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Graphic Depictions Of ViolenceMajor Character Death
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幼女戦記 | Youjo Senki | Saga of Tanya the Evil - Carlo Zen (Light Novels)Classic Battletech (Tabletop RPG)幼女戦記 | Youjo Senki | Saga of Tanya the Evil (Anime)
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Hanse DavionVictor Steiner-DavionKai Allard-LiaoKatherineTanya von Degurechaff
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Federated CommonwealthMelissa Steiner - FreeformCrossoverMechwarrior - FreeformUlric Kerensky - Freeform
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Published:2025-01-17Updated:2026-10-14Words:534,693Chapters:99/?Comments:686Kudos:790Bookmarks:254Hits:68,908
A Young Woman's Defense of the Inner Sphere
Failninjaninja
Chapter 17
Notes:
Thank you to skychan for all their help with t his chapter!
Chapter Text
Chapter 17
Blackjack
Tamar March, Lyran Commonwealth
June 25th 3050
Estelle Harris watched the holovid with her father, her eyes entranced by the sight of Princess Katherine Steiner-Davion. At fifteen years old and dreaming of being a 'Mech pilot, she was captivated by the tall vision of regal authority on the screen. Katherine's blond hair was pulled slightly back, revealing a face known throughout the Lyran Commonwealth.
"Citizens of the Federated Commonwealth, I am Colonel Katherine Steiner-Davion. I come to you today with the grim reality of invasion on the horizon. A fearsome foe is knocking at our door. They have taken dozens of worlds from the Lyran Commonwealth and the Free Rasalhague Republic. The enemy is ruthless, armed with technology more advanced than ours, and bred for war."
Estelle felt her eyes widen. What could they possibly do against such a foe?
"They are powerful, more powerful than any threat the Lyran Commonwealth has ever faced." Katherine let the words hang in the air. "But they are not invincible. I made them bleed on Icar. I defeated one of their commanders on Wotan. Each time we face them, we learn more, understand more, and become better prepared."
The princess took a breath, her demeanor briefly vulnerable before it hardened into pure resolve.
"Now I know how to fight them. Now I know how to defeat them! People of Blackjack, this time there will be no retreat. This time I vow when the invaders come, I will throw them back. We will defeat them. This is my vow to you; I will not leave you to these merciless invaders. I would rather die defending this soil than retreat!"
The clarion call and bravado in those words filled Estelle with patriotic pride. The princess paused, allowing the weight of her words to be felt by all who listened.
"But I cannot do it alone. I need your help." Her voice was pitched lower now, but as she spoke, it rose in volume. "I need the knowledge and industrial might of Lyran businesses. I need the strength and valor of the reservists. I need the skill and enthusiasm of volunteers, both those who would brave the enemy, and those who can labor with their hands and hearts to prepare this world for the battles to come. I. Need. You. Every last citizen on Blackjack must work together to preserve this world and the great nation we serve."
Heart beating wildly, Estelle vowed she would do her part. She had only practiced with her family's Commando briefly, but she swore that when the invaders came, she would pilot it, whether her father willed it or not!
"Together, our spirit is unbreakable. Our resolve unmatched. Our way of life, the freedoms we enjoy, are things these warmongers can never understand. That is why they will lose. Whether you wield a wrench, a pen, or a laser, you are part of this battle. I know that together, the Lyran people can face any threat. When this invasion is thrown back, you and your children and your children's children will be able to tell stories of the day that Blackjack stood defiant. Long live the Federated Commonwealth! Long live Blackjack!"
From elsewhere in the house, a mansion truly, she could hear the servants and even some of the guards let out a raucous cheer where they were watching the same holovid in another room. The vid ended, and was replaced with a set of numbers and contact information for people to use if they wished to volunteer. Those with firearms ability. Demolition experts. Factory workers. Laborers. Hunters and more. Each had a method of contact if they wanted to serve in the defense of Blackjack.
They won't let me help if they know my age, but I will do my part!
***
Blackjack
Tamar March, Lyran Commonwealth
June 25th 3050
I felt Ainsworth's eyes on me as I finished my broadcast. My line of 'would rather die than retreat' had probably not sit well with her. While I had no intention of dying, I knew that this was make-or-break for me. I had to get a true win against these technologically advanced imbeciles. Rallying the people to commit their labor and their willingness to throw themselves at the enemy was crucial.
My next step was to lay more odds in my favor and use the enemy's information gathering against them. To that end, I was going to communicate via ComStar, as well as spread some rumors locally that my pride and joy – my precious Spitfire Cannons, which I would soon be receiving from my great-aunt – were flawed, nearly useless, and broken.
To ensure everyone played along properly, I had sent instructions via black boxes on what to do. When the time was ripe, I would send several worrying messages through ComStar, desperately asking for some sort of field kit to repair the supposedly 'useless' artillery. If the Clans were being fed information by ComStar, this would impact their bidding. The best part was that I intended to be completely honest and claim my full fighting power, including all my Spitfire Cannons.
When it came to fighting, firing off only a few sporadic rounds – not nearly two battalions' worth – would further sell it. That was important because getting the enemy in the spot I wanted them and then unleashing a truly devastating barrage was going to be key to victory. The truth, after the battle, would showcase my Spitfire Cannons as the reason for our triumph, so any short-term bad press would not hamper my sales targets at all.
Even if it did, it would be a small price to pay for victory here.
Ainsworth cornered me once we were alone.
"What was that, Katherine?" Ainsworth looked at me with a stern expression.
"That was me attempting to inspire people to service. As for the 'victory or death' line, don't worry – I have no intention of dying here. If we must bug out again, we'll have a story similar to my brother Victor's retreat from Trell – perhaps even acted out."
Ainsworth blinked and gave a wry shake of the head.
"You little…" she began, then gave a more emphatic shake of her head. "You really are sly as a fox, Katherine. I'll hold you to it – no glorious last stands."
"I promise. I do intend to bloody their nose on Blackjack – multiple times if I must. They need to taste a real defeat, and the Lyrans need a symbol to rally around," I said.
Ainsworth held up her hands. "I'm just here to protect you. Your military strategy is your own. Just don't make it too difficult to do so."
After reassuring her, I moved on to the next tasks before me. There was so much to do, and not a lot of time to do it in. We still needed to pick out the right MechWarriors for the 'Mechs we received. I had given some thought to which 'Mech to use in the coming battle, and I opted for both my Phoenix Hawk and the Gargoyle. The Phoenix Hawk would be perfect for the initial parts of the battle. The jump jets would allow me to easily lead potential opponents into the massacre sites we had planned. The urban environment was quite literally perfect for it.
On the other hand, for any battles that needed to be fought in the open, the Gargoyle's tremendous ranged power and heavier armor were more desirable. That left the Summoner, Hellbringer, Ice Ferret, and two Kit Foxes to assign. Gregory liked his Wolfhound, but he was already salivating at the thought of piloting Clan technology.
Playing with my new toys and divvying them out could wait, for now I had more organizing to do as millions of volunteers began overwhelming our intake system.
***
Blackjack
Tamar March, Lyran Commonwealth
July 8th 3050
When Nick Westfield first heard of Katherine's plans, he was dubious. The abandoned industrial zone on Blackjack would prove a good battleground. It was a place where the Clan's longer range would be blunted, but the modifications she requested were simply too much. There wouldn't be nearly enough time to get it all done.
That was before she gave her speech, and an entire planet sprang into action. With a planetary population this size, even though it was no longer an industrial hub, it still had heavy machinery. Roads had to be laid, buildings built, and debris cleared. They had tractors, bulldozers, heavy drills, the works, though they were scattered. Thankfully, Katherine had several DropShips that were perfect for picking up resources as they were consolidated across the three continents of Blackjack.
Still, the amount of work required was by no means simple. Earthworks, hastily constructed bunkers, localized burn zones with slow-burning chemical fires planned to foil sensors, and massive holes dug and then covered with stable ferroconcrete bridges – rigged to collapse if enough weight passed over them.
This place is going to be a death trap.
