Whelp this could be worse (Battletech x Zoid SI)

Ststen · Sep 16, 2022

atravel guide for the innersphere have a nice weekend

Dragonblade001 · Sep 16, 2022

Ststen said:
atravel guide for the innersphere have a nice weekend

A travel guide… hmmm.

Nuklear · Sep 18, 2022

Dragonblade001 said:
A travel guide… hmmm.

I'm sorry I just can't help myself... ahem just 'Don't Panic'... I will just see myself out now

Dragonblade001 · Sep 24, 2022

Future weapons: Zi-SRM (Note from General Director Chen: Why is everyone calling modified weapons ZI?)

Well, here are some more time-skip inventions. It comes out much later than LRM for a reason (these things are more expensive at 4 and 6 tubes). They are commonly known as Zi-SRM.

Chapter update: At 20k words, yet still not done with those sections. Right now just finished the section below:

Location: Sian system, Sian II, Zi-Jen Cheng, The Celestial Palace
Date: June 4, 3022, 12:00

Well onto the new variant of weapons because of zoid tech boys and girls.

Type: Missile weapon
Manufacturer: Katinka Industrial Inc, Zi Armory, Coromodir
Primary Factory: Katinka, Blitz Haven. Planet Zi, Citadel. Coromodir

Tech Base: Exo (alien-experimental)
Battle Value: 21 (60)
Year introduced: 3024
Year Availability: 3025

Availability Rating: X

Heat: 2
Damage: 2 (4)/Missile (2)
Short Range: 30-90 meters (Impossible to use pack linker's swarm ability due to short range and travel speed)
Medium Range: 120-180 meters Impossible to use pack linker's swarm ability due to short range and travel speed)
Long Range: 210-270 meters Impossible to use pack linker's swarm ability due to short range and travel speed)
Maximum Range: 270 meters Impossible to use the pack linker's swarm ability due to the short range and travel speed)
Weight: 0.50 tons
Critical slots: 1
Cost: 20,000 C-bills
Ammo per ton: 50 salvo
Cost of ammo per ton: 27,000 C-bill (70,000 C-bill for Brave ammo)

Current models: Woodfire (fire all missiles at once), Katinka Industrial Inc 3024, and ChaCha (stream style) Citadel

Type: Missile weapon
Manufacturer: Katinka Industrial Inc, Zi Armory, Coromodir
Primary Factory: Katinka, Blitz Haven. Planet Zi, Citadel. Coromodir

Tech Base: Exo (alien-experimental)
Battle Value: 39 (102)
Year introduced: 3024
Year Availability: 3025

Availability Rating: X

Heat: 3
Damage: 2 (4)/Missile (4)
Short Range: 30-90 meters (Impossible to use pack linker's swarm ability due to short range and travel speed)
Medium Range: 120-180 meters Impossible to use pack linker's swarm ability due to short range and travel speed)
Long Range: 210-270 meters Impossible to use pack linker's swarm ability due to short range and travel speed)
Maximum Range: 270 meters Impossible to use the pack linker's swarm ability due to the short range and travel speed)
Weight: 0.50 tons
Critical slots: 1
Cost: 90,000 C-bills
Ammo per ton: 25 salvo
Cost of ammo per ton: 27,000 C-bill (70,000 C-bill for Brave ammo)

Only Two known models during 3024 before proliferation: Wolf Runners (standard firing of all missiles at once) Katinka and Hodan's Shi, Coromodir.

Type: Missile weapon
Manufacturer: Katinka Industrial Inc, Zi Armory, Coromodir
Primary Factory: Katinka, Blitz Haven. Planet Zi, Citadel. Coromodir

Tech Base: Exo (alien-experimental)
Battle Value: 59 (176)
Year introduced: 3024
Year Availability: 3025

Availability Rating: X

Heat: 4
Damage: 2 (4)/Missile (6)
Short Range: 30-90 meters (Impossible to use pack linker's swarm ability due to short range and travel speed)
Medium Range: 120-180 meters Impossible to use pack linker's swarm ability due to short range and travel speed)
Long Range: 210-270 meters Impossible to use pack linker's swarm ability due to short range and travel speed)
Maximum Range: 270 meters Impossible to use the pack linker's swarm ability due to the short range and travel speed)
Weight: 1 ton
Critical slots: 1
Cost: 110,000 C-bills
Ammo per ton: 15 salvo
Cost of ammo per ton: 27,000 C-bill (70,000 C-bill for Brave ammo)

The only known model during 3024 is the Aurigan Six shooter (In its name, it fires rockets in a stream, one right after the other).

Thanks to the Pack Linker connections to the weak guidance of the Short Range Missiles, the standard system within the launchers was removed to lighten the load, and the use of some Zi-metal allowed the structure to be strong enough despite the mass. Any mech or combat vehicles using these launchers without a pack linker or similar target and tracking system will only have dead fire missiles. (+2 without Pack linker. -2 With Pack Linker).

Edit: note. Standard SRM ammo will hit with 2 per missile. When using Brave Missiles. They do 4 damage per missiles.

Dragonblade001 · Sep 28, 2022

Well seeing as I'm still working on the chapter and to prove it is being worked on. Let's introduce this guy which will appear during and after the interlude. Introducing the Space Constructor by Zi Armory: Worker's division. (Yes I know what I did, and it will be glorious. Also, for those who might question how this came about well here is a hint in the interlude coming up "Welcome to Mech Haven University," Ian said).

Code:

Space Constructor SC-000
Mass: 9 tons
Chassis: SC 00C
Power Plant: 81 S Zi FE
Cruising Speed: 64.8 kph
Maximum Speed: 97.2 kph
Jump Jets: proto ion booster
     Jump Capacity: 120 meters
Armor: Zi Indust armor 00
Armament:
     1 Zi Cargo Hauler
     1 Zi Metal Drill
Manufacturer: Zi Armory
     Primary Factory: Planet Zi
Communication System: Worker union
Targeting & Tracking System: Pack Linker
Introduction Year: 3023
Tech Rating/Availability: F/X-X-X-D
Cost: 803,602.5 C-bills

Capabilities
The Space Constructor was built as an in-between of the exoskeleton and industrial mech. 
It can carry more than an Heavyhauler but is more maneuverable than a powerful man. 
It uses a specially made 81 S ZI Fusion Engine. 
This allows it to move at the speed of 64.8 km/h at a max of 97.2 km/h. 
On the left is a light cargo hauler with a laser to help clear rocks and debris.
It can also lower the laser output to be used as a welder.
It can be focused as a last-minute weapon. 
It is equipped with a laser drill in its right arm. 
It comes with two prototype Ion boosters meant for mechs.

Deployment
It was first seen on Planet Zi as constructor units.
Later it would become the bases of a new type of mechs.

History
It was created after the initial stages of Terraforming planet Zi. 
It later became a highly used platform for rebuilding another world throughout the Aurigan Coalition.

Type: Space Constructor 
Technology Base: Zoid/Inner Sphere (Standard) 
Tonnage: 9
Battle Value: 290
    
Equipment                                         Mass (kg)
Internal Structure                                  900
Engine                        81                  2,500
    Walking MP: 6
    Running MP: 9
    Jumping MP2                                     200
Heat Sinks:                   4                   1,000
Cockpit:                                            500
Armor Factor:                 42                  2,100

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Head                    2         6     
     Torso                   9         18    
     R/L Arm                2/2       4/4    
     Legs                    5         10    
     Main Gun                -         -     
    
Weapons
and Ammo              Location        Mass    
Searchlight              T             500
Zi Cargo Hauler          LA            500
Zi laser Drill           RA            500

Dragonblade001 · Oct 13, 2022

I'm just going to post this to say I'm alive, but real life is a killer of my free time. Well, that and preparing for my first kid, so yeah.

Anyways, I'll probably be finished with the first interlude sections this Sunday after work and will post a raw version in five locked spoilers for anyone to read over it to get something before the betas do their magic. But for now. First, I introduce the newest prototype mech. A LAM. The Nightmare NTM-00.

Code:

Nightmare NTM-00

Mass: 55 tons
Chassis: Night Custom-001
Power Plant: Night 220 Zi Fusion
Cruising Speed: 43.2 kph
Maximum Speed: 64.8 kph
Jump Jets: Zi Ion
     Jump Capacity: 90 meters
Armor: Night Mare-00
Armament:
     2 Brave Twin Cannons
     2 Zi-LRM 15
Manufacturer: Zi Armory 
     Primary Factory: Planet Zi
Communication System: Zi Linker
Targeting & Tracking System: Pack Linker
Introduction Year: 3025
Tech Rating/Availability: E/X-X-F-F
Cost: 5,301,723 C-bills

Overview
It was the first attempt at crossing zoid tech with Inner Sphere tech. 
This LAM was created solely based on the Stinger LAM of the Blitz Company LAM training center. 
It only saw limited deployment as only a lance was ever created using prototype weapons.
Future production models were both much better equipped and more powerful.

Capabilities

There are 10.5 tons of Night Mare-00 armor to protect this 55 tons mech. 
It uses a Night 220 ZI Fusion with a ground speed of 43.2 km/h and a maximum of 64.8 km/h. 
It is equipped with two 15-tube Streamer Launchers, one on each torso fed by four tons of ammo. It also has two twin beam cannons created from studying the BraveJaurgar's weapons, one in each hand. 

Deployment
Saw it limited deployment alongside a large contingent of new combat units of the Aurigan Coalition and ZBBC joint task force.
It was said that Lady Death saw her fates in the stars when these LAMs appeared as air support.

History
This battlemech was the first new LAM in centuries.
It was created out of the ZBBC brainchild of a university (name withheld) to keep pushing the creativity of humanity.
The primary creator vanished after helping the LAM team develop this mech leaving behind only his initials SA.

Type: Nightmare
Technology Base: Inner Sphere (Experimental) 
Tonnage: 55
Battle Value: 2,681

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure                                  5.5
LAM Conversion Equipment                            5.5
Engine                        220 Fusion             10
    Walking MP: 4
    Running MP: 6
    Jumping MP: 3
    AirMech Cruising MP: 9
    AirMech Flanking MP: 14
    Safe Thrust: 3
    Max Thrust: 5
Heat Sink                     10                      0
Gyro                                                  3
Small Cockpit                                         2
Armor Factor                  168                  10.5

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Head                    3         9     
     Center Torso            18        25    
     Center Torso (rear)               8     
     R/L Torso               13        19    
     R/L Torso (rear)                  5     
     R/L Arm                 9         16    
     R/L Leg                 13        23    


Right Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand
Left Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand

Weapons
and Ammo              Location  Critical   Heat    Tonnage    
Jump Jet                 CT        1        -       0.5   
Heat Sink                RT        1        -       1.0   
Jump Jet                 RT        1        -       0.5   
Zi-LRM 15                RT        3        5       3.0   
LRM 15 Ammo (16)         RT        2        -       2.0   
BTC                      LA        1        3       2.5   
Heat Sink                LT        1        -       1.0   
Jump Jet                 LT        1        -       0.5   
Zi-LRM 15                LT        3        5       3.0   
LRM 15 Ammo (16)         LT        2        -       2.0   
BTC                      RA        1        3       2.5

Comment below what you think of this fast-built mech in the three years of building, testing, and holo testing.

Dragonblade001 · Oct 15, 2022

Well, in commemoration of my posting a rough draft on SB (it is 26k long and not a full chapter yet). Here is another item to read on.

The newest conventional fighter before it ASF model... The Halcon HC-000.

Code:

Halcon HC-000

Mass: 50 tons
Frame: Sinker IA-001
Power Plant: 300 RE
Cruising Speed: 64.8 kph
Maximum Speed: 97.2 kph
Armor: Halcon 100
Armament:
     1 Machine Gun
     1 Rifle (Cannon, Medium)
     2 Zi-LRM 15
Manufacturer: Itrom Aerospace
     Primary Factory: Itrom
Communication System: Aurigan Standard
Targeting & Tracking System: Aurigan Standard
Introduction Year: 3025
Tech Rating/Availability: D/X-F(F*)-X-D
Cost: 886,229 C-bills

Overview
A Conventional fighter meant to represent the advancement of Aurigan's technical level. 
Despite their weak armor compared to ASF, they have been shown to match light and medium class in one-to-one dogfights. 

Capabilities
A newly made Conventional Fighter made by Itrom.
Reggel was produced in their northern hemisphere. 
This fighter has a 300 RE with 2 tons of fuel, allowing for a max speed of 97.2 km/h and a cruising speed of 64.8 km/h. 
On board are two brand new Itrom-hex Fifteen-tube long-range missile launchers, one on each wing. 
There are two tons of reloads for those LRM. On the nose is a 90 mm Reggel unique rifle using only Reggel ammo of two tons. 
Attached to the rear is a 12.7 zoom zoom machine gun for anti-missile work or shooting at closing targets.

Deployment
The only conventional fighter created during the first Aurgian military design contest.
Ironically, the only fighter that passed all the tests to be produced as an actual product.
The fighter saw some fighting while deployed in defense of border worlds.
They worked well against pirates and Capellan attackers in pirates and in mass against the white raiders of 3026.
It was later used in the return strike and took over several systems.

History
The only conventional fighter created during the first Aurgian military design contest.
It took elements from multiple conventional fighters before being created through the design virtual space system. 
When seen in its standard flight of fighters, most enemies died from missiles before the cannon came to play.
Several years later, its brother and ASF variant, the Embaucador, appear with the same design looks to confuse enemy sensors but could chase them in space.

Type: Halcon
Technology Base: Inner Sphere (Experimental) 
Tonnage: 50
Battle Value: 667

Equipment                                          Mass
Engine                        300 R E                19
    Safe Thrust: 5
    Max Thrust: 8
Structural Integrity:         0                        
Heat Sinks:                   10                      0
Fuel:                         320                   2.0
Cockpit                                               5
Armor Factor                  50                    3.5

                           Armor   
                           Value   
     Nose                    16    
     Wings                 12/12   
     Aft                     10    


Weapons
and Ammo                 Location   Tonnage  Heat   SRV  MRV  LRV  ERV 
Zi-LRM 15                  RWG       4.5      5      6    6    6    0  
Rifle                      NOS       5.0      2      4    8    8    8  
Machine Gun Ammo (200)     FSLG      1.0      -      -    -    -    -  
LRM 15 Ammo (16)           FSLG      3.0      -      -    -    -    -  
Medium Rifle REA (18)      FSLG      2.0      -      -    -    -    -  
Zi-LRM 15                  LWG       4.5      5      6    6    6    0  
Machine Gun                AFT       0.5      0      2    0    0    0

Lucas · Oct 15, 2022

As much as the informationals are interesting can we get a real chapter?

Sechs · Oct 15, 2022

Is the spped on this thing real?, because for a ASF it is a slowpoke

Dragonblade001 · Oct 15, 2022

Lucas said:
As much as the informationals are interesting can we get a real chapter?

Well I have a rough draft of interlude 7 part up on SB because is seems no one here responds or give feed back to often. Since you asked I'll post the rough draft here (with some edits thanks to the SBers). It 26k long

Sechs said:
Is the speed on this thing real?, because for a ASF it is a slowpoke

It a MekLab groof I think. I'll fix it in a bit once I figure out what its actual speed would be. I think it is 6 to 9 hex straight per turn with those speeds on the tabletop.

Also, this is a conventional fighter, not ASF yet. They built this as a test bed for weapons, shape, and cheap defense.

Dragonblade001 · Oct 15, 2022

Well since someone asked. Here is a rough draft I'm still working on.

Just to say it's not dead.
--------------------------------------

Interlude 7 Part 1

AN: Before anyone asks, I didn't go over who killed Santiago Espinosa for a reason. That will be revealed much later, like a few chapters from now. Also, nearly all characters with names are actual people within the Battletech settling in this area. Just copy and paste the name into a Battletech wiki for more information.

——————-

Location: Coromodir system, Coromodir VI, HPG Station

Date: March 18, 3022, 08:00

Precentor Keona Sjardijn stared into the holoscreen, replaying the same video for the past few days. The one-hundred-year-old Precentor couldn't understand how they had missed a giant atmospheric warship built in the Aurigan Reach. Most systems didn't have the technical base to do so, and ROM heavily guarded Panzyr to prevent anyone from salvaging the ruined warships there.

"How did we miss this ship!" She said with cold fury in her voice. The ROM agents around her stiffened, but Adept Delta VI Des Wallace stepped forward to make his report. The man might have failed to support the collapse of the Aurigan Coalition and lost his demi of battlemechs, but at least he was good at fieldwork.

"Precentor," the man said as he pulled out his noteputer. "The personnel you allocated to me has found several reasons we may have missed the creation of the abomination."

The man typed something on the noteputer as two photos appeared on the holoscreen. One looked like one of the Asian descendants of the Capellan Confederation, while the second had someone that looked like the first but with heavy genetic modifications.

"This man is Commander Michael Chen of the Blitz Mercenary Company," Wallace reported as several smaller notes appeared on the screen. "From our MRB databanks, we found out that he registered on the planet of Katinka on September tenth, thirty-twenty-one. He initially appeared as a Mechwarrior who piloted a custom Urbanmech. However, we found a report from former Precentor Down and current Precentor Tanner about odd quad-mechs being spotted on the planet around the same time. This was alongside a report of the residents of the planet found an old Taurian bunker filled with Reunification Era battlemechs."

Keona waited for a moment as the Adept paused as if struggling to report the rest of his findings. "From here on, the man slowly built up a mercenary force with help from the small town that found that bunker. However, according to Precentor Tanner's report, all reports from that area had ceased when the massive raid from a mixture of Capellan, Taurian, and SAFE mercenaries to happen was the first official report of the mysterious quad mechs. After this report, it was believed the HPG at Katina was compromised as all reports from here on were tampered with after several days of studying them."

"Compromised?" Keona asked, waiting for how that could happen. It was the ROM agent next to Wallace who responded. He was a man from the communication department, Chris Stanford.

"Yes, Precentor," The man replied as he typed into his noteputer. Another set of messages appeared on the holoscreen. "From that day forward, any message mentioning the quad mechs was changed to battlemech. Several code words typically indicate a need for ROM assistance reworded and missed by the lower staff. The only thing not tampered with was the patent for the militiamech and battlemech. The Gespenst and Guntank. It seems that only mentioning the Quad mechs or the man Michael Chen caused the censorship. Any lostech finds and reports haven't been tampered with, nor have any mission requests from the MRB to the Blitz Company."

"I see. Now how does this relate to Commander Chen's warship?" Keona asked as her patient was significant, but the fact that there was a warship somewhere in this system wasn't helping her temperament.

Adept Stanford paused before looking back at Wallace. The Mechwarrior spoke up, "There was a massive amount of C-bills being spent for Dig Kings and Crosscuts by the planetary governor, which generally wouldn't trigger any flags, but now that we are looking into Commander Chen, we noticed several were sold to him. We initially believed he was building an underground base on his landholding but with the appearance of the warship and the missing mountain range from Tanner's last report. We suspect that the Warship was somehow built within a year underground. However, this belief changed yesterday when we found a military message from Captain Yuki Honda to the rest of her military company. It was highly coded in new encryption, but there was one word that appeared. Zoids."

"Zoids?" Keona said as the word was odd. Some barbaric naming of sorts? She waited for them to elaborate on what they meant. Wallace replied by typing into his noteputer again before speaking as new photos appeared.

"We believe these animal-styled battlemechs are the zoids—a brand of unknown mechs that can change forms in dire situations," Wallace said. "We have several examples from the battle a few days ago where four known zoids have been spotted."

A photo of a biological wolf appeared before two more came up as battlemechs. "This quadmech was used by Commander Chen during my fight with him. It was strong enough to defeat multiple battlemechs of various classifications. However, when I had him downed, we were ambushed by these two."

Another two photos appeared with a giant metal ape and a canine mech with two long spears.

"The ape-shaped mech is named Iron Kong, according to one of our agents before they were caught." There were a few photos of the mech attacking something, but the image was fuzzy at best to impossible to identify.

"These images were salvaged from destroyed mechs of mercenaries those fools hired."

'Bless Blake, the man could be annoying,' thought Keona as he waited for the man to hurry and tell her exactly what they were looking at. 'We are all Blake children, but underestimating your opponent is a sin.'

"This Iron Kong has no relation to Kong Interstellar despite its appearance and name. Seismic shows that it weighs anywhere from one hundred fifty to two hundred tons. The mythical Superheavy class that scientists have been trying to reach."

Then a video from the point of view of a fast-moving mech, probably a Locust, was shown with the data of its sensors displayed. The one display being emphasized was the speed the battlemech was traveling at. It showed "129 km/h" on the screen. The video played for a few more seconds before the mech froze…no it was being picked up as the ground was seen as the Mechwarrior looked down to see its feet clawing in the air.

The video stopped before anything else could be shown. However, Precentor Keona had a feeling about what had happened to it.

"The battleROM's video data ended here, but it did show that this Iron Kong is faster than a Locust running at full speed. Not only that. The Locust was part of a now-defunct mercenary, lance Jason's Rockstars. The Iron Kong wiped out all the battlemechs and captured the unit's dropship by itself."

One of the newer ROM agents from Sian shouted, "We have a mystical superheavy battlemech with the same or superior speed to a Locust. Why haven't there been any reports or sightings of this battlemech before the battle!"

There were murmurs between the agents around her as they tried to figure out how this could have happened. A warship and now a Superheavy battlemech appearing in the Reach? It was impossible to happen without a vast sum of money moving around.

"Before we continue," Wallace said as the photo of the other canine, the one with twin lances. "This battlemech, or zoid as they call them, is the most important target to hit once the Aurigan people lower their guard. It has an ECM field that interferes with selective targets. This is based on the reports from Katinka's HPG about something directly interrupting the ability to run for several minutes. It had not happened again until this mech appeared on Coromodir. With our systems."

There was a pause before Adept Chris spoke up. "So that was why you asked for one of my acolytes to send a message on the civilian set of messages. You believe this mech is why we haven't heard a response from Terra?"

"Yes," Wallace replied without hesitation. It made a cold feeling enter the Precentor's gut.

"Adept Delta VI!" Keona shouted furiously. "Do you believe this zoid? No, this abomination can enter our systems!"

The look he gave her caused everyone to take a sharp breath, "Yes."

The flurry of activity began preparing to end this mercenary, Michael Chen, and his abominations. This was exacerbated when even more information came in that a mercenary company was discovered using new tech.

"All special forces are to be activated now!" Keona demanded. "Use all available resources to track those mercenaries down. Have our other agents focus on Chen from a distance."

————————————-

Location: Coromodir system, Coromodir VI, Cordia City, High Lord's Palace, Private Audience Chamber.

Date: March 24, 3022, 05:00

Kamea Arano thought her day couldn't get any more stressful. It was supposed to end yesterday, but the events in the Council Room and bonding had exacerbated her emotions. However, it turned into her life's most exciting and annoying day. She glanced at the people in the rooms that she had invited. All the Aurigan Zoid Warriors sat around her as their Zoid partners played with each other or, in Alexander's case, outside looking in. There were a few trusted Royal Guardsmen around them for this meet. All of them were members of Captain Honda's company. Primarily promoted regular and royal replacements whom Lord Chen cleared.

"Thank you all for coming here this early in the morning," Kamea said as her Royal Guardsmen stood at attention. Except for one whom she signaled to stay seated. "As we have all seen and felt. We are now, as Lord Chen calls us, Zoid Warriors. I ask of you all. How do you feel about this new connection inside yourself? You may be as informal as we are new to this experience."

There was muttering from the newly christened warriors, but Alexander spoke first.

"Kamea," her best friend started before pausing to get his thoughts together. "I believe you already understand my feeling on this matter, yet I do not regret allowing myself to be bonded. It lets me see myself from a different perspective."

Kamea mentally agreed with her friend but still had to wait for the others to respond. She did agree with his statement and signaled him with the old hand signs. They made this method of communication together when they were young. Only three people knew of this, and the last one would never remember it again.

She felt her partner bump her hand with a slight whimper. Kamea petted the top of his head while she listened to the excited Blue Wind talk about how her bonding felt. She was babbling about how it was but was a bit incoherent.

"I mean, it's like having someone to always be there beside you until the end," Blue said while trying to explain the feeling of her bond. "I'm sorry, my lady. I just can't explain it."

"Blue Wind," Kamea replied, almost calling out her noble title instead of being informal. "It is more than understandable. Lord Chen did say it would be different between zoid warriors. I wonder what makes us special."

Kamea noticed her statement caused everyone in the room, even the Royal Guardsmen, to look at her in shock. She pretended she did not see them staring as she turned to the last three zoid warriors in their group.

"My bond with Brave Jaguar is the same as Blue and her partner Garius," replied Lina as she gave the feline a stroke on its head. "I don't feel like I'll ever be alone and will away be safe with him by my side."

Prime Minister Henare Parata and Marquis Pierre-Louis Decimis looked at each other and their partners before they nodded.

"I believe all of us experience the same feeling," Marquis Decimis said as his partner walked up to be beside him. "However, I have noticed some differences between our partners. Not just the animal species that take the form of."

Kamea watched Godos reach into the leather bag hanging from his right shoulder and pull out a Ziputer. The zoid handed it to his partner with a soft growl. All the Zoid Warriors understood the sound and looked intently at the Marquis.

"To be frank," the Marquis started. "Each of our partner's mentality seems to match the experience in life we have gone through. Not just combat or daily life but everything that is part of life's journey."

His comment caused Blue Wind to yell while getting off her chair. "What are you insisting there!" Her Garius growled, but with a shriek from Killerdrome (which Kamea wished she knew why its species was named that), the smaller zoid calmed down.

Kamea, however, saw what the Marquis meant. "Calm yourself, Blue. It seems he is correct in his assessment but not how you believed."

"But," the furious redhead began until she noticed everyone was looking at her and Garius. Kamea could see the Royal Guardsman stop and think about what had happened so far. After a few minutes, Blue spoke up, "How did you come up with this idea? We have only been bonded with our partners for less than a day."

"My fellow warriors," he said. "I have spent thirty-seven of my life serving on the Council. However, I live the rest out in the Inner Sphere and other nations to learn and experience how things are. I noticed things during my time as a Mechwarrior mercenary, trader, and planetary lord." He raised the Ziputer with a document displayed on it.

"Always read and research any item you get for free," he finished and hit a button on it. Kamea and all the Zoid Warriors received a loud beep on their own devices. Everyone except Henare checked the message that appeared.

Kamea realized Henare must have done the same as the Marquis when he received the Ziputer. She felt embarrassed that she did not think of checking if her device had anything extra built in. She only saw the Ziputer as a perfect command lance communicator and a. She never thought about checking it for more information, and with the meeting in a few hours, she wouldn't have much time to investigate it.

Time passed as everyone immersed themselves in how bonded zoid warriors and their partners acted. Kamea realized their new status required even more discipline than being a Mechwarrior. She was even more grateful for Chen allowing her to become a Zoid Warrior and giving her a new family member.

"Pierre," Kamea called the Marquis by his name. "How quickly can you summarize what is inside the Ziputer, and how can we use its information to help not just us but Lord Chen." A plan was slowly forming in her mind as she noticed the time.

The eldest council member smiled and replied, "I believe you have already put the step for it. You have a thirty-minute until the meeting with Markham about how to deal with the mercenaries still in the Reach. I have a good suggestion that Henare and I came up with after studying the history stored in the Ziputers. I have the proposal in the message I sent everyone."

"Alexander. Blue," Kamea paused and looked around the room for Captain Honda. With Mastiff still sorting recruits for the Royal Guardsmen, the former Combine native was her most trusted military officer. "Yuki. Please come here and assist me with going over the proposed idea to deal with the mercenary problem and find a method for Commander Chen to survive all this without his origins being outed."

The High Lady looked at the proposal for the "ZBBC" and its predecessor, the "ZBC" (The Zoid Battle Commission). Kamea read the proposal with her closest friends and allies and began editing certain parts to make it agreeable for Chen and the Aurigan Coalition.

As much as it pained her. Kamea could not allow the zoids to be considered part of the Coalition for the safety of her people. However, that did not mean she couldn't help him start his nation.

———————————————————

Location: Coromodir system, Moby Dick's Dock Pad number 4, Hysteria

Date: March 25, 3022, 12:00

Yang Virtanen was having the time of his life as he walked inside the Whale King for the first time. The main reason was to get used to his new working area as his Astechs and mechtechs followed him inside. The second reason was to get away from Darius and Sumire, as they got a tongue-lashing from Markham for thinking he would abandon his people so quickly. He wasn't a part of that meeting because he sent Markham the recording of them deciding for their leader's sake.

"Sir?" One of his mechtech spoke up. Yang turned to see which one, but they were all in their uniforms and had their safety helmets on.

"What?" Yang replied in annoyance. The man broke his excitement of being inside a giant alien warship.

"I think you might want to lay off your laughing, sir. We are getting stared at."

The Capellan man looked around and noticed a dozen crew members and infantry staring at them. A few looked ready for a fight, while others seemed to be on the Ziputer talking with someone.

Yang coughed into his mechanical hand before straightening himself. "You have a point, Mechtech." He didn't call the man's name out as it might encourage them to speak again in public.

"Now, let's see here. I don't see our fellow Mechtechs here."

"Chief Mechtech Virtanen," a voice called out and cut into his comment. Yang turned to see a man in an old medieval knight's armor. "I'm Lieutenant Ian, and I will be leading you to Chief Mechtech Dark. Please bring all your equipment or tag them for our people to carry to your workstation."

Yang followed the armored man, whose name was familiar to him, as his people followed behind him. However, something was nagging the mechtech until he saw several more medieval knights crashing into the ground alongside man-size mechs. The sight caused him and his crew to pause mid-step and watch. He could hear the groans from most of them but recognized one who had his helmet off.

"Isn't that old Jame Tano, one of the former pro exoskeleton fighters in the class one arena?" One of his mechtech, Owyn Lyons, said excitedly. It made sense that his fellow tech enjoyed the sight. The man wanted to design his exoskeleton and show it in the class one arena, but Markham didn't want to go anywhere near there unless they were desperate.

Yang watched closely and noticed that nearly everyone there was training in those exoskeletons. All twenty-five of them. It was weird as they seemed to be moving faster than standard civilian ones.

"Hey, Lieutenant Ian," Yang said while trying to keep the distaste of the officer rank out of his tone. "How did Commander Chen get all these exoskeletons, and why?"

The armored man removed his helmet, revealing the face of the young Astech Yang worked with back in Katinka. "Commander Chen wanted all zoid warriors, mechwarriors, and special forces in our Company to have them. For the protection and to add more firepower for fewer people."

The young man waved his hand slowly to the group of people training. "All those people there are the Mechwarriors, Infantry Commanders, and Zoid warriors. The training is being done because no one wants to hurt someone while wearing these things or accidentally hurt someone while wearing these things."

Yang hummed the agreement with the idea but then asked, "How did we even get these things, and has the Commander found a way to deal with the limited operational usage?"

The bright smile on the young man's face said it all. "Yes, sir. It's the experimental Advanced Reggel Engine everyone has been working on!"

"What!" Yang nearly shouted but kept himself from doing that. Some of his mechtechs and astechs behind him also looked befuddled. It made sense as only a couple helped him with the original project when they were working on converting standard combustion engines into reggel types. "We are already producing those? I thought we still were missing key factors."

The sound of another crash happens from down to way to see several exoskeleton users, ones in the knight style ones, on the floor due to a spider mech…no, was that a zoid? Yang didn't remember one last time he was with the Blitz Company. Only the dog, wolf, lion, raptor, and whale. Seeing a group of power armor people training against another with zoid support was interesting. Well, until his crew noticed.

"EKK!" A few of the astechs and a mechtech shrieked. Yang recognized them and was a bit sorry too. Those were the members of his crew that had arachnophobia. Those five people tried to run back to the dropship when they froze at the sight of another spider zoid the size of a battlemech walking by.

Yang covered his face in embarrassment as those members of his crew fainted. Then he got worried as the giant spider zoid began walking in their direction. "Hey, Lieutenant. Can you ask that zoid to stop coming here? Those five have arachnophobia. Also, mind ordering some people to help them to the infirmary?"

The young man paused before shouting, "Hey, Gurantula!" Ian called, "Can you and the others step back out of sight for a bit? We got some people here that can't handle you and your cousin's beautiful appearance."

Yang never thought a mechanical being could express many emotions. Still, he and those around him could feel the smugness coming off the giant spider zoid while feeling a bit of depression from a few of its smaller cousins. They quickly took off to a mech elevator that rose from the ground several meters away.

Several personnel showed up to carry the unconscious members of his party. Yang could see most chuckling at the reactions of his people, but others only apologized for the scare. They all took off to a door nearby as they shouted, "Out of the way. We got infirmary bound!"

"Ah, Chief Yang," Ian suddenly spoke up. The young man typed something into the Ziputer in his hands. "I'll send you the data of the prototype now. They managed to make a makeshift version of them to power our suits." The youth pointed at his armored chest. "The operational time hasn't been determined yet, but we have two people running their power armor for over eight hours."

Yang nodded at the youth's words as they passed a few hallways entrances before stopping at an elevator. They all piled into the lift, but Yang noticed Lyon still looking at the dozens of exoskeletons practicing in the hanger/docking area. "Lyon, you can go study them after we set up."

The shiny eye look he got from his fellow mechtech creeped the hell out of Yang, but he kept that to himself. It didn't take long as they reached the floor. Ian had punched in.

"Welcome to Mech Haven University," Ian said brightly. It took a few seconds before the youth laughed as he pointed at the sign above them that said the same thing. "Oh god, did Sofia put that sign there? The Commander is going to laugh or be angry for the name."

Yang huffed before replying, "What exactly are we doing here instead of up at the mech bays?"

Yang watched the kid open his mouth to explain but was cut off by a grizzled voice. "Y'all the Markham group?"

"Formerly," Yang replied as he walked up to the elder. "Yang Virtanen, Chief mechtech of this group." The mechtech offered his hand.

"Nice to meetcha," the older mechtech said while shaking Yang's hand. "I'm John Kramer. Former Chief mechtech of Kramer's Parts and Machinery is now head tech over all these battle armors. I'm glad to meet some of ya folks who help turn my old dream into a reality."

"I'm guessing you mean those Reggel Engines? Yeah. They are a good thing for much support work. Glad they found use outside of combat vehicles."

"Y'all work not only did that, my boy," Kramer said while waving his hand toward a dozen people working on something. "Thanks to your work and everyone else, we got this place. A work area that we could virtually produce and test products before making them with this zoid tech."

The older man turned around and pointed at a large station, "Commander Chen has already got a place set up for y'all. It's connected with all the current projects we got going on. So new battlemechs and battle armor ideas are going through there. You should hurry along and join our conversation and design work!"

Yang felt himself smiling at the energetic man's action. He turned to his group of mechtechs and astechs before shouting, "What are you all waiting for? Get set up on the double. We got to see what these projects are!"

There was a flurry of action as his crew quickly ran to their station.

A few hours later, Yang looked over the project codenames that had him laughing. These projects with names like these: Wolfpack, Shepherd, Jim, Zi Gunner, and Spartan would make any man who works on weapons of war giggle like a little schoolgirl. There were even civilian names like Space Constructor and WorkLoader with designs below the standard mech classification.

——————————————

Location: Coromodir system, Moby Dick's conference room 1

Date: March 27, 3022, 20:00

Markham sighed at the paperwork he now had. When he decided to take on this desk job for Lady Arano and Mastiff, he thought it would be smooth sailing. Then the meeting between them and Michael Chen happened. Now he was looking over Emir Madeira's notes on the new currency the Aurigan Coalition was creating.

"Damn it!" Markham heard from his companions and 'traitors' who left him only to rejoin him again. "Why is all this on goddamn paper!" Sumire shouted while staring at the binder of old fashion papers spread around her. That was his little way of getting back at the Taurian native.

