Detroit: (Emergency Operation: Defend Ford)

[Sum of All Fears]

5 February 3026
1235 hrs
Winter; 10०F
Clear

Everyone has been set down just outside the city. Ford is actually quite impressive. While most of the buildings are under 10 stories tall the city looks to be quite prosperous. It is easily a few square kilometers in size. Ivy checks in on the radio, ”Tango here. You have Ivy and Darven here as your back up.”

You get your bearings as you’ve been set on the west side of the city directly in between the incoming mechs and the city. You comms crackle briefly before a new voice chimes in, ”Sigma lance of the DDF? This is mayor Simon Fernandez. We are grateful for your assistance. We have local police attempting to apprehend Mr. Shelburn. We don’t know why these people want him, but we put their mech forces at about 5 minutes out. We can provide limited support with several defense turrets in the area. They have been activated and your IFFs have been registered as friendly.”


As the time is finally up everyone’s sensors pick up two large masses coming over the hill about a kilometer to the west. As they crest, Sigma can understand why they didn’t seem too concerned about obliterating a city. Between the two lances of mechs is a Naval PPC. One shot could take out an area of about 300 square meters. Those are normally fixed on large capital ships for internship battles or even orbital bombardments.
Please give me two skill rolls regarding the weapon. (Mech/Technical/Interest/Logistics/Warfare/Space)

Sigma’s sensors ping the types of mechs in the other lance. Each lance has a Phoenix Hawk, Jenner, and Kintaro. The final mech’s are different. The lance on the left of the PPC also has a Dragon and the lance on the right has a Marauder. Sigma can tell this Marauder is not the same as the Tiger one they faced in the simulator.

Suddenly a wide band transmission emanates from the Dragon, ”Ah. It seems the DDF was able to scramble a token force to resist us. As if you could stop the might of the great Dragon! As I’ve said to the leaders of this city. I Shino Tabayto of the 3rd Dieron Regulars demand you hand over Maurice Shellburn. Present him and we will leave. Resist and we will level the city.”

Well this is a pickle…8 v 5…and there is a Naval PPC pointing at the city…So now what?

[Perun]

=======================
Perception: 3d6-L+4 | (7 Base TN)
JIC: 2d6
JIC: 2d6

Active Effects: (Good Vision, Good Hearing, Patient)

Career/Logistics.

2d6+3-L

3d6+3-L <== Potential power and mobility limitations of Naval PPC?
Interest/History. 2d6+4 <== How have dismounted Naval PPC cannons been used in the past?
=======================

You get your bearings as you’ve been set on the west side of the city directly in between the incoming mechs and the city. You comms crackle briefly before a new voice chimes in, ”Sigma lance of the DDF? This is mayor Simon Fernandez. We are grateful for your assistance. We have local police attempting to apprehend Mr. Shelburn. We don’t know why these people want him, but we put their mech forces at about 5 minutes out. We can provide limited support with several defense turrets in the area. They have been activated and your IFFs have been registered as friendly.”

"Thank you Mayor Fernandez. Hopefully it won't come to blows. But if it does, that's what we're here for. Kindly update us if progress is made on Mr. Shelburn's acquisition." Perun replies to the local politician. He isn't sure if his words come across as confidence or bravado.

The logistics coordinator keys off his comms with a shaking hand as his sensors start returning the overwhelming force they stand against. Two full lances with a Naval PPC that serves as a priority target to eliminate if minimizing loss of civilian lives is factored into decision making. Not a seasoned tactician, Perun can nonetheless understand that the deck is severely stacked against them if it comes to blows.

Suddenly a wide band transmission emanates from the Dragon, ”Ah. It seems the DDF was able to scramble a token force to resist us. As if you could stop the might of the great Dragon! As I’ve said to the leaders of this city. I Shino Tabayto of the 3rd Dieron Regulars demand you hand over Maurice Shellburn. Present him and we will leave. Resist and we will level the city.”

"Greetings Shino Tabayto of the 3rd Dieron Regulars. I am Vanto Perun of the Detroit Defense Force. As you correctly identified. We have been notified that local law enforcement is in the process of a manhunt for Mr. Maurice Shellburn. If you are sincere in your goal being the acquisition of this individual, I would advise that you stand firm. Hold your position and allow law enforcement to do their job. You are clearly equipped to wreak havoc to this city with two full lances of mechs and a weapon typically used for orbital bombardment." Perun pauses for a split second before continuing.

"But I don't believe application of violence would achieve your expressed goal. In fact, it would likely do the opposite. Attacking mechs and siege weaponry would create chaos within the city which would degrade law enforcement's ability to execute the manhunt. Creating holes in perimeters or pull law enforcement resources toward humanitarian aid which would again, diminish their effectiveness."

With as much authority the young man can muster, in as steady of a voice as he can manage, Perun states plainly, "You have made your request to the City of Ford. Local administration has heard your request and are scrambling to make it happen. Be patient. Do not engage. And in time, you will walk away with your prize. Alternatively, if you open fire, DDF will be forced to respond. And odds are, we will both have a bad day."

Please let this resolve peacefully... Perun thinks. And a piece of him is immensely grateful that they did not walk into a 'no-win' situation where the local administration was refusing to meet the Kurita forces' demand.

[Jackson Cooper]

Perception: 2d6+3
JIC: 2d6: 2d6
JIC: 2d6: 2d6

(Active effects: Compulsion/Stubborn, Fit, Good Vision)

Technical Rolls:
Tech/Mechanical: 2d6+1 (Weak points, movement speed of the chassis, armor plating, number of heat sinks required to operate)
Tech/Electrical: 2d6 (exposed cables, electrical systems that could be tampered with)

Everyone has been set down just outside the city. Ford is actually quite impressive. While most of the buildings are under 10 stories tall the city looks to be quite prosperous. It is easily a few square kilometers in size. Ivy checks in on the radio, ”Tango here. You have Ivy and Darven here as your back up.”

Jackson smiles to himself as Ivy's voice crackles over the comms. "Mighty nice to have you with us, Tango. Now you get to see how the pros get it done. Just stick close and we'll all get outta this in one piece." Jackson knew in the back of his mind that this wasn't the time for showboating, but he couldn't help himself.

"Thank you Mayor Fernandez. Hopefully it won't come to blows. But if it does, that's what we're here for. Kindly update us if progress is made on Mr. Shelburn's acquisition." Perun replies to the local politician. He isn't sure if his words come across as confidence or bravado.

Jackson's finger is hovering over the comms when Perun's voice comes through. Well tie a rope 'round my legs an' call me a rodeo calf. Looks like lil' ol' Perun's steppin' up to the plate! Seeing that Perun is engaging with the Mayor, Jackson takes in his surroundings. He squints his eyes against the glare, searching for any signs of movement. He fiddles with his sensors, trying to get any sort of reading.

As the time is finally up everyone’s sensors pick up two large masses coming over the hill about a kilometer to the west. As they crest, Sigma can understand why they didn’t seem too concerned about obliterating a city. Between the two lances of mechs is a Naval PPC. One shot could take out an area of about 300 square meters. Those are normally fixed on large capital ships for internship battles or even orbital bombardments.

Jackson's eyes go wide and a cold sweat breaks out down his back and across his forehead as he sees the Kuritan forces clear the crest of the hill. The young mechwarrior forces his eyes shut momentarily, like a small child intending to ward off a bad dream. However, the pinging of his sensors causes his heart to sink as they confirm what he already knows. They're outnumbered and outgunned. Well, I'll be damned. Bluto was right. Gotta remind myself never to doubt his drunken rants. He shifts uncomfortably at the sight of the massive gun the Kuritans have leveled at the city. Jackson nervously taps on his heat level readout.

A nicotine-laced chuckle echoes in the back of his mind. Ain't nothin' wrong with the heat gague, kiddo. That's fear. And that's alright. Fear'll keep ya honest, but don't let it take over.

Perun's voice over the comms brings Jackson back to reality and inspires him. Boy's got some stones, I'll give him that. Alright. Let's get to business.

Jackson hits the comms to the rest of the lance. "Alright, Sigma. Tango. Perun's takin' point on this one. We stand ready to get his back if things go south. I want any long range weapon trained on that damn gun. Worst comes to worst, we need to take it out before they can use it. No matter what. Let's do this mechwarriors."

[Bluto]

Perception: 2d6+2 (7 Base TN) (SUCCESS)
JIC: 2d6
JIC: 2d6

Bluto, no stranger to suicide missions, is unfazed by the overwhelming odds. He just finds himself staring dumbly at that naval gun. He leans back in his comfortable, well-padded pilot seat, the soft leather cradling his body. His mind drifts back to his days as an infantryman, the countless suicide missions his commanding officer had sent him on, the narrow escapes, the fallen comrades. "Good times," he mutters to himself. He tries to focus on the present. "No different now."

'Cept that gun!

He looks at that naval gun again. Something out of place from how he'd usually experienced combat.

Two lances of mechs, and a big ass Naval PPC. I got me a Grasshopper with short range guns. Well, that sucks. Could've used a Catapult or Archer for this one.

Bluto tries to think of something clever. Always a bad sign.

Tactics (Land) 2d6+1 (9 Base TN) (FAIL)

Suddenly a wide band transmission emanates from the Dragon, ”Ah. It seems the DDF was able to scramble a token force to resist us. As if you could stop the might of the great Dragon! As I’ve said to the leaders of this city. I Shino Tabayto of the 3rd Dieron Regulars demand you hand over Maurice Shellburn. Present him and we will leave. Resist and we will level the city.”

Bluto knows enough that he's not the one to do the talking. In is mind he imagines what he'd say.

Attention Shino Tabayto. Jackass. This is SIR John Blutanski. Is the Dragon so piss weak that it needs two full lances to stand up to a token DDF force? You better pack your butt in a suitcase before I send you home in a box.

He reaches for his comm button, but mercifully for everyone Perun replies first.

"Greetings Shino Tabayto of the 3rd Dieron Regulars. I am Vanto Perun of the Detroit Defense Force. As you correctly identified. We have been notified that local law enforcement is in the process of a manhunt for Mr. Maurice Shellburn. If you are sincere in your goal being the acquisition of this individual, I would advise that you stand firm. Hold your position and allow law enforcement to do their job. You are clearly equipped to wreak havoc to this city with two full lances of mechs and a weapon typically used for orbital bombardment." Perun pauses for a split second before continuing.

"But I don't believe application of violence would achieve your expressed goal. In fact, it would likely do the opposite. Attacking mechs and siege weaponry would create chaos within the city which would degrade law enforcement's ability to execute the manhunt. Creating holes in perimeters or pull law enforcement resources toward humanitarian aid which would again, diminish their effectiveness."

With as much authority the young man can muster, in as steady of a voice as he can manage, Perun states plainly, "You have made your request to the City of Ford. Local administration has heard your request and are scrambling to make it happen. Be patient. Do not engage. And in time, you will walk away with your prize. Alternatively, if you open fire, DDF will be forced to respond. And odds are, we will both have a bad day."

He listens to Perun's response to the Kuritan force, and is impressed at his emphasis of diplomacy before violence. I wouldn't have thought of that. He admits to himself, and is glad for Perun's presence. He looks over the sensor readings, noting everyone's position and speaks through the private Sigma Lance frequency.

In a voice filled with conviction, and the occasional hint of whiskey, Bluto gets to the point. I say he's bluffing. We're Mechwarriors. We don't waste entire cities with moms and kids in em. Ares Conventions of War. There's no honor in wasting a city full of babies and moms. Oh and pUppies. I forgot puppies.

A plan begins to form in Bluto's mind, a wild and improbable scheme that might just work on a Kuritan officer with a twisted honor code. A plan that only a man of his unique brand of courage and stupidity could conceive. But hey, if it comes down to it, let me challenge that SOB to a duel. Bluto says this simply, even though it is likely a death sentence for him. I'm a bonafide knight, Sir John Blutanski. That ought to mean enough to these guys that I'm worth killing. These kinda nerds would kill for honor, they love tha--t shorta thing.

He chuckles, taking a swig of his whiskey. And maybe you can arrange it so I can duke it out within LRM range of that big bad gun, then I cAn take it out. Before. He pauses. Yeah, once I do that, they'll all open up on me. Bye bye Bluto. YoU know....

He changes the subject. That naval gun got any weak points I should know?

Jackson hits the comms to the rest of the lance. "Alright, Sigma. Tango. Perun's takin' point on this one. We stand ready to get his back if things go south. I want any long range weapon trained on that damn gun. Worst comes to worst, we need to take it out before they can use it. No matter what. Let's do this mechwarriors."

If it's in LRM range, I can hit it. Trust me on that. He chuckles, feeling rather happy with the whiskey in his veins.


Then he tries some Leadership to raise the spirits of Sigma and Tango. Zapp says you should make

when stuff gets dangerous. Ha! I always did that! I must be some kind of leadership genius.

Leadership 2d6 (8 Base TN) (SUCCESS)

And don't sweat it Mechwarriors. Look at the size of that naval gun. Don't ya think Shino Tabayto is compensating for something? Ha ha!

[Perun]

((rolls carried over))

Jackson hits the comms to the rest of the lance. "Alright, Sigma. Tango. Perun's takin' point on this one. We stand ready to get his back if things go south. I want any long range weapon trained on that damn gun. Worst comes to worst, we need to take it out before they can use it. No matter what. Let's do this mechwarriors."

"Here's hoping this mission is just babysitting the city while they gather up a financial criminal to turn over to Kurita forces." Perun wishes into his mic.

A plan begins to form in Bluto's mind, a wild and improbable scheme that might just work on a Kuritan officer with a twisted honor code. A plan that only a man of his unique brand of courage and stupidity could conceive. But hey, if it comes down to it, let me challenge that SOB to a duel. Bluto says this simply, even though it is likely a death sentence for him. I'm a bonafide knight, Sir John Blutanski. That ought to mean enough to these guys that I'm worth killing. These kinda nerds would kill for honor, they love tha--t shorta thing.

"A valid "Plan B", Bluto. If Shino gets aggressive, go for it!" Perun promptly keys back on their team's comms.

If shit hits the fan, Bluto going for a duel may be the only lever we have to adjust the odds. Because otherwise... Things look grim.

But Perun remains very concerned.

[Sum of All Fears]

5 February 3026
1237 hrs
Winter; 10०F
Clear

Perun is able to convey more confidence than he is really feeling. Looking over his sensors and from what he can remember about the Naval PPC. He keys on the charge time. It takes a massive amount of energy to fire the damn thing. You can assess the charge time to be between three to six minutes depending on the power source they are using. Looking back at the PPC you do notice large cabling tucked behind armored plates leading to the back of the PPC where Perun assesses a large generator to be at its rear. You do recall two instances where Naval PPCs were used on the ground. One was a pirate crew came across one and rigged it up to fire off the reactors of two heavy mechs…it didn’t go well. The only reason there is the story is from the two people to survive the debacle described the detonation of it’s capacitors as being as close to a nuclear explosion without the actual fallout.

The second is a much older, but likely more reliable. It’s a story from before the great exodus. When the star league was at it’s hight. A warship was downed over a battlefield. The crew outnumbered and pinned against the wreckage of their ship, were able to use a spare Naval PPC to hold off a much larger force resulting in reinforcement showing up to rescue the crew.

Jackson can see the heavy power cables coming off the PPC tucked behind armored panels leading to what he assumes is a power generator on the backside. There is an armored shell around the weapon and it’s components. This is not a rush job. This thing has been purpose built. Jackson knows it will take about five minutes to fully charge and the heat signature of the charging process will be impossible to mask. Jackson can tell they have not begun charging the weapon.

As they think about the PPC, they hear Tabayto on the radio again, ”Vanto Perun of the Detroit Defense Force, I applaud your backbone and grit. I will allow one hour for your police forces to find the man. As they have already had close to an hour this should give them a total of two hours for this endeavor…With that said I’m sure we will continue to look at each other during this time, ensuring the other does not attempt something foolish.” while his tone is calmer, the threat of the weapon system is still very real.

After about 10 minutes of waiting, Tabayto chimes in again, ”Is everything ok? I see smoke coming from the city.” As he finishes you all hear the distant, Brummm of an explosion. A few moments later Mayor Fernandez comes over the open channel with a video call. His figure swims into rough focus on your control panel. This is over an open channel so the Kuritans are also getting this also. The Mayor is covered in dust with blood running from his left ear. You can hear emergency sirens and in the background is a multi-story building on fire. You can see windows have been blown out from the explosion, ”Sigma…I’m sorry. We thought we had him. He rigged his apartment to explode. We are working to clear the rest of the building before it collapses. We currently have six officers and at least 10 civilians confirmed dead.” He looks to be barely keeping his voice and features together as he looks into the camera. Behind him you can see several people moving the limp and mangled figures of several officers out and away from the smoking building behind him. ”I don’t know what else to do right now…Who is this man?”
The reply is not one you expect. Tabayto, cuts in, ”DAMN DAVION TREACHERY!” He takes a moment and when his voice returns it is sympathetic. ”The Davion dog has done this before. Mayor. We were in error. Would you permit us to assist with rescue efforts?”

The Mayor looks defeated, ”I will defer to Sigma as the acting security force.”

Now what...?

[Jackson Cooper]

Perception: 2d6+3
JIC: 2d6
JIC: 2d6

(Active effects: Compulsion/Stubborn, Fit, Good Vision)

As they think about the PPC, they hear Tabayto on the radio again, ”Vanto Perun of the Detroit Defense Force, I applaud your backbone and grit. I will allow one hour for your police forces to find the man. As they have already had close to an hour this should give them a total of two hours for this endeavor…With that said I’m sure we will continue to look at each other during this time, ensuring the other does not attempt something foolish.” while his tone is calmer, the threat of the weapon system is still very real.

Jackson opens up the comms to the rest of Sigma Lance. "Pretty damn fine talking there, Slick! Sure got some damn stones on you." Jackson lets out a hearty chuckle. "Now we just gotta hope the mayor and his boys can-"

The muted sound of the explosion wipes the smirk off of Jackson's face as he turns the Crab back towards Ford.

After about 10 minutes of waiting, Tabayto chimes in again, ”Is everything ok? I see smoke coming from the city.” As he finishes you all hear the distant, Brummm of an explosion. A few moments later Mayor Fernandez comes over the open channel with a video call. His figure swims into rough focus on your control panel. This is over an open channel so the Kuritans are also getting this also. The Mayor is covered in dust with blood running from his left ear. You can hear emergency sirens and in the background is a multi-story building on fire. You can see windows have been blown out from the explosion, ”Sigma…I’m sorry. We thought we had him. He rigged his apartment to explode. We are working to clear the rest of the building before it collapses. We currently have six officers and at least 10 civilians confirmed dead.” He looks to be barely keeping his voice and features together as he looks into the camera. Behind him you can see several people moving the limp and mangled figures of several officers out and away from the smoking building behind him. ”I don’t know what else to do right now…Who is this man?”
The reply is not one you expect. Tabayto, cuts in, ”DAMN DAVION TREACHERY!” He takes a moment and when his voice returns it is sympathetic. ”The Davion dog has done this before. Mayor. We were in error. Would you permit us to assist with rescue efforts?”

Jackson grits his teeth at the sight of the wounded officers. Damn... This just keeps gettin' worse all the time. The hell can we do? I ain't no infantryman. I'm a mechwarrior. Think! Jackson grips the controls of his mech tightly before he hits the comms to Sigma again. "Heya, Slick. Now I don't trust these Kuritans as far as I can throw 'em, but the thing is, even though they talked a big game, only one's causin' problems is this Shellburn jerk-off." Jackson takes a deep breath. "I suggest we fan out and form a perimeter around the city and keep an eye on our sensors for any vehicle activity. Maybe your new buddies can help us out. Whaddya think?

After signing off, Jackson pings his own sensors to see if he can pick up anything out of the ordinary.

Sensor Operation: 2d6+1

[Bluto]

Perception: 2d6+2 (7 Base TN) (SUCCESS)
JIC: 2d6
JIC: 2d6

"Vanto Perun of the Detroit Defense Force, I applaud your backbone and grit. I will allow one hour for your police forces to find the man. As they have already had close to an hour this should give them a total of two hours for this endeavor…With that said I’m sure we will continue to look at each other during this time, ensuring the other does not attempt something foolish.” while his tone is calmer, the threat of the weapon system is still very real.”

"An hour?!" Bluto's face twists into a look of disbelief and frustration. "So sit around and watch each other while the coppers try and find this guy?" he exclaims out loud. "Just shoot me in the head now."

And so Bluto sits impatiently in his mech. His mind races with thoughts of the deadline that seems light years away. A whole stinking hour. He considers to Tabayto's demands. Boring. He thinks about that big PPC cannon. Yeah I'd love to blow that thing sky high. But it's another thought that causes a flicker of annoyance to cross his face.

