AN: Well, here is the final part, and now time to start on chapter 8. Man world building and chain effects take so much time.
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Interlude 7, part 4 (RD)
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Location: HD-438297 pirate jump point, Unknown, Jake's Cavaliers Leopard.
Date: June 20, 3024, 10:00
Commander Jake Mason sighed into his good hand. He averaged his father and the rest of the Cavaliers against Black Inferno and the ComStar agents helping them. Yet, Jake didn't feel much relief from doing so. He glanced into the hangar area to see what was left of his company. They were down to a few operative mechs and tons of salvage. However, only a few people were left to pilot them.
His father's Nightstar and his old Centurion were the only things fully operational with him and his oldest Mechwarrior as pilots. The other two, Victor and Warhammer, had been waiting for someone to use it for a few months.
A knock on his door drew his attention. He glanced at the clock and realized it was time for their final meeting as a mercenary unit. The door opened to reveal a tired-looking blond woman in armor.
"Commander. Are you ready?" She asked with worry in her voice. This was odd to hear from her despite all they had been through. He guessed it was the fact they couldn't just restart again with their new classification by the MRB.
"I'm coming, Ryana. Is everyone ready for this?" He asked as he stood up and gave his armor a quick check over. Other than the sling for his right arm and the cast on his left leg. Everything else looked fine.
Ryana had already backed into the tactical deck, where several Cavaliers waited for his arrival. He watched Leon and Dimitri taking his flank once he stood at the center of the meeting. Jake glanced around to see Cornelius' comms active, yet the man himself wasn't there. He must have been still in medical. Jake saw Louise talking with one of their few remaining infantrymen. A glance around told him that was all that was left. Five of their twelve-strong Mechwarrior company were left.
"Thank you for gathering here," Jake said as he noticed Leon and Dimitri give a slight nod while Louise stopped her conversation. A green light flashed from the comms, which indicated Cornelius was listening. "When you signed up with my command, I told everyone why we formed. To take revenge for Nik's Cavaliers' destruction by Black Inferno and rebuild."
There were some mutters of acknowledgment and some cheer from the older crew members who were part of the original Cavaliers. However, Jake caught Louise staring out where a few Mechwarriors and recruits once slept. Those people left after they defeated Kenzo Yamata and ComStar's military forces. It was because of their recent classification.
He took a deep breath before continuing, "As you noticed. We won and destroyed Black Inferno and found out their backers. Backers that we can't win a war against. We lost several more people during this journey and even now." He typed in the keys to show the notice he had received. It was from the MRB and the announcement of their bounty and classification as outlaws. It would go into effect should Jake not be captured and turned in within a week.
"We lost some of our reputations in the eyes of the Inner Sphere and will be labeled as pirates soon. So I offer everyone this," He looked at everyone to see how things seemed. They all stood tall and without fear as he continued. "I am willing to give you your severance pay now and ask Spears to hire everyone as part of Interstellar Expeditions for protection. Maybe get you guys your own command so no one will be hunting you down. Just me."
His statement brought commotion fast. Many got up, yelling that they wouldn't leave him to die alone. A few seem to struggle with his offer.
"Now that just taking things too far, Commander," Fahad shouted as the team of mechtechs and astech seemed to argue. "We are with you thick and thin, my boy. Just give them bounty hunters' scapes to us." The maintenance crew stopped arguing and nodded at their chief's statement. He received the same call of loyalty from his troopers. Most stood tall as they survived the fall the first time. They believed in him enough to survive this second one.
So Jake glanced at the first Mechwarrior he recruited, Leon Freeman, who just spoke up, "Sir. Without you saving my ass back on Brookeland Prime. I would be dead with the rest of my lancemates. I told you I would stick with you on your crusade to end the tyranny of the Black Inferno, and I'm sticking with you even now."
A few people muttered in agreement as Dimitri Shenzeng stood up to speak. Absentmindedly Jake notice Ryana speaking to a comms.
"Commander," Dimitri spoke solemnly. "I shall follow you where ever you go. Despite the low rewards, you saved my life and those of my men years ago. My life debt will not end with you being hunted down like some dog." This brought a change within some of those seemly contemplating accepting his offer.
Static blast through one of the computer terminals, the one for Cornelius's comms. "Hell, I stick around this time, boy. Your father and I might have differences, but you are a good lad. I don't mind sticking with you until you find a decent hiding place." Others began saying the same thing and offered to stay with him until he could find a good life somewhere.
"Commander!" Ryana spoke up before Louise could speak. "Spears on the line with an offer to get us somewhere safe. I'll bring him up on the holotable." Her word brought everyone's attention to the holotable.
The holoprojector's emitters turned on and showed Spears from the deck of his Jumpship. "Ryana. Jake. Fahad…" Sebastian Spears then looked around and noticed the number of people in attendance. "And the Cavaliers. I found a quicker way to decode the memory core and save everyone here. Have you heard of the Aurigan Reach area?"
Jake jerked as a memory hit him of a mission to rescue Dimitri. They had released a lot more than Capellan mechwarriors captured by those pirates. They had already saved a group of mechtechs and ex-exoskeleton gladiators. Those people wanted the next jumpship to the Aurigan Reach. What were their names again?
Luckily for him, Fahad snapped his fingers and said, "Aye. It's the place those fellas from Kramer's Parts and Machinery. You guys remember them, right?" He turned to the maintenance crew, and they all nodded in response. Not just them, but the infantry also agreed with them.
It clicked, and Jake remembered the suit those people left with them as thanks for saving them. Those people said they were heading to the Aurigan Reach that demanded exoskeletons be reforged into combat units. He still used it on his off time to relax and feel helpful when they repaired mechs between contracts.