"Sumire," Darius spoke up from his Ziputer, which Markham noted the big man had not let go of. "This is our punishment for going behind Mark here. Anyways, look at it this way. You and Sui are now the founder of our new nation's ASF program."

Markham chuckled at that before saying, "Yes, Sumire. Think of it this way. You two will determine the entire nation's aerospace defense and tactics from here on out."

Their pilot went for the flask at her hip only to realize he still had it. Markham took in Sumire's glare before finally saying. "Why don't you go with those papers and talk to Captain Riva Shin and her family? They are the main leaders of the ASF forces of the Blitz company and the ones who mainly crew the dropships here."

Markham watched as the dropship pilot slowly lowered her head before getting up. "Excuse me then." She replied, but he could tell she was embarrassed. "There are a few drinks at the bar on the sixth ASF hangar. Sui should be down there with her new ride." He told her as she walked out of the room. She paused for a moment, allowing Markham to see the slight smile on her face before she went into the hallway.

"Mark," Darius called his name. His former XO had finally put down that Ziputer. "I guess no hard feeling about earlier?"

Markham paused his research in currency before speaking up. "Yeah. I forgave everyone a while back because Yang sent me the recording of why you decided to jump ship. I wished I could have told you earlier, but our communication might have been compromised, and I wasn't used to using my Ziputer as a personal com."

Darius huffed before saying, "You mean you weren't in the right mood after that SHC treatment that made you lose your compatibility to your battlemech."

Markham paused as he looked away from the two names for the future ZBBC currency, ZiCredits and Z's. He answered his Darius with a smirk, "No. I never lost my compatibility with piloting battlemechs. I lost my old settings in my neurohelmet. Those Stasis Healing Chambers go beyond Star League times, I think. It took me three days after healing to reset my helmet to my improved body."

Markham chucked at the shocked look on his friend's face. He felt the same when he found out. "Well, besides my little secret that I just told you. What a good method of paying our fellow mercenaries now that C-Bill access would be limited or gotten rid of altogether?"

"Well, Vice General," Darius called him. Markham could feel the frown forming on his face but waited for his former XO to continue. "Why not offer everyone first dibs on trying to bond with a zoid core?"

Markham thought about it for a bit. Chen said he would have all authority on the currency matter and how to pay the new members of the ZBBC.

"All right," Markham replied as he began setting up the currency and point system already noted in the Ziputer. He just needs to approve it now. "Now that this is done. Want to run through the zoid sims they have here? I hope to tame one when our new home system is founded."

"Tame?" Darius asked, which caused Markham to laugh. The man began explaining to his friend the history of zoids bonding that he found in the Ziputer.

——————————————

Location: Tyrlon system, Tyrlon VI, Langi City

Date: March 27, 3022, 15:00

Mechwarrior Tane "Kraken" Bennett sighed as his lance of freelance mercenaries finished the last of the Three-Linked Chain gang. From the contract they received from the planetary governor, they were to either detain or kill any of those gangsters, and so far, they did. It was hard to stop a battlemech coming for you.

"Well, job all done now," The voice of his fellow mercenary, Sven "Ulysses" Toraldsen, said with a laugh. "Told you it would be an easy job."

"Yeah, you did," Tane replied as he turned to his other temporary lance mate in the Clint (CLNT-2-3T). "Hey, Risenki. Are you good? You took a dozen SRM from those gang members before Ulysses, and I took them out."

"Not great at all, guys," Risenki replied with a sigh. "It seems like that damaged the one component I can't just replace. It looks like I'll be joining Todd as a dispossessed unless they somehow have a salvage mech I can buy." Todd, their fourth temporary member, had taken too many hits from a few Directorate forces when they first formed to fight in the minor civil war that broke out. The man elected to maintain their battlemechs to keep getting paid for their contracts until their group split for other mercenary commands.

"I feel for you," Tane said, and he really did. The man was a wanderer like him. He could travel without a mech, but no mercenary company would want him unless they had a salvaged mech. Most of the time, they would be worse than a Clint.

"Hell, if they had a good mech for sale here, I would trade you my Valkyrie for your scrap," Ulysses said through the comms. "Hell, maybe you will get lucky, and someone will come down with a lifetime prize."

Tane laughed and could hear Risenki's chuckles through the comms. At least the joke held. The Zangul native turned to watch the few Tyrlon police round up the members of the Three-Linked Chain gang in the APCs and police trucks.

"Echo command to Fire lance," The voice of their fellow Mechwarrior and mechtech, Todd, came through their comms. "Hurry back to collect our money because the governor somehow got back from Coromodir and is holding a press conference in an hour. There was a second message to all mercenaries not on contract to come to the capital courtyard."

Tane turned his Locust to his two lancemates, who were doing the same thing, before replying. "We are on our way!" He hoped it was a great opportunity and not some sort of trap for mercenaries like the Free World League did during the Third Succession War.

——————An hour later—————

Tane got out of his Locust and quickly headed for the meeting room. As many mercenary officers ran to the same place, he saw dozens of other combat vehicles parked haphazardly. He saw Todd, with a few of their hired help, also running to the room.

He quickly entered behind Risenki and another mercenary and saw several tables with food and drinks everywhere. It was unusual, as meetings between a mercenary and a liaison or contractor wouldn't be set up to look like some party.

The Zangul native grabbed a drink and walked to a good observation point. He learned enough from his old mercenary command that things like this don't happen for no reason. He could already spot several planetary militia members not far away. They seemed ready for something that made him loosen his sidearm for combat.

Tane stood alongside his lancemates, watching the live video of the Governor standing on an odd crab mech. Not a Crab battlemech but one that was the exact shape of the biological crustacean. He could hear a few others talking about it. Ulysses pulled out a small camera and took a photo of the mech.

"Hey, aren't they near the hazardous zone?" He heard someone say. Tane looked over to see a female mercenary whom Todd had hired to do grunt work. She was a native from here, so it made sense that she would recognize where the governor was making his speech.

"Now I set the first terraformer here on Tyrlon VI," The governor said as the crowd roared in excitement. Tane wasn't sure if it was real or fake, but he kept watching as he heard a few other mercenaries talking about whether it was true.

Tane watched as the Governor, whose name was slipping his mind, directed the crab-like mech to plant a weird-looking tree into the ground. They all stepped away from the tree as it began to glow, and the camera turned to the greenish toxic atmosphere of the planet just below the plateau.

A scream came from the screen as the green gas rose to the plateau and rushed straight for the weird tree. Tane could feel the hairs on his neck rise as the toxic cloud that even he knew about could kill everyone here if it reached the city. He could hear a few people running to the door, but he knew it would be too late to get to any drop port. The camera shifted back to the tree as the Governor said calmly, "Everyone, stay calm and get behind Killer and me."

Everything went weird as the gas was suddenly sucked into the tree, and the said thing grew larger. Some liquid shot out of it, and the crab-like mech stepped in front of the stream and began drinking it like those things his family used to fish up. He glanced around and realized most of the other mercenaries weren't paying attention to it.

The video feed then cut out as a new image appeared.

The Governor and his odd mech with a screen behind the man. Tane recognized the background as the internals of Union dropship. It wasn't hard not to notice, as he had worked in one for a few years.

"I am Prime Minister Henare Parata, and this is my combat partner, Killer," The Governor said while waving his right hand at the mech beside him. The said crab waved at the screen. "I asked all mercenaries within my system to gather at either planet's mercenary meeting hall for a specific reason." The man types something in an odd noteputer. The screen behind him changed to show the letters ZBBC.

"I am here to offer all mercenaries a second option to the MRB after the Aurigan Coalition found evidence of non-neutrality and betrayal of trust from their parent organization, ComStar," Lord Parata said as the screen behind him was zoomed in on and went slowly over a contract. It looked almost like the MRB version for signing as a registered mercenary, except there were some sections like a separate division: Research, Combat, Ranger Service, Construction, Intelligence, and Civilian sectors. It seemed like there could be more to it.

However, there were those crying out against such an organization despite the second screen appearing showing the distrust for ComStar had come from. Several mercenaries deny such a thing and tried to run out, only to be detained by members of the militia Tane had seen earlier. That brought a tense situation as many people had drawn their weapons, and it was a standoff between the hired guns and planetary forces.

Tane could only think that something must have gone wrong in the universe as demands to both sides to stand down came from cooler heads.

The mercenary didn't know that this scene repeated throughout the Aurigan Reach this day.

——————————————

Location: Katinka system, On board the Howler

Date: March 29, 3022, 15:00

Commander Leslie Gruber stared at the recording she and the crew had watched. She could feel the annoyance building in her as she watched a fellow clan warrior fall to the very enemy their Khan feared. As the Warden predicted, the alien was a potential threat to the Inner Sphere.

She turned to her fellow clan warriors and asked, "What are your observations of the fight between warrior Brunner and Commander Chen?" She would not call him an alien outright. Not until she met him and checked his blood.

Leslie looked at her fellow clan members. They were few in number as they were the only ones who could be spared for this journey.

Warrior Jerry Hawker answered, "I am unsure if Commander Chen's actions during this batchall dezgra or not." He raised the 'Ziputer' with data on their target's history. Several members had enough materials to exchange for a few of them.

"By his culture, he must fight alongside his…beast as they are connected deeply. Warrior Brunner knew about this and accepted being outnumbered in the battle for more honor. Even in a powless state and in primitive battle armor."

The other warriors around Hawker nodded in agreement, with only second-generation freeborn Corporal Patricia Ward not agreeing or disagreeing. The jump infantry soldier stared at the two battle armors on the holoscreen alongside Sergeant Oscar Vrun.

"Warrior Brunner did go beyond what we requested of him," Leslie replied while thinking about the battle armor and how to send this information back to Jaime. This would piss Natasha off as she brought their battle armor back onto the field, thanks to Commander Chen. She had what her spheroid companion called "mixed feelings" about their target.

"However, his action allows us to see what our main objective could do on foot. Now we have a connection with the man to study those quad mechs we were sent to investigate." She finished and waited for their response.

"Commander Gruber," Oscar Vrun spoke up. "The fight between Warrior Brunner and this Commander Chen has several points I must note." Vrun pointed at the screen, replaying the battle once more. "Both battle armors are moving much faster than our Elemental armor."

"I agree with Sergeant Vrun," Patricia Ward said while pointing at the screen. Leslie noted that the infantry member might be of clan birth, but the influences of these spheroids had affected her. "Those battle armor seems to have double to triple the ground speed of our Elemental armor. The jumpjets that…formed after the fusion of those aliens seem smaller and more powerful than ours."

"Warriors," It was Lieutenant Yvonne Draedin who spoke up. "It is not just faster and better tech this Commander Chen has. Look." She pointed at the feet of their target of interest. "The man hovers above the ground minutes after fusing with his protector. The battle armor has hover tech. Warrior Brunner fought honorably against these overwhelming odds and nearly won until those melee weapons were drawn."

Several of her fellow warriors voiced their agreement with that statement. They had all seen the recordings and how close Brunner had been to claiming victory. However, she noticed one who did not.

"Brunner lost this batchall and became a bondsman," Captain Dorjund Olksajer replied. "Yet there were no other conditions to the fight. Why have we not issued another challenge to obtain the information we need."

Leslie replied before anyone could respond. "It's because of the second video I received. This time from Captain Micheal Andrew, the leader of our Beta lance." She usually would order a member of the science caste to upload the video but with the Ziputer in her hands. It was simple to open and send the data to the holoscreen.

A high-pitched metallic roar came through the speakers. Leslie was glad most of their non-clanner crew were outside.

The holoscreen showed a man-size mech in the shape of an animal beside the downed Brunner. They watched as their former member stood up and touched the being before taking off his helmet to talk with the beast.

Leslie could feel a primal emotion as she watched the interaction again. However, the Commander pushed down the feeling as she looked at her fellow warriors to see their reactions. It was as she expected.

Lieutenant Jacque and Hawker did not seem to react to the appearance of the mechanical beast that seemed to bond with Brunner. They were the ones she had noticed reading the information from the Ziputers they purchased.

However, the reactions from Olksajer and Winterhawk were as she suspected. They looked disgusted at the idea of bounding with such a thing. Winterhawk looked ready to kill Brunner if they met again.

That is when Leslie noticed Olksajer's appearance was more like her own. Jealously. He had the same feelings when she watched this recording the first time around.

The rest had kept their faces neutral and waited for her to continue.

"This beast, as we have been calling them, are known as zoids," Leslie said as the video ended. "This one is called a Pteras and has the ancestral appearance of Terran ancient dinosaur, the Pterosaur."

No one could say that the warrior caste was slow to understand as the shock began to travel through everyone present.

"The quad battlemechs we were looking for are not mechs but these aliens." She finished as the warriors began arguing about what they should do. She had already sent a message to Wolfnet agent Bean to report this to Jaimie. For now, she and her pack will continue with their mission.

——————————————

Location: Coromodir system, unknown location

Date: March 29, 3022, 23:00

Alcmene Amalia Centrella wanted to bang her head against the table. Years of work infiltrating the Coromodir small intelligence division were ruined by a mechanical alien dog. At least she wasn't alone in her misfortune as she looked over at her companion.

Her lover in the Reach area and now a fellow temporary ambassador, Ashton 'Howl' Pendelton, was pacing around their shared room. While he was walking in patterns, she had already sent the information to her superiors waiting in a Jumpship that arrived a few days ago. They would leave, retransmit that message to another of their ships, and quickly get the information back to the Magestrix.

"God, this is a mess," her partner said as he continued to look at his handwritten draft. "How am I going to explain to the Director." This time Alcmene couldn't hold her laughter as she knew his feeling but kept them inside.

The man stopped his pacing around to glare at her before sighing. "How are you so calm, Alcmene?"

He thought she was calm. Her laughter grew louder and slightly hysterical. "I'm not calm at all, Ashton. I'm freaking out that all the information I got from another agent was wrong. I was just quiet about it until you spoke." After all, how would she explain all this to her aunt Ana Maria Centrella? Siren was doing so well with getting information, but then this happened.

Alcmene watched her lover freeze and then turn to look at her with a guilty look. As if he knew about the aliens before her. That was when she realized something about the actual name of Agent Siren on board the Blitz Company as a crew member.

"My agent is someone from your family, isn't she? How the hell did no one in the MIM not catch Alice Deltionpen as someone from your family? It literal your house name out of order."

She watched Ashton sputter before shouting, "Well, first she a distance cousin. Second, she only changed our house name? I thought she would have done more than that!"

Alcmene wanted a drink or something more to get rid of this stress headache. Hell, both would do it before she left tomorrow morning.

A knock on the door caused both of them to stiffen, only to hear a familiar voice come through an intercom. "Ashton. It's me, Alice."

Alcmene stared at Ashton, who had paled and looked back at her. There was an uncomfortable pause before another knock on the door, slightly louder. "Cousin? are you there? You told me to meet up with you tonight."

"Give me a bit Alice. I need to get dressed!" Ashton answered through the door comms while looking at her. He released the talk button and quickly whispered, "Go hide somewhere. I know you discovered that she is a double agent, but can you keep that silent or let it go? We don't want an issue happening before the big showdown tomorrow."

Alcmene thought about her options while almost reaching for the spare hold-out pistol she kept hidden in her clothes. It was in the one spot Ashton wouldn't look at while they were here for business.

That was when a good idea came to mind, "Let her in but lock the door behind her. She could be our joint ambassador to the Zoid and Battlemech Battle Commission." Alice will be a perfect target for stress relief too. The drama would be a good distraction before the MIM's dropship arrived to take her to a jumpship hidden at a pirate point waiting on her.

Ashton opened the door and quickly closed it the let the cloaked woman enter. However, the figure froze once they noticed Alcmene leaning against the wall. "What the hell! Why is she here, Ashton? She a member of the MIM!"

Alcmene watched as Alice went for the pistol at her side, only to be restrained by Ashton. "Now, cousin. There is no need for that since both of us are already exposed. They know you are a double agent already. Alcmene just hasn't reported it yet due to our current positions."

"She will kill me, or her superior will!" Alice nearly shouted back. Thank god the door was closed. The soundproofing they did for the apartment would keep the shouts from leaving the room.

"Now there is no reason to struggle," Alcmene said while slowly walking up to the restrained woman. "Ash and I are temporarily appointed ambassadors for our respective governments for the Aurigan Coalition. We both know the perfect person to represent our government and the second nation forming."

While Alice may be a double agent, she was a good one for the MIM. She had completed plenty of assignments for Canopus against the Free World League and Capellan Confederation for years before her appointment to spy on the Blitz Company. So Alice was perfect as a representative for the Magistracy and Taurians until someone more appropriate arrived.

"What nation?" The question that slipped from the restrained woman caused both spies to look at each other before they began explaining the issue they had on hand. It lasted all night, and in the end, they all needed a few drinks and some stress relief. It would be an awkward morning, but at least they would face the next day as if it was their last.

At least the Magistracy would have a powerful force between them and the Bulls. They would be getting new technology too from this job, so maybe no one here would die when their government agents come for them. Now how to get Melody Cirillo sent to whatever the aliens decided on which system they would settle on?

——————————-

Location: Zangul system, nadir point, four days away from Zangul VI

Date: March 30, 3022, 17:00

Commodore Samuel Ostergaard stood on the bridge of the Iberia as he reviewed his orders. He had arrived on this backward system as a show of support for their 'allies' of a trading nation that had just fallen into a civil war a few weeks ago. The question support was to take over this system and protect it from all comers until Marshal Cory Calderon gave him orders to claim it should the Aurigan Coalition fail to resolve their spat.

Right now, he watched this system from the nadir point to prevent anyone from entering while the message from High Command should reach the leaders of the Coalition explaining he and his crews were here. They had already split from Space Master Smith and Percy, who were leading their ships and support to the system of Umgard. His Iberia and its two support ships would be more than enough to fight off any raiders.

"Sir!" His Comms officer spoke up, causing the man to turn to him. "I'm getting comms response from the habitable planet in this system. The transmission is giving us TMI codes to talk with you directly."

"I'll answer the call in a moment, Lieutenant," Ostergaard replied before turning to his XO. "I don't remember any Intelligence agents in this area, Air Master Jones. Did anyone tell you anything about this?"

Before replying, his friend thought about what Samuel said, "No, but I wouldn't bet on it. Those spooks might have finally found themselves and spread without telling us."

"Lieutenant!" Send the message to the table projector," Ostergaard ordered as he asked. "Jones, what are the chances it is the agent on this Aurigan Coalition's capital planet?"

"I bet my drinking money for this week it is," the Air Master replied as he followed Ostergaard to the holo table. The Commodore answered the call. The projector opened up, but several terminal screens nearby were also turned on.

"Lieutenant! Why are there multiple calls on the line," Ostergaard demanded as the first screen showed a man in a TMI uniform, and next to him was a young woman dressed in some armor. Ostergaard recognized her from the photos sent to him by the Marshal. The current 'High Lady' of the Aurigan Coalition, Kamea Arano.

However, neither the TMI agent nor Kamea Arano spoke as the other screens within his bridge showed all the Space Master apart from his demi-squadron. "Father?" Ostergaard heard and turned to see a screen with his son's face. Every Taurian officer under his command matched the confusion on his boy's face. How did they connect them all under a conference call when everyone was in different system light-years away?

Before he could respond, the holotable's speaker spoke up. "Commodore Ostergaard of the I Corps. This is Ashton "Howl" Pendelton of the Taurian Military Intelligence department and temporary ambassador for our country with the Aurigan Coalition. Passcode Zulu-Foxtrot-Niner should open such an order on the mission terminal."

Samuel gestured to his XO to do just that as he listened to the exposed spook. "I've connected to all members of the Taurian Concordat thanks to a new communication device made by the Aurigan Coalition. Everyone should be connected in real-time with only seconds of lag. I bring you a request from the leader of the Aurigan Coalition, High Lady Kamea Arano." The TMI agent moved aside as the armored woman stepped forward. It wasn't hard to see the dents and damages on the armor. There were hastily removed blood stains he could see in the holo image.

"Thank you, Sir Pendelton, for getting me the connection to your nearby forces. Commodore Ostergaard. I welcome you to the Aurigan Coalition. I have a request for you and your squadron to defend the systems you are currently in from the Capellans and Pirate forces." She said with a slight bow. That was when the sounds of gunfire happened in the background, which caused the woman to look at something off-screen. A loud mechanical roar could be heard that brought a chill through Ostergaard's spine, but whatever caused it never appeared on the screen.

"I apologize for the loud interruption. It seems some enemy forces were trying to delete the databanks we are after." There was a pause as another sound was heard, this time of a dog. Kamea paused for a moment before saying, "May we have the assistance as promised between Protector Thomas Caldron and my father, High Lord Tamati? The promised deal between them should be appearing in your systems soon."

"Commodore!" His comms officer spoke up as data began appearing in their system with their registration codes. "They match the information that Marshal Calderon set for our mission. We must decide within an hour after receiving this code, or our system will go into standby mode."

"What?" Ostergaard nearly shouted but quickly calmed himself as he noticed his officers on the screen had also seen the message. He could hear the officer under his Space Masters giving the same reports. He could feel his fury rising until his son spoke up. "What's wrong? I didn't receive any message or understand why everyone is panicking."

There were shouts from the men and women aboard their ships about what had happened to their ships and the ultimatum that showed up. Ostergaard wondered why his son's Union didn't receive the same message when it dawned on him.

"Son," Ostergaard said with his fury high but cooling. "It's because the Newgrange is a civilian ship. Don't worry about the message. I'll deal with it."

Ostergaard felt himself cool down as he realized his son wasn't endangered and looked back at the holoscreen to see the demon of a woman have a confused look on her face. As if she didn't know what was happening was her fault. However, it took Ostergaard only a second to realize Kamea Arano most likely didn't, as it was an agreement between her father and Thomas Caldron.

"Lady Arano," He said with some force behind his words. "While you didn't have a direct hand in the issue plaguing my ships. I demand compensation for being forced to assist you."

Ostergaard watched as the young woman smiled and replied, "I will share everything we find with Ambassador Pendelton after we secure it from my current foes. However, will your Union class ship in the Enkra system be able to help my people there?"

Ostergaard watched his son look around at the other monitors in the room. He was technically a civilian and shouldn't help against a raid without any combat forces inside his ship. Well, other than the two Chippewa, he had assigned to the dropship out of his request instead of an order.

"Lady Arano. I will be happy to help according to the agreement. However, the Newgrange is just a merchant ship. He only has self-defense weapons aboard and should be exempted from the order." The Commodore waited for the young woman to reply, who seemed to be looking at something off-screen.

"Very well then, Commodore Ostergaard. I ask that he stay with his Jumpship until the raids are over."

"That is an agreeable decision, Lady Arano. I shall issue the orders to intercept those raiding forces now," Ostergaard replied as his XO began giving the orders to burn to the planet below. It would take a couple of days, but they should beat the Union and the Leopards to the ground.

"The local governors will have something to give to you and your command staff when you arrive. It is the same communication devices we are currently using to communicate. It is limited to only the Aurigan Reach, but you and your troops can always keep in touch. Good luck, Commodore. I still have the battle to finish."

The comms with the woman cut off, but the screens around him still showed his Space Masters looking at him intently. His son was safe, and they had a chance at new technology. Now, he turned to his Comms Officer to give orders to land. "Send a message to the governor of the Zangul system and tell him we will land and discuss defensive plans. This order goes for both of you," he said while looking at the two leaders of the Umgard Taurian forces. "Contact the governor and explain why you are incoming. If what Lady Kamea said is true. We will be the first people of the Taurian Concordat to use new technology in the communication department. Now all forces, begin your descent to the planet."

Ostergaard watched everyone preparing to travel to the planet as his noteputer lit up. The Commodore walked over to see what was sent and smiled. This shit of a volunteer job has now become a gold mine. He thought as he looked at the technical data of a new battlemech the Aurigans had given their ambassador.

——————————————-

Location: Panzyr system, Panzyr II, Castle Decimis

Date: April 1, 3022, 06:00

Captain Flavius Valens walked alongside his fellow mercenary commander, Captain Sanlucar Barrameda. They both had come here early after their XO were dealing with their casualties and damages because the planetary lord had called them. From the massive holo meeting yesterday, they were being sent into another battle as the Marquis and his forces dealt with the remaining ComStar resistance. The casualties weren't as high as in other places, but still, it was horrible. Hundreds were dead on both sides. The silver lining was that none of them were his people.

Flavius noticed a Panzyr officer, if he remembered correctly, Karen Andris, standing not far away. It was odd since he knew the woman was a green Mechwarrior who happened to be a Cornet during the attack on the HPG. Her lance was backing his Command lance during their frontal attack.

She turned and saw them approach the meeting room. Flavius raised his hand and said, "Nice to see you again, Sunbird." Her callsign matched how well she piloted her Swordsman and her lancemate of Locusts. Her lance's lasers and missiles turned their enemy into a bright sun when they went critical.

"Captain Valens. Captain Barrameda," Karen replied with a smile and salute. They returned it with their own. "Welcome to Castle Decimis. Lord Decimis is currently waiting for us in the meeting room. Let's go in and discuss the matter ahead."

The twin doors opened as the familiar biomechanical dinosaur stood at the entrance. The allosaurus looked at the three before stepping aside and allowing them in. It was odd seeing a four-meter-tall mech-like being standing in the halls of a noble, but Flavius saw more bizarre in the Inner Sphere.

He still kept an eye on the zoid. After all, it decimated multiple ComStar tanks without breaking a sweat using those claws and twin PPCs. He was mindful of the tail that moved out of its way. The same appendage that tore a leg off a Locust.

"Welcome," Marquis Decimis said as he stood from his ornate chair. His wife sat nearby and was going through a Ziputer. "I am glad we could meet before Lord Chen arrives. Now let us sit here and discuss the planned division of our forces to Bringdam." He pointed at a table that seemed hastily put in this meeting room.

Flavius sat next to Sanlucar while the Marquis and Cornet Andris sat across from them. The mercenary was surprised that none of the other force commanders were here, as there were several officers he remembered fighting alongside yesterday. Some died while other commands took heavy losses.

"Forgive me for speaking out of turn, Lord Decimis," Sanlucar said after everyone sat down. "But why do you want to split the forces? The contract between the Aurigan Coalition and ZBBC was written clearly. Those of the ZBBC will act as an extra defender for planets under attack from outside forces when possible. Our compensation will be discussed at a later time. So why are you asking for a lance of my Catapults and not what's left of my company?"

It was still an odd feeling. To know that the ZBBC organization turned into its independent nation. A Mercenary one with technology surpassing some of the old Star League techs. Everyone agreed that alien tech should be under Commander Chen's directive to give out and spread. If the Aurigan claimed everything, it wouldn't matter if they claimed powerful weapons and armor. After all, the Inner Sphere and their neighbors would attack the second they found out.

As it would distract him from the meeting, he shook the stray thought out of his head, so Flavius glanced at the fellow merc. The Barrameda must have suffered even more damage than he thought. His forces were still being repaired to head out with only the Gilded Fist lance and Commander Elygene's Griffin still operable. His own Merlin was being refitted with more lasers to deal with enemy mech as infantry seemed to be well handled by the Aurigan forces.

"Lord Decimis," Flavius said as he glanced at his Ziputer to check for any updates on their repairs. "I know you requested the Glided Fist to be sent as well. As you said in the meeting yesterday, that is only eight mechs, not our entire force. May I know why you wish for the rest of us to remain despite the agreement?"

"The reason is simple," The Lord replied. "During the meeting, I closely followed the new contract between our nations. However, I received an interesting report from my troops inside the HPG working alongside a few former ComStar acolytes last night." The Lord waved his hand, and his wife appeared silently enough that Flavius nearly went for his sidearm. Man, that noble lady had spy skills.

The lady sat beside her husband and typed into the Ziputer. The holoscreen in the center of the table lit up and showed a schematic for a ship. It took a moment before Flavius realized it was a dropship.

"The reason I am only asking for a lance of mech from each of your companies is the second cause in the contract between us." It was an image of a sizable aerodynamic dropship. It appeared to be larger than the civilian Monarch class. It was Sanlucar that spoke up before Flavius could.

"Isn't that the old DroST dropship? There are only a few of those old things flying around," The Captain pointed at the screen. "How is this important enough not to send us to complete the job at Bringdam?"

"It is because of the dozen acolytes that kept this modified and improved ship a secret from their bosses," The Lord replied, and his wife brought up the ship's technical read-out. It took a few minutes for everyone to read when Cornet Andris spoke up.

"This. This ship is perfect for our combined arms tactics! There is room for two small craft-class that could easily be used for aerospace fighters: A mechbay and a vehicle bay. Heck, there is even space for infantry and cargo!" It was funny watching the woman stand up to get a closer look at the schematics when they had already appeared on the Ziputer.

"Yes," Lord Decimis replied. The sudden noise of heavy footsteps happened behind them, causing everyone to look at the zoid coming back and sitting on its butt. The Lord coughed in his hand before continuing, "The second part of the contract between nations is that we would share any discovery of old tech that has long been lost. By this, I am required to have ZBBC members oversee the scanning of such tech into the module system so it can be shared between our nations. I believe we will need someone to rewrite the contract later to allow you to decide which one is more important, as splitting your forces is the only way we can complete both parts."

"That is understandable, Lord Decimis," Flavius replied as Sanlucar voiced his agreement. After discovering ComStar's duplicity, they knew the contract was the only thing they had left. "Then how will our forces be divided? Will just the Glided Fist and Death Rain lances be enough?"

"No, Captain Valens," the Lord said. "Subaltern Andris will be assigned to your group as Panzyr's assigned lance to the ZBBC."

"My Lord?" The now Subaltern let out in surprise. "Yes, my Lord." She quickly corrected herself.

There was a knock on the door, which the zoid got up to answer. There was a scream from the other end, but the person quickly calmed themselves and walked in.

"My Lord!" The message said breathless and red-faced. "The Lord Chen's Whale King has just arrived in the system. They will make landfall in three hours."

There was a pause before a rush of activity. They call for their lances to head to the Union, waiting for them and the rest of their forces to secure the DroST for transport.

No one noticed the data packet from Katinka arriving with approval for use on the Maquis Decimis's Ziputer.

———————————————

Location: ZI system (Formerly Peratallada), outside of Planet Zi's gravity well, Draconis Combine Dropship.

Date: April 4, 3022, 16:00

Renauld Yamaguchi hated his life right now. He shouldn't have taken this side job for the Dragon as he watched the mercenaries he hired to protect him. They finished off the last hidden ISF agents that had started killing their workers and most of the dropship crew.

He reached for his drop flask of rare Timbiqi moonshine but saw its content used to treat the wounded people around him.

"Damn," He whispered to himself as he watched one of his mercenaries, Corsair, if he remembers correctly, using his flask to sterilize roughly torn rags. They were makeshift bandages to wrap the only wounded person on their side, as everyone else the ISF had attacked tended to die.

"Yamaguchi-sama!" Shouted one of his other hired guns and one he knew before he took on this position. It took him a moment to realize it was the one who saved them all.

"What is it Shiseo-Yen-san?" He called out as he found a bottle of Timbiqi Dark he kept hidden in this meeting room. He would take a drink once his mercenaries ensured the area's safety.

"Did the ISF agents finally die off?" It was a long shot, and for someone of Yamaguchi's position as the Professional Soldier Liaison, it was bordered on treason to hope for such results. Still, he chooses himself over everything between his life and the people now under him to the few fanatical ISF agents.

"I must apologize, but no Yamaguchi-sama," Zachary "Dust Raker," Shiseo-Yen replied as he suddenly shot a burst from his auto rifle at something on the other side of their half-closed door. Yamaguchi could hear the sound of metal hitting plated armor and knew the mercenary had hit one of the ISF agents but didn't bring them down. "However, I received a message from Warrior Corsair and Hacker. They both managed to send a message to those people in the warship of our situation, and they are sending a force of their special forces to save us."

The infantryman suddenly ducked, causing Yamaguchi to yelp as a katana passed where Shiseo-Yen once stood. The mercenary fired and killed the agent this time as the helmeted head turned into a bloody mist.

"Nice shot, Dust Raker!" Shouted Abe "Scrub" Chung from his prone position over the mercenary, Munin. He was still wrapping the alcohol-soaked clothes over the woman's midsection on the ground. "Now, you only have seven more before they kill the rest of us. Duck!"

Yamaguchi turned back to Shiseo-Yen, only to shout as he watched the man who managed to protect the civilians and take a sword to his side. The only reason he wasn't cut in half was that the mercenary managed to grab the arm holding the sword. The Draconis officer watched his hired help pull a Tantō from his back sheath and stab the ISF agent in the neck.

The body of the ISF fell to the ground, but the leading man protecting the door stumbled backward. Thanks to Chung, Shiseo-Yen didn't crash into the ground from his wounds. A few undesirables that were 'recruited' for this project quickly took the infantryman's position and fired with their makeshift pistols. Those 'former' Yakuza worked well together to force whoever else was trying to get in to retreat.

Yamaguchi turned to the down mercenary and knew they were screwed with their best soldier was down. He looked down at his drink and called out to the medic of their group.

"Chung-san. Use this to disinfect his wounds," He could feel the stares from the few others in the room and knew most didn't respect him or his position. Yet they were all in the same boat now. They need to work together and hope those who cause their mess can come and rescue them.

Yamaguchi looked around for any of the surviving crew of the Mule and found a few nearby working on the terminal. Suppose he remembered the discussion with the captain and his scant memories of his time in the Draconis Combine Admiralty. In that case, that terminal should connect to the bridge where the rest of his men protected the ship's controls.

The only communication they originally had with the bridge crew and his men was through Shiseo-Yen and the two-way radio he handed to Christoph 'Corsair' Nick due to their partnership for the contract Yamaguchi had hired them for. He was glad the mercenaries he paid for differed from the DCMS's standard operational producers, as the ISF would have stopped them dead by now.

"Hey, you two," Yamaguchi called out to the people repairing the terminal. "Can you contact the bridge or engineering yet?"

"No, sir!" One of them replied before the other shouted in excitement. "Correction! We got engineering online. They seal themselves to prevent those ninja bastard from getting in and reaching the engines."

The DCMS (former, probably now) officer only replied with a "good." Before turning to the two men protecting the door to the living quarters. This room was the only one close to the Docking Collar that he and the captain had initially planned on meeting the idiots that caused the planet they were on to explode. Now it was their only chance at surviving this after ten (well, six now) ISF agents revealed themselves. Still, that small amount of elite soldiers turned their crew of five hundred to only two hundred during the travel to dock with the warship.

"Yamaguchi-sama!" Shiseo-Yen yelled as he slowly got back up. The blood-soaked bandage wrapped around his wound. Chung was helping steady the man as they walked over to him. "Warrior Corsair just contacted me. We are docked with the warship, and they are sending their best forces to fight against the ISF. They request we do not fire on them by accident."

Yamaguchi waited for a moment before walking up to the injured soldier. "Ask them that on my honor as Sho-Sa Renauld Yamaguchi. They will not worry about us and only those fanatics."

The Combine mercenary repeated his request to the bridge. A moment later, the man looked confused when he turned back to Yamaguchi. "They received a reply and a direct message to you. It says, 'Bob, we are on our way. Take cover in thirty seconds.' Yamaguchi-sama? Who is Bob?"

The former(?) Professional Soldiery Liaison froze at the name as only one mercenary group gave him that nickname. He hadn't heard much from the Markham's Marauders since they signed a contract with some hick nation. Were they a part of the warship?

Three loud explosions from outside the room interrupted his thoughts as the noise caused everyone to look at the entrance. The sounds of a firefight began outside before a roar was heard. There was a pause before the two men manning the entrance screamed and dove backward as five gold claws craved their way through the broken door.

Everyone stopped what they were doing as a dozen troopers in knight armor, advanced infantry armor, and mini mechs stepped through the new opening. Behind them was a small battlemech the shape of a lion with a small child on its back.

