Jade Falcon Occupation Zone
10 February 3052
Captain Gregory Illia marched his MAD-3R Marauder forward. The lightly forested lands of Surcin’s western continent had been only a mild obstacle to his unit, the 21st Rim Worlds regiment of the Blue Star Irregulars mercenary group. Initial contact with the enemy had occurred nearly a week before, pitting the 120 or so mechs of the Blue Star Irregulars versus the 30 second-line Clan designs fielded by the Gyrfalcon solahma cluster. Made up of older warriors believed past their prime, the outnumbered and outgunned Jade Falcons fought admirably. But there were too few of them. Only five of them remained and Captain Illia’s company had been assigned to track them down and destroy them.
To disgust, Captain Illia had realized several days before that the Falcons had abandoned this unit on Surcin without aerospace support or dropships with which to escape. The solahma troops were trapped, either fighting until death or surrender. Given their ferocious defense so far, Gregory doubted they would surrender even in the end.
"Captain, I’m reading an unknown mech on my scopes. Bearing 13°."
"Roger, Lieutenant."
Illia jerked his mech to one side, clearing the edge of the woods. Ahead of him by about 100 meters was a battered Jade Falcon second-line mech. The machine was similar in appearance to the Thor Omnimech, but weighed 10 tons less, only 60 tons. It was still a formidable opponent to Illia’s Succession War technology Marauder.
Illia dropped both crosshairs onto the machine and stabbed at the buttons for his PPCs. Two balls of blue lightning streaked out to strike the already damaged enemy. The blow was hard, knocking the somewhat surprised Falcon backwards a few steps.
"Nice shot, sir." It was the lieutenant, who’s own GHR-5H Grasshopper cleared the woods next. A small salvo of LRM missiles peppered the Clan machine, followed up by a single large laser strike.
Two more Blue Star mechs came out of the woods, a CPLT-C1 Catapult and a JM6-S Jaegermech. The Jaegermech opened fire with its light autocannon. The Clan mech returned the volley with its own cannon, slashing through the Jaegermech’s light armor.
Humbled, the mech backed off. The Catapult, a long-range mech by design, stayed back with it, belching out two salvos of LRM-15 missiles. The 30 missiles slammed hard into the Clan design, a few missed but it didn’t matter. The firepower of those missiles smashed the Clan mech to scrap. It fell over, flame and smoke boiling out of several holes in its thick hide.
"This is almost too easy." said Illia. "Let’s move on."
Jade Falcon Occupation Zone, Federated Commonwealth
13 February 3052
The temporary command center of Gyrfalcon galaxy was abuzz with activity. On one wall of the main briefing room was a map of the
Most clusters of Jade Falcon forces had been poised to attack new Commonwealth worlds as well as begin plowing into the Free Rasalhague Republic when news of "Operation : Counterstrike" reached them. Now they were in limbo, en route to reinforce worlds believed to be attacked next. To determine which worlds would need that defense, the galaxy commanders and khans of the Jade Falcons had assembled here to decide.
Star Colonel Dal Pryde was also here, having retreated the 2nd Jaegers from Garrison after being attacked by two full regiments of the Eridani Light Horse mercenary group. Seriously outgunned, Pryde chose to withdraw before he took any serious losses. That had been prudent. In at least three cases, on Pherkad, Cameron, and now Surcin, the heavily outnumbered and outgunned Falcon occupation troops had been destroyed to the last man.
Also in the meeting was Star Colonel Devinnia Guili, the commander of
The meeting had quickly degenerated. Several of the Galaxy Commanders were in disbelief at the defeats.
"But we are Jade Falcon!" exclaimed Galaxy Commander Mar Helmer, leader of the Jade Galaxy.
“Don’t be a fool, Helmer. This operation was all a ruse to begin with, an effort to force the Commonwealth to maneuver troops away from the main invasion corridor to protect their capital. Had Malthus not died on Donegal, we might have actually hit Tharkad and done some damage, but that was never our true purpose. Holy Terra awaits.”
