I don't want to go to the GM's on this its role-play. So the FWL will react to the Jade Falcon Response since Falcons are considered the more hidebound of the Clans just don't be surprised anyone if we do onto others in future operations.

- I am waiting on FP totals for a few more participants before I can post my defending bid, since you want us all there. I need to know who everyone is. ;-)

[Daemonknight]

"The problem you face, Lord Admiral, is that the Star Colonel has essentially voided part of the batchall from your previous 'Trial'. This is something of a grey area within Clan Law, and there is little that can be done to force him to hand over a warship. Short of his Khan giving him a direct order, there is little you can peacefully do to recieve the warship. If he says the garrison commander did not have the authority to defend the warship in the trial, then that is his position and your only recourse is to trial for it again, and seperatly.

If your intent is to gain control of the warship before trialing for Coventry, I think you are going to be disappointed. That being said, I will preside as Oathmaster over any Trials conducted on or around Coventry, if both you and Star Colonel Steiner agree."

[chaosxtreme]

I see Star Admiral Folkner, if such is his intent it is most unfortunate, but he has as of yet remained woefully unclear on the matter preferring evasion rather then coming right out and saying his intentions towards the outstanding issue of irsorla, he intends to act without honor.

You understand him being precise on such a matter is necessary for the record, so that there will be no doubt and no dispute over what has transpired here this day. For posterity if no other reason.

Correct me if I am wrong in my understanding of Clan Law but would I not be within rights to challenge him to a trial of refusal over the decision to break his honor and void a portion of the completed trial.

Would such a trial of refusal not take precedent over his desire for a Trial of Possession on this world?

Also it seems to me that there must be some rules to this voiding business after all what would stop General Singh from voiding the portion of the Second Trial of Possession in-regards to Coventry Metal Works should we lose and destroying it as he evacuates the planet?

Speaking of such where does Clan Law stand on the matter of the Counter-bid I initially proposed to this Coventry Trial?

How can Star Colonel Steiner honorably propose a counter-bid on the matter of the Blood Asp's and reject one from me on the world of Coventry? It strikes me as awfully...how shall I put it irregular under the standards of the Clan Bidding process.

Please Star Admiral Folkner enlighten me to the subtleties I am missing in this exchange for at first glance it strikes me as if he has not playing by his own rules.

[Daemonknight]

"You are correct in that you may challenge him to a Trial of Refusal over his refusal to give up the Mjolnir. And if loses, he would be honor-bound to give it up. I would be insistant that all Trials to be conducted in and around Coventry be simultaneously, to ensure no excess confusion.

I would say that his grounds for voiding it, are that the Garrison commander does not have the authority to defend possessions outside of his jurisdiction, such as the Mjolnir. Your forces here are fully able to consider Coventry, and the Mech Works, under their jurisdiction, so I would disagree that Generl Singh would have cause to void any trial including them. And as the Star Colonel has stated, his trial is for Coventry in it original state, pre-dating your trial. So I would strenuously and vehemently disagree that General Singh would be able to keep the Mech Works for the FWL in the event of a Clan victory.

The Star Colonel is walking a fine line in regards to your counter-bid. In essence, he has done the same to you: instead of adding the Blood Asps to the Coventry trial as Isorla, he is willing to put them up only if you are willing to put forth your own mech designs. There is no law against this, and infact I personally look with favor upon this method. In these circumstances, anything to be trialed for should be seperate from any other possessions targeted by a Trial.

Your options are to accept his counter-bid, offer another counter-bid, or withdraw your initial batchall altogether and persue the mechs at a later time."

[GraeGor]

"...No really Charles tell me how you really feel about me. If your of a mind to die at my hands by some means or other I will of course oblige you after the current trials are resolved of course."

"Very well I shall grant your request."

"My true opinion of you, your military, your Captain-General and your Nation are that you are nothing more than parasites and scavengers feeding on the dying carcass that was once a proud and powerful Realm that held you and yours at bay for centuries with little effort."

"You ventured through territory belonging to the Rim Worlds League and many uncommitted, independent systems, leaving them unmolested, well beyond your rightful borders, just to lay claim to targets that you view as having value."

"The fractious nature of the Free Worlds League is identical to that of the Clan that was Fire Mandrill, and as Fate determined that they must fall, so too shall it likely levy judgment upon you. Did any world you have since taken possession of since the Lyran Commonwealth fractured and shattered invite the FWL, or did you invite yourselves under the delusional lie of national security? Was it all a ploy to feel out Clan Star Adder, to negotiate so that your Free Worlds League would not be drawn into the War between the Clans and the Terrans?"

