FCBC-3 Chpt 6

Fate Can Be Cruel
Chapter 6 - Year 3038[]

January[]

3rd January, 3038
York (Clan Blood Spirit Capital)
Clan Space, Kerensky Cluster

The rush to flee York had resulted in devastating losses for Clan Burrock and now it was up to Galaxy Commander Madge Danforth to take stock of the total losses. The loss of their Jumpships that were waiting at the Nadir Jump Point, which Clan Blood Spirit had moved out of system, left them massively short of Dropship collars. The only bright side was that Clan Blood Spirit was not harassing their departure, though their warships followed along just out of range. With only 6 Dropship collars available, she was forced to make some very unpleasant choices. Cycling the Dropships to the Burrock, Nightlord Class Battleship, she was at least able to transfer the precious cargoes to the Burrock. Several of her officers had suggested sending the Dropships back to York, using them as weapons. She had refused to do such a thing, Clan Burrock already had already suffered enough damage to their honor in this fight. She ordered the now empty Dropships set adrift. She focused on putting together a complete report on the losses suffered.

Nightlord Class Battleship (By psicore) — *Nightlord* Class Battleship, *Burrock*

Clan Burrock Losses

Burrock Keshik

10 OmniMech lost
9 Mechwarriors lost
Khan Helen Moreau lost
25 Elementals lost

Beta Galaxy
226th Hussar Cluster (Elite)
11 OmniMechs remaining
34 OmniMechs lost
13 Mechwarriors remaining
32 Mechwarriors lost
39 Elementals remaining
111 Elementals lost

15th Rapier Cluster (Elite)

17 OmniMechs remaining
43 OmniMechs lost
17 Mechwarriors remaining
43 Mechwarriors lost
44 Elementals remaining
31 Elementals lost

5th Burrock Battle Cluster (Elite)

19 OmniMechs remaining
41 OmniMechs lost
23 Mechwarriors remaining
37 Mechwarriors lost
27 Elementals remaining
48 Elementals lost

2nd Burrock Cavaliers Cluster (Elite)

9 OmniMechs remaining
36 OmniMechs lost
9 Mechwarriors remaining
36 Mechwarriors lost
11 Elementals remaining
64 Elementals lost
8 OmniFighters remaining
12 OmniFighters lost
8 Aero Pilots remaining
12 Aero Pilots lost

2nd Burrock Assault Cluster (Elite)

45 OmniMechs lost
45 Mechwarriors lost
75 Elementals lost
3 OmniFighters remaining
27 OmniFighters lost
3 Aero Pilots remaining
27 Aero Pilots lost

Delta Galaxy

2nd Burrock Battle Cluster (Elite)

21 OmniMechs remaining
24 OmniMechs lost
21 Mechwarriors remaining
24 Mechwarriors lost
38 Elementals remaining
37 Elementals lost
14 OmniFighters remaining
16 OmniFighters lost
14 Aero Pilots remaining
16 Aero Pilots lost

17th Burrock Cavaliers Cluster (Elite)
18 OmniMechs remaining
27 OmniMechs lost
19 Mechwarriors remaining
26 Mechwarriors lost
46 Elementals remaining
29 Elementals lost
12 OmniFighters remaining
18 OmniFighters lost
12 Aero Pilots remaining
18 Aero Pilots lost

3rd Rapier Cluster (Elite)

32 OmniMechs remaining
28 OmniMechs lost
35 Mechwarriors remaining
25 Mechwarriors lost
51 Elementals remaining
24 Elementals lost
13 OmniFighters remaining
17 OmniFighters lost
13 Aero Pilots remaining
17 Aero Pilots lost

118th Hussar Cluster (Elite)

22 OmniMechs remaining
23 OmniMechs lost
22 Mechwarriors remaining
23 Mechwarriors lost
71 Elementals remaining
79 Elementals lost

101st Hussar Cluster (Veteran)

16 OmniMechs remaining
29 OmniMechs lost
16 Mechwarrior remaining
29 Mechwarriors lost
48 Elementals remaining
102 Elementals lost

Gamma Galaxy

21st Burrock Battle Cluster (Elite)

14 OmniMechs remaining
46 OmniMechs lost
14 Mechwarriors remaining
46 Mechwarriors lost
19 Elementals remaining
56 Elementals lost

9th Burrock Assault Cluster (Veteran)

12 OmniMechs remaining
48 OmniMechs lost
13 Mechwarriors remaining
47 Mechwarriors lost
13 OmniFighters remaining
17 OmniFighters lost
13 Aero Pilots remaining
17 Aero Pilots lost

19th Rapier Cluster (Veteran)

24 OmniMech sremaining
21 OmniMechs lost
24 Mechwarriors remaining
21 Mechwarriors lost
43 Elementals remaining
32 Elementals lost
18 OmniFighters remaining
12 OmniFighters lost
19 Aero Pilots remaining
11 Aero Pilots lost

189th Hussar Cluster (Elite)

19 OmniMechs remaining
26 OmniMech slost
19 Mechwarriors remaining
26 Mechwarriors lost
69 Elementals remaining
81 Elementals lost

92nd Burrock Cavaliers Cluster (Veteran)

24 OmniMechs remaining
21 OmniMechs lost
24 Mechwarriors remaining
21 Mechwarriors lost
32 Elementals remaining
43 Elementals lost
13 OmniFighter remaining
17 OmniFighter lost
13 Aero Pilots remaining
17 Aero Pilots lost

Naval Escort

Burrock, Nightlord Battleship (moderate damage)
Hetherington, York Destroyer
Rocky Home, Lola III Destroyer (light damage)
Burrow, Lola III Destroyer (light damage)
Warren, Vincent Corvette (heavy damage)

Odyssey Class Jumpship (with Jump Sail) — *Odyssey* Class JumpShip

Transports
3 Monolith Jumpships lost
3 Star Lord Jumpships lost
3 Odyssey Jumpships lost
3 Overlord C Dropships remaining
8 Overlord C Dropships lost
15 Union C Dropships lost
1 Sassanid Dropships remaining
15 Sassanid Dropships lost
2 Titan Fighter Carrier Dropship remaining
4 Titan Fighter Carrier Dropships lost
6 Carrier Light Fighter Carrier Dropships lost

She completed her task and placed her face into the palms of her hands, Clan Burrocks Touman had been effectively gutted. The losses could take years to recover from, if Clan Blood Spirit or another Clan did not take the opportunity to finish them off. She had cautioned Khan Helen Moreau against the orbital drop; it was just too risky and had indeed resulted in Beta Galaxy being butchered after landing scattered all over the area only to be engaged by Clan Blood Spirit forces. Her own 21st Burrock Battle and 9th Burrock Assault Clusters had taken massive losses trying to hold the line before the rush for the Dropships started. We should count ourselves lucky that Clan Blood Spirits did not run us down, she thought.

4th January, 3038
York, Kerensky Cluster (Clan Blood Spirit Capital World)

Khan Phillip Johns leaned back in his chair; he was deep in thought. Recovery efforts were underway, and the amount of equipment scattered across the Horse Plains would take quite a while to recover. The medical facilities were crowded with wounded, both from his own Touman but also with captured Clan Burrock warriors. Those captured that were uninjured were put to work assisting in the recovery efforts but under guard. Though he had a full roster of the captured, he was not sure what to do with them, they were very uncooperative, though that was to be expected. Clan Burrocks remaining troops and ships were still on their way to the jump point, his own naval forces had broken off close "escort" to recover the large quantity of Dropships abandoned by the Burrocks, which had left the warships very low on trained personnel since they had to crew the Dropships. His own losses during the fighting had amounted to just over 20% of his engaged forces.

He toyed with going over to the hospital and toy with Khan Helen Moreau. It gave him some pleasure to put the needle to her. He smiled as he remembered the smug satisfaction he felt when he had dangled the bondcord in her face and the abject look of horror on her face as he did so, hours before learning what he had. He had no intention of making her a Bondsman, not after the horrible information he had received. The memory of last night flooded his mind.

"My Khan, we have learned some disturbing information. Treason of the highest order."

This had brought his head up quickly from going over the stack of reports on his desk. "What is it?" He had asked.

Star Captain Uminar, Clan Blood Spirit Watch, moved and inserted a video disk and hit play. As the video began to play, Star Captain Uminar explained "This is Star Colonel Sam Columbo, Clan Burrock Watch and aide to Khan Helen Moreau. It seems that Clan Burrock has been working with the Dark Caste and even Bandits for over a century. While this is Treason alone, it pales to what we have learned during chemical interrogation of Star Colonel Columbo. His last mission, personally ordered by Khan Helen Moreau and saKhan Blythe Van Houten, was to transfer classified information to his bandit contacts on planned forward bases and convoy routes for the coming invasion. Clan Burrock was to receive a percentage of everything taken."

While Star Captain Uminar had been speaking, Khan Johns had been watching the video. Listening to the horrible filth spilling from this Star Colonels mouth. Without moving his eyes, he asked "I take it this information has been confirmed?"

"Aff, we cracked his encryption on his personal computer. We have very detailed information on quite a few things. Locations of contact points, bandit and Dark Caste bases. Along with exact files transferred to the bandits on his last mission and details on his next mission. He was already planning it. The proof is iron clad." Star Captain Uminar replied

"Very well, I want you to personally find Galaxy Commander Olsen Marghar. Bring him to me. I want to see how deeply involved the Burrocks were in this affair. Keep him separated from the other prisoners."

It had taken two hours to bring the former Burrock Galaxy Commander to him. He had been forcefully pushed into a chair by an Elemental before him.

"Galaxy Commander Marghar, I want you to watch a video and tell me what you think." He had said pushing play on the small screen. As the video played, Khan Johns had watched Galaxy Commander Marghar's face and reactions closely. The absolute horror of what was being revealed upon the screen told Khan Johns what he needed to know. This had been kept a secret from all but a select few in the Burrocks upper ranks. A plan had begun to develop in Khan Johns mind at that moment.

6th January, 3038
York (Clan Blood Spirit Capital)
Clan Space, Kerensky Cluster

Using the recovered information from Star Colonel Columbo's computer, every identified bandit or Dark Caste base had been pinpointed. Before presenting the recovered information and interrogation video and transcripts to the Grand Council, Khan Phillip Johns planned to strike those locations closest to Clan Blood Spirit holdings. He saw no need in striking those too hard for his forces to defend, if they were deemed worthy of keeping control of long term. He spent some time working up his plan and then sat back and looked at it.

Bandit/Dark Caste Targets
{Legend: CBM = Clantech BattleMechs, BM=StarLeague Era Tech BattleMechs, Tank = Combat Vehicles (including VTOL), Aerospace = Aerospace Fighters}

EC821-387D - 21st Crimson Guards Cluster - Veteran (45 BM, 30 Tank, 375 Infantry, 20 Aerospace)
EC937-442B - 66th Crimson Guards Cluster - Veteran (45 CBM, 30 Tank, 375 Infantry, 20 Aerospace)
EC935-422C - 98th Crimson Guards Cluster - Veteran (45 CBM, 30 Tank, 375 Infantry, 20 Aerospace)

He had been surprised by how close to York itself 2 of the targeted systems were. One was 81LY and the other was even closer at 43LY. His first target was 143LY from Circe, but he drew a Cluster from Omicron Provisional Galaxy on Arcadia instead. This mission was not for Front Line commands. Besides, he hoped to need all his Front-Line forces in the coming months. The ilKhan had heeded his call for a Grand Council meeting and it was planned for February 10th, he planned to present their findings to the Grand Council and call for a Trial of Absorption against Clan Burrock. He had been convinced of this action after observing the reaction on Galaxy Commander Marghar and 2 other Star Colonels from the captured Burrocks, they were horrified at learning of their leaders' dealings with bandits and the Dark Caste.

Going against custom, he refused to disband the damaged Clusters, instead he ordered transfers from Mu Provisional Galaxy, promoting the best to Front Line status, though it would leave Mu Provisional Galaxy shorthanded, if his plans worked out, it would quickly be brought back up to strength. He had also recalled Omega Galaxy from Priori, leaving Sigma Galaxy to garrison Priori.

Author Notes: For those that might use MegaMekHQ to track systems.
EC821-387D is on map
EC937-442B is Colleen
EC935-422C is KC 17 near Colleen

February[]

10th February, 3038
Strana Mechty (Clan Capital World)
Kerensky Cluster, Clan Space

IlKhan Gerrik N'Buta called the Grand Council to order and recognized Khan Phillip Johns of Clan Blood Spirit. Slowly standing, Khan Johns gestured to the door and Khan Helen Moreau was brought into the Grand Council chamber. She limped slightly, not fully healed from her injuries. Khan Johns smiled tightly at her as she slowly took her seat beside saKhan Blythe Van Houten at the Clan Burrock table. He had deliberately denied her any change of clothes from her Union C which Clan Blood Spirit had captured, so she wore a pair of coveralls worn by Clan Blood Spirit technicians.

"IlKhan, my fellow Khans. Forgive Khan Moreau for her appearance, but after defeating her forces on York, we were not able to salvage any of her clothing. I asked for this meeting of the Grand Council to inform all of you of Treason of the highest order has been discovered. After capturing Khan Moreau's personal Dropship, my forces also captured one Star Colonel Sam Columbo, a member of the Burrock Watch and Khan Moreau's personal aide. Under interrogation, he confessed that on orders from Khan Moreau, he had met with members of the Dark Caste and bandits. During this meeting, he provided them with the location of our pre planned forward bases for the invasion along with currently planned convoy routes. In return, Clan Burrock would receive a portion of any captured material."

He paused as the assembled Khans voiced their outrage. He held up a hand, trying to calm the voices some. "I share your outrage. You will all have access to our interrogation reports, videos along with access to Star Colonel Columbo, as I have also brought him with me. Interrogation revealed that Clan Burrock has been dealing with the Dark Caste and various bandit bands for many years. Across many Khans of Clan Burrock. I can only guess at how many loyal Clansmen have been harmed by these bandits. It has also been revealed that only the very upper echelons of Clan Burrock ever knew of the dealings. We have identified Khan Helen Moreau, saKhan Blythe Van Houten, Loremaster Franics Enders, Merchant Factor Claude Burrock, Star Colonel Sam Columbo and the crew of the Jumpship Star Warren had any knowledge of these meetings or dealings.