"Oh," Spear replied in interest. "You know of Dean John Kramer of the Mech Haven University?" That caused everyone around Jake to start chattering about the people they had once rescued. However, the title was what caught his and Ryana's attention.
"He a Dean!" Jake slipped out in surprise. The looks on everyone who met Kramer and his crew had a look of surprise. "When did this happen, and how did you come by this information, Spears?"
The hologram man gave a wide grin as he replied. "I contacted a member in my organization who ventured to the area after ComStar interdicted it. She went there to investigate how much destruction was wrought by their actions and determine if the rumors were true. She completed her goals and found a flourishing nation that beat off all invaders despite its small size and army."
Spears's image was replaced with a star chart. His voice continued, "Not only did Interstellar Expedition find out why ComStar interdicted this space, but we also found out how this small region of space fought back."
Two sigils replaced the star chart. One was a symbol of a gold Terran Seahorse on a red shield, while the other was a diamond with the words 'ZBBC' blazed across the middle. It is designed with an exciting style to it. Above those words was a Terran whale with a wolf head on the bottom. Underneath it, all was a bright green reef.
"The former represent the leading nation in the area, the Aurigan Coalition." Spears continued. "The second is a small independent nation that somehow brokered peace between them and the Magistracy of Canopus and the Taurian Concordat. This Alliance distracted ComStar's forces long enough for us to decode your father's coordination and find Kenzo Yamata. Some advanced mathematics my fellow Explorer managed to get her hands on allowed us to find your father's cache."
Jake felt surprised, but he really shouldn't have. It was usually quick how fast they managed to rebuild in the nine years since the destruction of his former unit. They went through a lot together while fighting Black Inferno and then ComStar.
Thank Spears and his ability to decode the data after their fight on HD-276914 led them to Kenzo and his Annihilator. They ended that corrupt Precentor and his operation in the Perhperhy.
"Wasn't those nations the reason for the unusually high bounty on members of the ZBBC? They are classified as a pirate organization just like the Aurigans are considered a bunch of independent systems," Ryana asked as she folded her arms. "How did that two nations develop such advanced mathematics that it helped the Interstellar Expedition decode Nik's data?"
She waited a moment for Spears to respond before something clicked in her mind. "Did your member there find out how far the corruption of Kenzo went in ComStar?"
Spears's image returned to the projector, "Yes, Ryana. Everything is connected so let me explain the high points of Explorer." He paused before checking something off-screen. "Jessie found in the Aurigan Coalition and how it will save you all."
The symbol for the ZBBC appeared next to Spears's head as he spoke. "The ZBBC from Explorer Jessie's report is a mixture of the Mercenary Review Board and Solaris VII game worlds. They keep the peace between the Grand Alliance and control a new communication system. It is also the source of new technologies and the group that discovered ComStar's goals."
At the mention of new technology, Jake saw Fahad jittering in place as Ryana physically kept their Chief Mechtech from cutting in. They needed to hear everything before they made a decision.
The symbol for ComStar appeared on the other side of Spears. "The leader of the ZBBC, which full name is the Zoids and Battlemech Battle Commission, originally started as a mercenary company called 'Blitz's Team.' They were led by the current General Director, Michael Chen, into a good company like you did, Jake."
Spears's image was then replaced by a BattleRom playback. It was odd as it seemed like a mech at the height of a Commando yet had the weapon display of a medium mech. Additionally, the sensor displaying its armor integrity seemed off.
"Director Chen created three new mechs within a year of starting his mercenary company, according to patents filed in the Aurigan Reach. During their unveiling, they stopped a coup and exposed ComStar's dirty laundry to the entire Aurigan Coalition. Comstar is a lot eviler than we thought.
Jake watched the BattleRom as a screen appeared on it with a young woman speaking out about the crimes that ComStar had done throughout the years in the Reach. All sorts of incriminating evidence and all just within that area. It was a cold realization that Kenzo wasn't just a one-time incident of someone going mad with power. ComStar didn't have someone just going crazy, but indeed were fanatics that wanted to rule. Like another Succession House.
Jake glanced around to see the same look on everyone's face. He could see the despair and knew what he had to ask Spears. A glance at Ryana to see if she silently agreed with his assessment was confirmed with a slight nod.
Jake looked at Spears's hologram and mustered everything into his following few words. "Spears. How fast can you get us to the Aurigan Coalition?"
The next few hours went by quickly, but they managed to contact all their dependents and other mercenary units they had allied with. They would all meet up in the Aurigan Coalition to protect themselves from the horrors of ComStar and the Inner Sphere.
Hours later, Jake realized he had never asked what Zoids meant.
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Location: Cahokia system, Cahokia IV, Achernar Battlemech Cahokia division, (Redacted) designer (status: exiled from New Avalon).
Date: July 25, 3024, 23:00
The Former Chief Designer sighed as her crew finished inspecting the newest Dig King produced from this factory. She hated that they were exiled here for trying to push new mech designed based on their Industrialmechs. Still, they worked well enough to stay employed by Achernar.
"Boss," An Astech shouted at her from the catwalk. "The customers are here for the Dig King." The man paused before calling, "You also got a parcel from someone that just came in too."
She looked around and ensured her noteputer was opened on the mech's checklist. It took a few minutes to review all the documents for purchase. The fact that this was a rush order from Interstellar Expeditions wasn't what made her confused. It was the parcel that was going around. She heard the rumors from her contact at HQ that several other military companies had received them. She was surprised that one came here instead of New Avalon to that bastard.