"No one laughed at my joke," he mutters to himself. "Maybe my comms are down? Or maybe I'm being jammed." He turns the thought over in his mind but after a minute shakes his head, dismissing the idea. "No, that doesn't make sense. Perun just radioed me."

Bluto's mind wanders, lost in a sea of random thoughts. When he thinks an hour has gone by he checks his system clock. WHAT? He's mortified to learn that only 5 minutes have passed.

He begins to think deep thoughts about leadership and motivating the troops. These guys in Tango are maybe not patient like me. They gotta be going out of their heads by now. I should ease the tension somehow. He thinks about the problem, and he thinks more about how bored he is, and his brain comes up with nothing.

Tension. Gotta break the tension. How? His grape-sized brain comes up with nothing, but a rumble in his guts provides a hint. Oh man, whiskey makes me so smart! He punches the comms button.

With two sides facing off on the edge of a life and death battle, Bluto says the unthinkable. He voices an age-old question.

I wonder which is more satisfying, an epic fart or an epic sneeze?

He waits until any replies in comms dies down before following up. When mechwarriors least expect it, Bluto lets one rip. It is a particularly impressive feat. So impressive in fact that the air circulation fans whir in protest and the mech's internal life support system logs an event. Definitely an epic fart, he concludes, knowing the others needed to know.

After another 5 minute eternity something finally happens.

After about 10 minutes of waiting, Tabayto chimes in again, ”Is everything ok? I see smoke coming from the city.”

Bluto's eyes widen as he sees the smoke rising from the city. And I thought mine was a 10 out of 10. Damn.

The reply is not one you expect. Tabayto, cuts in, ”DAMN DAVION TREACHERY!” He takes a moment and when his voice returns it is sympathetic. ”The Davion dog has done this before. Mayor. We were in error. Would you permit us to assist with rescue efforts?”

The Mayor looks defeated, ”I will defer to Sigma as the acting security force.”

Bluto listens for Perun, expecting his direction. He hits private team comms for a brief message. He can start by pointing his big gun in someone else's face.

I should volunteer to help with the rescue. A burning building has gotta be better than this.

He checks his sensors, hoping to find someone to blow to hell.

Sensor Operations 2d6+2 (8 Base TN) (SUCCESS)

[Perun]

=======================
Perception: 3d6-L+4 | (7 Base TN)
JIC: 2d6
JIC: 2d6

Active Effects: (Good Vision, Good Hearing, Patient)

Sensor Operations. 2d6+1
=======================

A few moments later Mayor Fernandez comes over the open channel with a video call. His figure swims into rough focus on your control panel. This is over an open channel so the Kuritans are also getting this also. The Mayor is covered in dust with blood running from his left ear. You can hear emergency sirens and in the background is a multi-story building on fire. You can see windows have been blown out from the explosion, ”Sigma…I’m sorry. We thought we had him. He rigged his apartment to explode. We are working to clear the rest of the building before it collapses. We currently have six officers and at least 10 civilians confirmed dead.” He looks to be barely keeping his voice and features together as he looks into the camera. Behind him you can see several people moving the limp and mangled figures of several officers out and away from the smoking building behind him. ”I don’t know what else to do right now…Who is this man?”
The reply is not one you expect. Tabayto, cuts in, ”DAMN DAVION TREACHERY!” He takes a moment and when his voice returns it is sympathetic. ”The Davion dog has done this before. Mayor. We were in error. Would you permit us to assist with rescue efforts?”

The Mayor looks defeated, ”I will defer to Sigma as the acting security force.”

Perun's lips pinch together and his brows furrow in concern as his eyes dart about his monitors taking in the situation. But the logistics specialist does not deliberate long. He immediately recognizes the rarity of an OpFor apologizing and offering humanitarian aid. And so the decision seems both obvious and a godsend.

Following the Mayor's lead on transmitting over an open channel for all to hear and clicking on his vid, Perun responds, "Mayor Fernandez, kindly advise city turrets to mark Kuritan IFFs on the field as friendly. We will take them up on their offer to render assistance in rescue with humble gratitude."

Glancing down at his displays, he continues, still on the open channel with video, but this time for the sake of the Kuritan forces, "Shino Tabayto of the 3rd Dieron Regulars, I believe brief introductions are in order. I, Vanto Perun, am piloting the Griffon. Other DDF mech forces include: Bluto - Grasshopper, Ivy - Rifleman, Jackson - Crab, Darden - Javelin. We are running on sensor seed QA6939FF if you wish to share our sensor feed."

Assuming Mayor Fernandez confirms Kuritan IFF registry promptly, Perun inquires the city for clarity on the best approach of mech forces such that they do not interfere with emergency personnel and rescue efforts already underway.

Jackson takes a deep breath. "I suggest we fan out and form a perimeter around the city and keep an eye on our sensors for any vehicle activity. Maybe your new buddies can help us out. Whaddya think?

Bluto listens for Perun, expecting his direction. He hits private team comms for a brief message. He can start by pointing his big gun in someone else's face.

"Think we follow Ford city traffic control operators as they direct us. Mechs with hand actuators are on rubble-clearing and building structural support duty. Mechs without actuators, perimeter control. Listen to city emergency and rescue personnel for direction. They do this stuff for a living every day. Step carefully please." Perun loosely guides. He knows little about this sort of rescue effort, but can imagine that building-sized mechs used both carefully and judiciously, could very well make life-or-death difference for civilians caught in the blast or debris.

Once they are moving, Perun keys his open mic one more time to address Shino, "And now that we are underway and on friendly terms, Shino..." The logistics specialist pauses for a brief second, unknowingly building drama, "Who the frak is Maurice Shellburn really? We were told in briefing that he is a financial advisor for Detroit Mining Corporation. But this clearly not the work of a pencil-pusher."

Or is it? Perun can't help but think in the back of his own head as his eyes glance to his own pencil tucked into the rings of his notebook and then shift back to the displays of his mech. Who is to say what a pencil-pusher is or is not capable of?

[Bluto]

((Rolls carried))

"Think we follow Ford city traffic control operators as they direct us. Mechs with hand actuators are on rubble-clearing and building structural support duty. Mechs without actuators, perimeter control. Listen to city emergency and rescue personnel for direction. They do this stuff for a living every day. Step carefully please." Perun loosely guides. He knows little about this sort of rescue effort, but can imagine that building-sized mechs used both carefully and judiciously, could very well make life-or-death difference for civilians caught in the blast or debris.

Great, let's get to work.

Bluto listens intently as Perun gives out his orders. His joking demeanor is gone, for now there was something to do other than sit around gawking at Shino's oversized particle cannon. Ten civvies dead. Then it slowly dawns on Bluto what that explosion might have meant. Didn't think of that. Bluto's face darkens as he belatedly realises the possible impact of the explosion. I wonder if any kids got caught in that.

"Yes sir," he says, in a more professional tone. "Hand actuators? I got those. If those rescue guys need me to clear rubble or shore up buildings they can give me some coords to move onto. I can lift just about anything with this Grasshopper."

Bluto's Grasshopper mech doesn't leave until Perun signals the all clear. I'm not leavin Perun hanging unless this looks legit and not some kinda trick.

Should coords be provided, and Perun gives the final nod, Bluto makes his way to the disaster area to assist in whatever they need. "Roger boss. On my way. If any kids got blown up, I'll be sure to step on this Maurice guy. Slowly." His tone is cold at this moment.

He moves his mech as nimbly and carefully as his skills allow.

Piloting/'Mech 2d6+11
Piloting/'Mech 2d6+11

Contingency: If a Kurita pilot joins him in the rescue effort.
As they clear rubble together, Bluto strikes up a conversation. "So, what do you like to drink after a hard day of kicking butt?" he asks, his voice filled with curiosity. Maybe there's something even better for whiskey for making guys smarter?

[Jackson Cooper]

(Rolls carried over)

"Think we follow Ford city traffic control operators as they direct us. Mechs with hand actuators are on rubble-clearing and building structural support duty. Mechs without actuators, perimeter control. Listen to city emergency and rescue personnel for direction. They do this stuff for a living every day. Step carefully please." Perun loosely guides. He knows little about this sort of rescue effort, but can imagine that building-sized mechs used both carefully and judiciously, could very well make life-or-death difference for civilians caught in the blast or debris.

Perimeter control it is, then. Jackson thinks to himself. Jackson opens a channel to the rest of the lance. "Even though they might look the part, I don't think the crab's claws'r much for grabbin', Slick. Ivy, looks like you'n me just pulled patrol duty. Lessee if we can keep that sumbitch from gettin' outta here."

Jackson waits for Ivy to form up on his flank, then eases the throttle slowly a bit, sending the Crab walking forward at a normal pace. He swings out wide, staying outside the city limits and alternating between his instruments and looking out the canopy for anything out of the ordinary. "Alright, darlin'. Keep your eyes peeled and those sensors pingin'. I don't want this bastard slippin' past us. You go ahead an' holler if you see somethin'."

Now...If I was a sneaky, lily-livered sumbitch, where would I skulk off to?

Piloting Check: 2d6+5
Piloting Check: 2d6+5

[Perun]

((rolls carried over))

Should coords be provided, and Perun gives the final nod, Bluto makes his way to the disaster area to assist in whatever they need. "Roger boss. On my way. If any kids got blown up, I'll be sure to step on this Maurice guy. Slowly." His tone is cold at this moment.

"Excellent point, Bluto." Perun replies over comms. But the logistics specialist isn't just imagining a slow lowering of a mech's foot onto a squishy human, but rather realizing not being able to visualize what that squishy human looks like.

Back on the open comms, he asks, "Mayor Fernandez, can you send what footage you have of the incident? I know it's painful, but I think we all need to see what Maurice Shellburn looks like, or at very least what he was last seen wearing."

I've never piloted a mech in a busy city environment... That makes me potentially the weakest link in this rescue operation.

Perun does his best to hang back a bit. Not necessarily trusting his mech-piloting abilities to be as refined as Bluto and Jackson's. He certainly doesn't want to be the first to accidentally crush a car with civilians inside. But will move when traffic control gives them (hopefully cleared path) directions.

Piloting/Mech. 2d6+2
Piloting/Mech. 2d6+2

[Sum of All Fears]

5 February 3026
1252 hrs
Winter; 10०F
Clear

Prior to the explosion, Bluto attempts to pass the time and inspire with a few well placed fart jokes. While it seems like he should have gotten a reaction earlier, the team's channel finally crackles to life with a male voice they are not familiar with as Darven speaks up, ”Man, I’m glad I’m not in your cockpit right now. You better tip the mech techs that have to clean up that one. Hehe.” Ivy then cuts in, ”Bluto. You might want to check your mech. Sounds like you could have blown an actuator with that one.” Bluto is unsure if his jokes landed right or not, but he got some kind of response so that has to be with something.

After the explosion:

Mayor Fernandez nods his head, ”Of course. We need all the help we can get.” You see him taps a few keys on a pad and the turrets near you dip forward as they power down. ”Getting authorization would have been too long. I’ve deactivated the turrets while I have a staffer get the transponders in the system.” He looks to the side and motions a few times off screen before looking back, ”I have security teams clearing you a path to the building. They estimate we have about five minutes before collapse. One of my engineers believes we can push that to 20 minutes if we use a pair of mechs to assist with holding the building steady as the crew finish pulling people out. It will be tricky but I’m willing to try to save my people. Just follow the emergency crews and the smoke. You can’t miss us.” Fernandez’s attempt at humor is flat and he seems quite defeated.
Tabayto chimes in, his voice full of conviction, ”Thank you sir. We’ll be down momentarily to assist. Do not despair, we will do what we can to preserve your people.” Kind of an ironic statement as he seemed quite willing to blast the entire city just a few minutes ago. War does seem to make for strange bedfellows.

Jackson, and Ivy peel off to conduct a sweep of the perimeter with one of the Jenner’s from the Kuritan lance. He radios them, "I am Hayate. Let me know how I may be of assistance." His voice is thick and accented. "Maybe don't threaten entire cities...That might be a start!" Ivy yells at him over the comms. The radio silence becomes almost deafening as Jackson maneuvers to the outside of the city. Ivy pulls up on his flank as they patrol around the city. Jackson starts out heading north as there are no population centers that direction. Jackson assesses if someone was to escape they would likely head to the north of the city away from any sensors. Jackson is not picking anything up yet, but they are only a few minutes into their patrol. Jackson thinks it would have been nice if they had been able to keep one of the Leopard Dropships for scouting and sensors. Ivy responds to him, anger evident in her voice, ”I’m on your flank. This bastard is not getting away from us…My cousin lives here. We’re not that close so I don’t know exactly where she lives, but she’s still family. So, ya…Let's find this bastard.”

While they see the Kuritan Dropship, their sensors don't pick up anything new at this time. (Please give me three more sensor checks)

In the city:

Perun gets a reply to his introductions, from Tabayto, ”Wonderful. We are of the 4th company 9th Battalion. Iseul Ye, 1st Lance, 4th Company, in the Phoenix Hawk; Hayate Katō 1st Lance, 4th Company in the Jenner; Shui Amano 1st Lance, 4th Company in the Kintaro; Shin Wu 2nd Lance Leader, 4th Company in the Marauder; Kohaku Tani, 2nd Lance, 4th Company in the Jenner; Jun Himura, 2nd Lance, 4th Company in the Phoenix Hawk; Ryota Maekawa, 2nd Lance, 4th Company in the Kintaro. I will have the second lance pull the cannon away from the city and link up with out dropship. I’ll have them land in an area designated by you to assist with any medical or other type of support we can provide.” Tabayto directs Hayate to accompany Jackson and Ivy on their patrol as the Jenner is not suited to delicate search and rescue.

As the mechs begin to move, guided by the city's traffic control system, Perun asks the million c-bill question and gets a response he wasn’t ready for. A private channel link blinks on his console from Tabayto. When he activates it he hears Tabayto, but he sounds different. His voice is full of regret and sadness, ”Honorable Perun, I have been a fool. This man has gone by many names. Shellburn is just the latest. I knew him as Haneul Sun. He worked with my brother in a research laboratory on Luthien. I had him in my home, we shared meals together when my brother would come over to visit. They seemed to be good friends. My brother worked on preventative medicines for diseases and disorders. Nothing galaxy breaking. Then one day there was an ‘Accident’ at the lab and my brother was killed. A few months later I found out Sun was a Davion spy who blew up the lab to impede our research progress. My brother was a non combatant. He was never supposed to be in any danger. His only wish was to help people. I was the one with a short fuse. Always getting into trouble. Jumping without thinking...” You can hear anger and sorrow creep into the man’s voice, ”I’ve been chasing this ghost for many years. This planet is neutral, but we identified many Federated Suns registered ships transiting this area. So when my agent failed to report on his status in Ford, I feared the city was in collusion with Shellburn and the Federated Suns. I let my anger and thirst for revenge lead me to threaten an innocent city. I will find the man. Of that I’m sure.”

The conversation ends as they approach the building. Perun and Bluto are glad they didn’t step on any one. The traffic controllers seemed to have most of the streets clear. It’s likely due to the previous threat that people were not on the streets when this explosion went off. For nearly a block before you get there windows all around have been blown out, so you know you are in the right area. The building is in rough shape. It’s an eight story residential building. The fifth floor appears to be on fire and the top three floors you can see people trying to wave and get the attention of crew crews as smoke is beginning to seep from the upper floors as the building shudders under its own weight. Suddenly you get a new message, ”This is Fire Chief Perez. I need two of you hotshots to carefully stabilize the north and south walls. I need you to hold it for about twenty minutes while we get ladders to the people in the windows!” The building is a little taller than the mechs but it should be doable.

Whoever is going to stabilize the build will need 5 pilot rolls at a negative 3 modifier.

You do see the Kuritan Dropship pass overhead and land behind the hill where the gun used to be. After about ten minutes those not helping stabilize the building get a radio signal, ”Sigma this is relay station 12, Authentication Mike Gamma Four Nine Six. We have received a report of two Federated Suns registered ships making a hard burn for your location. Speed and entry put them two hours out from your general location.”

Perun also has a image appended from mayor Fernandez, It's a picture of Shellburn taken while he was working.

[Bluto]

Perception: 2d6+2 (7 Base TN) (SUCCESS)
JIC: 2d6
JIC: 2d6

”This is Fire Chief Perez. I need two of you hotshots to carefully stabilize the north and south walls. I need you to hold it for about twenty minutes while we get ladders to the people in the windows!” The building is a little taller than the mechs but it should be doable.

Whoever is going to stabilize the build will need 5 pilot rolls at a negative 3 modifier.

As Bluto and Perun arrives at the scene of the explosion, Bluto listens to the Fire Chief's instructions. He hits the comms almost instantly. "I'll can do that," he says in a voice filled with enthusiasm. "Requesting permission to become a structural support, sir!"

Assuming his lance leader agrees, and no one gives him a specific wall to cover, he picks one at random. "I'll take the north side."

He maneuvers his Grasshopper to the side of the building wall pointed out by the Fire Chief. Once there Bluto spreads his mech's arms wide, bracing against the crumbling wall. He plants his legs firmly, and endeavors to make his powerful death machine a makeshift support beam.

"I'm in position," he reports. "Get the people outta there. Don't forget the puppies."

Bluto pats his mech control console affectionately. "Now, don't let me down," he says. "We don't want these guys to wind up pancakes."

Piloting Check: 2d6+11 -3 modifier = 15 (TN:8) (SUCCESS)
Piloting Check: 2d6+11 -3 modifier = 15 (TN:8) (SUCCESS)
Piloting Check: 2d6+11 -3 modifier = 18 (TN:8) (SUCCESS)
Piloting Check: 2d6+11 -3 modifier = 14 (TN:8) (SUCCESS)
Piloting Check: 2d6+11 -3 modifier = 15 (TN:8) (SUCCESS)

[Jackson Cooper]

Perception: 2d6+2
JIC: 2d6
JIC: 2d6

(Active effects: Compulsion/Stubborn, Fit, Good Vision)

]Jackson, and Ivy peel off to conduct a sweep of the perimeter with one of the Jenner’s from the Kuritan lance. He radios them, "I am Hayate. Let me know how I may be of assistance." His voice is thick and accented. "Maybe don't threaten entire cities...That might be a start!" Ivy yells at him over the comms. The radio silence becomes almost deafening as Jackson maneuvers to the outside of the city.

Jackson breaks the silence as the the three mechs make their way north. "Alright, Ivy, darlin'. I know we're all on edge right now, but for the moment we're on the same team. Don't hold it against her, Hayate. Glad to have you along."

He increases the throttle on his mech, sending it into a light run, but making sure not to outrun Ivy's Rifleman. "Let's keep makin' our way north of the city. Looks like they ain't got much in the way of sensors out there. Might be a good spot for someone to slip through."

Ivy responds to him, anger evident in her voice, ”I’m on your flank. This bastard is not getting away from us…My cousin lives here. We’re not that close so I don’t know exactly where she lives, but she’s still family. So, ya…Let's find this bastard.”

"I hear you, hon. You just keep up and keep your eyes peeled. We're headin' for the biggest hole in the sensor net, so be ready."

Damn. Sure as hell wish we had the leopard on hand. I wonder if Hayate might be able to get his buddies to do a fly over. Suppose there ain't no harm in askin'. Worst he can do is say no, an' in that case we're right back where we are now.

"Hell, maybe our little buddy can even help us out."

You do see the Kuritan Dropship pass overhead and land behind the hill where the gun used to be. After about ten minutes those not helping stabilize the building get a radio signal, ”Sigma this is relay station 12, Authentication Mike Gamma Four Nine Six. We have received a report of two Federated Suns registered ships making a hard burn for your location. Speed and entry put them two hours out from your general location.”

As they near their destination, Jackson curses to himself as the information comes in. He sends out a quick reply. "Copy that, Station 12. Much obliged for the heads up." Shit...That can't be good.

Jackson stares at the comms button for a good long moment. After a while he sighs and hits it. "Hayate. Now I'm only tellin' you this 'cause I think it's important that we trust each other right now. Only thing I ask is that you keep a cool head, y' hear? We just got word that a couple of Federated Suns drop ships are haulin' ass towards us. Looks like they're a couple hours out. You think you might be able to get on the horn to your boys in the drop ship and have 'em do a little fly over the city? I think it's in all of our best interests to find this fella ASAP and some eyes in the sky sure as hell would be nice."

Jackson pushes his throttle to full, sending his mech into a full on run. He fiddles with his sensors trying to triangulate any strange signals or locate any sudden heat spikes that might be engines firing up.

Sensor Operation: 2d6+1
Sensor Operation: 2d6+1
Sensor Operation: 2d6+1

Jackson is unsure if he is out of range or not, but decides to try and let Bluto and Perun know what's happening. "Cooper to Lance Leader. Slick, we've got a couple of Federate Suns drop ships inbound. Looks like they might be about two hours out. Am currently on route to the north end of Ford. I think our man might try to make a run for it that way. Wish us luck. Cooper out."