“Therefore, we should not be surprised at counterattacks. But the Sphereoids have learned something. They attack en masse, overwhelming our token garrison forces with enough numbers that even a fully armed and operation front-line cluster would find challenging to defeat.” Said Marthe Pryde. “If they continue into our actual invasion corridor, we will be hard pressed to repel them.”
"There must be some way of stopping the invasion cold." said Star Colonel Guili. "We have the firepower to do it."
"Aff, but we are spread too thin." said saKkan Vandervahn Chistu, who had replaced the late Timur Malthus.
"You have a proposal, I hope." said Marthe Pryde haughtily.
"I have ordered many of our assault forces to a stand-by mode.” Said Chistu. “There are to be a rapid response team to assist any new Commonwealth thrusts into the invasion corridor. But I fear this will not be enough. A few probing assaults coreward along the corridor will reveal the vulnerability of our supply lines. Strikes at Antares, Alyina, and similar worlds would leave us vulnerable.”
Dal Pryde leaned forward, looking intently at the holographic map that showed the worlds Chistu spoke of. Alyina was a single jump from New Belfast. He scratched his chin as an idea formed in his head.
“We cannot reinforce those worlds without jeopardizing the entire invasion.” Said senior Khan Elias Crichell, speaking for the first time. “Already, the Steel Vipers dog at our heels and the Wolves continue to pull ahead of us. They will have devoured the
"So how do we stop them? All of them?”
“That is why we are here.” Said Crichell.
“A big part of the problem,” said Dal, “is that they no longer fear us.”
“They fear us enough to throw 4 to 5 times as many troops as they need at us.” Said Helmer.
“Aff, but they do not know how weakly those worlds have been defended.”
“But they expect at least a cluster at each. And they throw two regiments of forces armed with Star League level technology at them.” Said Helmer. “That speaks of fear to me.”
“Perhaps, but it is also irrelevant. The Commonwealth has the regiments to spare. Shock and surprise were to be our greatest weapons, to keep the enemy off balance. If they turned their full might against us, even with their primitive technology, we could not stand against them. It would be akin to the Zulu Wars of 19th century
“If my memory of ancient history has not failed me, those natives were massacred by the thousands.” Said Helmer. “And if I also recall, in the end, they did not win.”
“Nor does the Commonwealth need to win to stop us from our ultimate goal.” Pointed out Dal. “We may be backed into a corner.”
“Neg.” said Chistu sternly. “Enough of this defeatist talk. We must teach them how to fear us again. Remind them that they are as ants before us.”
“The Star Swords are the key.” Said Dal. “The unit they built out of what they stole from us is the lynch pin of the entire strategy.”
“The Star Swords were mauled on Garrison. We have had no contact with them on any of the invaded worlds.”
“But were recovered enough to repel us from Donegal. They are back in the fight. Just give them time and we will see them again.”
“The Star Swords are only marginally stronger than any of these other Commonwealth units.” Said Chistu. “Your vendetta against them not withstanding, destroying them will not slow the Commonwealth momentum.”
“With respect, my Khan, I disagree.” Said Dal. “The Star Swords are a symbol. Many in the Inner Sphere idolize the Star League as we do. Their name is not coincidental. It is as if Kerensky has risen from the dead to oppose us.”
“Blasphemy.”
“Is it? That is what this regiment means to the soldiers of the LCAF, however abhorrent we find it. Crush this blasphemous unit, and you destroy the symbol they rally around.”
“But how to trap them?” said Khan Crichell. He looked to Marthe. “Your efforts on Garrison only left us with a mauled galaxy. The 5th
:”Trapping them will be easy. Khan Chistu is right. The Commonwealth forces will strike at our supply lines.” Dal stepped over to the computer to program the holographic map. “They already hold Twycross, having ejected us and repelled the Steel Vipers. I think it likely they will strike from there and hit...here.” New
“The Sword commanders have sentimental attachment to this world.” Said Dal. ”The Inner Sphere warrior I took as bondsman claims many of their soldiers are from this planet and I would wager my life that the Star Swords will choose it as a target.”
“You trust the word of that barbarian you installed as planetary governor and then promoted into your own ranks as a warrior?”