"Inform Miss," She glanced at the receiver's name. "Jessie, I will meet them personally to deliver the contract and request from HQ."
The Astech nodded and rushed off to the loading dock. She could see an outline of an ST-46 outside, waiting for the product. A quick review of the security cameras showed they were waiting outside with the loading crew. Moreover, they have a mercenary escort group with them—an odd bunch wearing weird medieval armor.
A spike of fear had run through her, thinking Countess Rodina Achernar had sent them to stop her attempts to use company scraps. She quickly dismissed it as they would use something other than an independent group like Interstellar Expedition. But, just in case, she waved over a security guard she recognized.
"Yes, Ma'am?" The man said while standing at attention.
"Please grab a few members off-duty and ask them to guard the children's play area. Just in case someone is planning something." She waited for him to confirm her request with a nod before she gave him a salute.
The guard walked to the workers' daycare while calling on the comms.
With that taken care of, she walked off to the loading dock. A few guards meet up with her on the way.
She arrived just before the mercenaries moved the Dig King onto a mech hauler. One of the factory loaders saw her and called out. "Boss, they have all the paperwork done here. They were waiting for you to finish their second job delivering this panel."
There was a pause as the security guards next to her received the package and scanned them for any hints of poison, explosive materials, or live/dead organisms. She ensured that there were at least ten meters between them and the rest of their factory workers. The mercenaries who handed the parcel over just stood in place.
A few minutes passed before the two security members gave the green light to open the parcel. She didn't want to seem like an ass to Interstellar Expedition or these mercenaries, so she opened it right then. She was surprised to see it was a noteputer.
"Passcode *******," One of those mercenaries suddenly said aloud. It was one of them knightly-looking ones who spoke. Whatever that language or code was, it activated the noteputer in her hands to reveal schematics.
She ignored the commotion between the security detail and the mercenaries as she reviewed the schematics. It was like the drawings her son made from the LoaderKing. When she finished reading the noteputer, the Sun was setting. It was a cold realization that most of her security detail was tied up for their sudden aggression.
"Sorry about detaining your people," The same mercenary replied from behind the line of tied-up security guards. "However, the orders from the General Director are clear. How was the information on the noteputer? Our leader wishes to offer you a great deal if you accept."
She smiled before replying, "Let's discuss this in my office. Can you release my people?"
That night she hugged her son tightly as plans were drawn up to get the production lines created. She loves this remodeled mech to become the next heavy mech for the Federated Suns but having her own factory sound much better. The only thing left was to make a deal with the bastard who forced her out here and created a future for her child.
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Location: Connaught system, Connaught III, Kong Interstellar Corporation, Main Office Date: August 4, 3024, 10:00
"Sir Phillipousis!" An old man looked up to see his attendant bursting into the room. "We received the parcel that our Ostmann rep informed us about. The security division has already cleared the package and will bring it here soon."
The current CEO of King Interstellar slowly rose from his desk. He waited for this day after his friends and spies in the other corporations mentioned it.
He heard how Diplan' Mechyard refused and even tried to detain the couriers, only to have their forces rebuffed. As a result, they suddenly lost their remaining ability to produce replacement parts for the Mongoose for a while, allowing other companies to sell light mechs to the DCMS.
On the other hand, Defiance Industry revived their old Sentinel lines and factories after sending enough materials and personnel to the Aurigan Reach. He hoped this parcel would allow them to begin producing battlemechs again.
The door to his office opened again as his chief of Security and the Ostmann rep, Natasha Kimberly, walked in. The two officers behind them closed the door and began securing it. The delivery person wasn't with them and made him feel something was wrong.
"Welcome, Selaj," He nodded to his chief of Security. "Miss Kimberly. I'm surprised that the deliveryman didn't come with you two." His voice turned stern as he asked. "Where are they?"
He could see them shiver at his question, but Selaj seemed to steel himself and responded. "Sir. They left already and said they would wait for a response on their drop ship." The man looked at his wrist noteputer and read something off its holoprojector before continuing. They are taking heavier steps to protect their people. The representatives of Johnston Industries had mercenaries to try and capture their people on Addicks."
Phillipousis wanted to yell at those fools in the Federated Suns but couldn't fault them. The bounty on those people from the "Zoid and Battlemech Battle Commission" was very tempting. The CEO might have tried bounty hunting to save his company. However, he would not since he received news that those people were willing to help industries recover for their expertise and a branch in the Aurigan Reach.
"That is reasonable, but how will they hear our response in time? ComStar still censors those people whenever they are in a system not interdicted by them." That was a surprise that the organization and the small Periphery nation they were attached to survived these years of interdiction.
It was Natasha who spoke up. "Based on what my CEO replied. They are good enough to sneak a parcel onto Terra, except the noteputer was destroyed when my company refused because you had the rights to the Ostsol on paper. So I suggest accepting somehow on that package."
He thought about what Natasha said and realized what she hinted at. Someone on Terra was using legal loopholes to allow what was left of Ostmann Industries to begin making profits again through them. However, that also meant someone pressured them to refuse ZBBC's offer.
"I see," he replied as he opened the parcel with an FWL-style noteputer sliding out. It immediately turned on and projected a holoscreen. It revealed a person in a Terran medieval-style armor with modern weapons attached.
"Hello, Jerome Phillipousis," The armored figure said, which was a surprise since most people called him by his last name. "I am General Director Michael Chen of the Zoid and Battlemech Battle Commission. I sent this message as a liaison for my nation and the Aurigan Coalition for cooperation on bringing old designs back from the dead. Please respond yes or no to continue."