[Bluto]

((Rolls carried))

Jackson is unsure if he is out of range or not, but decides to try and let Bluto and Perun know what's happening. "Cooper to Lance Leader. Slick, we've got a couple of Federate Suns drop ships inbound. Looks like they might be about two hours out. Am currently on route to the north end of Ford. I think our man might try to make a run for it that way. Wish us luck. Cooper out."

Bluto's attention is on the building his Grasshopper is supporting. He is a skilled mech pilot, one that excels at straightforward tasks. Supporting a building is right up his alley. However, complex strategic thinking, like employing diplomacy against a Kuritan hit squad, is beyond his grasp, but fortunately not beyond Perun's.

When informed of the approaching Davion dropships, Bluto's response is a simple, frustrated "Grrrr."

Davions did this? Bastards!, he thinks. He leans forward in his seat, his eyes scanning for signs of the building giving way. But his simple thoughts drift back to his time with Davion. The memories are a mixed bag. There is the thrill of battle, the camaraderie of his fellow knights, and the pride of being knighted for his service. But there were also the darker moments, the humiliation of being laughed at for his lack of intelligence, and the constant danger his commanding officer had put him in.

Some fellow pilots had joked that his CO was trying to get him killed on purpose, but Bluto had never understood why. Thought the CO saw potential in me? But maybe he hated me for being .. uh .. me and really wanted me dead?

How does he feel about Davion now? He isn't sure.

Thinking about Davion dropships, possibly coming to take a shot at him, the answer is simple enough.

"Maybe I'll have to kick some asses," he mutters to himself.

He pushes more thoughts aside, his attention returning to the task at hand. He knows he needs to focus, for the sake of the people trapped inside.

[Perun]

=======================
Perception: 3d6-L+4 | (7 Base TN)
JIC: 2d6
JIC: 2d6

Active Effects: (Good Vision, Good Hearing, Patient)

Sensor Operations. 2d6+1
=======================

As the mechs begin to move, guided by the city's traffic control system, Perun asks the million c-bill question and gets a response he wasn’t ready for. A private channel link blinks on his console from Tabayto. When he activates it he hears Tabayto, but he sounds different. His voice is full of regret and sadness, ”Honorable Perun, I have been a fool. This man has gone by many names. Shellburn is just the latest. I knew him as Haneul Sun. He worked with my brother in a research laboratory on Luthien. I had him in my home, we shared meals together when my brother would come over to visit. They seemed to be good friends. My brother worked on preventative medicines for diseases and disorders. Nothing galaxy breaking. Then one day there was an ‘Accident’ at the lab and my brother was killed. A few months later I found out Sun was a Davion spy who blew up the lab to impede our research progress. My brother was a non combatant. He was never supposed to be in any danger. His only wish was to help people. I was the one with a short fuse. Always getting into trouble. Jumping without thinking...” You can hear anger and sorrow creep into the man’s voice, ”I’ve been chasing this ghost for many years. This planet is neutral, but we identified many Federated Suns registered ships transiting this area. So when my agent failed to report on his status in Ford, I feared the city was in collusion with Shellburn and the Federated Suns. I let my anger and thirst for revenge lead me to threaten an innocent city. I will find the man. Of that I’m sure.”

Perun can't help but find himself sympathizing with the tragedy of Tabayto's story. Even over comms, the sincerity of his emotions streams through like a beam of light piercing a pitch-black room. The logistics specialist still feels a seething rage directed at those responsible for Barus' death. He can only imagine the emotion multiplied a hundred-fold for vengeance against a spy who conned his way into someone's circle of trust only to facilitate the death of a close family member.

Perun keys back on the private channel with Tabayto, "You honor the legacy of your brother now in the actions you take in helping the residents of Ford. I have little doubt that he would feel tremendous pride in witnessing your ability to set aside revenge, even while fueled by rage and grief, once you recognized the innocence of the city's denizens. A wise spectacled man once told me, 'Human beings are never going to be perfect. The best we can do is keep asking for help and accepting it when you can. And if you keep doing that, you'll always be moving toward better.'. Your actions give me hope that we can all become better."

A few moments pass while the words he just spoke are allowed to settle in Tabayto's mind. But Perun's thoughts are subconsciously elsewhere. Churning on the notion that Tabayto's leads toward Ford originated from Federated Suns registered ships transiting the area, a mental thread makes a tenuous connection between the Kuritan's situation and Perun's own experiences at Supply Depot 3824. He cannot let the opportunity pass and decides to trust Tabayto in what can only be described as a calculated gamble.

"You spoke a moment ago about how transit of many ships registered to Federated Suns was a clue that drew your attention to our planet. Might you be able to speak a bit more about that?" Perun asks. He is quick to continue with a brief expository explanation, "I was recently tasked with investigating some missing inventory from a DDF supply depot and inadvertently stumbled upon a pirate smuggling operation enabled by particular corrupt DDF personnel. Since one of the corrupt individuals is a Capellan loyalist, I discovered an oddity in the transport logs... a Federated Suns registered transport destined for Sian, the Capellan Capital World. And now I am left to wonder if there is a connection. Could your Maurice Shellburn be somehow linked to a nefarious pirate smuggling operation?"

Investigation. 2d6+3
Career/Smuggler. 2d6+2

Perun remains keyed to both the public comms and the private channel, muting the public comms only when needing to speak to Tabayto without interruption. He is glad to hear both Bluto and Jackson finding ways to be helpful in their roles as structural support and perimeter defense respectively.

Suddenly you get a new message, ”This is Fire Chief Perez. I need two of you hotshots to carefully stabilize the north and south walls. I need you to hold it for about twenty minutes while we get ladders to the people in the windows!” The building is a little taller than the mechs but it should be doable.

"I'm afraid that I am still a novice at mech piloting. I defer to you, Shino Tabayto, on whom to deploy to stabilize opposite Bluto in his Grasshopper." Perun states plainly. It is clear he does not trust his own piloting skills when it comes to saving the lives of innocents.

Jackson is unsure if he is out of range or not, but decides to try and let Bluto and Perun know what's happening. "Cooper to Lance Leader. Slick, we've got a couple of Federate Suns drop ships inbound. Looks like they might be about two hours out. Am currently on route to the north end of Ford. I think our man might try to make a run for it that way. Wish us luck. Cooper out."

Concern digs worry lines across Perun's face, "Good assessment. FedSun registered drop ships are likely inbound for extraction. Be aware... Maurice Shellburn is not merely some financial advisor, but likely some spook with a talent for confidence schemes. And has gone by many names, so will likely be difficult to pin down. Hopefully Mayor Fernandez's men can finish Kurita mech IFF registration and get those city turrets back online to give you some fire support.

[Sum of All Fears]

5 February 3026
1217 hrs
Winter; 10०F
Clear

Bluto moves his mech with a practiced hand. Compared to combat this is much easier…or so he thought. The constant shifting of the building from the heat and damage is actually giving him a challenge. Bluto, not to be out done by a building, pours his effort into keeping the structure stable. He hears the talk about the Davion spy and the things he’s done. Thinking back, Bluto is beginning to have conflicting emotions for his previous comrades in arms. His mech slips suddenly as he comes back to himself to adjust his hold on the building. Luckily he’s skilled enough to do this drunk and asleep. One thing does bother him…it’s getting hot in the cockpit as flames lick up the front to his viewscreen. After several minutes Bluto’s console beeps out a warning. His heat gauge is rising. A few minutes later he console beeps out again, this time it’s followed by the computer voice, ”Waring. Weapons system inoperable.” Bluto can see the two medium lasers in arms are no longer responding. Soot is not beginning to cover his viewscreen. In a few more minutes he’ll be blind.

Jackson Kicks his mech into gear and directs everyone to spread out as he checks the area. He’s not seeing anything on his sensors. Ivy’s smooth voice cuts into his helmet, ”Hey. Easy there tiger. They’re two hours out. I’d say this asshole would likely wait till they’re about an hour out before he makes a move. I think you’re right about this direction being his egress route. But let's set a perimeter to make sure we can catch him when he leaves.” She keeps alongside him as they move towards the North end of the city to set a perimeter.
When Jackson informs Hayate of the inbound dropships. He doesn’t immediately get a response. It takes a moment for Hayate to come over the comms with his thick accented English, ”I have relayed the request. Our dropship will be conducting a reconnaissance flight to determine likely landing locations.” The overly professional tone of his voice reminds Jackson that Hayate is a professional soldier.

Perun can hear Tabayto take a deep breath over the comm channel, ”You are a wise man, Perun. I am glad it was you here to intercept me. I owe you a great debt. I will ensure I repay you in some way.” his voice feels stronger at your words. As if relief has flooded over him for the first time in years. When you bring up the smuggling operation there is a pause as you can almost hear the gears turning in Tabayto’s mind. A few moments later his voice enters your headset once more. ”I would not put it past him. However it is highly unusual for FedRat ships to head to Sian. There may be something else there. Detroit is a fairly important world. While its resource production is not the highest, it is one of the only worlds to remain largely unaffected by the succession wars. Meaning its infrastructure has not been in a constant state of rebuilding. With the Capellan Confederation as close as it is I would not be surprised to find other spies here…But transport ships. Those are for moving high volumes of materiel. I am not a logistics specialist, but from the tactical standpoint there are three options. First is the Capellans could be moving forces to Detroit for something. Second is the Capellans are diverting the flow of material to themselves. Third is the Capellans are delivering support to another force in the area. I see the third as the most likely. There would be more evidence to point to the other two if they were happening. Either from unhappy customers who were shorted, or in a force build up and Capellan affiliated groups increasing.” He chuckles a bit, ”But this is just my best guess. If you are having pirate issues, they may be receiving help from the Capellans.”
Perun lets the idea spin around in his mind as they reach the building and he directs Tabayto to assist with the stabilization. ”I will assist.” Tabayto moves smartly to the side opposite of Bluto and begins to stabilize the building. Perun can tell he’s an excellent pilot as Tabayto helps stabilize the crumbling building.

Everyone can see the firefighters using streams of water to reduce the flames on the east side of the building to prevent the fire from melting the ladders the firemen are using to rescue the people in the upper floors.

After several tense minutes which feel like an eternity for Perun as he watches on. He turns the idea from Tabaytoover in his mind. Occam's Razor would likely point him to the pirates likely being backed by the Capellans. Though he has no evidence. It's a solid theory.

Perun is brought back to the present as the firefighters finally move away from the building, escorting the prior residents to safey. The fire chief comes over the radio once more, ”Ok. Everyone back away, Mechs you’re good to let go!” As the mechs step back the once tall apartment building sways left, then right. Then holds for just a moment, just long enough for you to think it might just remain tall, proud and defiant, before shuddering once more as the floors crash down on one another, faster and faster to the ground. Dust spews forth from the ground quickly covering the area.

The mayor comes over the comms once again, ”I have gotten the Kuritan IFFs into Ford’s defensive grid. You have been tagged as friendly. Seems we will be having company soon. Is there a plan?”

Ok. You've got about an hour till shit really hits the fan...What's the plan?

[Bluto]

Perception: 2d6+2 (7 Base TN) (CRIT SUCCESS)
JIC: 2d6
JIC: 2d6

The fire chief comes over the radio once more, ”Ok. Everyone back away, Mechs you’re good to let go!” As the mechs step back the once tall apartment building sways left, then right. Then holds for just a moment, just long enough for you to think it might just remain tall, proud and defiant, before shuddering once more as the floors crash down on one another, faster and faster to the ground. Dust spews forth from the ground quickly covering the area.

"You got it," Bluto replies as he backs his mech off. After the dust clears, Bluto, with a mech covered in soot and smoke, radios Tabayto. "Thanks for the help," he says, his voice gruff but sincere.

He pats his mech control console affectionately. He radios Perun, "Hey boss, my mech got a little cooked." Bluto rechecks the status of his systems. "Damn," he mutters, his eyes scanning the display. "Two arm lasers are offline."

He radios Fire Chief Perez. "Hey, Fire Chief, I need a favour. Can you guys hose my mech down? It's a little overheated, and I need to get some systems back online."

The mayor comes over the comms once again, ”I have gotten the Kuritan IFFs into Ford’s defensive grid. You have been tagged as friendly. Seems we will be having company soon. Is there a plan?”

A wave of eagerness washes over Bluto. "Great," he replies. "Time for some payback."

[Jackson Cooper]

Perception: 2d6+2
JIC: 2d6: 2d6
JIC: 2d6: 2d6

(Active effects: Compulsion/Stubborn, Fit, Good Vision)

Jackson Kicks his mech into gear and directs everyone to spread out as he checks the area. He’s not seeing anything on his sensors. Ivy’s smooth voice cuts into his helmet, ”Hey. Easy there tiger. They’re two hours out. I’d say this asshole would likely wait till they’re about an hour out before he makes a move. I think you’re right about this direction being his egress route. But let's set a perimeter to make sure we can catch him when he leaves.” She keeps alongside him as they move towards the North end of the city to set a perimeter.

She's right. Jackson thinks to himself as he slows his breathing and eases back on the throttle. "I hear ya, Darlin'. Guess I'm just gettin' a little antsy with all this waitin'. Normally I can solve most problems from this here cockpit. Maybe I tend to get a tad frustrated when things ain't so simple. Jackson brings the Crab to a stop near the north end of the city. He takes his hands off the controls and places them behind his head as leans back in his seat. "Wise ol' farmer once told me "never let your yearnin's get ahead of your earnin's." He chuckles softly. "Good thing you're here t' help me keep my feet on the ground, huh?"

When Jackson informs Hayate of the inbound dropships. He doesn’t immediately get a response. It takes a moment for Hayate to come over the comms with his thick accented English, ”I have relayed the request. Our dropship will be conducting a reconnaissance flight to determine likely landing locations.” The overly professional tone of his voice reminds Jackson that Hayate is a professional soldier.

Jackson sits up straight again as the Kuritan mechwarrior's voice crackles over his comms. Jackson pumps his fist in triumph at the response. "You're a damn saint, Hayate! We make it out of this in once piece, the first round is on me." Griff hadn't told him much about the soldiers of the Draconis Combine. Anything he'd heard had always been little more than heresay or whisky-soaked ramblings at the rundown saloon in his town. "Honor-obsessed pyschos", he recalled one particularly salty mech tech mentioning. Jackson had to admit that he'd certainly had his doubts when the Kuritans had been ready to glass the whole town, but here they were, working together. If Perun hadn't been here, things might've gone a whole lot differently. Jackson had been sure he was ready for command. That there was no one else better for the job. But what would a full on fight have solved? Maybe half the city'd be nothing but ash. Maybe he'd be dead. It sure was something to think about.
"Let's set up a perimeter here. Go ahead and fan out and let us know if you see anythin'." Jackson paused for a moment. "Oh and Hayate. For what it's worth, I'm glad we didn't end up killin' each other today. I'm sure you woulda given me a run for my money." Jackson smirks as he watches the Jenner bound off to its position.

Once everyone is in position, Jackson opens a channel to the rest of the lance. "Cooper to lance leader. Slick, we're holdin' position north of Ford where there ain't too much sensor coverage. Our buddy Hayate here just told me they're willin' to use their fancy drop ship to give us a little bird's eye view of the area. We'll let you know if we see anythin'. Hey Bluto, make sure them victory beers you're sittin' on are nice and cold when we get back. They were a little warm last time, an' I got delicate taste buds. Cooper out." Jackson grins as he signs off and pings the sensors again.

Sensor Operation: 2d6+1

[Perun]

=======================
Perception: 3d6-L+4 | (7 Base TN)
JIC: 2d6
JIC: 2d6

Active Effects: (Good Vision, Good Hearing, Patient)

Sensor Operations. 2d6+1
=======================

Perun can hear Tabayto take a deep breath over the comm channel, ”You are a wise man, Perun. I am glad it was you here to intercept me. I owe you a great debt. I will ensure I repay you in some way.” his voice feels stronger at your words.

Perun is tempted to respond to Tabayto. But quickly thinks better of it. To humbly reject the offer would be a dishonorable insult to its value. To immediately make some manner of request would denigrate its impact. So instead, the logistics specialist simply says nothing in response and gives Tabayto the space to continue his response.

His golden silence is soon rewarded since the Kuritan is quickly able to provide intelligent speculation on the pirate operation and how Capellans might be involved.

He chuckles a bit, ”But this is just my best guess. If you are having pirate issues, they may be receiving help from the Capellans.”

Perun quickly keys back some confirmation, ”Your analysis certainly has merit. The presence of pirate activity has been weighing on the planetary administration. It has even threatened to fray the fragile interplanetary alliance Detroit has with its neighbors. I would not put it beyond the Capellans to secretly help the pirates with the intention to take advantage of an isolated Detroit after dissolution of its alliances. This puts even greater emphasis on the importance of our mission and diminishing the enemy that seeks to undermine us."

Important or not, how does a planetary defense force stand up against one of the Great Houses... Even if they are not putting their full weight behind the activity. They could shift their stance at any point and bring overwhelming firepower to a regional conflict. Perun catches himself thinking. But he does not speak the words and likely doesn't need to as Tabayto would also undoubtedly be familiar with the benefits of Great House affiliation.

The mayor comes over the comms once again, ”I have gotten the Kuritan IFFs into Ford’s defensive grid. You have been tagged as friendly. Seems we will be having company soon. Is there a plan?”

"Splendid. Excellent work Mayor Fernandez. Kindly also pass on our gratitude to your hardworking staff." Perun responds on open comms, "Seems to me we have two components to the mission ahead. Defend Ford. Capture Shellburn. I think the two may not be totally incompatible."

"Mayor Fernandez, with enemy dropships inbound and enemy mech forces imminent, I believe it might be time to execute whatever emergency protocol you have in place to lockdown the city and direct civilians toward the safety of reinforced shelters." Perun suggests, expecting the competency of the Mayor's office to extend to disaster preparation. "Not only would this have the intended effect of decreasing civilian casualties due to collateral damage from mech-on-mech combat, but it would also presumably halt traffic into and out of the city. That would quickly increase the difficulty for anyone trying to escape the city... Like one Maurice Shellburn... As his vehicle would look very clearly out of place amidst otherwise empty streets."

"For the part of the mechwarriors... We need to engage the OpFor as far away from the city as possible. The more distance there is between the fight and the city, the less risk there is to the civilian population and the more complicated it will be for Maurice Shellburn to make his escape. We have some estimation on the enemy dropship LZ, so should split our forces and deploy to engage both forces simultaneously. If the OpFor consists of far superior forces, the engagement should become a fighting retreat, with the intention of slowing the enemy advance and skirmishing while city turrets rain long range bombardment to further slow them down." A twist forms in the corner of Perun's mouth as he realizes the disadvantage his next words might place on the DDF mech forces.

Kuritan forces could reinforce DDF mechs, but that simply isn't his call to make. And it should be clear that Perun recognizes the priorities the Kuritan forces have in this situation. "Shino Tabayto. I believe this is as good an opportunity as you might get to apprehend or destroy Maurice Shellburn. And you should absolutely make that your priority during this mission. DDF understands. Please deploy your forces at your discretion. Hopefully the city lockdown will highlight a Shellburn scurrying toward OpFor in search of rescue."

After a brief pause, Perun finishes, "But it should go without saying that we would absolutely welcome Kuritan reinforcement in our fight against whatever OpFor comes out of these FedSuns registered drop ships."

He radios Perun, "Hey boss, my mech got a little cooked." Bluto rechecks the status of his systems. "Damn," he mutters, his eyes scanning the display. "Two arm lasers are offline."

"Hey Bluto," Perun responds, trying to buy himself some time to think. But his face simply twists in awkward confusion on how to help the more experienced mechwarrior. Then, he simply says the first thing that comes to mind, as silly as the question may be, "Have you tried turning it off and on again?"

Once everyone is in position, Jackson opens a channel to the rest of the lance. "Cooper to lance leader. Slick, we're holdin' position north of Ford where there ain't too much sensor coverage. Our buddy Hayate here just told me they're willin' to use their fancy drop ship to give us a little bird's eye view of the area. We'll let you know if we see anythin'. Hey Bluto, make sure them victory beers you're sittin' on are nice and cold when we get back. They were a little warm last time, an' I got delicate taste buds. Cooper out." Jackson grins as he signs off and pings the sensors again.

"Roger that Cooper. Good thinking. Good deployment. Update us on LZ-info when able. We plan to deploy mechs to make contact with OpFor as far away from city as possible. City will go on lockdown. Also keep head on a swivel for rogue vehicles leaving the city. That might be Maurice Shellburn."