“Robert has been loyal to my purposes. And he despises the commander of the Star Swords. So yes, I do trust him in this matter.”
“Your cluster will not be enough.” Said Marthe.
“Can I count on your support then?” asked Dal. “As before.”
"You tried once and failed." retorted Mattlov bitterly. "Let someone else try. One who can win against these barbarians."
“My decision has not been made.” Said Crichell. “But I will consider all that I have heard here today. For now, let us call it a day. I have much to think about. Dismissed.”
Jade Falcon Occupation Zone,
22 February 3052
Richard O’Malley and his Caesar battlemech moved forward cautiously. This area had obviously been some form of headquarters for the Jade Falcon forces. It was heavily defended by static weapons, lasers in computer controlled turrets programmed to fire at any non-Jade Falcon mech that approached. Already, the turrets had disabled one of the other mechs in Juan Miranda’s command lance. Richard did not want to be next.
"The garrison forces are here." Richard heard Juan say softly. "We cut them off from their dropships. They cannot escape the planet now."
"Has the General offered surrender?"
"He did, but they refused. They seem to prefer a fight to the death."
"Fanatics." said Richard disgustedly.
"Enemy mech. 7 o’clock!" cried Juan. His Thor, a few dozen yards off Richard’s left, spun around to face the new threat. Richard did the same, only to have an enemy contact appear right in front of him.
"New contact. 12 o’clock. I’m on it." said Richard. The enemy machine was a Grendel. Despite his weight advantage, Richard knew he was outgunned.
Richard dropped his gauss rifle crosshairs onto the enemy mech and fired. The slug hurled across the open street to slam into the Clan Omni hard. Undaunted, the eight machine guns of the Grendel opened up, slamming thousands of light rounds against Richard’s armor. Richard was reminded of a power sander for a brief moment as he watched his armor status boards.
Deciding that was a most unpleasant fate, Richard jerked his mech to the left, diving behind a building to avoid another barrage. A bolt of green light stabbed past him into the building behind him as he did so, a parting shot from the Grendel’s pulse laser. It was a clean miss and Richard was thankful that the weapon did not open further the wounds he had taken from the machine guns.
Much faster than Richard’s machine, the Grendel followed him boldly around the corner. He dropped the crosshairs of his PPC onto the enemy mech and fired. A bolt of blue-white lightning stabbed out to blasting through the armor of the mech. A serious hit, it caused the Grendel to stumble. Richard did not release his newly gained initiative. He fired the two forward pulse lasers his mech carried, melting through more armor.
"You’re mine now, bastard!" snarled Richard, firing his last gauss shell at the Grendel. The metal slug smashed into the mech’s torso, knocking it backwards and onto its back. Richard ran forward, finishing off the mech with an execution-style shot to the head with his PPC.
"Kommandant, do you require assistance? My bogey’s down."
"Negative. I can handle him. Continue your recon."
"Roger. O’Malley out."
"We’re scaring them off of these worlds. Alright!" said Erik with elation.
"Not likely." said Joshua quietly. "There was something here they didn’t want us to capture."
"Any theories?"
"None.” Said Joshua.
“Probably some indeterminate piece of military information absolutely vital to their plans that we wouldn’t know what to do with if we did find it." Said Kou.
"Don’t be so cynical, Kou." rebuked Juan mildly. "But I believe you are right. Something was here they didn’t want us to find."
"See if any of those computers are working. If there was something valuable here, I want to make sure the Clans did a thorough job of covering their tracks."
Juan sat down at the only functioning terminal. Within a minute, he punched up the first file he could find.
"Now that was too easy." said Juan. "This is bait."
"What is it?"
"Garrison forces and their locations."
"No way." said Joshua, leaning over Juan’s shoulder to look.
"They wanted us to find this, to tell us they’ve drawn their line and are daring us to cross it."
"It shows nearly a galaxy of troops each on Dompaire,
“What about New Belfast?” asked Joshua.
“I’ll see what I can find. The file has been damaged, probably a slop job to make us think they failed to delete it.”
“If it is bait, I suspect you’ll find something.”