"...Respected the trial to the degree you have? Sounds like sore loser talk to me boy, V.I.N.H. said the Star Adders only hold to clan traditions and law when it suits their uses. I can see this holds true at least in your case Warrior Charles Adderson and I use the term warrior very losely."

"Can you also not void the orders of a subordinate? That is all that I have done, so rant and rave all you want, your whining is reminiscent of the dezgra Wolves, and is easily ignored."

"And while I do not feel myself worthy of the surname Adderson, still I thank you for calling me that. Apparently your V.I.N.H. has fallen quite short at keeping abreast of the changes amongst Clan Star Adder. Adderson is a very respected and honored Paragonic Name, equal to the most revered Bloodnames of my Clan."

"True or False boy, The Free Worlds has beaten you on every world you claimed with equal or fewer numbers?"  

"True. Though the forces utilized were of the Elite of your Realm, some of the best of the Inner Sphere, and yet on more than one occasion, the lesser trained, more poorly equipped forces that were left to guard these worlds nearly handed you your head."

"Now let us see how you do when facing forces of near equal or superior training and equipment."

"Does not victory in honorable combat by your own laws mean you were not worthy to hold those worlds or protect those people quarf isn't it? Speak up boy the whole Inner Sphere nay the whole of humanity is listening. Im certain there will be a re-broadcast or two of this along both HPG relays."

"They do, the forces which lost the world were not adequate to the task, yet there is nothing that states that newer, more experienced forces cannot be sent to reclaim it. Surely you have seen just that over the last decade or so as the Lyran Commonwealth, Clan Star Adder and Clan Jade Falcon, as well as Clan Ghost Bear and the Draconis Combine traded worlds back and forth."

"In fact the same can be precisely said about your FWL, the Lyran Commonwealth, Capellan Confederation, now Empire and the Federated Suns since even before the establishment of the original Star League. How many former League worlds are now part of the Rim Worlds Republic, still within the borders of the Federated Suns, or call the Empress their mistress?"

"That being said first things first Star Colonel, there is the matter of irsorla from the last trial quart?"

"The one your not disputing we won quiff?"

"Or is it your intention to decide another battle before you pay what is due on the last?  I believe you are standing on my Mjolnir Class Battlecruiser boy, I assume it has my Overlord A3 on one of its docking collars, as well yes?"

"The isorla of an Overlord A3 along with specs, and the specs for a Mjolnir are indeed ready to be transferred to your Possession..."

"Would you be so kind as to get your arrogant condescending sorry ass the hell off of my ship before you profane it further with your presence. I was thinking The 'Proclamation of Hector' for a name for her but now The 'Adder's Folly', The 'Ever Victorious at Coventry'm or perhaps the 'Striking Mongoose' which some on this ship have suggested in the past is beginning to grown on me."

"However, my arrogant ass has voided, as is my right as a Commanding Officer, the physical transfer of this particular vessel..."

"Getting off her now would be goodf you please, or to be quite honest even if you do not."

"...so if you want it so desperately, you will have to remove me from it."

"Or will you be known before your Falcon superiors and your Adder brethren as an oath breaking coward who's word is worthless before those who have bested you by the strictest of your own honor rules?"

"I will be so kind as to wait while you transfer to your flag to what was it now some sort of yes a Corvette...truly a ship to be proud of as ones flagship...a decade ago."

"My superiors are of Clan Star Adder, specifically my Galaxy Commander, the Loremaster, the saKhan and the Khan. If you have been paying attention, Clan Jade Falcon is here of their own conscience, and on the order of their Khan, those forces have, for all intents and purposes, been seconded to my authority."

"Clan Star Adder is not Clan Smoke Jaguar, nor is it Clan Coyote, we are not as blind as some. Fortune has favored Clan Star Adder with a sense of pragmatism and insight not common amongst the Clans. For after all, my Clan defeated the best that the FWL had to offer at the Great Refusal because we studied your ways, and used them against you. Just as you did here at Coventry against Warriors who were wholly unaware of our Rules as you put it."

" Star Admiral Folkner of the Jade Falcons, I ask you to bare witness on this batchall and trust in your ability and fairness to adjudicate this dispute over Clan Law.