—————————————-

Location: ZI system, outside of Planet Zi's gravity well

Date: April 10, 3022, 06:00

Newly promoted Lieutenant Colonel Zin Ala stood beside his former second in command as they watched the ashes of their original crewmates being loaded into the Generator shell. Out of their original group, only he and Captain John Manning left. The ashes of their four crewmates and their teams were placed around the plant-like terraformer.

Zin looked around to see others getting their shots ready. Several personnel decided to scatter their loved one's ashes on the planet's surface when it was ready. Those who were here wanted their friends to start their next life by seeing their new home.

He and Manning had already given their eulogy for their comrades from the Federated Suns. They had been together since his dismissal from the AFFS. Zin patted the shell holding them and the Generator one last time before giving a final salute regarding their service together. The sound of heavy footsteps followed as the final burial place for his people was picked up by Iron Kong's giant hands and carefully brought to the elevator.

The large screen showed the planet below, which was already cool enough for people to land with space suits. Next to the main screen were dozens of others who were now part of the ZBBC nations. They watched the funeral of everyone who died in the Aurigan Civil War, Operation Downfall, and the constant Capellan and pirate raids. Some hadn't sent their dead as the religion they followed required quick burials or no cremation.

The countdown for the round carrying his people began as the names flashed on the screen with their ranks. There were over a dozen names, but the main ones that would always stick out for him were: Cynan, Aeddan, Owain, and Max.

There was a moan from the Whale King after firing the first round into the planet. Everyone on board could feel the sadness coming from their zoid ship. It caused the mood to drop even further.

"Sir," Manning whispered to him. "This was the best choice for them. They wanted to help you since you saved us when you commended the tank and fought off those battlemechs. They died a good death protecting the innocent like we were taught in combat school."

Zin didn't reply at first as he took a deep breath in. Allow his newly healed lungs to expand once again as the memory of Cynan throwing him off the Pike before it was destroyed. "I know, but I shouldn't have the people I saved giving their life to let me live."

"It's not your fault, sir. When we followed you to Solaris and the Blitz Company, everyone knew what they were getting into," Manning replied. General Director Chen then took their attention. The zoidian was just as uncomfortable with his title as Zin was with his promotion. After all, he was now in command of over a thousand lives. Most being recruits and mercenaries who haven't had time to work with them. Sure Manning and his company of Battle armor and combat vehicles helped, but he still had two other captains who were too used to being solo mechwarriors.

"As a way to honor those fallen. The first planetary capital shall be right next to the landing zone of the Generator's location. Their family and friends decided on its name," The man pointed at the zone. A new screen appeared with a digital image of the capital.

"This is the Citadel. Each section will be named after the men and women who died during our contract with the Aurigan Coalition." Director Chen finished solemnly, not in exuberance, as everyone could see how dark his hair was. It was a telling sign that he was depressed about the dead still. Some clapped for the city, but most of the personnel around them saluted according to their nationality.

Zin mentally marked those who were glaring at anyone giving a salute that they were offended by and made sure to note making their own to use.

The sounds of Iron Kong's return made everyone prepare for the next personnel set. It was time for the people in the main assault force on ComStar who died in battle—all who joined the ZBBC.

The names began to drone on from those not a part of the Blitz Company as they mostly suffered the loss of battlemechs or combat vehicles. Only a few lost personnel, so they were chosen to go first. Both to get them through faster and to allow those of the leading group to compose themselves for the butcher bill.

Zin heard a quiet beep from his Ziputer and saw it was a message from Micheal Dark. He quickly excused himself from Manning and checked the mail.

A quick read of the message had the tanker smiling a bit. It seemed like the former Mechwarrior still had a heart of gold to comfort those who lost people.

It was another invitation to the big get-together with all the remaining Blitz Company members before the ZBBC member's reassignments with all the other mercenary leaders. Zin replied and wished Micheal luck as he would be doing the eulogy for the fallen during the assault on Coromodir's HPG.

Zin put away his Ziputer and focused on his passive hearing to remember what had happened so far. It wasn't long before most of the mercenaries who joined the ZBBC for safety and to distance themselves from ComStar's MRB had survived their battles. Mostly. The infantry/combat vehicle company, the Hardy's Horses, had lost all hands, and only their Dropship had returned to them. The planetary governor of Bringdam handled the bodies of the fallen as they announced they would erect a statue for them. They had held off the Capellan's Blackwind Lancer's first company long enough for reinforcement to scare the mercenaries away.

They didn't need to die, but they chose to fight to the last man so their dependents would have property in their new home world for their dependents. Zin still remembered the look Chen had when he heard that. It was the same one he still had as the final non-Blitz member finished talking about their fallen.

A new location was named the Wander's Tavern. A place for all ZBBC members for mercenary work and recruitment. It was also a combat factory and a training field for upcoming recruits.

A Knight walked onto the stage from the direction of Iron Kong. It must be Michael getting to say his eulogy for Wasp, as they worked together the most.

Zin watched his fellow Lieutenant Colonel take his helmet off and introduce himself to everyone.

"I shall start by praising the man who nearly killed me when I first joined the Blitz Company," Michael said as a photo of Wasp appeared on the screen. "This man and good friend dedicated his to being a Mechwarrior who fought against the drug trade. When we first met, he nearly blasted my Firestarter's cockpit with his Griffin's PPC." The Lyran man paused as something seemed to flicker in his head. The zoid warrior then continued regaling how Wasp had returned from his imprisonment in Katinka to protect the planet and joined the Blitz Company after explaining what happened.

The screens around the one showing planet Zi began playing several BattleRom recordings. However, unlike normal playbacks, the view looked exactly like someone in the cockpit of Wasp's Talos. Everyone could see several contracts the man went on with trainees and Michael on Katinka and the few systems around it. One was playing the defense of the Starport on Katinka and how they took down a superior force.

Those screens began to fade as only two players now. One showed slides of the casual days of the Blitz Company when no one was training but just having fun. The second screen showed the final moments of the man. Zin had gone over those for all the dead and only allowed the ones that showed them at their best before death. After all, no one wanted to hear their friends and family screaming for their life. Let them see their last moments as brave men and women who risked their lives for a better tomorrow.

Zin whispered a prayer to Wasp's spirit that his final fight would inspire everyone to stay true to their words as the conversation between their Mechwarrior and the OpFor was on air too. The Talos' map showed he stood in front of the downed Guntank and Gespenst while other mechs forces were in combat against their foes.

"You are pretty good for a damn fool," A voice came from the enemy Hunchback. "Why are you risking your life for fools? Why not join us and live another day?" The enemy's autocannon ripped the Wasp's left arm from its body. Zin could see people flinching from the red lights coming off the screen.

"I will not break from my vow to help the innocents from the poisons of the universe," Wasp's voice came through with heavy conviction. A barrage of missiles and a slug from his autocannon slammed into the Hunchback. "I see the greatest poison to rid here, and I will bet my life on it!" The fight went back and forth, but it was clear that Wasp was on the losing end.

The only thing that Wasp was winning was the conversation between them and those who might have been listening in.

However, the Mechwarrior did a final move worth of Valhalla as the man charged his critical Talos into the crippled Hunchback. The movement knocked them over, but Wasp didn't just end the fight there. A target lock was shown on the screen, and a self-destruct was. At the angle of the battlemech's position, an ejection was impossible.

"Don't try convincing me that ComStar is right in that stupid belief. They are willing to kill to keep people ignorant," Wasp shaky voice through one last time. There was a laboring cough before he continued. "Let me show you that fighting for a just cause isn't a fool's goal. Join me in hell." The screen went white as the screen showed an override to fire.

Zin saluted as the explosion appeared on the screen. Everyone from combat schools or militaries also did so. It was one of the most respectful ways to go out as a soldier in defense of their allies.

Michael carried an urn full of what they could retrieve from Wasp's remains and put it next to the Generator sapling. He snapped a salute and walked back to Iron Kong.

Another video began playing, and another as the names of their comrades appeared on the screen.

Zin noticed Private Marlene Wallace slowly placing her driver's ashes into the shell as her prerecording voice played over the intercom. The young girl wasn't fully recovered but had arrived from Coromodir with the rest of the injured as they wanted to be here for this.

Zin didn't know the kid they lost there. The only thing he knew about Private Wallace's driver was that he was some racing kid they picked up from Katinka days before the Whale King took its first flight. Operation Downfall was the only mission report they had for the kid to show how he drove the Private around the enemies and gave her a chance to scrap several tanks and turrets.

Corporal Mikasa (no family name) stepped on the stage to talk about her driver as another set of videos began playing. Her Gespenst moved hard and fast, weaving between enemy emplacements while blasting turrets before several infantry SRMs slammed into her hover component. Those enemies vanished under a hail of bullets, lasers, and missiles. However, the Gespenst was now a set target, and unlike the other two on the battle map, they were alone as friendly forces approached them, but the OpFor was still attacking.

The video showed the man getting out of his driver's seat and firing away with an auto rifle before the screen cut to black. Zin had decided not to show his death at the hands of a laser rifle to the head.

Instead, he watched the stone-faced Corporal move to the shell to place the ashes of her comrade next to the sapling. After setting down the urn, she put her helmet back on and walked to the crippled Private to help the girl back to her chair. It made sense as they were the driver and gunner team during their first fight.

Zin had already discussed with Chen about letting some of the younger Mechwarriors and militiamech pilots become testers instead of combat personnel. The General Director almost agreed but stated that people would fight against and for it. Let the pilots and warriors themselves decide on their first combat drop.

Zin had wanted to argue, but the despair on Chen's face as he said it kept him quiet.

Now, they were paying the price as another one of the young MechWarrior's ashes, Sergio Pedregon, was brought up to be placed in the shell. Zin watched as the fellow graduates of their hastily put-together Mechwarrior program gave their eulogy of the man. Before moving to the following, three died under Dark's command, and two defended the Magnolia from a surprise gang attack.

However, one person's death had personally hurt Zin to see him being placed in the Generator's housing. It was Corporal Leroy Jenkins. He died protecting his friend and partner, Lieutenant Potter, from being boarded by infantry after their Guntank was disabled. Zin had helped the injured junior officer here since he was missing an arm from an ammo explosion. They were lucky that the Knight armor Potter wore had saved the rest of him.

Zin felt Manning standing beside him as they saluted their fallen trainee. The achievements and contracts he finished and his last moment played out as the driver for the Guntank showed why you can still fight even without a weapon left. Vibro-shovel works wonder against enemy infantry when your firearms are dry.

At least Potter had survived and was willing to wait for a prosthetic to be made with a request that some of his partner's ashes be mixed into the creation. It was weird and morbid, but the junior officer stated that his soul would be able to find Jenkins in the afterlife when he died.

This was followed by the last casualty of the Blitz Company. Mike Ross of the Grey Knights. He died from protecting his charge at the hands of many ComGuard units. Those include the ten unknown power armor that they were still studying. Most of the tech behind that odd invisibility was disabled or destroyed but was still ongoing thanks to the scanners and mechtech in the university a few blocks over.

Zin watched as Master Sergeant Clayton Carmine walked up to give his eulogy for Mike. The Carmine family that were not on duty, Ross's partner and little sibling, and several of their newest recruits from the former ComStar Acolytes stood not far away as Clayton spoke about the private and his roles since joining the Blitz Company.

"He did his duty well," Manning whispered as they watched Mike's last stand. It was something private wanted people to see even if it was gory, and no one wanted to dismiss the man's last will. "I hope no one feels ill from the fight being shown."

Zin held a flinch from seeing the private take dozens of hits from auto rifles and lasers before killing the five infantry on screen. It was still surprising how many ComGuard forces existed on the HPG. Sure, the idea of the ComGuard was only found out by their boss, but there were too many of them for the Aurigan Coalition.

The final scene appeared as Mike finished off a ComStar power armor with his shovel before the recording cut to black. Before it did, a blade was shown sticking out from the man's chest.

Zin could hear the cries from the dependence in the audience. They held it well until this last one, as Michael contacted him again to say it was time. This would be the final shell to be fired until they could recheck if more were needed to stabilize the planet.

Only one person was missing, and that was because Pedro was buried in their new embassy on Coromodir due to his religious beliefs. He left behind his zoid to fellow Spider Rider Sofia, who lost her Shotwalker to an Ontos's alpha strike. So far, those two have decided to stay on Coromodir instead of the new Planet Zi. Chen gave his blessing that they could retire there or switch to a non-combative role if they wanted to. Zin still hasn't heard a reply from Lieutenant Raven or Chen about her decision.

Iron Kong grabbed the shell to be fired as people saluted and cried openly as the zoid went down the elevator shaft. Many watched, and those on the screens stood at attention as the final shot was prepared and the last burial happened.

"Well, it seems like the boss wants to reveal the last location we got planned for founding," Zin said as General Director Chen came back up to the stage. The Zoidian then spoke up as the targeting system showed a spot several hundred kilometers away from the Citadel.

"This last burial will be the founding location of the Zoid reserve," Chen said as he placed a Ziputer on the ground. It went straight into holo-projector mode and began showing images of the original planet Zi that Zin had studied during his off time. "To honor our friends and family and represent my planet's rebirth. I name this area as a Reserve name the Reborn Lands."

The images of multiple zoids appeared in front of the man as he continued. "I'll be personally placing the Zoids cores here. Everyone is welcome to do so with me once the planet stabilizes from laying our people to rest. Volunteers may register with Lieutenant Colonel Ala, Dark, or Commander Darius Oliveira."

Zin sighed as people's emotions ran wild. Most were still depressed at losing loved ones, but the rest seemed to be in a mixed bag of feelings. Still, at least he can delegate the duties to Manning and the others. Darius was already having an issue with his talking with the snake officer.

———————————————-

Location: Coromodir system, Coromodir VI, Cordia City, Reach University of Science and Technology, Secret zoid bar

Date: April 25, 3022, 20:00

Jim took another shot of PPC as he wanted to be drunk enough to try and make sense of the reports his Ziputer gave him. He has already seen Jack and Daniel drunk off their ass on the couch they took from the bar. They needed it after finally getting an internal temperature check on Lady Arano's partner.

"Doctor Wilson," Jim looked up from his shots to see Cornet Vivar of the First Battle Armor company. This man was the main reason they could get the internal temperature check on the zoid dog. "I received a report from outside that a few ZBBC researchers are here to give their reports in person about the zoids."

After a few seconds, Jim looked around to see who wasn't drunk and saw that nearly everyone was. The room was also littered with multiple beer bottles from Lachan Country Ale (imported via Blackmarket) to Pharaoh. There were several cans of Vita-Orange and Coolant Flush around him too. He vaguely remembered several of the others had retired to their bunks. This wasn't a good impression as he realized it was the date for the meeting.

"Tell those experts I'll be right out the greet them in a bit," Jim replied, and he looked for a mirror and his Ziputer. The reports were forgotten as they would make sense after this meeting.

*A few minutes later*

Jim double-checked his lab coat and made sure he looked not as drunk as he would have been after five PPC shots.

He went to where Cornet Vivar was standing guard outside with his guest. He could hear a conversation going on once he opened the door and saw a familiar face. Doctor Farah Murad was talking to a financial officer he couldn't remember the name of. Behind them were Cornet Vivar and several other people in the new ZBBC uniform he saw on a news report.

"And that is how you can make your new currency impossible to counterfeit." Murad finished her statement with the financial officer, who nodded and said "thank you" before hurrying off.

"That was rude to run off," Jim let slip out and drew everyone's attention back at him. Instead of being intimidated, Jim spoke confidently, "Welcome, Doctor Murad. Members of the ZBBC. I am Doctor Jim Wilson of the RUST zoid research division."

"Oh," Doctor Murad said as she turned to him. "Doctor Wilson. I didn't know you would be leading this research division. I'm glad it is you, as this will make the information transfer easier. I thought Professor Crawford was in-charge."

Jim frowned at the name as he remembered his former superior betrayal. His mood must have shown, as many of the ZBBC members seem to notice.

"As you may know, that RUST zoid division has been studying Zeekdober and Garius," Jim said as the memories returned from last week. He watched Doctor Murad nod at his words before seeming to realize what he was implying. "Well, all the data on them and the weapons, biology, and habits were almost sold off to the Free Worlds League and a second buyer because of Crawford. The only reason it wasn't was thanks to the Spider Rider, who came here with an offer to study a fully grown zoid, Gurantula."

"I see," Doctor Murad said as it seemed to her that such a betrayal from the professor was surprising. "Was this the first time this happened?"

Jim tried and failed to hold back his snort. "Sorry!" He said as he noticed the battle armor company turn in his direction. "It's just that it is not even the first time this has happened. More than half the scientists and mechtechs at the palace when the zoids were spies or ComStar sympathizers. That's why your team is here to deliver the information in person."

Jim felt a bit depressed after saying that. It was sad that only his team was considered the most trusted members to study zoids and their tech. Still, none specialized in battlemech engineering or biology outside the native ones for the Aurigan Reach.

"I'm just glad you and your team are here. Maybe we can finally figure out how to study the zoids."

Doctor Murad smiled and replied, "That's why we are here. Let me transfer you the basics on zoid biology we managed to pull from Moby Dick's servers."

Jim smiled as he saw his Ziputer light up with a pending download. Maybe with this, they could finally start studying how the thermal dispersion of the pulse laser and heat swords worked.

———————————————-

Location: Coromodir system, Coromodir VI, Cordia City, High Lord's Palace, Arano Media Chamber

Date: April 30, 3022, 08:00

Kamea had to retake a seat as she allowed another Council member to take the stand. She wanted to take a slight break while the man talked about their new currency and the current known exchange rate between the Coalition, ZBBC, Taurians, and Magistracy. None of the Capellans were still using their H-bill or C-Bill and wouldn't accept anything else. Luckily, they still had access to the ComStar banks thanks to Hound's hack and the former ComStar members who stayed with the Coalition.

Still, Kamea felt the pressure since the formal indictment that came from Terra. She had reports of the Federated Sun, Lyran Commonwealth, Free World League, and Combine appearing at the edge of the Aurigan Coalition territories. Thanks to the new treaties between them and the Taurian and Magistracy, everyone hadn't outright invaded them. Only by the Capellans and pirates.

Thankfully Panzyr's new refit for the Scorpion light tank with the latest technologies from Katinka has stabilized most of the fronts. They now had even more salvage and managed to capture a Union, two Vultures, and salvaged two Leopards. This would bring a boon to the systems without a dedicated dropship as it took her and General Director Chen to negotiate with the planetary lords. They captured them to be given to the few systems without one. They were still in the process of compensating them for the loss, as Chen had promised to send a few of their ZBBC forces to the systems that lost them to help plant new Generators and train the militia.

Kamea absentmindedly petted Zeekdober's head as she thought about what to do next. There was a significant exodus from the Reach when the indictment happened, but all the systems stayed. The only people that left were those who trusted ComStar and the members of the Order. Still, several million people leaving the Coalition had its effects as several Jumpships and Dropship went with them.

"Lady Arano," Kamea heard her teacher speak up next to her. She took her hand away from Zeek's head and looked at Raju. "It's almost time. I believe the next connection conversation will be between everyone in the Coalition and our allies about the truth of the ZBBC. Aether and her zoid partner are ready to reveal themselves, and the rest have sent the message that their preparation is done."

"Raju. Have all the checks been done so that none of this will go past our system and the leaders watching?" Kamea asked as she remembered Alexander's advice yesterday over the Ziputer. She wasn't going to risk painting a giant target on Chen's back by revealing the existence of the Zoids to the rest of the Inner Sphere by mistake.

"We have done the best we could," Raju replied as he watched the media interview about how secure the new currency was and how they managed to get an exchange rate down with their allies. "Although we have a message from Protector Calderon about adding the Outerworld Alliance to the military and trade treaties."

She paused at the information, and even Zeekdober looked up from being petted to ask what was wrong. That was a decision between Chen and her to do as right now. Her Coalition was afloat because of the zoidian. The man knew that and requested that she and the Coalition start finding a way to become self-sufficient in case the ZBBC forces couldn't help or were too far away to reinforce them.

"I believe I will announce the contract for new military wear and remodels now before I speak about the release of Chen's and the zoid's history. The basics of them."

It would be best to send a quick message to Alexander if she should change the placement of her announcement for military and civilian development before discussing the Zoid and Battlemech Battle Commission's role in their economics.

She felt a light bump and looked at the culprit as his metal tongue was sticking out. Kamea felt a gentle nudge in her mind telling her it was okay and that Chen wouldn't mind. Just inform their allies before she went up.

"Lady Arano," Raju said. Sometimes Kamea wished her teacher could call her by name instead of title, but there were too eyes on them. "Your return to the stage is fast approaching. Any changes to the itinerary of this meeting must happen soon."

"Thank you, Raju, for the warning," Kamea responded as she quickly typed in the changes to send to all the Nobles of the Coalition, Protector Thomas, Magestrix Kyalla, and Director Chen. She could hear her name being called as she hit the send button. A few of the Council Lords in attendance were reaching for their Ziputer as she retook the stand with Zeekdober beside her this time.

She could hear several journalists' murmurs while some people seemed to be shifting for something at Zeek's appearance. She absentmindedly noticed several Royal Guardsmen positioning themselves near those who reacted in case they were more sleeper agents.

Kamea took a deep breath before speaking, "Thank you, Lord Arbelaez, for detailing the national currency starting next year." There were murmurs from the crowd, but they quickly quieted as she raised her hand for silence.

"I know everyone in our Coalition has suffered much during these past few months. From the betrayal of a few Founding Lords, our nearby trade partners like Highwater, and finally, the revealing of a great enemy within the ComStar upper echelons."

Kamea gave everyone a moment to digest her words as her memory of the past few months flashed through her mind. So much has been done from the time of her coronation to today. Her nation had gone through a coup and won, attacked a formerly neutral (but evil) organization and was indicted for it, managed to bridge a treaty between the Concordat and Canopus, and finally boosted in all areas of life thanks to alien technology. All of this was thanks to a man who couldn't stand injustice.

"The losses of our people from the raids and attacks for the security of our people have taken its toll. Yet, I stand here to announce that we will not fall again for the tricks or influences of those Great Houses or ComStar. We shall stand tall as a nation without them and show that we can improve beyond the old times of the Star League."

Kamea braced herself as many in the crowd loudly shouted out. Most were cheering her declaration, but her connection to Zeek showed that there were people out there glaring at her. She mentally sent a message to her zoid to inform the nearby Royal Guards about those people. She was glad Chen had managed to teach her and Blue Wind how to send orders to their partners mentally. It made it easy to send messages out when in public.

Still, Kamea allowed the crowd to calm down as she decided the future of the Coalition. "So I announce to all citizens, businesses, and military members a contest to see the best and bright inventions for the defense and growth of our nation. The Zoid and Battlemech Battle Commission has given us the right to access their libraries and knowledge to build our country into a truly independent power that can stand alongside our allies. All planetary government buildings will have a station for everyone to participate in this commission."

There was a massive cheer, and this time everyone was involved. There were several Captains and Subalterns nearby who openly celebrated the idea. Kamea noticed Captain Honda and her force keeping themselves at attention for another attempt on her life.

That was when she received a buzz from the Ziputer as a signal flared to life above a media member. It seemed like someone from the Coromodir Daily Times wanted to ask a question. She turned off the light and asked, "Sir? Your question?"

"Grant Baymax from CDT," The man said, pointing a pen at her partner. "This contest is to push our technical development beyond the Inner Sphere, yet it seems impossible to surpass the Star League level. Is the robotic dog next to you an example of our future development?"

Kamea had paused as that was not one of the questions given to the media. Still, she saw no harm in answering, "He is part of the reason we have the technology. More questions about him will be discussed in my second announcement."

Zeek gave a low growl that caused Kamea to glance at someone trying to sneak pasted the barricades but quickly ducked back into the crowd when they noticed everyone staring at them. A few regular security members chased after the person, but Kamea focused on the second message Zeek gave her in the growl. It was Chen's approval of allowing winners to have a chance at bonding with a Zoid in a few years.

She made sure everyone's attention was back on her when she made this started the last agenda of the day. "My final announcement is something that is the first in the Aurigan Coalition and would be the second for mankind."

She paused as her father once did when he was younger before he let her Uncle do most his the public announcements years ago. It seemed like it worked, as many people stared at her in anticipation. Kamea wanted to laugh, but she had to stay focused. She couldn't be the sheltered princess after she revealed this information. She had to be a leader that the Coalition would follow without obligation but that they wanted to.

"As I said earlier. The competition is open to all to submit virtual creation and testing designs. Any prototypes can be shown on the ZBBC network for all to observe but will be patient-locked to the corporation or individual who created them." The people were talking excitedly in the crowd. Still, she ignored it as she wanted to finish her announcement and allow Zeek, Blue's Garius, and Sofia's Gurantula to stop pretending to be mechs or robot pets. They are living beings and deserve the right to live as they please.

She absentmindedly answered a few questions related to the competition as the detailed rules and laws written to protect the inventor/designer appeared. The headache from the Council Lords and her legal professionals had hammered this competition out. This way, everyone had equal rights to promote themselves without wasting their valuable resources as trade with outside nations were strained due to the down HPG network. The ZBBC communications were acceptable within the Coalition but didn't work outside their country other than on Taurus and Canopus.

This was only thanks to Chen going out of his way to seed several satellites between their nation for Kamea to have a direct line with those nation's leaders.

Kamea quickly threw those thoughts away as the list and recording of what would be done was finished. Usually, that wouldn't have played out like this, but the original plan was to use it the throw confusion into Chen's history, his technology, and zoids. Now it would be a nice segue into that topic.

"As you see," Kamea spoke loud and proud as the following announcement would start the new beginnings of the Coalition. "We have the technology and knowledge to bring ourselves to the levels of the Great House. Yet we shall only use this to defend ourselves and our allies. The reward for everyone's hard work is linked to my final announcement."

Kamea waited for the crowd to focus on her just as they had planned. The giant spider zoid was already coming out from its hiding spot, and Blue's partner marched loudly out from behind the stage. It was almost the standard height for its species before metamorphosing into another Tyrannosaurus zoid.

"These mechs everyone has seen around the palace are not battlemechs, drones, or robots. They are an alien species known as Zoids and their Humanoid companion, the Zoidians."

There was a pause before chaos erupted in the crowd. Kamea shook her head as the Royal Guardsmen helped security stop it. She looked at her fellow leaders' faces as if they had a baffled appearance, except for Chen as he chuckled on his screen. She was not disappointed as Chen's data was sent out and played all over the Coalition.

———————————————-

Location: Ward system, Ward VI, HPG station

Date: May 4, 3022, 18:00

Former Precentor Jas Tanner looked at the reports he had received from all the Aurigan Coalition's attacks on ComStar. He was given the leadership role over this whole situation despite only being an Adept and not part of ROM. He was shoved into this bunker area with survivors from the HPG sites within that damn Periphery nation.

"Precentor Tanner!" A voice from the back shouted. He recognized it as the only loyal survivor of the Coromodir HPG, Adept Stanford of their financial department. "We got a message from one of our last holdouts on Coromodir before it was destroyed!"

Tanner paused for a moment before looking at the frenzied man and replying, "Report everything they said."

Stanford did as he was ordered, and Tanner's eyes nearly popped from his head as the reports detailed how stable the Aurigan Coalition was despite the interdiction's damage. They had no working HPG station, yet they somehow kept in contact at all times. They manage to broker a treaty between the other barbaric nations. There was a new single system nation acting as a mediator between the three countries.

The more Tanner read, the more he wished the First Circuit had responded sooner. The only ComStar staff who believed in the wild tales was Precentor Hies Bilaro, who supplied them with marked mercenary groups to send in raids to try and destroy the Aurigan Coalitions' communication network. The idea of a nation of that size being run without Blake's influence had scared Precentor Bilaro into action.

The last lines before the report were cut off, giving him chilis. Tanner looked at Stanford and asked, "Is this report at the end correct, and the Aurigans are producing new technologies?" The crazed man nodded before replying, "They are getting help from those demons that attacked the HPG on Coromodir. Those beasts lure people into a false sense of unity before striking."

Tanner watched as Stanford began to rant about those 'demons' who ate the excellent pious members of their order. They lost Precentor Keona Sjardijn and Adept Delta VI Des Wallace. The former was to the blades of a sword-carrying dog mech. The latter had his head eaten by the dinosaur-shaped one through the armor of a particular unit that he didn't have clearance to know about.

"Adept Phi V Chris Stanford," Tanner said with authority in his voice. "You are to gather as many of the reports with our people to make a summarized version to be sent to Precentor Bilaro and a more detailed one to be carried directly to the First Circuit. We don't know enough about those 'demons,' but the message should convey the need for more support in the Aurigan Reach."

"I will, Precentor. Blessed be Blake," Stanford said before running off to gather their people. Tanner just wanted to rest as he looked at the information they managed to retrieve again and decided another action was needed. The Celestial Wisdom would be a good thing for the Aurigans to feel before Blake's Wrath take them all.

————————————————

Location: Sian system, Sian II, Zi-Jen Cheng, The Celestial Palace

Date: June 4, 3022, 12:00

Chancellor Maximilian Liao glared at the reports in front of him. Two and a half battalions of the CCAF lost in raids against the Aurigan Coalition with minimum damage to those barbaric pirate nations. Dozen of hired guns fail to report back or abandon their contract. The only one who managed to return was the Bullard's Armored Cavalry. Their report saved Colonel Richard Bullard from his gentle retirement at Death Commando's hands.

However, the information that there was either a mass drive station for defense or a Warship. He almost laughed at the latter thought until he saw the BattleROM of all three dropships. Now he had a hostile nation behind him with a Warship.

A knock on his door had him looking away from those reports to see his servants and guards checking who was at the door. A moment later, his second daughter walked in with a Mechwarrior he recognized from Warrior House Imarra.

"Daughter? Why have you come here today?" Maximillian asked. He had ordered all his children to focus on the defense of their borders and negotiation with the Free Worlds League and his hated rival Takashi Kurita. The loss of those units in the raids and several systems getting struck in retaliation by those Aurigans had made his enemies look at him as a target.

"Father," Romano replied and gave her a greeting. This was followed by the Warrior House Mechwarrior also giving his salute and reply of "Grand Chancellor."

"I bring you news of great importance. Sister's St. Ives Academy of Martial Science was raided by the Federated Suns, and one of those unique devices we gained was stolen. Warrior House Imarra and Ma-Tsu Kai forces stopped a second raid at Sian University."

Maximilian could feel his blood boil in anger but kept it from showing on his face. His main enemy had now obtained technology that would change the power dynamics of the Inner Sphere. However, he noticed his daughter waiting for him to react, so instead, he sipped the cup of lavender tea and motioned for her to continue the report.

"Father. I must also report that the stolen materials were rigged to self-destruct, but it is unknown if the failsafe worked." Romano finished with a hint of anger in her words. It seems Candace still remembered how to deal with a prototype. He would wait to see the results before he reacted.

"This report is interesting, yet what has your sister's response to the stolen devices?" He asked Romano as his mind raced on what to do about the rebuilt militiamech in Sian University. His scientists and mechtechs were busy studying the second group of these 'power connector ports' off the unusual mech.

"Is there anything else to report to me, Daughter?"

Maximilian noticed the slight shake in her body and knew she was trying to do something beyond her current ability in an attempt to impress him. Usually, he would allow it, but the recent losses from the failure to obtain the quad mechs from last year and the raids have made him more cautious of his heirs. A glance at the Warrior House Mechwarrior told him his thoughts were confirmed, as the man couldn't hide his reaction like his daughter.

Typically he could blame the failures on the commanders who led those raids. However, Romano was assigned to oversee the assault on those barbarians and the recovery of the quad mechs, but it had failed him. Then she tried to weaken the surprisingly strong foe. She mostly succeeded until the sudden loss of all their assault force three months ago.

His staring became a glare until Romano finally revealed what she was hiding. She pulled out a data card and said, "I received this on the front steps of Imarra's Stronghold. I had our agents check it, and it contains information about the Aurigans and how they became strong enough to batter our forces and create a treaty between them and the other Periphery nations."

Maximilian looked at the nearest servant and signaled him to retrieve it from his daughter. His agents, hidden in the room, brought a noteputer for him to check the contents.

After a moment, Maximilian could almost feel fear as more information reached him. Such as the usual ability of the Warship to appear anywhere within forty-eight hours. Man-size mech suits with the ability to surround combat vehicles and battlemechs and tear them to shreds. Animal-shaped battlemechs with overwhelming firepower and speed.

He looked away from the noteputer and shouted to all the servants in the room, "I need agents for all our industrial forces. We must prepare ourselves for retaliation from any forces."

As all the servants in his room ran to complete his orders, Maximilian wondered if he should rush the alliance treaty between him and the Draconis Combine and Free Worlds League. After all, he was against three barbaric nations that somehow managed to threaten his power. The recent alliance between the Sun and Lyran might take advantage of his losses.

————————————————-

Location: New Avalon system, New Avalon IV, New Avalon Institute of Science, The College of Engineering

Date: July 21, 3022, 14:00

Doctor Banzai and his team stared at the data they managed to retrieve from the half-destroyed mech component and the remains of this frankenmech. It had arrived nearly as scrap, but they managed to disarm most of the traps. Most being the keyword as a few of his men got burned by the hidden infernal gel bomb. They would live, but it was annoying as the one who got burned was Professor Douglas Running-Elk.

He knew his fellow scholar and educator would love to see them actively participating and studying this discovery. So he had one of the interns on standby with a camera to record what they did as he stood in front of the cockpit. Well, the main one, not the second driver section on the vehicle portion.

Clearing his throat, he spoke directly to the camera. "This is Doctor Bartholomew Banzai of Team Banzai. The date is July twenty-first, thirty-twenty-two. The time is fourteen hundred hours." The doctor paused as he heard snicking from his people nearby. He ignored it as he knew why they were. He usually wouldn't start any recording like that, but this was for his fellow scholar who was stuck in bed—enforced by their medic.

"This mech head belongs to a militiamech created in a Periphery nation that was taken by the Capellan and retrieved by the First Kestrel Grenadiers and First Kittery Borders in a joint raid when they received the intelligence of possible new technology. We are here to help study what they retrieved intact and how a nation not recognized by any of us managed to do this."

"Don't forget ComStar indictment of those Aurigans that's drawing everyone to them!" Someone shouted, which did cause Doctor Banzai to pause his speech and call back. "And how are they doing so far, then? I have only heard reports that they repeal all forces outside their boards except their allies. That includes the raid unit of Duke Jamie Lee Green's militia of the Bromhead system."

There was a chuckle from the mercenaries as they laughed about what the Wiley Coyotes had accidentally told them when they had stopped by Bromhead on their way back to New Avalon. Duke Green had lost a mixed training company of Scorpion Light tanks, APCs (wheeled), and a few Warrior attack helicopters led by a duo of Hetzer Assault guns. They had tried sneaky by registering as mercenaries, only to get beat up in a system called Zangul. They were beaten by more advanced versions of the mech they had in front of them from the rumors. The other tales were that the primary planet's city was rebuilt with cutting-edge technology. He wished he could go there, but they had to study what they had first.

Clearing his throat again, Doctor Banzai spoke to the cameraman. "As I was saying, this militiamech is slightly overbuilt for its role. It has these universal connectors that allow nearly any weapon to be mounted in the area so long as it doesn't overburden the hover unit. It also has a very unusual driving and shooting setup." Two of his mechtechs popped out from the cockpits, both of them, and gave a wave to the camera.

"This mech allows anyone to pilot without a neurohelmet. It also seems to have no gyro, which should lower its cost but give it a massive risk on high-speed turns. The hover unit is powered by an unknown engine model that gives it a theoretical max speed of one hundred and sixty-two kilometers per hour. This is based on the weight of the mech recorded within the damaged computer system." Banzai then pointed at a browning, almost mud-like consistency.

"This was the fuel of that unknown engine, and most of it is currently at the College of Chemistry as it has an extraordinary energy potential, yet this mech only had half a ton and was used multiple times by the Capellans for their experiment, just like us. However, only a slight amount of fuel was used before it started aging out of usability. I wished we got our hands on this militiamech earlier." Banzai muttered the last sentence before realizing the camera might have recorded it. He would get a copy of the Chemistry department's reading on the liquid later.