"Joshua, Juan, I found something over here." said Lisa.
Joshua walked over with her. It was probably the only intact piece of machinery, besides the terminal, in the whole place. It was a vidchip player and on its LED panel it indicated that a chip was loaded.
"Not a coincidence, I’m sure." said Lisa.
"No, probably not." said Joshua, pressing PLAY. The screen flickered and was filled with a Jade Falcon emblem. It soon faded into a view of the bridge of a Clan warship. Seated at the command chair was Dal Pryde, behind him and to the right was Robert O’Malley.
Joshua shot a quick glance to Juan’s aide-de-camp as Richard gained the first proof of his brother’s survival. If Richard felt any emotion at seeing his brother’s image, he did not show it.
"Greetings, Star Swords." said Dal. "I see you wasted no time in disposing of those fools we left here. You are standing in the headquarters of my own Gyrfalcon galaxy. If you have not already found it, you will discover a computer file showing you the garrisons of the worlds remaining in the path of your Operation: Counterstrike. I assure you the information is accurate. Do not proceed with your assaults or we will crush you. I offer you this fair warning as a token of honor between warrior to warrior."
"Why don’t I buy that?" said Erik sardonically. "We are dezgra to him."
"He’s trying to intimidate us, but I do not doubt his honesty." said Joshua.
"I must admit that Robert and I do truly miss the opportunity to crush you as we did on Garrison. It was such a sad time for you, losing so many friends as you did." Dal nodded in false sympathy. "Must make you just filled with rage. Well, Joshua, what about it? The Star Swords and the Jaegers? One more time. A chance to avenge the deaths of those who died on Garrison. Surely you cannot pass that up. I will even fatten the prize a little. We know what you are after: Your adopted homeworld of New Belfast." Pryde gave the word "adopted" an emphasis that indicated he knew of Joshua’s true origins. "The battle will be there. We are waiting. And if Garrison is not enough incentive, I have a little gift for you....."
A sudden flash of light made everyone turn to a nearby broken window. Far in the distance was the city of
"Holy Mary, mother of God...." said Lisa in horror.
"I thought you might like it if I kept the home fires burning for you, Joshua." That was Robert’s voice. Joshua turned to see O’Malley sneer into the screen as it went black.
"Move as many troops to the city as you can and get as many people out as humanly possible!" ordered Joshua, his eyes not leaving the black screen. He was too horrified to look back towards
"Roger." said Richard, immediately rushing out of the room as fast as he could go. Erik followed.
Juan walked over to the couple. “The message was generic. No mention of place or time. Pryde recorded it aboard his ship. That means a similar trap was probably set on every world in the path of Operation: Counterstrike.”
“To make sure that wherever we showed up, we would get the message.” Joshua looked at Juan grimly. “What are the odds the other forces of Counterstrike set them off?”
Juan didn’t answer, as Joshua had cleared already guessed at the answer.
“How many thousands died for that monster’s vendetta? That’s what he did to my home.” His face set like steel, he departed without another word.
Outbound, Pandora
Tamar March, Federated Commonwealth
24 February 3052
"How are you feeling?" said Mechlanthon, carrying two cups of coffee into Joshua’s office.
Joshua rubbed his chest. Smoke inhalation had gotten the better of him during their rescue operation. It had not been an entirely futile effort thankfully. Many thousands had been saved. Many thousand others had not.
"You are disturbed by what happened, quiaff?"
"Aff. I keep thinking that if you hadn’t shown up, none of us would have made it out of that room. I owe you one. I owe you a big one." Joshua had been referring to an attempt by Lisa and him to free a group of trapped civilians in a burning building. He and Lisa had ended up trapped themselves, only to need rescue by Mechlanthon and his Grendel.
"Do not concern yourself with that."
"Seems unusual. When we first met, you were as much my enemy as Dal Pryde."
"I followed an immoral order, one that sickened me to my very soul. Pryde relished the killing." said Mechlanthon, seemingly insulted.
"You were both Jade Falcons. That was the comparison I was trying to draw. I meant no offense. I wasn’t even referring to New Vision."