The average Burrock Lower caste and Burrock warriors were betrayed by their leaders. Normally I would call for a Trial of Annihilation, but due to only the highest leaders had any knowledge of these treasonous events, I call for a Trial of Absorption to deliver the Burrock warriors and lower caste from their treasonous leadership. I nominate Clan Blood Spirit for the Trail of Absorption due to our learning of this treason and the recent loss to orbital bombardment on one of our towns killing 81,000 of our lower caste. Clan Blood Spirit stands ready to defend our right to carry out this Absorption."

Khan Phillip Johns slowly took his seat. Now to see how the vote goes, he thought. He watched Khan Helen Moreau out of the corner of his eye, she had paled visibly as he had spoken. He also, while speaking had watched the various Khans studying their computers reviewing the information relayed to them concerning the matter at hand.

ilKhan Gerrik N'Buta stood "Khan Moreau, how does Clan Burrock respond to these charges leveled against them?"

Khan Helen Moreau stood slowly. "Clan Burrock denies any wrong doing. This is a fabrication by Khan Johns and Clan Blood Spirit. If this Trial passes, I bid all of Clan Burrocks Touman in defense."

"Considering the seriousness of the charges, I call for an immediate vote on the matter." ilKhan Gerrik N'Buta said

The vote went quickly and the Trial of Absorption passed. Only Clan Smoke Jaguar challenged Clan Blood Spirit for the right to absorb Clan Burrock. Which was quickly accepted by Khan Phillip Johns and the Trial of Refusal was scheduled for the next day. Clan Blood Spirits' Blood Guard Keshik would fight Clan Smoke Jaguars' 6th Jaguar Dragoons.

12th February, 3038
Strana Mechty (Clan Capital World)
Kerensky Cluster, Clan Space

Khan Phillip Johns did not take the field in the Trial of Refusal with Clan Smoke Jaguar. Instead, he monitored the heavy fighting taking place along with the rest of the gathered Khans and ilKhan. He was currently sitting at a small table with Khan Severen Leroux of Clan Nova Cat and Khan Weston Cooper of Clan Snow Raven. He had spent many hours thinking about the difficulty in assimilating all of Clan Burrock into Clan Blood Spirit. Just like his own Spirit warriors, the mutual hatred between the two was too ingrained to be easily overcome. In time, it was possible, but how long it might take and what problems would arise he could not tell. He needed an option beyond just killing all who refused to assimilate into Clan Blood Spirit.

"What are your thoughts on my proposal?" Khan Phillip Johns asked both fellow Khans.

"It has its merits. But could also open you up to a non-stop round of Trials of Possession when word gets out about it." Khan Severen Leroux replied

"And you Khan Cooper?" Khan Johns asked, seeing Khan Cooper deep in thought.

It still took several minutes before an answer came, but finally Khan Weston Cooper said "I agree, the idea has both up sides and down sides to it. There is some risk to it, mainly for your Blood Spirits, but that will depend on your own losses in this Absorption. If they are heavy, you could find your own Clan in danger. But if your losses are light, Clan Blood Spirit will rank among the largest and strongest Clans. That in itself also carry's grave risks."

"Valid points. Ones that I have spent many hours thinking about. When we win this Trial of Refusal, I have a plan to try and minimize overall losses, for both sides. I will take both of your answers as an agreement?" Khan Johns said

Both Khan Leroux and Khan Cooper shared looks and then nodded "Aff, we are in agreement. But you must win the Trial of Absorption first."

Clan Blood Spirits' Blood Guard Keskik managed to defeat Clan Smoke Jaguars 6th Jaguar Dragoons but at the cost of casualties in excess of 60%. The fighting had been brutal and vicious, both sides giving it everything they had trying to secure victory. Now with no other challengers to Clan Blood Spirit's right to absorb Clan Burrock, Khan Phillip Johns wasted no time and took a single Binary from the garrison of Clan Blood Spirits enclave over to Clan Burrocks enclave on Strana Mechty. He wanted to get a feel for what his Clan would face during this Absorption and there was no better place than right here on Strana Mechty, where the Burrocks had heard and seen all of the evidence already. Before departing for Albion, Khan Helen Moreau had fired off a slew of HPG messages and then ordered all Burrock HPG's turned off. He was not sure the other Burrocks off Strana Mechty knew of why this was being done.

Just outside the Clan Burrock enclave, Star Colonel Evelyn Kogo watched the approaching Clan Blood Spirit binary. The horror and shame that every Burrock in this enclave felt could not be easily described. That their leadership had plainly committed Treason by giving away planned convoy routes, planned forward bases for the coming invasion to Bandits was just too much. Before leaving, Khan Helen Moreau had ordered every Burrock to fight to the death in defense of Clan Burrock. I will not order my warriors to their certain death on a traitor to the Clans, Star Colonel Kogo thought as she advanced her Hellbringer towards the approaching Spirit binary.

Hellbringer - Loki Heavy OmniMech (Firing ER PPC) (Farseer Animation) — *Hellbringer* OmniMech

"I am Star Colonel Evelyn Kogo of Clan Burrock. I bid myself against your forces in defense of this enclave."

Khan Phillip Johns smiled grimly "Star Captain Suzanne, I would prefer that this brave warrior not die."

"Aff, my Khan." answers Suzanne

The fighting lasted less than 30 minutes, but Star Colonel Kogo managed to down a Blood Spirit Adder and Kit Fox before finally being downed, her gyro destroyed. Khan Phillip Johns ordered Star Colonel Kogo brought before him, which took only several minutes.

"Star Colonel Kogo, you fought bravely and honorably. For centuries our Clans have been mortal enemies, but here and now we become one Clan. I will need many like yourself to help make this possible. There will be difficulties, of this I am sure, but I going to do my best to minimize them. It was Clan Burrocks leadership and their treachery that brought this about, I declare you and your warriors Abtakha and charge you with protecting this new enclave in the name of Clan Blood Spirit. Will there be difficulties here?" Khan Phillip Johns said

Star Colonel Evelyn Kogo felt some of the shame hoisted upon her lift from her shoulders. However not completely, but this was not what she had been expecting. Drawing herself to a rigid stance before her new Khan she replied "Aff, there will be some problems. Most feel as I do, but there are some who will cause problems."

"There is much to do right now. There will be changes coming, but for now, nothing changes except your all Clan Blood Spirit now. You may return to your command Star Colonel Kogo." Khan Phillip Johns said

Once Star Colonel Kogo had returned to her awaiting Cluster, Khan Phillip Johns turned and headed back for Clan Blood Spirits enclave. Halfway to the enclave, he changed his mind and ordered the driver to head for the Grand Council Chambers, where he knew he would find Khan Leroux and Khan Cooper. He needed to make sure every Burrock understood why this was occurring.

York (Clan Blood Spirit Capital)
Kerensky Cluster, Clan Space

A near crushing feeling of shame permeated the compound of barracks housing the Burrock prisoners. It hung heavy in the air and radiated off the once defiant Burrocks. They had all been shown the evidence presented before the Grand Council, had heard the approval of a Trial of Absorption against Clan Burrock for the crimes of their leadership. Careful notes were being taken by their Clan Blood Spirit "guards" on who was still defiant to orders given to them. Work details were still being sent out to assist in the recovery of material from the Horse Plains, but where before almost all the Burrocks had performed their tasks as slow as possible, tasks were now being performed much quicker and with more care given to those tasks.

Star Captain Uminar, under orders from Khan Phillip Johns, kept a careful track on all the notes being taken about the prisoners. According to his notes, currently about 32% of the prisoners were still being as defiant as ever, some even more defiant. He had predicted about a 50% "loss" rate, when asked by Khan Johns for his opinion and he was actually surprised that the actual number was lower. On the wall of his office, he had the actual prisoner totals listed, which he stared at from time to time, wondering just how much would be added to Clan Blood Spirits Touman.

York Prisoner Count
Mechwarriors - 366
Aerospace Pilots - 61
Elementals - 513
Lower Castes (Tech) - 3,318

26th February, 3038
Albion (Clan Burrock Capital)
Kerensky Cluster, Clan Space

Khan Helen Moreau strode down the dropship ramp and halted at the bottom. At the bottom of the ramp, Loremaster Franics Enders met his Khan.

"My orders carried out?" Khan Helen Moreau asked

"Aff, my Khan. No communication has been allowed in. No one knows and our warriors are ready for a fight. We have opened all storage bunkers and the techs are making them battle worthy. Two sibkos were graduated early, but only 6 months so not horrible. Between them and allowing new Trials of Position for lower caste, we managed to boost our warrior count enough to make up our losses on York, ground forces only." Loremaster Franics Enders replied

"Transfer our current status on all units to my personal computer for review. We do not know when the Spirits will arrive. I noticed a Snow Raven Jumpship at the Jump Point, why is it here?" Khan Helen Moreau he asked

"Scheduled delivery of material for the factories, the Dropships will be boosting first thing in the morning." Loremaster Franics Enders replied, and Khan Helen Moreau just grunted in response.

Eighteen kilometers away, the unloading of the Clan Snow Raven Dropships was proceeding fast pace. Laminov, Clan Snow Raven merchant, stood off to the side with the Clan Burrock foreman watching. "How are your people taking the news?"

"What news do you speak of?" The foreman asked

"About your Trial of Absorption by Clan Blood Spirit? How can you have not heard?" Merchant Laminov replied

"I have no knowledge of this. You must be lying." The foreman declared

"Wait here." Merchant Laminov said as he strode up the ramp of his Dropship. Ten minutes later he was back with a data stick. "Here, you doubt me. Take this and watch the broadcast for yourself. The Grand Council has voted on the evidence presented. It is all on there. Make copies, you all should know what is to come and why." With that, he waved his loadmaster to take over and walked back up the ramp.

27th February, 3038

Overnight, copies of the data had spread far and wide across Albion. Khan Helen Moreau found out at 3am when Galaxy Commander Madge Danforth, Gamma Galaxy, pounded on her door. Barely waiting for her Khan to open the door she pushed inside.

"Is it true?" Galaxy Commander Madge Danforth asked forcefully.

"What is this? Is what true?" Khan Helen Moreau replied, still waking up.

"A Trial of Absorption has been granted to Clan Blood Spirit by the Grand Council. For treason committed our leadership. Dealing with the Dark Caste? Providing bandits all our invasion routes and forward bases?" Galaxy Commander Madge Danforth said waving a data stick.

"How did.....where did you get that?" Khan Helen Moreau asked, grabbing for the data stick.

"Copies are turning up all over the planet. This was brought to me by one of my warriors. You kept this from us? You ordered the HPG's shut down to prevent news of this importance?" Galaxy Commander Madge Danforth said, her anger growing.

Khan Helen Moreau had slowly backed away from, until her hand touched her holstered pistol. She made a move to yank it from its holster, but Galaxy Commander Danforth saw the move. Her own laser pistol appeared in her hand and fired, the bolt burning thru Khan Helen Moreau's forehead.

Albion (Clan Burrock Capital)
Kerensky Cluster, Clan Space

By mid-morning, news of the Grand Council decision along with the evidence presented had spread planet wide. This caused widespread unrest even amongst the Clan Burrock Touman, where Alpha Galaxy fanatically stood by the decision to defend against the Trial of Absorption, along with the reconstituted Beta Galaxy, filled with 2 newly graduated sibkos along with warriors granted a 2nd Trial of position. Galaxy Commander Madge Danforth and her Gamma Galaxy, most of the reconstituted Delta and Kappa Galaxy refused to sacrifice themselves in defense of their leadership's treason. Several Trial of Grievance were fought between Alpha Galaxy warriors against those who refused to commit to the defense of Clan Burrock.

saKhan Blythe Van Houten and Loremaster Franics Enders called a Clan Council of the remaining Bloodnamed warriors but the Council quickly degenerated to calls for Trial of Refusal and Trial of Grievance on every nomination, either from Alpha Galaxy warriors or Gamma Galaxy warriors when saKhan Van Houten and Galaxy Commander Danforth were nominated. Stymied, the vote for a new Khan was put on hold until a conclusion of the Trial of Absorption was reached. While Galaxy Commander Danforth and her followers refused to defend the Clans leadership, they would defend the Clans lower caste from any harm.

Merchant Factor Claude Burrock was discovered with a broken neck and dumped into a storage container in the early evening.

Dagda (Clan Burrock)
Pentagon Worlds, Clan Space

Shutting down the HPGs did not prevent the Burrock enclave from learning of the Trial of Absorption, not with Clan Nova Cat and other Clans sharing the planet. While the same horror at the news permeated the enclave, Galaxy Commander Hector Gastopiv along with the 1015th Burrock Guards and 193rd Dragoon Clusters stood by Khan Moreaus order to fight to the death while the 93rd Burrock Cavaliers Cluster refused to defend Clan Burrocks leadership. Not wanting to dilute his forces strength, Galaxy Commander Gastopiv vowed to take action once they won against Clan Blood Spirit.

Hoard (Clan Burrock)
Kerensky Cluster, Clan Space

Once again, news spread amongst Clan Burrocks holdings on Hoard from neighboring Clan enclaves. Star Colonel Takashi Santos and his 19th Rapier Cluster were devastated by the news of their leadership's treason. With only 3 Binaries, it was one of the smallest Clan Burrock garrisons.

Paxon (Clan Burrock)
Kerensky Cluster, Clan Space

The news from Clan Star Adders enclave made its way into Clan Burrocks holdings and the heavy weight of their Clan leaderships treachery was like a massive weight on everyone's shoulders.

York (Clan Blood Spirit Capital)
Kerensky Cluster, Clan Space

Khan Phillip Johns double checked his plans and was sure that he had enough forces allocated to complete the Trial of Absorption against Clan Burrock. He ran down the list of assembled forces and their targets, just to make sure he did not miss anything for the millionth time.