Must the Adders not present the Irsorla that is due us before seeking another trial over the same world Coventry?

"Have I not stated, more than once, that the isorla you earned," the last said with sarcasm and contempt, "I am prepared to grant you, minus the one piece you are so vehement at acquiring, that I have also stated that is well within my rights to deny if it is determined to be outside of the authority of a Planetary Garrison Commander to grant and accept. Of which, by rights, everything but the planet Coventry and Coventry Metal Works are, so I am indeed being gracious and honoring the results by granting you more than what you have rightfully earned."

"Now I am perfectly willing to void the entirety of that Trial, as well as all others, should you want to try them again by declaring challenges by the Free Worlds League Military, and only the FWLM, for the worlds of Coventry, Tsinan, Eutin and Vorzel, plus anything else as individual Trials, to me, personally. Or better yet, perhaps I should only accept them from your Captain-General, since he apparently wishes to deal with Clan Star Adder through the Steiner Protectorate and myself in ways that you are apparently not aware."

Must they not declare WHAT forces are requesting SafCon before I must grant it?

"I cannot ask for safcon for forces that have not yet been determined as you have not yet stated your defenders."

"Certainly you were informed that once the challenged declares their forces that bidding takes place amongst the forces present to determine the attacking force composition, if not then you were just an uneducated as the original defender of Coventry when the FWL issued their batchall."

"How can they declare a counter trial for the Trinary of Blood Asp's  when they will not accept MY counter trial for the a mere Trinary set against an entire system with significant military asetts."

"I have declared no such thing, I stated that a Trial for Blood Asps would be a separate Trial, and only if the FWL places Snake and Wraith BattleMechs as their prize against OmniMechs. You must really learn to pay more attention to what is said."

"I submit to you Star Admiral Folkner that Star Colonel Steiner has bid poorly and dishonorably.  The Falcons fight with honor as such as I have seen at Baker 3 in that great Naval Action."

"You say I have bid poorly, I say you poorly understand the process. Both Clans, Star Adder and Jade Falcon have honor, though at times our interpretations differ."

"You insinuate that I have no honor, yet I will clearly say that I believe you have no honor. You trekked across light years to a world that no longer wants anything to do with the Successor States and their Star League, so for a civilized Realm you are acting every bit the barbarians you claim the Clans to be."

"Prove me wrong, if you dare! Tempt Destiny, and let Fate decide who is more honorable!"

"Now back to you Charles the Coward, I trust General Singh to deal with any ground troops you might have with you but quite honestly with the sheer cowardice of the move you have made just now. You shall not be allowed to move any naval assets towards Coventry. You have not our trust in this matter."

"Fate has laid the burden of leadership upon my shoulders, to a degree that one such as you will likely never be granted. So call me coward if you wish, if it makes you feel better, if it bestows upon you a sense of moral consolation, I care not."

"I have stated my intent, issued my batchall, and am content to wait for your defensive declaration, or lack thereof should you decide to go all out, your forces against mine."




"The victors of such to claim all that remains."

[GraeGor]

"The problem you face, Lord Admiral, is that the Star Colonel has essentially voided part of the batchall from your previous 'Trial'. This is something of a grey area within Clan Law, and there is little that can be done to force him to hand over a warship. Short of his Khan giving him a direct order, there is little you can peacefully do to recieve the warship. If he says the garrison commander did not have the authority to defend the warship in the trial, then that is his position and your only recourse is to trial for it again, and seperatly.

"Though do not be surprised if I issue a counter-challenge, for example one of your FWL Thera's for a Clan Star Adder victory."

If your intent is to gain control of the warship before trialing for Coventry, I think you are going to be disappointed. That being said, I will preside as Oathmaster over any Trials conducted on or around Coventry, if both you and Star Colonel Steiner agree."

"I will agree to such a stipulation."

[chaosxtreme]

Nineteen SLDF and FWLN flagged warships drifted in space, awaiting the outcome of the opposition."

"You mean a body can not even properly insult an Adder by implying he has never won a bloodname anymore and or not deserving of i?. Quite unfortunate, though Im certain even your not damn fool enough to not realize my intent was to imply your genes are worthless."

" Anyway down to business. The Trial of Refusal on behalf of the FWLM the Final bid comes from Rubinskys Renegades Aerospace Brigade and is 19 FP, to remind the Star Colonel where honor lies and release the full amount of irsorla to the FWL i.e. our Mjolnir Battlecruiser henceforth by us considered to be "The Proclamations of Hector". Note for the record and before all that our previous bid is very Liberal and we shall not hesitate in calling it down in the event that Star Colonel Steiner's bid prove his bid to be poor."