Jerome didn't hesitate and responded with, "Yes." Mentally he noted what the hologram had said. He then turned to Selaj and ordered, "Get my son Ryan here. He should watch this interaction."
The man saluted and rushed out the door as the message on the holoprojector continued. "Response heard. I will continue with this contract here." A mass of text appeared on the screen before the voice continued. "I mean willing to give you some time to contact your legal team if you need to. If not, say continue."
A member of Security stood at attention near the door and looked ready for an order. Jerome liked how the man was waiting for his order, so he entertained him by saying, "You. Go get someone from legal here now!"
The guard quickly ran out of the room to complete his orders. While waiting for them to show up, he and Natasha reviewed what was on the contract. It was straightforward, but it would be best for the legal teams to comb over any hidden details.
The door opened, and Jerome saw his son and the head of the Legal division walk in. Quick greetings were given as they all reviewed the contract with a fresh pair of eyes.
After a few hours of reviewing, Ryan spoke up. "Father. We should accept this contract. We can finally start producing battlemechs and our Harvester Ant with it. The only cost would be licensing out the Black Knight and Ostsol and setting up a facility in the system of Rockwell."
Jerome agreed with his son but waited for the head of Legal to respond. Instead, the bespectacled man looked away from the contract and finally said his piece. "This thing is perfect for us, but there is a condition here."
After the location agreement was stated, the man enhanced the zoom onto a line in the contact. The sentence said that a new mech line must be created within twenty years before further assistance from the ZBBC and Aurigan Coalition would be given.
"I am also afraid that moving there might cause an issue with our staff and the local laws of those people. We need a full article of those from the system in question and the Aurigan Coalition." The lawyer sighed before continuing. "While this seems like an easy win for us, there are sections here and here that require inspectors to visit the new branch for labor and safety violations. In addition, we would be allowing a foreign power directly dictate how we should run a new mech factory. Not even the Free Worlds League Parliament dictated our actions when we did repair and service for all nations."
"I am fine with those agreements," Jerome said as his thoughts went to whom he would send. "We are used to how we run things here but having a branch in that space will be a great boon. No one will realize where our new battlemechs will come from, so they will be protected thanks to ComStar's interdiction in the Aurigan Reach. Moreover, it won't interfere with our government policies, as they aren't actively at war with us."
His lawyer paused before sagging into himself while Ryan seemed ready to volunteer for the chance. Jerome felt it was best to cut off that idea before it took hold.
"I'll be sending several trusted members of our staff there. Ryan," His son looked at him with hopeful eyes. "You will be staying beside me during the period. I want you ready to take over if something goes wrong."
He was surprised by how well his son hid his disappointment at the decision. However, he would not risk his heir for this venture. He had a spar that could do it instead.
"Let us finish this review and contact these people," Jerome stated as he turned back to the noteputer and the frozen hologram. "Continue."
The hologram continued as it began to list the advantages of moving to restricted space. Jerome could feel his surprise as the man even pointed out the hidden points his lawyer found. Finally, the recording mentioned how they could be negotiated if they came in person or sent a representative.
This went on for so long that lunch and dinner were canceled as more and more people were invited to the CEO's office for the most significant decision of their company.
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Location: Oliver system, Oliver I, Brigadier Corporation, Main Office
Date: October 8, 3024, 16:30
"Play that video again," A commanding voice orders. A technician manning the holotable complied, causing the holoprojector to freeze before rewinding its images. When it stopped, the light projection displayed several unique quadmechs. From the recording angle, it was from someone with a personal camera.
The technician looked at the man who ordered him to replay this damn recording several times today. It would not have been enjoyable if the battlemechs displayed didn't intrigue all mechtechs and engineers with their smooth locomotion. Instead, they all watched as the four wolf-like battlemechs quickly surrounded a pirate mech, a Hunchback. Those mechs ran circles around that juggernaut while firing their turreted weapons.
The pirate's autocannon fired its killer shots. Yet, they failed to connect as those four quadmechs dodged the bullet with unnatural grace. In return, they slowly atomize medium mech with laser fire before smoke fills the screen. Only the flash of green lasers lashing out in the haze could be seen.
When the smoke cleared, the wrecked remain of the pirate mech was left with four unscratched quads howling around it. The recording follows the mechs as they run out of the small settlement area and into the forest nearby until the cameraman loses visuals.
There were no calls for replaying the recording again as the projector turned off. Finally, the lights in the office turned on to reveal several business people with a few gruff-looking mectechs mixed in. What was odd was the number of physical papers in everyone's hands as they scribbled information down.
"Everyone, I want your opinions on those battlemechs," The demanding voice from earlier spoke. Everyone turned to see the former CEO as he sat next to the current one. Despite being retired, Doctor David Harrison the Fourth still greatly influenced the company.
Everyone burst into loud indecipherable chatter that ended when Doctor Harrison slammed his metal fist into the table. "Since you are all acting like schoolchildren. Let me rephrase my question. What is your opinion on how smooth their locomotion is, and what might cause it?"
This time the chatter was between the dozen of people here. It took several minutes before a mechtech stood up. The conversations stopped as everyone watched the man and what he had to say.
"Doctor Harrison," The young mechtech spoke with uncertainty. "I believe those four quadmechs move smoothly because of those white armored mechanical parts." He gestured for the nearby monitor and tech to replay the video. The second the recording began, the young mechtech shouted, "Pause. Right there." He pointed near the base of the mech's feet.