This was not Nick's field, but he knew the basics. Between him, the other NAIS researchers, and the local construction crews, things were proceeding apace. Field guns were housed in bunkers and in other places, positioned in camouflaged locations outside the primary danger zone.
Most of his efforts were focused on the industrial zone, but not all. The princess suspected that the Clans would still allow the defender to choose the position, but there was always the possibility that they would want something different. Her real concern, though, was a secondary attack like the Wolves did on Icar. The way Katherine intended to fight would incense the enemy, and when a second group of Clans struck Blackjack, they would come down hard on one very likely area: the Blackjack School of Conflict. Located a good fifty kilometers from the capital city, both the school and the capital were prime targets. The School of Conflict was going to be well-mined and receive its share of fixed, hidden gun emplacements. They were nowhere near as extensive as the ones in the industrial zone, but without knowing how much time they had, they had started what work they could.
If they had more time than they thought, they would also be looking to expand into a tunnel system and harden some of the city buildings. The urban environment would be the perfect spot for ambush attacks and making use of the portable SRM infantry.
This was useful and productive work, but he really wished he could return to his 'Mech projects. Learning from the Tech Caste captives had made so much clearer, quickly. The power of these OmniMechs was in their flexibility. They could completely change their loadouts between battles! It only took a couple of hours. Options were not so readily available for them right now, but as they hopefully acquired more salvage, they could outfit each of their captured 'Mechs in the optimal way for a given task.
Never a dull moment with Princess Katherine.
***
Black Pearl Base, Sudeten
Tamar March, Lyran Commonwealth
June 15th 3050
Victor's eyes blazed with fury. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. He was in a conference room with Galen Cox by his side. Morgan Hasek-Davion was at the head of the table, and around him were Dan Allard and Chris Kell of the Kell Hounds, as well as Andrew Redburn. Further down the table, speaking now, was General Adriana Winston of the Eridani Light Horse.
"I've spoken with my officers, and we need time to process this information. The news that these are Kerensky's people returning home… well, you know our history. It goes all the way back to the Star League Defense Force. We've always thought that somewhere, out there, his descendants still lived. We hoped that they may have even been the Sphere's own secret protectors… not… this." Her voice was grief-stricken. "I'm sorry, I don't think we can fight here."
"We understa–" Morgan had been starting to say when Victor stood up.
"No. You don't get to walk away from this, Winston."
"Excuse me?" Arianna's voice replied, shocked and affronted.
"You heard me. You made it here so fast because of a Command Circuit, and now you want to cut and run because your bedtime stories turned out to be wrong? Are you mad? My people are dying out there, and you want to take time to… what? Grieve over something as absurd as this?"
"Victor…" Morgan warned.
"No, Morgan. This is ridiculous. We brought two regiments here at the cost of other options! If they want to break their contract in our hour of need, fine. But I'll make sure the entire Inner Sphere knows of their cowardice, and when I am the Archon-Prince, they'll be exiled from every star system under my control."
The room was dead-silent.
"Tempers are high," Christian Kell finally said. "General Winston, why don't you take a breather, and we'll review this further this evening? Nothing good can come from discord."
Winston walked out of the room without another word, and Victor stared defiantly at Morgan.
"We will talk about this later, but let us get back on track," Morgan said, tiredly.
Taking a deep breath, Victor ordered his thoughts and began discussing what he had prepared. Based on Katherine's captured Clan MechWarrior's word, they learned that the Clans enjoyed their one-on-one duels. Victor had confirmed this by reviewing all the battle data footage he could. He presented his findings and shared that only rarely did a Clan warrior challenge another through a comm link. Instead, they somehow just knew how to pick their targets so that their allies knew not to engage.
"Because of this tendency to fight against only one foe at a time, and because of their increased range, it struck us in the Junior Officers' Group that decoys and sensor overloads could be effective against the invaders. We can modify the M-1423 pop-up mine to detonate a white phosphorus explosion that should burn out infrared cells. Combined with others that shoot out magnetized chaff, it would block magscan."
Victor keyed the next button of his presentation.
"We then combine this with a standard training-course decoy that projects a holographic image of 'Mechs. If we seed the battlefield with these, it will give the enemy more targets they won't be able to tell are fake. It will disrupt their tactical planning and cause them to shoot at false targets instead of at us, at least some of the time. The ruse will be discovered, but it will buy us precious time to close into range with our weapons."
Morgan nodded. "The idea has merit. We'll need to do some testing, and it will take some time to modify the mines, but I like it. Good work. What else?"
"We need to hit back at them. We can stack multiple RCTs and regiments on a single world, and we would have no guarantee they would attack it. And if they do, they can hit us with concentrated force." Victor paused. "We know that general doctrine states that to win a planet with only acceptable losses, an attacker should have three times the force. Otherwise, you can win, but you'll pay for it. We will have the resources to do that, but only if we go on the offense and force them to fight us on our terms."
Redburn looked at Victor thoughtfully. "But we will almost certainly be going in blind," he paused, then added, "at least for now."
"There's no way they can keep every planet well defended. These Clanners view garrison duty as a shameful role. If we hit a planet – an important one – we can crush the defenders and force their frontline units to double back. Their invasion is already slowing down. They've only taken three additional worlds in the last month. The pace is slowing. Our raiders and those trapped behind enemy lines conducting guerilla actions are frustrating them." Victor looked Morgan in the eyes. "This is the added piece that will cinch it, that will keep them off balance long enough for our reinforcements to arrive. If we don't do this, we will lose more worlds before they get here."
Morgan nodded. "Draft up plans for a few different likely targets. This does have merit, and anything we can do to keep the enemy off balance is good." He gestured toward the door. "Everyone, but Victor, please clear the room."
Galen gave him a pat on the shoulder before exiting with the rest.
"Victor, you can't pick fights with the Eridani Light Horse. They are one of our best mercenary units and have been integrated with us for decades now. Several of their officers teach at NAMA, for crying out loud."
I'm not backing down.
"Morgan, they are good, and that's why I want to keep them. Their excuse is preposterous. These Clans are nothing like the SLDF we've read about in our history books. If not the Federated Commonwealth, where do they go? Liao? Kurita? Doubtful. They can find work with the Free Worlds League, but to your point, their home is with us. We need to push them. Two crack regiments, Morgan! Two! I am not going to just let them leave over this bullshit!"
The Marshal of the Armies studied Victor carefully.
"You might not be wrong, but there is a way of going about things. You don't humiliate them and question their bravery in front of others, including some of their respected peers, like the Kell Hounds. I will try to smooth things over, but you are right in the fact that we could use them. I will see about placing them in a defensive role because it will allow them the possibility that they won't have to fight. A compromise, and one that may be needed. Several of the enemy JumpShips have Lithium-Fusion Batteries." Morgan shook his head in frustration. "It creates a nightmare situation for defensive planning. They can jump to a system and then almost immediately jump to a second one before having to recharge. Every system now has a sixty-light-year threat radius."
At least it is something.
"If need be, assuming they stay and contribute, I will apologize to her directly," Victor offered.
"How kind of you to offer, though I will be ordering you to do so, regardless," Morgan replied sternly.
Victor held up his hands. "All right, all right. But they've just taken Malibu, Beta VII, and Hot Springs. They might be slowing down, but it's obvious which world they're going to hit next."
"Ah," Morgan said. "You are worried about your sister."
Victor's face fell. "Damn it, yes. I know she can handle herself. Hell, she's done better than me so far! But we all saw the broadcast she put out. Even here on Sudeten, we have people lining up to join the AFFC. What she did is no doubt inspiring Blackjack to put up the best defense possible, but Morgan," Victor's voice was on the ragged edge, "she's always said what she means. She won't retreat when the Clans come, not this time. If she can't hold out…" His voice cut off before he lost his composure completely.
"If it's any consolation, unlike with you, she's accepted her protective detail. And I'm sure at least one of them will be more successful than Hauptmann Cox in knocking her out and dragging her to a DropShip. Your father has given clear orders on the matter."