"Well, onto its weapons," He said without pause. The mechtechs and astechs in the room lifted two twenty-tube missile launchers. "These weapons were located on the left and right torso of this Gespenst. Based on the design of the missile launchers and what we have found show that it was only meant to hold one salvo each for a massive single strike against enemy forces. Normally this would not be worth anything as most combat personnel would seek cover or get out of this mech's line of sight. However, based on its speed being as fast as a Locust and the gunner not having to focus on moving, they could destroy most light and some medium battlemechs with a good strike on the backside. It is primitive as there is no guidance system inside this launcher. It could be that it was damaged and removed before we retrieved the mech, but I doubt that."

Doctor Banzai paused and signaled for a glass of water. He knew one of his assistants or teammates would have some on hand. After taking a sip from Tommy's flask, he continued speaking. "I can see militia garrison switching out some of their short and long-range launchers for these to reduce ammo explosions and increase armor so long as they have other weapons. I can see it being used on many standard scout mechs to destroy enemies with a single salvo. I must check the heat generation from this for…." Everyone could feel themselves sighing at the sight of the man muttering about damage to heat generation, but no one could understand at speed.

"Bartholomew!" The doctor heard his second in command, Tommy, shout. "Stay on the topic so Douglas can study while still in bed."

The doctor paused and coughed in his hand before gesturing to the techs and the mech's remains.

"There is a quartet of lasers in the classification of 'small' based on power output located throughout the mech—two in the side torsos, one in the center, and one in the head. I believe these lasers are meant to capitalize on the damage done by the rocket launchers."

Doctor Banzai then moved over to where its single arm was located. The other arm wasn't a part of the mech when it arrived at this college.

"Based on the arm and the mechanics inside it. All of it is industrial grade. They all match what is inside a Sitwell's Powerman. More specifically, an X version is typically found in the Periphery. A legal team has been informed to see if such a thing is allowed through licensing. This is mainly to see if militarizing this militiamech with more standard battlemech grade armor and weapons. However, this 'Power Connector Port' built inside this mech must belong to those Aurigans."

He then gestured to a nearby person, who happened to be Mechwarrior Rawhide, for a noteputer he was looking at. Doctor Banzai had given it to the man to make an educated guess on what could be done with the mech.

"The creators of this militiamech also gave a list of gunpod weapons that could be used alongside standard weapons. Thanks to the power connector port that extends to the palm of the mech's hand, they require no extra heat sinks for energy weapons as the heat is transferred back into the mech. Normally, a gunpod made with something like a Martell laser would require three heat sinks and armor for self-containment and would not be included as part of its total weight. Also, such extra equipment would normally cause targeting issues with this fifty-ton militiamech. However, with this revolutionary tech, you only need to armor the weapon and connect it properly to the connector. It will not count to the fully equipped mech weight nor slow it down while having the ability to swap weapons quickly."

Doctor Banzai paused to catch his breath as he wanted to keep going over this amazing tech that some backwater nation produced. He was planning to talk with the dean and their liaison about allowing his people to go to the Aurigan Coalition as a merchant or research mission. He wanted to purchase more of this mech to study it as a whole piece instead of damaged stolen parts.

The was a loud bang from someone dropping something into the mech's remains. A shout of "Sorry" from the Astech before a Mechtech grabbed the man to yell at him away from the cameras. However, it did draw their attention to the point where something poked up. An antenna for communication?

The mechtech that was inside the cockpit suddenly popped out and shouted. "Doctor Banzai! The targeting system we have been trying to access is finally online. Also, the BattleRom for this mech is now visible, and we can review the data here."

There was a pause before Doctor Banzai turned to the cameraman and the crowd of students that suddenly appeared. "I believe our study will be cut a bit short. Onward to the classroom and get me this data up there. We will review it all there!"

The engineering hanger turned into chaos within seconds as everyone rushed to the most extensive lecture room to see this. What was odd about the crowd inside the room was the number of students from other colleges, military officers, and what seemed to be a noble that Banzai didn't recognize.

It didn't matter anymore as the BattleRom played on screen with another projector showing the design data of the militiamech.

————————————————-

Location: Taurus system, Taurus IV, Protector Thomas Calderon's private suite.

Date: August 30, 3022, 15:15

Thomas Calderon wondered how, in his thirty-eight years of life, his desire to protect his people and nation had changed with the passing months. He thought about the little spat in that merchant nation he hastily recognized months ago. The number of mechs created from the former High Lord's gift had supported the military and the alliance between the Taurian Concordat and the Outworlds Alliance. The nemesis of the Federated Suns and their partnership with the Lyran Commonwealth would bring war. He could see that on the walls.

His thoughts turned to his young daughter and the universe that had just changed from the information in May and confirmed by the intelligence department and his son. Aliens! All the things he thought his children would meet in their life would have been just the invasion of the damn Suns. Instead, they would meet extraterrestrial life that could easily take over any nation, based on the reports. At least they wanted to play as a neutral party, but so did the Star League before they ruined his people's ability to advance centuries ago.

He was still reeling from the hastily formed alliance between them and the Magistracy of Canopus. It was odd as they somehow agreed to it despite their mutual raids against each other over the centuries. Still, he had a greater enemy that he still had to dislodge out of the Taurian Concordat before they caused them any more damage.

He stared at the Taurian Ministry of Intelligence reports and his son's information from his secret visit to the Katinka system. The said man stood next to him as they looked over what TMI had sent them. He had a choice that could protect his people or doom them all if the intelligence ever leaked. The only people who knew about this information were in this room or station in the Aurigan Coalition as part of the embassy staff.

"Son," Thomas said with his exhaustion audible. "Are you sure about what you learned from Duke Chili of Katinka and those people you talked with?"

"Yes, Father," Edward, his only son, replied. "The Zoid and Battlemech Battle Commission is not just an organization founded by a humanoid alien and his biomechanical animals. The organization owns the only working warship-like ship in the entire Inner Sphere. They also have living terraforming abilities in the form of these trees I managed to take a photo of."

His son pulled out several photos from the folder he was holding. They looked like the kind used by tourists. Thomas stared at the oddly shaped tree with a mix of colors brown, blue, green, and pink, of all things. The unique fuel that it produces and the revolutionary engine for combat vehicles. The Far Lookers would love this thing, but there was a caveat to getting one for free. Someone in the Taurian Concordat would have to bond with an alien. He could feel the heaviness in his breast pocket, which held a small pocket watch. One he received from General Director Chen through their current ambassador, Ashton Pendelton, and the odd battlemech. He would deal with the headache after he finished reading.

Thomas looked away from the photo and read the TMI report on those exoskeletons and the modules he received from former High Lord Arano. "Edward. Did you see any of those 'battle armor' at Katinka? And while we are at that, are you ready for your mother? She mad that you went off without telling anyone."

Edward gave a weak chuckle as he knew he was in trouble. But with a smile on his face, he replied, "Father. I'm glad you and Mother are worried about me taking off. I will talk with mother today after I get done telling you everything I saw. Oh, I did bring something back besides those photos during my trip to the Aurigan Coalition. I asked my guards to keep it in the APC below."

Thomas paused for a moment, thinking what the object his son might have brought back and if it could help against the damn Suns. He quickly threw those thoughts in the back of his mind as he replied. "Does it have anything to do with the reports I got from Director Beilas?" Thomas handed the document. Edward quickly read the report and was several pages in. That bought a smile to Thomas's face as his son took on a studious look.

Despite his son only being seventeen, Edward matured fast due to his family name and the stress of his future position as ruler of Ishtar. His son might even rule over a few more systems at how well he already had the Ishtar population listening to him. There were talks about letting him govern several other systems as they required new planetary governors after their previous leaders were found on corruption charges, died out, or went bankrupt.

"Yes, the information I received and discovered on Katinka is related to most of the report. I talked with the chief mechtech of their planetary defense force. He let me in on a few abilities of the modules, thinking I was a contestant in their call for new designs." Edward pulled out a folded piece of paper from his breast pocket.

Thomas grabbed the piece of paper and read the contents. He reread the handwritten information repeatedly as he realized the gold mine his son had discovered.

"Son. What did you do while there? I raised you long enough to know you're hiding something."

Edward chuckled lightly before straightening up and asking, "May I ask my bodyguard outside to step in?"

Thomas took only a second to think about whom his bodyguards were and which ones were standing outside. He wanted to groan at how impulsive his son was when he snuck off to the Aurigan Coalition. Most of his security were recently graduated mechwarriors and soldiers from École Militaire.

"Yes, Cornet Upton. She can come in." Thomas walked to his desk, pushed the intercom button, and gave the order to let the young Baroness in. Within seconds the double doors to his office opened, and two of his security members came in to secure the entrance. Then they allowed the junior officer to enter before exiting.

Thomas watched the small size woman, who was barely five feet tall and appeared to be a librarian and then a soldier. Still, watching her snap to attention with a salute was enough to tell him the graduates this year may be worth investing in.

"At ease, Cornet. My son asked for you to come in before he would answer me. So," Thomas looked at his son and the young Mechwarrior. "What is so important that she had to be here? Are you blessing me with a grandson already?"

Thomas silently laughed at the two's reaction and reminded himself to thank his doctor. He was right, and the stress does go away with some jokes. The red face of both young adults had relieved the tension building up. Although Thomas did secretly wish it wasn't a joke. It would be a relief to have the central Caldron family expanding before the next succession war.

"Father!" Edward sputtered before coughing in his hand to settle his stuttering. "Don't embarrass Whit- I mean Miss Upton with those jokes. We have much more important matters for her to show you."

The female bodyguard spoke up shyly. "Ed, I mean sir. I believe we should let Protector Caldron see the holovid."

Thomas's organic eye glanced to see the woman trying to hide behind her red hair. It seems Cornet Upton had developed a crush on his son despite the five-year difference. He had to get the story after he got his last joke out. He hadn't been so relieved in so long.

"Oh, so you two are on first-name bases already? It was only a couple of months since you went to Katinka with your hastily formed group." The ruler of the Taurian Concordat said before waving his hand. "I'm sorry for the jokes. It is just a relief that you returned safe and sound… and with all the members of your group."

It was a surprise despite the treaty between the Taurian Concordat and Aurigan Coalition. The latter was under constant attack that even Commodore Ostergaard had asked for reinforcement to keep suspected Sun's mercenary forces from invading their shared border. At least the troops deployed there were getting replacement battlemechs and arms from the locals until another batch of reinforcement came from the Coalition or the ZBBC.

"All right, Son, Cornet. Let's see the holovid. It has better be important enough for you to sneak over to Aurigan space without letting me inform them."

"Yes, sir!" "Yes, Father."

Instead of going to the holotable in his office, Edward surprised him by retrieving a Ziputer out of his coat. It was the same model he had received from his ambassador months ago. It was surprising to see another one in Taurian space as only ten existed here, with a majority being with Commodore Ostergaard and his forces.

He sat in his chair as Edward and Upton set up the holoprojector mode on the Ziputer and selected a file to play.

Thus began the show of excitement and fear as the first video showed the destruction of an ancient mountain by a ship bursting out from under it. So many questions ran into his head: How did that thing lift? There were no visible thrusters to push it vertically, nor did the shape of the warship give any hints. What type of weapons it had? That was answered when the video switched to a multi-color hellscape as translucent and weird tentacle monsters appeared. Thomas watched from the point of view of a dropship using those odd battlemechs to fight against smaller creatures. The warship's cannons blasted giant, building-size monsters could be seen from the recorder's view.

Thomas glanced at his son before noticing Upton was still choosing another file to play. So he asked, "What else did you two discover while there?"

The infectious smile on his son's face made him slightly giddy inside. It was an odd feeling.

"Well, Father," Edward said as the holoprojector started up again with battle armor in mid-combat. "I wanted to show you the present in action. I know we received data on how to produce our own without their unique power source. However, I believe you would enjoy watching the battle armor's combat action against pirates."

Thomas watched the holovideo and began forming plans on how to use this to improve the Taurian Defense Force. The information he had dismissed before was coming back to him and now seeing a team of four battle armor ripping apart a Vedette tank was more than enough.

However, one nagging question was in the back of Thomas's mind. How did the Cornet get a Ziputer? Those were highly restricted to outsiders, with only himself and Director Beilas the only ones in Taurian Space gifted them.

————————————————-

Location: Canopus system, Canopus IV, Crimson, Magestrix palace

Date: August 30, 3022, 20:30

Magestrix Kyalla Centrella wanted to sigh in her hands again at the headache caused by the Aurigan Coalition and this new organization. What was it again? Some knockoff Solaris games organization that wants to pretend to be ComStar in neutrality and communication? However, she couldn't, as the meeting with several top military personnel, business leaders, and scholars needed her full attention.

Kyalla remembered the report her cousin, Ana Maria, had sent detailed information about the 'alien' race and the hypothesis on how their medical technology worked. Weapon and those 'zoids' data were already sent to the MAF researchers to see if it was worth investing in or to wait for the Aurigans to study and develop enough to trade for. The main danger to the Magistracy is those 'stasis healing chambers' and the leader of the ZBBC, Michael Chen.

"Ma'am," Kyalla looked at the speaker. It was one of their few professors in medical science. Next to her were two of their most skilled doctors who taught the few schools they had for using MASH units. "I have our final estimate based on what little we managed to retrieve from this 'Stasis Healing Chamber,' We have high hopes of it assisting our medical technology. There is a great chance that this equipment will fill in key components lost during the fall of the Star League. We might even be able to recreate the Status Tubes lostech."

Kyalla had to force herself not to smile as the woman in front of her continued praising and explaining the alien tech's limitations. One of her worries was gone, and now it seemed to be honest. Her nation would still be the only one with proper Star League medical technology and would be making headway in future ones. She mentally made a list of requirements to send to the Aurigan Coalition to help their university study this tech. Maybe seduce some of them to come back to Canopus?

"Thank you for the report, Baroness Griffin. You may start recruiting students to be sent to our allies in the Aurigan Coalition to cross-study their medical knowledge and to bring back any knowledge they are willing to give out. Head out now and contact Sherry. She will allocate the funds for travel and payment for our students."

"By your leave, Magestrix." Baroness Griffin replied before heading out with the two doctors. With them gone, Kyalla was left with the military and business leaders. She could tell it was going to be another request to find a way to join the Aurigan-wide call for arms. She already had a contract with Kamea Arano about producing more Pike support vehicles to be sold under a joint banner…after persuading Canopus Industries Alpha to allow it. In return, the received factory parts to build mechs should a design come through their designers' minds.

It would have been headache-inducing as the CEOs of Majesty Metals and Manufacturing, and Canopus Industries Alpha was politely glaring at each other but not openly fighting due to the rest of the attendees. Most of the Crimson Council were in attendance to execute her will, with only two not here as they governed the systems during this meeting.

"Admiral," Kyalla decided to start with the military side since her agents had already informed her of their backroom dealing with the manufacturers here. The other information was related to their trade agreements with neighboring nations. "What is our situation since our most recent alliance and trade deals with the Aurigan Coalition and Taurian Concordat?"

The admiral stood from her chair and made her report. "Magestrix. Thanks to the alliance between the Bulls and us." The woman's face twitched briefly before settling on a calm look. "We had a few companies of combat units and two lances of battlemechs retire from our arm service and went mercenaries. Luckily, I managed to convince them to take a contract with the Lothian League as shipments of metal ores have lowered due to pirate attacks and raids from Marian Hegemony."

Kyalla watched as the woman glanced back at her noteputer with a grimace. She had a feeling about what was about to come next.

"The raids from the Free World League have increased due to our delay in accepting the ComGuard that ComStar revealed to protect their HPG network. However, they have lessened since we accepted the security forces, and the Aurigans openly annexed Highwater and destroyed the HPG there." There were frowns visible on all members of this meeting. It was a surprise that ComStar had temporarily indicted them for taking time to think about their announcement. They weren't the only ones, but when word of the Aurigan Coalition attack on the HPG and destruction of them, they almost immediately accepted, with only the Taurians and them hesitating.

The Bulls had accepted before they could be hit with the temporary interdiction. Canopus was hit with a temporary one that lasted one month. It was a month of hell as the Free World League and Capellans switched their raids from the Aurigans to them. It was Kamea herself begging that Canopus accept the ComGuard to prevent them from being struck and allow the Aurigan Coalition and ZBBC to take the brunt of the attacks.

The young rulers of the Coalition and the ZBBC were foolish but did save them from the raids as the MAF mobilized to defend the boards. Kyalla hated that they were indebted to the Aurigans and ZBBC as they had received a regiment's worth of battlemechs and combat vehicles. Sure they mainly were Urbanmechs and those militiamech hybrids, but the few mediums boosted their forces significantly. All free of cost as the MAF's mercenaries forces assisted in protecting the Aurigans several times over the months.

Kyalla believed that Kamea was a dreamer, as who gives a regiment's worth of battlemechs and combat vehicles as a thank you? That was hundreds of millions of C-bills as a gift for helping them.

"Any other reports needing my attention, Admiral?" Kyalla asked smoothly as she watched everyone's reactions. It seems some people in the room still weren't in the know about the betrayal of ComStar despite the fact her agents found this out from the Aurigan's databanks when they accessed them. It took a couple of months after finding the information to search their HPG with the best MIM agents to verify that report.

Kyalla almost wanted to set up a meeting to assassinate Precentor Emiliar Grinn until her agents revealed that she hadn't done anything of note against the Magistracy. She made sure the few MIM agents kept an eye on the Precentor just in case the orders to step in should ComStar massively turn against them.

"Yes, Ma'am," The Admiral replied before turning to the section that held the representatives of manufacturers and the mercenary liaison for the Aurigan Reach, Amalia Cortez. They seemed ready to speak up, but Miss Cortez stood up from her seat as she put away one of the few Ziputers as the Admiral continued. "Miss Cortez shall report the new bylaws that ComStar has set up that could affect both our forces and dealing with the Zoid and Battlemech Battle Commission."

"Thank you, Admiral Zaske," Cortez replied while Kyalla waited. It seems her agents hadn't been informed of what Amalia knew yet. "Magestrix, I must say that our alliance with the Aurigan Coalition and ZBBC has brought us much military and industrial power due to our trade with them. However, the Mercenary Review Board has recently issued a massive bounty for anyone part of the latter forces. There is currently a five million C-bill contract for General Director Chen's head, and I'm afraid some of our mercenaries might try and cash in on it."

The mood in the room turned for the worst CEO of Canopus Industries Alpha looked murderous at the information. Why wouldn't he be furious? It was General Director Chen who gave them the factory parts. It seemed that he would speak out of turn when Cortez continued speaking.

"So far, I have redirected any of our contracted mercenaries from the MRB away from the area where ZBBC forces have come to train our militia in Aurigan combined arms tactics. However, I received a message that one of the Captains of the Blitz Regiment would be arriving here to receive their ambassador personally. Lady Melody Cirillo."

There were mummers from those in attendance. Kyalla knew why, as Lady Melody Cirillo of House Cirillo had abandoned the Magistracy decades ago but was dragged back by her MIM agents. She was under house arrest for the rest of her life until the woman's daughter became a member of the Blitz Company.

She still remembered signing off on using Cirillo as an informant by allowing the woman to contact her children and husband. It took time, but it came back and gave them tremendous insight into what was happening in the Aurigan Coalition. A new Lord that became the leader of a new organization and nation. That revelation had her ordering the agents in Aurigan space to try and make contact before Kamea's, and Chen's forces attacked ComStar. Now she had to release Melody from her house arrest to be an ambassador at the request of General Director Chen. It annoyed her, but she kept that to herself. Kyalla knew the man's personality based on their psych profile and would receive something of value if she did it without asking for anything.

"How long until that ZBBC Captain arrives?" Kyalla asked as she kept her temper in check. She didn't like this surprise. Kyalla hoped to see what her industrial leaders had planned with the military. Not this.

Amalia quickly replied. "In about two hours, Magestrix. They are personally coming with the Zoid known as Moby Dick. I only received this message just a few minutes ago."

The realization seemed to spread around the room as Admiral Zaske reached for her communicator and began shouting orders. Hopefully, their defense forces were alert but did not attack the incoming ship when it arrived. The CEOs and representatives of industrial and military businesses seemed extremely excited or panicked as they weren't ready for the arrival of the ZBBC primary warship. The pleasure section of this council stayed calm as they treated their new guest like they always would, as a customer.

"Any other reports before we dismiss to prepare for the ZBBC arrival!" Kyalla finally shouted, her annoyance at this surprise reaching her limit.

It was the COO of Majesty Metals and Manufacturing, a Gavin Priest-McDonogh, if Kyalla remembers correctly, who spoke up as his CEO talking with other military businesses. "Magesitrix," He said as he stood tall and willing to take the bunt of attention from the Crimson Council and herself. "I come with a request to trade or discuss with the ZBBC about access to their research on unique weaponry to increase our defensive power against our enemies."

He lifted the noteputer in his hands to show the image of a battlemech. "We know they want access to unlicensed battlemechs, combat vehicles, and fighters. We have managed to obtain an old obsolete battlemech. One my family had salvaged centuries ago but kept in due to its reputation. I offer the Trooper, the predecessor of the Flea."

An aide to the Canopus Industrial Alpha walked up to Gavin and handed him another noteputer. "The CIA has pulled out some recovered old Terran Alliance-era conventional fighters they found and claimed under salvage right yesterday. They wish to add this to our offer." The man then looked to Admiral Zaske. "The MAF was going to offer one Ironside they recovered from a counter raid against the Free Worlds League."

There was a slight pause as Kyalla thought about this request. The profile her agents sent showed that Gavin's request on behalf of the industrial and military complexes would be accepted, but what were the chances they would lose out on studying the old Star League-era aerospace fighter?

The Trooper was of no consequence as even the few Mechwarriors who piloted the Flea considered them death traps. Chen might even convince his private university on his ship to make a good scout mech. She heard how new models of Urbanmech and Swordsman were made by the Aurigans that have pushed back the experience forces of the CAF.

"I shall approve of this request if you answer me," Kyalla demanded Gavin as the chatter died. "Does the Ironside have lostech on board for them to study?"

Gavin paused and glanced at the noteputer. He then shook his head and replied, "The only lostech would be its ancient targeting system, which is slightly better than our Dragonflies. The double heat sinks were replaced with single ones that are unusable as it was meant for the museum."

She was disappointed at that comment but kept that to herself. The chance of having double heat sinks to use as a barging chip with other nations was lost, but this could still provide her country with new opportunities.

"I approve of your plan, but Admiral Zaske shall oversee it and," She glanced around for the one member of the Crimson Council who served in the MAF. "Councilwoman Jackie Elliot. If you think it would help increase our chances of accessing the schools and technology of the ZBBC, offer a few Bluehawk. They are a recent addition to our forces and could provide new insight into the nation's defense."

"I shall, Magestrix," Gavin replied as he walked to his CEO, who congratulated him for stepping up to the plate. It was good to see men do something other than being a waste of space. Her slight smile faded as one of her agents appeared and quickly walked up to her with the sign for an urgent message.

"Miss Cortez," Kyalla said solemnly, bringing everyone's attention to her again. "Bring Lady Cirillo here now. The ZBBC warship just arrived, and we have less than an hour before they arrive at the spaceport." The wide eyes of the mercenary liaison, who checked the Ziputer on her and paled, quickly ran out of the room. Admiral Zaske began shouting again into her communicator for the aerospace forces and anti-dropship weapons not to fire on the giant five-kilometer-long ship.

Kyalla thought about her daughter and the psychological report on Chen. It might work, as Hanse Davion will supposedly wed Melissa Steiner if the data from the MIM agents in the Federated Suns and Lyran Commonwealth is correct. The FedCom Accords would bring a nation that could suppress any country alone, so joining the alliance with this rival, the Taurians, and 'ally,' the Aurigans, was a great plan. Even if that failed and the man wasn't a creature of desire. It would give her family a chance at the zoid cores to study how such aliens existed.

——-Two hours later——-

Kyalla sat on her throne as she waited for the ZBBC representative to show up. She kept confidence around her as the holoprojector showed the group of ten getting closer. They were escorted by the most elite of her special forces to fish for information by the few plain clothes members sent to act as government agents.

Still watching four of the ZBBC members in that power armor, Knights from the reports, walk through her halls was exciting and fear-inducing. When Kamea had sent the data on how Knights were built as part of their alliance, the young ruler had sent a demonstration video and two Aurigan power armor users to help introduce the suit to her people.

It was informative and highlighted that this power armor could easily wipe out the escort and most of her security force by themselves. Luckily, those Knights had turned over their primary weapons before the escort team allowed them in, except the four standard infantry members, as they were acting as bodyguards. While they were allies, the politics of not allowing a guard their weapon would cause issues, even here on Canopus.

Kyalla glanced at the reason they had come. Admiral Zaske gave the person in question directions about the request from her military side. Lady Melody Cirillo nodded and agreed to everything the Admiral said. So one part of the plan was done. However, her council outright vetoed Kyalla's thoughts on political marriage. They had been told that the man in question was almost as old as Canopus if the history they managed to retrieve from ZBBC representatives was correct. So that method was out the window until they could figure out a way to get him under her banner if things went wrong.

Still, General Director Chen chose Lady Cirillo to be ZBBC's direct ambassador by name for a reason she considered odd. The only relationship her agent could find was that Chen was friends with the woman's husband and employed the eldest child as a Mechwarrior. She couldn't find anything on the woman, Farida Lamb, after the Aurigan Coalition blackout and how her agents kept getting caught and sent back unless they were part of the embassy staff.

She watched the formerly imprisoned noble rock back and forth on her heels, telling Kyalla she knew something else was about to happen. So the Magestrix turned her attention back to the holoscreen as the group neared her throne room.

She did notice the leading Knight having a pack on their back. Maybe a gift for coming here? Most outsiders tried something of the sort to increase their chances of being with her. Perhaps she should see Chen directly next time the leaders of all four groups meet at New Year.

Her thoughts were interrupted as the guards by the doors announced the arrival of their guests. Kyalla signaled to let them in but stuck close to the ZBBC bodyguards. The man she hired as a herald for this occasion began speaking. It was mainly for a show of power and prestige.

"Introducing Captain Apex of the ZBBC's First Iguan Company," her herald announced as the leading Knight stepped forward with a salute similar to that of the Capellan Confederation. A fist in an open palm. The three other power armor users did the same while their bodyguards stood behind them with her security force.

"Welcome to Canopus," Kyalla greeted them while seated. The four Knights stood at attention as the leader stepped forward and revealed the unique design on the chest plate. It was the sigil for the ZBBC, but there was a second one below it with a lizard on it. She mentally noted that as she continued, "I am surprised you came so quickly. I believed you would arrive next month, so our ambassador had more time to train in her new position."

There was a slight stillness in the air before the 'pack' on the back of Captain Apex hit the ground and stood up. It wasn't a gift but one of those zoids clinging to the back of the Knight. A voice spoke out from the small one-meter-tall creature. "I believe she can do well without such training as we check her history and know Lady Cirillo has the experience needed for our fledgling organization. Captain Apex and her company shall represent the ZBBC's interest while here."

Kyalla was annoyed that General Director Chen dared to speak through a zoid instead of coming personally when the small mech continued. "I do apologize for how I sounded. I am personally still in my new home world, helping my people settle in our new homes. Since I feel that such an insult might have settled, Captain Apex has the right to do what she pleases to ease any tension between us."

The lizard-like alien went silent and stood next to Captain Apex, who was now patting the top of its head. "Magestrix Kyalla," The smooth feminine voice of Captain Apex echoes throughout the chamber. "I believe we have things to discuss for the betterment of our nations. Should we continue our meeting here in the open, or shall we move this to a secure location that does not have listening devices here?"

The leader of the Magistracy of Canopus could feel a headache building as she gestured for her people to back off and stood to talk with this Captain Apex.

What she missed was the smile on Melody Cirillo's face as the discussion went to the meeting room of the Crimson Council.

stads · Oct 15, 2022

fun development with comstar catching on that things are sus
will be interesting to see who will be the first going after the 5mill on the chens head

Dragonblade001 · Oct 15, 2022

stads said:
fun development with comstar catching on that things are sus
will be interesting to see who will be the first going after the 5mill on the chens head

I might be changing that or not after I check on more assassination contracts on the TT and video game. I think somewhere on 5 skull for BT 2018 and MW5 weight class 400 price tags. And that just from ComStar.

Ststen · Oct 16, 2022

thx for the awesome update, i hope your preperations for the next generation are going well.

but a quick question the MG at the aft of the fighter baffles me a little bit as a odd choices ore is it the preperation for a AMS system?

Dragonblade001 · Oct 16, 2022

Ststen said:
thx for the awesome update, i hope your preperations for the next generation are going well.

but a quick question the MG at the aft of the fighter baffles me a little bit as a odd choices ore is it the preperation for a AMS system?

Yes the machine gun is acting as rear defense and a patch on AMS until it is rediscovered.

Anyways, I'll get to editing the rough draft more once I get more feed back from my betas on it. It a big chapter section after all and things might change. The information post tho will be accurate as I know it.

Sechs · Oct 16, 2022

Missing the Threadmark on the interlude

Andres Marrero · Oct 16, 2022

Sechs said:
Missing the Threadmark on the interlude

It is in the apocrypha section due to being a draft and not the final product. He wanted more of us involved with the proofreading this time.

Dragonblade001 · Oct 16, 2022

Andres Marrero said:
It is in the apocrypha section due to being a draft and not the final product. He wanted more of us involved with the proofreading this time.

Sechs said:
Missing the Threadmark on the interlude

What Andres said. This was so long and there was so many error that I decided to go ahead and post this rough draft. My usual checkers might miss something or get exhausted from how long this is. They are helping me out of their own time so this time I decided to see what my usual readers would catch.

Also, this might still increase like 3-5k more in content for this part as I realized I forgot some stuff here and there for world building

Dragonblade001 · Oct 24, 2022

Welcome one of the few non-combative technology and vehicles built for the First Augiran Coalition competition. Haven Support Vehicle!

Code:

Haven Support Vehicle

Mass: 40 tons

Movement Type: Wheeled 
Power Plant: Fuel Cell
Cruising Speed: 64.8 kph
Maximum Speed: 97.2 kph
Armor: ReliefB 10
Armament:
      1 Machine Gun
Manufacturer: All of Aurigan Space
    Primary Factory: All of Aurigan Industries
Communication System: Aurigan Standard
Targeting & Tracking System: Aurigan Standard
Introduction Year:3025
Tech Rating/Availability: F/X-X-E-D
Cost: 499,619 C-bills

    

Overview
A support vehicle created for disaster relief.
This vehicle is a stop-gap for more specialized cars and personnel to arrive.
It was founded by members of Lina Karosas's non-combative development team in their attempts to produce a new MASH vehicle. 
They created Haven as a stop-gap between finding a cheap yet reliable emergency vehicle for all purposes.



Capabilities
This support vehicle has a fuel cell engine and 3 tons of fuel to travel to emergency sites.
It has 1.5 tons of BAR 5 rated ReliefB 10 as this is a non-combatant.
Yet has an armored chassis for protection from the elements.
It is also environmentally sealed.
It has a 12.7 mm autogun equipped to hold off thieves and a 1.5-ton infantry compartment for bodyguards or a two Knight PA(L) to protect this vehicle.
It has a 2-ton refrigerated cargo bay for cold food and medicines. 
It comes with two Paramedic equipment to assist in recovery until MASH vehicles can arrive or until transport comes.
It has a field kitchen for disaster relief or feeding.
This vehicle is available to police and firefighters.



History
Primarily found in the Aurigan Coalition.
The 4th Succession War sold it to all sides except the Capellan Confederation.
Most saw it as an excellent ad-hoc for their armies until MASH units appeared.


Type: Haven
Chassis Type: Wheeled (Medium)
Technology Base: Mixed (Advanced) 
Mass: 40 tons
Battle Value: 119
    
Equipment                                         Mass (tons)
Chassis/Controls                                   12.3
Engine/Trans.                                      14.5
    Cruise MP:6
    Flank MP:9
Heat Sinks                    0                     0.0
Fuel                                                3.5
Armor Factor (BAR 5)          44                    1.5

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Front                   4         14    
     R/L Side               4/4      11/11   
     Rear                    4         8     
    

Weapons
and Ammo                      Location    Tonnage       
Machine Gun                    Front        0.5     
Half Machine Gun Ammo (100)     Body        0.5     
    
Cargo
    Bay 1:  Cargo (Refrigerated) (1.74 tons)1 Door    

Notes: 
Features Armored Chassis, Environmental Sealing Chassis, and Controls Modifications
Field Kitchen(3 tons)
Paramedic Equipment(2; 0.25 tons each)

Dragonblade001 · Nov 1, 2022

Interlude 7 Part 1

AN: Before anyone asks, I didn't go over who killed Santiago Espinosa for a reason. That will be revealed much later, like a few chapters from now. Also, nearly all characters with names are actual people within the Battletech settling in this area. Just copy and paste the name into a Battletech wiki for more information.

Also, no bold since freaking copy and paste is giving so much space unless I do it as a matching style.
——————-
Location: Coromodir system, Coromodir VI, HPG Station
Date: March 18, 3022, 08:00

Precentor Keona Sjardijn stared into the holoscreen, replaying the same video for the past few days. The one-hundred-year-old Precentor couldn't understand how they had missed a giant atmospheric warship built in the Aurigan Reach. Most systems didn't have the technical base to do so, and ROM heavily guarded Panzyr to prevent anyone from salvaging the ruined warships there.

"How did we miss this ship!" She said in a voice practically frigid with rage. The ROM agents around her stiffened, but Adept Delta VI Des Wallace stepped forward to make his report. The man might have failed to support the collapse of the Aurigan Coalition and lost his demi of battlemechs, but at least he was good at fieldwork. He managed to retrieve uncorrupted BattleROM from the Directorate forces.

"Precentor," the man said as he pulled out his noteputer. "The personnel you allocated to me has found several reasons we may have missed the creation of the abomination."

The man typed something on the noteputer as two photos appeared on the holoscreen. One looked like one of the Asian descendants of the Capellan Confederation, while the second had someone that looked like the first but with heavy genetic modifications.

"This man is Commander Michael Chen of the Blitz Mercenary Company," Wallace reported as several smaller notes appeared on the screen. "From our MRB databanks, we found out that he registered on Katinka on September tenth, thirty-twenty-one."

A few more images appeared on the holotable. Surprisingly, one of them was that of a blue and black Urbanmech. One with several visible changes. "He initially appeared as a Mechwarrior who piloted a custom Urbanmech. It was determined to be factory fresh on a few reports from Katinka." That brought some murmurs from gathered ROM agents. Somehow a man managed to hide the ability to produce a battlemech from their eyes was rare. To do so and start a mercenary company was ridiculous. Keona had to hold back a snarl that threatened to escape her lips.

"However, we found a report from former Precentor Down and current Precentor Tanner about odd quad-mechs being spotted on the planet around the same time. This was alongside a report of the residents of the planet found an old Taurian bunker filled with Reunification Era battlemechs."

Keona waited for a moment as the Adept paused as if struggling to report the rest of his findings. "From here on, the man slowly built up a mercenary force with help from the small town that found that bunker. However, according to Precentor Tanner's report, all reports from that area had ceased when the massive raid from a mixture of Capellan, Taurian, and SAFE mercenaries to happen was the first official report of the mysterious quad mechs. After this report, it was believed the HPG at Katinka was compromised as all reports from here on were tampered with after several days of studying them."

"Compromised?" Keona asked, waiting for an explanation of how that could happen. It was the ROM agent next to Wallace who responded. He was a man from the communication department, Chris Stanford.