[Sum of All Fears]

5 February 3026
1257 hrs
Winter; 10०F
Clear

The fire chief acknowledges Bluto’s request, ”We gotcha hero! Don’t move for a sec!” The hoses of two the fire trucks begin to spray down his mech. The dirty water streaks across his viewscreen as the water rinses clean the mech. Bluto watches his heat gauge drop as his mech’s one cooling system kicks in. He notices this does not fix his issue with the weapons. Upon hearing Perun’s joking remark about turning them off and back on. He tries to power cycle his weapon. The computer speaks to him again, ”Weapon’s Power Cycling. Estimated time is five minutes.” A small countdown pops up on his screen as his weapons begin their power down and power up sequence. Once the Time runs down the computer rings through his headset, ”Weapons Online. All systems nominal.” Looks like that worked.

Mayor Fernandez shekels slightly, ”All we did was push some paperwork and type a few lines of code. But I will pass on your praise to the staff. For the city, we’ve been on lockdown since the initial threat. However our bunkers can not house everyone so there are residents close to the center of the city who could be at risk should the fight spill into the city.” Perun directs everyone to prepare the best they can.
Tabayto comes over the radio again, ”I would be honored to assist with the defense of Ford. I will deploy alongside your lance Perun. Once we have a location we can bring all our forces to bear.”

Jackson reaches the north end and they fan out into a defensive position. They are faced into the city to ensure Shellburn does not escape them. There is still no activity on there scanners.

The radio for all DDF mechs crackles to life, ”DDF forces at Ford this is relay station 12, Authentication Mike Gamma Four Nine Six. We have identified the inbound ships as One Union Class Dropship and One Leopard Class dropship. We have put out an all call to any available forces to reinforce your position.”

It takes everyone a little while to make their way to the north end of Ford. It’s still smoother with all the traffic locked down so they don’t have to worry about stepping on some innocent person. Tango, Sigma, and the two 3rd Dieron Regulars lances maintain a loose formation while waiting for a message from their dropship as it scouts possible landing locations for the two ships.

After about 50 minutes a wide cast message is sent from the inbound dropships. A scruffy looking gentleman looks through the screen, ”DDF forces. I advise you pull back an allow us to retrieve our asset. Leave the Snakes. This is your only warning.” The signal abruptly cuts out. A few moments later the relay station chimes in. ”All forces at Ford this is relay station 12, Authentication Mike Gamma Four Nine Six. We have identified the inbound ships as belonging to the GreyHound Mercenary Co. They are a Federated Sun loyalist mercenary company. Public information shows they only have the two drop ships. But they have a ground force of 12 to 18 mechs and 6 ground support vehicles. We are scrambling to assemble additional forces. They will be at your position about 15 minutes before the GreyHounds land. Relay station 12 out.”

A few minutes later Tabayto chimes in, ”Perun. Our dropship has found a likely location for their landing. With the amount of forces they are likely trying to bring to bear it is likely they will do one of two things. They will send a small recon force to see if you are resistant, to soften us up before sending a larger force. Or they will mass their forces and send them all at once. he pauses for a moment, ”We have located a suitable place to engage their forces. I don’t have imagery for this place, but there is a valley they will have to move through on their way to the city. We can position ourselves behind the hill to mask our signatures before taking the high ground and pouncing on their forces.” Tabayto sends you the coordinates. It will take about twenty minutes to reach. The map also contains the likely landing site of the ships. It would put them at an hours march to get to Ford.

Time to set a plan in motion...

[Bluto]

Perception: 2d6+2 (7 Base TN) (SUCCESS)
JIC: 2d6
JIC: 2d6

"Oh yeah! That's the stuff!" Bluto sighs with relief as the cool water from the fire hoses drench his overheated mech. He watches the heat readout on his HUD drop steadily, and then checks his weapons status.

With his lasers still offline, he remembers Perun's suggestion. "Maybe a restart will fix it," he mutters, turning off the mech's power.

To his amazement, it works! As the fusion engine hums back to life, he sees all his weapon systems light up green, ready for action.

"Hey Perun!" Bluto laughs through the comms. "Restarting worked, thanks!"

It takes everyone a little while to make their way to the north end of Ford. It’s still smoother with all the traffic locked down so they don’t have to worry about stepping on some innocent person. Tango, Sigma, and the two 3rd Dieron Regulars lances maintain a loose formation while waiting for a message from their dropship as it scouts possible landing locations for the two ships.

As he watches the lack of traffic about him, Bluto tries thinking.

"This guy Maurice has still gotta get from here to the pickup point. How's he gonna do that?" he asks rhetorically. "We got the city surrounded, right? There's gotta be a sewer or secret tunnel leading out, like in those Friday night vids. You know, like the vid where Daring Dan goes to rescue the cute princess in the tight fitting little green number in the castle. He goes under the wall. Genius move!"

He pauses. "So, this jerk using some kinda tunnel leading outta here?"

After about 50 minutes a wide cast message is sent from the inbound dropships. A scruffy looking gentleman looks through the screen, ”DDF forces. I advise you pull back an allow us to retrieve our asset. Leave the Snakes. This is your only warning.” The signal abruptly cuts out.

Bluto's eyes narrows as he listens to the message. "Oh, I want a piece of Mr. Scruffy," he growls, his voice filled with a deadly determination.

A few moments later the relay station chimes in. ”All forces at Ford this is relay station 12, Authentication Mike Gamma Four Nine Six. We have identified the inbound ships as belonging to the GreyHound Mercenary Co. They are a Federated Sun loyalist mercenary company. Public information shows they only have the two drop ships. But they have a ground force of 12 to 18 mechs and 6 ground support vehicles. We are scrambling to assemble additional forces. They will be at your position about 15 minutes before the GreyHounds land. Relay station 12 out.”

GreyHound Mercenary Co?

Bluto scratches his head, trying to recall the name GreyHound Mercenary Co. "Does that sound familiar?" he mutters, his mind racing. "I think I've heard that name before."

Maybe this bottle of memory enhancer will do the trick!

He takes a swig of whiskey, hoping it will jog his memory.

[Perun]

=======================
Perception: 3d6-L+4 | (7 Base TN)
JIC: 2d6
JIC: 2d6

Active Effects: (Good Vision, Good Hearing, Patient)

Sensor Operations. 2d6+1
=======================

"Hey Perun!" Bluto laughs through the comms. "Restarting worked, thanks!"

"That's got Bluto magic written all over it!" Perun radios back with a mental thumbs up.

We are going to need Bluto at 100% in this upcoming fight I think. Glad he won't be fighting with two lasers tied behind his back.

The radio for all DDF mechs crackles to life, ”DDF forces at Ford this is relay station 12, Authentication Mike Gamma Four Nine Six. We have identified the inbound ships as One Union Class Dropship and One Leopard Class dropship. We have put out an all call to any available forces to reinforce your position.”

Union drop ships are a larger class than leopard class. More mech bays. Will they both land together or seek other landing zones?

"Copy Relay 12. One Union. One Leopard class. Request trajectory confirmation: Will both dropships land at the same location?" Perun keys back. It would be quite the fight to head into, but the logistics specialist wanted to make sure that with two dropships, one doesn't act as a feint for the other to complete the real mission.

The unfortunate reality is that if the OpFor split their forces, Ford defense would likewise need to commit resources to investigate the smaller force. Because there would be a non-zero chance that Maurice Shellburn's extraction could be via the smaller force.

Perun is reflecting on that possibility when the OpFor liaison pipes up over comms. As such, he misses most of the beginning and only catches 'Leave the Snakes'. Leave the Snakes? What does he mean by that? Secretly, he hopes someone else will make the phrase more clear because he doesn't get a chance to ask before more information floods in.

A few moments later the relay station chimes in. ”All forces at Ford this is relay station 12, Authentication Mike Gamma Four Nine Six. We have identified the inbound ships as belonging to the GreyHound Mercenary Co. They are a Federated Sun loyalist mercenary company. Public information shows they only have the two drop ships. But they have a ground force of 12 to 18 mechs and 6 ground support vehicles. We are scrambling to assemble additional forces. They will be at your position about 15 minutes before the GreyHounds land. Relay station 12 out.”

"Copy Relay 12. OpFor ID: GreyHound Mercenary Co. Size: One to two dozen Mech plus vehicles. Reinforcement ETA 15 minutes prior to GreyHound landing." Perun parrots back, trying to make sure he gets all the requisite information straight in his own head. He had always been far from combat. And now that he has been dropped into it a few times within a short period... He isn't convinced he made the wisest of choices volunteering for the front.

A few minutes later Tabayto chimes in, ”Perun. Our dropship has found a likely location for their landing. With the amount of forces they are likely trying to bring to bear it is likely they will do one of two things. They will send a small recon force to see if you are resistant, to soften us up before sending a larger force. Or they will mass their forces and send them all at once. he pauses for a moment, ”We have located a suitable place to engage their forces. I don’t have imagery for this place, but there is a valley they will have to move through on their way to the city. We can position ourselves behind the hill to mask our signatures before taking the high ground and pouncing on their forces.” Tabayto sends you the coordinates. It will take about twenty minutes to reach. The map also contains the likely landing site of the ships. It would put them at an hours march to get to Ford.

"Thank you again Tabayto," Perun says gratefully. "Faced with a superior-sized OpFor on defensible territory, we absolutely should take advantage of an ambush location. The worry would be that if they decide to take option 1 and send out a small recon force, they might discover the trap. So perhaps it would be logical to send out our own small recon force."

Perun squints as he tries to logic it out on the fly, "That way if the recon groups meet, they can skirmish and likely both will disengage to rejoin their main force. If they do not send out a recon force, our recon will need to perform a fighting retreat after contact. Hopefully drawing the OpFor into the ambush location."

If Bluto and Tabayto were the recon element... Well, Bluto can't be killed and Tabayto seems quite experienced himself, so would most likely be able to hold his own or self-extract. I should definitely stay with the ambush element. Think sitting still is right in my wheelhouse.

Not comfortable relying purely on his own logic, he polls his fellow mechwarriors, possibly showing command weakness, but he doesn't care. He would rather have sound tactics than stubbornly commit folly, "Cooper, Bluto, what am I missing?"

[Bluto]

((rolls carried))

This is taking ages. Why don't they drop closer so we can kill each other faster?

Bluto isn't enjoying the long walk to the expected drop site. He thinks about the messages sent by the Greyhound mercs, and thinks deep thoughts.

This gonna be a no win deal like in the sim?
What kinda guns they gonna be packing?
Maybe I should watch a cowboy flick?
Those Greyhound guys sent a warning, why?
You know it's amazing how potatoes give us fries, chips and vodka!
If I were gonna drop on this city I sure wouldn't tell the whole planet I'm coming. Just drop. BOOM. Get home before the beer is warm.
How come potatoes give us like three totally different things, and losers like cucumbers are just the one lame thing? Those other vegetables need to get their shit together.

His marinated brain stops when Perun starts talking about the situation, and he listens carefully in case he's asked to do something unpleasant to the bad guys.

Not comfortable relying purely on his own logic, he polls his fellow mechwarriors, possibly showing command weakness, but he doesn't care. He would rather have sound tactics than stubbornly commit folly, "Cooper, Bluto, what am I missing?"

Bluto is taken aback by Perun's question. "Me? You want to know what I think?" he asks, his voice filled with surprise.

He decides now isn't the time for his latest potato theory, and gets down to business.

"I don't get it," he says, scratching his head. "Why are they landing this far out from Ford? A whole hour marching to the city and then back? No way. Seems to me Maurice will already be close to where they're going."

He pauses, the rusted gears in his mind churning slowly and protesting. "Any good hiding places nearer the landing site?" he asks.

"These guys are trying to scare us," Bluto continues, his voice uncertain, and half convinced he's stating the blinding obvious. But it helps him think his simple thoughts. "They're giving us over an hour warning before they drop? Why do that? Tells me they don't want the fight that's coming."

"What did that scruffy jerk say to us? Leave the snakes? He's talking about the Dragons, these House Kurita guys right? So these Greyhound losers want us to leave Tabayto and his team to fight alone."

He takes a swig of whiskey, cause he's been walking this mech for awhile now and he's working up a thirst. His mind churns a little more. "So, why can't we lie our asses off?" he suggests. "Well maybe not lie. Just tell em what they wanna hear. Say this is none of our business. Let Great Houses fight Great Houses. Let 'em drop, thinking they've got Tabayto by the short and curlies. That it's Kurita alone against all of them. Then BOOM, we hit 'em hard, with everything we got. Cause Tabayto helped me hold up a building. Can't let a fella like that down. And I got another idea.."

Maybe a joke. Jokes help make friends. This whiskey gives me all kinda of joke ideas. Whiskey is great.

"We can frag the dropship too, with that big gun Tabayto has in his pocket."

He laughs. "Oh I mean the naval PPC, just in case yer confused."

Hey usin the PPC ain't a bad idea though! Whiskey. So good.

[Jackson Cooper]

Perception: 2d6+2
JIC: 2d6
JIC: 2d6

(Active effects: Compulsion/Stubborn, Fit, Good Vision)

Jackson slams his fist against the sensor screen causing the information on the screen to jitter and shake for a moment. The young mechwarrior sighs and leans back in his chair, rubbing his eyes. For Jackson, these quiet moments were the worst. The calm before the storm was anything but for him. In the middle of a fight, he could lose himself in the hectic chaos of battle and act purely on instinct. But in these moments, doubt begins to creep into his mind. If we missed this bastard, I swear I'll-

The voice coming through loud and clear on the radio interrupts his thoughts.

The radio for all DDF mechs crackles to life, ”DDF forces at Ford this is relay station 12, Authentication Mike Gamma Four Nine Six. We have identified the inbound ships as One Union Class Dropship and One Leopard Class dropship. We have put out an all call to any available forces to reinforce your position.”

Hell...That's a pretty damn good sized posse they've rounded up. We oughta thank our lucky stars we didn't throw down with the Kuritans.

After about 50 minutes a wide cast message is sent from the inbound dropships. A scruffy looking gentleman looks through the screen, ”DDF forces. I advise you pull back an allow us to retrieve our asset. Leave the Snakes. This is your only warning.” The signal abruptly cuts out. A few moments later the relay station chimes in. ”All forces at Ford this is relay station 12, Authentication Mike Gamma Four Nine Six. We have identified the inbound ships as belonging to the GreyHound Mercenary Co. They are a Federated Sun loyalist mercenary company. Public information shows they only have the two drop ships. But they have a ground force of 12 to 18 mechs and 6 ground support vehicles. We are scrambling to assemble additional forces. They will be at your position about 15 minutes before the GreyHounds land. Relay station 12 out.”

Jackson hits the comms. "Cooper to lance leader. Slick, the day we hand a terrorist over to these Federated Scumbags is the day I hang up my neurohelmet. We got the numbers and the skill to take 'em out. Either way, we only need to hold out until the rest of the DDF gets here. We got this!"

He listens as Perun, Bluto and the Kuritans strategize over the comms.

When there is a break in the conversation, Jackson chimes in. "Sounds like a mighty fine plan, Slick. And while I wouldn't normally say it, I think Bluto's got a point with that PPC. If they ain't already loaded it up, maybe we can get it set up in a defensive position near the city. Only problem I see is that's gotta be slower'n all hell. Dunno if we'll be able to get it to the fight in time." Jackson drums his fingers on the controls for a moment befor continuing. "One other thing, Slick. I'd rather we were all up at the front, but I think maybe someone oughta stick around and watch for Shellburn. It'd be a damn fine time to make a run for it while we're in the middle of a firefight."

Griff. I'm gonna try not to let you down out here. I know I got unfinished business back home, but if I gotta go down defendin' this town, then I guess that's how it's gotta be.

[Perun]

((rolls carried over))

Jackson hits the comms. "Cooper to lance leader. Slick, the day we hand a terrorist over to these Federated Scumbags is the day I hang up my neurohelmet. We got the numbers and the skill to take 'em out. Either way, we only need to hold out until the rest of the DDF gets here. We got this!"

"Your neurohelmet is exactly where it belongs. We aren't turning Shellburn over. Nor are we shirking from this fight." Perun keys back. A faint smile plays at the corners of his lips as he basks in the comradery being quickly forged in the cauldron of battle they are facing.

But intellectually, the logistics specialist knows that these bonds are strengthened in victory and thoroughly dashed in death and defeat. So he tries to keep his expectations and emotions contained.

"What did that scruffy jerk say to us? Leave the snakes? He's talking about the Dragons, these House Kurita guys right? So these Greyhound losers want us to leave Tabayto and his team to fight alone."

Huh. Bluto's got the right of it I think. Perun thinks as his mechwarrior savant teammate shares his whiskey-enhanced thoughts.

"We can frag the dropship too, with that big gun Tabayto has in his pocket."

He laughs. "Oh I mean the naval PPC, just in case yer confused."

Another insightful suggestion... My goodness. Bluto is on a roll.

"Hey Bluto, I need you to do me a huge favor." the logistics specialist leads, building a moment of tension, "Let me clean your mech cockpit once this fight is done. Leave all your opened bottles. I need to catalogue the 'leadership juice' you're drinking... make/model/production batch and make sure we have five-years worth supply of it. Because the thoughts coming out of your head right now are absolutely

."

When there is a break in the conversation, Jackson chimes in. "Sounds like a mighty fine plan, Slick. And while I wouldn't normally say it, I think Bluto's got a point with that PPC. If they ain't already loaded it up, maybe we can get it set up in a defensive position near the city. Only problem I see is that's gotta be slower'n all hell. Dunno if we'll be able to get it to the fight in time."

Keying up his comms, Perun reaches out to Tabayto to provide some clarity regarding the naval PPC deployment, "So how about it, Tabayto? How mobile is your naval PPC? Can it be deployed offensively to target OpFor dropships? Or would it better be deployed back at the city or should it just stay put where it is right now?"

If deployed offensively, it could perhaps out-range the dropships' weapons, giving a sieging advantage where the GreyHounds' dropships are no longer safe haven for their mechs and vehicles. But in all likelihood, the first time it is fired, OpFor units will key in on its destruction. So we need to be able to defend the weapon also. Perhaps that might limit the maneuver options of the mech forces too much. And given our being outnumbered, that may be an inefficient use of our limited resources. Perun can't help but wonder about the logistical tail of the naval PPC weapon.

Jackson drums his fingers on the controls for a moment befor continuing. "One other thing, Slick. I'd rather we were all up at the front, but I think maybe someone oughta stick around and watch for Shellburn. It'd be a damn fine time to make a run for it while we're in the middle of a firefight."

"An excellent point Cooper. If you're asking for volunteers, I'd say that I might be better served keeping my proverbial head on a swivel for a fleeing Shellburn than pulling another more capable mechwarrior off the battle line for that duty." Perun responds. He doesn't say the quiet part out loud that perhaps given his lack of mechwarrior experience, he would be more likely to survive having his mech fight a vehicle than against veteran mercenary mechwarriors.

[Bluto]

((rolls carried))

"Hey Bluto, I need you to do me a huge favor." the logistics specialist leads, building a moment of tension, "Let me clean your mech cockpit once this fight is done. Leave all your opened bottles. I need to catalogue the 'leadership juice' you're drinking... make/model/production batch and make sure we have five-years worth supply of it. Because the thoughts coming out of your head right now are absolutely

."

When there is a break in the conversation, Jackson chimes in. "Sounds like a mighty fine plan, Slick. And while I wouldn't normally say it, I think Bluto's got a point with that PPC. If they ain't already loaded it up, maybe we can get it set up in a defensive position near the city. Only problem I see is that's gotta be slower'n all hell. Dunno if we'll be able to get it to the fight in time."

I was just making a joke about Tabayto's wang, and they think this is a plan? They gotta be pulling my leg.


"What are you crazy? You're gonna go along with my plan?" Bluto sounds shocked. "What if we all get killed? I'll never heard the end of it!"

He hears them taking it seriously though in their chatter with Tabayto.

This is what bein smart is? Say the first thing that pops into my head?

"Stick Tabayto's Big Gun wherever Maurice is gonna get picked up. We got any way of knowin if he's in the city or out here already?" asks Bluto, risking more of his thoughts.

How you find a guy who is waiting for the cavalry to arrive?

Bluto thinks.

I got no idea man. He says out loud to himself,"If it was me, I'd just follow the trail of empty beer cans." Bluto looks at the road ahead for beer cans, but is unlikely to see any. He laughs.

[Jackson Cooper]

(rolls carried over)

"What are you crazy? You're gonna go along with my plan?" Bluto sounds shocked. "What if we all get killed? I'll never heard the end of it!"

Jackson laughs out loud as he hits the comms. "Well, Bluto. You know what they say, dontcha? Even a broken clock's right twice a day, ain't it? I dunno about tryin' to hit a flyin' target, though. Maybe we could point the barrel straight at the mouth of that valley they're gonna be comin' through. All depends on whether or not we can get it close enough, right?"