His comment caused even Doctor Harrison to move and look at the parts he mentioned. At first, someone said it was just an aesthetic design until the video played again. The piece in question moved so quickly that it seemed not to be moving. It took a few minutes before it became visible due to a tiny bit of discoloring after the smoke fight.
"So it has an exposed target making it vulnerable but make up for it in the smoothness and speed," Another member of the group mutter, and the others agree with her.
"Yet, those weaknesses allowed their mechwarriors to fire their weapons at that Hunchback accurately." Another person spoke up. There were nods of agreement from a few, while others disagreed.
"Do we even have a name for those four…Light mech?" The young mechtech said with some confusion. It took a moment for all uninformed to recheck the information displayed on the screen. A combat cable light quadmech that wasn't just a tool of oppression like the Guard was for the Capellans.
Doctor Harrison's voice broke through the start of another uproar. "They are called the Wolfpack, and yes, they do have some relation to the mercenary group of the same name. At least, according to my sources." The grey-haired elder looked at the current CEO with some mirth. But, unfortunately, their current leader had left out some parts in their handouts.
"However, ignore that sidetrack. How do we add these parts to our Scorpion and Goliath battlemechs." That caused everyone to pause as the company had yet to produce the Scorpion battlemech since its factory was destroyed during the Second Succession War. They barely managed to handcraft spare parts for the few Mechwarriors who wanted them, especially the unique heat sinks. The recent announcement from the Lyran Commonwealth and Draconic Combine that they would stop ordering spare parts hurt their bottom line.
It looked like the young mechtech speaking out their thoughts on the matter. "Sir. Why are we trying to figure out how to add such equipment to the Scorpion? I understand the Goliath since we can still produce spare parts from what's left of our factory here and have licensed out the design." There were some nods from several of their logistic officers who discussed their production of licensed mechs like the Griffin and Crusader. Those popular models gave them enough capital to focus on being a military business. Others pointed out the factory in Mackenzie that produces S-7A and K-1 Small crafts for hefty profits.
This time the CEO stood up and spoke. "I know why you ask that question, as both the Scorpion and Goliath have been out of production since we lost the technology to repair the specialized equipment to produce them. However, we brought this up because of the rumors throughout our industry. The ability to rebuild our factories."
Everyone paused and waited for her to continue. But she glanced around and looked back at her mentor before continuing, "Everyone here knows about the rumor of a parcel from the Aurigan Reach going out to several industries." Most attending personnel acknowledged the comment, while a few seemed confused about it.
"Well, those rumors are true." She announced and causing a shock of energy to run through everyone. The smile on Doctor Harrison's face told them something was about to happen. First, however, everyone's attention was on the current CEO as she typed something into her noteputer.
The holotable's projector started and showed the star charts with a system highlighted. Everyone realized it was their rival's home system of Connaught. They held their tongues to see how this rumor was proven true. A sub-window opens on the projection, showing two battlemechs walking out of a none descriptive building. They recognized them as a Black Knight and Ostsol. They are also freshly built with designs specific to the Free World League.
Everyone held their breaths as they watched those two battlemechs go through a test course before the visual cut out for some reason.
"As you can see," the woman continued. "Kong Interstellar managed to restore their ability to produce battlemechs of the heavier class. All for the cost of sending people and materials to the Aurigan Reach. Our agents discovered why they accepted a deal with that blackout zone."
The projector switched to a familiar basement hangar in their current building. It showed a newly built Scorpion and Goliath. "It seems someone in the Aurigan Reach managed to break the black boxes on battlemechs and combat vehicles and reproduce them. They came to many industries to offer them a chance to rebuild their factories for help. We will do the opposite and send these two mechs to the Aurigan Coalition to restore our facilities and produce new variants of our original battlemechs. The board has mostly agreed to this."
The number of people shouting or cheering was hard to tell. Still, the smile on Doctor Harrison's face never left as several mechtechs went up to him to discuss possible ways of replicating the Wolfpack's actuators into their quadmechs.
Several months later, the fires of industry birth the original quadmechs. On another note, two assassination attempts were thwarted by some deliverymen dressed in old medieval armor.
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Location: Zi system, Planet Zi, New Citadel, Commander General Round Table.
Date: December 23, 3024, 08:30
Ambassador Tamati Arano II watched the third meeting of the Round Table with interest and a plan. The previous two were on laws for Planet Zi and developing a new way to stop important information from leaking. The other was on the prototypes used for combat and products sold to everyone. However, for most of those, he had nothing to add or put the interest of his homeland in.
So far, in this meeting, they had gone over immigration, terraforming, defense contracts, and integration of the ZBBC with his homeland, the Taurian Concordat, and the Magistracy of Canopus. They were about to discuss the end of the Aurigan Competition. They wanted to provide a stress test place for all the prototypes that had managed to pass all the virtual exams. He had one in mind to share with General Director Chen. Especially with the design her daughter and friend had made.
"Okay," Chen said after clapping his hands. "This settles the issue with our currency exchange between our forces and those of our friends. But, of course, we still need to work out the issue of preventing the Taurian military from breaking battle rules during sanction fights and the fines for it. I'll talk with Thomas about that later." After Chen finished speaking, a green light appeared on one end of the table in front of a soldier.
"Sir," Tamati look to see one of the Colonels of the ZBBC forces. He still needed to remember everyone's traits and names. Still, the emblems on their power armor spoke volumes as the man wore the ones for their primary combat vehicle groups. "Since this is settled. Armor divisions one and two are asking to send their points and Zeeks into purchasing an odd fire support mech made on Umgard. The budget has been set and now awaits your approval."