"Yes, Precentor," The man replied as he typed into his noteputer. Another set of messages appeared on the holoscreen. "From that day forward, any message mentioning the quad mechs was changed to battlemech. Several code words typically indicate a need for ROM assistance reworded and missed by the lower staff. The only thing not tampered with was the patent for the militiamech and battlemech. The Gespenst and Guntank. The trigger comes from mentioning the words Quad mechs or the man Michael Chen for the censorship to appear. Any lostech finds and reports haven't been tampered with, nor have any mission requests from the MRB to the Blitz Company."

Someone managing to infiltrate or hack the HPG was a worrying prospect and had to be reported to First Circuit.

"I see. Now how does this relate to Commander Chen's warship?" Keona asked as her patient was significant, but the fact that there was a warship somewhere in this system wasn't helping her temperament.

Adept Stanford paused before looking back at Wallace. The Mechwarrior spoke up, "There was a massive amount of C-bills being spent for Dig Kings and Crosscuts by the planetary governor, which generally wouldn't trigger any flags, but now that we are looking into Commander Chen, we noticed several were sold to him. We initially believed he was building an underground base on his landholding but with the appearance of the warship and the missing mountain range from Tanner's last report. We suspect that the Warship was somehow built within a year underground. However, this belief changed yesterday when we found a military message from Captain Yuki Honda to the rest of her military company. It was highly coded in new encryption, but one word appeared. Zoids."

"Zoids?" Keona said as the word was odd. Some barbaric naming of sorts? She waited for them to elaborate on what they meant. Wallace replied by typing into his noteputer again before speaking as new photos appeared.

"We believe these animal-styled battlemechs are the zoids—a brand of unknown mechs that can change forms in dire situations," Wallace said with a claim tone, but Keona had noticed the shudder in the man. "We have several examples from the battle a few days ago where four known zoids have been spotted."

A photo of a biological wolf appeared before two more came up as battlemechs. "This quadmech was used by Commander Chen during my fight with him. It was strong enough to defeat multiple battlemechs of various classifications. However, when I had him downed, we were ambushed by these two."

Another two photos appeared with a giant metal ape and a canine mech with two long spears.

"The ape-shaped mech is named Iron Kong, according to one of our agents before they were caught." There were a few photos of the mech attacking something, but the image was fuzzy at best to impossible to identify.

"These records were salvaged from destroyed mechs of mercenaries those fools hired."

'Bless Blake, the man could be annoying,' thought Keona as he waited for the man to hurry and tell her exactly what they were looking at. 'We are all Blake children, but underestimating your opponent is a sin.'

"This Iron Kong has no relation to Kong Interstellar despite its appearance and name. Seismic shows that it weighs anywhere from one hundred fifty to two hundred tons. The mythical Superheavy class scientists and mech engineers have been trying to reach."

Then the video from the point of view of a fast-moving mech, probably a Locust, was shown with the sensors' data. The one display being emphasized was the speed the battlemech was traveling at. It showed "129 km/h" on the screen. The video played for a few more seconds before the mech froze…no it was being picked up as the ground was seen as the Mechwarrior looked down to see its feet clawing in the air.

The video stopped before anything else could be shown. However, Precentor Keona had a feeling about what had happened to it.

"The BattleROM's video data ended here, but it did show that this Iron Kong is faster than a Locust running at full speed. Not only that. The Locust was part of a now-defunct mercenary, Jason's Rockstars. The Iron Kong wiped out all the battlemechs and captured the unit's dropship by itself."

One of the newer ROM agents from Sian shouted, "We have a mystical superheavy battlemech with the same or superior speed to a Locust. Why haven't any reports or sightings of this battlemech before the battle!"

There were murmurs between the agents around her as they tried to figure out how this could have happened. A warship and now a Superheavy battlemech appearing in the Reach? It was impossible to happen without a vast sum of money moving around.

"Before we continue," Wallace said as the photo of the other canine with twin lances. "This battlemech, or zoid as they call them, is the most important target to hit once the Aurigan people lower their guard. It has an electronic countermeasure field that interferes with selective targets. This is based on the reports from Katinka's HPG about something directly interrupting the ability to run for several minutes. It had not happened again until this mech appeared on Coromodir. With our systems."

There was a pause before Adept Chris spoke up. "So that was why you asked for one of my acolytes to send a message on the civilian set of messages. You believe this mech is why we haven't heard a response from Terra?"

"Yes," Wallace replied without hesitation, and the Precentor could feel ice snaking through her guts.

"Adept Delta VI!" Keona shouted furiously. "Do you believe this zoid? No, this abomination can enter our systems!"

The look he gave her caused everyone to take a sharp breath, "Yes."

The flurry of activity began preparing to terminate this mercenary, Michael Chen, and his abominations. This was exacerbated when more information came in that a mercenary company was discovered using new tech.

"All special forces are to be activated now!" Keona demanded. "Use all available resources to track those mercenaries down. Have our other agents focus on Chen from a distance."

————————————- xxx
Location: Coromodir system, Coromodir VI, Cordia City, High Lord's Palace, Private Audience Chamber.

Date: March 24, 3022, 05:00

Kamea Arano thought her day couldn't get any more stressful. It was supposed to end yesterday, but the events in the Council Room and bonding had exacerbated her emotions. However, it turned into her life's most exciting and annoying day.

She glanced at the people in the rooms that she had invited. All the Aurigan Coalition Zoid Warriors sat around her as their Zoid partners played with each other or, in Alexander's case, outside looking in. There were a few trusted Royal Guardsmen around them for this meet. All of them were members of Captain Honda's company. Primarily promoted regular and royal replacements whom Lord Chen cleared.

"Thank you all for coming here this early in the morning," Kamea said as her Royal Guardsmen stood at attention. Except for one whom she signaled to stay seated. "As we have all seen and felt. We are now, as Lord Chen calls us, Zoid Warriors. I ask of you all. How do you feel about this new connection inside yourself? You may be as informal as we are new to this experience."

There was muttering from the newly christened warriors, but Alexander spoke first.

"Kamea," her best friend started before pausing to get his thoughts together. "I believe you already understand my feeling on this matter, yet I do not regret allowing myself to be bonded. It lets me see myself from a different perspective."

Kamea agreed and signaled him with the old hand signs that she approved. They made this method of communication together when they were young. Only three people knew of this, and the last one would never remember it again. However, she now waited for the others to respond. She had only two versions of experience to compare and wanted to hear everyone else's.

She felt her partner bump her hand with a slight whimper. Kamea petted the top of his head while she listened to the excited Blue Wind talk about how her bonding felt. She was babbling about how it was but was a bit incoherent.

"I mean, it's like having someone to always be there beside you until the end," Blue said while trying to explain the feeling of her bond. "I'm sorry, my lady. I just can't explain it."

"Blue Wind," Kamea replied, almost calling out her noble title instead of being informal. "It is more than understandable. Lord Chen did say the connection would be different between zoid warriors. I wondered what makes us special if the cores would choose the people in this room."

Kamea noticed her statement caused everyone in the room, even the Royal Guardsmen, to look at her in shock. She pretended she did not see them staring as she heard the rumors. That Lord Chen had picked them out ahead of time. That was a lie. She ignored the stares and turned to their group's last three zoid warriors.

"My bond with Brave Jaguar is the same as Blue and her partner, Garius," replied Lina as she gave the feline a stroke on its head. "I don't feel like I'll ever be alone and will away be safe with him by my side."

Blue and Lina smiled and nodded before turning their attention to the last two members of their group. Kamea could tell they were curious about the second older person in the room and the person who had instigated the events yesterday.

Prime Minister Henare Parata and Marquis Pierre-Louis Decimis looked at each other and their partners before they nodded.

"I believe all of us experience the same feeling," Marquis Decimis said as his partner walked up to be beside him. "However, I have noticed some differences between our partners. Not just the animal species that they take the form of."

Kamea watched Godos reach into the leather bag hanging from his right shoulder and pull out a Ziputer. The zoid handed it to his partner with a soft growl. All the Zoid Warriors understood the sound and looked intently at the Marquis.

"To be frank," the Marquis started. "Each of our partner's mentality seems to match the experience in life we have gone through. Not just combat or daily life but everything that is part of life's journey."

His comment caused Blue Wind to yell while getting off her chair. "What are you insisting there!" Her Garius growled, but with a shriek from Killerdrome (which Kamea wished she knew why its species was named that), the smaller zoid calmed down.

Kamea, however, saw what the Marquis meant. "Calm yourself, Blue. It seems he is correct in his assessment but not how you believed."

"But," the furious redhead began until she noticed everyone was looking at her and Garius. Kamea could see the Royal Guardsman stop and think about what had happened so far. After a few minutes, Blue spoke up, "How did you come up with this idea? We have only been bonded with our partners for less than a day."

"My fellow warriors," he said. "I have spent thirty-seven of my life serving on the Council. However, I live the rest out in the Inner Sphere and other nations to learn and experience how things are. I noticed things during my time as a Mechwarrior mercenary, trader, and planetary lord." He raised the Ziputer with a document displayed on it.

"Always read and research any item you get for free," he finished and hit a button on it. Kamea and all the Zoid Warriors received a loud beep on their own devices. Everyone except Henare checked the message that appeared.

Kamea realized Henare must have done the same as the Marquis when he received the Ziputer. She felt embarrassed that she did not check if her device had anything extra built in. She only saw the Ziputer as a perfect command lance communicator and an advanced noteputer. She never thought about checking it for more information, and with the meeting in a few hours, she wouldn't have much time to investigate it.

Time passed as everyone immersed themselves in how bonded zoid warriors and their partners acted. Kamea realized their new status required even more discipline than being a Mechwarrior. The characteristics of their partners would influence them until they had come to a complete understanding. In return, once their partners reach adulthood and possibly evolve into a new form, they would be as innovative as their bonded humans. She was even more grateful for Chen allowing her to become a Zoid Warrior and giving her a new family member.

"Pierre," Kamea called the Marquis by his name. "How quickly can you summarize what is inside the Ziputer, and how can we use its information to help not just us but Lord Chen." A plan was slowly forming in her mind as she noticed the time.

The eldest council member smiled and replied, "I believe you have already taken the step. You have a thirty-minute until the meeting with Markham about how to deal with the mercenaries still in the Reach. I have a good suggestion that Henare and I came up with after studying the history stored in the Ziputers. I have the proposal in the message I sent everyone."

"Alexander. Blue," Kamea paused and looked around the room for Captain Honda. With Mastiff still sorting recruits for the Royal Guardsmen, the former Combine native was her most trusted military officer. "Yuki. Please come here and assist me with going over the proposed idea to deal with the mercenary problem and find a method for Commander Chen to survive all this without his origins being outed."

The High Lady looked at the proposal for the "ZBBC" and its predecessor, the "ZBC" (The Zoid Battle Commission). Kamea read the proposal with her closest friends and allies and edited certain parts to make it agreeable for Chen and the Aurigan Coalition.

As much as it pained her. Kamea could not allow the zoids new home system to be considered part of the Coalition for the safety of her people. However, that did not mean she couldn't help him start his nation.

———————————————————xxxxx

Location: Coromodir system, Moby Dick's Dock Pad number 4, Hysteria
Date: March 25, 3022, 12:00

Yang Virtanen was having the time of his life as he walked inside the Whale King for the first time. The main reason was to get used to his new working area as his Astechs and Mechtechs followed him inside. The second reason was to get away from Darius and Sumire, as they got a tongue-lashing from Markham for thinking he would abandon his people so quickly. He wasn't a part of that meeting because he sent Markham the recording of them deciding for their leader's sake.

"Sir?" One of his mechtech spoke up. Yang turned to see which one, but they were all in their uniforms and had their safety helmets on.

"What?" Yang replied in annoyance. The man broke his excitement of being inside a giant alien warship.

"I think you might want to lay off your laughing, sir. We are getting stared at."

The Capellan man looked around and noticed a dozen crew members and infantry staring at them. A few looked ready for a fight, while others seemed to be on the Ziputer talking with someone.

Yang coughed into his mechanical hand before straightening himself. "You have a point, Mechtech." He didn't call the man's name out as it might encourage them to speak again in public.

"Now, let's see here. I don't see our fellow Mechtechs here." They all looked around when the sounds of heavy footsteps caused them to pause.

"Chief Mechtech Virtanen," a voice called out. Yang turned to see a man in an old medieval knight's armor. "I'm Lieutenant Ian, and I will be leading you to Chief Mechtech Dark. Please bring all your equipment or tag them for our people to carry to your workstation."

Behind the young man were dozens of infantry and people in safety gear. Yang turned to his people and began giving the orders to hand off the heavier equipment to be sent ahead. It took a moment, but those men and women quickly brought their stuff to a nearby area. They stood on a large square that seemed to be avoided by everyone. That was until the ceiling opened up, and the floor those people stood at with their stuff rose and went through the opening.

Yang held his questions back as he followed the armored man, whose name was familiar to him, with his people following behind him. However, something was nagging the mechtech until he saw several more medieval knights crashing into the ground alongside man-size mechs. The sight caused him and his crew to pause mid-step and watch. He could hear the groans from most of them but recognized one who had his helmet off.

"Isn't that old Jame Tano, one of the former pro exoskeleton fighters in the class one arena?" One of his mechtech, Owyn Lyons, said excitedly. It made sense that his fellow tech enjoyed the sight. The man wanted to design his exoskeleton and show it in the class one arena, but Markham didn't want to go anywhere near there unless they were desperate.

Yang watched closely and noticed that nearly everyone there was training in those exoskeletons. All twenty-five of them. It was weird as they seemed to be moving faster than standard civilian ones or those on Solaris VII.

"Hey, Lieutenant," Yang said while trying to keep the distaste of the officer rank out of his tone. "How did Commander Chen get all these exoskeletons, and why?"

The armored man removed his helmet, revealing the face of the young Astech Yang worked with back in Katinka. "Commander Chen wanted all zoid warriors, mechwarriors, and special forces in our Company to have them. For the protection and to add more firepower for fewer people."

The young man waved his hand slowly to the group of people training. "All those people there are the Mechwarriors, Infantry Commanders, and Zoid warriors. The training is being done because no one wants to hurt someone while wearing these things accidentally."

Yang hummed the agreement with the idea but then asked, "How did we even get these things, and has the Commander found a way to deal with the limited operational usage?" He almost felt Lyons and his group staring at him and Ian for the answers.

The bright smile on the young man's face said it all. "Yes, sir. It's the experimental Advanced Reggel Engine everyone has been working on! The small-scale prototype."

"What!" Yang nearly shouted but kept himself from doing that. Some of his mechtechs and astechs behind him also looked befuddled. It made sense as only a couple helped him with the original project when they were working on converting standard combustion engines into reggel types. "We are already producing those? I thought we still lacked key factors for mech and combat unit use."

The armored officer chuckled before replying, "Oh no. We still are missing those key factors, and Commander thinks we need to access the lostech of the Star League to fix it. That or wait until a certain zoid is born." They continued walking to the far wall as Lyon began talking to the young officer.

The sound of another crash happens from down to way to see several exoskeleton users, ones in the knight style ones, on the floor due to a spider mech…no, was that a zoid? Yang didn't remember one last time he was with the Blitz Company. Only the dog, wolf, lion, raptor, and whale. Seeing a group of power armor people training against another with zoid support was interesting. Well, until his crew noticed.

"EKK!" A few of the astechs and a mechtech shrieked. Yang recognized them and was a bit sorry too. Those were the members of his crew that had arachnophobia. Those five people tried to run back to the dropship when they froze at the sight of another spider zoid the size of a battlemech walking by.

Yang covered his face in embarrassment as those members of his crew fainted. Then he got worried as the giant spider zoid began walking in their direction. "Hey, Lieutenant. Can you ask that zoid to stop coming here? Those five have arachnophobia. Also, mind ordering some people to help them to the infirmary?"

The young man paused before shouting, "Hey, Gurantula!" Ian called, "Can you and the others step back out of sight for a bit? We got some people here that can't handle you and your cousin's beautiful appearance."

Yang never thought a mechanical being could express many emotions. Still, he and those around him could feel the smugness coming off the giant spider zoid while feeling a bit of depression from a few of its smaller cousins. They quickly took off to a mech elevator that rose from the ground several meters away.

Several personnel showed up to carry the unconscious members of his party. Yang could see most chuckling at the reactions of his people, but others only apologized for the scare. They all took off to a door nearby as they shouted, "Out of the way. We got infirmary bound!"

"Ah, Chief Yang," Ian suddenly spoke up. The young man typed something into the Ziputer in his hands. "I'll send you the data of the prototype now. They made a makeshift version of them to power our suits without those missing parts." The youth pointed at his armored chest. "The operational time hasn't been determined yet, but we have two people running their power armor for over eight hours."

Yang nodded at the youth's words as they passed a few hallways entrances before stopping at an elevator. They all piled into the lift, but Yang noticed Lyon still looking at the dozens of exoskeletons practicing in the hanger/docking area. "Lyon, you can go study them after we set up."

The shiny eye look he got from his fellow mechtech creeped the hell out of Yang, but he kept that to himself. It didn't take long to reach the floor Ian had punched in.

"Welcome to Mech Haven University," Ian said brightly. It took a few seconds before the youth laughed as he pointed at the sign above them that said the same thing. "Oh god, did Sofia put that sign there? The Commander is going to laugh or be angry for the name."

Yang huffed before replying, "What exactly are we doing here instead of up at the mech bays?"

Yang watched the kid open his mouth to explain but was cut off by a grizzled voice. "Y'all the Markham group?"

"Formerly," Yang replied as he walked up to the elder. "Yang Virtanen, Chief mechtech of this group." The mechtech offered his hand.

"Nice to meetcha," the older mechtech said while shaking Yang's hand. "I'm John Kramer. Former Chief mechtech of Kramer's Parts and Machinery is now head tech over all these battle armors. I'm glad to meet some of ya folks who help turn my old dream into a reality."

"I'm guessing you mean those Reggel Engines? Yeah. They are a good thing for much support work. Glad they found use outside of combat vehicles."

"Y'all work not only did that, my boy," Kramer said while waving his hand toward a dozen people working on something. "Thanks to your work and everyone else, we got this place. A work area that we could virtually produce and test products before making them with this zoid tech."

The older man turned around and pointed at a large station, "Commander Chen has already got a place set up for y'all. It's connected with all the current projects we got going on. So new battlemechs and battle armor ideas are going through there. You should hurry along and join our conversation and design work!"

Yang felt himself smiling at the energetic man's action. He turned to his group of mechtechs and astechs before shouting, "What are you all waiting for? Get set up on the double. We got to see what these projects are!"

There was a flurry of action as his crew quickly ran to their station.

A few hours later, Yang looked over the project codenames that had him laughing. These projects with names like these: Wolfpack, Shepherd, Jim, Zi Gunner, and Spartan would make any man who works on weapons of war giggle like a little schoolgirl. There were even civilian names like Space Constructor and WorkLoader with designs below the standard mech classification.

——————————————XXXX
Location: Coromodir system, Moby Dick's conference room 1

Date: March 27, 3022, 20:00

Markham sighed at the paperwork he now had. When he decided to take on this desk job for Lady Arano and Mastiff, he thought it would be smooth sailing. Then the meeting between them and Michael Chen happened. Now he was looking over Emir Madeira's notes on the new currency the Aurigan Coalition was creating.

"Damn it!" Markham heard from his companions and 'traitors' who left him only to rejoin him again. "Why is all this on goddamn paper!" Sumire shouted while staring at the binder of old fashion papers spread around her. That was his little way of getting back at the Taurian native.

"Sumire," Darius spoke up from his Ziputer, which Markham noted the big man had not let go of. "This is our punishment for going behind Mark here. Anyways, look at it this way. You and Sui are now the founder of our new nation's ASF program."

Markham chuckled at that before saying, "Yes, Sumire. Think of it this way. You two will determine the entire nation's aerospace defense and tactics from here on out." Wasn't that a big thing? Instead of taking a job for a new organization. He was not pretty much second in command of a new nation.

Their pilot went for the flask at her hip only to realize he still had it. Markham took in Sumire's glare before finally saying. "Why don't you go with those papers and talk to Captain Riva Shin and her family? They are the main leaders of the ASF forces of the Blitz company and the ones who mainly crew the dropships here."

Markham watched as the dropship pilot slowly lowered her head before getting up. "Excuse me then." She replied, but he could tell she was embarrassed. "There are a few drinks at the bar on the sixth ASF hangar. Sui should be down there with her new ride." He told her as she walked out of the room. She paused for a moment, allowing Markham to see the slight smile on her face before she went into the hallway.

"Mark," Darius called his name. His former XO had finally put down that Ziputer. "I guess no hard feeling about earlier?"

Markham paused his research in currency before speaking up. "Yeah. I forgave everyone a while back because Yang sent me the recording of why you decided to jump ship. I wished I could have told you earlier, but our communication might have been compromised, and I wasn't used to using my Ziputer as a personal com."

Darius huffed before saying, "You mean you weren't in the right mood after that SHC treatment that made you lose your compatibility to your battlemech."

Markham paused as he looked away from the two names for the future ZBBC currency, ZiCredits and Zeds. He answered his Darius with a smirk, "No. I never lost my compatibility with piloting battlemechs. I lost my old settings in my neurohelmet. Those Stasis Healing Chambers go beyond Star League times, I think. It took me three days after healing to reset my helmet to my improved body."

The memory of how responsive his Marauder reacted to his commands was ridiculous. It was even more accurate after getting a new neurohelmet to use.

Markham chucked at the shocked look on his friend's face. He felt the same when he found out. "Well, besides my little secret that I just told you. What a good method of paying our fellow mercenaries now that C-Bill access would be limited or gotten rid of altogether?"

"Well, Vice General," Darius called him. Markham could feel the frown forming on his face but waited for his former XO to continue. "Why not offer everyone first dibs on trying to bond with a zoid core?"

Markham thought about it for a bit. Chen said he would have all authority on the currency matter and how to pay the new members of the ZBBC.

"All right," Markham replied as he began setting up the currency and point system already noted in the Ziputer. He needs to approve it now. "Now that this is done. Want to run through the zoid sims they have here? I hope to tame one when our new home system is founded."

"Tame?" Darius asked, which caused Markham to laugh. The man began explaining to his friend the history of zoids bonding that he found in the Ziputer.

——————————————xxxxx
Location: Tyrlon system, Tyrlon VI, Langi City
Date: March 27, 3022, 15:00

Mechwarrior Tane "Kraken" Bennett sighed as his lance of freelance mercenaries finished the last of the Three-Linked Chain gang. That stolen Scorpion tank was done for tho. From the contract they received from the planetary governor, they were to either detain or kill any of those gangsters and retrieve any stolen property, and so far, they have done. It was hard to stop a battlemech coming for you. However, the cost of that tank would lower their overall pay.

"Well, job all done now," The voice of his fellow mercenary, Sven "Ulysses" Toraldsen, said with a laugh. "Told you it would be an easy job."

"Yeah, you did," Tane replied as he turned to his other temporary lance mate in the Clint (CLNT-2-3T). "Hey, Risenki. Are you good? You took a dozen SRM from those gang members before Ulysses, and I took them and the tank out."

"Not great at all, guys," Risenki replied with a sigh. "It seems like that damaged the one component I can't just replace. It looks like I'll be joining Todd as a dispossessed unless they somehow have a salvage mech I can buy." Todd, their fourth temporary member, had taken too many hits from a few Directorate forces when they first formed to fight in the minor civil war that broke out. The man elected to maintain their battlemechs to keep getting paid for their contracts until their group split for other mercenary commands.

"I feel for you," Tane said, and he did. They're Errant Mechwarriors like him. Risenki could travel without a mech, but no mercenary company would want him unless they had a salvaged mech. Most of the time, they would be worse than a Clint.

"Hell, if they had a good mech for sale here, I would trade you my Valkyrie for your scrap," Ulysses said through the comms. "Maybe you will get lucky, and someone will come down with a lifetime prize."

Tane laughed and could hear Risenki's chuckles through the comms. At least the joke held. The Zangul native turned to watch the few Tyrlon police round up the members of the Three-Linked Chain gang in the APCs and police trucks.

"Echo command to Fire lance," The voice of their fellow Mechwarrior and mechtech, Todd, came through their comms. "Hurry back to collect our money because the governor somehow got back from Coromodir and is holding a press conference in an hour. There was a second message to all mercenaries not on contract to come to the capital courtyard."

Tane turned his Locust to his two lancemates, who were doing the same thing, before replying. "We are on our way!" He hoped it was a great opportunity and not some sort of trap for mercenaries like the Free World League did during the Third Succession War.

——————An hour later—————

Tane got out of his Locust and quickly headed for the meeting room. As many mercenary officers ran to the same place, he saw dozens of other combat vehicles parked haphazardly. He saw Todd, with a few of their hired help, also running to the room.

He quickly entered behind Risenki and another mercenary and saw several tables with food and drinks everywhere. It was unusual, as meetings between a mercenary and a liaison or contractor wouldn't be set up to look like some party.

The Zangul native grabbed a drink and walked to a good observation point. He learned enough from his old mercenary command that things like this don't happen for no reason. He could already spot several planetary militia members not far away. They seemed ready for something that made him loosen his sidearm for combat.

Tane stood alongside his lancemates, watching the live video of the Governor standing on an odd crab mech. Not a Crab battlemech but one that was the exact shape of the biological crustacean. He could hear a few others talking about it. Ulysses pulled out a small camera and took a photo of the mech.

"Hey, aren't they near the hazardous zone?" He heard someone say. Tane looked over to see a female mercenary whom Todd had hired to do grunt work. She was a native from here, so it made sense that she would recognize where the governor was making his speech. That made him wonder why would the planetary governor be standing next to the zone where the toxic lowlands tend to kill everything.

"Now I set the first terraformer here on Tyrlon VI," The governor said as the crowd roared in excitement. Tane wasn't sure if it was real or fake, but he kept watching as he heard a few other mercenaries talking about whether it was true.

Tane watched as the Governor, whose name was slipping his mind, directed the crab-like mech to plant a weird-looking tree into the ground. The crowd on the holoscreen all stepped away from the tree as it began to glow, and the camera turned to the greenish toxic atmosphere of the planet just below the plateau.

There was a scream as the green gas rose to the plateau and rushed straight for the weird tree. Tane could feel the hairs on his neck rise as the toxic cloud that even he knew about could kill everyone here if it reached the city. He could hear a few people running to the door, but he knew it would be too late to get to any drop port. The camera shifted back to the tree as the Governor said calmly, "Everyone, stay calm and get behind Killer and me."

Everything went weird as the gas was suddenly sucked into the tree, and the said thing grew larger. Some brown liquid shot out of it, and the crab-like mech stepped in front of the stream and began drinking it like those things his family used to fish up. He glanced around and realized most of the other mercenaries weren't paying attention to it. He knew that was important. Since when did mechs act like living creatures?

The video feed then cut out as a recording appeared.

The Governor and his odd mech with a screen behind the man. Tane recognized the background as the internals of Union dropship. It wasn't hard not to notice, as he had worked in one for a few years.

"I am Prime Minister Henare Parata, and this is my combat partner, Killer," The Governor said while waving his right hand at the mech beside him. The said crab waved at the screen. "I asked all mercenaries within my system to gather at either planet's mercenary meeting hall for a specific reason." The man types something in an odd noteputer. The screen behind him changed to show the letters ZBBC.

"I am here to offer all mercenaries a second option to the MRB after the Aurigan Coalition found evidence of non-neutrality and betrayal of trust from their parent organization, ComStar," Lord Parata said as the screen behind him was zoomed in on and went slowly over a contract. It looked almost like the MRB version for signing as a registered mercenary, except there were some sections like a separate division: Research, Combat, Ranger Service, Construction, Intelligence, and Civilian sectors. It seemed like there could be more to it.

However, there were those crying out against such an organization despite the second screen appearing showing the distrust for ComStar had come from. Several mercenaries deny such a thing and tried to run out, only to be detained by members of the militia Tane had seen earlier. That brought a tense situation as many people had drawn their weapons, and it was a standoff between the hired guns and planetary forces.

Tane could only think that something must have gone wrong in the universe as demands to both sides to stand down came from cooler heads.

The mercenary didn't know that this scene repeated throughout the Aurigan Reach this day.

——————————————xxxxx
Location: Katinka system, On board the Howler
Date: March 29, 3022, 15:00

Commander Leslie Gruber stared at the recording she and the crew had watched. She could feel the annoyance building in her as she watched a fellow clan warrior fall to the very enemy their Khan feared. As the Warden predicted, the threat to humanity was from outside the galaxy. The alien was a potential threat to the Inner Sphere and possibly the Homeland.

She turned to her fellow clan warriors and asked, "What are your observations of the fight between warrior Brunner and Commander Chen?" She would not call him an alien outright. Not until she met him and checked his blood. He could be one of the Periphery experiments as the Magistracy of Canopus had butchered Star League medical technology for the heinous acts.

Leslie looked her fellow clan members in the eyes and waited for a response. They were few in number as they were the only ones who could be spared for this journey.

Warrior Jerry Hawker answered, "I am unsure if Commander Chen's actions during this batchall dezgra or not." He raised the 'Ziputer' with data on their target's history. Several members had enough materials and C-bills to exchange for a few of them with Katinka Industrial.

"By his culture, he must fight alongside his…beast as they are connected deeply. Warrior Brunner knew about this and accepted being outnumbered in the battle for more honor. Even in a powless state and in primitive battle armor."

The other warriors around Hawker nodded in agreement, with only second-generation freeborn Corporal Patricia Ward not agreeing or disagreeing. The jump infantry soldier stared at the two battle armors on the holoscreen alongside Sergeant Oscar Vrun. They want to become Elementals since this Periphery unit seems reasonable for use in the parent unit.

"Warrior Brunner did go beyond what we requested of him," Leslie replied while thinking about the battle armor and how to send this information back to Jaime. This would piss Natasha off as she brought their battle armor back onto the field, thanks to Commander Chen. She had what her spheroid companion called "mixed feelings" about their target.

"However, his action allows us to see what our main objective could do on foot. Now we have a connection with the man to study those quad mechs we were sent to investigate." She finished and waited for their response.

"Commander Gruber," Oscar Vrun spoke up. "The fight between Warrior Brunner and this Commander Chen has several points I must note." Vrun pointed at the screen, replaying the battle once more. "Both battle armors are moving much faster than our Elemental armor."

"I agree with Sergeant Vrun," Patricia Ward said while pointing at the screen. Leslie noted that the infantry member might be of clan birth, but the influences of these spheroids had affected her. "Those battle armor seems to have double to triple the ground speed of our Elemental armor. The jumpjets that…formed after the fusion of those aliens seem smaller and more powerful than ours."

"Warriors," It was Lieutenant Yvonne Draedin who spoke up. "It is not just faster and better tech this Commander Chen has. Look." She pointed at the feet of their target of interest. "The man hovers above the ground minutes after fusing with his protector. The battle armor has unknown hover tech. Warrior Brunner fought honorably against these overwhelming odds and nearly won until those melee weapons were drawn."

Several of her fellow warriors voiced their agreement with that statement. They had all seen the recordings and how close Brunner had been to claiming victory. However, she noticed one who did not.

"Brunner lost this batchall and became a bondsman," Captain Dorjund Olksajer replied. "Yet there were no other conditions to the fight. Why have we not issued another challenge to obtain the information we need."

Leslie replied before anyone could respond. "It's because of the second video I received. This time from Captain Micheal Andrew, the leader of our Beta lance." She was surprised the man would even send her anything after it was revealed about Wolf's Dragoon origins, yet he attached a message saying. "We stick together, after all."

Usually, she would order a member of the science caste that came with them to upload the video but with the Ziputer in her hands. It was simple to open and send the data to the holoscreen. She did send the data to them to study the recording to produce a version of their Elemental armor for their infantry.

A high-pitched metallic roar came through the speakers. Leslie was glad most of their non-clanner crew were outside.

The holoscreen showed a man-size mech in the shape of an animal beside the downed Brunner. They watched as their former member stood up and touched the being before taking off his helmet to talk with the beast.

Leslie could feel a primal emotion as she watched the interaction again. However, the Commander pushed down the feeling as she looked at her fellow warriors to see their reactions. It was as she expected.

Lieutenant Jacque and Hawker did not seem to react to the appearance of the mechanical beast that seemed to bond with Brunner. They were the ones she had noticed reading the information from the Ziputers they purchased.

However, the reactions from Olksajer and Winterhawk were as she suspected. They looked disgusted at the idea of bounding with such a thing. Winterhawk looked ready to kill Brunner if they met again.

That is when Leslie noticed Olksajer's appearance was more like her own. Jealously. He had the same feelings when she watched this recording the first time around.

The rest had kept their faces neutral and waited for her to continue.

"This beast, as we have been calling them, are known as zoids," Leslie said as the video ended. "This one is called a Pteras and has the ancestral appearance of Terran ancient dinosaur, the Pterosaur."

No one could say that the warrior caste was slow to understand as the shock began to travel through everyone present.

"The quad battlemechs we were looking for are not mechs but these aliens." She finished as the warriors began arguing about what they should do. She had already sent a message to Wolfnet agent Bean to report this to Jaimie. For now, she and her pack will continue with their mission. Finish the contract with Katinka and confront the man in a duel of warriors.

Unknown to her, her feeling was not jealousy but something that would bring it.

——————————————xxxxxx
Location: Coromodir system, unknown location
Date: March 29, 3022, 23:00

Alcmene Amalia Centrella wanted to bang her head against the table. Years of work infiltrating the Coromodir small intelligence division were ruined by a mechanical alien dog. At least she wasn't alone in her misfortune as she looked over at her companion.

Her lover in the Reach area and now a fellow temporary ambassador, Ashton 'Howl' Pendelton, was pacing around their shared room. While he was walking in patterns with his report in hand, she had already sent the information to her superiors waiting in a Jumpship that arrived a few days ago. They would leave, retransmit that message to another of their ships, and quickly get the information back to the Magestrix since the HPG was compromised with the information she now had.

"God, this is a mess," her partner said as he continued to look at his handwritten draft. "How am I going to explain to the Director." This time Alcmene couldn't hold her laughter as she knew his feeling, but the man had a good poker face unless they were in bed.

The man stopped his pacing around to glare at her before sighing. "How are you so calm, Alcmene? You're laughing like you know how to handle this."

Her laughter grew louder and slightly hysterical. "I'm not calm at all, Ashton. Nor do I know what to do. I'm freaking out that all the information I got from another agent was wrong. I was just quiet about it until you spoke." After all, how would she explain all this to her aunt Ana Maria Centrella? She and Siren were doing well with getting information, but this happened.

Alcmene watched her lover freeze and then turn to look at her with a guilty look. As if he knew about the aliens before her. That was when she realized something about the actual name of Agent Siren on board the Blitz Company as a crew member.

"My agent is someone from your family, isn't she? How the hell did no one in the MIM not catch Alice Deltionpen as someone from your family? It's your house name but just moving the pen behind Deltion."

She watched Ashton sputter before shouting, "Well, first she a distance cousin. Second, she only changed our house name? I thought she would have done more than that!" She almost laughed as she could see him scribble something about identification work.

Alcmene wanted a drink or something more to get rid of this stress headache. Hell, both would do it before she left tomorrow morning. Her aunt wished for a direct report from her soon.

A knock on the door caused both of them to stiffen, only to hear a familiar voice come through an intercom. "Ashton. It's me, Alice."

Alcmene stared at Ashton, who had paled and looked back at her. There was an uncomfortable pause before another knock on the door, slightly louder. "Cousin? are you there? You told me to meet up with you tonight."

"Give me a bit Alice. I need to get dressed!" Ashton answered through the door comms while looking at her. He released the talk button and quickly whispered, "Go hide somewhere. I know you discovered that she is a double agent, but can you keep that silent or let it go? We don't want an issue happening before the big showdown tomorrow."

Alcmene thought about her options while almost reaching for the spare hold-out pistol she kept hidden in her clothes. It was in the one spot Ashton wouldn't look at while they were here for business.