"An excellent point Cooper. If you're asking for volunteers, I'd say that I might be better served keeping my proverbial head on a swivel for a fleeing Shellburn than pulling another more capable mechwarrior off the battle line for that duty."

Jackson smiles and nods in satisfaction at Perun's response. Kid's got a good head on his shoulders. "Roger that, Slick. If we can make it to the valley before the OpFor, maybe we oughta power down to stay off their sensors."

Jackson turns away from Ford and begins making for the valley as Ivy and Bluto fall into formation. "Hey Perun, I hate say it, but I was of a mind that you'd be somethin' of a burden on this mission." He pauses for a moment. "You sure as hell proved me wrong. If we make it through this an' you need someone to watch your back, you can count on ol' Jackson. Good huntin', Lance Leader!"

[Bluto]

(Rolls carried over)

Jackson laughs out loud as he hits the comms. "Well, Bluto. You know what they say, dontcha? Even a broken clock's right twice a day, ain't it? I dunno about tryin' to hit a flyin' target, though. Maybe we could point the barrel straight at the mouth of that valley they're gonna be comin' through. All depends on whether or not we can get it close enough, right?"

Bluto falls silent as the conversation continues. His pickled mind is working on the challenge of hitting a flying dropship. He was thinking about hitting the ship when it was grounded, but Jackson mentioned hitting it while flying and he kinda liked the idea. If we can hit it while in the air, no mechs are coming out at all. BOOM. Bye bye enemy lances.

Now he wasn't an artillery guy, but knew well how devastating a thing like a Naval PPC could be. But he remembers the flying he's done in aerospace fighters. He was never really good at it, like with mechs, but he completed basic training. Aerospace fighters are fast and hard to hit. You'll never hit the thing. But Union dropships don't fly like that....

Eventually he speaks up. "I was thinking to hit it when it is landed, so it's not movin. When half it's mechs are out start blasting. But Jackson said flying. You sure we can't hit it when it's flying? Cause to me that sounds even better! I mean aerospace fighters strafing your butt is one thing. They're real fast, you'll never hit those guys with a naval gun. But Union dropships are big mothers, and they land on their asses and they gotta slow right down," he says, his voice slow but thoughtful.

He get a little excited about the idea that spurts out of his alcoholic brain. "If anyone is good with a naval gun, and we know where its landing, do what Tabayto did in Ford. Find a sweet hill out of LRM range, and wait for 'em to come in to land. Shoot out their retro rockets that are slowing their asses down, and watch em drop like a brick. Would that work? Hey Tabayto would that work?"

Bluto imagines an alternative. "You want a Plan B? If ya can't make that kinda shot, then when it lands, it ain't movin'. Once they unload half their mechs, start blastin' it. What are they gonna do? Take off and leave half their mechs behind? Or sit tight and send their mechs at us? Either way, these Greyhound jerks got the same problem we had back at Ford when Tabayto was gunning for us. Big Booms."

Hey did I say the same thing about half the mechs out of the dropship twice? I dunno.

Language/English 2d6 / TN 8 (Getting fancy with the English here! Does he even know how to say 'advantage'?) (FAIL!)

He scratches his head, though no one can see that. He adds a question for Tabayto. "Err, is the frag-range of your naval gun longer than anything those dropships are gonna be packing? Maybe you can set it up past the range of any gun they got to hit you back. Like you did at Ford. Nothing we had was going to reach you on that hill. Not even our LRM turrets. Can we get the same advants... advance... ah shit that's a hard word to say. Edge! Can we get the same edge using your big gun on an incoming ass-first Union dropship?"


He thinks of the compliments Perun and Jackson threw his way and shrugs. Give credit where its due.

"Look this isn't my idea. I'm not good at this. I never would have thought of this on my own. This is Tabayto's idea. I'm just askin is you do his Ford plan to these Greyhound jerks and make sure this dropship doesn't make it home. That would be a sweet kill for Tabayto's guys, and we can all have a few beers after."

[Perun]

((rolls carried over))

"What are you crazy? You're gonna go along with my plan?" Bluto sounds shocked. "What if we all get killed? I'll never heard the end of it!"

"Hmm. True. If we're all sitting around as ghosts after-the-fact, I am absolutely going to reflect extensively on the brilliance of the plan handed down from our 'Strategist-in-Chief', Mister 'Leadership Juice'." Perun deadpans but as he releases the comms, listeners can't be sure if they hear a small burst of static or a snicker.

Thing is... I've got the same doubts about the words coming out of my mouth. Best we can do is to mission-plan, build trust, hope we covered our bases. Execute, adapt, and hope that we live to reminisce about the good times afterward.

"Stick Tabayto's Big Gun wherever Maurice is gonna get picked up. We got any way of knowin if he's in the city or out here already?" asks Bluto, risking more of his thoughts.

Career/Smugger. 2d6+2

"Can't say I know what it is like to be a spy... But in the smuggling game, getting out is a critical element of the planning. So whether Shellburn got a message out or not post-explosion, in all likelihood there is a time and a place he has scheduled pick-up. If I were in his shoes, I wouldn't hazard anything inside the city because it would require my rescue to gain access to a hostile zone." Perun pauses a moment and thinks hard about what he would do if he were Shellburn and trying the extract himself. But rather than keep his thoughts to himself, he decides to likewise share over this radio pow-wow with his teammates.

"The obvious thing would be to try to surreptitiously make a run for it. But since the city is under lockdown, that might be too overt and has a high risk of discovery. Second option might be to take advantage of the chaos of multiple disparate units being cobbled together under the umbrella of DDF defense. Hijack a military vehicle, whether scheduled to rendezvous or not, and join the DDF 'defense forces' waiting for an opportune time in the middle of combat to make a break for the GreyHound's battle line. And a third option I can think of off the top of my head is to put myself into a shipping container to be shipped out of the city with some other more mundane freight. If you've got an air-tight suit with independent oxygen supply, you can hide yourself in some rotting foodstuffs or old trash destined for disposal because the inspectors will not look too carefully. Simply not paid enough to dig through the entirety of the contents."

Perun takes a breath and provides counter-solutions for each situation. "For the first, we can continue to keep our eyes open for a runner. For the second, this might be a bit trickier, but we can direct incoming reinforcement to rearguard activities that would make the sprint to safety more challenging to complete. Or we can organize a 'neuro-helmets off' pow-wow once all the reinforcements are on-site and get a proper headcount of the personnel. Tabayto would likely recognize Shellburn even under hasty disguise. For the third, well, that can be investigated after the GreyHounds are sorted out because its execution is on a longer timeline and would only happen after the lockdown of the city is lifted."

"Roger that, Slick. If we can make it to the valley before the OpFor, maybe we oughta power down to stay off their sensors."

"That would be plan for the ambushers." Perun quickly confirms. He decides to add more clarity to the ambush deployment suggestion. "I'm also suggesting that a small scout force, two or three mechs, ideally with jump jets, move forward past the ambush site to probe the OpFor for their own scouting element and/or to keep tabs on their movement and progress. I was originally thinking Bluto and Tabayto because they pilot their mechs like a second skin and I think bonded over building support duty. But if you've got talent in your perimeter group for volunteering, I'm all ears."

Bluto imagines an alternative. "You want a Plan B? If ya can't make that kinda shot, then when it lands, it ain't movin'. Once they unload half their mechs, start blastin' it. What are they gonna do? Take off and leave half their mechs behind? Or sit tight and send their mechs at us? Either way, these Greyhound jerks got the same problem we had back at Ford when Tabayto was gunning for us. Big Booms."

Perun finds himself nodding along at the interplay between Jackson and Bluto regarding the naval PPC. "I also imagined the naval PPC a more rigidly firing cannon... requiring the target to be unmoving for optimal chances to hit. So the landed drop ships. But I've never seen one dismounted like this before so am curious as to its deployment requirements and combat performance."

Both of which require Tabayto to weigh in. What was he planning on doing with it against the city of Ford in the first place? Use it as a terror weapon, wiping out city blocks? Or is there some more surgical accuracy to it than its size would suggest?

[Sum of All Fears]

5 February 3026
1320hrs
Winter; 10०F
Clear

Tabatyo listens to all the presented options from the various Sigma pilots. On the video screen he seems pensive. ”For the PPC. It will be difficult to get in position. First I do not know much of their landing zone. Second, it will take us much longer to get to their landing zone than we have. They’ll be landed and off loading by the time we get there. They’ll easily be able to detect our approach and send out a force to intercept the PPC. It could be deployed as part of the city's defensive grid. It’d likely have to take a few of the turret off line, but we might be able to route power to it from the city's turret system. Big if, I’m sure my engineer could do it, but I’m sure she would tell me we’re just as likely to blackout the city as we are to fire the gun. We could keep it hooked up to the power source we brought, but it takes a while to charge. Then to discharge it must fire.” He puts his hand up to forestall the inevitable comments, ”I don’t know the details, I just know it has something to do with the jury-rigged nature of the weapon. He sits back in his pilot’s seat, ”I see your point about the possibility of a scout element. However I would argue that we could simply destroy the scout element with our full force. If we only send a scout element and they send their full force our personnel will be at a significant disadvantage and we will lose the element of surprise on the ridgeline.” he chuckles a little bit, ”But I am partial to decisive battles. I am not one who likes to nibble. I believe taking the entire force would be the most prudent course of action and should provide us with the most flexibility given the situation.” He smiles at the camera, ”But then It’s your call Perun. So what are you going to do?” Perun can tell the man has great respect for him, by the choice to leave the eventual call on the distribution of forces to him.

Whatever he decides at 1315 a radio call comes across the DDF frequencies as his scanners light up from the south. They tag four DDF dropships heading their way, ”Commander Perun, You have Angel two, five, ten and Harbinger inbound with support.” Perun recognizes the voice of Commander Donavan. Her voice sounds a little off, her tone sounds sad…or maybe angry…it's hard to tell as you don’t know her very well. You watch as the Tango lance is reunited.

Once the drop ships land around the north end of Ford. the units begin pouring out. Perun clocks another 6 DDF mechs, including the rest of Tango lance. ”We’re here to support as best we can Commander.” Kit’s voice breaks through the radio. Her voice sounds hoarse and the cadence in her speech is off, almost as if she has been crying extensively. Before he can put much thought into it another voice he doesn’t recognize chimes in. The voice has a rustic country feel to it, ”Blackmon with Gamma Lance, Commander. Just tell us where to set up.” Gamma lance seems to be made up exclusively of Shadow Hawks. 2H models by the looks of them, he can only spot one pair of SRM tubes. Perun then sees 6 ground vehicles coming out from the drop ship Harbinger. Another voice pops over the comms, ”Commander. Blake Perkins here with the Harbingers Ground forces. Pleased to fight with you on the field today.” Perun clocks 2 Hetzer LRM tanks, 2 Hetzer AC10 tanks, 1 AC2 Carrier, and a Manticore Heavy tank. Commander Donavan comes over the radio once everyone has finished introductions, ”We also have two Stingray F-90S multi-role aerospace fighters inbound to provide air support. They’re about 25 to 30 minutes out.” The relay station breaks in again, "Sigma. We have confirmed both craft are heading for the same landing zone. It's about 60km north of your location. Perun looks at the data. seems Tabatyo was right on the money with the landing zone.

There is a long pause. Perun feels that everyone is collectively looking at him to make the next call on what to do.

Time to OpFor Landing: 10 Minutes

If Perun pushes for an answer to why the rest of Sigma is not present he will receive a private communication from Angel II.

”Um…Fuck I'm not good at this shit. We think the pirates got to Nimiko. Liang and the others went back to see what they could do. All I know is it wasn’t good. Based on what was described to me, there is a high likelihood Nimiko is dead.”

The DDF’s current disposition is as follows:

• 4 2H Shadow Hawks (Gamma Lance)
• 2 Hetzer AC10 Tanks (Harbinger)
• 2 Hetzer LRM Tanks (Harbinger)
• 1 AC2 Carrier (Harbinger)
• 1 Manticore heavy Tank (Harbinger)
• Shino Tabayto (1st Lance 4th Company: Dragon)
• Iseul Ye (1st Lance, 4th Company: Phoenix Hawk)
• Hayate Katō (1st Lance, 4th Company: Jenner)
• Shui Amano (1st Lance, 4th Company: Kintaro)
• Shin Wu (2nd Lance Leader, 4th Company: Marauder 3R)
• Kohaku Tani (2nd Lance, 4th Company: Jenner)
• Jun Himura (2nd Lance, 4th Company: Phoenix Hawk)
• Ryota Maekawa (2dn Lance, 4th Company: Kintaro)
• Ivy Dallas Tango Lance (Rifleman 2N)
• Kit Halladay Tango Lance (Centurion)
• Daven Mari Tango Lance (Javelin 10N)
• Singai Geven Tango Lance (Treb)
• Perun (Griffin)
• Bluto (Grasshopper)
• Jackson (Crab)

Ok Commander...What next?

[Bluto]

Perception: 2d6+2 (7 Base TN) (SUCCESS)
JIC: 2d6
JIC: 2d6

Bluto nods, his expression a mix of understanding and frustration as Tabatyo patiently explains the huge gaping holes in his idea.

"Understood, sorry," he mutters, the words barely audible over the comms. He shrugs in the privacy of his own cockpit. "I don't know tech stuff," he admits to himself. "Harder than I thought. Better shut up."

He focuses on listening.

He smiles at the camera, ”But then It’s your call Perun. So what are you going to do?” Perun can tell the man has great respect for him, by the choice to leave the eventual call on the distribution of forces to him.

Can't kill the dropship, so I guess we have to do it the regular way. He checks his weapons readout, making sure there's no glitches. The fun and dying starts soon. Gotta watch Perun's back. Kill everything that gets in the way.

Bluto watches as the reinforcements pour into the area, and a mix of excitement and adrenaline fills him. The sight of so many mechs and tanks, their engines thrumming, fill him with a sense of power. But he also knows the gravity of the situation. "This is a big deal," he mutters to himself. "Perun's got a lot on his shoulders."

”We’re here to support as best we can Commander.” Kit’s voice breaks through the radio. Her voice sounds hoarse and the cadence in her speech is off..
The voice has a rustic country feel to it, ”Blackmon with Gamma Lance, Commander. Just tell us where to set up.” Another voice pops over the comms, ”Commander. Blake Perkins here with the Harbingers Ground forces. Pleased to fight with you on the field today.” Perun clocks 2 Hetzer LRM tanks, 2 Hetzer AC10 tanks, 1 AC2 Carrier, and a Manticore Heavy tank.

He turns to his private comms for a brief word of encouragement. "You got options now, Perun," he says, trying to remind the young man he's not alone. "And we got your back. Tabatyo's listening same reason as me. You think good, and you listen when it matters. Just keep doing that."

Leadership 2d6 (8 Base TN) (SUCCESS) <- a little private encouragement to a fella already doing a great job

”We also have two Stingray F-90S multi-role aerospace fighters inbound to provide air support. They’re about 25 to 30 minutes out.” The relay station breaks in again, "Sigma. We have confirmed both craft are heading for the same landing zone. It's about 60km north of your location. Perun looks at the data. seems Tabatyo was right on the money with the landing zone.

There is a long pause. Perun feels that everyone is collectively looking at him to make the next call on what to do.

Bluto's eyes light up at the news of the incoming air support. "That's awesome!" he exclaims, his voice filled with excitement. "Two Stingrays? Awesome. O.R.S.U.M. !"

[Jackson Cooper]

Perception: 2d6+2 /TN 7
JIC: 2d6: 2d6
JIC: 2d6: 2d6

(Active effects: Compulsion/Stubborn, Fit, Good Vision)

He sits back in his pilot’s seat, ”I see your point about the possibility of a scout element. However I would argue that we could simply destroy the scout element with our full force. If we only send a scout element and they send their full force our personnel will be at a significant disadvantage and we will lose the element of surprise on the ridgeline.” he chuckles a little bit, ”But I am partial to decisive battles. I am not one who likes to nibble. I believe taking the entire force would be the most prudent course of action and should provide us with the most flexibility given the situation.” He smiles at the camera, ”But then It’s your call Perun. So what are you going to do?” Perun can tell the man has great respect for him, by the choice to leave the eventual call on the distribution of forces to him.

Jackson chimes in. "Ha ha! A man after my own heart. I'm inclined to agree, Slick. I prefer a straight fight to a buncha sneakin' around. That's for Capellans! But you're the boss, Slick. You say lasso that steer an' I say, what kinda knot you want me to tie 'im up in."

Once the drop ships land around the north end of Ford. the units begin pouring out. Perun clocks another 6 DDF mechs, including the rest of Tango lance.

Jackson stares in awe at the host of drop ships gathering around Ivy, Hayate and him. Well, I'll be. The goddamn DDF! The young mechwarrior lets out an enthusiastic cry across all comms, barely able to contain the exceitment. "Yee-haw! The goddamn cavalry's here! I'll wager them FedSun boys're gonna be havin' second thoughts!"

He anxiously looks out all the viewports in his canopy, frantically searching for the rest of Sigma Lance, a toothy grin stretched across his face. The smile falters and soon fades as Jackson begins to realize that the rest of their friends are not among the reinforcements. "The hell? Tango's all here now... Somethin' happen back at the mine?"

He hits the comms to Bluto and Perun first. "Bluto? Perun? Y'all got eyes on the rest of Sigma? I ain't seein' a damn one and Tango's all here!"

Immediately after, he pulls up Ivy. "Ivy! Talk to me darlin'. An' get Kit or one of your boys on the line. Where the hell's the rest of our lance?"

Jackson starts clutching and unclutching the controls nervously, waiting for someone to reply.

[Perun]

=======================
Perception: 3d6-L+4 | (7 Base TN)
JIC: 2d6
JIC: 2d6

Active Effects: (Good Vision, Good Hearing, Patient)

Sensor Operations. 2d6+1
=======================

”But then It’s your call Perun. So what are you going to do?” Perun can tell the man has great respect for him, by the choice to leave the eventual call on the distribution of forces to him.

Confronted with the limitations of the naval PPC and Tabayto's desire for a proper brawl, Perun manages a soft nod of acknowledgement, "Naval PPC should stay put then. And I hear your partiality to decisive battles. The trick, I think, might be to convince the OpFor to also make such a commitment, ideally into a position that is advantageous to us. Let's set the trap. No forward scouting element."

Setting his mind to matters of tactics and strategy is clearly foreign to the logistics specialist and he visibly strains as he tries to parse all the information. What he does know is that he is glad to have the comradery of both his lance-mates and also the Kuritan forces that were originally opposite them at Ford.

As DDF reinforcements rally to their position, Perun seems genuinely surprised at the usage of the 'Commander' title when referencing him. Each time the title is echoed by another battle element looking to him for direction, the weight of responsibility builds, gathering on the logistics specialist's shoulders.

Commander? The folk will live or die depending on the directions I give?! No. Stop that. Now is not the time for self-pity. We have work to do. We should get to it. Familiar or not... If I don't know how to lead at least everyone else here knows how to fight. So best to lean on that.

He turns to his private comms for a brief word of encouragement. "You got options now, Perun," he says, trying to remind the young man he's not alone. "And we got your back. Tabatyo's listening same reason as me. You think good, and you listen when it matters. Just keep doing that."

"Thanks Bluto. It's true, I didn't expect this number of reinforcements. Looks like we have potentially an even fight on our hands." Perun keys back in the private channel seemingly missing the point of the pep talk. But the booze-loving mechwarrior savant's words fill him with another wave of warmth. He quickly tries to channel that into his address to those gathered in defense of Ford.

Keying his comms, Perun begins with full vid, speaking softly, "Ladies and Gentlemen gathered here in defense of Ford... Welcome. Relay estimates OpFor consists of two dozen mechs and vehicles deployed from two drop ships. They land in 10. They will be en route to the city of Ford soon after. We chose to defend away from the city so that we can minimize civilian casualties. But I understand that puts us, the defenders, at greater risk..." His voice wavers. The vibrato likely reflective of confronting the reality that chances are high lives will be lost this day under his command.

Perun takes an audible breath, his eyes close a moment, when they open next, he seems prepared to relieve a burden from his chest, "My name is Vanto Perun. And I do not know how to lead a mech lance, let alone an entire battle formation." A placid serenity washes over the young man's face as he speaks the words that have encapsulated his fears since the first utterance of the word 'Commander'.

"Good quality chow. Hot pressed uniforms. Steady flow of machine lube, electronics boards, reinforcement struts, munitions supply... I'm your man. I have the mathematical charts, logistical tables and annual reports to prove it." A smirk graces the corner of his mouth.

"But this... Large scale combat... Is new to me." Perun admits plainly.

"Looking around," his gaze casts about at the gathering in genuine assessment. "I'm excited to report that I may be alone in this distinction... Good!" Perun smiles.