Victor barked out a laugh. "I suppose that's something, but it's hard to do if she's in her 'Mech." He looked down. "I can't do anything about it now, other than try to convince you that going on the offense is the right thing to do. And it is, even without my sister being in the line of fire. But if we could take some pressure off their advance… even if it only means fewer of their MechWarriors are available to attack, it will be something."
"I'm dependent on others here. All I can do is try to persuade, and while I know I'm right about the Light Horse, scenes like that won't help my case. I have to be better. I have to think things through."
***
Tharkad City, Tharkad
District of Donegal, Lyran Commonwealth
July 20th 3050
Hanse Davion was still adjusting to the new location for strategy meetings. One downside of being on Tharkad was that Nondi Steiner was now part of them. At first, the meetings had also been clogged with an absurd number of theater commanders who were nowhere near their theaters of operation. He quickly put an end to that fiasco, limiting the number of people in the room.
Still, the other advantages Katherine had outlined remained. The divisiveness in some parts of the Lyran media had been sharply curtailed. The vultures still circled, and there was always at least some news programming with a slant against him.
Ryan Steiner has been a thorn for far too long now, but he must wait in line behind the Clans and ComStar.
"The Clans are on the move again," Justin advised in the more intimate strategy room. There would be working groups to tackle specific issues, but those would be filtered through Alex Mallory and Justin Allard. In the room now were just his wife, Nondi Steiner, Justin, Alex, and Marshal Richard Regis II.
"What worlds have they taken?" Hanse asked.
"We aren't sure if the worlds have fallen, but ComStar traffic has changed on Planting and Roadside. I suspect these are just the first two of several new assaults."
"Marshal Regis frowned, "Those worlds are far apart."
Justin nodded. "We suspect it is two different Clans launching these attacks. The Jade Falcons have taken most of our worlds, while the Wolves have concentrated on the Free Rasalhague Republic. The Wolves took Icar and Chateau at the start, and this would now be their third world. Based on stellar cartography, we suspect Ridderkerk will also be in their line of advance, potentially more."
Hanse felt Melissa's hand on his. She spoke with no tremor in her voice, but Hanse could tell by her touch that she was deeply afraid for their daughter. "That is yet another world within range of Blackjack."
Nondi clicked her tongue. "She has more courage than most, but she needs to be tempered by more seasoned commanders. This whole 'will die before I retreat' nonsense is more Combine than Lyran. Though it smells of NAMA bravado as well. It may have rallied our people, but those gains can be undone when she is forced to retreat."
Hanse glowered at her. "If, Nondi. If she is forced to retreat. You are all underestimating her. She savaged them on Icar and played the Clan's game and won on Wotan, saving a lot of good soldiers and material."
Nondi's nostrils flared as she gathered steam.
"You will not find me ever disparaging your daughter, but she is horrendously disadvantaged by their technological edge. Every world they have attempted to conquer, they have taken. Every single one, Hanse! Not one has managed to throw the enemy off. Katherine is immensely talented, an incredible warrior with a fantastic mind, the best leader of her generation, and the ability to inspire our people like no other, but she is still only seventeen!" Her eyes blazed. "I will never forgive you if your arrogance gets her killed."
"I'll never forgive myself if that happens; you not doing so doesn't even register in my list of worries."
Marshal Regis interjected again. "If her words make it difficult for her to retreat, and all signs point to the Clans attacking soon, can we not reinforce the world more strongly?"
Justin shook his head. "Only with great difficulty. We could further our conscription of JumpShips, but if we dig any deeper, our factories won't be able to maintain proper supply chains for producing 'Mechs, tanks, armor, and munitions."
Nondi snarled. "You have an armada of JumpShips on Sudeten, as well as what, two RCTs and an additional four 'Mech regiments?"
"Who would take over a month to reach Blackjack? And with the Clans on the offense again, we can't just sit back and let them choose the battlefield. We need to attack. Doing so will force the Clans to slow down and waste precious time and resources defending their rear. I am authorizing a strike on Twycross, led by Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Allard of the Kell Hounds. They will be joined by the 10th Lyran Guards RCT and the 9th FedCom RCT," Hanse replied. "While their actions will not take effect in time to stop an attack on Blackjack, they will disrupt any secondary assault on the planet if Katherine can hold."
Hanse could see Nondi practically quivering with anger. Melissa spoke again before her aunt could.
"Nondi, we are all concerned over Katherine. There are steps being taken to ensure she leaves the planet if it is lost. The FCIS team that is protecting my daughter includes LIC elements, and they know how important she is."
"And you as well?" Nondi's eyes raked Melissa with scorn. "Your mother would be rolling in her grave if she knew what you were doing. We are operating in the dark about their overall strategy. Yes, reinforcements from Sudeten may not make it in time, but they might! You still have the Gray Death Legion, Eridani Light Horse, and Kathil Ulhans on Sudeten with a full RCT arriving in August and another in September. Send one of those regiments to Blackjack and they can make the difference. For God's sake, she only has two battalions of 'Mechs on Blackjack, and one of those battalions is a training battalion."
Enough of this.
"Decisions have been made. Reinforcements to multiple worlds will be needed. Send your request to Morgan via black box as our communication protocol demands. My Marshal of the Armies knows how important Katherine is, and he has the most up-to-date information on the warfront. His task force is responsible for throwing the Clans back; our job is to make sure he has the resources he needs. We aren't going to micromanage him from Tharkad."
As the head of Lyran State Command stormed out, Hanse squeezed his wife's hand. Morgan's task force had more targets than just Twycross, and he needed to protect a broad front. Blackjack was not an important world to conquer, which meant he hoped the Jade Falcons would not plan to use a lot of resources on it. If they did reinforce it with crack units, it would only bring a larger force.
Let them underestimate her. Her analysis said the Clans discount armor and artillery. Without a full regiment, they may bid foolishly. This is the right call to make, regardless of whether the attack comes early or late. It must be.
Marshal Regis looked troubled. "Forgive me, Highness, but is even the force assembled enough to dislodge the enemy from Twycross? Perhaps the unexpectedness of the assault will play in our favor, but most militaries and societies would view 'Mech factory facilities as ones to be well-guarded. I cannot help but think of the BattleROM data from Chateau. Less than a battalion's worth of 'Mechs and fewer than a hundred of their Toads defeated Marshal Steiner's RCT, along with both the 1st and 2nd Chateau Mechanized Militias. Over 100 'Mechs, 300 combat vehicles, a wing of Aerospace support, an artillery battalion, and five regiments of infantry from within the Tenth Donegal Guards RCT were defeated and driven off-world by less than a battalion of their 'Mechs."
Regis shook his head. "Sarah Steiner is an able tactician and one of the best RCT commanders we have. But if she can't hold off less than – what did the report call them? 'Clusters,' yes, less than one of their Clusters attacked Chateau. If an RCT isn't a match for that, I fear you may be sending your son to his doom."
Hanse sat back and steepled his fingers, sensing something off about the conversation.
"Chateau was one of the first worlds hit. We didn't know the capabilities of the enemy, how they fought, or even what the Toads were. Getting hit from a range that should have been impossible, then attacked by infantry who can tear you from your cockpit, is bound to cause fear to run rampant. From Sarah's report, her mistake was trusting one of her flanks to the militia, which cut and ran, compromising her position. Despite that, she was able to organize an orderly retreat and managed to salvage some of her Regimental Combat Team."
Richard nodded. "Yes, depending on green troops against the Clans may not be wise."
You son-of-a-bitch.
"Your point is taken, Marshal Regis." He glanced at his wife, "We too, would prefer our daughter not be forced to fight with half of her 'Mech force being trainees, but the strategic situation has not changed. You are smoother than Field Marshal Nondi Steiner, but my answer will be no different, and I do not appreciate the attempt at manipulation."
The man had the grace to look chastised.
"I had to make the attempt, Highness. The hopes of the Lyran people rest in your daughter."
I know.