That was when a good idea came to mind. One that wouldn't end in losing a good man and a decent double agent, "Let her in but lock the door behind her. She could be our joint ambassador to the Zoid and Battlemech Battle Commission." Alice will be a perfect target for stress relief too. The drama would be a good distraction before the MIM's dropship arrived to take her to a jumpship hidden at a pirate point waiting on her.

Ashton opened the door and quickly closed it the let the cloaked woman enter. However, the figure froze once she noticed Alcmene leaning against the wall. "What the hell! Why is she here, Ashton? She a member of the MIM!"

Alcmene watched as Alice went for the pistol at her side, only to be restrained by Ashton. "Now, cousin. There is no need for that since both of us are already exposed. They know you are a double agent already. Alcmene just hasn't reported it yet due to our current positions."

"She will kill me, or her superior will!" Alice nearly shouted back. Thank god the door was closed. The soundproofing they did for the apartment would keep the shouts from leaving the room.

"Now there is no reason to struggle," Alcmene said while slowly walking up to the restrained woman. "Ash and I are temporarily appointed ambassadors for our respective governments for the Aurigan Coalition."

Alice snorted as it wasn't their government who gave them that position. "We both know the perfect person to represent our government and the second nation forming."

While Alice may be a double agent, she was a good one for the MIM. She had completed plenty of assignments for Canopus against the Free World League and Capellan Confederation for years before her appointment to spy on the Blitz Company. So Alice was perfect as a representative for the Magistracy and Taurians until someone more appropriate arrived.

"What nation?" The question that slipped from the restrained woman caused both spies to look at each other before they began explaining the issue they had on hand. It lasted all night, and in the end, they all needed a few drinks and some stress relief. It would be an awkward morning, but at least they would face the next day as if it was their last.

At least the Magistracy would have a powerful force between them and the Bulls. They would be getting new technology too from this job, so maybe no one here would die when their government agents come for them. Now how to get Melody Cirillo sent to whatever the aliens decided on which system they would settle on?

——————————-xxxxx
Location: Zangul system, nadir point, four days away from Zangul VI
Date: March 30, 3022, 17:00

Commodore Samuel Ostergaard stood on the bridge of the Iberia as he reviewed his orders. He had arrived on this backward system as a show of support for their 'allies' of a trading nation that had just fallen into a civil war a few weeks ago. The question support was to take over this system and protect it from all comers until Marshal Cory Calderon gave him orders to claim it should the Aurigan Coalition fail to resolve their spat.

Right now, he watched this system from the nadir point to prevent anyone from entering while the message from High Command should reach the leaders of the Coalition explaining he and his crews were here. They had already split from Space Master Smith and Percy, who were leading their ships and support to the system of Umgard. His Iberia and its two support ships would be more than enough to fight off any raiders.

"Sir!" His Comms officer spoke up, causing the man to turn to him. "I'm getting comms response from the habitable planet in this system. The transmission is giving us TMI codes to talk with you directly."

"I'll answer the call in a moment, Lieutenant," Ostergaard replied before turning to his XO. "I don't remember any Intelligence agents in this area, Air Master Jones. Did anyone tell you anything about this?"

Before replying, his friend thought about what Samuel said, "No, but I wouldn't bet on it. Those spooks might have finally found themselves and spread without informing us."

"Lieutenant! Send the message to the table projector," Ostergaard ordered as he asked. "Jones, what are the chances it is the agent on this Aurigan Coalition's capital planet?"

"I bet my drinking money for this week it is," the Air Master replied as he followed Ostergaard to the holo table. The Commodore answered the call. The projector opened up, but several terminal screens nearby were also turned on.

"Lieutenant! Why are there multiple calls on the line," Ostergaard demanded as the first screen showed a man in a TMI uniform, and next to him was a young woman dressed in some armor. Ostergaard recognized her from the photos sent to him by the Marshal. The current 'High Lady' of the Aurigan Coalition, Kamea Arano.

However, neither the TMI agent nor Kamea Arano spoke as the other screens within his bridge showed all the Space Master apart from his demi-squadron. "Father?" Ostergaard heard and turned to see a screen with his son's face. Every Taurian officer under his command matched the confusion on his boy's face. How did they connect them all under a conference call when everyone was in different system light-years away?

Before he could respond, the holotable's speaker spoke up. "Commodore Ostergaard of the I Corps. This is Ashton "Howl" Pendelton of the Taurian Military Intelligence department and temporary ambassador for our country with the Aurigan Coalition. Passcode Zulu-Foxtrot-Niner should open such an order on the mission terminal."

Samuel gestured to his XO to do just that as he listened to the exposed spook. "I've connected to all members of the Taurian Concordat thanks to a new communication device made by the Aurigan Coalition. Everyone should be connected in real-time with only seconds of lag. I bring you a request from the leader of the Aurigan Coalition, High Lady Kamea Arano." The TMI agent moved aside as the armored woman stepped forward. It wasn't hard to see the dents and damages on the armor. There were hastily removed blood stains he could see in the holo image.

"Thank you, Sir Pendelton, for getting me the connection to your nearby forces," Kamea said as the spook walked out of the camera. The young woman turned back to them and began speaking.

"Commodore Ostergaard. I welcome you to the Aurigan Coalition. I have a request for you and your squadron to defend the systems you are currently in from the Capellans and Pirate forces." She said with a slight bow. That was when the sounds of gunfire happened in the background, which caused the woman to look at something off-screen. A loud mechanical roar could be heard that brought a chill through Ostergaard's spine, but whatever caused it never appeared on the screen.

"I apologize for the loud interruption. It seems some enemy forces were trying to delete the databanks we are after." There was a pause as another sound was heard, this time of a dog. Kamea paused for a moment before saying, "May we have the assistance as promised between Protector Thomas Caldron and my father, High Lord Tamati? The promised deal between them should be appearing in your systems soon."

"Commodore!" His comms officer spoke up as data began appearing in their system with their registration codes. "They match the information that Marshal Calderon set for our mission. We must decide within an hour after receiving this code, or our system will go into standby mode."

"What?" Ostergaard nearly shouted but quickly calmed himself as he noticed his officers on the screen had also seen the message. He could hear the officer under his Space Masters giving the same reports. He could feel his fury rising until his son spoke up. "What's wrong? I didn't receive any message or understand why everyone is panicking."

There were shouts from the men and women aboard their ships about what had happened to their ships and the ultimatum that showed up. Ostergaard wondered why his son's Union didn't receive the same message when it dawned on him.

"Son," Ostergaard said with his fury high but cooling. "It's because the Newgrange is a civilian ship. Don't worry about the message. I'll deal with it."

Ostergaard felt himself cool down as he realized his son wasn't endangered and looked back at the holoscreen to see the demon of a woman have a confused look on her face. As if she didn't know what was happening was her fault. However, it took Ostergaard only a second to realize Kamea Arano most likely didn't, as it was an agreement between her father and Thomas Caldron.

"Lady Arano," He said with some force behind his words. "You didn't have a direct hand in the issue plaguing my ships. I demand compensation for being forced to assist you."

Ostergaard watched as the young woman smiled and replied, "I will share everything we find with Ambassador Pendelton after we secure it from my current foes. However, will your Union class ship in the Enkra system be able to help my people there?"

Ostergaard watched his son look around at the other monitors in the room. He was technically a civilian and shouldn't help against a raid without any combat forces inside his ship. Well, other than the two Chippewa, he had assigned to the dropship out of his request instead of an order.

"Lady Arano. I will be happy to help according to the agreement. However, the Newgrange is just a merchant ship. He only has self-defense weapons aboard and should be exempted from the order." The Commodore waited for the young woman to reply, who seemed to be looking at something off-screen.

"Very well then, Commodore Ostergaard. I ask that he stay with his Jumpship until the raids are over."

"That is an agreeable decision, Lady Arano. I shall issue the orders to intercept those raiding forces now," Ostergaard replied as his XO began giving the orders to burn to the planet below. It would take a couple of days, but they should beat the Union and the Leopards to the ground.

"The local governors will have something to give to you and your command staff when you arrive. It is the same communication devices we are currently using to communicate. It is limited to only the Aurigan Reach, but you and your troops can always keep in touch. Good luck, Commodore. I still have the battle to finish."

The comms with the woman cut off, but the screens around him still showed his Space Masters looking at him intently. His son was safe, and they had a chance at new technology. Now, he turned to his Comms Officer to give orders to land. "Send a message to the governor of the Zangul system and tell him we will land and discuss defensive plans. This order goes for both of you," he said while looking at the two leaders of the Umgard Taurian forces.

"Contact the governor and explain why you are incoming. If what Lady Kamea said is true. We will be the first people of the Taurian Concordat to use new technology in the communication department. Now all forces, begin your descent to the planet."

Ostergaard watched everyone preparing to travel to the planet as his noteputer lit up. The Commodore walked over to see what was sent and smiled. This shit volunteer job has now become a gold mine. He thought as he looked at the technical data of a new battlemech the Aurigans had given their ambassador.

When his forces landed, he was surprised that a company of combat vehicles supported by two lances of battlemechs was waiting to link up with them. It seems like resupplying would be accessible during this tour.

Although, his Mechwarriors were annoyed with working alongside Urbanmechs.

——————————————-xxx
Location: Panzyr system, Panzyr II, Castle Decimis
Date: April 1, 3022, 06:00

Captain Flavius Valens walked alongside his fellow mercenary commander, Captain Sanlucar Barrameda. They both had come here early after their XOs dealt with their casualties and damages because the planetary lord had called them.

From the massive holo meeting yesterday, they were being sent into another battle as the Marquis and his forces dealt with the remaining ComStar resistance. The casualties weren't as high as in other places, but it wasn't pleasant. Hundreds were dead on both sides. The silver lining was that none of them were his people.

Flavius noticed a Panzyr officer, if he remembered correctly, Karen Andris, standing not far away. It was odd since he knew the woman was a green Mechwarrior who happened to be a Cornet during the attack on the HPG. Her lance was backing his Command lance during their frontal attack.

The First Decimis Fusiliers had taken down the turret defenses around ComStar, allowing their forces to obliterate the few mechs and dozens of combat vehicles those bastards had hidden on this planet.

She turned and saw them approach the meeting room. Flavius raised his hand and said, "Nice to see you again, Sunbird." Her callsign matched how well she piloted her Swordsman and her lancemate of Locusts and was supported by Scorpion tanks. Her lance's lasers and missiles picked off those annoying turrets and a Spider before the Grasshopper attacked them.

"Captain Valens. Captain Barrameda," Karen replied with a smile and salute. They returned it with their own. "Welcome to Castle Decimis. Lord Decimis is currently waiting for us in the meeting room. Let's go in and discuss the matter ahead."

The twin doors opened as the familiar biomechanical dinosaur stood at the entrance. The allosaurus looked at the three before stepping aside and allowing them in. It was odd seeing a four-meter-tall mech-like being standing in the halls of a noble, but Flavius saw more bizarre in the Inner Sphere. After all, the Lyran and Suns' throne room had battlemechs next to them.

He still kept an eye on the zoid. After all, it decimated multiple ComStar tanks without breaking a sweat using those claws and twin PPCs. He was mindful of the tail that moved out of its way. The same appendage that tore a leg off a Locust.

The alien was dangerous and needed to be respected. Secretly, this whole company wanted to bond with one of these zoids after that battle. However, they were still on contract, and bonding seemed like a game of chance.

"Welcome," Marquis Decimis said as he stood from his ornate chair. His wife sat nearby and was going through a Ziputer. "I am glad we could meet before Lord Chen arrives. Now let us sit here and discuss the planned division of our forces to Bringdam." He pointed at a table that seemed hastily put in this meeting room.

Flavius sat next to Sanlucar while the Marquis and Cornet Andris sat across from them. The mercenary was surprised that none of the other force commanders were here, as there were several officers he remembered fighting alongside yesterday. Some died while other commands took heavy losses.

"Forgive me for speaking out of turn, Lord Decimis," Sanlucar said after everyone sat down. "But why do you want to split the forces? The contract between the Aurigan Coalition and ZBBC was written clearly. Those of the ZBBC will act as an extra defender for planets under attack from outside forces when possible. Our compensation will be discussed at a later time. So why are you asking for a lance of my Catapults and not what's left of my company?"

It was still an odd feeling. To know that the ZBBC organization turned into its independent nation. A Mercenary one with technology surpassing some of the old Star League techs. Everyone agreed that alien tech should be under Commander Chen's directive to give out and spread. If the Aurigan claimed everything, it wouldn't matter if they claimed powerful weapons and armor. After all, the Inner Sphere and their neighbors would attack the second they found out.

None of the mercenary companies that joined the ZBBC wanted to face the entire Inner Sphere without something to get paid by. Luckily, their new boss happened to make a suitable reward system.

As it would distract him from the meeting, he shook the stray thoughts out of his head, so Flavius glanced at the fellow merc. The Barrameda must have suffered even more damage than he thought. His forces were still being repaired to head out with only the Gilded Fist lance and Commander Elygene's Griffin still operable. His own Merlin was being refitted with more lasers to deal with enemy mech as infantry seemed to be well handled by the Aurigan forces.

"Lord Decimis," Flavius said as he glanced at his Ziputer to check for any updates on their repairs. "I know you requested the Glided Fist to be sent as well. As you said in the meeting yesterday, that is only eight mechs, not our entire force. May I know why you wish for the rest of us to remain despite the agreement?"

"The reason is simple," The Lord replied. "During the meeting, I closely followed the new contract between our nations. However, I received an interesting report from my troops inside the HPG working alongside a few former ComStar acolytes last night." The Lord waved his hand, and his wife appeared silently enough that Flavius nearly went for his sidearm. Man, that noble lady had spy skills.

The lady sat beside her husband and typed into the Ziputer. The holoscreen in the center of the table lit up and showed a schematic for a ship. It took a moment before Flavius realized it was a dropship.

"The reason I am only asking for a lance of mech from each of your companies is the second cause in the contract between us." It was an image of a sizable aerodynamic dropship. It appeared to be larger than the civilian Monarch class. It was Sanlucar that spoke up before Flavius could.

"Isn't that the old DroST dropship? There are only a few of those things flying around," The Captain pointed at the screen. "How is this important enough not to send us to complete the job at Bringdam? I know it's a dropship, but it is ancient and has more issues than a Union."

"It is because of the dozen acolytes that kept this modified and improved ship a secret from their bosses," The Lord replied, and his wife brought up the ship's technical read-out. It took a few minutes for everyone to read when Cornet Andris spoke up.

"This. This ship is perfect for our combined arms tactics! There is room for two small craft-class that could easily be used for aerospace fighters: A mechbay and a vehicle bay. Heck, there is even space for infantry and cargo!" It was funny to watch the woman stand up to get a closer look at the schematics when they had already appeared on the Ziputer in their possession.

"Yes," Lord Decimis replied.

The sudden noise of heavy footsteps happened behind them, causing everyone to look at the zoid coming back and sitting on its butt. The Lord coughed in his hand before continuing, "The second part of the contract between nations is that we would share any discovery of old tech that has long been lost."

He pointed at the holoscreen. "Because of this. I am required to have ZBBC members oversee the scanning of such tech into the module system so it can be shared between our nations. I believe we will need someone to rewrite the contract later to allow you to decide which is more important, as splitting your forces is the only way we can complete both parts."

"That is understandable, Lord Decimis," Flavius replied as Sanlucar voiced his agreement. After discovering ComStar's duplicity, they knew the contract was the only thing they had left. Their reputation had already taken a hit back in their home system. Their dependents had already escaped their landholding to come to the Reach. "Then how will our forces be divided? Will just the Glided Fist and Death Rain lances be enough?"

"No, Captain Valens," the Lord said. "Subaltern Andris will be assigned to your group as Panzyr's assigned lance to the ZBBC."

"My Lord?" The now Subaltern let out in surprise. "Yes, my Lord." She quickly corrected herself.

There was a knock on the door, which the zoid got up to answer. There was a scream from the other end, but the person quickly calmed themselves and walked in.

"My Lord!" The messenger said breathlessly and red-faced. "The Lord Chen's Whale King has just arrived in the system. They will make landfall in three hours."

There was a pause before a rush of activity. They call for their lances to head to the Union, waiting for them and the rest of their forces to secure the DroST for transport.

No one noticed the data packet from Katinka arriving with approval for use on the Maquis Decimis's Ziputer.
———————————————xxxxx
Location: ZI system (Formerly Peratallada), outside of Planet Zi's gravity well, Draconis Combine Dropship.
Date: April 4, 3022, 16:00

Renauld Yamaguchi hated his life right now. He shouldn't have taken this side job for the Dragon as he watched the mercenaries he hired to protect him. They finished off the last hidden ISF agents that had started killing their workers and most of the dropship crew.

He reached for his drop flask of rare Timbiqi moonshine but saw its content used to treat the wounded people around him.

"Damn," He whispered to himself as he watched one of his mercenaries, Corsair, if he remembers correctly, using his flask to sterilize roughly torn rags. They were makeshift bandages to wrap the only wounded person on their side, as everyone else the ISF had attacked tended to die.

"Yamaguchi-sama!" Shouted one of his other hired guns and one he knew before he took on this position. It took him a moment to realize it was the one who saved them all.

"What is it Shiseo-Yen-san?" He called out as he found a bottle of Timbiqi Dark he kept hidden in this meeting room. He would take a drink once his mercenaries ensured the area's safety.

"Did the ISF agents finally die off?" It was a long shot, and for someone of Yamaguchi's position as the Professional Soldier Liaison, it was bordered on treason to hope for such results. Still, he chooses himself over everything between his life and the people now under him to the few fanatical ISF agents.

"I must apologize, but no Yamaguchi-sama," Zachary "Dust Raker," Shiseo-Yen replied as he suddenly shot a burst from his auto rifle at something on the other side of their half-closed door. Yamaguchi could hear the sound of metal hitting plated armor and knew the mercenary had hit one of the ISF agents but didn't bring them down.

"However, I received a message from Warrior Corsair and Hacker. They both managed to send a message to those people in the warship of our situation, and they are sending a force of their special forces to save us."

The infantryman suddenly ducked, causing Yamaguchi to yelp as a katana passed where Shiseo-Yen once stood. The mercenary fired and killed the agent this time as the helmeted head turned into a bloody mist.

"Nice shot, Dust Raker!" Shouted Abe "Scrub" Chung from his prone position over the mercenary, Munin. He was still wrapping the alcohol-soaked clothes over the woman's midsection on the ground. "Now, you only have seven more before they kill the rest of us. Duck!"

Yamaguchi turned back to Shiseo-Yen, only to shout as he watched the man who managed to protect the civilians and take a sword to his side. The only reason he wasn't cut in half was that the mercenary managed to grab the arm holding the sword.

The Draconis officer watched his hired help pull a Tantō from his back sheath and stab the ISF agent in the neck. With a quick tug, the head of the attacker flew off their neck.

The body of the ISF fell to the ground, but the leading man protecting the door stumbled backward. Thanks to Chung, Shiseo-Yen didn't crash into the ground from his wounds. A few undesirables that were 'recruited' for this project quickly took the infantryman's position and fired with their makeshift pistols. Those 'former' Yakuza worked well together to force whoever else was trying to get in to retreat.

Yamaguchi turned to the down mercenary and knew they were screwed with their best soldier was down. He looked down at his drink and called out to the medic of their group.

"Chung-san. Use this to disinfect his wounds," He could feel the stares from the few others in the room and knew most didn't respect him or his position. Yet they were all in the same boat now. They need to work together and hope those who cause their mess can come and rescue them.

Yamaguchi looked around for any of the surviving crew of the Mule and found a few nearby working on the terminal. He remembered the discussion with the captain and his scant memories of his time in the Draconis Combine Admiralty. In that case, that terminal should connect to the bridge where the rest of his men protected the ship's controls.

The only communication they originally had with the bridge crew and his men was through Shiseo-Yen and the two-way radio he handed to Christoph 'Corsair' Nick due to their partnership for the contract Yamaguchi had hired them for. He was glad the mercenaries he paid for differed from the DCMS's standard operational producers, as the ISF would have stopped them dead by now.

"Hey, you two," Yamaguchi called out to the people repairing the terminal. "Can you contact the bridge or engineering yet?"

"No, sir!" One of them replied before the other shouted in excitement. "Correction! We got engineering online. They seal themselves to prevent those ninja bastard from getting in and reaching the engines."

The DCMS (former, probably now) officer only replied with a "good." Before turning to the two men protecting the door to the living quarters. This room was the only one close to the Docking Collar that he and the captain had initially planned on meeting the idiots that caused the planet they were on to explode.

Now it was their only chance at surviving this after ten (well, six now) ISF agents revealed themselves. Still, that small amount of elite soldiers turned their crew of five hundred to only two hundred during the travel to dock with the warship.

"Yamaguchi-sama!" Shiseo-Yen yelled as he slowly got back up. The blood-soaked bandage wrapped around his wound. Chung was helping steady the man as they walked over to him. "Warrior Corsair just contacted me. We are docked with the warship, and they are sending their best forces to fight against the ISF. They request we do not fire on them by accident."

Yamaguchi waited for a moment before walking up to the injured soldier. "Ask them that on my honor as Sho-Sa Renauld Yamaguchi. They will not worry about us and only those fanatics."

The Combine mercenary repeated his request to the bridge. A moment later, the man looked confused when he turned back to Yamaguchi. "They received a reply and a direct message to you. It says, 'Bob, we are on our way. Take cover in thirty seconds.' Yamaguchi-sama? Who is Bob?"

The former(?) Professional Soldiery Liaison froze at the name as only one mercenary group gave him that nickname. He hadn't heard much from the Markham's Marauders since they signed a contract with some hick nation. Were they a part of the warship?

Three loud explosions from outside the room interrupted his thoughts as the noise caused everyone to look at the entrance. The sounds of a firefight began outside before a roar was heard. There was a pause before the two men manning the entrance screamed and dove backward as five gold claws craved their way through the broken door.

Everyone stopped what they were doing as a dozen troopers in medieval knight armor, advanced infantry armor, and mini mechs stepped through the new opening. Behind them was a small battlemech the shape of a lion with a small child on its back.

The only thing Yamaguchi could think of was that he needed a good long beige after this. He stood up to greet their saviors and saw a familiar face as one of the mini-mech helmets lifted.

"Darius?"

—————————————-xxx
Location: ZI system, outside of Planet Zi's gravity well
Date: April 10, 3022, 06:00

Newly promoted Lieutenant Colonel Zin Ala stood beside his former second in command as they watched the ashes of their original crewmates being loaded into the Generator seeding shell. Out of their original group, only he and Captain John Manning left. The ashes of their four crewmates and their teams were placed around the plant-like terraformer.

Zin looked around to see others getting their shells ready. Several personnel decided to scatter their loved one's ashes on the planet's surface when it was ready. Those here wanted their friends to start their next life by seeding their new home.

Chen had said that the souls of those who passed might influence how the planet will form. Well, he had murmured it, but Zin, the other officers of Blitz Company, had heard it. They spread that information around to help settle anyone's doubts.

He and Manning had already given their eulogy for their comrades from the Federated Suns. They had been together since his dismissal from the AFFS. Zin patted the shell holding them and the Generator one last time before giving a final salute regarding their service together. The sound of heavy footsteps followed as the final burial place for his people was picked up by Iron Kong's giant hands and carefully brought to the elevator.

The large screen showed the planet below, which was already cool enough for people to land with space suits. Next to the main screen were dozens of others who were now part of the ZBBC nations watching. They watched the funeral of everyone who died in the Aurigan Civil War, Operation Downfall, and the constant Capellan and pirate raids. Some hadn't sent their dead as the religion they followed required quick burials or no cremation.

The countdown for the round carrying his people began as the names flashed on the screen with their ranks. There were over a dozen names, but the main ones that would always stick out for him were: Cynan, Aeddan, Owain, and Max.

There was a moan from the Whale King after firing the first round into the planet. Everyone on board could feel the sadness coming from their zoid ship. It caused the mood to drop even further. The sounds of sobbing could be heard from the crowd.

"Sir," Manning whispered to him. "This was the best choice for them. They wanted to help you since you saved us when you commended the tank and fought off those battlemechs. They died a good death protecting the innocent like we were taught in combat school."

Zin didn't reply at first as he took a deep breath in. Allow his newly healed lungs to expand once again as the memory of Cynan throwing him off the Pike before it was destroyed. "I know, but I shouldn't have the people I saved giving their life to let me live."

"It's not your fault, sir. When we followed you to Solaris and the Blitz Company, everyone knew what they were getting into," Manning replied. General Director Chen then took their attention. The zoidian was just as uncomfortable with his title as Zin was with his promotion.

After all, he was now in command of over a thousand lives. Most being recruits and mercenaries who haven't had time to work with them. Sure Manning and his company of Battle armor and combat vehicles helped, but he still had two other captains who were too used to being solo mechwarriors.

"As a way to honor those fallen. The first planetary capital shall be right next to the landing zone of the Generator's location. Their family and friends decided on its name," The man pointed at the zone. A new screen appeared with a digital image of the capital.

"This is the Citadel. Each section will be named after the men and women who died during our contract with the Aurigan Coalition." Director Chen finished solemnly, not in exuberance, as everyone could see how dark his hair was. It was a telling sign that he was depressed about the dead still. Some clapped for the city, but most of the personnel around them saluted according to their former nationality.

Zin mentally marked those who were glaring at anyone giving a salute that they were offended by and made sure to note them. They would not have some in fighting because of former allegiances.

The sounds of Iron Kong's return made everyone prepare for the next personnel set. It was time for the people in the main assault force on ComStar who died in battle—all who joined the ZBBC.

The names began to drone on from those not a part of the Blitz Company as they mostly suffered the loss of battlemechs or combat vehicles. Only a few lost personnel, so they were chosen to go first. Both to get them through faster and to allow those of the leading group to compose themselves for the butcher bill. Only a few smaller units were utterly wiped out to the point that only their dependents were left.

Zin heard a quiet beep from his Ziputer and saw a message from Micheal Dark. He quickly excused himself from Manning and checked the mail. He was assigned to view incoming messages and reply to them during the service in case of an emergency.

A quick read of the message had the tanker smiling a bit. It seemed like the former Mechwarrior still had a heart of gold to comfort those who lost people. Not an appropriate time for this, but still a nice gesture.  It was another invitation to the big get-together with all the remaining Blitz Company members before the ZBBC member's reassignments with all the other mercenary leaders. Zin replied and wished Micheal luck as he would be doing the eulogy for the fallen during the assault on Coromodir's HPG.

Zin put away his Ziputer and went back to his original position. He focused on his passive hearing to remember what had happened so far. It wasn't long before most of the mercenaries who joined the ZBBC for safety and to distance themselves from ComStar's MRB had survived their battles. Mostly.

The infantry/combat vehicle company, the Hardy's Horses, had lost all hands, and only their Dropship had returned to them. The planetary governor of Bringdam handled the bodies of the fallen as they announced they would erect a statue for them. They had held off the Capellan's Blackwind Lancer's first company long enough for reinforcement to scare the mercenaries away.

They didn't need to die, but they chose to fight until the last man so their dependents would have a new home world for their dependents. Zin still remembered the look Chen had when he heard that. He still had the same one as the final non-Blitz member finished talking about their fallen.

A new location was named the Wander's Tavern. A place for all ZBBC members for mercenary work and recruitment. It was also a combat factory and a training field for upcoming recruits.

A Knight walked onto the stage from the direction of Iron Kong. It must be Michael getting to say his eulogy for Wasp, as they worked together the most.

Zin watched his fellow Lieutenant Colonel take his helmet off and introduce himself to everyone.

"I shall start by praising the man who nearly killed me when I first joined the Blitz Company," Michael said as a photo of Wasp appeared on the screen.

"This man and good friend dedicated his career as a Mechwarrior to fight against the drug trade in the Reach. When we first met, he nearly blasted my Firestarter's cockpit with his Griffin's PPC." The Lyran man paused as something seemed to flicker in his head.

The zoid warrior then continued regaling how Wasp had returned from his imprisonment in Katinka to protect the planet and joined the Blitz Company after explaining what happened.

The screens around the one showing planet Zi began playing several BattleRom recordings. However, unlike normal playbacks, the view looked exactly like someone in the cockpit of Wasp's Talos. Everyone could see several contracts the man went on with trainees and Michael on Katinka and the few systems around it. One was playing the defense of the Starport on Katinka and how they took down a superior force.

Those screens began to fade as only two players now. One showed slides of the casual days of the Blitz Company when no one was training but just having fun. The second screen showed the final moments of the man.

Zin had gone over those for all the dead and only allowed the ones that showed them at their best before death. After all, no one wanted to hear their friends and family screaming for their life. Let them see their last moments as brave men and women who risked their lives for a better tomorrow.

Zin whispered a prayer to Wasp's spirit that his final fight would inspire everyone to stay true to their words as the conversation between their Mechwarrior and the OpFor was on air too. The Talos' map showed he stood in front of the downed Guntank and Gespenst while other mechs forces were in combat against their foes.

"You are pretty good for a damn fool," A voice came from the enemy Hunchback. "Why are you risking your life for fools? Why not join us and live another day?" The enemy's autocannon ripped the Talos' left arm from its body. Zin could see people flinching from the red lights coming off the screen. The Mechwarrior in the crowd kept their focus on the recording. This could be their fate, and they would not flinch from it.

"I will not break from my vow to help the innocents from the poisons of the universe," Wasp's voice came through with heavy conviction. A barrage of missiles and a slug from his autocannon slammed into the Hunchback. "I see the greatest poison to rid here, and I will bet my life on it!" The fight went back and forth, but it was clear that Wasp was on the losing end.

The only thing that Wasp was winning was the conversation between them and those who might have been listening in.

However, the Mechwarrior did a final move worth of Valhalla as the man charged his critical Talos into the crippled Hunchback. The movement knocked them over, but Wasp didn't just end the fight there. A target lock was shown on the screen, and a self-destruct was. At the angle of the battlemech's position, an ejection was impossible.

"Don't try convincing me that ComStar is right in that stupid belief. They are willing to kill to keep people ignorant," Wasp shaky voice through one last time.

There was a laboring cough before he continued. "Let me show you that fighting for a just cause isn't a fool's goal. Join me in hell." The screen went white as the screen showed an override to fire.

The view changed to one of the downed hybrid mechs. Zin saluted as the explosion appeared on the screen. Everyone from combat schools or militaries also did so. It was one of the most respectful ways to go out as a soldier in defense of their allies.

Michael carried an urn full of what they could retrieve from Wasp's remains and put it next to the Generator sapling. He snapped a salute and walked back to Iron Kong.

Another video began playing, and another as the names of their comrades appeared on the screen.

Zin noticed Private Marlene Wallace slowly placing her driver's ashes into the shell as her prerecording voice played over the intercom. The young girl wasn't fully recovered but had arrived from Coromodir with the rest of the injured as they wanted to be here for this.

Zin didn't know the kid they lost there. The only thing he knew about Private Wallace's driver was that he was some racing kid they picked up from Katinka days before the Whale King took its first flight. Operation Downfall was the only mission report they had for the kid to show how he drove the Private around the enemies and gave her a chance to scrap several tanks and turrets.

Corporal Mikasa (no family name) stepped on the stage to talk about her driver as another set of videos began playing. Her Gespenst moved hard and fast, weaving between enemy emplacements while blasting turrets before several infantry SRMs slammed into her hover component.

Those enemies vanished under a hail of bullets, lasers, and missiles. However, the Gespenst was now a sitting duck, and unlike the other two on the battle map, they were alone as friendly forces approached them, but the OpFor was still attacking.

The video showed the man getting out of his driver's seat and firing away with an auto rifle before the screen cut to black. Zin had decided not to show his death at the hands of a laser rifle to the head. The screen showed how many infantry he killed before he went down.

Zin watched the stone-faced Corporal move to the shell to place the ashes of her comrade next to the sapling. After setting down the urn, she put her helmet back on and walked to the crippled Private to help the girl back to her chair. It made sense as they were the driver and gunner team during their first fight.

Zin had already discussed with Chen about letting some of the younger Mechwarriors and militiamech pilots become testers instead of combat personnel. The General Director almost agreed but stated that people would fight against and for it. Let the pilots and warriors themselves decide on their first combat drop. Many recruits were sent out with veterans hoping they would survive and learn from this experience.

Zin had wanted to argue, but the despair on Chen's face as he said it kept him quiet. He knew that live combat would show a person's true personality. After all, the reason he became a mercenary was a result of poor timing and bad comrades.

Now, they were paying the price as another one of the young MechWarrior's ashes, Sergio Pedregon, was brought up to be placed in the shell. Zin watched as the fellow graduates of their hastily put-together Mechwarrior program gave their eulogy of the man. Before moving to the following, three died under Dark's command, and two defended the Magnolia from a surprise gang attack.

The Dropship staff also gave their eulogy for the Griffin's Mechwarrior and the crew of the Harasser. Those two had rushed back to the Magnolia when the reports of their Urbanmech defenses came under attack.

However, one person's death had personally hurt Zin to see him being placed in the Generator's housing. It was Corporal Leroy Jenkins. He died protecting his friend and partner, Lieutenant Potter, from being boarded by infantry after their Guntank was disabled. Zin had helped the injured junior officer here since he was missing an arm from an ammo explosion. They were lucky that the Knight armor Potter wore had saved the rest of him.

Zin felt Manning standing beside him as they saluted their fallen trainee. The achievements and contracts he finished and his last moment played out as the driver for the Guntank showed why you can still fight even without a weapon left. Vibro-shovel works wonder against enemy infantry when your firearms are dry.

At least Potter had survived and was willing to wait for a prosthetic to be made with a request that some of his partner's ashes be mixed into the creation. It was weird and morbid, but the junior officer stated that his soul would be able to find Jenkins in the afterlife when he died.

This was followed by the last casualty of the Blitz Company. Mike Ross of the Grey Knights. He died from protecting his charge at the hands of many ComGuard units. Those include the ten unknown power armor that they were still studying. Most of the tech behind that odd invisibility was disabled or destroyed but was still ongoing thanks to the scanners and mechtech in the university a few blocks over.

Zin watched as Master Sergeant Clayton Carmine walked up to give his eulogy for Mike. The Carmine family that were not on duty, Ross's partner and little sibling, and several of their newest recruits from the former ComStar Acolytes stood not far away as Clayton spoke about the private and his roles since joining the Blitz Company.

"He did his duty well," Manning whispered as they watched Mike's last stand. It was something private wanted people to see even if it was gory, and no one wanted to dismiss the man's last will. "I hope no one feels ill from the fight being shown."

Zin held a flinch from seeing the private take dozens of hits from auto rifles and lasers before killing the five infantry on screen. It was still surprising how many ComGuard forces existed on the HPG. Sure, the idea of the ComGuard was only found out by their boss, but there were too many of them for the Aurigan Coalition.

The final scene appeared as Mike finished off a ComStar power armor with his shovel before the recording cut to black. Before it did, a blade was shown sticking out from the man's chest.

Zin could hear the cries from the dependence in the audience. They held it well until this last one, as Michael contacted him again to say it was time. This would be the final shell to be fired until they could recheck if more were needed to stabilize the planet.

Only one person was missing, and that was because Pedro was buried in their new embassy on Coromodir due to his religious beliefs. He left behind his zoid to fellow Spider Rider Sofia, who lost her Shotwalker to an Ontos's alpha strike.

So far, those two have decided to stay on Coromodir instead of the new Planet Zi. Chen gave his blessing that they could retire there or switch to a non-combative role if they wanted to. Zin still hasn't heard a reply from Lieutenant Raven or Chen about her decision.

Iron Kong grabbed the shell to be fired as people saluted and cried openly as the zoid went down the elevator shaft. Many watched, and those on the screens stood at attention as the final shot was prepared and the last burial happened.

"Well, it seems like the boss wants to reveal the last location we got planned for founding," Zin said as General Director Chen came back up to the stage. The Zoidian then spoke up as the targeting system showed a spot several hundred kilometers away from the Citadel.