"So here's the battle-intent... OpFor will march on Ford. Between their LZ and the city is a valley that they must traverse which will be our chosen battlefield. Kuritan 1st, 2nd, DDF Sigma and Tango lances will position adjacent the valley behind the hill under low power to mask signatures until ready to pounce." Perun gestures at each addressed lance in turn. He seems to expect each lance to be its own standalone unit and able to sort out the combat details and their own initiative on their own, especially once battle has begun.

"DDF Gamma and Harbinger will position on the Ford side of the valley. Run hot. Appear disorganized. Like there is some big argument in command. When they ping your signals, OpFor should want to take advantage of the seemingly hapless planetary defense and rush through the valley to engage." Having provided the skeleton of a battle plan, more like the vagaries of a commander's intent, Perun seemingly forgets to explicitly tell Gamma and Harbinger to join the attack once valley forces are engaged. Or perhaps he assumes their competency will lead them into the fight naturally. Regardless, Perun pauses, seemingly for questions, before he interrupts his own silence.

"Oh, and how silly of me. Detroit Defense Forces, please welcome Shino Tabayto and his 1st and 2nd Lance, 4th Company, 9th Battalion of the Kuritan 3rd Dieron Regulars. They have agreed to lend a hand defeating the OpFor in exchange for custody of Maurice Shellburn, a Federated Suns spy, and terrorist of Ford who just explosively detonated an entire apartment building, killing local law enforcement personnel and innocent civilians." Perun is unable to hide the micro-expression of disgust that flits across his face.

His face eases before he continues, "Let's show them some Detroit hospitality. And show them how DDF fights."

"Help each other. Keep communicating. And let's send the OpFor packing." Perun concludes.

[Bluto]

((Rolls carried))

"DDF Gamma and Harbinger will position on the Ford side of the valley. Run hot. Appear disorganized. Like there is some big argument in command. When they ping your signals, OpFor should want to take advantage of the seemingly hapless planetary defense and rush through the valley to engage."

Bluto's eyes light up at Perun's plan. "With ya all the way buddy," he says, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "But I'd like to volunteer to look like the leader of Gamma and Harbinger. If anyone can look disorganized, it's me."

He grins a drunken wild grin, making himself look more of a mess than he already is. "Lance leaders of Gamma and Harbringer stay in actual command, but I'll negotiate with the enemy and give 'em the right impression. I'm a master of disorganised! Am I right?" He chuckles to himself. "We'll lure them in, and then boom! You ambush! Just like you said."

[Perun]

((rolls carried over))

"DDF Gamma and Harbinger will position on the Ford side of the valley. Run hot. Appear disorganized. Like there is some big argument in command. When they ping your signals, OpFor should want to take advantage of the seemingly hapless planetary defense and rush through the valley to engage."

Bluto's eyes light up at Perun's plan. "With ya all the way buddy," he says, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "But I'd like to volunteer to look like the leader of Gamma and Harbinger. If anyone can look disorganized, it's me."

"I have no objections. Feel free to be a bit undisciplined over open comms too. But please get yourself into the fight once it begins as soon as you can. Going to need Bluto magic hitting the OpFor ASAP." Perun confirms.

[Jackson Cooper]

(rolls carried over)

Jackson's inquiries about the rest of his lance mates' whereabouts are cut short by Perun's voice crackling across his comms.

"So here's the battle-intent... OpFor will march on Ford. Between their LZ and the city is a valley that they must traverse which will be our chosen battlefield. Kuritan 1st, 2nd, DDF Sigma and Tango lances will position adjacent the valley behind the hill under low power to mask signatures until ready to pounce." Perun gestures at each addressed lance in turn. He seems to expect each lance to be its own standalone unit and able to sort out the combat details and their own initiative on their own, especially once battle has begun.

Jackson closes his eyes for a moment and breathes in and out deeply. It's alright. The rest of Tango didn't look like they'd taken any damage. That's a good sign. We'll figure out what's goin' on, but first we gotta survive this battle we're about to wade into. Jackson opens his eyes and nods solemly. He runs a hand lovingly across the control console and despite his worry over his friends, a smile tugs at the corners of his mouth. "You've been good as gold to me darlin'. Hell if it weren't for you, we wouldn't even be here right now, would we? Jackson knows it's just the rumbling of the engine, but the mech almost seems to purr in response. "Right, ol' girl. This is the real deal. These ain't gonna be no scrappy pirates."

That same old smoke-laced chuckle sounds in the back of Jackson's mind. What'd I always say, Jacky-boy? Griff's voice in his head and his own voice sound off in unison. Always keep movin'. "Always keep movin'." Keep an eye out for openin's in the armor. "Keep an eye out for openin's in the armor."

Jackson hits the throttle on his mech and begins to make his way along with the rest of the forces towards the valley. Keep your busted bits facin' away from the enemy. "Keep your busted bits away from the enemy."

An image of the two of them sitting in the Crab's cockpit resurfaces in Jackson's mind. And this is a big one, Jack. Remember... "Watch your lance mate's back and he'll watch yours." Jackson says, by himself this time.

"Cooper to Lance Leader. Orders received. Movin' towards the objective."

[Sum of All Fears]

5 February 3026
1340hrs
Winter; 10०F
Clear

Jackson tries to get some answers from Ivy. She responds, her voice full of confusion and thought, ”I asked Kit. She’s not talking about it, but something is wrong. She said everyone is fine and Angel II confirmed there was no combat at the outpost. I don’t know what happened but it doesn’t make sense to me. She says the rest of Sigma is ok, so I say we worry about it after the mission. If this is really going to be as big of a fight as they are making it seem we’re going to need to keep our head in the game, kay love?” Jackson doesn’t feel any better, but Ivy sounded truthful. It’s hard to fake that level of confusion. She is also correct that you need to keep your head in the game. Jackson focuses on mentally preparing himself for the upcoming fight.

Perun is very uncomfortable in his new role. He really feels unprepared, but he does his best as he admits his own shortcomings. A chorus of acknowledgements hit the airwaves as the formations move out.

About two kilometers from the target area everyone picks up two signals coming from the direction of Ford. They ping as DDF Stingrays. These must be the two aerospace fighters sent to assist the ground forces. They are about ten minutes out but they are well within radio range.

As Zoe and V streak through the afternoon sky you realize what a beautiful day it is. Not a cloud in the sky. The temperature could be warmer, but it's a clear day. As you approach the city of Ford control cuts into your headsets, ”RedWing Flight, Control. Coordinates updating for rendezvous. Please proceed to the new coordinates, expect radio contact with the ground commander in two minutes. Over.”

After two minutes your sensors pick up ground signals. It's a large force. Your sensors register DDF and Kuratain IFFs. As you move in you can see the formations are well established and moving well under Commander Perun’s direction. Most of Perun’s mechs have taken position just below the top of the southern ridgeline. Waiting for the right time to start their reactors. Bluto, Gamma and the Harbingers are milling around at the mouth of the valley.

Perun’s distraction operation seems to be going well. He can hear Perkins and Blackmon arguing with each other over the open radio, ”I don’t care what you think. You keep those lumbering death traps over there! I don’t want you stepping on any of my people!” Perkins was really going for it.
”Your people would be lucky to be stepped on by us. What good are you anyway all you do is scurry around in the dirt and complain and run when the battles get too much for your weak constitutions!” Holy shit Blackmon really said that…are these guys acting or is this how they really feel Perun can’t tell.
”Come out of your big lumbering monkey and say that shit to my face!” Perkins is yelling so loudly Perun has to turn the volume down.

After several minutes Perun and company have the stage set for the ambush of the Davion Mercenaries. Suddenly Perun feels vibrations in the ground through his mech. They are getting close.

Zoe and V get additional pings on their sensors. The enemy force has arrived. They are tightly packed trying to fit abreast into the valley. That should make your work easier…what won’t make your work easier are two of the contacts you’re registering are airborne. Your sensors peg them as Sholager SL-21 light fighters. You know they are generally outfitted with a SRM4 and two medium lasers, and are lightly armored, but they are quick. While you have the advantage in armor and firepower, they have the advantage in speed. Zoe thinks back to a story she heard back in the Combine. Of the older wars. Before Earth had taken to the stars. How an empire fell to the armored devils of the sky. The lesson was speed had its advantages, but so did having more armor. You just have to fight to the strengths of your machine, and respect the strengths of the enemy.

You all hear a single radio transmission for the mercenaries, ”CHARGE!!!!!”

Perkins comes over the DDF channel, ”Looks like they’ve taken the bait!”

Ground Map:

--Jackson:
--Bluto:
--Perun:

Alright...who's ready for a Battle!?!?!?!?!!?

[Vincent Moreau]

Perception: 2d6+5 (7 Base TN)
JIC: 2d6
JIC: 2d6

Pilot, Aerospace: 2d6+8 (8 Base TN) (Set up attack run on the closest Sholager)
Sensory Operation: 2d6+5 (8 Base TN) (Track air and ground targets)

---

---

As Vincent and Zoe approach, Vincent scans his sensors and pings the two aerospace fighters and a light smile creeps on his face. "Well, well, well. Guess we'll have an aerial dance after all." V says, genuinely excited to be back where he is most comfortable. Time to put this Stingray to the real test and see what these light fighters are made of. He thinks as he queues up Zoe on his radio. "Wizard, tally two light aerospace targets, Sholager SL-21. Moving to pull them out of position to set you up for a cluster drop on ground targets. Opening up comm lines with ground commander to coordinate ground to air fire." Vincent radios Zoe as he begins accelerating past her to engage the targets.

He opens a line of communication with Commander Perun. "Sigma Lance, Redwing Flight on station from DDF Home. Preparing Cluster drop and moving to pull enemy aerospace units out of position, will attempt to lead them on a fly by for Ground to Air support." Vincent radios the Sigma Lance and charges his medium laser to fire.

Vincent feels the adrenaline of combat setting in as his smile solidifies and he targets the closest Sholager and increases his thrust from 2 to 3 to fly towards aerospace light fighters then decelerates and rolls away out of incoming fire. Attempting to first get their attention and get them to engage him. Vincent will attempt to out-maneuver them to open up with his AC/5 attempting to pepper the fighter.

If he is successful in pulling them off station and making them pursue him, he grins. "That's right, come and get me." He taunts under his breathe and then attempts to lead them towards the Sigma Lance for ground support.

If ground support is too far away, Vincent will instead attempt to perform an aerial maneuver and pull in behind the attackers by making them overshoot him with a high Yo-Yo.

---

---

Combat

Turn 1:
Initiative: 3d6 (Combat Sense, drop lowest) + 2 = 8
Tactics, Air: 2d6+3

Current Velocity: 3 (Additional pilot check to maintain control of the craft; Pilot, Aerospace: 2d6+8)

Starting Altitude: 3

Thrust Points Expended: 2

Pilot Check: Pilot, Aerospace: 2d6+8 (8 Base TN)

Attacks: Attempt to gain a position to open up with his AC/5 on the closest light aerospace fighter to pull them out of position. Gunnery, Aerospace: 2d6+8 (8 Base TN) (Open up with AC/5 on the closest Sholager)

Alternate Target: Open fire on the second Sholager. Gunnery Aerospace: 2d6+8

Contingencies: Track friendly ground units to lead the aerospace units towards them. Sensor Operations: 2d6+5 | Track Zoe's position. 2d6+5 | Track Aerospace Light Fighters 2d6+5

Additional pilot checks as needed.
2d6+8
2d6+8
2d6+8
2d6+8

End of Turn Velocity: 2

Ending Altitude: 2 (Dropping altitude to set up ground allies for support AA fire)

Turn 2:
Initiative: 3d6-L + 2 = 8
Tactics, Air: 2d6+3

Current Velocity: 3

Starting Altitude: 2

Thrust Points Expended: 3

Pilot Check: Pilot, Aerospace 2d6+8 (8 Base TN)

Attacks: If available, Gunnery, Aerospace 2d6+8 (8 Base TN))

Alternate Target: Evade (Rolling; Expend one Thrust Point) Pilot, Aerospace: 2d6+8 (8 Base TN)

Contingencies: Track enemy aerospace units, Sensory Operation: 2d6+5
Track Zoe, Sensory Operations: 2d6+5

Back-up Pilot checks as needed;
2d6+8
2d6+8
2d6+8
2d6+8

End of Turn Velocity: 3, Increasing speed to pull away from the light units.

Ending Altitude: 3, Beginning to climb in altitude again after passing ground allies.

[Bluto]

Perception: 2d6+2 (7 Base TN)
JIC: 2d6
JIC: 2d6

Perun’s distraction operation seems to be going well. He can hear Perkins and Blackmon arguing with each other over the open radio, ”I don’t care what you think. You keep those lumbering death traps over there! I don’t want you stepping on any of my people!” Perkins was really going for it.
”Your people would be lucky to be stepped on by us. What good are you anyway all you do is scurry around in the dirt and complain and run when the battles get too much for your weak constitutions!”
”Come out of your big lumbering monkey and say that shit to my face!” Perkins is yelling so loudly Perun has to turn the volume down.

Bluto's eyes widen as he sees the force arrayed against them. Hey they got Archers, and is that... a BattleMaster?

He radios their force on DDF channels. "Commander, I'll holler when they reach a sweet spot for you to come up over the top. Perkins and Blackmon, awesome shit guys, be ready to run like the wind backwards. We need those fish in the barrel. "

He opens a line of communication with Commander Perun. "Sigma Lance, Redwing Flight on station from DDF Home. Preparing Cluster drop and moving to pull enemy aerospace units out of position, will attempt to lead them on a fly by for Ground to Air support." Vincent radios the Sigma Lance and charges his medium laser to fire.

Bluto replies likewise in DDF channels. "Hello RedWings! This is Sir John Blutanski, the idiot at the front waving his mech arm. Yeah hi! Commander Perun has us drawing them in, drop a clusterload on that BattleMaster's melon head. He's in the heart of that formation flanked by Centurions. A sweet target!"

Bluto does indeed wave his mech arm, which to the Davion Mercenaries, it looks like Bluto's Grasshopper is waving a 'hello' to them! He also does a mooning of the badguys if there's time. Please Sir GM, let there be time!

Piloting/'Mech 2d6+11 (8 Base TN) (CRIT!) -Wave and Moon enemy. Standard greeting protocol.
Exploding crit die... extra 1d6

Hey, there's space between my legs! Now is a chucklehead in range of my LRM pack?
Since Bluto is a drunken master of piloting, as he bends over he aims his head, which is equipped with an LRM-5 pack. If at all possible, should his piloting skills be epic enough, Bluto launches those LRM's out between his legs at at the nearest enemy!

You all hear a single radio transmission for the mercenaries, ”CHARGE!!!!!”

Without hesitation, Bluto activates his mech's jump jets and leaps backwards, trying to maintain distance from the slower lethal LRM mechs in the enemy formation. "RETREAT!" he yells over open comms, his voice filled with a feigned sense of drunken panic.

Now recall Bluto is mooning the enemy. So now jump jet fire launches out of his mech's behind, and he takes to the air!

As he lands, he turns to face the away from the enemy, and a mischievous grin spreads across his face. "Hey, why don't we call it a draw?" he suggests. "I mean, you got a lot of mechs, and we're here with... uh, what we got."

With that, he runs, along with Perkins and Blackmon's mechs.

If we can stay out of range of their missiles long enough, Perun and us can make a nice Davion sandwich.


TURN 1
Init: 2d6
Tactics (Land) 2d6+1 (TN 9)

Gunnery:
2d6+12 - Head-mounted LRM5, out between the legs, while mooning the badguys! Gold!

Movement:

• JUMPING - backwards 4 MP, now facing away for a good run.
• Moved - 4 hexes

Priority:

• Shooting LRM's through the legs in a galaxy-first to draw attention, aiming at whatever chucklehead might in range. Then jump away from the enemy force and facing away for a run next turn

TURN 2
Init: 2d6
Tactics (Land) 2d6+1 (TN 9)

Movement:

• RUNNING - forward 6 MP.
• Moved - 6 hexes

Firing ?

Priority:

• Moving the full range, keeping partial cover of low hills between us and the badguys, drawing the enemy to the southeast as planned.

[Jackson Cooper]

Perception: 2d6+2
JIC: 2d6
JIC: 2d6

(Active effects: Compulsion/Stubborn, Fit, Good Vision)

Jackson tries to get some answers from Ivy. She responds, her voice full of confusion and thought, ”I asked Kit. She’s not talking about it, but something is wrong. She said everyone is fine and Angel II confirmed there was no combat at the outpost. I don’t know what happened but it doesn’t make sense to me. She says the rest of Sigma is ok, so I say we worry about it after the mission. If this is really going to be as big of a fight as they are making it seem we’re going to need to keep our head in the game, kay love?” Jackson doesn’t feel any better, but Ivy sounded truthful. It’s hard to fake that level of confusion. She is also correct that you need to keep your head in the game. Jackson focuses on mentally preparing himself for the upcoming fight.

Jackson doesn't say anything for a moment. Whatever had happened, it must have been bad for half the lance not to show up to an "all hands on deck" situation like the one they were about to face. He sighs and hits the comms to Ivy. "I don't like it... But I'm cool. First we make it through this, then we figure out what's goin' on. You stick close to me out there, ya hear?"

Jackson stops alongside Perun's Griffin, just short of the ridge where the ambush is to take place. He flips several switches above him in the cockpit. He notices the drone of the Crab's reactor slows to a crawl as the familiar monotone voice of the mech's computer speaks. Shutdown initiated...Reactor offline. The Crab's leg and hip actuators groan as the mech lowers itself into a crouch.

After several minutes Perun and company have the stage set for the ambush of the Davion Mercenaries. Suddenly Perun feels vibrations in the ground through his mech. They are getting close.

Jackson feels the advance of the enemy forces as well. "Well... If there was ever a time to prove yourself, Jacky-boy, this is gonna be it." In the silence of his cockpit, Jackson thinks back over the events that had unfurled. Back to the start of this mission. If they'd fought the Kuritans, both the DDF and the Combine forces would've been easy pickings for the Federated Suns. Hell, maybe they had even been banking on that outcome. Shellburn was still out there somewhere, too, and if the mercs were willing to take on the whole DDF just to extract this man, they weren't going to give up easy. But that was just fine by him. Jackson'd been itching for a fight since they'd set down, and it was time for him to scratch that itch. Griff...Wish me luck out there.

He opened a channel to Hayate, then Perun. "Hayate. You read? Good luck out there, you hear?"

"Slick, this is Cooper. Waitin' on your signal. When we head over that ridge, all hell's gonna break loose, you hear? I'll go over first and you stick behind me. We'll swing out behind their rear lines and see if we can't open up some of that rear armor. Coordinate our shots and we'll take 'em out faster. Whatever you do, Slick, don't stop movin'. You freeze up, you stand still, you're toast. But hang tight. We're gonna make it outta this alive. Cooper out."

As the rumbles intensify, Jackson readies his hand over the flashing "Restart" button.


Battle Plan: Jackson will power up his mech and then make a break for the ridge, along with the rest of the ambush force. He will do his best to get in behind the enemy force and attack the rear elements.

Turn 1: Jackson will power up his mech?

Turn 2: Jackson will run 9 hexes, and swing out behind the mercs' rear line. He prioritize attacking any long range mechs such as the Archers, but if none are in range, he will focus on the rear armor of the nearest mech. He will try to stay at medium range, but if the enemy moves in close, he will melee.

Initiative: 2d6

Large Laser (L) (8 heat): 2d6+6
Large Laser (R) (8 heat): 2d6+6
Melee (kick, if in range): 2d6+5

Piloting Checks:

2d6+5
2d6+5

- Running: 2 Heat
- Large Laser (R) 8 Heat
- Large Laser (L) 8 Heat
Total Heat: 18 (2 over)

[Dr. Zoe Kyaku]

=======================
Perception: 2d6+7 | (7 Base TN)
JIC: 2d6
JIC: 2d6

Sensor Operations. 2d6+6 | (8 Base TN)
=======================

he queues up Zoe on his radio. "Wizard, tally two light aerospace targets, Sholager SL-21. Moving to pull them out of position to set you up for a cluster drop on ground targets. Opening up comm lines with ground commander to coordinate ground to air fire." Vincent radios Zoe as he begins accelerating past her to engage the targets.

"Roger that, V. I will drop in on the ground targets. Keep those Sholagars busy, I'll ."

It would be better to deal with both fighters now. But you are an exceptional pilot, very well.

Zoe angles her Stingray, maneuvering into a position that allows her to attack the enemy mechs from their flank. She hopes to catch them off guard, minimizing their ability to respond effectively. As she closes in on the target, she keeps a watchful eye on her sensors for the Sholagar fighters, ready to evade or counterattack if necessary.