Tamati wanted to sigh but waited for Chen to finish his review of the Colonel's proposal.
"This mech is on the prototype stages still and hasn't passed a stress test like the Protector or the Wolfpack. If it does well, then I'll approve of it. If it is passable, then your troops can request a limited amount. Go ahead and tell them what I said. If they want to help those people, they can."
Tamati decided to help move this meeting along by lighting up his signal. "Lord Chen," he announced, and silent laugh as everyone here knew the man hated the noble title. "The Aurigan Competition is ending. High Lady Kamea wants to offer a place to test the prototypes against a pirate force." He looked to the Canopus Ambassador, who sat next to the dean of the ZBBC Mechwarrior school. "Lady Cirillo-Lamb."
The woman in question seemed surprised at the attention she suddenly received from everyone. She quickly replied, "Yes, Lord Arano? How may Canopus assist with the end of the Competition?"
"I have to request the system data of Bellerophon. Specifically that of its moon, Axylus." He knew it was time to retrieve the Argo now that everything was stabilizing and the Great Houses had stopped sending raids into the Aurigan Reach. He glanced over to Chen, who seemed to realize the destination from their talks years ago.
Lady Cirillo-Lamb typed into her Ziputer and received a response within seconds after sending it. She looked confused and said, "My contact on Canopus has agreed to send the data but requested an observer to watch the preceding and the apprehension of the pirate band there. They have to invoke article three with this fight against the pirates."
Tamati was a bit surprised they refused to offer support in the fight against the pirate band but then remembered the report from a few days ago. The Marian Hegemony suddenly became even more aggressive and attacked the Lothian League and Illyrian Palatinate. That attack had cut off essential resources to the renewed Canopus military and financial industries. Due to the merchandise meant for the Lothian League, the MAF sent a battalion as an escort.
Another light turned on, and it was from Ambassador Alice Pendelton of the Taurian Concordat. Her Ziputer dimmed as she spoke, "The Taurian Concordat is willing to add to the security measure against the pirate band. However, if the prototypes need rescuing, we will invoke article six."
She paused while checking something on her tablet. She then continued. "We can only spare Commodore Ostergaard and his forces for this duty. However, Commodore Jostar will continue assisting the Aurigan Coalition with joint patrols."
Tamati had to think for a moment before remembering what article six was. The Taurian military was willing to assist with non-alliance threats for a cost. Usually, they ask for more support against the Sun's raids against their border systems. However, the Suns and Snakes had been attacking their allies of the Outerworlds Alliance due to rumors of vast caches of Star League tech.
Most of the unessential units in the Taurian Defense Force had left to assist in the defense of Ramora and Lushann as a show of unity. This was primarily done to add the Outerworlds Alliance to the Grand Alliance. In return, ZBBC forces had been deployed along the worlds that those units had come from.
"On behalf of the Aurigan Coalition, I accept that assistance Ambassador Pendelton," Tamati replied. His daughter had asked to ease the tension rising between their forces. This should be easy by having one of the Commodores, known for his passion, assist in protecting potential aid. It would also give that man's son more products to move to their poetical alliance members. This will allow his nation to produce and sell more products to distract the enemy away from them.
As he silently congratulated himself on making his design without too much oversight. Another light came on. It was from Chen.
"I will also thank Samuel for his assistance," Chen spoke. "But I request that his artillery piece be disabled or unloaded for this event. I do not wish to harm any potential hostages or friendly fire happening during our test. However, if all goes well, I'm willing to give his ship's crew members a pass to try and bond with a zoid."
His statement nearly caused a frenzy of shouts as only seventy newborn zoids have been recorded on Planet Zi. The crew of the Iberia was over a hundred people. While the chances were low, they could bond with all the remaining zoids if they were lucky. It also set high precedence that Chen was willing to do such a thing for only a battalion's worth of support.
The zoidian raised his hand before the mechanical dinosaur next to him roared. It silenced everyone there.
"I know what everyone might think, but I have reasons for doing so. Right now, I can only sense a few people coming for their chance to bond with a zoid. This is going to leave them underdeveloped for a long period." He gestured to the center of the table, which the holoprojector turned on. It showed two images, one of the Dark Family and their zoids. According to the data, the other was a zoid without a bonded partner.
"According to historical data and recent one Moby Dick gathered. Zoids with bonded partners tend to grow extremely fast." The projector changed, and Tamati realized it was his daughter and her bonded zoid. It showed how much Zeeky had grown in two years and was almost the same size as the Wolfpack. Members of the ZBBC at the table nodded as most had failed to bond with a zoid but had subordinates who had.
"So I wish for some of them to be bonded as soon as possible. However, I do not wish to be another tyrannical Star League," That statement brought up some disagreeing mutters. Still, Tamati had seen the history books of all alliance members. It clashed with his view on the Star League. At least Chen seemed to see the good and bad of such an institution.
"That is why only a hundred Canopus Third Fusiliers and a hundred members of the Aurigan Coalition Military are allowed to come because of their achievements and victories. The Taurian Concordat must be allowed a chance according to articles four and five of the treaty. The ZBBC will only mediate between all states during conflicts that might arise." Chen paused as he looked at the few Colonels in the meeting. "We will not favor any nation during its attempts to grow. Only if they try to take over another nation through force."
Tamati slowly nodded in agreement as this was the same issue he used to deal with back when he was High Lord. In this case, Chen wasn't dealing with just a bunch of nobles but leaders of entire space nations. He could only afford to slight people if they did so first. The only thing that Thomas and Kyalla feared from Chen was that he would become another Star League Cameron with his mighty Whale King to enforce rules. So far, it hasn't happened.