"This last burial will be the founding location of the Zoid reserve," Chen said as he placed a Ziputer on the ground. It went straight into holo-projector mode and began showing images of the original planet Zi that Zin had studied during his off time. "To honor our friends and family and represent my planet's rebirth. I name this area as a Reserve name the Reborn Lands."

The images of multiple zoids appeared in front of the man as he continued. "I'll be personally placing the Zoids cores here. Everyone is welcome to do so with me once the planet stabilizes from laying our people to rest. Volunteers may register with Lieutenant Colonel Ala, Dark, or Commander Darius Oliveira."

Zin sighed as people's emotions ran wild. Most were still depressed at losing loved ones, but the rest seemed to be in a mixed bag of feelings. Still, at least he can delegate the duties to Manning and the others.

Darius was already having an issue with his talking with the snake officer. However, they will have over two hundred more members if all goes well.

———————————————-xxxxx
Location: Coromodir system, Coromodir VI, Cordia City, Reach University of Science and Technology, Secret zoid bar
Date: April 25, 3022, 20:00

Jim took another shot of PPC as he wanted to be drunk enough to try and make sense of the reports his Ziputer gave him. He has already seen Jack and Daniel drunk off their ass on the couch they took from the bar.

They needed it after finally getting an internal temperature check on Lady Arano's partner. Some of them still had light laser burns.

"Doctor Wilson," Jim looked up from his shots to see Cornet Vivar of the First Battle Armor company. This man was the main reason they could get the internal temperature check on the zoid dog. "I received a report from outside that a few ZBBC researchers are here to give their reports in person about the zoids."

After a few seconds, Jim looked around to see who wasn't drunk and saw that nearly everyone was. The room was also littered with multiple beer bottles from Lachan Country Ale (imported via Blackmarket) to Pharaoh. There were several cans of Vita-Orange and Coolant Flush around him too. He vaguely remembered several of the others had retired to their bunks. This wasn't a good impression as he realized it was the date for the meeting.

"Tell those experts I'll be right out the greet them in a bit," Jim replied, and he looked for a mirror and his Ziputer. The reports were forgotten as they would make sense after this meeting.

*A few minutes later*

Jim double-checked his lab coat and made sure he looked not as drunk as he would have been after five PPC shots. A quick spray of deodorant should cover the smell of alcohol.

He went to where Cornet Vivar was standing guard outside with his guests. He could hear a conversation going on once he opened the door and saw a familiar face.

Doctor Farah Murad was talking to a financial officer he couldn't remember the name of. Behind them were Cornet Vivar and several other people in the new ZBBC uniform he saw on a news report.

"And that is how you can make your new currency impossible to counterfeit." Murad finished her statement with the financial officer, who nodded and said "thank you" before hurrying off.

"That was rude of him to run off," Jim let slip out and drew everyone's attention back at him. Instead of being intimidated, Jim spoke confidently, "Welcome, Doctor Murad. Members of the ZBBC. I am Doctor Jim Wilson of the RUST zoid research division."

"Oh," Doctor Murad said as she turned to him. "Doctor Wilson. I didn't know you would be leading this research division. I'm glad it is you, as this will make the information transfer easier. I thought Professor Crawford was in-charge."

Jim frowned at the name as he remembered his former superior betrayal. His mood must have shown, as many of the ZBBC members seem to notice.

"As you may know, that RUST zoid division has been studying Zeekdober and Garius," Jim said as the memories returned from last week. He watched Doctor Murad nod at his words before seeming to realize what he was implying.

"Well, all the data on them and their weapons, biology, and habits were almost sold off to the Free Worlds League and a second buyer because of Crawford. The only reason it wasn't was thanks to the Spider Rider, who came here with an offer to study a fully grown zoid, Gurantula."

"I see," Doctor Murad said as it seemed to her that such a betrayal from the professor was surprising. "Was this the first time this happened?"

Jim tried and failed to hold back his snort. "Sorry!" He said as he noticed the battle armor company turn in his direction. "It's just that it is not even the first time this has happened. More than half the scientists and mechtechs at the palace when the zoids were spies or ComStar sympathizers. Your team is here, so we could trade information directly and swap notes."

Jim felt a bit depressed after saying that. It was sad that only his team was considered the most trusted members to study zoids and their tech. Still, none specialized in battlemech engineering or biology outside the native ones for the Aurigan Reach.

"I'm just glad you and your team are here. Maybe we can finally figure out how to study the zoids."

Doctor Murad smiled and replied, "That's why we are here. Let me transfer you the basics on zoid biology we managed to pull from Moby Dick's servers."

Jim smiled as he saw his Ziputer light up with a pending download. Maybe with this, they could finally start studying how the thermal dispersion of the pulse laser and heat swords worked.

———————————————-xxx
Location: Coromodir system, Coromodir VI, Cordia City, High Lord's Palace, Arano Media Chamber
Date: April 30, 3022, 08:00

Kamea returned a seat, allowing another Council member to take the stand.

She wanted to take a slight break while the man talked about their new currency and the current known exchange rate between the Coalition, ZBBC, Taurians, and Magistracy. None on the Capellan's Yun. They would only accept their House bill or C-Bill and wouldn't take anything else. Luckily, they still had access to the ComStar banks thanks to Hound's hack and the former ComStar members who stayed with the Coalition.

Still, Kamea felt the pressure since the formal indictment that came from Terra. She had reports of the Federated Sun, Lyran Commonwealth, Free World League, and Combine appearing at the edge of the Aurigan Coalition territories. Thanks to the new treaties between them and the Taurian and Magistracy, everyone hadn't outright invaded them. Only by the Capellans and pirates.

Thankfully Panzyr's new refit for the Scorpion light tank with the latest technologies from Katinka has stabilized most of the fronts. They now had even more salvage and managed to capture a Union, two Vultures, and salvaged two Leopards.

This would bring a boon to the systems without a dedicated dropship as it took her and General Director Chen to negotiate with the planetary lords. They captured them to be given to the few systems without one. They were still in the process of compensating them for the loss, as Chen had promised to send a few of their ZBBC forces to the systems that lost them to help plant new Generators and train the militia.

Kamea absentmindedly petted Zeekdober's head as she thought about what to do next. There was a significant exodus from the Reach when the indictment happened, but all the systems stayed. The only people that left were those who trusted ComStar and the members of the Order. Still, several million people leaving the Coalition had its effects as several Jumpships and Dropships went with them.

"Lady Arano," Kamea heard her teacher speak up next to her. She took her hand away from Zeek's head and looked at Raju.

"It's almost time. I believe the next connection conversation will be between everyone in the Coalition and our allies about the truth of the ZBBC. Aether and her zoid partner are ready to reveal themselves, and the rest have sent the message that their preparation is done."

"Raju. Have all the security checks been done so that none of this will go past our system and the leaders watching?" Kamea asked as she remembered Alexander's advice yesterday over the Ziputer. She wasn't going to risk painting a giant target on Chen's back by revealing the existence of the Zoids to the rest of the Inner Sphere by mistake.

"We have done the best we could," Raju replied as he watched the media interview about how secure the new currency was and how they managed to get an exchange rate down with their allies. "We have a message from Protector Calderon about adding the Outerworld Alliance to the military and trade treaties."

She paused at the information, and even Zeekdober looked up from being petted to ask what was wrong. That was a decision between Chen and her to do as right now. Her Coalition was afloat because of the zoidian. The man knew that and requested that she and the Coalition start finding a way to become self-sufficient in case the ZBBC forces couldn't help or were too far away to reinforce them.

"I believe I will announce the contract for new military wear and remodels now before I speak about the release of Chen's and the zoid's history. The basics of them."

It would be best to send a quick message to Alexander if she should change the placement of her announcement for military and civilian development before discussing the Zoid and Battlemech Battle Commission's role in their economics.

She felt a light bump and looked at the culprit as his metal tongue was sticking out. Kamea felt a gentle nudge in her mind telling her it was okay and that Chen wouldn't mind. Just inform their allies before she went up.

"Lady Arano," Raju said. Sometimes Kamea wished her teacher could call her by name instead of title, but there were too eyes on them. "Your return to the stage is fast approaching. Any changes to the itinerary of this meeting must happen soon."

"Thank you, Raju, for the warning," Kamea responded as she quickly typed in the changes to send to all the Nobles of the Coalition, Protector Thomas, Magestrix Kyalla, and Director Chen. She could hear her name being called as she hit the send button. A few of the Council Lords in attendance were reaching for their Ziputer as she retook the stand with Zeekdober beside her this time.

She could hear several journalists' murmurs while some people seemed to be shifting for something at Zeek's appearance. She absentmindedly noticed several Royal Guardsmen positioning themselves near those who reacted in case they were more sleeper agents.

Kamea took a deep breath before speaking, "Thank you, Lord Arbelaez, for detailing the national currency starting next year." There were murmurs from the crowd, but they quickly quieted as she raised her hand for silence.

"I know everyone in our Coalition has suffered much during these past few months. From the betrayal of a few Founding Lords, our nearby trade partners like Highwater, and finally, the revealing of a great enemy within the ComStar upper echelons."

Kamea gave everyone a moment to digest her words as her memory of the past few months flashed through her mind. So much has been done from the time of her coronation to today.

Her nation had gone through a coup and won, attacked a formerly neutral (but evil) organization and was indicted for it, managed to bridge a treaty between the Concordat and Canopus, and finally boosted in all areas of life thanks to alien technology. All of this was thanks to a man who couldn't stand injustice and wanted a new home.

"The losses of our people from the raids and attacks for the security of our people have taken its toll. Yet, I stand here to announce that we will not fall again for the tricks or influences of those Great Houses or ComStar. We shall stand tall without them and show that we can improve beyond the old times of the Star League."

Kamea braced herself as many in the crowd loudly shouted out. Most were cheering her declaration, but her connection to Zeek showed that a few people were glaring at her. She mentally sent a message to her zoid to inform the nearby Royal Guards about those people. She was glad Chen had managed to teach her and Blue Wind how to talk to their partners mentally. It made it easy to send messages out when in public.

Still, Kamea allowed the crowd to calm down as she decided the future of the Coalition. "So I announce to all citizens, businesses, and military members a contest to see the best and bright inventions for the defense and growth of our nation. The Zoid and Battlemech Battle Commission has given us the right to access their libraries and knowledge to build our country into a truly independent power that can stand alongside our allies."

She paused as her words sank in. The confusion on some of the crowd's faces became excitement once they realized what she had said. "All planetary government buildings will have a station for everyone to participate in this commission."

There was a massive cheer, and this time everyone was involved. There were several Captains and Subalterns nearby who openly celebrated the idea. Kamea noticed Captain Honda and her force keeping themselves at attention for another attempt on her life. They had stopped seven already in the past week.

That was when she received a buzz from the Ziputer as a signal flared to life above a media member. It seemed like someone from the Coromodir Daily Times wanted to ask a question. She turned off the light and asked, "Sir? Your question?"

"Grant Baymax from CDT," The man said, pointing a pen at her partner. "This contest is to push our technical development beyond the Inner Sphere, yet it seems impossible to surpass the Star League level. Is the robotic dog next to you an example of our future development?"

Kamea had paused as that was not one of the questions given to the media. Still, she saw no harm in answering, "He is part of the reason we have the technology. More questions about him will be discussed in my second announcement."

Zeek gave a low growl that caused Kamea to glance at someone trying to sneak pasted the barricades but quickly ducked back into the crowd when they noticed everyone staring at them. A few regular security members chased after the person, but Kamea focused on the second message Zeek gave her in the growl. It was Chen's approval to allow winners to bond with a Zoid in a few years.

She made sure everyone's attention was back on her when she made this started the last agenda of the day. "My final announcement is the first in the Aurigan Coalition and would be the second for mankind."

She paused as her father once did when he was younger before he let her Uncle do most his the public announcements years ago. It seemed like it worked, as many people stared at her in anticipation. Kamea wanted to laugh, but she had to stay focused. She couldn't be the sheltered princess after she revealed this information. She had to be a leader that the Coalition would follow without obligation but that they wanted to.

"As I said earlier. The competition is open to all to submit virtual creation and testing designs. Any prototypes can be shown on the ZBBC network for all to observe but will be patient-locked to the corporation or individual who created them." The people were talking excitedly in the crowd.

She ignored the chatter as she finished her announcement and let Zeek, Blue's Garius, and Sofia's Gurantula stop pretending to be mechs or robot pets. They are living beings and deserve the right to live as they please.

She absentmindedly answered a few questions related to the competition as the detailed rules and laws written to protect the inventor/designer appeared. The headache from the Council Lords and her legal professionals had hammered this competition out. This way, everyone had equal rights to promote themselves without wasting their valuable resources as trade with outside nations were strained due to the down HPG network.

The ZBBC communications were acceptable within the Coalition but didn't work outside their country other than on Taurus and Canopus. This was only thanks to Chen going out of his way to seed several satellites between their nation for Kamea to have a direct line with those nation's leaders.

They would spread the network once a proper defense force was made for the satellites in hyperspace.

Kamea quickly threw those thoughts away as the list and recording of what would be done was finished. Usually, that wouldn't have played out like this, but the original plan was to throw confusion into Chen's history, technology, and zoids. Now it would be a nice segue into that topic.

"As you see," Kamea spoke loud and proud as the following announcement would start the new beginnings of the Coalition. "We have the technology and knowledge to bring ourselves to the levels of the Great House. Yet we shall only use this to defend ourselves and our allies. The reward for everyone's hard work is linked to my final announcement."

Kamea waited for the crowd to focus on her just as they had planned. The giant spider zoid was already coming out from its hiding spot, and Blue's partner marched loudly out from behind the stage. It was almost the standard height for its species before metamorphosing into another Tyrannosaurus zoid.

The holoscreen changed to play the documentary of Planet Zi.

"These mechs everyone has seen around the palace are not battlemechs, drones, or robots. They are an alien species known as Zoids and their Humanoid companion, the Zoidians."

There was a pause before chaos erupted in the crowd. Kamea shook her head as the Royal Guardsmen helped security stop it. She looked at her fellow leaders' faces as if they had a baffled appearance, except for Chen as he chuckled on his screen. She was not disappointed as Chen's data was sent out and played all over the Coalition.

———————————————-xxxxx
Location: Ward system, Ward VI, HPG station
Date: May 4, 3022, 18:00

Former Precentor Jas Tanner looked at the reports he had received from all the Aurigan Coalition's attacks on ComStar. He was given the leadership role over this whole situation despite only being an Adept and not part of ROM. He was shoved into this bunker area with survivors from the HPG sites within that damn Periphery nation.

"Precentor Tanner!" A voice from the back shouted. He recognized it as the only loyal survivor of the Coromodir HPG, Adept Stanford of their financial department. "We got a message from one of our last holdouts on Coromodir before it was destroyed!"

Tanner paused for a moment before looking at the frenzied man and replying, "Report everything they said."

Stanford did as he was ordered, and Tanner's eyes nearly popped from his head as the reports detailed how stable the Aurigan Coalition was despite the interdiction's damage. They had no working HPG station, yet they always kept in contact. They manage to broker a treaty between the other barbaric nations. There was a new single system nation acting as a mediator between the three countries.

The more Tanner read, the more he wished the First Circuit had responded sooner. The only ComStar staff who believed in the wild tales was Precentor Hies Bilaro, who supplied them with marked mercenary groups to send in raids to try and destroy the Aurigan Coalitions' communication network. The idea of a nation of that size being run without Blake's influence had scared Precentor Bilaro into action.

The last lines before the report were cut off, giving him chilis. Tanner looked at Stanford and asked, "Is this report at the end correct, and the Aurigans are producing new technologies?"

The crazed man nodded before replying, "They are getting help from those demons that attacked the HPG on Coromodir. Those beasts lure people into a false sense of unity before striking."

Tanner watched as Stanford began to rant about those 'demons' who ate the excellent pious members of their order. They lost Precentor Keona Sjardijn and Adept Delta VI Des Wallace. The former was to the blades of a sword-carrying dog mech. The latter had his head eaten by the dinosaur-shaped one through the armor of a particular unit that he didn't have clearance to know about.

Still, those drones were just robots following the sadistic whims of their creators. Once they managed to infiltrate the nation again, they would find the drone source and use it against the Aurigan Coalition.

"Adept Phi V Chris Stanford," Tanner said with authority in his voice. "You are to gather as many of the reports with our people to make a summarized version to be sent to Precentor Bilaro and a more detailed one to be carried directly to the First Circuit. We don't know enough about those 'demons,' but the message should convey the need for more support in the Aurigan Reach."

"I will, Precentor. Blessed be Blake," Stanford said before running off to gather their people. Tanner just wanted to rest as he looked at the information they managed to retrieve again and decided another action was needed. The Celestial Wisdom would be a good thing for the Aurigans to feel before Blake's Wrath take them all.

————————————————xxx
Location: Sian system, Sian II, Zi-Jen Cheng, The Celestial Palace
Date: June 4, 3022, 12:00

Chancellor Maximilian Liao glared at the reports in front of him. Two and a half battalions of the CCAF lost in raids against the Aurigan Coalition with minimum damage to those barbaric pirate nations.

Dozen of hired guns fail to report back or abandon their contract. The only one who managed to return was the Bullard's Armored Cavalry. Their report saved Colonel Richard Bullard from his gentle retirement at Death Commando's hands.

However, the information that there was either a mass drive station for defense or a Warship. He almost laughed at the latter thought until he saw the BattleROM of all three dropships. Now he had a hostile nation behind him with a Warship.

A knock on his door had him looking away from those reports to see his servants and guards checking who was at the door. A moment later, his second daughter walked in with a Mechwarrior he recognized from Warrior House Imarra.

"Daughter? Why have you come here today?" Maximillian asked. He had ordered all his children to focus on the defense of their borders and negotiation with the Free Worlds League and his hated rival Takashi Kurita. The loss of those units in the raids and several systems getting struck in retaliation by those Aurigans had made his enemies look at him as a target.

"Father," Romano replied and gave her a greeting. This was followed by the Warrior House Mechwarrior also giving his salute and reply of "Grand Chancellor."

"I bring you news of great importance. Sister's St. Ives Academy of Martial Science was raided by the Federated Suns, and one of those unique devices we gained was stolen. Warrior House Imarra and Ma-Tsu Kai forces stopped a second raid at Sian University."

Maximilian could feel his blood boil in anger but kept it from showing on his face. His main enemy had now obtained technology that would change the power dynamics of the Inner Sphere. However, he noticed his daughter waiting for him to react, so instead, he sipped the cup of lavender tea and motioned for her to continue the report.

"Father. I must also report that the stolen materials were rigged to self-destruct, but it is unknown if the failsafe worked." Romano finished with a hint of anger in her words. It seems Candace still remembered how to deal with a prototype. He would wait to see the results before he reacted.

"This report is interesting, yet what has your sister's response to the stolen devices?" He asked Romano as his mind raced on what to do about the rebuilt militiamech in Sian University. His scientists and mechtechs were busy studying the second group of these 'power connector ports' off the unusual mech.

"Is there anything else to report to me, Daughter?"

Maximilian noticed the slight shake in her body and knew she was trying to do something beyond her current ability in an attempt to impress him. Usually, he would allow it, but the recent losses from the failure to obtain the quad mechs from last year and the raids have made him more cautious of his heirs. A glance at the Warrior House Mechwarrior told him his thoughts were confirmed, as the man couldn't hide his reaction like his daughter.

Typically he could blame the failures on the commanders who led those raids. However, Romano was assigned to oversee the assault on those barbarians and the recovery of the quad mechs, but it had failed him. Then she tried to weaken the surprisingly strong foe. She mostly succeeded until the sudden loss of all their assault force three months ago.

His staring became a glare until Romano finally revealed what she was hiding. She pulled out a data card and said, "I received this on the front steps of Imarra's Stronghold. I had our agents check it, and it contains information about the Aurigans and how they became strong enough to batter our forces and create a treaty between them and the other Periphery nations."

Maximilian looked at the nearest servant and signaled him to retrieve it from his daughter. His agents, hidden in the room, brought a noteputer for him to check the contents.

After a moment, Maximilian felt overwhelming fear as more information reached his eyes. Such as the usual ability of the Warship to appear anywhere within forty-eight hours. Man-size mech suits with the ability to surround combat vehicles and battlemechs and tear them to shreds. Animal-shaped battlemechs with overwhelming firepower and speed.

He looked away from the noteputer and shouted to all the servants in the room, "I need agents for all our industrial forces. We must prepare ourselves for retaliation from any forces."

As all the servants in his room ran to complete his orders, Maximilian wondered if he should rush the alliance treaty between him and the Draconis Combine and Free Worlds League. After all, he was against three barbaric nations that somehow managed to threaten his power. The recent alliance between the Sun and Lyran might take advantage of his losses.

————————————————-xxx
Location: New Avalon system, New Avalon IV, New Avalon Institute of Science, The College of Engineering
Date: July 21, 3022, 14:00

Doctor Banzai and his team stared at the data they retrieved from the half-destroyed mech components and the remains of this frankenmech. It had arrived nearly as scrap, but they managed to disarm most of the traps. Most being the keyword as a few of his men got burned by the hidden infernal gel bomb. They would live, but it was annoying as one of the people who got burned was Professor Douglas Running-Elk.

He knew his fellow scholar and educator would love to see them actively participating and studying this discovery. So he had one of the interns on standby with a camera to record what they did as he stood in front of the cockpit. Well, the main one, not the second driver section on the vehicle portion. A few of their mechanics studied that to see how much control that part had over the movement.

Clearing his throat, he spoke directly to the camera. "This is Doctor Bartholomew Banzai of Team Banzai. The date is July twenty-first, thirty-twenty-two. The time is fourteen hundred hours." The doctor paused as he heard snicking from his people nearby.

He ignored it as he knew why they were. He usually wouldn't start any recording like that, but this was for his fellow scholar who was stuck in bed—enforced by their medic.

"This mech head belongs to a militiamech created in a Periphery nation that was taken by the Capellan and retrieved by the First Kestrel Grenadiers and First Kittery Borders in a joint raid when they received the intelligence of possible new technology. We are here to help study what they retrieved intact and how a nation not recognized by any of us managed to do this."

"Don't forget ComStar indictment of those Aurigans that's drawing everyone to them!" Someone shouted, which did cause Doctor Banzai to pause his speech and call back. "And how are they doing so far, then? I have only heard reports that they repeal all forces outside their boards except their allies. That includes the raid unit of Duke Jamie Lee Green's militia of the Bromhead system."

There was a chuckle from the mercenaries as they laughed about what the Wiley Coyotes had accidentally told them when they had stopped by Bromhead on their way back to New Avalon. Duke Green had lost a mixed training company of Scorpion Light tanks, APCs (wheeled), and a few Warrior attack helicopters led by a duo of Hetzer Assault guns.

They had tried sneaky by registering as mercenaries, only to get beat up in a system called Zangul. They were beaten by more advanced versions of the mech they had in front of them from the rumors. The other tales were that the primary planet's city was rebuilt with cutting-edge technology. He wished he could go there, but they had to study what they had first.

Clearing his throat again, Doctor Banzai spoke to the cameraman. "As I was saying, this militiamech is slightly overbuilt for its role. These universal connectors allow nearly any weapon to be mounted in the area so long as it doesn't overburden the hover unit. There is an Urbanmech-like ability to rotate a full three sixty degrees around the point of connection between the vehicle and mech portion. It also has a very unusual driving and shooting setup." Two of his mechtechs popped out from the cockpits, both of them, and gave a wave to the camera.

"This mech allows anyone to pilot without a neurohelmet. It also seems to have no gyro, which should lower its cost but give it a massive risk on high-speed turns. The hover unit is powered by an unknown engine model that gives it a theoretical max speed of one hundred and sixty-two kilometers per hour. This is based on the weight of the mech recorded within the damaged computer system." Banzai then pointed at a browning, almost mud-like consistency.

"This was the fuel of that unknown engine, and most of it is currently at the College of Chemistry as it has an extraordinary energy potential, yet this mech only had half a ton and was used multiple times by the Capellans for their experiment, just like us. However, only a slight amount of fuel was used before it started aging out of usability. I wished we got our hands on this militiamech earlier." Banzai muttered the last sentence before realizing the camera might have recorded it. He would get a copy of the Chemistry department's reading on the liquid later.

"Well, onto its weapons," He said without pause. The mechtechs and astechs in the room lifted two twenty-tube missile launchers. "These weapons were located on the left and right torso of this Gespenst."

The doctor gestured to his people on the carne controls. They slowly moved the weapon into the air and rotated it to reveal no loading mechanism. Banzai continued. "Based on the design of the missile launchers, we have found that it was only meant to hold one salvo each for a massive single strike against enemy forces. Normally this would not be worth anything as most combat personnel would seek cover or get out of this mech's line of sight. However, based on its speed being as fast as a Locust and the gunner not having to focus on moving, they could destroy most light and some medium battlemechs with a good strike on the backside. It is primitive as there is no guidance system inside this launcher. It could be that it was damaged and removed before we retrieved the mech, but I doubt that."

Doctor Banzai paused and signaled for a glass of water. He knew one of his assistants or teammates would have some on hand. After taking a sip from Tommy's flask, he continued speaking. "I can see militia garrison switching out some of their short and long-range launchers for these to reduce ammo explosions and increase armor so long as they have other weapons. I can see it being used on many standard scout mechs to destroy enemies with a single salvo. I must check the heat generation from this for…." Everyone could feel themselves sighing at the sight of the man muttering about damage to heat generation, but no one could understand at speed.

"Bartholomew!" The doctor heard his second in command, Tommy, shout. "Stay on the topic so Douglas can study while still in bed."

The doctor paused and coughed in his hand before gesturing to the techs and the mech's remains.

"There is a quartet of lasers in the classification of 'small' based on power output located throughout the mech—two in the side torsos, one in the center, and one in the head. I believe these lasers are meant to capitalize on the damage done by the rocket launchers."

Doctor Banzai then moved over to where its single arm was located. The other arm wasn't a part of the mech when it arrived at this college.

"Based on the arm and the mechanics inside it. All of it is industrial grade. They all match what is inside a Sitwell's Powerman. More specifically, an X version is typically found in the Periphery. A legal team has been informed to see if such a thing is allowed through licensing. This is mainly to see if militarizing this militiamech with more standard battlemech grade armor and weapons. However, this 'Power Connector Port' built inside this mech must belong to those Aurigans."

He then gestured to a nearby person, who happened to be Mechwarrior Rawhide, for a noteputer he was looking at. Doctor Banzai had given it to the man to make an educated guess on what could be done with the mech.

"The creators of this militiamech also gave a list of gunpod weapons that could be used alongside standard weapons. Thanks to the power connector port that extends to the palm of the mech's hand, they require no extra heat sinks for energy weapons as the heat is transferred back into the mech. Normally, a gunpod made with a Martell laser would require three heat sinks and armor for self-containment and would not be included as part of its total weight. Also, such extra equipment would normally cause targeting issues with this fifty-ton militiamech. However, with this revolutionary tech, you only need to armor the weapon and connect it properly to the connector. It will not count to the fully equipped mech weight nor slow it down while having the ability to swap weapons quickly."

Doctor Banzai paused to catch his breath as he wanted to keep going over this amazing tech that some backwater nation produced. He was planning to talk with the dean and their liaison about allowing his people to go to the Aurigan Coalition as a merchant or research mission. He wanted to purchase more of this mech to study it as a whole instead of damaged, stolen parts.

The was a loud bang from someone dropping something into the mech's remains. A shout of "Sorry" from the Astech before a Mechtech grabbed the man to yell at him away from the cameras. However, it did draw their attention to the point where something poked up. An antenna for communication?

The mechtech that was inside the cockpit suddenly popped out and shouted. "Doctor Banzai! The targeting system we have been trying to access is finally online. Also, the BattleRom for this mech is now visible, and we can review the data here."

There was a pause before Doctor Banzai turned to the cameraman and the crowd of students that suddenly appeared. "I believe our study will be cut a bit short. Onward to the classroom and get me this data up there. We will review it all there!"

The engineering hanger turned into chaos within seconds as everyone rushed to the most extensive lecture room to see this. What was odd about the crowd inside the room was the number of students from other colleges, military officers, and what seemed to be a noble that Banzai didn't recognize.

It didn't matter anymore as the BattleRom played on screen with another projector showing the design data of the militiamech. The schematics that appeared were only enough to repair the mech, but still, it was informative on how the parts connected.

————————————————-xxx
Location: Taurus system, Taurus IV, Protector Thomas Calderon's private suite.
Date: August 30, 3022, 15:15

Thomas Calderon wondered how, in his thirty-eight years of life, his desire to protect his people and nation had changed with the passing months. He thought about the little spat in that merchant nation he hastily recognized months ago. Now it was a boon to the defense of his country.

The number of mechs created from the former High Lord's gift had supported the military. His recent alliance with Outworlds Alliance for more aerospace trainers now bored fruit thanks to the Aurigan. However, the good news came with the bad, as the nemesis of the Federated Suns and their partnership with the Lyran Commonwealth would bring war. He could see that on the walls.

The future-connected super nation had almost caused him to make questionable choices. He nearly accepted a deal with another government about selling a few Pontiac 50 autocannons for the right to a developing combat vehicle. A contract with those oddballs would hurt his standings with the Aurigans if he accepted it. He had almost done so months ago but held off after former High Lord Arano's gift.

His thoughts turned to his young daughter and the universe that had just changed from the information in May and confirmed by the intelligence department and his son. Aliens! All the things he thought his children would meet in their life would have been just the invasion of the damn Suns. Instead, they would meet extraterrestrial life that could easily take over any nation, based on the reports. At least they wanted to play as a neutral party, but so did the Star League before they ruined his people's ability to advance centuries ago.

He was still reeling from the hastily formed alliance between them and the Magistracy of Canopus. It was odd as they somehow agreed to it despite their mutual raids against each other over the centuries. Still, he had a greater enemy that he still had to dislodge out of the Taurian Concordat before they caused them any more damage.

He stared at the Taurian Ministry of Intelligence reports and his son's information from his secret visit to the Katinka system. The said man stood next to him as they looked over what TMI had sent them. He had a choice that could protect his people or doom them all if the intelligence ever leaked. The only people who knew about this information were in this room or station in the Aurigan Coalition as part of the embassy staff.

"Son," Thomas said with his exhaustion audible. "Are you sure about what you learned from Duke Chili of Katinka and those people you talked with?"

"Yes, Father," Edward, his only son, replied. "The Zoid and Battlemech Battle Commission is not just an organization founded by a humanoid alien and his biomechanical animals. The organization owns the only working warship-like ship in the entire Inner Sphere. They also have living terraforming abilities in the form of these trees I managed to take a photo of."

His son pulled out several photos from the folder he was holding. They looked like the kind used by tourists. Thomas stared at the oddly shaped tree with a mix of colors brown, blue, green, and pink, of all things. The unique fuel that it produces and the revolutionary engine for combat vehicles. He would have wanted some for his worlds so they could begin the production of powerful combat vehicles to support their defenses. Yet, it could also solve another issue he had.

The Far Lookers would love this thing, but there was a caveat to getting one for free. Someone in the Taurian Concordat would have to bond with an alien. He could feel the heaviness in his breast pocket, which held a small pocket watch. One he received from General Director Chen through their current ambassador, Ashton Pendelton, and the odd battlemech. He would deal with the headache after he finished reading.

Thomas looked away from the photo and read the TMI report on those exoskeletons and the modules he received from former High Lord Arano. "Edward. Did you see any of those 'battle armor' at Katinka? And while we are at that, are you ready for your mother? She mad that you went off without telling anyone."

Edward gave a weak chuckle as he knew he was in trouble. But with a smile on his face, he replied, "Father. I'm glad you and Mother are worried about me taking off. I will talk with mother today after I get done telling you everything I saw. Oh, I did bring something back besides those photos during my trip to the Aurigan Coalition. I asked my guards to keep it in the APC below."

Thomas paused for a moment, thinking what the object his son might have brought back and if it could help against the damn Suns. He quickly threw those thoughts in the back of his mind as he replied. "Does it have anything to do with the reports I got from Director Beilas?" Thomas handed the document. Edward quickly read the report and was several pages in. That bought a smile to Thomas's face as his son took on a studious look.

Despite his son only being seventeen, Edward matured fast due to his family name and the stress of his future position as ruler of Ishtar. His son might even rule over a few more systems at how well he already had the Ishtar population listening to him. There were talks about letting him govern several other systems as they required new planetary governors after their previous leaders were found on corruption charges, died out, or went bankrupt.

"Yes, the information I received and discovered on Katinka is related to most of the report. I talked with the chief mechtech of their planetary defense force. He let me in on a few abilities of the modules, thinking I was a contestant in their call for new designs." Edward pulled out a folded piece of paper from his breast pocket.

Thomas grabbed the piece of paper and read the contents. He reread the handwritten information repeatedly as he realized his son had discovered a gold mine.

"Son. What did you do while there? I raised you long enough to know you're hiding something."

Edward chuckled lightly before straightening up and asking, "May I ask one of my bodyguards outside to step in?"

Thomas took only a second to think about whom his bodyguards were and which ones were standing outside. He wanted to groan at how impulsive his son was when he snuck off to the Aurigan Coalition. Most of his security were recently graduated mechwarriors and soldiers from École Militaire.

"Yes, Cornet Upton. She can come in." Thomas walked to his desk, pushed the intercom button, and gave the order to let the young Baroness in. She was the only one with ranking in their society, and no one would mind her being in this meeting. Within seconds the double doors to his office opened, and two security members entered to secure the entrance. Then they allowed the junior officer to enter before exiting.

Thomas watched the small size woman, who was barely five feet tall and appeared to be a librarian and then a soldier. Still, watching her snap to attention with a salute was enough to tell him the graduates this year may be worth investing in.

"At ease, Cornet. My son asked for you to come in before he would answer me. So," Thomas looked at his son and the young Mechwarrior. "What is so important that she had to be here? Are you blessing me with a grandson already?"

Thomas silently laughed at the two's reaction and reminded himself to thank his doctor. He was right, and the stress does go away with some jokes. The red face of both young adults had relieved the tension building up. Although Thomas did secretly wish it wasn't a joke. It would be a relief to have the central Caldron family expanding before the next succession war.

"Father!" Edward sputtered before coughing in his hand to settle his stuttering. "Don't embarrass Whit- I mean Miss Upton with those jokes. We have much more important matters for her to show you."

The female bodyguard spoke up shyly. "Ed, I mean sir. I believe we should Protector Caldron see the holovid."

Thomas's organic eye glanced to see the woman trying to hide behind her red hair. It seems Cornet Upton had developed a crush on his son despite the five-year difference. He had to get the story after he got his last joke out. He hadn't been so relieved in so long.

"Oh, so you two are on first-name bases already? It was only a couple of months since you went to Katinka with your hastily formed group." The ruler of the Taurian Concordat said before waving his hand. "I'm sorry for the jokes. It is just a relief that you returned safe and sound… and with all the members of your group."

It was a surprise despite the treaty between the Taurian Concordat and Aurigan Coalition. The latter was under constant attack that even Commodore Ostergaard had asked for reinforcement to keep suspected Sun's mercenary forces from invading their shared border. At least the troops deployed there were getting replacement battlemechs and arms from the locals until another batch of reinforcement came from the Coalition or the ZBBC.

If things went well, his forces under Commodore Ostergaard would become one of their elite units when they returned in a few years.

"All right, Son, Cornet. Let's see the holovid. It has better be important enough for you to sneak over to Aurigan space without letting me inform them." Thomas said as he made sure his cybernetic eye was ready.

"Yes, sir!" "Yes, Father."

Instead of going to the holotable in his office, Edward surprised him by retrieving a Ziputer out of his coat. It was the same model he had received from his ambassador months ago. It was surprising to see another one in Taurian space as only ten existed here, with a majority being with Commodore Ostergaard and his forces.

He sat in his chair as Edward and Upton set up the holoprojector mode on the Ziputer and selected a file to play.