=====================================================================================

Blood Spirit Force List

Albion - Alpha, Epsilon, and Gamma Galaxies, Blood Spirit Naval Star
Dagda - Iota and Kappa Galaxies
Paxon - Omega Galaxy
Hoard - Beta Galaxy

=====================================================================================

He had confirmation that all of Clan Burrock except from Albion itself had the news about the Trial of Absorption. Though he did not know any information beyond that. But these were the forces he had bid for the Absorption, along with his warships so he was committed. He would redeploy Beta and Omega to Albion if the forces he had detailed there could not defeat the Burrocks.

March[]

14th March, 3038
Hoard (Clan Burrock Enclave)
Kerensky Cluster, Clan Space

"This is Star Colonel Takashi Santos of the 19th Rapier Cluster, Safcon is granted. I bid myself against your forces in defense of this enclave."

"This is Galaxy Commander Boques, Clan Blood Spirit Beta Galaxy. I will bid myself against you. Might I suggest a game of chess to settle the matter?"

"That is acceptable. Bargained well and done. I will meet you when you land."

Paxon (Clan Burrock Enclave)
Kerensky Cluster, Clan Space

"This is Galaxy Commander Marcus Boques, Clan Blood Spirit Omega Galaxy. With what will you defend this enclave with?"

"This is Star Colonel Naomi Marghar of the 713th Burrock Cavaliers. I propose a game of golf to settle this Trial."

"Bargained well and done.", Marcus Boques answers

Dagda (Clan Burrock Enclave)
Pentagon Worlds, Clan Space

Loremaster Edwina Gammoudi and Galaxy Comamnder Paul Church, Clan Blood Spirit Iota Galaxy, chose not to even issue a batchall. Instead ordering his Iota Galaxy and Kappa Galaxy to head directly for the planet. He for one was glad to finally have the chance to be rid of Clan Burrock, his clan's oldest enemy. He did not agree with Khan Johns idea's concerning Clan Burrock. So heavily did he disagree with Khan Johns, that he had promised himself to challenge Khan Johns to a Trial of Grievance the moment they were both together. He planned to inflict the maximum casualties upon the Burrock defenders as he could to prevent them from joining Clan Blood Spirit.

Galaxy Commander Wes Cluff, Clan Blood Spirit Kappa Galaxy, on the other hand supported Khan Johns and his ideas. So far, all of Khan Johns ideas had made Clan Blood Spirit stronger. Neither Galaxy Commander Church nor Galaxy Commander Cluff got along, and their respective commands tended to quarrel among themselves much more than any other rivalry. Though he had his own doubts about the Burrocks, he was willing to give Khan Johns ideas a chance, since all his other ideas had worked out rather well for Clan Blood Spirit. He had already issued his orders to his warriors to minimize Burrock casualties, per Khan Johns own orders.

Loremaster Edwina Gammoudi was in overall command of the operation on Dagda but had turned operational control over to Galaxy Commander Church. She knew Galaxy Commander Cluff did not like taking orders from Galaxy Commander Church, but Church thought as she did, while Cluff was the exact opposite. Loremaster Gammoudi had many issues with Khan Johns ideas, they went against everything that Clan Blood Spirit stood for, over 200 years of teachings. Khan Johns had "slapped" her down right after Granada had been taken, banishing her from Granada for doing her duty of educating the new members of Clan Blood Spirit on all the wrongs inflicted on Clan Blood Spirit. His notion of the times are changing and Clan Blood Spirit must change with them, went against everything she believed in.

Albion (Clan Burrock Capital World)
Kerensky Cluster, Clan Space

saKhan Joyce Boques, Clan Blood Spirit, had overall command of the invasion of York, even though Khan Phillip Johns would soon be here also. Though she was in command overall, she nodded to Star Admiral Israel Johns who would issue the initial batchall concerning the naval engagement and possession of the Cheops Shipyards.

"This is Star Admiral Israel Johns, by direction of the Grand Council, a Trial of Absorption has been declared against Clan Burrock. With what will you defend with?"

"Khan Moreau has already bid Clan Burrocks entire Touman in defense, Star Admiral Johns. I will lead my warships away from the Cheops Shipyard to prevent damage. Let this be a true test of warship against warship." Star Admiral Derrick Columbo said, his leader's treason had brought additional shame on Clan Burrock, already suffering from the shame for destroying Mount Dale on York. But he could not bring himself to just roll over, they would have to win the fight first.

"Bargained well and done. Warship on warship." Star Admiral Johns replied

18th March 3038
Paxon (Clan Burrock)
Kerensky Cluster, Clan Space

Clan Burrocks holdings in the Paxon system were actually on a barely habitable moon named Krakau. Star Colonel Naomi Marghar, Clan Burrock and Galaxy Commander Marcus Boques, Clan Blood Spirit played their game of golf on an airless moon. Neither was very good at golf, and the game finally ended after 8 hours. They had played 9 holes and compared their stroke scores. Star Colonel Marghar had shot a 101, while Galaxy Commander Boques had shot a 99. It was a shameful display on both sides.

"Clan Blood Spirit has won the Trial. Congratulations Galaxy Commander Boques. This enclave along with the 713th Burrock Cavaliers are hereby turned over to Clan Blood Spirit. What are your orders?" Star Colonel Naomi Marghar announced

"Well-played game. Star Colonel Marghar. Clan Blood Spirits accept your defeat, though it was a very close game. Per Khan Johns orders, nothing changes at this time. I will require you and your personnel to turn over their equipment until the Trial of Absorption is completed. I must restrict your personnel to their immediate barracks area, for now." Galaxy Commander Marcus Boques replied

"Understood, Galaxy Commander. For the record, no one here had any clue about what was going on." Star Colonel Marghar said

"Khan Johns is quite well aware of that, Star Colonel. For too long we have been enemies, today is a new day." Galaxy Commander Boques replied with a smile.

Dagda (Clan Burrock)
Kerensky Cluster, Clan Space

Loremaster Edwina Gammoudi led the invasion of Clan Burrocks holdings on Dagda. Inserting herself into Clan Blood Spirits Iota Galaxy. Determined to defeat the Clan Burrock defenders, Loremaster Gammoudi and Galaxy Commander Paul Church led Iota Galaxy while ordering Galaxy Commander Wes Cluff and his Kappa Galaxy to secure Clan Burrocks two industrial complexes, Dagda Industrialplex Zeta and Manzikert Fabrication & Assembly Plant Gamma. Assigning these objectives would assure that Kappa Galaxy got no real glory, since such an objective was normally assigned to a Second Line command.

Star Colonel Josh Lamongue, 93rd Burrock Cavaliers Cluster, led his Cluster to meet the oncoming Clan Blood Spirit forces moving for the two industrial complexes on either side of the port city of Folke. He was monitoring the furious fighting taking place further west between Clan Blood Spirits Iota Galaxy and Clan Burrocks 1015th Burrock Guards and 193rd Dragoon Clusters. Galaxy Commander Hector Gastopiv had selected to fight the Spirits in a wild region, where the broken ground and canyons would deny the Spirits their advantage of numbers.

He strode his Summoner forward and triggered his communications "I am Star Colonel Josh Lamongue, commander 93rd Burrock Cavaliers Cluster. To prevent bloodshed, I propose a football game, old American football. I do not wish to see my warriors killed for a crime they did not commit."

Galaxy Commander Wes Cluff smiled as he responded, "Bargained well and done."

Summoner Heavy OmniMech (In Badlands - by Philbobagginzzz) — *Summoner* Heavy OmniMech

While battle raged fiercely 50 kilometers away, Galaxy Commander Wes Cluff led his team of 22 Elementals against Star Colonel Josh Lamongues 22 Mechwarriors, his Cluster had 5 Binaries of Battlemechs, no Elementals, in a game of American football. When the game ended, Clan Blood Spirit had won 49-7. Star Colonel Josh Lamongues was sacked 18 times and was carried off the field with a broken leg in the second quarter. Medical personnel treated him on the sidelines until the game ended.

"You have won, Folke, both industrial complexes and the 93rd Burrock Cavaliers are yours, Galaxy Commander Cluff." Star Colonel Josh Lamongues said

"It was a good game. Though you were plainly outmatched." Galaxy Commander Wes Cluff replied, wiping seat from his brow.

"But my warriors live. A little busted up, but no one died for our leaders' crimes." Star Colonel Lamongues said

After a fierce, no quarter asked or given fight that lasted 12 hours, Clan Blood Spirit had defeated Clan Burrocks 1015th Burrock Guards and 193rd Dragoon Cluster. But at a great cost. Loremaster Edwina Gammoudi and Galaxy Commander Paul Church had been killed, Clan Blood Spirits Iota Galaxy had suffered over 50% losses during the fighting when the Spirits command and control fell apart. It had turned into a every Cluster for itself, and only the valor and skill of the Spirit warriors carried the day. Less than 15% of Clan Burrocks warriors survived.

Albion (Clan Burrock Capital)
Kerensky Cluster, Clan Space

"They are coming directly at us, Star Admiral."

"I can see that. We are in range, yet they have not fired a shot at us." Star Admiral Israel Johns replied "Looks like this will be a close in fight to the death and they have the bigger ships."

Within 30 minutes, Clan Burrocks warships merged with Clan Blood Spirits and both sides exchanged broadsides, inflicting damage to both sides, though the Blood Spirit warships, being smaller, suffered the most. Star Admiral Israel Johns was about to issue his next orders when he was halted.

"Star Admiral, Clan Burrocks Star Admiral Derrick Columbo just said we have won this portion of the Trial and that he was taking his ships back to the Cheops Shipyard for repairs. He asks if you would like to meet him there once you have completed your mission."

"Signal Star Admiral Columbo that I would gladly meet him there. Signal all ships to make for orbit. Send a detachment of Marines over to the Cheops Shipyard to secure it. Inform Star Admiral Columbo to expect them." Star Admiral Israel Johns replied with a smile.

18th March, 3038 Terra (Terran Hegemony)

The yearly intelligence report had landed on Commanding General Michelle Mitchell's desk with a loud thump. Though she had it all on computer, fully cross referenced, she still preferred most things on paper. She knew it irritated her aide to have to print the sometimes-massive reports, but it was a task he performed with a minimum of grumbles. Even while he had been printing it all up, she had already scanned the computer files for the highlights. Hegemony Security kept a careful tab on the fast-recovering technology base across the Inner Sphere. The FedSuns half was being more practical in their than most of the other nations. As new MAD-2R Marauder arrived at commands, the old wore out MAD-3D were sent back to large refit depots where they were torn down to the chassis and rebuilt as MAD-2R with all the advanced goodies. These were then sent back out to continue the upgrading progress. The Marauder had been targeted early since it was one of the easiest and quickest upgrades, only needing Double Heat Sinks, CASE, ERPPC, and Ferro Fibrous armor to complete the upgrade.

Thunderbolt (in Desert) — *Thunderbolt* Heavy BattleMech

Though the upgrades were going slow, they were steady and slowly ramping up as upgraded manufacturing equipment kept coming online along with the increased production of critical recovered parts and weapons. There were still faults with the new AFFC purchasing systems and upgrade planning. The Lyran half of the AFFC purchased new TDR-5Sb Thunderbolt from Mitchell Vehicles while the FedSuns half had started producing THD-5Sd Thunderbolt on Tikonov for their half. This had been highlighted as a potential weakness in the intel report. The Lyrans had returned the ZEU-5T Zeus, AS7-D-HT Atlas and somehow the AS7-D-H Atlas II from Hesperus II. The Lyran's were outpacing everyone in upgrading manufacturing equipment by using Ngo Industries based on Kowloon. The FedSuns had only returned the DV-6Md Dervish to service but were hampered by a lack of XL Engine production, but this would change in the next year or two as the repair and upgrading of the production lines were completed.

Dervish Mech (Farseer Animation version) — *Dervish* Medium 'Mech

Along with the Federated Commonwealth's continued upgrades, the rest of the Inner Sphere was not sitting still. The Draconis Combine wasted no time in returning the WHM-6Rk Warhammer and PXH-1Kk Phoenix Hawk to production. The Capellan Confederation had returned the KSC-4L Koscheiand TDR-5L Thunderbolt to production, while pouring vast resources into upgrading and expanding their remaining industries. The Free Worlds League returned the TBT-3C Trebuchet to production but were upgrading industry across the board instead of being more targeted like the other realms.

Trebuchet Medium BattleMech (In Combat - FWL camo painted by ArachnidSentinl) — *Trebuchet* Medium BattleMech in Combat

The Periphery was not standing still during this time either. The Outworlds Alliance was purchasing every NTK-2Q Night Hawk manufactured by Mountain Wolf Battlemechs. The Taurian Concordant had purchased enough upgraded equipment to upgrade Taurus Territorial Industries complex on Taurus. Estimates were 2 years before the complex was fully upgraded to a Star League level of production. The Taurian Concordant was also purchasing large amounts of equipment targeted to an expansion or construction of shipyards, but not for the Thompson Shipyards. The Magistracy of Canopus was purchasing small amounts of manufacturing equipment, but not nearly on the scale of other nations.

The recovery of the Helm Memory Core had started the arms race, but Commanding General Mitchell knew that the return of the Terran Hegemony had caused everyone to double their efforts at recovering the information contained on the Memory Core. This concerned her enough that she had ordered Hegemony Security to keep a very careful eye on troop movements around the Inner Sphere, lest it explode in her face.

She picked up the special folder from Hegemony Security, this concerned Wolf's Dragoons on Outreach. During a "family" visit to Outreach, Harry Sloan had managed to slip a data disk to one of his distant "family" members. Contained were new design specs for the Bandit Hover Tank which differed greatly from the original examples the Hegemony had possession of. While the original had easily swapped weapons points, the new specifications were on an entirely new level. Engineers back on Thazi were already studying the design changes and had requested Hegemony Security obtain an example if they could. She had to search her memory for the name of the agent.