"On the matter of Coventry itself as our previous Counter-bid has been rejected as anything but a separate bid, we now propose this as a counter-bid towards your control of Coventry and all its civilian resources. When you are beaten again you will not make any more challenges against the system of Coventry for a period of no less then 6 months (3 Turns).

Our bid stands at 20FP of Ground Forces drawn from every command on or around this rock as you requested, from the seconded forces of the Federated Suns acting as Star League Defense Force Military Detachments, to the professionals of the Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery, some of the cream of the crop of the FWLM's 13th Corps and some detachment of all others. Again Star Colonel I advise you to bid wisely I shall have no qualms about calling in my previous bid should yours show you to be without a warriors heart."

"On the matter of the mech Trial of Posession, I accept your counter-bid and 2FP worth of elements of the 9th Regulan Hussars shall for my part contest it. Once again Star Colonel I warn you against a bid that has no honor as I shall have no problems calling in my previous bid which is again extremely liberal."

"And I insist you cease your attempts to duck out of what you have coming to you there is the matter of the Trial of Greivances, you were all hot and bothered about fighting me not to long ago now your doing your best to hope everyone forgets. No can do boy, I am going to show you what thirty years in the Duke of Atreus Navy can do for a man's fighting skills. Pick your poison you'll be just as dead or bloody by the end of it one way or another so stop stalling and pick your poison. You miserable little toerag."


OOC:

1) A Trial of Refusal over the Decision NOT to turn over the Mjolnir. Trials of Refusal are not subject counter-bids to my knowledge. FWL wins Mjolnir becomes the FWL's property.

2) A trial of Possession for Coventry FWL wins, Coventry can not be attacked by SP or Clan Star Adder for 3 turns.

3) Trial of grievances time is now per Jade Falcon decision on when the trials take place. Choice of weapons is Charlie Adders.

4) Steiner Protectorate Adders have denied SafCon but requested it for themselves. This is allowed but deemed cowardly?/ok?/standard? in the eyes of the Clans?

5) Trial of possession for Mechs, Blood Asps, against Snake's and Wraith irsorla the Adders want.

6) Regal is awaiting Charile Adder to declare what weapons the trial would be fought under (im fine with a one on one fight in mechs. Though pistol equipped unaugmented pilots in MegaMek could be interesting.

7) FWL/SLDF grant SafCon to Mech and Vehicle Haulers only. Any attempt by the Adders or Steiner Protectorate to move warships Assault Dropships or Fighters (due to the threat of them being a delivery method for nuclear weapons. Will be seen as a violation of SafCon."


Trial of Refusal Forces:
FWLM: 19 FP Aerospace


Trial of Possession Coventry Forces:
IS Everyone: 20 FP Ground

Trial of Grievance Forces:
Admiral Regal in unknown augmentation


Trial of Posession Mechs Forces:
9th Regulan hussars: 2 FP Ground

[Daemonknight]

"Lord Admiral, it is the right of any commander to grant of deny SafCon during an engagement. That being said, I am suspicious of how you intend to fight a Trial in space, if the forces being used do not have SafCon to the site of the Trial. Certinly you have no intention of fighting right here around the planet, where stray shots can hit ships not involved, or inadvertently hit the planet itself? Perhaps the dark side of the moon would be a more agreeable venue for such a Trial? I cannot speak to the venue, as it is Star Colonel Steiner's choice, as the challenged, to choose a locale. I am merely pointing out that not allowing a force SafCon to the site of it's own battle in such crowded space is dangerous to all involved.

Before you state that the Star Colonel has disallowed SafCon to your forces moving elsewhere, and thus you are within your rights to deny him SafCon, let me be frank. The Star Colonel's choice is perfectly acceptable by Clan law, and is not considered cowardly, nor is yours. The difference is that your choice is made out of fear of some sort that I cannot place. What exactly about our ships scares you so? I assume it isn't the paintjob. It is irrelevant: you need not change your decision, however it means that both forces are free to engage at anytime once the Trial has offically begun, meaning at the end of this batchall. I simply advise against denying it to forces participating in the fighting. Likewise, denying any and all aerospace fighters access to the planet, when Clan forces will surely find aerospace forces when they arrive, seems to be an underhanded tactic to give the Inner Sphere forces an advantage in air power.