***
Blackjack
Tamar March, Lyran Commonwealth
August 1st 3050
The ceremony to bestow medals approved by Federated Commonwealth High Command was an opportunity to keep the radical fanaticism on Blackjack alive and well. I was a bit taken aback by the sheer energy of the people of Blackjack. My broadcast must have been like a match in a dry summer – it sparked the conflagration, but the essential building blocks for the wildfire were already in place. My worry was that, like a wildfire, it would burn out and leave nothing but sad ashes.
We can't have that until we've fought off the inevitable attack.
The good news was that nearly all the equipment and mercenaries I had hired had arrived and I'd be meeting with the retired Lyran MechWarriors after this ceremony. I said a few words, smiled for the cameras, and then pinned on the medals. The last on the list was Corporal Aaron Keegan. He was part of the crew of a Partisan Heavy Tank that had taken crippling damage. He had pulled another crewmember, who had lost consciousness free, and dragged him to safety despite the raging battle going on within Cuanger.
Hard to imagine that was nearly five months ago.
Keegan looked proud to be receiving the Federated Commonwealth Star, an award a step below the more prestigious Federated Commonwealth Medal of Honor, but still quite a big deal. Since you typically had to die in the line of duty to earn the Medal of Honor, I suspected he preferred the Star over the Medal of Honor in any case.
After a few more holovid poses and then a syrupy-sweet, choreographed scene of me hugging a few children and promising to protect them, I headed to my next meeting. Retired Lieutenant Colonel Hans Lautner was a man in his 80s, and despite his advancing years, he looked quite a bit like the old mascot for a chicken chain that had grown popular in Japan.
Ah yes, the spitting image of Colonel Sanders, but without the glasses.
The man wore an old, but pristine-looking, Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces uniform. His own Dragonslayer's Ribbon was a 'medal' from the old Lyran Commonwealth for distinguished duty against the Draconis Combine. I had perused his record—he was good. Whether he was still good thirty years later was something I hoped to find out. He had brought with him a group of retired officers, four Kommandants, and a Hauptmann. All were in advancing years around his age, and all had heavy or assault 'Mechs.
Lautner piloted an early Succession War Atlas, and his companions piloted two Awesomes, a Zeus, an Orion, and a Warhammer. None of them had any of the new technology from NAIS, no double heat sinks, or better armor, but they were still deadly machines that could take a beating and hold a line.
Our meeting took place in one of my office's and he bowed gallantly.
"Princess Katherine Steiner, you remind me so much of your grandmother. You know she pinned this award on me herself! Never had a prouder day in my life."
I smiled at him, making a mental note of how he used a partial form of my last name. If I brought him on, he'd need to fix that quickly. I was a product of both parents, and the future Federated Commonwealth was the product of two nations.
"I read the commendation report; it was well earned. You not only made the right tactical call, but you also fought ferociously and slew the Kurita commander."
"Ah, so you are already familiar. I tell you, it is always darkest before the dawn, but when I saw…"
"Forgive me, as much as I would love to hear more, I do have a meeting with one of my Kommandants just after this one."
He gave a belly-laugh. "Oh, right, right, well, when duty calls, we must always answer. And when House Steiner calls, proud Lyran patriots will always answer."
"Indeed, and it is about that duty that I would like to speak to you of. The last time you fought in combat, I was not even a gleam in my mother's eyes. I would like you and your fellow patriots to log in some serious simulator time. Then, I'd like to use you as an ad hoc mercenary unit, or if you would care to join the AFFC. I can't promise you the rank that you were, but I could use an experienced commander to help mentor my newer staff officers."
His earlier demeanor sharpened, and he stood, giving a salute.
"Colonel, I stand ready to serve. This is likely to be my last hurrah, and I'd rather see it within my Atlas while my hands are still steady and my mind sharp."
The tonal shift was immediate. He didn't want to be a mercenary; he wanted to return to the military. Gone was the retired uncle facade; in its place stood a Lyran officer who still had his wits about him.
"I'm glad to hear it. Report for simulator duty, and afterward, I'll pick your brain some more to see where you might fit into my unit's rank structure. I can't give you all the commands you deserve but will be glad to make good use of your experience."
The man gave me a wolfish grin. "I'll be happy to beat any of these youngins with my Atlas. I may be half as sharp as I was, but that's still twice as keen as your average officer."
I'll wait for the results of the simulator exercise, but my read on him is that he's still in command of his faculties. As a prior XO of a full regiment, he would be perfect to slot in as Kommandant of my 'Mech battalion. Hauptmann LeBeau can learn from him, and when Hans re-retires, we will have a seamless transfer. I'll assess the others as well, but I have enough officers for my 'Mech companies already. Instead, they will likely be my anchor or brute squad when I need heavy firepower.
***
WarShip, White Aerie, Assault Orbit, Blackjack
Tamar March, Lyran Commonwealth
August 9th 3050
Galaxy Commander Samantha Clees had entered orbit over the world of Blackjack, prepared to oversee the bidding between the Star Colonels she had chosen. Nearly her entire Galaxy was with her fleet, the lone exception being the First Falcon Striker Cluster, which was attacking the world of Goat Path simultaneously.
Star Colonel Marthe Pryde of the 2nd Falcon Jaegers had accomplished every objective she had been assigned flawlessly. She would be bidding against Star Colonel Evelyn Buhallin of the 305th Assault Cluster. They would be free to call upon the other Clusters gathered, such as the Fifth Battle Cluster, Gyrfalcon Eyrie Cluster, and the Gryfalcon Solahma Cluster. They could even include Stars from each other's Clusters, though that was not as common.
"The world of Blackjack is being defended by Katherine Steiner-Davion. She is the one who defeated Star Captain Diane Anu. After this world, we are scheduled to assault Devin and Denizli, so to ensure we can keep pace with our schedule, the cutdown for this world will be two Clusters."
"What forces defend?" Evelyn Buhallin asked.
"According to ComStar, the official units are the equivalent of 14 Stars of 'Mechs, 8 Stars of vehicles, less than a Star of Aerospace, and a large force of unarmored infantry. ComStar indicates an unknown number of lightly armed conventional aircraft. They also have 10 Stars of artillery, most of which are faulty and may self-implode."
Star Captain Nedra, one of the several Star Captains observing the bid, laughed. "Typical Spheroid incompetence."
Clees shook her head. "It was your Cluster that failed, do not think the shame Diane Anu inflicted on our Galaxy is not felt most strongly for the Fifth Battle Cluster. Be silent."
Nedra's jaw clicked shut as her eyes blazed.
Marthe, meanwhile, looked intrigued. "Will this Katherine try her ploy again?"
"If she does, she will be refused. Our Khan has instructed that no more of our technology can be given up in a batchall. This is a battle for a world, so a simple Star would not be an appropriate challenge."
"She is good, but I do not fear her," Evelyn Buhallin said simply. "Their stolen BattleMechs will make a small-scale battle more intriguing, but if we bid equal numbers, we are sure to win. We could skip over this planet quickly and restore our honor."
"No. We will not be led by the nose like an Ice Hellion. Do not underestimate her individual talent. If that were a Trial of Position, she would be a Star Captain on the day she became a Warrior. A larger conflict serves us, as they cannot have more than a Binary of our 'Mechs. I will not risk not taking this world. The cutdown is two full-strength Clusters."
A Jade Falcon fully equipped Cluster would typically have 45 'Mechs, 75 Elementals, and 30 Aerospace fighters. With two Clusters, it would be 90 'Mechs, 150 Elementals, and 60 Aerospace. An overwhelming force of 30 Stars. The cutdown was considered the minimum required to take a world. While officers could bid below the cutdown, they did so at their peril. Samantha Clees knew that even Marthe Pryde wouldn't do it, given the mood her commanding officer was in.
"Marthe Pryde, prepare your opening bid."
The Star Colonel pulled up her console and outright deleted all the assets of the Fifth Battle Cluster. It had been removed first, prior to the removal of the Gyrfalcon Solahma Cluster. It was a calculated insult.
No doubt she wishes to hone her talons by fighting a Trial of Grievance or two.