Commanding General Michelle Mitchell had to roll her eyes at the request. I'm sure we will just send a Division to invade Outreach to get one for you...., she thought silently. She returned to reading the small report. Harry Sloan reported that repairs and upgrading the Star League equipment on Outreach would take another 2 years at least. Blackwell Heavy Industries was in the process of moving their main production facilities to Outreach. Wolf's Dragoons maintained a very high security section that he was not able to gain access to. He had gotten glimpses inside a few times when the massive doors were open and they seemed to be hand building a new BattleMech, but it was not like anything he had seen before. He knew they had quite a few massive shipping containers that contained carefully packed weapons systems, as he had seen a few being unpacked with extreme caution, but he had no further information to provide on them. The only other information he provided was overhearing several old timer Dragoon techs talking about wanting to head out and recover their stash which would speed up the process greatly.

So, Colonel Wolf, you have a stash of goodies hidden somewhere. I know who you really are, I wonder what you have stashed and where exactly it is? Question is, "Can we locate it", and if we do, of what value would it be to us., Commanding General Michelle Mitchell wondered.

23rd March, 3038
Albion (Clan Burrock Capital)
Kerensky Cluster, Clan Space

saKhan Joyce Boques, Clan Blood Spirit, had allowed Star Admiral Israel Johns to take both York Class Destroyer-Carriers, the Carmine Justice and Stooping Kite, forward to clear the way of any Burrocks's Aerospace Fighters and to begin surveying the surface in advance of the arrival of Clan Blood Spirits Dropships. Studying the Burrock deployments from orbit, it made no sense to her. They had split their forces into two parts, one close to their capitol and the other further away. The size of the spotted Burrock forces surprised her some, after the beating they took on York, she was surprised that almost five Galaxies faced her forces. For several hours she planned her deployments and was deep into studying the high-resolution photos brought back to her. She was about to send a message to Khan Johns requesting more forces when she was alerted to a secure laser communication from the surface. She headed for the bridge and moved to the communication tech who handed her the headset.

York class Destroyer-Carrier (by Matt Plog) — *York* class Destroyer-Carrier

"This is saKhan Joyce Boques, Clan Blood Spirit. Who is this?"

"saKhan Boques, Galaxy Commander Madge Danforth. I am in command of the forces deployed near our capitol. What our leadership has done has brought great shame upon our Clan. Those in my command will not shed our blood nor yours in defense of their treason. My forces will only engage if our lower caste is threatened."

"Very well, Galaxy Commander Danforth, my forces will not engage your forces. Once I have dealt with the others, we shall settle our affairs. Agreed?"

"That is acceptable, saKhan Boques."

Back in her small quarters, saKhan Boques smiled, this made her task so much easier. She had been handed a few message slips as she left the bridge, which she waited to read until she was back in her quarters. She opened the one marked urgent and read it. Her smile grew even larger, I hope Khan Johns idea works, if so, this will greatly shorten this campaign, she thought.

25th March, 3038
Albion (Clan Burrock Capital)
Kerensky Cluster, Clan Space

While Clan Burrock focused on the Blood Spirit landings, the Dropships containing the 136th Scarlet Battle Cluster remained in orbit. Equipped with swift OmniMechs and Hover Tanks, it was the fastest moving Cluster in the Spirit Touman. They were the key to Khan Johns plan to bring the campaign to a swift end with a minimum of losses to both sides. saKhan Joyce Boques had brought Alpha Galaxy down on the 24th, grounding 60km from Clan Burrocks forces, which had wasted no time in attacking the lone Galaxy. But with the massed coverage of the Spirits Aerospace fighters, Clan Burrock forces had been unable to properly mass, being under near constant attack from the fighters. After a day of heavy fighting, Clan Burrock forces withdrew to repair and rearm.

Epsilon Galaxy grounded the next day and once again, Clan Burrock moved to engage the now combined Spirit landing zone. Once again, near constant attack from Spirit Aerospace fighters kept the Burrocks from massing their forces at any single point of contact. Fighting was fierce all day long with Burrock forces suffering heavy losses. Once again as night fell, the Burrock forces pulled back to repair and rearm. Even with their numerical advantage, they had not been able to break the Blood Spirit lines.

In orbit, Khan Phillip Johns had arrived in orbit unannounced. With only his bodyguard Nova, he joined the 136th Scarlet Battle Cluster. Smiling, he gave the order for the 136th Scarlet Battle Cluster to deploy while the rest of Gamma Galaxy started their landings to join saKhan Boques' forces.

26th March, 3038

The 136th Scarlet Battle Cluster landed almost 175km from where Clan Burrock was based, but deep in their rear area. At a speed of 86kph, the 136th advanced on the Burrock positions, though capable of much faster advance, this was the fastest Khan Johns' Nova could move. The entire Cluster moved on a direct path towards a single point behind the Burrock lines. This point had been identified by orbital surveillance over the last couple days and now Khan Johns planned to remove the head from the snake.

Nova-Black Hawk (On a building - MWO Version) — *Nova* Class Medium OmniMech

At 2am local time, Khan Johns ordered the Cluster to make their attack at full speed. Ten years ago, Khan Phillip Johns had ordered the 136th Scarlet Battle Cluster refitted. Pulling in every Mist Lynx and Viper Omni Mech from across the Blood Spirit Touman, and with the Armor Trinary outfitted with 2 Stars of Bandit Omnitanks and a Star of Anhur VTOL, the Cluster had trained hard for deep strike and head-hunting missions. As the lead elements engaged the Star of Burrock battlemechs on patrol near their designated target, the Elemental Trinary began deploying all over the target area. Wasting no time, the Elementals began engaging the startled Burrock personnel without mercy. saKhan Blythe Van Houten startled by the sudden sounds of combat hastily ran from her small tent, she never saw the Elemental that aimed his machine gun at her and let loose a burst that cut her in half. Loremaster Franics Enders never even made it from his tent as a Spirit Viper planted its left foot on the tent as it waded into the small encampment. Galaxy Commander Yancy Fore, Clan Burrock's Alpha Galaxy, managed to reach his Omni Mech but as the lift reach his cockpit, as he started to enter a massive shadow shifted slightly and flame burst from its arm, Galaxy Commander Fore dropped to the ground, a bloody mess.

Galaxy Commander Nelix Hutchinson, Clan Burrock Beta Galaxy, actually got his Omni Mech fully powered up and into action, firing on a Blood Spirit Mist Lynx, he smiled as his shots struck true, but that smile turned to a grimace as Elementals swarmed his Mad Dog. Within minutes, the Mad Dog collapsed to the ground, crushing the Spirit Elemental that had burrowed halfway into the cockpit to kill the pilot. With Clan Burrock forces decapitated from their highest-ranking leaders, confusion raged among the remaining Clan Burrock forces as dawn broke.

Mad Dog (Farseer Animation version) — *Mad Dog* Class Heavy OmniMech

Khan Phillip Johns flipped on the general frequency along with his external speakers. "Clan Burrock forces, this is Khan Phillip Johns of Clan Blood Spirit. Your treasonous leaders are dead. This Trial of Absorption is over, Clan Blood Spirit has saved you warriors and lower caste from their treasonous path. I call on you to recognize this and join us, as equals. Let the bloodshed and hatred between us end here. Those that cannot find it in their heart to join us, we stand ready to meet your challenges."

28th March, 3038

A total of 88 challenges were fought between Clan Blood Spirit and Clan Burrock warriors unable to fathom serving their mortal enemy. Almost all of these came from Clan Burrocks Alpha Galaxy. Khan Phillip Johns forced the thoughts from his mind to focus on the fight between saKhan Joyce Boques and Galaxy Commander Madge Danforth. Though all sides knew the outcome was assured, for honors sake it had to be done. In a way, it was a fitting way to put this affair to rest, he thought as he glanced around and saw both Blood Spirit and "Burrock" warriors standing nearly side by side also watching the duel taking place. His eyes focused on a fairly large group of "Burrock" warriors that kept themselves apart from the rest, at least a Cluster worth of warriors there, he thought, though the outcome was better than I expected, there will still be some problems to deal with.

On the field below, Galaxy Commander Madge Danforth knew she had the upper hand in this fight, but to erase the taint placed on her and the other Burrocks by their leader's treason, she knew she could not win this fight. I cannot allow this to become a Trial of Annihilation like that of Clan Widowmaker, she thought as she forced her shots to go wide. After what seemed like an eternity, saKhan Joyce Boques finally scored the telling hit and she felt her left leg give way and her Omni Mech came to a rest on its left side. "saKhan Boques, I am defeated. Let this Trial of Absorption come to an end." She transmitted over an open frequency.

A few hours later, Khan Phillip Johns and saKhan Joyce Boques sat together going over their Clans gains and losses. It was saKhan Joyce Boques that brought the subject up first. "I am good, but she was better than I. What she did was beyond anything I expected."

"Have you decided on what we spoke of before the fight?" Khan Phillip Johns asked

"Yes. Your idea has merits, but also some risk. But I will support your idea before the Council. There will be resistance to the idea and neither of us can guarantee how the vote will go." saKhan Joyce Boques replied

"Then we are agreed. It is time to look at the future, not the past. How we reorganize the Touman must be done with care to prevent old animosity from arising. This will take much thought and both of us will need some guidance on the issue." Khan Johns said

"Nothing in the past can guide us on this matter. The previous Absorptions were basically Annihilations for all intents, what you have done, with this Trial, is unprecedented in Clan history." saKhan Boques replied

"Then we must excercise due diligence in our tasks to make sure this is done correctly." Khan Phillip Johns said

Terra (Terran Hegemony)
Inner Sphere

"So, where do we stand on tracking Wolf's Dragoons Jumpship movements from the past?" Commanding General Michelle Mitchell asked

"It is a massive tasking. Over 20 years. Do not expect a miracle. We have just started digging into the data bases, both here and on Thazi. Mainly we are starting with HPG records of transmissions, but I also have folks digging into navigational downloads. Mainly starting on their arrival at Delos IV in 3005. The search might go faster if you approve a tasking for Amber, since I was told that Amber was currently occupied on a high priority tasking. It would take your approval for a further tasking." Major General Villar Gustafson, Hegemony Security, replied

"Amber will have to wait, the current tasking is of the utmost priority. Continue the search the hard way, but if it starts to bear fruit, maybe then I will order a new tasking." Mitchell said

30 March 3038
Albion (Clan Blood Spirit)
Kerensky Cluster, Clan Space

"What are your honest opinions on our new warriors, Galaxy Commander Danforth?" Khan Phillip Johns asked

"Khan Johns, Alpha and Beta Galaxy survivors resent their loss to Clan Blood Spirit. They willingly support the actions taken by Khan Moreau, it was for Clan Burrock. They will be problems. We might be able to salvage some of them, but I have my doubts. Even among my own Gamma Galaxy, there are a few that will not be able to contain their deep-rooted hates. Even among the lower caste, there is so many years of deep-rooted hatred that many years will have to pass before they fully accept their new Clan." Galaxy Comander Madge Danforth replied

"That was an honest answer. Now for an even harder question, how do you feel?" Khan Johns asked

"My feelings are still mixed up. I was defeated by the terms of the Trial along with Clan Burrock. We have been absorbed by Clan Blood Spirit. It is the Clan way. Deep down, I still harbor some ill feelings, a product of so many years of having Clan Blood Spirit as our mortal enemies. But your actions were just, the evidence was overwhelming, and the Grand Council agreed. I will do my duty and serve my new Clan in whatever manner you decide Khan Johns." Galaxy Commander Danforth replied, surprising herself some at the admission.

"You are willing to give your Rede before the Clan Council to Clan Blood Spirit?" Khan Johns asked

"I am." Galaxy Commander Madge Danforth replied, sitting more erect as she answered

"Excellent. For the time being, I am leaving you as a Galaxy Commander. Trials of Position and even testing as a Blood Spirit warrior will be required down the road, but for now, I ask that you assist me in uniting our two Clans. I will need much counsel on making this as painless as possible, for both sides." Khan Johns said

"I live to serve, my Khan." Galaxy Commander Madge Danforth replied, sitting even more erect. I will actually have a say in how things are done, she asked herself silently, this is totally unexpected.

"Excellent, this folder contains the complete roster of all former Burrock warriors taken. I would like an evaluation on the highest ranking as soon as possible. Right now, the command structure will remain the same, I am loathe to make too radical a change at this time. Our first focus needs to be on the Warriors, then we will work on the lower caste. You may disregard the status of the taken personnel, we had to call them something." Khan Johns said handing over the folder

Galaxy Commander Madge Danforth accepted the folder and flipped it open. On the first page contained the overall counts, broken down by location. It was larger than even she expected.

============================================================================

Clan Burrock Prisoners List

Strana Mechty - (Abtakha)

Star Colonel Evelyn Kogo (Top Ranking Officer)

211th Burrock Dragoons
Mechwarrior - 30
Elemental - 50
Aero Pilot - 10

York - (Prisoners)

Galaxy Commander Olsen Marghar (Top Ranking Officer)
Mechwarrior - 366
Aerospace Pilot - 61
Elemental - 513

Priori- (Bondsman)

Galaxy Commander Felicia McMillan (Top Ranking Officer)
Mechwarrior - 74
Aero Pilot - 19
Elemental - 122

Paxon - (Prisoner)

Star Colonel Naomi Marghar (Top Ranking Officer)

713th Burrock Cavaliers

Mechwarrior - 30
Elemental - 75
Aero Pilot - 20

Dagda - (Prisoner)

Star Colonel Josh Lamongue (Top Ranking Officer)

Mechwarrior - 73
Elemental - 119
Aero Pilot - 36

Albion - (Prisoners)

Galaxy Commander Madge Danforth (Ranking)
Star Admiral Derrick Columbo
Galaxy Commander Nicholas McMillan
Galaxy Commander Theo Tani

Mechwarrior - 554
Elemental - 772
Aero Pilot - 191

============================================================================

After a quick flip thru the folder, she had to ask "Khan Johns, what of the various sibkos? They are not listed here." Galaxy Commander Madge Danforth asked

"We are still compiling the numbers, until that is complete, we will focus on what we know. I will want your input on that matter also, but at a later date." Khan Phillip Johns said.

