An Alliance Built[]
October 3152
Erik came to, his head in severe pain, his face grimacing. There is ringing in his ears. Then he flashes back, sees the two Archangels… the other Omega. He opens his eyes wide, the bright lights blinding him, considering he might still be in his Templar III’s cockpit. The kid? Is he alive? He closes his eyes and tries to raise himself but the gravity feels too intense. Realizing he isn’t breathing, he forces air into his lungs with a deep breath.
Taking in what he can feel, it is soft on his hands, his whole body is laying flat and on something soft, it isn’t a command couch. As his eyes adjust and he begins blinking he notices he is in a room, walls like the metallic steel of a dropship. What happened…?
“Prince’s Champion.” Comes a voice from his left, a man in a white coat stands next to Erik, standing over him.
“What happened?” asks Erik, not strong enough yet to make the question a demand.
“You barely survived, Prince’s Champion. Alpha 2 basically ripped the cockpit off of your Templar and ran into the hangar, in fact, he barely made it as well. Beyond that only two other Mechwarriors survived and a handful of other personnel on vehicles that made it across the tarmac.”
“Well, those warriors have earned a commendation.” Added Erik. “What is the status of the fleets?”
“A number of our dropships are docked with Raven vessels and we are departing the system imminently to return to New Avalon. We are going to be docking with Raven’s Next so you will be able to meet with Galaxy Commander McKenna when you recover.” Responds the Doctor.
“Very well,” Erik says thought a grunt as he stubbornly tries to lift himself again. This time he gets about halfway up and the man moves to assist him. However, Erik couldn’t hold it and falls back, this time going unconscious.
***
“Precentor Imala, we must not give away the advanced technology yet, while he is the Prince’s Champion, he has been known for his undermining of the FedSun throne. That we had to upgrade the FedSun ships puts us at risk. We will plot normal jumps until we arrive at Terra, unless absolutely necessary, such as the rescue was.” States Dominic firmly.
Both of them occupy the war room at the rear of the Raven’s Nest bridge. The fleet battles were significant above Point Barrow as the forces below battled it out. The Prince’s Champion was saved and a large number of resources and VIPs made it off world. However, that last battle was devastating. The Blakists overran the last of the defenses and only a narrow suicide run saved the Prince’s Champion.
“I understand your concerns Galaxy Commander. I won’t bring it up again.”
“Aff, Precentor, the Blakists will need time to secure Point Barrow, we already have a head start. On top of that, it would not show good will if we were to suddenly leave these FedSuns ships on their own.”
“Agreed, my next main concern is what happens to me and my people.” Imala is visibly nervous.
In the recent past, Comstar reemerged in the Inner Sphere and it was crushed by the Republic of the Sphere. All the nations knew about that. Imala and this new Comstar saved the Stormhawk Galaxy and is willing to provide this important data to the Inner Sphere. They are too important a resource to have them squandered by foolish House Lords or Clan Khans.
“For now, your people will stay with the Stormhawk Galaxy. We will arrange a meeting with the First Prince and you can provide him the information. At that point we will see about potentially finding a place for your people to settle in the Federated Suns or elsewhere. After our time here is ended, the Ravens will be returning to the Clan Occupation Zones to determine our path forward. We can carry the data and the message that Comstar has returned.” Says Dominic.
“Thank you, Galaxy Commander, if you need anything, Comstar is here for you.” The Precentor bowed his head in respect and departed the war room.
***
New Avalon
December 3152
A combination of Federated Suns and Snow Raven ships begin emerging from their jumps in the New Avalon system. Federated Suns personnel in various fleet formations guarding the system seem to freeze in place at their stations, awaiting orders from the chain of command. Some personnel feel rage for the Palmyra catastrophe, some feel shock at seeing three Clan warships, and others are in confusion seeing Federated Suns ships docked on some of the Clan ships.