She removed more, and her opening bid consisted of 105 'Mechs, 150 Elementals, and 60 Aerospace fighters.
Evelyn Buhallin took her turn and removed similar units, though she kept elements of the Fifth Battle Cluster over the Solahma Cluster. Her bid took away one Star of Aerospace, leaving 105 'Mechs, 150 Elementals, and 50 Aerospace Fighters.
Marthe looked over at her peer and removed a Star of 'Mechs. Evelyn matched it and brought it to the cutdown with the removal of a Star of Elementals. Her final force composition was 100 'Mechs, 125 Elementals, and 50 Aerospace Fighters: 20 Stars of 'Mechs, 5 Stars of Elementals, and 5 Stars of Aerospace, which was still the 30 Stars required for the cutdown, just in a different configuration.
"Star Colonel Buhallin, you may proceed with the batchall. Remember, do not agree to forfeit any of our technology and do not get led into a small-scale fight for the planet. Your bid is two Clusters, regardless of what she chooses to defend the world with."
Samantha was annoyed by her Khan's orders. She knew why they were given. Too many setbacks had occurred. The prior wave had them only attacking three planets.
At this rate we will move even slower than the Ghost Bears.
Two Clusters felt criminal. No chances could be taken if they were to regain their momentum. Even Iota Galaxy had been moved from the Periphery, and they had been granted the unheard-of honor of being allowed to lead an assault on one of the worlds toward the end of this wave. She had mixed feelings about it. Yes, they were a Provisional Garrison Cluster and not properly considered part of her Khan's bid for an Invasion Corridor, but that assumed a Garrison Cluster remained on garrison duty. It felt… shameful. Almost Wolf-like.
With a shiver of revulsion, she returned to the other tasks of a Galaxy Commander while Buhallin prepared to assault Blackjack.
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幼女戦記 | Youjo Senki | Saga of Tanya the Evil - Carlo Zen (Light Novels)Classic Battletech (Tabletop RPG)幼女戦記 | Youjo Senki | Saga of Tanya the Evil (Anime)
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Hanse DavionVictor Steiner-DavionKai Allard-LiaoKatherineTanya von Degurechaff
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Published:2025-01-17Updated:2026-10-14Words:534,693Chapters:99/?Comments:686Kudos:790Bookmarks:254Hits:68,908
A Young Woman's Defense of the Inner Sphere
Failninjaninja
Chapter 18
Notes:
Special thank you to skychan for help with the chapter!
Chapter Text
Chapter 18
Blackjack
Tamar March, Lyran Commonwealth
August 9th 3050
This was it. The Jade Falcons were here, and I was not nearly as ready as I wished. My men weren't as well-trained as I would have liked, not by half. Those operating the field guns were nothing but brave speedbumps. A similar issue existed with the conventional aircraft we had cobbled together – 36 Owls, otherwise known as Light Strike Fighters, which had basically no armor and were 10-ton fighters, each armed with an SRM-4. Added to that were seventy civilian aircraft, modified to hold quick-release unguided bombs on their wings.
I had tried hard to make use of all the resources available to me, but I had my doubts about some portions of my ad hoc units. I would be sacrificing precious human resources to inflict, at times, only minor damage on my opponent.
Hopefully they won't be needed at all.
The batchall was issued by a Star Colonel Evelyn Buhallin.
"This is Colonel Katherine Steiner-Davion, defending Blackjack for the Federated Commonwealth. I abhor waste; let us decide this with minimal cost to lives and material."
I had to wait for a response, since instant communication was not possible, even with them appearing over a nearby Pirate Point.
A sharp laugh came from the other end of the comm link.
"Not this time. What forces do you defend this world with?"
Damn it.
"Everything I have. I will send you the details and unit histories. You will have them momentarily. However, I still believe you should consider avoiding significant damage to this world and your forces. I have a great amount of artillery, and I am willing to forgo its use and honor Zellbrigen if we can come to an arrangement. As a gesture of good faith, I will offer you Safcon."
Come on…
"A Trial for a world requires a proper battle. Where is our battlefield?"
Damn it!
"In the interest of avoiding additional harm to the populace and its infrastructure, I have identified an area that is uninhabited. It is a rather large area full of industrial ruins and my own recent defenses and artillery emplacements. I will send you the coordinates, but the radius will be thirty kilometers, and you will not find it a pleasant ground to fight on. Star Colonel, there is also the matter of the prize for when I win. Given that this world has three continents and I have even more forces to draw on, I believe a tripling of the prize I won on Wotan is appropriate. Three Stars of 'Mechs, three Points of Elementals, six members of the Tech Caste, and safe departure from this world at any time within three weeks of my victory."
I was hedging my bet, as I still did not intend to leave Blackjack. But having the opportunity to do so if things looked grim would be a useful backup.
"No. There will be no more technology given to you."
I waited for more, but there wasn't anything.
"That hardly seems honorable, what would you consider of equal value?"
"I can offer you safe passage away from the system."
"That is not equivalent value! My counteroffer is that I retain my right to safe departure, but I also receive all the captured AFFC soldiers your Clan has taken since this invasion began."
A long pause, longer than the time it would take just due to the delay.
"Logistically, that would be difficult. I can offer you prisoners from a single world of your choice."
I thought quickly. This could bolster my image, but I needed something more.
"Two worlds, safe passage, and this planet can be used to receive said prisoners and allow time for their reconstitution and rehabilitation into our military. Clan Jade Falcon will refrain from attacking the Blackjack system for a period of three years. I would rather not have to fight multiple Trials of Possession in a row."
I waited, a bit anxious, I had no idea if they would tolerate that sort of agreement.
"Two years, and the return of what you call prisoners can take up to six months so that it does not impact my Clan's timetable."
I thought it over. This was probably the best possible deal I could get, but I tried one more time for something different.
"I can agree to those terms, but remember this Trial will not be pleasant. Because you refuse to limit the forces to a small battle, I will rain artillery down on you. Mines have been placed on the field, though not in your landing area. Thousands of volunteer soldiers would rather give their lives swarming you than see this world fall. It will be a bloody, honorless battle, and even should you win, you will see your military might degraded. Or… you can show your Clan superiority. Fight me, one-on-one for this world. Or, if that is not to your liking, your Command Star against mine, equal tonnage. An equal battle – prove your genetic line is greater. Face me or face ignoble death."
This was an incredible risk, but I was confident I could win any solo engagement. I had Star Colonel Diane Anu's entire combat history, and she routinely defeated others amongst the Clans. Aiko and Gregory were good – very good – and they could hold their own. With defender's choice for the battleground, I would also stack the deck further. And since I had not, in this offer, agreed to follow Zellbrigen for a Star-on-Star battle, those critical first moments of the battle could sway it inexorably toward my side.
A very long pause, followed by a disappointed-sounding voice. "No, I have my orders. We will land within two days, and then the trial will begin. Bargained well and done."
"Bargained well and done. Send me your bid when it is completed."
"It is already done, I will send you the unit and warrior histories, now."
Already done?
As the data came through, my eyes bugged out. Two whole clusters? 100 'Mechs, 125 Elementals, and 50 Aerospace fighters? Where was their bidding? Where was their attempt at using the minimal forces needed to take a world? Those damned hypocritical cheats!
I took a calming breath. This was fine. I had a plan, with defenses in place and more than a few nasty surprises. I had bid everything on this world in defense, and I had meant it. I knew the terrain; in fact, we had designed portions of it to funnel enemy forces to where we wanted them!
"All units, it is showtime. We have two days for final preparations. Everyone has their orders. Light the chemical fires and begin Operation: KRIEGSNEBEL. Begin moving material with our DropShips and begin Operation: BOLLWERK."
As my soldiers saw to their assigned tasks, I would be piloting my custom Phoenix Hawk. My Gargoyle would go unpiloted for now, but if my Phoenix Hawk took moderate to significant damage, I would switch 'Mechs. This was going to be a battle of attrition, and with the Fortress DropShip laying near the center of the urban complex with its 'Mech repair bays, I could even see myself switching multiple times as necessary. The DropShip's Long Tom and extensive other weaponry would be a boon as well.