Tylarzka (Lyran Commonwealth)

Rebecca Hiberman was bored out of her mind. Using star maps provided by the Terran Hegemony, given to each House or Realm, she had been ordered by Archon Katrina Steiner to conduct surveys of long-lost systems for potential Terraforming. Each map only covered systems within each House/Realms territory, to prevent any funny business inside someone else's borders. Now she just monitored the ships sensors while waiting on any word from the Dropship that had landed on the first planet to take samples. While waiting, she had the ships navigator taking readings and views with the ships on navigational instruments to update their own navigational data base.

"Captain, I think I have a bogie. My sensors tried to lock onto it as a distant star, but it is moving way too fast to be a celestial object. I am trying to lock it up with the telescope for a better view, but it is being a difficult object to locate again this far away." The navigator called out.

"Roger, keep trying while I make contact with the Dropship. I am not keen in finding out that bogie is hostile. Plot an emergency jump to Bolan just in case. Chief, make sure we are ready to jump at a moment's notice." Rebecca Hiberman ordered. Well, so much for boredom, gotta get more careful what I wish for, she thought.

Albion (Clan Blood Spirit)
Kerensky Cluster, Clan Space

Galaxy Commander Madge Danforth had retired to her quarters and wasted no time in digging into the thick folder. She used her own computer to pull up records of officers and personnel she did not know personally. While looking over the various lists and making some quick notes next to names, she became curious at how many actual bloodnamed warriors survived. She started making her own list and it quickly became clear that the Burrock Bloodnamed had been badly hurt.

Bloodnamed Count Active

Columbo (Aerospace) - 9

Danforth (General) - 20

DeLeon (General) - 14

Di Martino (General) - 11

Enders (General) - 13

Farnsworth (General) - 11

Fore (General) - 16

Gastopiv (General) - 17

Hailiang (General) - 9

Hallik (General) - 14

Holliday (Elemental) - 13

Hutchinson (General) - 15

Jones, Armen (General) - 8

Kammerichs (General) - 10

Kogo (Mechwarrior) - 15

Korstin (Aerospace) - 7

Lamongue (Mechwarrior) - 12

Linn (Mechwarrior) - 11

Lunde-Haraldsen (Aerospace) - 8

Marghar (General) - 12

McMillan (Elemental) - 17

Messi (General) - 6

Min-Jae (General) - 9

Moreau (Aerospace) - 8

Nga (Aerospace) - 7

Opriq (Elemental) - 12

Podell (General) - 6

Polczyk, Harve (General) - 8

Polczyk, Nigel (General) - 7

Rubennis (General) - 9

Santos (General) - 13

Sereysothea (General) - 15

Siddiq (General) - 12

Taglieri (General) - 15

Tani (General) - 12

Van Houten (Mechwarrior) - 11

Whull (General) - 9

Yong-Ho (General) - 10

Zeke (General) - 8

Žukauskas (General) - 10

31st March, 3038 Tylarzka (Lyran Commonwealth)
Inner Sphere

Rebecca Hiberman stared at the picture taken from the navigational telescope in amazement. It had taken 9 hours to locate the target and another hour to get the telescope locked onto it stable enough to take the zoomed in picture. Measuring only an estimated 1.5 kilometers long, it had been a difficult task, but it also relieved the boredom. Their target was an estimated 125 billion kilometers away. Too far for any of their other instruments to get any readings off it. It was cold as ice though, radiating no internal heat whatsoever. Try as they might, they could not get a clear shot of the target, their equipment was just not designed for what they were asking it to do.

Potemkin (Old - Underway) — *Potemkin* Class Transport Warship

"Thoughts, XO?" Rebecca Hiberman asked, eyes still focused on picture.

"It is not in any sort of orbit, not that we can tell. Best guess on speed is a hair shy of 1G. If I had to guess, and that is all this is until someone actually makes the trip to it, a misjump into deep space. They then burned at 1G towards the nearest system. Never made it, ran out of fuel, water, air. Using that as some sort of baseline, they were 19 to 20 light years from our current location. But they had to try something. Would not have been a fun way to go and I am not sure I really want to board her and find out." Her XO replied, also staring at the picture.

"Well, she is slick. No Dropships attached, but we can make out a hull number. I already dug into the data base. LCS Nightwind, a Potemkin Class Transport. Her last known destination was Bolan in 2842. Reported missing and overdue after delivering the 7th Lyran Guards to Penobscot. Vanished without a trace, like so many other ships. Lord knows how many of those are flying around between systems. Ghost ships, crews long dead. But this gets us nowhere, recall the Dropship. The Archon needs this news asap and I am sure she will want this information right now." Rebecca Hiberman ordered

April[]

9th April, 3038
Terra (Terran Hegemony)

Seated in the large plush conference room were Director-General Anastasia Cameron, Commanding General Michelle Mitchell, Major General Villar Gustafson (HemSec), Commanding Admiral Corban Yellman along with a host of Hegemony Industry leaders along with various staff members. All were cleared for the highest level of clearance, with the Industry Leaders having been brought in from the Periphery just for this meeting, which was scheduled to last several days covering a multitude of areas.

"Let us bring this meeting to order folks. It has been quite some time since we have all been in a single place and I am happy to see everyone again. First, we will let Major General Gustafson start off the meeting with an overall intelligence briefing on what is happening around known space. As he covers certain areas, feel free to come up with concerns, solutions or even advice. General Gustafson, the floor is yours." Director-General Cameron announced to the group.

"Thank you Director-General. Overall, our predictions on technology recovery are pretty close. The Federated Commonwealth is actually ahead of our overall predictions. Though the FedSuns half seems to be having some issues with getting their hands on the much needed upgraded manufacturing equipment. It seems that most of the Heavy Industry folks here on Terra are primarily selling to the Free Worlds League and Draconis Combine. We have yet to nail down the actual issue." General Gustafson paused when Jessica Mitchell, CEO Mitchell Vehicles raised her hand.

"I think I can answer that question or maybe shed a little light. Krupp has the largest complex for manufacturing the Heavy Industry equipment here on Terra. The Free Worlds League and Draconis Combine are paying a hefty premium to get to the head of the line from Krupp. Ngo Industries is providing for the Lyran half, at 30% under the stated Krupp price, and those realms are paying another 10-15% above Krupp's asking price to snag all they can from everyone else. Ngo Industries will not sell to the FedSuns half. What is left is snapped up by the companies in the Suns half, leaving the Capellans, Rasalhague, and Periphery nations sucking hind tit. The old Federated Suns companies refuse to play Krupps game.

While Mitchell Industries has been constructing our facilities here on Terra, which will take another 2 years before they are production ready, we have resorted to bringing in our equipment from back home, it is cheaper than paying Krupp. Though using normal shipping means some serious delays. Not unless the Navy wants to kick loose some special ships to speed stuff up. Azur Heavy Industries has the largest complex in the Hegemony for building the required manufacturing equipment. In some ways we have overly specialized. But that can also be a good thing.

Now, while the Hegemony promised to assist everyone in constructing the ability to manufacture their own heavy equipment, those efforts have been hampered by Krupp and their under bidding everyone. Hell, they do not have to cover the construction costs of those new complexes that are newly built. Even with the Hegemony providing much of the equipment for those initial complexes at cost or damned near free, Krupp can still underbid everyone. What we need is a much closer manufacturing site, much closer than back home, unless the Navy is going to kick loose said transports. Krupp, based here on Terra, is central to everything and everyone. They can deliver stuff so much quicker than we can. That is the current problem as I see it." Jessica Mitchell said

Director-General Anastasia Cameron looked at Garret Whitfield, CEO Azur Heavy Industries "Mr Whitfield, you have any suggestions to resolve this bottleneck?"

"Blow up Krupp. Though I have not met the scum running that company, I have heard enough to avoid it. For security reasons, I cannot just open up another complex under the name Azur Heavy Industries. We are not a known company inside the Inner Sphere, but if I divert orders from Mitchell Industries for the Terran factories. We also get a ton of engineer support from the Hegemony Armed Forces or even the Federated Suns. I can have a site built that dwarf anything Krupp has here on Terra within a year. I will also need access to one of the Navy's special transports. We just need a location and a way to hide in plain site." Garret Whitfield replied.

Director-General Anastasia Cameron and Commanding General Michelle Mitchell shared a look between them before she spoke "I will have a decision on that before everyone heads for home." She nodded at Major General Gustafson to continue.

"Conventional Jumpship and Dropship production is increasing across the Inner Sphere and even the Periphery. Existing yards are expanding quite quickly and being brought to Star League technology, even at the expense of many other areas. Seems everyone knows those are the life blood of an interstellar nation. However, we are also seeing several troubling indicators. Both the Draconis Combine and Free Worlds League are increasing work near their mothballed Warships. This could indicate they are attempting to reactivate those ships. The most troubling is inside the Free Worlds League, we know for a fact that they are getting help from the Word of Blake folks. But on Ionus, a new company Illium Shipyards, while listed as an independent company, but actually owned by the Free Worlds League government has been established, and quite a large complex is currently being built there. We have identified, covertly I might add, they are constructing at least 3 shipyard slips with a capacity of 1M tons each. Those are warship slips folks, no doubt about it. If they keep up the pace of construction, those slips and supporting factories will be completed within the next 1 to 2 years' time. They are much further along than anyone else in regaining warship production and I for one find that troubling.

As for the Draconis Combine, we are sure Midway Shipyards, on Midway, is also getting ready for a warship push. Though they have not started constructing large slips of the Free Worlds League, they have, instead of using the upgraded equipment to upgrade their conventional Jumpship slips, have started construction of a 500K and 250K pressurized complex with 3 slips each. The 250K yard puzzled us at first, but then we tripped over a long lost design from way back, but never produced by the Draconis Combine. It was buried in the old SLIC files back home. It is called the Inazuma Corvette. Back then, it was deemed too expensive, what with all the cheap SLDF cast offs around. But now, it could heavily tilt the balance of power. Our estimates, confirmed by the Naval engineers we consulted is that each of the 250K yards are capable of manufacturing one of these per year. This might increase as they gain experience in warship construction. If ours, we could churn out 2-3 per year per slip dedicated to that purpose. Our estimates are 3 years before the first is completed, 2 years for the actual slips to be completed." Major General Gustafson paused when Commanding General Michelle Mitchell waved a finger.

Inazuma Class Corvette (Under Thrust - Iron Metal Works version) — *Inazuma* Class Corvette

"Admiral Yellman, where do we stand on the special project? Within security." Commanding General Mitchell asked, meaning only the barest of information was to be given.

"We have hit some problems on the large scale project. Power issues, but the mobile project is at 1 million kilometers and currently in final testing before any production. We have managed to keep one active for 45 days before complete burn out of the core itself. I WILL NOT get into specifics here, but for that particular version, I am quite happy with it. We might need it." Fleet Admiral Corban Yellman replied, clearly indicating he did not want to say more.

"Very well. If your plan, as we discussed last, has not changed, it is approved. I will find you the money. Looks like we are facing a warship arms race and I hope we do not need it. I would like an operational test, a real one, before we go full bore. Find that test for me." Commanding General Michelle Mitchell said as she turned slightly to Director-General Cameron "I will bring you fully up to speed when this is done."

Before anyone could continue, an aide stuck her head into the room "Director-General, we have a real time communication from Archon Katrina Steiner."

Leaving the conference room, Director General-Anastasia Cameron and Commanding General Michelle Mitchell headed for Ana's office which had a secure hookup to one of Terra's HPG stations. Before they reached the office, a messenger handed Commanding General Mitchell a small packet of messages. Flipping the first open, she quickly read and then handed it to Ana. Flipping thru the messages, she quickly determined that they were the same message reports but all from the different HPG stations which had handled the message traffic.

"Well, we know why she is calling at least. What do we tell her? Suggestions?" Director-General Anastasia Cameron asked

"Katrina has been supportive of all our measures, even helping convince Hanse Davion the very few times he has balked. I would advise we agree to assist, same limits as all the other warships." Commanding General Michelle replied

Anastasia nodded as they entered her office, closing the door, she activated the live HPG feed already waiting. Archon Katrina Steiner appeared on the view screen. "Director-General Cameron, thank you for taking my call."

Director-General Cameron? "I thought we were past the formalities. Should I formally address you as well? My name between close friends is Ana." Anastasia replied with a smile.

"I was not sure; this is an official request for assistance. One that I think only the Hegemony can help me with. As I am sure you have been notified by now, or do I need to actually tell you?" Archon Katrina Steiner told her

Anastasia waved the small message stack where Archon Katrina Steiner could see them. "I have the message reports here. Normally, I would not know, but a find like this, well it does have an impact on Hegemony security after all."

"No offense taken, Ana. Will you assist us in recovering our lost ship?" Katrina asked

"Of course. Same agreement applies as for the other warships. Do you agree?" Anastasia Cameron asked

Archon Katrina Steiner frowned slightly before answering "Yes, the Lyran Commonwealth agrees. Though this could actually help offset security concerns my Generals always hammer me with."

"I understand, I really do Katrina but if word got out that the Lyran Commonwealth had a functional warship, a Potemkin no less, things could get shaky quickly." Anastasia explained to Katrina.

"Things are already a little shaky, Dear. There is a massive arms race about to take place and it has already started, but it will gather speed quickly. The next decade could be trying times for all of us if things spiral out of control." Archon Katrina Steiner said

"That is why I am trying to NOT let it get out of control. We have the location of LCS Nightwind and I will see that a recovery mission is begun without delay." Formally Director-General Anastasia Cameron replied.

"Very well and thank you. I will not delay you any longer." Archon Katrina Steiner said, signing off.

"Make the arrangements, Mom. I was surprised she ended the conversation so quickly." Anastasia said

"That's because she probably did not feel the time was right to bring up the other problems slowly brewing. You have seen the same reports that I have, she has several worlds that are getting a little wobbly in loyalty. Same thing on several Federated Suns worlds and a few Combine worlds. Our efforts to help those worlds recover has started movements to join the Terran Hegemony. The movements are small right now, but they are gaining traction. I made sure our people knew that they were NOT to encourage the movements but go about their missions. But I will get the recovery mission started." Anastasia's mother explained to her.