And I assure you, if forces bid by the Star Colonel include aerospace forces, and you fire upon those fighters with forces not included in the bid, that is a serious breach of Zellbrigen, and will open your forces to a melee. I sugest you advise your SLDF allies to take extreme caution with their trigger fingers, if you insist on denying SafCon in this manner.

Star Colonel Steiner, as the challenged in your Trial of Grievance, may choose either the venue or the weapons. Venue to include timing.

As a last point before I clear the comlinks, might I sugest a modicum of respect be offered by both parties? Hot heads and warships are not a pleasant mixture."

[GraeGor]

[ooc: will get a reply up today before bed/work]

[chaosxtreme]

Star Admiral while you have conducted yourself in all particulars as an honorable man by your standards and mine. Star Colonel Steiner has not. As such I shall not allow any warships assault dropships or any other vessel capable of deploying nuclear weapons in a dishonorable sneak attack to transit through my lines, or while under his nominal command to approach the planet of Coventry or the inhabited space based settlements that ring its near orbit.

In short sir, he has acted without all honor, I name he a liar, a cheat and a true Brigadoon. I suspect after he and his have once more been thrashed he will resort to orbital bombardment of civillian area's of the planetary surface or civillian orbital installations were he to have a chance as several reports of brutality and persecution of minority representation within the Steiner Protectorate have alluded to (OOC: I have intelligence that supports this).

While my forces would make short work of such a temper tantrum it is my responsibility to prevent the loss of such civilian life, and I have no doubt that such an act would earn him your righteous rage and a just response from you Star Admiral it is my duty to see to the welfare of the people of Coventry and prevent such incidents however so long they remain under my protection.

As to the matter of the Aerospace based trial there is no reason for it to take place in habitable portions of the system. SafCon to Grid Coordinate Omicron-Perseid-Six will be sufficient. It is located equal distance between our main fleets, that portion of the system is uninhabited and well within strong sensor range of both our forces were either of us preparing a trap there it would be clear to all here who acted dishonorably.

As to the matter of Star Colonel Steiner denying SafCon elsewhere, I am not disputing him offering or denying SafCon in any system other then that of Coventry.

It is his decision to deny SafCon only in the Coventry system while requesting it for his own forces that I find quite frankly cowardly.

Oh what is that saying Master's said use for utter contempt, "The Man bids like a Merchant and a poor Merchant at that". Yes, yes I do believe that is the proper phrase I was looking for.

"Lord Admiral, it is the right of any commander to grant of deny SafCon during an engagement. That being said, I am suspicious of how you intend to fight a Trial in space, if the forces being used do not have SafCon to the site of the Trial. Certinly you have no intention of fighting right here around the planet, where stray shots can hit ships not involved, or inadvertently hit the planet itself? Perhaps the dark side of the moon would be a more agreeable venue for such a Trial? I cannot speak to the venue, as it is Star Colonel Steiner's choice, as the challenged, to choose a locale. I am merely pointing out that not allowing a force SafCon to the site of it's own battle in such crowded space is dangerous to all involved.

Before you state that the Star Colonel has disallowed SafCon to your forces moving elsewhere, and thus you are within your rights to deny him SafCon, let me be frank. The Star Colonel's choice is perfectly acceptable by Clan law, and is not considered cowardly, nor is yours. The difference is that your choice is made out of fear of some sort that I cannot place. What exactly about our ships scares you so? I assume it isn't the paintjob. It is irrelevant: you need not change your decision, however it means that both forces are free to engage at anytime once the Trial has offically begun, meaning at the end of this batchall. I simply advise against denying it to forces participating in the fighting. Likewise, denying any and all aerospace fighters access to the planet, when Clan forces will surely find aerospace forces when they arrive, seems to be an underhanded tactic to give the Inner Sphere forces an advantage in air power.

And I assure you, if forces bid by the Star Colonel include aerospace forces, and you fire upon those fighters with forces not included in the bid, that is a serious breach of Zellbrigen, and will open your forces to a melee. I sugest you advise your SLDF allies to take extreme caution with their trigger fingers, if you insist on denying SafCon in this manner.

Star Colonel Steiner, as the challenged in your Trial of Grievance, may choose either the venue or the weapons. Venue to include timing.

As a last point before I clear the comlinks, might I sugest a modicum of respect be offered by both parties? Hot heads and warships are not a pleasant mixture."