He opens a line of communication with Commander Perun. "Sigma Lance, Redwing Flight on station from DDF Home. Preparing Cluster drop and moving to pull enemy aerospace units out of position, will attempt to lead them on a fly by for Ground to Air support." Vincent radios the Sigma Lance and charges his medium laser to fire.

Bluto replies likewise in DDF channels. "Hello RedWings! This is Sir John Blutanski, the idiot at the front waving his mech arm. Yeah hi! Commander Perun has us drawing them in, drop a clusterload on that BattleMaster's melon head. He's in the heart of that formation flanked by Centurions. A sweet target!"

Drawing them in? They have a trap planned. This move is good I think. A lone bombing run without air superiority looks desperate. It may help Commander Perun's ruse. I will withdraw and engage fighters after this run. The enemy fighters may not expect me to suddenly turn and face them.

Zoe listens in on the radio chatter, her attention momentarily diverted from her attack run. She hears Bluto's call for an airstrike on the Battlemaster-led mech cluster. Is his mech waving a flag or something? Well I hope they all have their eyes on him and fail to see me coming.

She is completely unaware of the true extent of Bluto's attention grabbing actions.

Bluto does indeed wave his mech arm, which to the Davion Mercenaries, it looks like Bluto's Grasshopper is waving a 'hello' to them! He also does a mooning of the badguys if there's time. Please Sir GM, let there be time!

Piloting/'Mech 2d6+11 (8 Base TN) (CRIT!) -Wave and Moon enemy. Standard greeting protocol.
Exploding crit die... extra 1d6

Hey, there's space between my legs! Now is a chucklehead in range of my LRM pack?
Since Bluto is a drunken master of piloting, as he bends over he aims his head, which is equipped with an LRM-5 pack. If at all possible, should his piloting skills be epic enough, Bluto launches those LRM's out between his legs at at the nearest enemy!

She spots the massive Battlemaster. With a renewed focus, she guides her Stingray closer to the enemy formation, her fingers poised on the bomb-release controls.

RedWing One Elevation 4 - assuming the dark mountaintops are Elevation 2. She flies in from the north, dropping all 4 cluster bombs into the Battlemaster's position, before tearing over the tops of the mountain range, and banking right just in front of the mechwarrior 'Kit'.

OOC Comments

Trying to understand this. Page 243 of Total Warfare says terrain and target movement modifiers (including the –4 modifier for an immobile target) do not apply to any type of bombing attack; but Zoe does suffer an additional to-hit modifier equal to her altitude (+X). Bombing is a +2 penalty. So the target number is 4+altitude+2 = 10? Also in altitude bombing only 1-2 bombs maybe dropped in a hex, and each hex in a row must have at least one dropped on it.

As she flies by she might glance left and see an unusually positioned Grasshopper heavy mech. Was that mech bending over?

Now to help V. The enemy fighters might not expect this.

Zoe (in Turn 2) accelerates and performs Immelmann maneuver, rising high into the air and turning to face the enemy fighters with her many guns. She unleashes everything hoping to cripple any fighter foolish enough to stray too close to her.

Purple line is Turn 2 and Zoe performing Immelmann move upwards.

Combat:
Turn 1:
Initiative: 2d6
Tactics/Air: 2d6+5 (9 Base TN)

Current Velocity: 2 (Elevation 4)

Thrust Points Expended: Thrust 2 used to maintain speed for bombing run. Atmosphere reduced speed by 1, so 2 Thrust should keep it at 2.

Pilot Check: 2d6+6

Attacks:
Cluster Bomb 1
Gunnery/Aerospace 2d6+6 (Unknown TN)
Landing on CN9A #2 (affecting CN9A #2 and #4, BLR-1D and COM-2D)

Cluster Bomb 2
Gunnery/Aerospace 2d6+6 (Unknown TN)
Landing on BLR-1D (affecting BLR-1D, CN9A #1,#2,#3 and #4)

Cluster Bomb 3
Gunnery/Aerospace 2d6+6 (Unknown TN)
Landing on BLR-1D (affecting BLR-1D, CN9A #1,#2,#3 and #4)

Cluster Bomb 4
Gunnery/Aerospace 2d6+6 (Unknown TN)
Landing on CN9A #4 (affecting CN9A #4 and #3, BLR-1D and ENF-4R #1)


Alternate Target: If the mechs have moved, aim for the biggest threats if possible.

Contingencies: 2d6+6 | (8 Base TN - copy of main sensor roll at header of post)
Additional piloting if required:
2d6+6
2d6+6
2d6+6
2d6+6


End of Turn Velocity: 2 (page 79 Total Warfare "Every unit in an atmosphere hex automatically decreases velocity by 1 in the End Phase of every turn." But thrust used maintains her speed.)

Turn 2:
Initiative: 2d6
Tactics/Air: 2d6+5 (9 Base TN)

Current Velocity: 2 (Elevation 4)

Thrust Points Expended: Thrust 2 to increase velocity to 3. (page 79, For every unit operating in atmosphere hexes, increasing velocity by 1 costs 2 Thrust Points.) Perform Immelmann maneuver (Thrust 4), raising Elevation by 2, dropping Velocity by 2, and facing any direction the enemy fighters might be. Total Thrust for turn is 6, this does not exceed maximum safe (6).

Pilot Check: 2d6+6

Attacks:
Now facing any threat in range (Immelmann lets her change her facing to any direction), Zoe supports V by blasting any fighter finding itself in range.

AC 5 Strike 2d6+6
Large Laser Strike 2d6+6 [CRITICAL HIT] 1d6 [DOUBLE CRITICAL] 1d6 Total gunnery = 29
Large Laser Strike 2d6+6
Medium Laser Strike 2d6+6
Medium Laser Strike 2d6+6

Total heat: 1 + 8 + 8 + 3 + 3 = 23
Heat sinks: 19
Total heat: +4

Alternate Target: Target is enemy fighters, if none are in range she strafes the enemy in any useful row of 5. If that also is not possible, she moves closer to the fight V is in.

Contingencies: 2d6+6 | (8 Base TN - copy of main sensor roll at header of post)
Additional piloting if required:
2d6+6
2d6+6
2d6+6
2d6+6

End of Turn Velocity: 1

[Perun]

=======================
Perception: 3d6-L+4 | (7 Base TN)
JIC: 2d6
JIC: 2d6

Active Effects: (Good Vision, Good Hearing, Patient)

Interest/Mech: 2d6+2 <== Awareness of the armor distribution on OpFor mechs... Know that stock Enforcer and Centurion are especially vulnerable in the rear.
=======================

You all hear a single radio transmission for the mercenaries, ”CHARGE!!!!!”

Without hesitation, Bluto activates his mech's jump jets and leaps backwards, trying to maintain distance from the slower lethal LRM mechs in the enemy formation. "RETREAT!" he yells over open comms, his voice filled with a feigned sense of drunken panic.

Well done Bluto. Get Gamma and Harbinger to back up and let the OpFor give chase. That might result in some separation between their faster units and the core fighting element. We need to let them essentially pass our position before we power up and complete the pincer flank.

Perkins comes over the DDF channel, ”Looks like they’ve taken the bait!”

"Bluto has the right of it. Give it line! You'll get fragged where you are!" Perun confirms with manic energy over comms. Given the presence of an unknown level of corruption, he isn't certain their DDF frequencies are fully secure, so he speaks in some vagaries that may come around to bite him later if they are misunderstood, but shouldn't give away their plan at the face of it.

He opens a line of communication with Commander Perun. "Sigma Lance, Redwing Flight on station from DDF Home. Preparing Cluster drop and moving to pull enemy aerospace units out of position, will attempt to lead them on a fly by for Ground to Air support." Vincent radios the Sigma Lance and charges his medium laser to fire.

Bluto replies likewise in DDF channels. "Hello RedWings! This is Sir John Blutanski, the idiot at the front waving his mech arm. Yeah hi! Commander Perun has us drawing them in, drop a clusterload on that BattleMaster's melon head. He's in the heart of that formation flanked by Centurions. A sweet target!"

"Roger RedWing Flight. Sigma copies. Welcome to the pre-party. I trust you know your business, so won't micro-manage. Unknown OpFor air assets. Feel free to clear contested airspace as your priority one." Perun doesn't know much about managing air assets. Except that air-to-ground is more effective once air-to-air is not something that the pilots have to pay attention to anymore. So in pursuit of keeping as many of DDF forces alive as possible, he hopes that they can understand that the fight is not yet fully engaged and that they don't need to prioritize air-to-ground quite yet.

Will RedWing Flight be able to tell that our forces behind the hills are powered down? Will they deduce our ambush tactic? Nothing much to be said over comms to clarify though. If our comms are compromised, it'll give away the game.

"Slick, this is Cooper. Waitin' on your signal. When we head over that ridge, all hell's gonna break loose, you hear? I'll go over first and you stick behind me. We'll swing out behind their rear lines and see if we can't open up some of that rear armor. Coordinate our shots and we'll take 'em out faster. Whatever you do, Slick, don't stop movin'. You freeze up, you stand still, you're toast. But hang tight. We're gonna make it outta this alive. Cooper out."

"Copy Cooper. Thanks for the combat advice. Also appreciate this alternate comms frequency. Uncertain what DDF comms OpSec status is, so keeping tactically identifying chatter to a minimum. Bluto's taunting them. If we wait a little, we may not need to maneuver, but will have rear shots upon cresting the hill." Perun replies on the private frequency.

Here's hoping ambushers can maintain discipline and not spring the trap prematurely. It will be much more effective if the fast movers are further separated and we can get clear shots on rear armor without maneuver. But if someone goes early, we should all power up and go, otherwise the isolated premature mech might get focused and destroyed without support.

Perun sighs to himself as his hand is likewise nervously hovering above the restart button, waiting for the moment to power back up.

I should have thought about and communicated all this to everyone earlier... I hope my negligence doesn't get anyone killed...

===============
Combat:
Turn 1:
Init: 2d6 <== Not trying for initiative. Waiting for OpFor to pass, but a JIC.

Movement: (Declare your movement for this turn) This will be based on your vehicle data sheet.

None. Remain powered down behind hill.

Attacks: Declare your target. Add any bonuses or negatives from your movement/line of sight/Heat/or other modifiers. (Note: Do not add Enemy movement to your TN. That will be calculated by the GM and added to your TN during the GM post rollup)

None. Remain powered down behind hill.

Contingencies: Include no more than 3 sensor check rolls. No more than 4 pilot check rolls. (You may also include any situational contingencies as well. Such as: If mech weapons are destroyed. Move behind cover. Things like that.)

If ambusher teammates prematurely power up and it seems as though everyone is powering up... power up.

Pilot/Mech: 2d6+2
Sensor Operations: 2d6+1


Turn 2:
Init: 2d6 <== Not trying for initiative. Waiting for OpFor to pass, but a JIC.

Movement: (Declare your movement for this turn) This will be based on your vehicle data sheet.

None. Remain powered down behind hill.

Attacks: Declare your target. Add any bonuses or negatives from your movement/line of sight/Heat/or other modifiers. (Note: Do not add Enemy movement to your TN. That will be calculated by the GM and added to your TN during the GM post rollup)

None. Remain powered down behind hill.

Contingencies: Include no more than 3 sensor check rolls. No more than 4 pilot check rolls. (You may also include any situational contingencies as well. Such as: If mech weapons are destroyed. Move behind cover. Things like that.)

If ambusher teammates prematurely power up and it seems as though everyone is powering up... power up.

Pilot/Mech: 2d6+2
Sensor Operations: 2d6+1

[Sum of All Fears]

5 February 3026
1340.15hrs
Winter; 10०F
Clear

Zoe noses over and banks into position to conduct her bombing run. The gentle push of gravity and the stubborn harness straps keeps her rooted in her seat through the turn. The sensor profiles have shifted slightly as you near the target. Zoe realizes the formation is giving chase to a ground decoy unit. Too late to abort the run now, Zoe presses her advantage as she switches to ground attack mode. Her HUD is live with the bomb arc lines and their approximate landing zones. Her hand tightens on the stick as she guides the Stingray over her targets. She sees the flash of cannons firing from the ground and the streaks of missile trails lifting off towards her. Undaunted, Zoe’s thumb taps the release button on the side of the stick as she zips over the target area. The Stingray sways in a roll to the left then the right as the bombs fall off in sequence. She keeps a cool hand on the throttle as she watches the bombs make impact. She’s mostly on target, luckily they were cluster munitions so even though one missed its target she was still able to score a hit. Suddenly the Stingray shudders for another reason. The shell from an AC5 slams right into her canopy, blasting off pieces of the armored glass around her. Before she can be scared of that, the stingray threatens to roll right as her left wing is pounded by missile fire. Armor plates are cracked and blasted off the airframe. Looking at her display the computer shows minor damage to the nose of the craft and moderate damage to her left wing. (-20 From Left Wing Armor/ -5 from Nose Armor) Zoe sees more cannon shells and missiles streak past her as she maneuvers towards the incoming fighters.

Everyone waits behind the hill as Bluto does his best to antagonize the enemy. It seems to work as they begin rumbling forward in a loose formation towards the retreating bait. Bluto keeps jumping backwards. Just before they are in position Zoe screams over head and you can hear the missiles and cannons fire up at her. Shortly after the bombs make impact, sending tremors through your stationary mechs. Everyone begins powering on. Zoe was too fast with her run and the enemy formation will likely not remain cohesive. Bluto watches as the Tanks and Gamma Lance reverse course and dive into the fight as the lighter vehicles and mech dash forward. Bluto sees Gamma 1 get lit up by concentrated fire. Bluto watches as armor panels are blasted from the mech. Gamma 1 remains strong and steadfast as he returns fire with his own weapons. Bluto watches as the Gamma presses forwards. They concentrate fire on the closest Locust 1. They blast away at it’s armor eventually blasting off both of it’s arms and wreaking havoc with it’s internals. As the last weapons are blasted off the mech the cockpit is wreathed in flame and Bluto watches the pilot eject and the capsule streaks off to the north.

Perun watches as he is a little slower to start his mech. It’s still running through its power up sequence as he sees a locust run over the hill. It suddenly skids to a stop, clearly not expecting the mass of mechs to be over the ridge. He hears Tabatyo in his headset come over the wide cast radio, ”For House Kurita! For the Pride of the 3rd Dieron Regulars! For FORD!!! CHARGE!!!!!” Perun watches as the Locust is hammered by an AC10 and LRM from Kit’s Centurion. He feels the ground shake as the Right Arm of the Locust is blasted off in one shot and the LRMs explode deep in the right torso staggering the little mech. Perun's cockpit is illuminated green as several lasers melt their way into the locust, further crippling it. The locust fires one of its remaining Medium lasers at Singai. The green laser melts off some of Singai’s armor on his left arm but fails to penetrate. Suddenly from behind Perun flies a cluster of SRMs that ravage the Locust, blasting into the engine and center torso. With a flash the engine dies and the mech begins to pitch forward. Suddenly the cockpit is wreathed in flame as the pilot ejects from his dying mech as it crashes to the ground.

Jackson dashes over the ridge but pulls up short as he’s already nearly in the midst of the enemy. It looks like they scattered after Zoe’s bombing run. Jackson has a target rich environment. He can see the archers, but they are hidden in the back so he locks onto Enforcer 5. Jackson cuts loose with his large lasers. The blue hue illuminates the area around him. He watches as one of his lasers flashes past and digs a furrow harmlessly into the ground. His other melts into the Right arm of his target. Then suddenly it's chaos. Mechs and tanks all begin firing on each other. You hear Kit over the radio, ”Darven, Get your ass back here. I can’t cover you so far out! Damn it! Jackson! help me cover him!” Jackson sees Kit move up to his left and Ivy moves to the top of the hill to provide fire with her long range weapons. Jackson sees Darven take a shot to his right leg. Jackson watches as the armor is obliterated and the hip joint begins to spark and Darven’s Javelin begins to limp, badly. Jackson also catches a shot coming from his right and slams into the enemy Pike tank in front of him. The turret lights off like a roman candle before exploding at the turret ring sending the turret skyhigh, leaving the hull to burn in the middle of the field.

Jackson turns his attention back to Darven in time to see his return fire pass harmlessly around Centurion 1. Darven is then hammered by a set of LRMs from a Centurion farther back in the scattered formation. Just as Jackson thinks the worst is over for Darven he bears witness to an exceptional cannon shot. The AC10 round snaps the Javenlin’s head back exploding within, showering the area with fragments of the cockpit. The smoking headless mech takes a few more steps forward before tipping forward crashing to the ground. ”DARVEN!!!! NO!!! DAMN IT!!!” The pain in Ivy’s voice cuts to Jackson’s core. Perun can’t see what's happening but both he and Bluto hear the desperate radio call from Ivy as Darven’s Icon fades from your sensor screens.

---

In the Air:

V rolls out to the left of Zoe as he IDs the flight inbound from his left. V feels the gravity flip around him as the pilot's harness diggs slightly into his shoulders as his weight wants to drop him into his cockpit glass. Gravity rights itself as he completes his roll and V is on target for the flight. They are still quite a ways out but V fires off a round from his AC5 to draw attention to himself over Zoe so she can focus on her bombing run. V’s seat and stick rumble as the AC5 round leaves the barrel and sails out towards its target. V is successful and he watches as his round impacts the rightwing of the lead SL-21, blasting into the armor there. Both SL-21’s stand on a wing tip and bank towards you.

Zoe pulls out of her bombing run after taking ground fire and twists into an immelmann maneuver to get into a firing position against the incoming SL-21s. She sees that they are just at the merge point as the two SL-21s and V are finishing a head to head pass. TO Zoe it looks like they both had been traveling a little too fast to actually get a shot on each other. But Zoe is in a great position to hit the lead SL-21 with her longer range weapons. Zoe uses her thumb stick to select her AC5 and both Large Lasers before she drops the reticule over the lead SL-21 and tightens down the trigger. Her Stingray shudders slightly as the Cannon fires its projectile followed closely by the blue energy beams from her lasers.

V gains altitude, but realizes he is traveling too fast to get an accurate shot off at the SL-21s. Both craft are just passing each other without firing. Just before the SL-21s pass him twin streaks of blue lasers impact the lead SL-21. V is buffeted by an explosion as an AC5 cannon shell explodes in the right wing. V watches as armor plates are quickly melted off and the skeletal structure of the airframe becomes visible. The Lead SL-21 is trailing smoke and has sustained significant damage.

Key: Star = Ground Combat area.

--Jackson:
--Bluto:
--Perun:
--V:
--Zoe: LW Armor: 24/42; Nose Armor: 45/50

Well... Looks like there are more funerals that need to be planned for...Your turn...

[Jackson Cooper]

Perception: 2d6+2
JIC: 2d6: 2d6
JIC: 2d6: 2d6

(Active effects: Compulsion/Stubborn, Fit, Good Vision)

While not able to see Zoe's airstrike, Jackson feels the ground reveberate after the impact of the payload. The mechwarrior wipes a bead of sweat from his forehead, his hand opening and closing as it hovers over the flashing button. "Ahhh shit!" He slams his hand down on the button. The familiar, cold feminine voice of the computer resounds in his cockpit.

Start up sequence initiated. Please stand by.
Reactor...Online.
Sensors...Online.
Weapons...Online.
All Systems Nominal.

The mech hums to life and Jackson grabs the control sticks as he waits for the signal.

Perun watches as he is a little slower to start his mech. It’s still running through its power up sequence as he sees a locust run over the hill. It suddenly skids to a stop, clearly not expecting the mass of mechs to be over the ridge. He hears Tabatyo in his headset come over the wide cast radio, ”For House Kurita! For the Pride of the 3rd Dieron Regulars! For FORD!!! CHARGE!!!!!”

Damn! Looks like this rodeo just started! I hope to God we ain't springin' the trap early. Jackson pushes the throttle to full, sending the Crab into a sprint as all around him, mechs power up and make a beeline for the ridge. As he crests the hill, Jackson's mouth hangs open for a moment as the battle kicks off before his eyes. Laser fire carves into the surrounding landscape as autocannon shells and missle fire explode all around, shattering armor and sending dirt and debris flying in all directions. The scream of jet engines draws his attention to the skies where Redwing Lance engages with the enemy's air assets in the high octane dance of death that is dogfighting.

Looking back to the enemy forces, Jackson can see that they haven't come up behind the enemy's rear lines like they'd hoped. Damn...We're early. The number of mechs between the allied Kuritan-DDF forces and the enemy fire support was substantial. He could just make out a pair of Archers at the back of the enemy force. There was going to be no safety from LRM fire today. In order to get to those archers, they'd have to grind through the mainline mechs. Seeing his target out of range, Jackson engages the nearest enforcer, giving it a little love tap with one of his large lasers. He curses as the second shot hits wide. He is about to move in closer when Kit’s cries sound over the comm system.

