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Chapter 30 - This is the Way the World Ends - Wolf Skinners (3024)[]
Wolf Skinner bivouac around WSDS Mondez's impact site
Astrokaszy
26th August, 3024
Lieutenant Ranjeet and Smoke hadn't presented their idea to the Major yet, and the radio call that morning from the neighbors about a joint expedition to Rabigh was dominating conversation around the camp. The Major seemed favorably inclined, and the S-2 saw it as an opportunity to be rid of Aliyah Ar-Rabigh once and for all. The nosy local had been a thorn in his side since she'd been rescued. It was clear she'd developed some idea of the OLF, but at least hadn't managed to stow away for a ride there like a certain someone else. Given the trip would involve Renzi and his crew, the Furys were NOT invited. The Major explained it away as simply not trusting the neighbors with a child as young as Athena. Lieutenant Jackson was in the middle of training the unit how to farm, and thus wasn't considered available for the trip either.
Warrant Cushman pointed out the left arm of the pirate Hermes was intact and might be worth more in trade that way. The S-2 put the question to Aliyah separately and received an enthusiastic "YES". Apparently that particular pirate Hermes was known to Rabigh, and a piece of it would be worth some satisfaction on their side. Another benefit was that it would remove the temptation to install the cursed Flamer in any of the unit's machines. Given Aliyah's non-plussed reaction to the Star League rations, it was also decided to take six cases for trade purposes. Renzi's crew would likely simply assume they'd been in the Landing Craft and might even trade something for them before arriving in Rabigh.
The date was set for the 28th, conveniently keeping Renzi to his word for a joint expedition "this" month.
Wolf Skinner bivouac around WSDS Mondez's impact site
26th-28th August, 3024
The two days flew by, with Warrant Cushman in charge of assembling the "trade package", and Captain Harris putting together the escort package. Lieutenant Ranjeet had to split his time between the two of them, as Captain Harris was planning on putting him in charge of the escort while Warrant Cushman was trying to decide what of their salvage might be worth taking along to see if it could be traded.
Escort-wise, the Recon Lance & APC, with Smoke and Ice were already on the roster. The debate was whether to round out a second 'mech lance, or roll with just seven. Harris was inclined to stick with a full lance at the bivouac, since the trade mission would be at least two days.
The Hermes arm was already loaded on the BMRV, but Warrant Cushman was weighing if it was worth trying to trade the damaged Flea cockpit for more appropriate parts that could be used to repair the Marauder's cockpit. The S-2 helpfully mentioned that Rabigh had a Marauder among their forces, so that was a serious possibility. He also mentioned that Aliyah had been completely unimpressed by the Star League rations, letting slip that she had seen them before in the market in Rabigh. That probably meant they were worth more to Renzi's crew, but a few cases shouldn't raise too many suspicions.
Designated Coordinates
28th August, 3024
1230 Local Time
In the end, Captain Harris had decided to count the APC as a member of the second lance of the escort, leaving him four 'mechs for bivouac security. Lieutenant Ranjeet had command of the ad hoc security force as the Major's second, and de facto command should anything go sideways with the locals.
Lieutenant Novak had her short platoon for personal security for the Major and the perimeter when they camped. Warrant Cantrell had also borrowed a pair of troopers to help him keep an eye on Aliyah, and Warrant Cushman had brought two technicians along as well. The APC was just over half full, so there was plenty of room to spread out, even with the extra six cases of Star League rations along.
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Thunderbolt Heavy 'Mech
The Hermes arm and Flea cockpit were loaded on the BMRV with a parachute covering them like a tarp.
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Packrat Scout Vehicle
Renzi's crew were waiting for the Wolk Skinners at the arranged coordinates. Renzi was there in his Thunderbolt, along with his wife in her Phoenix Hawk, plus the Stinger and Wasp from her lance. Their Packrat was also along, with a load of cargo strapped to its roof. It appeared to be mostly armor plate.
As the Wolf Skinners approached, the radio crackled to life with Renzi's voice: <<"Welcome my friends! It's a long way to Rabigh, so we should probably get moving right away.">>
"Agreed, Captain," the Major transmitted back. The combined force put Renzi's 'mechs in the lead, with the Wolf Skinner's Recon lance on the flanks and Lieutenant Ranjeet and the others following the Packrat, BMRV and APC.
On the agreed 'mech channel, Renzi transmitted to the other MechWarriors, "We make quite the company, don't we?" His smile was almost audible.
Smoke to Lieutenant Ranjeet
>>"Howdy, Lt, I'm going to walk slack and keep my eyes out any Varmints popping up."<<
"Oh-whey! Hoss, dis here gonna be 'nother one of dem dusty dry runs I tell you wha'!" as the driver Blu wiped his sweaty forehead off with a somewhat clean grease rag.
He continued to double, and triple check the various safety belts holding down the tarped cargo.
"Yes sauh, a mighty dry run again..." he muttered, restarting his checks for the fifth time since arriving.
Ranjeet breathed a sigh of relief. It felt good to back in a mech on an actual mission, even if it was just escort duty. Switching between sensors, that relief started to fade. Something was off, but he just couldn’t put his fingers on it. Everything on the scanners show nothing, which is to be expected. But why did that bother him? Maybe it was just breakfast not settling with him, Ranjeet wasn’t sure. Better to be safe than sorry.
“Rodger that, Smoke.” Ranjeet started to input commands into his console. “Hang back about 90-120 meters from the 4 o’clock position, I’ll match you on the 8 o’clock.” Ranjeet hit enter on the console, directing the other two in the lance to take up positions 30 meters for and aft of the vees.
Smoke to Lieutenant Ranjeet
>>Roger that Lt.<<
Start watching sensors... but not voiding the old Mark 1 Eyesballs.
Section spoken by Smoke was written by DOC_Agren
Section spoken by Lieutenant Ranjeet was written by SANSd20
Section spoken by Blu was written by truetanker