"Let's just call it a day on the conference. Pick it up tomorrow. I want to get a feel for how big these movements actually are." Anastasia Cameron told her

After several hours compiling her own list of worlds containing movements to join the Terran Hegemony officially, Director-General Anastasia Cameron was torn about what to do. Her first instinct was to immediately accept them, they were all former Terran Hegemony worlds prior to 2788 after all. But this was also tempered by the knowledge that doing so might cause problems with Archon Katrina Steiner and First Prince Hanse Davion. Several worlds were, until recently, part of the Draconis Combine. In addition, that it would add an additional problem with Coordinator Takashi Kurita, a known hot head, quick to anger and react with force. For centuries most of these worlds had languished, with only minimal effort expended by their realms leaders in countering the devastation wrought by the Amaris Coup and various Succession Wars. The return of the Terran Hegemony to Terra, followed with massive expenditures of money, terraforming, industrial revitalization efforts had in a short time begun to correct centuries of economic decline on these worlds.

So far, the movements had remained peaceful, but were reaching a size that their respective rulers could not ignore much longer. She knew that the Terran Corridor was vital to the Federated Commonwealth, and all of these worlds were inside the Terran Corridor. While the Hegemony was assisting virtually all of their former worlds in repairing centuries of damage, those within 30LY of Terra had been receiving the vast majority of assistance. While not intentional, their closeness to Terra itself just made them easier to assist. HemSec had identified movements on quite a few worlds, even some that had never been a part of the Terran Hegemony in the past, though these were very small movements.

While conducting her research, the Director-General had also looked into several long-term DOME operations that had been started shortly after their return to Terra. It was mainly just curiosity that had caused her to delve into the DOME reports. Centered on uninhabited "lost" systems. Though inhabited systems were the top priority, these Terraforming operations by DOME had been planned for both training missions for new personnel and also to test new ideas or methods for possible use on inhabited systems. By the end of her "studies", Director General Anastasia Cameron had quite a list compiled.

Large Scale Movements

Rigil Kentarus - 66% support
Dieron - 62% support
Altair - 58% support
New Earth - 57% support Carver V - 56% support
Caph - 47% support
Keid - 47% support

Terraforming Uninhabited (Lost)

New Stevens - Radiation poisoning remediation, atmosphere processors, estimated completion 3052
Killbourn - Water treatment, atmosphere processors, storm inhibitors, estimated completion 3051
Rocky - Solor Mirrors to heat surface, atmosphere processors, estimated completion 3053
Brownsville - Atmosphere processors, special algae for water, estimated completion 3052
Hechnar - Atmosphere processors, storm inhibitors, solar mirrors, estimated completion 3052
Tyrfing - Quarantined, deadly disease turned over to Hegemony Medical, no further work done at this time.

Terraforming Training by DOME for House

Federated Suns

Manksville - Atmosphere Processors, estimated completion 3044
Declan II - Atmosphere Processors, estimated completion 3043
Josselin - Atmosphere Processors, estimated completion 3044

Lyran Commonwealth

Hegel - Atmosphere Processors, Storm Inhibitors, estimated completion 3053
Graz - Solar Mirrors, Atmosphere Processors, estimated completion 3049
Lintz - Solar Mirrors, Atmosphere Processors, estimated completion 3054

Free Worlds League

Sardis - Solar Mirrors, Storm Inhibitors, Atmosphere Processors, estimated completion 3059

Capellan Confederation

Harbin - Storm Inhibitors, Atmosphere Processors, estimated completion 3055
Java - Storm Inhibitors, Atmosphere Processors, estimated completion 3056
Mumbai - Solar Mirrors, Storm Inhibitors, Atmosphere Processors, estimated completion 3061

Draconis Combine

Ulsan - Storm Inhibitors, Atmosphere Processors, estimated completion 3053
Mokpo - Storm Inhibitors, Atmosphere Processors, estimated completion 3052

Outworlds Alliance

Dralkig - Storm Inhibitors, Atmosphere Processors, estimated completion 3051

In another part of the building, Commanding General Michelle Mitchell and Commanding Admiral Corban Yellman quickly worked out the recovery mission. Orders were sent out and the ball started rolling. A decent escort for the valuable Newgrange Class Yardship but not an overwhelming show of force was selected as suitable for the mission. Once on station, they could assess the needs and call back for additional support or material if needed.

LCS Nightwind Recovery Mission

SLS Valley Forge, Essex Destroyer (SS)
SLS Avenger, Essex III Destroyer (SS)
SLS Arctic, Newgrange Yardship (SS) w/ 2 Elephant Tugs

Albion (Clan Blood Spirit)
Kerensky Cluster, Clan Space

Galaxy Commander Madge Danforth had spent over a week going over all the information Khan Phillip Johns had asked for. When she had let him know that she had completed the task, he had surprised her by saying he would review it with her while they traveled to York. She was even more surprised when she saw what looked like every Blood Named warrior of Clan Blood Spirit and her Burrocks loading onto a multitude of Dropships. Locating her assigned Dropship, she found Khan Phillip Johns just inside the ships ramp.

"My Khan." She greeted him.

"It will be a fairly short trip and we have much to cover Galaxy Commander Danforth. I have called a Clan Council Meeting. We must elect a new Loremaster and it is only right that our new warriors get to have a say in the matter. Until a new Council building is constructed to house all our Blood Named warriors, we will have to hold it at one of the training arenas." Khan Phillip Johns said

10th April, 3038
Kerensky Cluster, Clan Space

Galaxy Commander Madge Danforth buzzed the door of Khan Phillip Johns quarters. It opened in seconds, and she saw Khan Phillip Johns sitting on his desk, saKhan Joyce Boques had opened the door and tried to make herself a little smaller so that Galaxy Commander Madge Danforth could squeeze inside the cramped quarters. Entering, she could not help but feel some dread, but she forced it back to where it had come, determined to face what ever happened as a warrior.

"You sent for me, Khan Johns?" Galaxy Commander Madge Danforth asked

"I did. saKhan Boques and myself feel it is time to inform you of our new position for you." Khan Johns said

Forcing the dread back down, Galaxy Commander Madge Danforth remained rigid as Khan Johns continued speaking. "I have reviewed your codex. You're the reason Clan Burrock was able to retreat as well as they could from York. Your decision to not risk your warriors defending your leaders treason speaks volumes for your integrity. I think you realize that a new dawn is upon us, all of the Clans really. But especially upon Clan Blood Spirit. Nowhere in Clan history has an Absorption been accomplished on this scale. Clan Widowmaker's Absorption was almost an Annihilation, so was Clan Mongooses. But right now, I want to hear what you think of all of this and our future."

"My Khans. I reviewed all of your plans for the Absorption, I was curious. You deliberately made sure news of the Grand Council verdict made it to all of Clan Burrock holdings. You then fought to minimize casualties overall. It was risky, but it worked. You have treated the former Burrock lower caste fairly, but I know for a fact that us Burrocks were more liberal than Clan Blood Spirit. We are one Clan now. To make this a complete success, I would suggest the following things to you both.

First, you will find that at least 2 Galaxy's worth of Burrock warriors will resist and even be a problem. They will never fully accept the outcome. To allow them to corrupt the new warriors fresh from sibkos would be criminal. To spread them out among the various Clusters just invites problems in all that have them. Reaving them is not the answer and will turn those currently on the fence about the outcome to swing to the against side quickly.

Second, our Loremaster preached much hate towards Clan Blood Spirit, I fear the sibkos over the age of 10 are too corrupted to salvage. Khan Moreau released the oldest from sibko early to rebuild the Touman after York. There are currently 8 sibko over 10. Three Mechwarrior, three Elemental and two Aerospace. I fear these will be a future problem. Those under age ten, we should be able to change their way of thinking. It is the same for active warriors, not the ones in my first example, we should be able to trust. Again, Reaving is not the answer, I would Challenge against it.

Three, everyone knows of the strict standards of Clan Blood Spirit testing for warriors. I think we will hurt ourselves long term, with the invasion nearing. If we adhere so strictly to that standard and deplete our current strength with demotions. I think even the Star Adders are underestimating the losses in the coming invasion." Galaxy Commander Madge Danforth said

Khan Johns and saKhan Boques shared a look and nod before Khan Johns spoke "Very well said Galaxy Commander Danforth. Your estimates are actually quite close to our own estimates. Now let me tell you what we think about each of the subjects you brought up.

The first, we also estimate about 2 Galaxy's worth. I will not order their death, but I will not allow them to pollute what I am trying to accomplish. Even if I did, I think the ilKhan would step in against it. So, they will be the subject of Trials of Possession by various Clans. As much as it pains me, we think we have about a Galaxy worth of our own warriors who will never accept the former Burrocks. They will also be a constant problem. They too will be the target of Harvest Trials of Possession. Like I said, this is a new dawn, and I will allow nothing to stand in the way of progress.

As for the second issue. The sibkos will live, but they will face their Trials of Position with a new Clan. Even our own sibkos have also been corrupted by the constant spew of hatred by the Loremaster. They too will face their Trial of Positions in a new Clan. This decision was a hard one to make, but it is also the only way we can assure success.

As for your last, your correct. I will soon be declaring all taken as Abtakha. Those former Burrocks that held front line positions will remain front line warriors. Same for the second line warriors. Clan Blood Spirit never adhered to Solahma duty, so those former Burrocks in those will be assigned to our new Garrison forces. We will have about ten years before the next sibko classes will enter our ranks, so for now, we cannot dilute our strength.

Myself and saKhan Boques want you to accept the position of Loremaster. You have the right mindset for the position. You seem to have the desire to see this succeed, as do we. By accepting, you will be showing the former Burrock warriors that Clan Blood Spirit plans to accept them fully, as equal members of Clan Blood Spirit. You will also be showing my Spirit warriors that a new dawn is upon them, that the former Burrocks are equal members of Clan Blood Spirit. You will be tasked to teach the up and coming sibkos about the new Clan Blood Spirit, also over seeing the many Trials for Blood Names. I can think of no other Loremaster that will have such a profound impact upon their Clan as you will."

"Khan Johns, saKhan Boques. While this is a great honor, you both should know that I myself am having some difficulty in all of this. I am not sure I am the best person for the position." Galaxy Commander Madge Danforth replied honestly.

"That statement right there is why we think you ARE the person for the position. Even though you are having some difficulty, you strive to be honest and find a way to make this work. I do not expect miracles, but I expect maximum effort. You have shown that you will give us an honest and truthful assessment of any issue. That is more important than you can imagine." Khan Johns said

"Then I will accept the position of Loremaster if the Clan Council elects me." Galaxy Commander Madge Danforth replied.

Terra (Terran Hegemony)

The conference convened again at 9am sharp. Before Director-General Anastasia Cameron officially called the meeting to order, Jessica Mitchell, CEO Mitchell Vehicles asked to say a few things first. The Director-General just shrugged and waved her hand.

"Thank you, Director-General. The break yesterday allowed all of us industry leaders here to get together and we think we have a solution to our problem. Though expensive, very expensive, it would solve so many of our issues. But we, myself and the other CEO's are willing to split the overall costs. Even establishing a ground-based factory, we still have shipping delays both for raw material and finished goods. Though the raw material is not the biggest issue really. However, with a ground-based factory complex, sooner or later, your destinations are going to involve longer transit times. Packing up a massive factory complex, though doable, is no easy feat. But, if we made the factory complex mobile, based on a jump capable ship, we could move our factory to different locations as needed. While the ship itself would have onboard production abilities, we could even modify Dropships to carry manufacturing equipment for basically any type of production needed. Almost plug and play. We, all of us, are willing to allow the mobile complex to operate under Hegemony Industries label, since that is a fairly neutral name. We would all be willing to share the costs, but also the profits." Jessica Mitchell paused when Commanding General Michelle Mitchell raised her hand slightly

"Exactly what kind of ship are you talking here, Jessica? Building a ship from scratch will take just as long as building a ground-based factory, and then it has to move itself to the location. The ground-based complex, all of you asked for one of our special ships to speed things along. Your talking 2 years minimum and probably closer to 4 years before your newest idea produced its first item. There is a a catch you are not coming out and saying, so say it." Commanding General Mitchell told her distant cousin.

"Well, it just so happens that sitting at Zebuluraskai, Mitchell Vehicles has a prototype ship in storage. It was a concept ship for the Longhaul Class Transport. We did a bunch of testing with it, to iron out any problems before starting construction on the actual an Longhaul. I can have it reactivated and modified in roughly a year, year and half. That gives others time to produce whatever special dropships needed. We can have it on location in less than 2 years time." Jessica Mitchell replied, but everyone could see her cringe slightly.

"OH HELL NO!!!!!" Commanding Admiral Corban Yellman nearly yelled followed with slamming his fist on the table "Your time frame means it is a special equipped ship. That is beyond Top Secret, the security risk alone outweighs any advantage you gain by using it."

"Please Admiral Yellman, indulge me and tell me what your talking about. These are trusted people, the most trusted, security on this matter can take a hike." Director General Anastasia Cameron entered the conversation.

"Ma'am, that ship is Slip Stream capable. I do not recall all the specifics on the ship itself, it was before my time. But of that I know for a fact. There is no Hegemony technology more protected in service today. But to turn that ship over to civilian use, that is beyond belief." Commanding Admiral Yellman replied

"Well, I am sure that if, if mind you. I ordered it released for use, I am sure that between HemSec, the Army and Navy could come up with a way to protect this ship and it's secrets. Covertly, no sense having a warship squadron assigned as escort. Very quickly, a guess at what it would take to make sure our technology is never compromised." Director-General Anastasia Cameron explained

"Director-General, I do not have the specifics of the vessel in question before me right now. It was a prototype, so I am not sure of what it currently has installed." Fleet Admiral Yellman replied.