On the bridge of Raven’s Nest stand both Galaxy Commander Dominic McKenna and Prince’s Champion Erik Sandoval-Groell. Erik shows some visible signs of injury due to bandages on his head. Dominic gives Erik control of the communications so there are no misinterpretations of the situation. The last thing Dominic wants is for it to look like the Snow Ravens had captured the Prince’s Champion and are showing up with three warships as a show of force to demand a ransom or submission.
A Fleet Admiral appeared with the holoprojection in the center of the bridge just a few feet in front of Erik. “Fleet Admiral Wallner, I have information that I need to relay to the First Prince at once.” States Erik, jumping straight to the point.
“Welcome to New Avalon, Prince’s Champion,” responded the Fleet Admiral. “Normally, that would be something I can assist with, however, the First Prince is not in the system right now. Do you need assistance?” the Admiral responded, clearly concerned about the situation.
“No, Fleet Admiral, I have found a temporary ally in the Stormhawk Galaxy of Clan Snow Raven, they are the reason I survived Point Barrow.”
“Point Barrow, sir? Stormhawk Galaxy?”
“Yes, Fleet Admiral, you need to begin preparing defenses.” Erik says. It simply is not time to tell a story. “The Word of Blake is gutting the Federated Suns much faster than anticipated. Pass word to the rest of the Federated Suns forces in system. Has Prince Julian left any standing orders?”
“Yes, sir, you may have noticed the additional fleet here? Those are the survivors of the Republic, they are being led by Knight Kitsune Kurita. We should have additional Republic ships here in the next few days that evacuated as many of our citizens as they could from the world of Abbeville with General Lee.” Responds the Admiral.
Erik took a second to recall the details, the Prince had received word from Kitsune Kurita, son of Victor Steiner-Davion. The son of Victor is here… thought Erik. Any machinations… any delusions of grandeur he had before his near-death experience on Point Barrow were long past. He had time to think while he was recovering, how even before the Word of Blake threat he was undermining the realm, undermining the First Prince. Now, with Victor’s son here, there were little to no moves for him to play, if he wanted to for the throne.
Returning his focus to the conversation at hand, he realigns his eyes to make eye contact with the Admiral, as his gaze had drifted slightly downward. “Yes, my orders to Point Barrow included the information about the Nomads. We are looking at mere weeks before the Word of Blake arrives. Our friends in the Raven Alliance are transmitting three messages from the Raven’s Nest. One is my orders as I have the most recent contact with the Word of Blake – I want electronic countermeasures deployed in force on the ground and in the system, see the message for additional data. The other two are one each from myself and Galaxy Commander Dominic McKenna for the First Prince’s eyes only. I have one additional stop to make and then will return to New Avalon. Also, forward me any new intel on the Word of Blake from New Avalon, I want to speak with MIIO while the jumpships are charging in the next couple days.”
“Solid Copy Prince’s Champion, we are receiving the data now, sending a request to MIIO as well.” Replied the Admiral.
“Very good, be prepared, they could be here any day. If you think you are prepared enough, double whatever you can. Prince’s Champion Erik Sandoval-Groell out.” The holoprojection cut out.
Both the officers turned to each other. “Galaxy Commander, I have a… request. We know what is coming. While this world has Victor Davion’s son and will have Julian Davion when he returns. I, no, the Federated Suns could use your assistance for a while longer.”
“We are Clan, not mercenaries, Prince’s Champion. However, I wish to build our nation’s relationship anew. We will need access to repair facilities and funds to stay functional.” Responds Dominic understanding his influence on events is significant at this point. However, this was a side of the Prince’s Champion he did not expect – asking for help.
Erik extended his hand and Dominic did as well, shaking hands. “Done. While we are recharging, I will have emergency repairs commence on your fleet. Then we should move with haste to Kathil once the batteries are ready. It is time for me to work on some much-needed diplomacy for our nation.” States Erik, who then adds, “I also have a request.”
“Yes?” asks Dominic with skepticism.
“I noticed that a certain sixty-ton mech is in your galaxy that does not have a warrior. Would it be possible for me to purchase it, quiaff?” asks Erik.
“I was alerted that your staff was asking about it, let us have a look…”