The first thrills of excitement and fear as the first video showed the destruction of an ancient mountain by a ship bursting out from under it. So many questions ran into his head: How did that thing lift? There were no visible thrusters to push it vertically, nor did the shape of the warship give any hints. What type of weapons it had? That was answered when the video switched to a multi-color hellscape as translucent and weird tentacle monsters appeared.

Thomas watched from the point of view of a dropship using those odd battlemechs, combat vehicles, and aerospace fighters to fight against smaller creatures. The warship's cannons blasted giant, building-size monsters could be seen from the recorder's view.

Thomas glanced at his son before noticing Upton was still choosing another file to play. So he asked, "What else did you two discover while there?"

The infectious smile on his son's face made him slightly giddy inside. It was an odd feeling.

"Well, Father," Edward said as the holoprojector started up again with battle armor in mid-combat. "I wanted to show you the present in action. We received data on producing our own without their unique power source. However, I believe you would enjoy watching the battle armor's combat action against pirates."

Thomas watched the holovideo and began forming plans on how to use this to improve the Taurian Defense Force. The information he had dismissed before was coming back to him and now seeing a team of four battle armor ripping apart a Vedette tank was more than enough.

However, one nagging question was in the back of Thomas's mind. How did the Cornet get a Ziputer? Those were highly restricted to outsiders, with only himself and Director Beilas the only ones in Taurian Space gifted them.

————————————————-xx?
Location: Canopus system, Canopus IV, Crimson, Magestrix palace
Date: August 30, 3022, 20:30

Magestrix Kyalla Centrella wanted to sigh in her hands again at the headache caused by the Aurigan Coalition and this new organization. What was it again? Some knockoff Solaris games organization that wants to pretend to be ComStar in neutrality and communication? However, she couldn't, as the meeting with several top military personnel, business leaders, and scholars needed her full attention.

Kyalla remembered the report her cousin, Ana Maria, had sent detailed information about the 'alien' race and the hypothesis on how their medical technology worked. Weapon and those 'zoids' data were already sent to the MAF researchers to see if it was worth investing in or to wait for the Aurigans to study and develop enough to trade for. The main danger to the Magistracy is those 'stasis healing chambers' and the leader of the ZBBC, Michael Chen.

"Ma'am," Kyalla looked at the speaker. It was one of their few professors in medical science. Next to her were two of their most skilled doctors who taught the few schools they had for using MASH units.

"I have our final estimate based on what little we managed to retrieve from this 'Stasis Healing Chamber,' We have high hopes of it assisting our medical technology. There is a great chance that this equipment will fill in key components lost during the fall of the Star League. We might even be able to recreate the Status Tubes lostech."

Kyalla had to force herself not to smile as the woman in front of her continued praising and explaining the alien tech's limitations. One of her worries was gone, and now it seemed to be honest. Her nation would still be the only one with proper Star League medical technology and would be making headway in future ones. She mentally made a list of requirements to send to the Aurigan Coalition to help their university study this tech.

Maybe seduce some of them to come back to Canopus? If not that, then at least get some of them to become teachers here.

"Thank you for the report, Baroness Griffin. You may start recruiting students to be sent to our allies in the Aurigan Coalition to cross-study their medical knowledge and to bring back any knowledge they are willing to give out. Head out now and contact Sherry. She will allocate the funds for travel and payment for our students."

"By your leave, Magestrix." Baroness Griffin replied before heading out with the two doctors. With them gone, Kyalla was left with the military and business leaders.

She could tell it was going to be another request to find a way to join the Aurigan-wide call for arms. She already had a contract with Kamea Arano about producing more Pike support vehicles to be sold under a joint banner…after persuading Canopus Industries Alpha to allow it. In return, they received factory parts to build mechs should a design come through their designers' minds.

It would have been headache-inducing as the CEOs of Majesty Metals and Manufacturing, and Canopus Industries Alpha were politely glaring at each other but not openly fighting due to the rest of the attendees. Most of the Crimson Council were in attendance to execute her will, with only two not here as they governed the systems during this meeting.

"Admiral," Kyalla decided to start with the military side since her agents had already informed her of their backroom dealing with the manufacturers here. The other information was related to their trade agreements with neighboring nations. "What is our situation since our most recent alliance and trade deals with the Aurigan Coalition and Taurian Concordat?"

The admiral stood from her chair and made her report. "Magestrix. Thanks to the alliance between the Bulls and us." The woman's face twitched briefly before settling on a calm look. "We had a few companies of combat units and two lances of battlemechs retire from our arm service and went mercenaries. Luckily, I managed to convince them to take a contract with the Lothian League as shipments of metal ores have lowered due to pirate attacks and raids from Marian Hegemony."

Kyalla watched as the woman glanced back at her noteputer with a grimace. She had a feeling about what was about to come next.

"The raids from the Free World League have increased due to our delay in accepting the ComGuard that ComStar revealed to protect their HPG network. However, they have lessened since we accepted the security forces, and the Aurigans openly annexed Highwater and destroyed the HPG there." There were frowns visible on all members of this meeting. It was a surprise that ComStar had temporarily indicted them for taking time to think about their announcement.

They weren't the only ones, but when word of the Aurigan Coalition attack on the HPG and destruction of them, most nations immediately accepted, with only the Taurians and them hesitating.

The Bulls had accepted before they could be hit with the temporary interdiction. Canopus was hit with a temporary one that lasted one month. It was a month of hell as the Free World League and Capellans switched their raids from the Aurigans to them. It was Kamea herself begging that Canopus accept the ComGuard to prevent them from being struck too harshly and allow the Aurigan Coalition and ZBBC to take the brunt of the attacks.

The young rulers of the Coalition and the Director of the ZBBC were foolish but did save them from the heavier raids as the MAF mobilized to defend the boards. Kyalla hated that they were indebted to the Aurigans and ZBBC as they had received a regiment's worth of battlemechs and combat vehicles.

Sure they mainly were Urbanmechs and those militiamech hybrids, but the few mediums boosted their forces significantly. All free of cost as the MAF's mercenaries forces assisted in protecting the Aurigans several times over the months.

Kyalla believed that Kamea was a dreamer, as who gives a regiment's worth of battlemechs and combat vehicles as a thank you? That was hundreds of millions of C-bills as a gift for helping them.

"Any other reports needing my attention, Admiral?" Kyalla asked smoothly as she watched everyone's reactions. It seems some people in the room still weren't in the know about the betrayal of ComStar despite the fact her agents found this out from the Aurigan's databanks when they accessed them. It took a couple of months after finding the information to search their HPG with the best MIM agents to verify that report.

Kyalla almost wanted to set up a meeting to assassinate Precentor Emiliar Grinn until her agents revealed that she hadn't done anything of note against the Magistracy. She made sure the few MIM agents kept an eye on the Precentor just in case the orders to step in should ComStar massively turn against them.

"Yes, Ma'am," The Admiral replied before turning to the section that held the representatives of manufacturers and the mercenary liaison for the Aurigan Reach, Amalia Cortez. They seemed ready to speak up, but Miss Cortez stood up from her seat as she put away one of the few Ziputers as the Admiral continued. "Miss Cortez shall report the new bylaws that ComStar has set up that could affect both our forces and dealing with the Zoid and Battlemech Battle Commission."

"Thank you, Admiral Zaske," Cortez replied while Kyalla waited. It seems her agents hadn't been informed of what Amalia knew yet. "Magestrix, I must say that our alliance with the Aurigan Coalition and ZBBC has brought us much military and industrial power due to our trade with them."

Then the woman sighed before continuing, "However, the Mercenary Review Board has recently issued a massive bounty for anyone part of the latter forces. There is currently a five million C-bill contract for General Director Chen's head, and I'm afraid some of our mercenaries might try and cash in on it."

The mood in the room turned for the worst CEO of Canopus Industries Alpha looked murderous at the information. Why wouldn't he be furious? It was General Director Chen who gave them the factory parts. It seemed that he would speak out of turn when Cortez continued speaking.

"So far, I have redirected any of our contracted mercenaries from the MRB away from the area where ZBBC forces have come to train our militia in Aurigan combined arms tactics. However, I received a message that one of the Captains of the Blitz Regiment would be arriving here to receive their ambassador personally. Lady Melody Cirillo."

There were mummers from those in attendance. Kyalla knew why, as Lady Melody Cirillo of House Cirillo had abandoned the Magistracy decades ago but was dragged back by her MIM agents. She was under house arrest for the rest of her life until the woman's daughter became a member of the Blitz Company.

She still remembered signing off on using Cirillo as an informant by allowing the woman to contact her children and husband. It took time, but it came back and gave them tremendous insight into what was happening in the Aurigan Coalition.

A new Lord that became the leader of a new organization and nation. That revelation had her ordering the agents in Aurigan space to try and make contact before Kamea's and Chen's forces attacked ComStar. Now she had to release Melody from her house arrest to be an ambassador at the request of General Director Chen. It annoyed her, but she kept that to herself. Kyalla knew the man's personality based on their psych profile and would receive something of value if she did it without asking for anything.

"How long until that ZBBC Captain arrives?" Kyalla asked as she kept her temper in check. She didn't like this surprise. Kyalla hoped to see what her industrial leaders had planned with the military. Not this.

Amalia quickly replied. "In about two hours, Magestrix. They are personally coming with the Zoid known as Moby Dick. I only received this message just a few minutes ago."

The realization seemed to spread around the room as Admiral Zaske reached for her communicator and began shouting orders. Hopefully, their defense forces were alert but did not attack the incoming ship when it arrived. The CEOs and representatives of industrial and military businesses seemed extremely excited or panicked as they weren't ready for the arrival of the ZBBC primary warship. The pleasure section of this council stayed calm as they treated their new guest like they always would, as a customer.

"Any other reports before we dismiss to prepare for the ZBBC arrival!" Kyalla finally shouted, her annoyance at this surprise reaching her limit.

It was the COO of Majesty Metals and Manufacturing, a Gavin Priest-McDonogh, if Kyalla remembers correctly, who spoke up as his CEO talking with other military businesses. "Magesitrix," He said as he stood tall and willing to take the bunt of attention from the Crimson Council and herself. "I come with a request to trade or discuss with the ZBBC about access to their research on unique weaponry to increase our defensive power against our enemies."

He lifted the noteputer in his hands to show the image of a battlemech. "We know they want access to unlicensed battlemechs, combat vehicles, and fighters. We have managed to obtain an old obsolete battlemech. One my family had salvaged centuries ago but kept in due to its reputation. I offer the Trooper, the predecessor of the Flea."

An aide to the Canopus Industrial Alpha walked up to Gavin and handed him another noteputer. "The CIA has pulled out some recovered old Terran Alliance-era conventional fighters we found and claimed under salvage right yesterday. They wish to add this to our offer." The man then looked to Admiral Zaske. "The MAF was going to offer one Ironside they recovered from a counter raid against the Free Worlds League."

There was a slight pause as Kyalla thought about this request. The profile her agents sent showed that Gavin's request on behalf of the industrial and military complexes would be accepted, but what were the chances they would lose out on studying the old Star League-era aerospace fighter?

The Trooper was of no consequence as even the few Mechwarriors who piloted the Flea considered them death traps. Chen might even convince his private university on his ship to make a good scout mech. Maybe make one better than a Locust. She heard how new models of Urbanmech and Swordsman were made by the Aurigans that have pushed back the experience forces of the CAF.

"I shall approve of this request if you answer me," Kyalla demanded Gavin as the chatter died. "Does the Ironside have lostech on board for them to study?"

Gavin paused and glanced at the noteputer. He then shook his head and replied, "The only lostech would be its ancient targeting system, which is slightly better than our Dragonflies. The double heat sinks were replaced with single ones that are unusable as it was meant for the museum."

She was disappointed at that comment but kept that to herself. The chance of having double heat sinks to use as a barging chip with other nations was lost, but this could still provide her country with new opportunities.

"I approve of your plan, but Admiral Zaske shall oversee it and," She glanced around for the one member of the Crimson Council who served in the MAF. "Councilwoman Jackie Elliot. If you think it would help increase our chances of accessing the schools and technology of the ZBBC, offer a few Bluehawk. They are a recent addition to our forces and could provide new insight into the nation's defense."

"I shall, Magestrix," Gavin replied as he walked to his CEO, who congratulated him for stepping up to the plate. It was good to see men do something other than being a waste of space. Her slight smile faded as one of her agents appeared and quickly walked up to her with the sign for an urgent message.

"Miss Cortez," Kyalla said solemnly, bringing everyone's attention to her again. "Bring Lady Cirillo here now. The ZBBC warship just arrived, and we have less than an hour before they arrive at the spaceport."

The wide eyes of the mercenary liaison, who checked the Ziputer on her and paled, quickly ran out of the room. Admiral Zaske began shouting again into her communicator for the aerospace forces and anti-dropship weapons not to fire on the giant five-kilometer-long ship.

Kyalla thought about her daughter and the psychological report on Chen. It might work, as Hanse Davion will supposedly wed Melissa Steiner if the data from the MIM agents in the Federated Suns and Lyran Commonwealth is correct. The FedCom Accords would bring a nation that could suppress any country alone, so joining the alliance with this rival, the Taurians, and 'ally,' the Aurigans, was a great plan. Even if that failed and the man wasn't a creature of desire. It would give her family a chance at the zoid cores to study how such aliens existed.

——-Two hours later——-

Kyalla sat on her throne, waiting for the ZBBC representative to show up. She kept confidence around her as the holoprojector showed the group of ten getting closer. They were escorted by the most elite of her special forces to fish for information by the few plain clothes members sent to act as government agents.

Still watching four of the ZBBC members in that power armor, Knights from the reports, walk through her halls was exciting and fear-inducing. When Kamea had sent the data on how Knights were built as part of their alliance, the young ruler had sent a demonstration video and two Aurigan power armor users to help introduce the suit to her people.

It was informative and highlighted that this power armor could easily wipe out the escort and most of her security force. Luckily, those Knights had turned over their primary weapons before the escort team allowed them in, except the four standard infantry members, as they were acting as bodyguards. While they were allies, the politics of not allowing a guard their weapon would cause issues, even here on Canopus.

Kyalla glanced at the reason they had come. Admiral Zaske gave the person in question directions about the request from her military side. Lady Melody Cirillo nodded and agreed to everything the Admiral said.

So one part of the plan was done. However, her council outright vetoed Kyalla's thoughts on political marriage. They had been told that the man in question was almost as old as Canopus if the history they managed to retrieve from ZBBC representatives was correct. So that method was out the window until they could figure out a way to get him under her banner if things went wrong.

Still, General Director Chen chose Lady Cirillo to be ZBBC's direct ambassador by name for a reason she considered odd. The only relationship her agent could find was that Chen was friends with the woman's husband and employed the only child as a Mechwarrior. She couldn't find anything on the woman, Farida Lamb, after the Aurigan Coalition blackout and how her agents kept getting caught and sent back unless they were part of the embassy staff.

She watched the formerly imprisoned noble rock back and forth on her heels, telling Kyalla she knew something else was about to happen. So the Magestrix turned her attention back to the holoscreen as the group neared her throne room.

She did notice the leading Knight having a pack on their back. Maybe a gift for coming here? Most outsiders tried something of the sort to increase their chances of being with her. Perhaps she should see Chen directly next time the leaders of all four groups meet at New Year.

Her thoughts were interrupted as the guards by the doors announced the arrival of their guests. Kyalla signaled to let them in but stuck close to the ZBBC bodyguards. The man she hired as a herald for this occasion began speaking. It was mainly for a show of power and prestige.

"Introducing Captain Apex of the ZBBC's First Iguan Company," her herald announced as the leading Knight stepped forward with a salute similar to that of the Capellan Confederation. A fist in an open palm. The three other power armor users did the same while their bodyguards stood behind them with her security force.

"Welcome to Canopus," Kyalla greeted them while seated. The four Knights stood at attention as the leader stepped forward and revealed the unique design on the chest plate. It was the sigil for the ZBBC, but there was a second one below it with a lizard on it. A handle of a vibro-shovel was on the person's waist.

Kyalla mentally noted everything as she continued, "I am surprised you came so quickly. I believed you would arrive next month, so our ambassador had more time to train in her new position."

Captain Apex raised their hand and replied. "Our leader permitted us to retrieve the ambassador soon as possible and in person. This is mainly because we are hiding the coordinates of Planet Zi. General Director Chen does have a message for you."

There was a slight stillness in the air before the 'pack' on the back of Captain Apex hit the ground and stood up. It wasn't a gift but one of those zoids clinging to the back of the Knight.

A voice spoke out from the small one-meter-tall creature. "I believe she can do well without such training as we check her history and know Lady Cirillo has the experience needed for our fledgling organization. Captain Apex and her company shall represent the ZBBC's interest here."

Kyalla was annoyed that General Director Chen dared to speak through a zoid instead of coming personally when the small mech continued. "I apologize for not being in person and sounding tired. I am still in my new home world, helping my people settle in our new homes. Since I feel that such an insult might have settled, Captain Apex has the right to do what she pleases to ease any tension between us."

The lizard-like alien went silent and stood next to Captain Apex, who was now patting the top of its head.

"Magestrix Kyalla," The smooth feminine voice of Captain Apex echoes throughout the chamber. "I believe we have things to discuss for the betterment of our nations. Should we continue our meeting here in the open, or shall we move this to a secure location that does not have listening devices here?"

The leader of the Magistracy of Canopus could feel a headache building as she gestured for her people to back off and stood to talk with this Captain Apex.

What she missed was the smile on Melody Cirillo's face as the discussion went to the meeting room of the Crimson Council. She never noticed that one of the members of the ZBBC was talking to her. Nor did anyone see the tears coming from Melody's eyes as she replied to the person in a whisper.

Dragonblade001 · Nov 1, 2022

As usual. After posting a chapter here a TRO to give some information on what is to come as well as hints to the future.

Code:

UrbanMech UM-R62 AC

Mass: 30 tons
Chassis: Tibolt -U
Power Plant: 90 Zi FE
Cruising Speed: 32.4 kph
Maximum Speed: 54 kph
Jump Jets: Pitban 6000
     Jump Capacity: 60 meters
Armor: Rio Tinto H100
Armament:
     2 Medium Laser
     2 Machine Gun
     1 AC/2
Manufacturer: Fjadr defense
     Primary Factory: Fjadr 
Communication System: Dalban Interact
Targeting & Tracking System: Dalban Urban
Introduction Year: 3025
Tech Rating/Availability: D/X-X-F-E
Cost: 1,495,650 C-bills

Overview
This mech was redesigned during the Aurigan Coalition's call for new military designs to prove they did not need the Inner Sphere to defend themselves. 
The system of Fjadr answered the call with their redesign of an Urbanmech after asking for a week-long loan on several mech designs.

Capabilities
A 30-ton battlemech was once ridiculed for its slowness. 
This variant ups the engine to a 90 Zi Fusion engine. 
It keeps its low and stocky form while increasing its speed to a maximum of 54 km/hr. 
It is protected by 7 tons of Fwan heavy industrial armor. 
It replaces its ballistic weapon with a 40 mm Whirlwind-L autocannon with 2 tons of ammo. 
Adds two Defiance B3M lasers on its left arm and torso. 
It uses modified Vedette turret parts to install two Bulldog miniguns with half a ton of ammo for anti-infantry work.

Deployment
It saw its first combat testing alongside the Aurigan Coalition's attack on a small pirate band while being observed by the ZBBC. 
By the end of it, with help from commanders, it shows its worth alongside many successful new or redesigned models.

History
This mech was redesigned during the nationwide call for new military designs to prove they did not need the Inner Sphere to defend themselves. 
It was called out for being a redesigned Urbanmech; however, it proved its worth alongside the new Protectors.

Type: UrbanMech
Technology Base: Inner Sphere (Experimental) 
Tonnage: 30
Battle Value: 572

Equipment                                          Mass
Internal Structure                                    3
Engine                        90 Fusion               3
    Walking MP: 3
    Running MP: 5
    Jumping MP: 2
Heat Sink                     10                      0
Gyro                                                  1
Cockpit                                               3
Armor Factor (Heavy Industrial)105                     7

                          Internal   Armor   
                          Structure  Value   
     Head                    3         9     
     Center Torso            10        15    
     Center Torso (rear)               5     
     R/L Torso               7         11    
     R/L Torso (rear)                  3     
     R/L Arm                 5         10    
     R/L Leg                 7         14    


Right Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm
Left Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm

Weapons
and Ammo                      Location  Critical   Heat    Tonnage    
2 Jump Jet                       CT        2        -       1.0   
3 Heat Sink                      RT        3        -       3.0   
BattleMech Turret                RT        1        -       0.0   
2 Machine Gun                    RT        2        0       1.0   
Half Machine Gun Ammo (100)      RT        1        -       0.5   
Medium Laser                     LA        1        3       1.0   
3 Heat Sink                      LT        3        -       3.0   
Medium Laser                     LT        1        3       1.0   
Heat Sink                        HD        1        -       1.0   
AC/2 Ammo (90)                   RA        2        -       2.0   
AC/2                             RA        1        1       6.0   
    
Features the following design quirks: Extended Torso Twist, Narrow/Low Profile, No/Minimal Arms

Note from Chief Mechtech of Katinka: What the hell is someone trying to modify one of that battlemech of all things? I know Chen loves them but they aren't worth it...Wait! What? Did they use the modules to produce the custom fusion engine to fit in it? Oh, they are using power adaptors instead of power connection ports to save on cost. Oh, they Fjadr native who came up with it was due to the freaking amount of those walking tanks that are made every week. Well, I guess it will get my seal of approve depending on the mission.

stads · Nov 2, 2022

nice updated chappy
flows nice with various event

Dragonblade001 · Nov 2, 2022

Introducing the Aurigan Coalitions' main 'new' Dropship

Code:

DroST IIIB Transport 3025
Type: Military Aerodyne
Mass: 5,300 tons
Use: Combine Arm Carrier
Technology Base: Inner Sphere (Standard) 
Introduced: 3025
Mass: 5,300
Battle Value: 8,667
Tech Rating/Availability: D/X-E-D-D
Cost: 445,942,800 C-bills

Dimensions
    Length: 77
    Width: 80
    Height: 31

Fuel: 325 tons (9,750)
Safe Thrust: 5
Maximum Thrust: 8
Heat Sinks: 277
Structural Integrity: 16

Armor
    Nose: 276
    Sides: 232/232
    Aft: 188

Cargo
    Bay 1:  Small Craft (2)         2 Doors   
    Bay 2:  Cargo (150.5 tons)      1 Door    
    Bay 3:  Mech (4)                1 Door    
    Bay 4:  Light Vehicle (4)       1 Door    
    Bay 5:  Fighter (2)             1 Door    
    Bay 6:  Infantry (Mech. Squad) (80)1 Door    
    Bay 7:  Cargo (20.0 tons)       1 Door    

Ammunition:
    160 rounds of AC/10 ammunition (16 tons), 
    156 rounds of LRM 20 ammunition (26 tons)

Escape Pods: 1
Life Boats: 2
Crew:  5 officers, 9 enlisted/non-rated, 12 gunners, 112 bay personnel, 10 passengers        

Notes: Mounts 54 tons of standard aerospace armor.

Weapons:                    Capital Attack Values (Standard)
Arc (Heat)              Heat  SRV     MRV     LRV     ERV   Class       
Nose (77 Heat)
4 LRM 20                24   5(48)   5(48)   5(48)    0(0)  LRM         
    LRM 20 Ammo (72 shots)
3 AC/10                  9   3(30)   3(30)    0(0)    0(0)  AC          
    AC/10 Ammo (60 shots)
4 Medium Laser          44   5(52)   3(32)    0(0)    0(0)  Laser       
    4 Large Laser
RW/LW (55 Heat)
3 LRM 20                18   4(36)   4(36)   4(36)    0(0)  LRM         
    LRM 20 Ammo (42 shots)
3 AC/10                  9   3(30)   3(30)    0(0)    0(0)  AC          
    AC/10 Ammo (50 shots)
4 Medium Laser          28   4(36)   2(16)    0(0)    0(0)  Laser       
    2 Large Laser
Aft (28 Heat)
4 Medium Laser          28   4(36)   2(16)    0(0)    0(0)  Laser       
    2 Large Laser
    
Capabilities:
A dedicated dropship for Combine Arms combated made from old Star League designs. 
It kept its set of weapons from the original design but dropped some fuel and its original bay for new ones. 
It now has a mech bay for a lance. A light vehicle bay for up to 200 tons. A standard 300-ton ASF bay. 
An infantry bay for up to 80 tons and an extra 20-ton cargo bay with its original. 
Weapon systems had not been changed from their original 2470 variant, but many qualities of life changes have been done.

History:
The blueprints were 'found' during 'salvaging' ComStar's databanks the Panzyr system. 
It was determined that this dropship's flaws could be fixed to become a new primary dropship for the Aurigan Coalition. 
Thanks to the ZBBC's help, it became a ship the Aurigan Coalition could be proud of.

Dragonblade001 · Nov 2, 2022

stads said:
nice updated chappy
flows nice with various event

Thank you for the feedback. Well back to writing once I get off work.

Dragonblade001 · Nov 8, 2022

Woods' Third Experiment: SRM Brave missile type…also damn those fanatics - Canon

-------------------------------------

Location: Katinka, Granite Woods' Testing Field

Date: July 4, 3024, 07:00

Subaltern Johnathan Woods sighed again as he watched his new security mechs move into position. The lance of newly made Protector, fresh from Mechdur Armory, was purchased by Duke Chili for him to work on. His lord and the governor of Mechdur agreed they would get several of these new militiamechs in return for rights to the Zi-LRM and current ZI-SRM weapons. So now he was promoted to Subaltern and given the rank of Baron. It's an odd life as he was already in his late sixties, and now he was a noble and officer.

"Hey, you two fools," He shouted at the two new hires working on his newly made zoid tech short-range missile launchers. "Get over there, or you will be labeled as spies." His word was punctuated as a squad of Knights with two Tercio stepped into view. The battle armors had their weapons at the ready since the last time a new hire was somewhere they weren't supposed to be. John got a new scar next to his gut and a hole in the wall of his old testing grounds.

He kept an eye on the two Astechs as the group of battle armor escorted them to the hold for questioning. He heard footsteps behind him but recognized them, so he called out. "Commander Rose. Glance, you came back from your mission from Girondas. How were the recolonization efforts going over there?"

John turned around to see the heavily armored ZBBC personnel standing not far from him. However, he knew she was flustered and could still catch her sneaking around as he did back when he hired the girl's father. "So, Taylor Anne Rose. What brought you here today?"

She crossed her arms before replying, "I'm on a mission that Vice-Director Markham sent me for. It is to deliver another prototype Brave Cannons for your direct studies." John watched as she typed in a few keys on the Ziputer. A ding from his own had him checking his. As he read the message, he noticed Taylor's partner crawling behind her.

"I see," He replied as he looked at where Taylor had come from. He could see Lisa and her kid on top of the trailer with a large cloth over the object. The two down there waved at him, which he returned before heading inside his tower as he focused on the ZBBC Commander in front of him.

"I'm surprised Markham sent you guys here on a milk run. I thought your contract between the Taurians and us would have you stationed on Girondas for a while."

The young woman leaned against the railing of his observation tower before replying. "It's because of those damn experiments we did with you that almost everyone in the ZBBC 'knows' we are the best troubleshooters for experimental weapons." She sighed and calmed down a bit before continuing. "So Brian is off with his sister to get some new launchers for the Wolfpack while Rachel is off to help recreate the Shepherd mech again."

John chuckled at her huffing and puffing. He thought she said something starting with a T but found himself staring at her hardened hazel eyes. "What is your experiment with these Brave cannons? I only just got my hands on my own set for our service, yet now there are ten of them here for you."

John pointed at the Zi-SRMs below. Their nickname had stuck like some glue despite the annoyance of General Director Chen. John shook that stray thought out of his head as he responded, "It's to see if the ammo within the Brave cannons could be recreated to be used in those missiles. If it works, we could shoot missiles that hit slightly above their weight class or even better. I'll call them Brave missiles to mess with Chen and honor Lina's partner."

He watched Taylor sigh before scratching the top of Molga's head. Her partner seemed to like it and quickly laid its body over her feet. That was when Taylor spoke, "So those Wolfpack members helping out here?"

John paused for a moment before replying, "Yeah. However, only their Alpha group's leader, Leslie Gruber, is working with the battlemech today. The rest of her group is still on manual labor and guard duty. Their culture demanded that of them." John wanted to spit on the ground in disgust but held back as the baby Molga crawled on the floor around them.

Taylor looked disgusted as well since everyone in the ZBBC and those like him knew about the true origins of the Wolfpack mercenary company and their parent group, the Wolf's Dragoons.

"Are you sure they should be testing your new weapon? Shouldn't my team get a crack at it?" Taylor said, and John took that as her standard sign of worry.

"Na, you and the other will observe them and keep any spies out of my workplace." The Chief mechtech of Katinka noticed the two Undertakers' Wolfpack battlemechs passing by on patrol with two Katinka Third Swords Toro following as support. Near them were a few battlemech transport trucks bringing remote-controlled mechs for testing.

"Well," John said as he turned his attention to the transport crews unloading the defective drone mechs for target practice. He kept his binoculars on them as the last time he didn't cost Brook his Roughneck's autocannon and a week's bed rest. "They are on the short list of people I can trust now. Brook and his company are on patrol with only the green Third Swords. You are here now, so that's a relief. Oh, and your father and his people. However, those people setting up our targets? They are unknowns, and I'm not risking Danny and the others.."

The tumps of a mech walking drew John's attention to the Talos with several Zi-SRMs equipped. "Hold on a moment there, Tay," John said as he raised his Ziputer to speak into the microphone.

"Mechwarrior Gruber, did your mechtechs manage to install the new brave ammo?"

"Aff, Subaltern Wood," the female warrior below responded. "My people installed them from the one you disassembled two months ago. We have two tons of Brave missiles for this test, Subaltern."

John glanced at Taylor next to him before speaking into the Ziputer. "Then Mechwarrior. Prepare to fire on the targets coming out from target building A in two minutes. Make sure you fire only one volley from each of those launchers. I need to record the amount of armor remaining after each launch. Captain Weaver of the ZBBC's Undertakers will be observing."

Taylor looked down at the battlemech below, her Molga on her shoulder watching too. John knew what she was doing by letting her zoid partner be visible. It seems like there were many among Gruber's group that disliked them and had expressed their opinions of the biomechanical aliens. However, the leader of the Undertaker would not get the reaction she was hoping to provoke.

"Affirmative. Moving to the testing ground now." The Talos below shifted slightly before moving entirely into the testing ground. John chucked as Taylor seemed to relax as the battlemech ignored them and went back to focusing on the incoming targets.

"Not what you expected?" John asked as the data came in as a Powerman went up in flames.

"Not at all. From those guys earlier, I thought this Mechwarrior would be the same," Taylor replied as she looked through her Ziputer. A gasp slipped her lips before she stared out at the testing field.

"Those damn new missiles you got are doing at least twice the damage now."

John quickly ran over the data and noticed the calculation made for how much armor each missile removed. "Well, that's okay, but I wanted closer to three times."

This time a chuckle from behind the two of them, causing both to jump and turn around. "Dad?" Taylor nearly shouted while John just rubbed his forehead. "Danny. Why didn't you say anything before coming up here?"

"I wanted to surprise my daughter," the bald man said as he shifted his glasses. "I see that you are doing well, Little Owl."

"Thanks, Dad. I'm doing well. I came to drop off these weapons Mister John asked for." The woman said as more explosions sounded in the distance. Then there was a sudden shaking as another one happened… one of the Protectors went up in flames as its lancemate fired on the militiamech exposed back.

"Everyone get down!" Taylor shouted as the other two non-hostile mechs turned on the betrayer to battle. They fired their triple one-shot rocket launcher pods at the enemy mech, but it dodged behind the main building before a barrage of LRM from it and outside struck the two. They stood tall and tanked the fire, but John knew better. If any traitor got a bead on them, they would die.

"Subaltern Woods," Came the voice of Mechwarrior Gruber. "What is the situation over there?" The sounds of battle came through the Ziputer, telling the mechtech that she was engaged in combat. John glanced to see members of his security team and Mechdur fighting against some unknowns. The two Tercio and four Knights confronted the Stinger in battle. That bug mech was one of the two mechs that escorted the convoy that held the four Protectors. The other one joined the turncoat and fought the two militiamech still on their side.

"We are under attack from some turncoat! Finish with your battle and," John paused as he heard Taylor's orders to her people. "Link up with the Undertakers on their way from Haven. They managed to hear about the bastards and were on their way already."

The sounds of gunfire reached the steps and had John reaching for his hidden auto pistol when he heard the sound of metal on flesh. The mechtech turned to see the Molga digging into a man in standard infantry armor while the sounds of a laser went off. Taylor stood beside her partner, firing the concealable laser rifles Mk I at the attackers below. Her father had thrown something down with an explosion a second later.

"AHHHHH," A voice sounded through a speaker as the enemy Protector went down in flames. Two Urbanmech in the experimental hangar shot the traitorous militiamech in the back. Both light mechs had experimental rifles and a set of medium-grade lasers. They had caught the Protector off guard during its battle against its former allies.

The two remaining militiamech turned to face the enemy Wolverine. Outnumbered, the Mechwarrior of that battlemech realized the danger with his partner still being held up by the battle armor unit. It shot out a flare and fired an alpha strike at a Protector, who barely managed to get its shield up to block most of the damage.

The Stinger broke off the attacking battle armor and began running with the Wolverine. The Bug mech fired its lasers at his hanger and the warehouse storing the experimental tech. Both energy weapons missed, but it had John shouting into his coms. "Defend the warehouse and get rid of that damn bu— I mean light mech!"

He could feel the stare of the zoid behind him and had to switch what he was going to say. Still, he got beside both the Roses and fired his auto pistols at the few remaining assailants downstairs.

"Wolfpack," John screamed into his Ziputer. "You have permission to go all out of these attackers to prove you have the honor to stand among the best of the ZBBC. Knights and Tericos units are now unlocked for you to use."

The only word that came out of his Ziputer was dozens of "Aff."

A sudden burst of gunfire came from the hangar, and more squads of enemy combatants died in a hail of bullets and lasers. John pulled his attention away from that firefight as more data appeared in his glasses.

He quickly moved to cover as the rest of his facility staff began to join the fight, and the sounds of the battle began to fade. John decided to review the data he received, and within a minute, he could feel himself laughing.

"What so funny?" Taylor called out as she and her zoid walked to his position. The Chief Mechtech had noticed the blood on Molga's mandible. The sight made him wonder how close those traitors got to them.

John looked at the woman who had given Talos a chance with a smile on his face. "I got enough data for the Brave missile type. We can start production once I finish up the touches on the launchers. It will work wonders against those Capellan armor vehicles when they try their luck again."

He then looked over the railing at the carnage below and sighed. "But first," he said to Taylor, "I'll be releasing the Wolfpack Alpha group from the bondcord for Warrior and technical, they need to head back to planet Zi to finish their last one of Bond."

The surprised look on the young woman's face almost had John chuckling.

"They already proven their worth?" Taylor asked as she remembered when the Wolfpack was assigned here almost two years ago. "They have been here since I formed the Undertakers. So you need us to take them back to Planet Zi?"

John thought about it for a moment before a beep from Taylor's comms drew his attention. The woman answered it, and within a few seconds, her face showed surprise.

Taylor hug up her comms and turned to head down the stairs. As she was leaving, she called back. "Well, it seems like I have to. Rachel just said a little guest of mine likes that Mechwarrior."

John only stared at her and her father, standing by the stairs, before her comment made sense.

The Mechtech smiled and muttered to himself, "Well, it seems like there is now a second one of them. I wonder what kind she got?"

Whelp this could be worse (Battletech x Zoid SI)

Choose a name for a new medium militiamech

Cyclone (SV)

Achilles (SB)

Gespenst (SB)