"Ambassador A- Pendelton," Chen continued while trying to stay formal. It was a bit laughable in the eyes of nobles, but to Tamati, it shows the man was trying to be friends with everyone. A dangerous gamble but with the chance of high payoffs. "Please send a formal notice to Protector Calderon on this matter."
The Zoidian turned back to him and asked, "Ambassador Arano. Is there anything else you wish to inform me of?"
Tamati looked at the agenda he had that was linked to the other Ambassadors and saw that there was only one thing left. "I believe the final subject from the Alliance is the search for more zoids cores within the Aurigan Coalition and Taurian Concordat."
Everyone waited with baited breaths as the worlds that would be searched were announced. This was because of the precedent that Katinka set a year ago.
There were a few baby zoids found on Katinka. Those were transferred here after the leader of the Undertaker bonded with them near the Generators. Since then, only these two systems have had the same defense as a capital world. A reserve was set up on Katinka in case more zoids were found there. Everyone believed that it was due to the planet being where Chen had crashed landed.
However, this changed when a resident of the slums on Coromodir was found with two fist-size zoid cores. At first, it was thought to be just the baby cores of the dead Shotwalker from the ZBBC's Spider Riders. However, when Chen arrived to take custody of them, he announced that it was only some of the Ambassadors and ZBBC personnel. This sent a shock throughout the Alliance, but because they were mainly found in the Aurigan Coalition, search parties would be organized between all member nations.
Another light came on from one of the military leaders. Tamati recognized him as Colonel Glenn of the Blue Armor Calvary. He was attending the meeting from Katinka with his unit, training recruits and guarding the Zoid reserve.
"Colonel Glenn," Chen acknowledge. "You have a suggestion on how to go about this?"
"I do, sir," Glenn replied as the screen suddenly changed to a star chart. "I discussed with several Rangers here, and they noticed a trend after receiving a report from Panzyr from the Second Blue Armor Calvary." The report came up, and Tamati skimmed it and discovered they had found a zoid core on the planet. However, as he read, the report shows where the Whale King had often visited when bringing warship debris down for use in the dropship project they were developing.
Glenn waited for Chen to respond before continuing. Tamati realized everyone was staring at Chen's hair to see it hadn't changed from obsidian. The sharp nod from the Zoidian signaled the Colonel to say. "It is believed that all planets that Moby Dick has visited and stayed for an extended time might have been seeded with zoid cores from the crash era."
"I realized that Moby might have been the reason, but still, my hopes that the Zoidian race didn't depend on me," Chen replied before standing up. "Let's discuss how to set up reserves and get away from this depressing topic." The fake smile didn't fool anyone, but Tamati decided to contact the list of planets that the Whale King had visited often.
Chen decided that ZBBC would begin setting up more reserves on planets those planets and increase his funding to terraforming projects for all member states. Tamati contacted his daughter and the Council about this decision. It took several minutes to argue the benefits of allowing the ZBBC to do this, but they agreed. At least, he had done better than the other Ambassadors who were still trying to make concessions with their leaders.
Chen took all three forms sent to him and deliberated on them before Tamati's Ziputer lit up. He glanced at his fellow Ambassadors and saw the looks of frustration as they retyped their leader's conditions.
"Tamati," He looked to see an exasperated Chen speaking to him. "You can go home while I finish this with Melody and Alice. We will have to reschedule talks about using fuel cell-based engines for Reggel conversion later. Tell the Misses I said hi."
"I shall," He responded as he got up. "By your leave." He then turned to Alice and Melody and said, "Good luck with your efforts, and tell everyone the Misses is planning a dinner party for Terra's New Year. Everyone is invited."
"I'll take you up on that invitation. Will there be good alcohol there?" Alice asked as she set down her Ziputer and rubbed her head. Tamati nodded as if he had answered out loud, and his wife would somehow find out.
Melody, however, refused by saying, "I'm sorry, but I have plans with my family this time. So you can pass Serena my recipe for Canopus-style Turkey. I'm sure everyone would love it." The beep on his Ziputer told Tamati she had sent it to him.
"I shall. Have a good time with your family, Melody, and inform Paddy that several Mechwarriors in the ACM are asking about how he rigged up the gaming pods into mech training ones." With that said, he took his leave.
It took several minutes to leave the fortress and enter the awaiting APC that would transport him home. Tamati arrived at his embassy's residence to greet his wife for the night. He talked with his daughter about daily life outside that meeting before dinner was called. He left his office for the dining room, where his loving wife and newly adopted daughter waited for him.
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Location: Sol system, Planet Terra, Hilton Head HPG
Date: January 7, 3025, 15:00
Primus Julian Tiepolo sighed internally because of Precentor Sian. The head of the Capellan HPG network explained why they would need help against this 'Grand Alliance' and their expansion with other barbaric nations. After all, those nations were just as bad as the Successor Lords. Still, the temporary peace could allow ComStar to influence the destroyed worlds in their favor. They would spread more rumors about how barbaric the Aurigan Reach area has descended into and then slowly remove them from the star charts. Without active HPG, they would eventually fall despite how resilient they are.
The unique technology that came out of the Aurigan Reach is interesting. They were retrieved from a mashup of mech mixed with vehicles. Unfortunately, however, it was an insult to the original dreams of Jacob Cameron.
He read the data and almost authorized more ROM units in the area. However, he stopped himself to prevent suspicion from falling on any ComStar personnel entering the other members of the Grand Alliance. It worked well since Canopus needed the HPG to continue its profits. In contrast, the Taurians needed them to mount a defense properly.