"Hard not to, given what Pryde and Robert did on Pandora." said Mechlanthon, as if explaining his chain of thought. “And probably elsewhere.”
"True." Nodded Joshua.
"So what is our next move?"
"Dal Pryde wants us to face him on New Belfast. Which is convenient, since that’s our Wave Three target anyway."
"He has every intention of destroying us there and no doubt he will throw everything he can at us." said Mechlanthon. "Given what we know of the garrisons on the consolidated worlds, you can bet it is the entire Gyrfalcon galaxy again. They will want revenge for the damage we inflicted on Garrison.”
“Seems neither side came away from Garrison as badly as their opponents had hoped. We’re back in fighting shape, and so are they. Once again, we’re looking at 2 to 1 odds against us. And this time we are on offence, where numbers or rather the lack thereof will count all the more against us.”
"It is unlikely that they are at full strength.” Reminded Mechlanthon. “We do know that the Eridani Light Horse managed to destroy or capture an entire trinary of the 2nd Jaegers when they recaptured Garrison. The file Juan discovered showed the 5th
“So you’re saying we got back on our feet a lot faster than they did?”
“I am.”
"So you believe the real odds to be?"
"Dead even based on raw numbers. But, as you say, the tactical norm of attacking a defending force with no less than 3 times their number is not a part of this calculation. Still, we have one other advantage."
"What is that?"
"We know the terrain of New Belfast very intimately. Although we are the invader, we have the ‘home field advantage’"
"New
“I do not see one.”
"There’s got to be a way." Said Joshua, “Something we’re overlooking.”
"If you fear overlooking something, begin with the basics. How do you win a battle? You defeat an enemy by eliminating his capacity to wage war."
"Which can be done any number of ways. You kill his soldiers, you force him to retreat or surrender, you cut off his supply lines, destroy his weapons...any number of things. You don’t get any more basic than this." Joshua paused. “Maybe you’re on to something, Mechlanthon.”
"Have you thought of something?"
"Maybe. You’ve mentioned a couple of things already that might prove important. Clan supply lines, for one.”
“Long and complicated.”
“Yeah, and New Belfast doesn’t have a lot of heavy industry. Small arms can be manufactured and maintained, but a Battlemech force has to be maintained from outside.”
“I do not follow. How does that help us?”
“Pryde can’t rely on indigenous industry to maintain his stock of ammunition and repair stores. He either needs a free and clear supply line to the outside, something he’ll be unlikely to maintain once the battle begins or he has large stockpiles on-planet already.” Joshua scratched his chin. “What do you suppose would happen if we were to deny him access to those stockpiles?”
“His ‘capacity to wage war’ would be severely hampered.”
“Exactly.” Said Joshua. “In this modern universe we live in, we think of destroying an enemy’s weapons as destroying his Battlemechs. But what is a Battlemech? It’s a platform for a variety of weapons systems, many of which require ammunition. If Pryde has no bullets or missiles to shoot at us, he’ll be left only with energy weapons and his tactical versatility will be significantly limited.”
"But how do we make this happen? We do not know where Pryde might store those stockpiles."
“No, we don’t. But there are ways to find out. Contact Juan. I’ve got an idea."
The Star Sword command officers were all assembled later that day in the briefing room. Joshua stood up and marched to the view screen to give the briefing. "When we reconned New Belfast last August, we encountered a very successful rebel group based in
"Stockpiling?" said Mike. "What makes you so certain they are not just manufacturing them? Because, if so, then we must find their munitions plant and destroy it."
"High grade ammunition like the kind mechs use cannot be manufactured on New
"Lisa’s correct. The Falcon forces on New Belfast must be supplied from the outside. Once the battle begins, off-world supplies will not be able to get through, so their munitions must be stockpiled somewhere on world."
"What do you propose, Joshua?" said Daisaku.
"A small raiding force consisting of light and medium mechs and infantry will land on New Belfast before the main force arrives and disrupt the Clan supplies."
"Do we know where the munitions are?"
"No, but it won’t take long to discover where their garrison mechs are stationed. One will determine the other, since the Falcon’s can’t fight efficiently if their forces are parted from those stockpiles.”