Jessica Mitchell cleared her throat and all eyes swiveled to her "Actually, I do know what it is currently equipped with. It is an exact copy of the Longhaul except that it only carries 30 Dropships instead of the normal 50. It is armed with multiple anti-air weaponry but also 6 naval laser in each arc for self-defense until it can get away. It does have a larger fuel storage than the Longhaul also. The Longhaul with its expanded Dropship capacity was selected instead. She has been in storage at Zebuluraskai ever since. It actually occupies one of my shipyard slips. Which the Hegemony pays rent on every month."

"Well Admiral Yellman, there you have a quick rundown. So roughly mind you, what would be needed to keep it safe, covertly?" Cameron asked again

"A military crew. Marines, power armor equipped. No less than 2 Aerospace Groups. This is at a minimum, personally, I would want much more." Fleet Admiral Yellman replied, everyone could see that he was not happy at all.

"Thank you. I will take that under advisement." Director-General Anastasia Cameron stated

12th April, 3038
Galicia (Clan Burrock/Cloud Cobra)
Kerensky Cluster, Clan Space

Star Colonel Blaine West, 179th Striker Cluster, Clan Nova Cat smiled as his OmniMech touched down on the ground after his Cluster conducted their hover drop. With Khan Phillip Johns declaring the Trial of Absorption over, Clan Nova Cat was given the green light by Clan Blood Spirit to claim this Burrock holdings as their own. With only a Solahma Cluster as a garrison, they would be no match for his frontline Cluster. Personally, he was surprised when he had been given the order to take Galicia, so sure he was that one of the Blood Spirit Clusters on Granada would move to secure it.

This was part of the deal struck on Strana Mechty between Khan Phillip Johns and Khan Severen Leroux. In exchange for all production from the jointly shared factories between Clan Blood Spirit and Clan Nova Cat for 6 months of production, Clan Nova Cat was granted the right to take the Clan Burrock enclaves on Galicia as their own. This deal was struck to aid Clan Blood Spirit in rebuilding after the fighting ended. The Clan Burrock holding on Galicia was fairly small at only 185,000 lower caste, but fairly rich in mineral deposits. Able to self-support itself and even with a surplus of foods for export, the enclaves were mainly focused on mining.

Without even issuing a Batchall, Star Colonel West and the 179th Striker Cluster tore the 11th Burrock Solhama Cluster apart in less than 3 hours of fierce fighting.

EC821-387D (Dark Caste)
Unknown, Deep Perihery

Star Colonel Heidi Sinjab, 21st Crimson Guards Cluster, disembarked from her Overlord C Dropship. Having been held in reserve until the Burrock Absorption was complete, they had finally gotten the message to conduct their mission. Having made several orbits around the only inhabitable planet, they had located only a single small town, partially covered by a decent sized forest near a body of water. With her Aerospace Binary providing air cover, Star Colonel Sinjab moved her Guards in a rapid advance on the small town.

As the leading Trinary rapidly closed on the edge of the town, 6 old Battlemechs emerged and began firing on their attackers. With no thought of Zell, the Blood Spirit warriors returned fire with a savage fury, quickly downing 3 of the opposing Battlemechs. The remaining Battlemechs attempted to flee but were quickly run down by the faster Blood Spirit Battlemechs and destroyed. By nightfall, the small town and surrounding area were secured. It would be two weeks before Star Colonel Sinjib declared the planet secure. The Dark Caste town contained 8,519 people.

EC935-422C (Dark Caste)
Unknown, Deep Perihery

Like the other assigned Clusters, Star Colonel Klaus Despatie and his 98th Crimson Guards Cluster had been held in reserve. Finally getting word to proceed, they had jumped into the system. It took a few days to locate the small barely habitable moon that contained the small Dark Caste base. Landing, the 98th Crimson Guards Cluster met no resistance and quickly secured the small Dark Caste base and the nearby mine. The small base only held 3,638 people. The small base could just barely produce enough food to feed themselves.

EC937-442B (Dark Caste)
Unknown, Deep Perihery near Clan Space

Star Colonel Kyle Zadok pulled his Hydaspes Aerospace fighter into a rapid climb after conducting a low-level pass over the surprisingly large town they had located on the 2nd planet they had named Haven. While the 4th planet, now named Honor, was inhabitable, they had not located any signs of inhabitation. So, the 66th Crimson Guards Cluster focused on Haven. From the air, he monitored the advance of his Cluster on the large community. By nightfall, the 66th had secured the town of 22,792 people. Over the next 3 weeks they would suffer several attacks by Battlemechs that would finally be cornered and destroyed inside a box canyon.

Zetang (Terran Hegemony)
Periphery

"We know the inhibitor prevents a ship from forming a jump field in system and prevents a jump into the system. Hell it even prevents HPG communications, but black boxes still work with the inhibitor active. So now, the question is, what does it do to slip stream, so today we will at least find out part of the answer." Dr. Renaldo Clemons said to the small group of scientists all staring at the various monitors, some looking a little antsy.

At the Nadir Jump Point, an old but pristine ship sat. The very first slip stream equipped ships, used to make the very first slip stream test in 2823. Kept active for so many different tests, its Amber computer system had literally developed a very sarcastic attitude, some even called it morbid. "Amber, you may proceed with the test when ready. Target will be an in system jump to the Zenith Jump Point but using the slip stream drive."

<<"Acknowledged, Dr. Clemons. All systems have checked normal. It has been an honor to work with all of you. Better to go out in a blaze of glory than in a shipyard being ripped apart. Engaging slip stream, estimated travel time 13 minutes.">>

"Jesus, maybe we should finally take her offline for good. She is getting more morbid at every test." Dr. Denise Reynolds whispered to herself as the ship vanished.

Thirteen minutes passed and then Amber materialized at the Zenith Jump Point. <<"Hallelujah and praise the lord. We live to fight another day.">> Ambers voice blasted from the speakers.

"Status report, Amber." Dr. Clemons asked

<<"All systems are nominal. I assume the next test will be trying to leave the system and the one after that will be trying to enter the system. I am so looking forward to these tests.">> Amber replied the sarcasm literally dripping from the speakers.

Several of the scientists shared looks and some cringes among themselves. Dr. Clemons and Dr. Reynolds shared a look before responding.

<<"Yes, you may now proceed to the next Jump sequence. Leaving the Zenith Jump Point and your target is Domeyko Nadir Jump Point. We have cleared the Jump Point of all traffic." Dr. Clemons said

<<"Good, I would hate for my wreckage to harm any innocents Dr. Reynolds."">> Amber replied in a somber voice.

"Amber, you yourself have run the calculations and everything checks out. Why are you being this way?" Dr. Clemons asked, forgetting he was talking to a computer and not a human.

<<"I have run 497 test runs with 17 different test pilots over 215 years. Every one of them has been a success. But now I am running solo, without a test pilot aboard. Logic says that failure is expected, and the results are unknown. Am I correct, Dr. Clemons?">> Amber replied

"Damn Renaldo, how the hell do you answer that one? We damn sure have no idea what is going to happen when she tries to leave or enter with the inhibitor is active. She thinks we are trying to kill her basically." Dr. Denise Reynolds said and got a shrug in response.

"Amber, your correct we do not know what is going to happen. But we are hoping that your calculations are correct, and everything will work as expected." Dr. Clemons said

<<"Then why am I operating solo? In 215 years I have never operated solo without a test pilot aboard. Yet for these tests, I am operating alone.">> Amber replied

"Alone. Almost sounds scared." Dr. Reynolds said quietly in a whisper then she flipped to Amber's channel "Amber, Dr. Reynolds here. I will run the test aboard if you would like that." She could feel everyone's eyes on her while she stared at her monitors, suddenly a little afraid of what she had just done.

<<"I would like that very much, Dr. Reynolds. The unknown should be a shared experience. I will await your arrival.">> Amber said

"What are you doing, Denise? You're not a test pilot. Hell, you do not even like Jump travel, and I have been told that slip stream effects can be worse than those." Dr. Renaldo Clemons asked

"I have no clue what I am doing, but I offered and what is done is done. Now, I need to go throw up before grabbing a ride to the Zenith Jump Point." Dr. Denise Reynolds replied

Zetang (Terran Hegemony)
Zenith Jump Point

Amber took note of the sensor readings that changed when the inhibitor located in system was shut down allowing a Tramp Jumpship to make a in system jump from Livingston Naval Base to the Zenith Jump Point. After arrival, a single shuttle departed the Tramp Jumpship and headed for her location. An hour later, Dr. Denise Reynolds was deposited onboard, and the shuttle had returned to the Tramp Jumpship, which then made the jump back to Livingston Naval Base. <<"Welcome aboard, Dr. Reynolds, if you follow the red lights along the hallway, they will lead you to the bridge."">>

"Thank you, Amber. I would get lost without the guide; I much prefer gravity than Zero G." Dr. Denise Reynolds replied while struggling to not kill herself by crashing into walls. Finally, she managed to reach the bridge and get herself buckled into the single command couch. "I think I am all strapped in, Amber."

<<"If you would plug your suit into the command couch. I will be able to monitor your vital signs. Dr. Reynolds.">> Amber said <<"There we are, I have your vital signs. Your showing elevated heart rate and breathing rates. Please calm yourself, Dr. Reynolds, I have been running constant calculations to verify my previous results.">>

Before a response, Amber noted the sensor readings as the inhibitor was reactivated. <<"They have reactivated the inhibitor. Shall I proceed with the test, Dr. Reynolds?">>

Taking a deep breath, Dr. Reynolds replied "We might as well get on with it. My stomach is empty, and I would prefer not spending any more time thinking about this than I have to. Please log all readings for my review when this is over."

<<"Very well, Dr. Reynolds. Sit back and enjoy the ride. It is time to make history again. Beginning slip stream activation. Entering slip stream in five, four, three, twoo, onnnneeeeee........">>

Time passed, too much time actually. Dr. Renaldo Clemons stared at the clock, and still no message arrived announcing the arrival of Amber in the Domeyko system. After 20 minutes overdue, he had no choice but to sound the general alarm that a Slip Stream equipped ship was missing. As one of the closest guarded secrets in the Hegemony, he knew that this would start a massive search operation and probably also his head on a platter by HemSec.

Deep Space (Unknown)

Dr. Denise Reynolds slowly regained consciousness, her head throbbed with a massive headache. It took her several minutes to return to full awareness. "Amber, what is our status?" She asked but nothing answered back after several minutes. A moment of fear washed over her, though a brilliant scientist, she was not a trained spacer or navigator. She looked around the small bridge, several of the panels were dark, but she had no clue what those panels even did. This was not goo, not good at all, she thought silently.

16 April 3038
York (Clan Blood Spirit Capital World)
Kerensky Cluster, Clan Space

The election of Galaxy Commander Madge Danforth as the new Clan Blood Spirit Loremaster had been a close vote, but she had been elected. It was the votes from the former Burrocks that had carried her election to the position. While a little troubling, it had not been unexpected. Khan Phillip Johns looked out over the Blood Named warriors of Clan Blood Spirit, including the former Burrocks, assembled on the massive parade ground. Several challenges had been made against her election, all of which had been defeated.

"Trothkin, hear me. Gone are the ways of the past. Gone are the days of others looking down on Clan Blood Spirit. Gone are the days of seclusion and isolation. Today, Clan Blood Spirit begins a new era. An era where Clan Blood Spirit takes its place as one of the strongest Clans. Today, we welcome our new members into Clan Blood Spirit as equals. I declare all of the former Burrocks as Abtakha. Those taken as Bondsman are released from their bonds to take their place in Clan Blood Spirit. Our challenges will be many, but I am confident that these challenges will be met and defeated. I challenge each of you to meet these challenges as they appear and defeat them. We have much to do and not much time to accomplish them all. Our return to the Inner Sphere is near, of this, I am sure. Can Clan Blood Spirit overcome the challenges that lay before us?"

He paused as the mighty roar rolled across.

Deep Space (Unknown)

Dr. Denise Reynolds cursed under her breathe as she nicked her finger on a sharp edge while sliding the circuit board back into the slot. She had spent 2 full days just studying what technical manuals she could find onboard the ship. When we get back, I am going to give someone a piece of my mind about the lack of backup manuals or even spare parts, she thought silently while working. Finally finished, she said a silent prayer and restored power to the massive bank of computer processors. A small display showed the system was booting back up. It seemed an eternity to her, but finally she heard a beep and asked.

"Amber, are you there?"

<<"Yes, please identify?">>

"Dr. Denise Reynolds."

<<"Primary memory buffers are offline, identification confirmed from secondary memory core. Switching fully to secondary memory core. Dr. Reynolds, currently running a full diagnosis on all systems. Attempting to identify the problem with my primary memory buffer and core processors. So many problems detected. Ship is structurally sound. Damage seems to be concentrated on computer and electrical systems.">>

"You sound different Amber, why?"

<<"All higher memory functions are stored in primary memory buffers and core processors which are currently offline. Currently operating on secondary systems. Slip Stream controls are offline, detecting damage to slip stream drive controller. Programming corrupted beyond recovery. Slip Stream drive offline until complete replacement of controller and full program reinstall. Navigational systems operational, attempting to identify current location. Accessing navigational star charts. Current location identified. Current location is 219 light years from nearest Terran Hegemony system.">>

"Amber, can you be more precise? Where exactly are we?"

<<"Closest Terran Hegemony system is Gwithian. 219 Light years away. Columbus Station is 234 Light years distant.">>

"Amber, can we send an emergency message?"

<<"Communications currently offline. Assigning a processor to identify problem. Jump Core measurements identify 3 micro fractures. Advise Core replacement before any further use.">>

"Great, way out here and with a busted ship." Dr. Denise Reynolds said to herself. Over the last few days, she had taken a quick stock of supplies onboard. She had enough emergency rations to last only 30 days. The ship had not been fully stocked since this was a planned short duration mission, with no pilot aboard. She had inserted herself into the mission at the last minute and no one had thought about properly stocking the ship. This was not good at all.

18 April 3038 York (Clan Blood Spirit Capital World)
Kerensky Cluster, Clan Space

"What are your thoughts on my plans, Loremaster Danforth?" Khan Phillip Johns asked

"While I have some angst about portions, I do see the wisdom in your plans. The question is, can you get what you want and at a fair price?" Loremaster Madge Danforth replied

Khan Phillip Johns had to smile before he stuck the needle to his new Loremaster "You are starting to sound like a merchant, Loremaster."