"Primus!" Precentor Sian said with restraint. "I know my alarms about this Grand Alliance were ignored in some ways. However, I have received reports that they are expanding their membership to the other Periphery nations. The Lothian League and Outerworlds Alliance."
This brought in the other Precentors who were waiting to speak their turn. The chatter was so loud that Tiepolo signaled Precentor Emilio Rachan to bring order to the meeting. After a few moments, everyone was seated as Tiepolo asked out loud. "Why has this announcement brought so much ruckus?" He looked around before nodding at the loudest person. "Precentor of New Avalon will speak first."
The Federated Sun's representative stood and began speaking with anger. "This Grand Alliance has outright invaded the Federated Sun territory in defense of the Outworlds Alliance due to rumors of Star League-grade technology being transported in their area." They took a deep breath before continuing, "While normally this wouldn't affect us. Those dropships acted civil enough to their hated enemy. But unfortunately, after they left, HPG networks on their path to the Outerworlds Alliance territories suffered a massive decrease in use. It took my ROM agents weeks until they found slips of videos of that bitch, Kamea Arano, and her announcement of our actions in the general area."
That comment made people nervous, yet Tiepolo kept firm as he nodded with an understanding of the issue. "We will find a proper response to the Taurian Concordat if we find proof. For example, suppose we suddenly strike at them after such information is spread. In that case, it will bring the Great House's attention to us instead of the Alliance. However, direct action against the Taurian Concordat will only confirm Kamea Arano's speech."
The New Avalon Precentor sat down, but Tiepolo knew they would have to talk again about what actions he could take without the backlash. The Primus then turned to the retiring Precentor Dieron. The Combine man was about to leave his position to his protege but held off due to the death of Precentor ROM Kenzo Yamata. Myndo Waterly, who would take over, was waiting outside the meeting room, reviewing her duties before the current Precentor joined the hunt for Yamata's killer.
The Combine representative stood to make his announcement. "I have Yamata's murderers, Jake's Cavaliers, heading to the Outerworlds Alliance to escape our Blessed Order's agents. However, since they had a memory core from the Star League. I spread the rumors of them having it to the Combine to have it destroyed, as they have proven extremely difficult to kill."
The elder paused as he coughed in his hand, which made Tiepolo wish he had taken his retirement instead of taking over Yamata's position. After several seconds, the Precentor managed to calm his fits down and continued speaking, "I've made a slight mistake which has caused the issue with the Federated Suns. MII agents within the Combine had reported the rumors and decided to chase them."
So that is why the Federated Sun and Combine had moved one Regiment each of the Galedon Regulars and Draconis March Militia? Emilio had reported this movement yesterday but not the reason why. He would have words with the ROM agent later. Suppose he is still searching for that rumored Star League bunker in the Free World League. Tiepolo will inform Nicholas to reassign the man to another ROM project in that case.
He watched as the Precentor of New Avalon and Dieron made plans to end the minor flare-up before the Taurian or those pariahs managed to obtain the memory core. Then, he turned to the Precentor of Tharkad and Pedrigor Aliz to see what he had to say about the sudden activity from the Periphery of their shared boards.
"Any information for our end that requires more attention?" Tiepolo asked them. "Any other issue that we need to discuss? Is there anything else besides the sudden surge of those Roman-like pirates? Has Sian's worry been proven with the Lothian League?"
Pedrigor stood as his fellow Precentor shook their head. "Primus. We might have an issue. Sian reports are off as it is no longer the Lothian League but the Illyrian Palatinate who wants to join the Grand Alliance."
Tiepolo was surprised that the Illyrians had made such a decision since they tended to rely on the Free Worlds League as their primary trade partners and military assistance. However, they must have a good reason to switch to the unknown group for protection.
"Emilio," Tiepolo called out to the ROM. "Please explain to me how you haven't reported the Illyrian Palatinate decision to ally themselves with Sian problem?"
He watched his right-hand man stand at attention before replying. "I am still compiling the reports on why they made such as decision but most point to the Pirate Hunters of Canopus."
Emilio walked over to show his noteputer to Tiepolo. He then continued talking. "They had joined the forces of Lothian and the Illyrians in repelling the Marian Hegemony. Observers there have reported that Illyrians and Lothian's military powers have increased dramatically in battlemechs and combat vehicles. But unfortunately, those battlemechs are mostly composed of several unknown bipedal militiamech, class medium, and many Urbanmechs."
Tiepolo almost rubbed his hand on his forehead when the ROM continued. "They also had several tanks and a flight of Sabre that wasn't noted in our last report a year ago."
Tiepolo began thinking of what needed to be done based on the information he had received over the past few meetings. First, there needed to be a way to draw the Successor Houses to attack this union of states. However, it would take more work to do.
The Capellan Confederation hasn't been attacked since the signing of the Concord of Kapteyn, and the Taurian were only engaging the Federated Sun and Draconis Combine in a defensive action. But then, his thoughts turned to Precentor Dieron and the memory core. The pathing of the outlaws and the supposed ability of the Aurigan Coalition to break through every protection set by Star League encryption.
"Precentor Emilio Rachan," Tiepolo called out loudly. This caused all the conversations to end and all Precentors to look at him. "You must gather a list of personnel willing to strike against the Aurigan Coalition's ZBBC. They are the source of the unity of the Grand Alliance and will break apart without that center." Finally, the Primus turned to everyone in the room and asked. "Gather as many mercenaries, criminals, and devoted followers of our Blessed Order to strike them down once they leave their space again. We must end this before they bring back another Amaris Empire!"