Aiko would be piloting the Summoner. The heavy OmniMech's jump jets would allow her to keep up with me in the urban wasteland. My command would be quite dispersed, but that was fine with me. We knew the paths to tread to avoid the mines and other nasty surprises I had in store. There would be several avenues where effective pursuit would only be possible with jump jets. And should pursuit make it across the same area we were jumping over… well all the better.
Despite all my preparations, I wasn't sure it would be enough. A lot would depend on the enemy Clan commander and how they responded to the industrial wasteland environment. My biggest worries were the Elementals and the Aerospace fighters. They would control the skies until I could bait them into my flak. I had a few ways of doing so, but we'd have to see if they were as foolish as the Wolf Clan had been.
***
Blackjack
Tamar March, Lyran Commonwealth
August 11th 3050
Star Colonel Evelyn Buhallin was displeased with the area she would be fighting in – over 2,800 square kilometers filled to the brim with debris, refuse, and random fires. The fires themselves did not seem likely to spread over concrete and steel, but the harsh chemicals were playing havoc with their sensors.
At least it is not poisonous. In the short-term.
The other difficulty were the ruins of tall buildings that prevented easy sight lines. Other areas that had once been massive factories, now laid derelict and filled with rusted scrap.
The two Clusters she had brought were spread out yet still close enough to provide support if necessary. As they searched for their foes, they remained wary of ambushes. She sent two Stars of Aerospace fighters to provide reconnaissance. They reported that the abandoned industrial complexes were interspersed with bunkers. They also noted the presence of runways, but only in one area did they see any aircraft. They requested permission to strike, but Evelyn feared a trap.
"Star Colonel," reported Star Commander Grady from Trinary Charlie, "we have movement on our sensors – estimate of a Star of 'Mechs."
Trinary Charlie consisted entirely of light 'Mechs, making it perfect for scouting.
"Send the coordinates, but do not engage. Move along the outskirts of the complex and remain wary of ambush. I am deploying Trinary Bravo of the Fifth Battle Cluster to secure the area."
With both 'Mechs and Elementals, Trinary Bravo was well-equipped to handle an ambush. As Evelyn advanced in her Summoner, the ground suddenly shook – a mine had detonated within 200 meters of her. The Hellbringer that had triggered it sustained only minor damage, but the explosion forced the formation to slow their advance, proceeding with greater caution.
Filthy devices.
"Enemy has leapt across the ruins," Star Commander Grady reported. "They have a Summoner – three mediums. Engaging now."
She radioed Star Captain Hogan Thastus of Trinary Bravo to advance with all haste.
Grady's Star consisted of three Kit Foxes and two Adders, all 35 tons or less. The Summoner will prove dangerous to them.
"Filthy surats!" Grady cursed a few moments later. "They combined their fire on Lydia's Adder, and after destroying her 'Mech, they jumped back over the ruin. We inflicted only minor damage, but I see a path we can take to follow."
"Neg, wait for reinforcements."
Other scouts, directly ahead of her, had located a clearer path that wasn't as arduous to traverse. The boom of an artillery cannon shattered her focus. The massive shell struck near their position but didn't hit anyone. The crater left by the explosion indicated it was heavy artillery.
Heavy artillery – did Katherine lie about the weaponry she had on hand in what she forwarded to us?
One artillery cannon was not a concern. The Thumpers, light artillery, would still be a threat, but their limited numbers shouldn't cause too much damage. She hoped ComStar's data about the new artillery the enemy had was accurate. Dying from fire launched kilometers away was no way for a warrior to meet their end.
***
Blackjack
Tamar March, Lyran Commonwealth
August 11th 3050
Point Commander Garric of Bravo Nova of Trinary Bravo was eager to erase the shame that Star Colonel Diane Anu had brought upon the Cluster. Everyone in the Cluster was grateful to Star Colonel Evelyn Buhallin for including them in the bid to take this world. The Spheroids were using their barbarous ways. To think that four heavier 'Mechs had ganged up to destroy a single light 'Mech before fleeing boiled his blood.
A Point should fight a Point. He and the other four Elementals he led would work as a team – but only the five of them, no more. He and his Point disembarked from the Hellbringer that had carried them and advanced over the concrete debris that had once been a city. Even with the hellish smoke and shattered ruins, he thought the world was far finer than most back home. The Inner Sphere was truly a place of vast riches, governed by the worst of humanity.
A full Star of Elementals had crested the top, and Garric reported in to Trinary Command.
"Star Captain, we have spotted four 'Mechs retreating. Moving to identified sector Charlie to sweep for explosives. We will–"
He was cut off as he saw one of his Elementals fall backward. From his angle, he could see the thin visor shattered by a smoking hole.
Based on the trajectory of the shot, he pinpointed that it came from the building at 7 o'clock. He relayed orders, and the Elementals swarmed toward the building. Some lifted off using their miniature jump jets, while others dashed from cover to cover, raising their armored arms to shield their faceplates.
Garric easily scaled the ruins. The building was twelve stories tall, and he and his team would have no trouble sweeping it clean and finding the surat coward who had fired from hiding. As the Elementals stepped into the building on various floors – many with sections of walls missing – several explosive devices detonated.
Garric was within five meters of one and was blasted back, his armor taking light damage from the concussive force of the C4 explosion. The bigger problem was the building collapsing. He saw one Elemental caught beneath tons of ferroconcrete before they could jet away. Garric managed to escape, as did most of the others. A neighboring Point had two Elementals trapped, but they were still alive thanks to their suits.
Is the sniper dead or did they somehow get away immediately after shooting?
His Star Commander, Jo Thastus, ordered a Point to clear the debris and rescue the buried Elementals while checking for possible exfiltration points the sniper could have taken. A minute later, artillery shells whined through the air and came down on the collapsed building. The artillery wasn't powerful – even a direct hit was probably survivable – but multiple shells struck, and the combined fire slew one of Garric's Elementals along with others from other Points.
Filthy barbarians! Was this planned?
"Contact!" his comms chirped. "Enemies in Elemental battle armor suits," came a furious voice. "The coward fired once and is fleeing."
Garric radioed, "This is a trap! They will retreat to building that will explode as well."
New orders had them pulling back. Star Colonel Evelyn Buhallin was calling in an airstrike to clear a path, trigger other traps, and detonate any hidden explosives.
At least a full Point of Elementals had been slain, along with the Adder, and nothing from the enemy was lost, save for possibly a single sniper. The massive Elemental shook his head in disgust. Perhaps this slow approach was wrong. A Falcon was meant to strike like lightning. Let those surats trigger their traps; they would overcome them and then come to grips. Better than this slow bleeding of their strength.
He said as much to his Star Commander, who shared a similar mind. They would follow orders regardless of what they thought of them. Eventually, Command had to see that suffering attrition like this was not sustainable.
***
Blackjack
Tamar March, Lyran Commonwealth
August 11th 3050
Marco Stevens hunkered down as best he could. He technically had some arms training from showing up once a year for a week of 'camp,' but beyond that, there was little he knew of warfare. However, when the Princess herself came on the holovid and swore to die before she let these Jade Birdies take Blackjack, how could he do less?
His role wasn't glamorous; he was no 'Mech jock or anything. He was part of a squad on the outer portion. All he and his crew had to do was help reload the SRM launcher, watch for movement, and have one guy on comms. He had been issued a rifle but was told that the caliber of it wasn't even strong enough to pierce the visor of a Toad. Basically, it could only be of any use to distract or in the event the Toad had already suffered damage that broke part of its armor. Still, it felt good to have it in his hands.
Earlier, some 'Mechs had passed by, but they were friendlies. The comms guy told them that it was likely the Toads would be coming here next. Their job, along with a dozen other SRM teams, was to unleash hell. If 'Mechs showed up instead, they were to hunker down or run, depending on what was happening.
It turned out, neither occurred. Explosions rang out.
Bombers!