You hear Kit over the radio, ”Darven, Get your ass back here. I can’t cover you so far out! Damn it! Jackson! help me cover him!” Jackson sees Kit move up to his left and Ivy moves to the top of the hill to provide fire with her long range weapons.

“Aw, hell! I’m on my way! Darven get your a-” Jackson shields his eyes as an explosion rocks the head of Darven’s mech, decapitating the Javelin. He feels the sinking feeling of guilt as the light mech takes a couple of steps and crumbles into a heap before the opposing forces. Ivy’s pained shout shakes him. Goddamnit! This wasn’t supposed to be happening!

“Ivy! Stay with me darlin’! This ain’t over! Put some fire on the bastard in the centurion! I’m takin’ him out!”

Jackson breaks into a run down the hill, hugging it momentarily as he passes under Ivy’s field of fire. He slows the throttle as he comes up behind Hayate and Tabayto and trains his crosshairs on Darven’s killer.

“Tabatyo! Hayate! This is Cooper from Sigma Lance. I’m on your six! I’m on that centurion! Let’s hit these Davion sumbitches where it hurts!”

As he falls into stride with the Kuritan mechs flanking him, he begins to relay what he can see to the forces near him.

Leadership: 2d6

"Kit! Singai! You got an enforcer and centurion comin’ up on Singai’s left flank! Kit, watch his back! Singai get your front facin’ to ‘em!”

“Bluto! Get your ass up here! Darven’s down and we’re in the shit over here!”

“Everyone watch out for LRM fire! Those damn Archers are behind a lot of metal!”


Jackson’s crosshairs hover over the centurion for just a split second. He closes one eye and jams the firing studs hard, sending out spears of green and blue light.

Turn 1:

Initiative: 2d6

Jackson runs six hexes and comes to a stop just between where Hayate and Tabayto are. He will open fire on Centurion 1 with one large laser and one medium laser.

Large Laser (L or R depending on the location of the target) (8 heat): 2d6+6
Medium Laser (CT) (3 heat): 2d6+6


Contingencies: If the enemy comes into melee range, Jackson will also attempt to make a kick melee attack. He will also attempt to keep his front facing the enemy.

Piloting Roll (Kick): 2d5+5

Heat:
Heat from Last Turn: 2
Run (2 heat)
Large Laser (8 heat)
Medium Laser (3 heat)


Total Heat: 15

Turn 2:

Initiative: 2d6

Jackson will advance six hexes, hopefully accompanied by the Kuritan mechs. His primary target is still Centurion 1. He will fire on the Centurion with both large lasers and his medium laser.

Large Laser (L) (8 heat): 2d6+6
Large Laser (R) (8 heat): 2d6+6
Medium Laser (CT) (3 heat): 2d6+6

Contingencies: If any enemy comes into melee range, Jackson will attack with a kick. Also, if the Centurion is destroyed, Jackson will prioritize any mech being attacked by Ivy, Tabayto or Hayate. If none of those mechs are in range, he will attack the nearest enemy. He will also attempt to keep his front facing the enemy.

Piloting Roll (Kick): 2d6+5

Heat:
Run (2 heat)
Large Laser (8 heat)
Large Laser (8 heat)
Medium Laser (3 heat)

Total Heat: 21! (5 over)

[Vincent Moreau]

Perception: 2d6+5 (7 Base TN)
JIC: 2d6
JIC: 2d6

---

---

Post

As V is leading the two light fighters, the feeling of the harness cinching in and the pressure caused by the force of his turn causes his blood to pump and him to feel more alive. "Come on, baby, that's it. Let's show 'em what we're made of" V says to his Stingray. This is the only place I truly feel free and alive, in the air, in a fight for my life. V thinks as a smirk curls on his lip. He can't see the impact of Zoe's bomb run, but nods in approval as it looks like it hits true. Going to need to swing by and do another pass after we deal with this air bogies. V considers and refocuses his attention on the enemy aerospace.

Seeing the damage both the lead SL-21 and Zoe's fighter has taken, V opens a line to coordinate their next attack run on the enemy aerospace units. Not going to let her go down, not like Vixen did. V thinks to himself as the radio between him and Zoe triggers. "Wizard, lead SL-21 has taken severe damage. So have you. Cover your wing and follow my lead. I'll attack first, draw their fire. Focus fire on the same target, one at a time." V says, his mind focused on protecting his wingmate and clearing the unfriendly skies.

V is aiming to open up with both of his medium lasers and his AC/5 on the lead SL-21, then roll away to get them to follow him and set Zoe up on her run.

---

---

Combat:
Turn 1:
Team Init: 3d6-L + 2 (Team Tactics) = 8
Tactics, Air: 2d6+3

Current Velocity: 3

Starting Altitude: 3

Thrust Points Expended: 2

Pilot Check: Pilot, Aerospace: 2d6+8 (8 Base TN)

Attacks: Targeting the damaged aerospace unit (I think the closest) by performing a Hammerhead maneuver, opening up with both medium lasers and his AC/5.
AC/5: Gunnery, Aerospace: 2d6+8 (8 Base TN)
Medium Laser: Gunnery, Aerospace: 2d6+8 (8 Base TN)
Medium Laser: Gunnery, Aerospace: 2d6+8 (8 Base TN)
Large Laser: Gunnery, Aerospace: 2d6+8 (8 Base TN)
Large Laser: Gunnery, Aerospace: 2d6+8 + 1d6 = 25 (8 Base TN)

Alternate Target: If they overshoot each other, he will instead perform an Immelmann maneuver to flip around and follow it, maintaining focus on the damaged SL-21.

Contingencies:
Sensory Operation (8 Base TN): 2d6+5 (Track Enemy Aerospace) | 2d6+5 (Sync Targeting Computers between Zoe and V) | 2d6+5 (Track Zoe)
Pilot, Aerospace (8 Base TN): 2d6+8 | 2d6+8 | 2d6+8 | 2d6+8

End of Turn Velocity: 2

Ending Altitude: 2

Turn 2:
Team Init: 3d6-L + 2 (Team Tactics) = 12
Tactics, Air: 2d6+3

Current Velocity: 2

Starting Altitude: 2

Starting Heat: 4

Thrust Points Expended: 3

Pilot Check: Pilot, Aerospace: 2d6+8 (8 Base TN)

Attacks: If he is still in position to attack the damaged SL-21, he will again attack, performing another Hammerhead maneuver if required but not using his full spread, allowing his Heat time to recover.
AC/5: Gunnery, Aerospace: 2d6+8 (8 Base TN)
Medium Laser: Gunnery, Aerospace: 2d6+8 (8 Base TN)
Medium Laser: Gunnery, Aerospace: 2d6+8 (8 Base TN)

Alternate Target: If opportunity presents itself, he will attack the undamaged SL-21 on a flyby.

Contingencies:
Sensory Operation (8 Base TN): 2d6+5 (Track Enemy Aerospace) | 2d6+5 (Sync Targeting Computers between Zoe and V) | 2d6+5 (Track Zoe)
Pilot, Aerospace (8 Base TN): 2d6+8 | 2d6+8 | 2d6+8 | 2d6+8

End of Turn Velocity: 3

Ending Altitude: 3

[Dr. Zoe Kyaku]

=======================
Perception: 2d6+7 | (7 Base TN)
JIC: 2d6
JIC: 2d6

Sensor Operations. 2d6+6 | (8 Base TN)
=======================

Suddenly the Stingray shudders for another reason. The shell from an AC5 slams right into her canopy, blasting off pieces of the armored glass around her. Before she can be scared of that, the stingray threatens to roll right as her left wing is pounded by missile fire. Armor plates are cracked and blasted off the airframe. Looking at her display the computer shows minor damage to the nose of the craft and moderate damage to her left wing. (-20 From Left Wing Armor/ -5 from Nose Armor) Zoe sees more cannon shells and missiles streak past her as she maneuvers towards the incoming fighters.

Zoe's breath catches in her throat as the Stingray's armored glass takes a cannon shell. The sudden impact jolts her about, and for a moment, she is disoriented. With her heart pounding in her chest she struggles to maintain control of the aircraft. She is grateful that her efforts succeed.

I hate ground fire.

"Wizard, lead SL-21 has taken severe damage. So have you. Cover your wing and follow my lead. I'll attack first, draw their fire. Focus fire on the same target, one at a time."

Zoe raises an eyebrow. How could I not notice hitting the one I shot? Or getting my own canopy smashed?

"I noticed." Her eyes do not leave the enemy fighters on sensors. "Do not hold back with the lasers, some heat is worth ending this quickly so we might assist those on the ground."

Zoe's eyes flicker to her own heat readout, but having fired only her large lasers and cannon she was still in the green.

She angles her damaged Stingray, maneuvering left to follow the enemy whilst keeping her damaged side away from their guns. As her eyes lock onto the enemy fighter, a cold determination settles over her. She executes a Split-S, losing excess altitude and picking up speed to pursue the enemy fighter. The G-forces press against her, but she barely notices. Her mind is focused on the task at hand: eliminating the threat.

She targets the SL-21 of V's choice, hoping together they can down it quickly. If shot down quickly, she will then refocus on the last fighter if possible.


Combat:
Turn 1:
Initiative: 2d6 (disregard as V is using team initiative)
Tactics/Air: 2d6+5 (9 Base TN) (disregard as V wants to lead on tactics)

Current Velocity: 1 (Elevation 6)

Thrust Points Expended: 2 to execute a Split-S (page 85). (+1 speed and -2 elevation from Split-S)
2 thrust to maintain speed in atmosphere.
Additional thrust to match speed with enemy fighters if they try to outrun us.

Pilot Check: 2d6+6

Attacks:
AC 5 2d6+6
Large Laser Strike 2d6+6
Large Laser Strike 2d6+6
Medium Laser Strike 2d6+6
Medium Laser Strike 2d6+6

Heat emitted: 1 + 8 + 8 + 3 + 3 = 23
Heat sinks: 19
Total heat: +4

Alternate Target: The other SL-21.

Contingencies:
If they succeed in killing one fighter, Zoe offers the last one a chance to surrender. "Enemy fighter, you are outnumbered and outgunned. I suggest you surrender and avoid further casualties. You have a choice: fight to the death, or surrender with honor."
Outnumbered his courage might fail. If he flees we may help the ground battle all the faster.
Negotiation 2d6+4 (8 Base TN)

---

If an enemy fighter threatens her damaged wing, Zoe executes a 180-degree Half-roll (1 Thrust point -1 Pilot control check) to reverse her left
and right sides.

---

If an enemy fighter outflanks her with a sudden maneuver, she will execute a turning move as appropriate to the situation to keep her guns on the enemy if possible. It is impossible to state which maneuver when unless a view of the map is possible).

---

Additional piloting if required:
2d6+6
2d6+6
2d6+6
2d6+6


End of Turn Velocity: 2 (Elevation 4)

Turn 2:
Initiative: 2d6 (disregard as V is using team initiative)
Tactics/Air: 2d6+5 (9 Base TN) (disregard as V wants to lead on tactics)

Current Velocity: 2 (Elevation 4)

Thrust Points Expended: 2 Thrust to maintain speed. Additional thrust as required to keep on the enemy's tail.

Pilot Check: 2d6+6

Attacks:

AC 5 2d6+6
Large Laser Strike 2d6+6
Large Laser Strike 2d6+6
* Medium Laser Strike 2d6+6
* Medium Laser Strike 2d6+6
* Do not shoot these if heat gauge would rise above 13.

Heat emitted: 1 + 8 + 8 + 3 + 3 = 23
Heat sinks: 19
Total heat: +4


Alternate Target: The other SL-21.

Contingencies:
Additional piloting if required:
2d6+6
2d6+6
2d6+6
2d6+6

End of Turn Velocity: 2 (Elevation 4)

[Bluto]

Perception: 2d6+2 (7 Base TN)
JIC: 2d6
JIC: 2d6

Everyone waits behind the hill as Bluto does his best to antagonize the enemy. It seems to work as they begin rumbling forward in a loose formation towards the retreating bait. Bluto keeps jumping backwards. Just before they are in position Zoe screams over head and you can hear the missiles and cannons fire up at her. Shortly after the bombs make impact, sending tremors through your stationary mechs. Everyone begins powering on. Zoe was too fast with her run and the enemy formation will likely not remain cohesive. Bluto watches as the Tanks and Gamma Lance reverse course and dive into the fight as the lighter vehicles and mech dash forward. Bluto sees Gamma 1 get lit up by concentrated fire. Bluto watches as armor panels are blasted from the mech. Gamma 1 remains strong and steadfast as he returns fire with his own weapons. Bluto watches as the Gamma presses forwards. They concentrate fire on the closest Locust 1. They blast away at it’s armor eventually blasting off both of it’s arms and wreaking havoc with it’s internals. As the last weapons are blasted off the mech the cockpit is wreathed in flame and Bluto watches the pilot eject and the capsule streaks off to the north.

Bluto roars with approval as he watches Zoe's strike. As the battle intensifies, Bluto joins the fray, placing himself between Gamma Lance on his right and the Harbingers Ground forces to his left.

I'm too far out to really do damage, unless one of these little buggers comes forward to meet me.

As Gamma Lance blow away one of the locusts closing on them, his eyes lock on the other Locust and hover tanks threatening that group.

Hover Tanks are fast, if they get a little closer I'll show 'em a good time.

The main enemy assault force is still too far away, and Bluto sees the Kuritan force surge over the hill to meet them. He also sees Sigma Lance there engaging the enemy, and the destruction commencing.

"Kit! Singai! You got an enforcer and centurion comin’ up on Singai’s left flank! Kit, watch his back! Singai get your front facin’ to ‘em!”

“Bluto! Get your ass up here! Darven’s down and we’re in the shit over here!”

“Everyone watch out for LRM fire! Those damn Archers are behind a lot of metal!”

Bluto looks at the distance, and for a moment wished he had more long range weapons. He shakes his head. I'm too far out right now.

"I'm too far out. Supporting Gamma on the right, we'll press them on that side and harass Archer 2 at the back."

He turns his attention to Gamma Lance, who have another Locust, Commando and hover tanks threatening their position. Shadowhawks are tough, but that Archer and supporting mechs are gonna make a mess of them soon. I can help clear out those scouts.

With a determined look, Bluto maneuvers his mech between Gamma Lance, and the Harbingers Ground forces, ready to lend a hand to either side.

"Gamma I'm on your left and closing. I won't let anyone get behind ya's.

He opens fire on Condor 2, hoping to discourage it from outflanking Gamma, and hoping it comes forward just a little more so his array of Medium Lasers can wreck havoc on it.

Bluto intends to be a Bringer of Death protecting Gamma and the Harbingers Ground forces, anything straying to within 9 hexes of his location eats Medium Lasers on top of his Large and LRM pack!

TURN 1
Init: 2d6

Gunnery:
LRM5 2d6+12
Large Laser 2d6+12
Medium Laser 2d6+12
Medium Laser 2d6+12
Medium Laser 2d6+12
Medium Laser 2d6+12

Weapon and Movement Heat: 24
Heat Sinks: 22
Total Heat this turn: +2

Movement:

• RUNNING - Forward 6 MP
• Moved - 6 hexes

• 

Priority:

• Medium Lasers to anything that foolishly gets in range of them, prioritising Hovertanks, then that Locust, then the Commando, then anything.
• Bluto will switch to a secondary target if the first is destroyed, making use of every weapon he has available.

Contingencies:

• If the leader Gamma 1 falls, Bluto tries to rally them and keep them focused. Leadership 2d6 (TN 8). Tactics 2d6+1 (TN 9)
  "Keep your heads down and your weapons hot. We'll get through this. Just focus on the fight, one mech at a time."
• If Commander Perun does not direct the aerospace fighters, Bluto radios them. "Thanks for the fireworks RedWing! Hey, when you're done eating those fighters, we could use some serious help with those two Archers in the rear. They're gonna rain hell on us!"

TURN 2
Init: 2d6

Gunnery:
Large Laser 2d6+12
Medium Laser 2d6+12
Medium Laser 2d6+12
Medium Laser 2d6+12
Medium Laser 2d6+12

Specific Target for final shot: LRM5 2d6+12 - On Battlemaster BLR-1D


Weapon and Movement Heat: 24
Heat Sinks: 22
Total Heat this turn: +2

Movement:

• RUNNING - north 6 MP.
• Moved - 6 hexes

• 

Priority:

• Medium Lasers to anything that foolishly gets in range of them, prioritising Hovertanks, then that Locust, then the Commando, then anything.
• Bluto will switch to a secondary target if the first is destroyed, making use of every weapon he has available.

Contingencies:

• If the leader Gamma 1 falls, Bluto tries to rally them and keep them focused. See Turn 1 contingency
• If some psycho in an assault or heavy mech makes a beeline for Bluto, Bluto will naturally respond with violence.
• If Bluto gets a kill, he says "You must be new here. That's how it's done."

[Perun]

=======================
Perception: 3d6-L+4 | (7 Base TN)
JIC: 2d6
JIC: 2d6

Active Effects: (Good Vision, Good Hearing, Patient)

=======================
Damn. Didn't think of scouts. Perun thinks, realizing the folly in the ambush plan as the Locust scout crests the ridge. Though he had every intent to wait until the OpFor was in a more advantageous position, the remainder of the ambushers knew better and had already begun their power-up sequence. He is glad for their professionalism and expertise as the Locust scout is quickly reduced to slag by mechwarriors urged on by Tabayto's charge command. Even if I had the foresight to devise a signal for the ambush force to hold for longer, the benefit of surprise from the trap would have been dulled by the Locust spotting them. At least this way, the forces were underway and fighting already... except me. Because I'm too slow.

Being fairly novice at mechwarrior combat, Perun does not think it wise to countermand orders and trusts the others of his side to likewise know their business in a fight. And so, he is privy to the chaos of battle while his own mech is still in the throes of powering up.

The logistics specialist sits impotently staring at this sensors with sadness while Darven's over-extension plays out with the extinction of the Javelin's sensor blip from his screen and the wails of Kit and Ivy.

“Tabatyo! Hayate! This is Cooper from Sigma Lance. I’m on your six! I’m on that centurion! Let’s hit these Davion sumbitches where it hurts!”

"Perun filling in Cooper's gap on the firing line." he radios, letting others know his positioning.

Seeing Jackson break from the ridge to run along Tabayto's right flank, Perun urges his Griffin to the spot where Jackson started, making sure that the firing line remains intact even through the maneuver elements. Whether by design or by accident, the logistics specialist wants to benefit from the elevation and fires upon targets being engaged by Jackson and/or Tabayto, trying to focus fire to quickly defeat enemy mechs and vehicles.


===============
Combat:
Turn 1:
Init: 2d6

Movement:

• WALKING - up to 5 MP
• Moved - 3 hexes
• Map Turn 1: End position/orientation = Jackson starting position and orientation

Gunnery:

LRM5(LT) [2H]: 2d6+2
Large Laser(RA) [8H]: 2d6+2
Medium Laser(RA) [3H]: 2d6+2
Medium Laser(RA) [3H]: 2d6+2

Target Priorities:

• Centurion 1
• Whichever target Jackson or Tabayto switch to once Centurion 1 is down.
• If Jackson/Tabayto targets not in firing arc, target whatever else is being shot at by teammates that IS within firing arc.
• If target is within minimum range of LRM, target LRM(only) at more distant target (ideally one being fired upon by another, else Archer)

Contingencies:

Keep left side exposed more than right side via torso twist.

If OpFor mech happens to finish turn in adjacent hex, kick attack. Piloting/Mech 2d6+2

Pilot/Mech: 2d6+2
Sensor Operations: 2d6+1

Heat:
Starting Heat: 0
Weapon & Movement Heat: 17
Heat Sinks: 16
Total Heat this turn: +1

---

Turn 2:
Init: 2d6

Movement:

• STANDING - up to 0 MP
• Moved - 0 hexes
• Map Turn 2: End position/orientation = Jackson starting position and orientation

Gunnery:

LRM5(LT) [2H]: 2d6+2
Large Laser(RA) [8H]: 2d6+2
Medium Laser(RA) [3H]: 2d6+2
Medium Laser(RA) [3H]: 2d6+2

Target Priorities:

• Centurion 1
• Whichever target Jackson or Tabayto switch to once Centurion 1 is down.
• If Jackson/Tabayto targets not in firing arc, target whatever else is being shot at by teammates that IS within firing arc.
• If target is within minimum range of LRM, target LRM(only) at more distant target (ideally one being fired upon by another, else Archer)

Contingencies:

If taking focused fire from more than 2 mechs, reverse walk back down behind hill. Keep left side more exposed than right side.

If OpFor mech happens to finish turn in adjacent hex, kick attack. Piloting/Mech 2d6+2

Pilot/Mech: 2d6+2
Sensor Operations: 2d6+1

Heat:
Starting Heat: +1
Weapon & Movement Heat: 16
Heat Sinks: 16
Total Heat this turn: +0