For Want of a War: A Battletech AU Quest

[4WheelSword]

Date: 01/01/3045
Network: HPG-Bravo-Net-Control-Line
Sender: Precentor Oberon VI

"Regular Report. No contact with extra-galactic polities or entities other than those already known. Three Explorer Corps vessels have transited Elysian space over the last twelve months: Lythrum, Outbound Light and Alstroemeria. They had little information to pass on but were resupplied according to standing order 1-7-1-Chime.

I would once again request clarification over the nature of these orders. At no point have these reports been responded to in any detail nor have I been informed as to their purpose. I am Precentor on Oberon VI and I would request additional information from the First Circuit if I am to continue keeping a watchful eye on the Rimward skies.

In the meantime, I will continue to perform my duties and maintain the network."

---

2439 - The first battlemech, the Mackie, is unveiled and undergoes combat testing for deployment alongside other Terran Hegemony forces.

2571 - The Star League is formed under Ian Cameron and the SLDF is established to protect the interests of the nascent united Inner Sphere.

2784 - As the Star League crumbles, 80% of the SLDF commits to an Exodus under their beloved leader, Alexandr Kerensky. Comstar, under Jerome Blake, is given control and a duty of care for the birthplace of humanity, Terra.

3028 - The Helm Memory Core is discovered by the Gray Death Legion and spread via free traders and jump ship captains, the mercenaries not trusting Comstar to disseminate it. Technology that has been lost for centuries is rediscovered at phenomenal pace.

3030 - The Fourth Succession War ends and the Inner Sphere knows the closest thing to peace that it has experienced in more than three centuries.

3034 - The Free Rasalhague Republic is formed.

3041 - The Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth is formed, the largest step between the unification of two great houses since the 3020's.

3045 - The galaxy is in an uneasy balance, a tipping point before a storm. Comstar watches the stars, waiting for something to arrive which will swing the pendulum. The Great Houses look in, not out, as the future threatens to ruin the contrivances of the past. In the flames of disregarded war, soldiers, mercenaries and pirates struggle to eke out a living amongst burning lasers and blasting missiles.

---

You're woken from dreams of warm springs and plush towels by the thunderous stomp of a battlemech walking along the track by your tent. Even the light ones, 20 or 30 tons, shake the earth with each footstep, but even half-awake, you recognise the belaboured plodding of a heavy 'mech of at least 60 tons. You've spent half your life around these leviathan machines; it would be a sad day you couldn't feel their presence in your bones.

Rolling off your cot, you pull your fatigues up to your waist and then over your shoulders. Zipped at the front, it leaves your arms bare and cool - a vital concession in your uniform to your role as a mechwarrior.

You step out into blazing sunlight. It's already long past midday, but you took a night patrol and had earned your lie in. But the camp is in a frenzy of activity; you suddenly feel a stab of regret. Have you missed something vital happening? Well, at least you're not dead yet. If the enemy had managed a surprise attack, you doubt you'd have ever woken up at all.

A jeep careens around a corner, barely slowing down as it flies down the row of pop-tents. Someone runs past, heading for the ready-line, then another. The third slows down just long enough to shout:

"The enemy is out in force! Mount up!"

You are;
[ ] A man
[ ] A woman
[ ] A mechwarrior

You lead;
[ ] One lance in a larger mercenary force
[ ] A scrappy independent mercenary lance
[ ] A lance of pirate mechs on the fringes
[ ] A lance of House forces

 

[Rat King]

[X] A mechwarrior
[X] A lance of House forces

 

[Erehwon]

[X] A man
[X] One lance in a larger mercenary force

 

[veteranMortal]

[X] A woman
[X] A scrappy independent mercenary lance

 

[Leapingfrogtrio]

[X] A man
[X] One lance in a larger mercenary force

 

[GAWR]

[X] A man
[X] One lance in a larger mercenary force

 

[NemoMarx]

[X] A woman
[X] A scrappy independent mercenary lance

 

[Hoppylo]

[X] A man
[X] A scrappy independent mercenary lance

 

[TheWhiteClown]

[X] A woman
[X] A lance of House forces

 

[butchock]

[X] A man
[X] A lance of pirate mechs on the fringes

 

[Jeboboid]

[X] A woman
[X] A scrappy independent mercenary lance

 

[Uhtread]

[X] A man
[X] One lance in a larger mercenary force

 

[KnightDisciple]

[X] A man
[X] One lance in a larger mercenary force

Under his breath ELH ELH ELH ELH ELH Under his breath

 

[VagueZ]

[X] A woman
[X] A scrappy independent mercenary lance

 

[gman391]

[X] A mechwarrior
[X] A lance of House forces

 

[xthetenth]

[X] A woman
[X] A scrappy independent mercenary lance

 

[OgorEnjoyer]

[X] A woman
[X] A lance of House forces

 

[Seregdes]

[X] A woman
[X] A lance of House forces

 

[Haruhi is Waifu]

[X] A woman
[X] A lance of House forces

 

[FaeGlade Plural]

[X] A man
[X] A scrappy independent mercenary lance

Voltaire

 

[Cago]

[X] A man
[X] A lance of House forces

 

[Eukie]

[X] A woman
[X] One lance in a larger mercenary force

 

[Negation]

[X] A man
[X] A scrappy independent mercenary lance

 

[KreenWarrior]

[x] A mechwarrior
[x] A lance of House forces

 

[silentorphan]

[x] A man
[x] A scrappy independent mercenary lance