Marco hadn't heard them approach, so it probably meant they weren't dive-bombing. He had been told by the infantry veteran that they had anti-aircraft assets in the area, but he didn't think they could reach the enemy if they were in the clouds.
He clenched his teeth as the ground rattled and shook. Would a bomb hit his unit? Was he going to die before even firing a single shot? Explosions rippled nearby, but none hit the cover they were crouching in, though they were coming closer. One of his squad mates lost his cool and ran out, away from the building, heading for the ladder they had used to get up to their position.
Marco thought about joining him, but then an explosion ripped all thought from him.
When he came to, he was barely conscious. Blood ran down the side of his face, and horrible pain greeted him. The building he had been in was on the ground, and only by luck had he not been killed. He had still fallen three stories, and both his legs were broken, as was his arm. Above him, he saw the little Owl planes buzzing around. He saw one explode and sent up a prayer for the pilot.
With a bloody grin, he saw the Birdie Aerospace fighters scatter the smaller conventional aircraft, only to be greeted in turn by the sky lighting up with autocannon fire. Marco didn't know all that much, but he knew that small bits of metal striking fast-moving flying things was a recipe for disaster. And by the sounds of it, a lot of metal was filling the skies. He saw several massive Aerospace fighters lose complete control and crash to the ground.
Blackjack lives!
***
Blackjack
Tamar March, Lyran Commonwealth
August 11th 3050
MechWarrior Drack was just happy to be included in such a priority invasion. While Blackjack was not important, the fact that Katherine Steiner-Davion was on the planet had made it a combat assignment anyone would wish for. The Cluster he was a part of was not Solamha, but it was second-line. As a warrior who had just acknowledged the 30th anniversary of his decanting day, he was eager to be part of something big and be given the chance to be recognized. He had never been sponsored for a Bloodname. There was still time, but it was running out, and it did not help that he was not even piloting an OmniMech.
He was operating something better than these Spheroids, at least. The 'Mech itself was hundreds of years old, a remnant from the old Star League Defense Force. The Lancelot was 60 tons, and for armaments, it had one PPC, two large lasers, and a medium laser. He was covetous of his Star Commander's superior weaponry in his Executioner.
They had already faced enemy hovercraft that had attacked and then retreated. They were fast and knew exactly what path to take to avoid pursuit. Their unique method of movement meant they did not trigger the surat mines that had been placed along their path of retreat. It was maddening.
At least I destroyed one with my arsenal before it could retreat.
In their first 'real' battle of the day, they had stumbled upon a trio of bunkers with unarmored infantry in them shooting autocannons at them. Behind those bunkers were less than a Star of medium 'Mechs and a little more than a Star of vehicles firing short-range missiles and autocannons. They had made short work of the 'Mechs despite their good use of cover. The vehicles had retreated, and Drack finally vented his vengeance on the Spheroids who had been firing their guns at him during the entire engagement.
It had not done much damage to his armor, but between that and the damage from the missiles, it had taken one of his large lasers offline. It was infuriating how they fought, and one of his Star-mates had her 'Mech destroyed and then killed in the crossfire.
She was fun to couple with. I will take great pleasure in destroying you filthy ants.
The bunker survived for a few moments longer before the sustained power of BattleMechs reduced it to slag and cinders. It was time to move on. Heavy fighting was occurring elsewhere, and Drack was eager to be a part of it.
Fresh orders rang out: heavy fighting, and a unit needed assistance. Their Star Captain ordered them to move faster and relieve the warriors of the 305th Assault Cluster. Drack looked around and saw there were only eight other 'Mechs of their Trinary still with them.
More than a Star lost!
There was a barricade of debris in front of them, but it was surmountable even without jump jets. As they crossed over the rocky terrain, sensor warnings flashed as SRMs lashed out from the ground.
More ants!
They had scattered quickly after firing their missiles but that would not save them.
"Ignore the infantry and stay on me," his commander instructed. As they pushed their 'Mechs as fast as they dared, the sensors flared as they got close enough to the battle to pierce through the electronic jamming, chemical smoke, magnetized strips hanging everywhere, and randomized heat signatures flared in nearly all the buildings as they passed. After passing all that, Drack finally saw the fight they were joining.
Broken 'Mechs, vehicles, and Elementals littered the ground. The main fight seemed to be against aging Inner Sphere heavy 'Mechs and a mass of armored vehicles firing low-caliber autocannons. As his Star Commander divvied up targets, more enemy 'Mechs were picked up on their sensors.
Ice Ferret, Timber Wolf, Summoner, Hellbringer, and an Inner Sphere Phoenix Hawk.
Drack suspected the Timber Wolf or the Summoner might even be Katherine! If he could defeat her, he would be sure to be sponsored for a Bloodname! Instead, his Star Commander indicated he was to deal with the Phoenix Hawk. Biting his cheek in rage, he momentarily hoped whoever fought Katherine failed to bring her down so he could.
No, this is wrong. The Clan before all.
Annoyed at himself and the situation, he only had a moment to target the enemy 'Mech before it glided past him with stunning speed, ripping lasers into him as his own missed. He twisted the Lancelot around to try to hit it, but somehow it had turned faster than a 'Mech moving at that velocity should be able to. A cloud of dust and debris was kicked up as it practically drifted across the ground while it circled. Continuing his turn he also twisted his torso to line up his weapons.
I have you now!
The shot was difficult, but Drack was a Trueborn Warrior, his sibko a mixture of the Pryde and Hazen bloodlines. He would not let some Spheroid pilot best him with this strange movement! He managed to connect with his remaining large laser, which clipped the leg, and his medium laser struck it in the torso. Scorched armor burned down the 'Mech, scarring its frame.
The return strike was deadly accurate; lasers ripped through the already damaged right torso, exposing his internal structure, and damaging the PPC housed there.
Stravag!
As he continued to turn his 'Mech to try to keep his sure-footed opponent within sight of his guns, his cockpit flared in warning. An ER PPC, SRMs, LRMs, and a slew of lasers ripped into the back of his 'Mech. The weaker rear armor tore apart as no less than three 'Mechs opened fire on his exposed backside while he had turned his 'Mech to keep the Phoenix Hawk in front of him. That much damage killed his engine and his gyroscope. He didn't even bother ejecting as his 'Mech tumbled face-down into the ground.
It was over. He had lost to filthy Spheroids. There would be no recognition for him after the battle was eventually won. Drack had been cheated of his chance to earn a Bloodname. His comms system was still active, even if everything else was dead. It was always the last system to keep power, even when the fusion engine died, for clear reasons. As he listened in, he realized in growing horror that perhaps the battle would not be won by the Jade Falcons.
***
Blackjack
Tamar March, Lyran Commonwealth
August 11th 3050
Star Colonel Evelyn Buhallin sat wide-eyed in her cockpit. How were her forces taking so many casualties? She took stock of what she had left and felt shame boil within her.
My opening bid, thanks to Star Colonel Pryde's initial bid, was only 105 'Mechs, 150 Elementals, and 50 Aerospace Fighters. If I contact her, I can only deploy a single Nova – just five 'Mechs and 25 Elementals.
She unfortunately had to do it. The forces were already on the planet and by the DropShips. It would not take them long to get here. In the meantime, she assessed what she had left. Unit integrity had been lost, as nearly every Star that had seen combat had lost multiple Points. Entire Stars had been destroyed as well.
Her primary 'Mech force consisted of her Cluster Command Star with only minimal damage, along with another 40 'Mechs in various levels of combat readiness. Her Aerospace fighters had helped clear a path, but when confronted by the enemy conventional fighters, they had slaughtered whole Stars of the enemy. However, it had proven to be a costly mistake. The enemy had baited her Aerospace Stars into the range of concentrated flak fire. According to the pilots who managed to escape, no less than a hundred separate guns had filled the sky with deadly metal storm.
Some of their tanks have four of those guns attached, so it wasn't that many resources devoted to it, but operating in atmosphere is always dangerous for Aerospace.
It wasn't just flak that had struck back, however. Despite the haze, PPCs, lasers, and LRMs had added to the toll as well.