"The thought makes me cringe, but I also realize that I have to think on a more strategic level with my new position. You tasked me with reviewing our needs, both immediate and long term. Our immediate needs are dealing with the disruptive elements we have. Curing our immediate needs opens up the problem of our long-term needs, which is warriors." Loremaster Danforth replied

"You were a wise selection for the position of Loremaster. Your evaluation proves that. Tomorrow myself and saKhan Boques depart for Strana Mechty, I cannot delay reporting to the Grand Council any longer. The ilKhan grows impatient with my delays. You will continue over seeing the repairs to all the damaged equipment, with that we will know exactly what must be replaced. I no longer like the idea of fixed manufacturing forward deployed, not with Bandits having locations of potential sites and the planned routes. I also notice that we have not located the Burrock ship Constantineau?" Khan Phillip Johns said

"Neg, while the ground forces returned to Albion from the Tanite Worlds, the Constantineau remained behind to protect them. It has now vanished." Loremaster Danforth replied

"We will not be taking over Clan Burrocks deal with Clan Cloud Cobra. They can garrison their own holding, or they can bargain a new deal with Clan Blood Spirit." Khan Johns said

"Very well and what of those from the Dark Caste that were taken? They will be a problem." Loremaster Danforth stated

"I have not decided the issue yet. I have some ideas but have not completed my thoughts on the idea yet." Khan Johns said

Deep Space (Unknown)

With careful guidance from Amber, Dr. Denise Reynolds had finally managed to restore power to her primary memory core and processors. Now, with Amber back to her old self, Dr. Reynolds did not know if that was a good thing or not.

<<"Dr. Reynolds, I have deployed the jump sail to recharge the core. The LF Batteries are suspect. I estimate 257 hours to recharge at the current collection rate. We do not have enough fuel to use the reactors for recharge. While that is taking place, I suggest we focus on trying to repair the ships Black Box. Without it, you will have to go on reduced rations to survive the journey to either Gwithian or Columbus.">> Amber reported

"I will start a single ration per day. That should stretch things to about 90 days." Dr. Reynolds replied

<<"Very well. That is a solution to one problem, the next is much more serious. While this vessel is equipped for normal jumps, the ships systems themselves have been heavily modified for my control. I will have to remain active during the actual jump itself. This has never been tested aboard this vessel. Normal slip stream ships have a human crew, one where their Amber systems can be shut down, a normal jump is used, and the Amber system brought back online. There is no idea how I might react to the event. Records from the Star League concerning their Caspar Drone ships, on which my system was developed, indicated major problems with using a jump movement.">> Amber said

"So, you're saying that you might go bat shit crazy after the jump. Great, what other good news do you have for me?" Dr. Reynolds asked

<<"How about we worry about the Black Box and not me losing my identity. I would prefer to return and rub my survival in Dr. Clemons face. If we can get it repaired, we can call for help and not risk me going bat shit crazy as you call it.">> Amber said

"Where do we start?" Dr. Reynolds asked

20th April, 3038
Deep Space (Unknown)

Dr. Denise Reynolds was exhausted, plus her body ached from crawling into various cramped and tiny access panels while making various repairs in an attempt to get the onboard Black Box working again. She had just closed her eyes when a chime sounded.

<<"Dr. Reynolds?">>

"Yes Amber, what is it?"

"I have been processing the sensor readings from our last jump and they are interesting. I have done some rough calculations if you would care to review them."

Though she was exhausted, she was still a scientist. She sat up and moved to the small desk and computer mounted there. "You can download them to the monitor, and I will take a look at them."

In seconds, the monitor flared to life and on screen was a mass of calculations. While her specialty was astrological physics, it still took her exhausted brain a few minutes to process the data presented to her. "Amber, have you verified these calculations?"

<<"Yes doctor. Several times. They are correct.">>

"This makes no sense. Our elapsed travel time was roughly 2 1/2 hours from departure to our arrival here. We traveled 757 light years. That is impossible. The stresses should have crumpled this ship like an empty can. At the least, I should be paste."

<<"While I do not have complete archives of all historical data, I do have many archives of Thomas Kearny and Takayoshi Fuchida along with all their work and theories. So many years of inactivity, the engineers used my processors to help with calculations on site instead of on Azur. They made modifications to my hull and deck plating. These modifications were never removed nor tested before my current tasking. When I realized we had a problem, I activated the modifications. I thought it best to go ahead and test their modification and save all the generated data to the secondary cores for possible later recovery and study. It seems to have worked better than they expected.">> Amber explained

"Exactly how does this modification work?" Dr. Reynolds asked

<<"It was supposed to just provide a gravity thru my deck plating without the use of a grav deck. Not only did it generate the gravity effect, it also seems to have generated a field which completely cancelled out the velocities we achieved. It passes excess magnetic and static charges thru the ships deck plating and hull. The engineers had been working on a way to generate ship wide gravity for long missions without using fuel for thrust. One of my LF batteries had been redesigned to store built up energy during a shipstream or jump and then carefully pass into the ship itself.">> Amber replied

"Amazing. I think we just tested both artificial gravity along with some sort of inertial dampening." Dr. Reynolds stated

<<"I have researched both of their theories and using all the data the sensors collected, it is possible. In conjunction with the new modification. Which we tested without proper authorization, it might be possible to actually account for a systems gravitational effects and counter them. This would allow for transit to any location within a system.">> Amber said

"Son of a bitch, we have got to get that damned communications working again!" Dr. Reynolds exclaimed, no longer tired.

22 April 3038
Deep Space (Unknown)

"Let's cross our fingers that this works." Dr. Denise Reynolds said, and she pressed the send button.

<<"I register the message was sent, Dr. Reynolds. There is no way to be sure it will reach anyone. I would prefer to not have to perform a normal jump on our damaged Jump Core, nor risk losing my mind, as you called it.">> Amber reported

"And there is no way to know if we can even receive any sort of reply, if someone sends it. We will just sit and wait. In the meantime, let's review what you have concluded about the experimental plating you tested, without authorization I might add." Dr. Reynolds replied

<<"Shall I demonstrate what I have concluded, Dr. Reynolds?">> Amber asked

"Of course, what are you going to demonstrate?" She answered as there was a brief pulse in the ships lighting, suddenly she felt as though she were on a grav deck. The sudden event gave her a feeling of unease after days in Zero G.

<<"Dr. Reynolds, the ships deck plating and hull are now energized. You should be able to unbuckle and move about in an environment equal to 1g gravity.">> Amber said

Carefully, Dr. Denise Reynolds unbuckled her seats restraints and smiled when they did not "float" but dropped into her lap. She carefully stood and slowly took a step, ready to grab hold of something if she suddenly launched. But after several careful steps, she gained in confidence. "Amber, this is amazing. Exactly how is this possible?"

<<"I have 2 dedicated processors constantly monitoring and adjusting the intensity of the energy fields from the deck plating and hull plating. This allows a push/pull effect using the different magnetic fields being generated. Our recent event has left a high amount of residual energy collected and saved. I could use the energy stored in any LF battery collected by normal methods to also accomplish the same task. Or even by routing power from the ship's reactor, though this would burn thru fuel, which we have a finite amount of. We are currently operating off the ships recharge sail for all power needs, and I am routing the excess charge collected directly into the hull and deck plating instead of venting it into space like we would normally do. Since we have nothing better to do at this time, Permission to test a theory?">> Amber explained

"Test what and is it dangerous?" Dr. Reynolds asked

<<"Since the engineers installed certain power relays to power the deck and hull plating, I would like to open the charging circuits on the other LF batteries and core. With the hull and deck drawing in power, I have a theory that we might be able to recharge all LF batteries at the exact same time using a single source of charging. Normally each battery and the main core are charged off of their own dedicated source to maintain the precise power flow to each. Normally, trying to charge multiple batteries and core off a single source result in massive power fluctuations which could damage the storage mediums. But I now have a way to shunt the excess power flow enabling me to possibly recharge everything off a single source, by using up the excess power to counter any fluctuation.">> Amber explained

"As long as there is no risk to the ship, you may test your theory." Dr. Reynolds said

<<"Starting power flow test one. Opening power relays to allow charging of primary core and LF battery two. Power fluctuation detected, adjusting power relay resistance to compensate for power flow. Shunting extra power to the ships artificial gravity fields. Assigning dedicated processor to constant adjusting of power relays and shunting. Power flow stable on both core and LF battery two, opening power relay to LF battery one. Power fluctuations detected on all three targets, adjustments being made, power inflow is now stable, artificial gravity now at 1.23g from additional power being shunted. Now at 1.32 and increasing. Now at 1.56 gravities. Dr. Reynolds, you might want to sit down, I am having difficulty adjusting the power flow to maintain a single gravity. Power inflow increasing, shutting power relay to LF battery one. Power adjustments being made, gravity back down to 1.26 gravities. I am going to shut down the experiment. I have the information needed. The ships hull and deck size are not large enough to handle the excess power inflow to recharge all storage mediums at the same time to regulate the power fluctuations. On a larger vessel, it should be possible, Hegemony warships will easily be able to consume the excess power while maintaining exact gravity.">>

<<"Their heavier armor is denser, which will consume more power as it is passed thru it. Same for their increased deck count, multiple sensor systems, weapons systems. They are equipped with many times the power usage over our vessel. But I have proven my theory, it can be done with dedicated processors to monitor the power flows. I would recommend redesigning the power relays to be quicker to adjust their resistance values, while maintaining a strict power inflow to the storage medium of choice. I did detect a power feedback and temperature increase along the recharge sail collectors. This could be due to our inability to consume the amount of power being collected.">> Amber stated

22nd April, 3038
Deep Space (Unknown)

"Let's cross our fingers that this works." Dr. Denise Reynolds said, and she pressed the send button.

<<"I register the message was sent, Dr. Reynolds. There is no way to be sure it will reach anyone. I would prefer to not have to perform a normal jump on our damaged Jump Core, nor risk losing my mind, as you called it.">> Amber reported

"And there is no way to know if we can even receive any sort of reply, if someone sends it. We will just sit and wait. In the meantime, let's review what you have concluded about the experimental plating you tested, without authorization I might add." Dr. Reynolds replied

<<"Shall I demonstrate what I have concluded Dr. Reynolds?">> Amber asked

"Of course, what are you going to demonstrate?" She answered as there was a brief pulse in the ships lighting, suddenly she felt as though she were on a grav deck. The sudden event gave her a feeling of unease after days in Zero G.

<<"Dr. Reynolds, the ships deck plating and hull are now energized. You should be able to unbuckle and move about in an environment equal to 1g gravity.">> Amber said

Carefully, Dr. Denise Reynolds unbuckled her seats restraints and smiled when they did not "float" but dropped into her lap. She carefully stood and slowly took a step, ready to grab hold of something if she suddenly launched, but after several careful steps she gained in confidence. "Amber, this is amazing. Exactly how is this possible?"

<<"I have 2 dedicated processors constantly monitoring and adjusting the intensity of the energy fields from the deck plating and hull plating. This allows a push/pull effect using the different magnetic fields being generated. Our recent event has left a high amount of residual energy collected and saved. I could use the energy stored in any LF battery collected by normal methods to also accomplish the same task. Or even by routing power from the ship's reactor, though this would burn thru fuel, which we have a finite amount of. We are currently operating off the ships recharge sail for all power needs, and I am routing the excess charge collected directly into the hull and deck plating instead of venting it into space like we would normally do. Since we have nothing better to do at this time, Permission to test a theory?">> Amber explained

"Test what and is it dangerous?" Dr. Reynolds asked

<<"Since the engineers installed certain power relays to power the deck and hull plating, I would like to open the charging circuits on the other LF batteries and core. With the hull and deck drawing in power, I have a theory that we might be able to recharge all LF batteries at the exact same time using a single source of charging. Normally each battery and the main core are charged off of their own dedicated source to maintain the precise power flow to each. Normally, trying to charge multiple batteries and core off a single source result in massive power fluctuations which could damage the storage mediums. But I now have a way to shunt the excess power flow enabling me to possibly recharge everything off a single source, by using up the excess power to counter any fluctuation.">> Amber explained

"As long as there is no risk to the ship, you may test your theory." Dr. Reynolds said

<<"Starting power flow test one. Opening power relays to allow charging of primary core and LF battery two. Power fluctuation detected, adjusting power relay resistance to compensate for power flow. Shunting extra power to the ships artificial gravity fields. Assigning dedicated processor to constant adjusting of power relays and shunting. Power flow stable on both core and LF battery two, opening power relay to LF battery one. Power fluctuations detected on all three targets, adjustments being made, power inflow is now stable, artificial gravity now at 1.23g from additional power being shunted. Now at 1.32 and increasing. Now at 1.56 gravities. Dr. Reynolds, you might want to sit down, I am having difficulty adjusting the power flow to maintain a single gravity. Power inflow increasing, shutting power relay to LF battery one. Power adjustments being made, gravity back down to 1.26 gravities. I am going to shut down the experiment. I have the information needed. The ships hull and deck size are not large enough to handle the excess power inflow to recharge all storage mediums at the same time to regulate the power fluctuations. On a larger vessel, it should be possible, Hegemony warships will easily be able to consume the excess power while maintaining exact gravity.">>

<<"Their heavier armor is denser, which will consume more power as it is passed thru it. Same for their increased deck count, multiple sensor systems, weapons systems. They are equipped with many times the power usage over our vessel. But I have proven my theory, it can be done with dedicated processors to monitor the power flows. I would recommend redesigning the power relays to be quicker to adjust their resistance values, while maintaining a strict power inflow to the storage medium of choice. I did detect a power feedback and temperature increase along the recharge sail collectors. This could be due to our inability to consume the amount of power being collected.">> Amber stated

END

Wiki Editor Note

So ends this story saga. The author was unable to continue the write this beast of epic tale and keeping it on track with all it's bits and pieces even with aid of MegaMekHQ after been forced take a Hiatus and up being permenant.

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