She had lost almost four Stars, leaving only 12 Aerospace fighters remaining. The enemy also had a small unit of Aerospace assets, and when they appeared, they strafed the Elementals like the cowards they were. When her own Aerospace units tried to intercept, they flew back over where the enemy AA guns had massed, and she had called them off. The entire battle was giving her a massive headache.
The status of her Elementals was even more dire. The vast majority had been killed. They had crushed the enemy infantry at every turn, but sniper fire, C4 explosions, falling buildings, and even that damn Aerospace strafing had steadily mounted casualties among them. She had roughly 30 Elementals left, just a little more than a Star. The fights they had to face were maddening. Estimates ranged from several hundred to over two thousand of the enemy 'warriors,' if they could even be called that, slain. Killing someone without even Elemental armor seemed more like putting down a lower Caste mob than engaging in a true battle.
Communication with Star Colonel Marthe Pryde had, for once, not been a chore. She had graciously allowed Evelyn's initial bid to be deployed, with the only condition being that Katherine Steiner-Davion would be her prize.
The only thing worth taking on this rock.
There was a clear path for her reinforcements to take, and once they neared, Evelyn gave the order to advance. The array of battle and the layout of where the heavy artillery was coming from were close. There would no doubt be more unworthy traps, but she still had a Star and a half of the Gyrfalcon Eyrie Cluster to send ahead at full speed to trigger them.
She would come behind with her Cluster Command Star and punch through whatever defenses they had left. Victory could still be within their grasp. She ordered her Aerospace fighters, now that they had refueled, to circle the sky and be ready to join when called upon.
She winced as a direct hit struck an already damaged Crab 'Mech from the Star League era. With almost no armor left, it was torn to shreds when the artillery shell hit. Moving slightly around the victim of the strike, she urged her warriors onward.
Instead of growing denser with mines and ambushes, the inner ring of her opponent's defense was almost peaceful. Debris had been cleared to either side.
Was this meant to be a sally point for a charge? Or is there something else I'm missing that these underhanded freebirths have in store?
The debris field began to curve. She had some Elementals hop off and ascend it to see if there were 'Mechs lined up at the top, out of sight. There weren't, but they reported seeing 'Mechs about a klick out. As the path curved again, the effort was repeated. The artillery fired, and she saw a Summoner take some minor damage.
Every second we wait, more of our armor is chipped away.
She issued the order to move at maximum speed. The Star ahead of her ran into little more than a company of medium tanks, which quickly retreated as they fired their small autocannons. Beyond them, there were more 'Mechs, but they weren't within range of either side. As her own Summoner moved forward, the ground quivered oddly, almost as if...
No!
An explosion sounded from beneath, and the very ground collapsed beneath her. She fired her jump jets and flew up to safety, but the rest of her Star, along with at least three additional Stars behind her, fell into the pit. She turned her 'Mech to look down and saw it wasn't a terribly far fall; almost all the 'Mechs had survived, though some had damaged legs. The true issue was that ascending out of the massive pit would prove difficult... and the whistling of nearly a hundred artillery shells coalescing on the pit was unmistakable.
The pit was coated in artillery fire. One large boom, followed by half a dozen medium ones and an almost innumerable number of smaller-caliber explosions, shattered her Cluster's 'Mechs. A third of her force was in the pit and would soon be dead. The massive wave of firepower was inescapable. She ordered those 'Mechs with jump jets to either cross if they could make it or jump over the mass of debris to the sides and walk over. Meanwhile, she had a fight to win as enemy 'Mechs advanced.
She took aim at one of the tanks, her computer indicating it was a Vedette. She had chosen Configuration D for her OmniMech based on the battle she anticipated facing during this deployment. Her primary weapons were energy-based: two ER large lasers and two ER medium lasers. Since she knew the enemy had a significant number of unarmored infantry, the configuration also gave her two machine guns. For personal protection, she also had an anti-missile system.
Her lasers stabbed out and penetrated the vehicle's armor, causing it to begin smoking and freezing in place. Meanwhile, an all-out brawl was taking place between what was left of the Stars she had borrowed from the Gyrfalcon Eyrie Cluster and the enemy 'Mechs and armor. Greatly outnumbered and already badly wounded, their inferior stravag opponents were securing kill after kill. Even lowly 'Mechs like a Commando were deadly when her warrior's internals were visible to the naked eye.
The enemy 'Mechs that arrived first were of the medium and light variety, but soon more massive 'Mechs showed up, including a Zeus and a Marauder. Coming to her aid were two more Summoners and twenty Elementals, but the other half of her non-jump-capable 'Mechs could not reinforce them.
I need to find another way around.
Ordering the retreat she fired her jump jets and sought for a place to advance.
One of her Star Commanders suggested they break off debris and form a ramp to get to the other side of the impromptu walls that had been created. She cursed the lack of hands for most of her 'Mechs, but they scrambled to achieve it. The artillery continued firing, and they took more and more losses. However, as they finished the ramp and pushed forward with what they had left, they charged into the inner circle of the enemy defense. Sensors indicated that only a thin wall and scattered chemical fires separated them from a massive enemy formation.
They may have too much left to face, but attempting to retreat now would guarantee our failure.
They fired their weapons at the wall, tearing a hole with laser and PPC strikes. It crumpled, and they pushed through into the arms of death.
Recessed into another pit was a Fortress DropShip. The Star Colonel realized that Katherine had not lied about her artillery. She had even included the Fortress DropShip and all the other DropShips on the world as part of her defense. The Fortress DropShip had a Long Tom built into it, allowing it to serve as fire support after it landed and disgorged 'Mechs. Along with the Long Tom, it also had six PPCs, two AC/20s, five AC/5s, fourteen missile launchers of various types, and twenty-four lasers of varied types. Not all of those weapons could point at them at the same time, as they were distributed around the DropShip, but many could.
As PPCs and missiles rained down, the rest of the enemy force came into view. Anchored by a set of bunkers on either side that held autocannons in field gun-mounts, they also had to contend with the enemy's heavy firepower. Four massive 80-ton tanks with unmistakable twin AC/20s raced forward.
Elsewhere, two Awesomes and a Warhammer added their own PPC damage, while a venerable Atlas closed in. Behind them was a Gargoyle, firing ER PPCs with pinpoint accuracy.
Katherine, have you been hiding all this time? Letting your infantry die in droves and bleeding us white at every chance you get? How despicable.
Around the Gargoyle was another knot of Clan 'Mechs: a Summoner, a Timber Wolf, a Kit Fox, and a Hellbringer. Star Colonel Evelyn Buhallin called in her Aerospace support and saw she wasn't the only one. The sky was filled with conventional aircraft, though they didn't even look armed. She clicked her comms and issued a challenge to Katherine, even as missiles streaked toward her. Her AMS fired and intercepted many, but over two dozen from multiple 'Mechs peppered her armor, as did autocannon fire from one of the bunkers and a PPC from an Awesome.
"I offered you a chance to settle this one-on-one before, and you declined it. Shall we try a secondary batchall? You have already lost this Trial of Possession, and I have no intention of granting you safe passage back to your DropShips, even if you surrender. However, we can fight for these stakes. You defeat me, you can return to your DropShips with your warriors and your 'Mechs. If I defeat you, your MechWarriors and Elementals, those that you have left, will exit their machines, and surrender them to us. Your people will be returned, but we will keep all your 'Mechs and Elemental suits."
Evelyn cursed and launched her 'Mech into the air, past the Demolisher tanks, racing for Katherine. "I am a Jade Falcon warrior! I fear no foe, but I will not give you any of our technology. Face me yourself, or prove your cowardice. No terms!"
In response, two ER PPCs and a large pulse laser from Katherine were joined by another sixty LRMs, followed by more autocannon fire, medium lasers, and an AC/20 from the Atlas, which was further joined by SRMs and Inner Sphere PPC fire. Her 'Mech was not destroyed; it was annihilated. The last sight the leader of the 305th Assault Cluster saw was fiery explosions heralding her death.
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