"A small scouting party going in on a planet garrisoned by a full galaxy?" said Erik.
“It’s a big planet.” Said Lisa.
“But they’ll be looking for us.” Said Kou.
"Agreed. It is risky." said Joshua. "Thus, this is a volunteer only mission."
"Who’s leading this operation?" said Daisaku.
“We need a volunteer for that as well.” Said Joshua.
“Well, I’m going. You’ll need a trained intelligence operative on-world to coordinate things on-site. Richard will assist and has already volunteered.”
"You’ll need a mech commander." said Daisaku. "I volunteer for that duty."
"I’m with you." said Erik. "You’re going to need aerial recon I’m sure."
"Sorry, Erik." said Joshua. "No aerospace. A lot harder to hide an aerospace fighter than a mech."
“Yeah, mechs don’t need runways.” Said Daisaku. “Sorry, buddy, I’d like to have you.” Erik merely shrugged.
Lisa raised her hand. "I’m also going."
Joshua frowned, but Lisa did not relent. “Don’t give me that look, Joshua. You’ll need someone who’s familiar with the territory and you know it."
“It’s for that reason I’d rather you stay behind. I’ll need your help in coordinating the main assault up here.”
Erik cracked a devilish smile. "Oh, gee, he’ll let his best friends go, but when his girlfriend wants to tag along, he gets upset. We love you too, Joshua."
Both Joshua and Lisa silenced Erik with acid stares. “I’ve been thinking about this, knowing our New Belfast operation was coming. I’ve come up with a plan. If by chance, the Clans have not yet distributed their stockpiles, they’ll be at the spaceport. And I know a way to get to them without the Clans ever knowing."
She punched up a map of
Juan was nodding approval of Lisa’s idea. "Would save us the trouble of dealing with that galaxy of mechs."
"When you do intend to begin this operation?" asked Mechlanthon.
"I estimate that we will need at least a week before the arrival of the main force." said Juan. "I have already done my calculations for a pirate point entry into the New Belfast system that will give us two days of flight time to arrive on planet. Assuming we land far enough away to avoid detection, we’ll need at least another two to get to
“It’s as good as any place to start.” Said Daisaku. “Although, if Lisa goes, command of the operation falls to her.”
"I want a two week window.” Said Lisa. “If we find out where they are early, then we can sit tight and wait until a time appropriate to your arrival. But if they’re not at the Spaceport, I want time enough to strategize how we’ll do this. The Swords don’t stand a chance if they come in and those munitions aren’t destroyed.”
“Agreed. This mission is vital.” Said Joshua. “I’ve set the date of our arrival in the New Belfast system at April 1. The other wave three operations should begin around that time as well. With luck, the Jade Falcons will be too busy trying to close that gap we’re opening up in their Occupation Zone to reinforce New Belfast. Hell, they might even try to pull some of the units off New Belfast to assist. Anyway, via pirate point transit, we should be able to make planetfall late on the 2nd.”
“So we have very little time.” Said Lisa. “The scouting party needs to be on-world no later than the 17th of March.”
"One step ahead of you. I’ve already requested a Shadow class dropship and Scout class jumpship to take you to New Belfast. Both arrive sometime tomorrow."
Juan nodded. "That will do nicely. I still need the rest of my team."
Joshua turned to his officers. "Send out the call for volunteers through the ranks from the battalion commanders down. If you have too many volunteers, select the most qualified from those and send their names to Juan. Unless there are any questions, dismissed."
The officers all stood up and walked out. Lisa remained behind.
“Don’t you even try to deny that you want to keep me here for personal reasons.”
“Why would I deny what is the truth? But my position is still a valid one. I could use you here. I’m not going to have a lot of support on this end. With Juan and Daisaku volunteering, I’m down two battalion commanders. I can brevet Mike and Kou easily enough, but I really wish you’d not persisted in this.”
“My plan is solid.”
“You’re right, it is…presuming, of course, that the munitions lay undistributed at the Spaceport. That’s a gamble.”
“But, not an unreasonable one.”
“God, you are stubborn at times.” Lamented Joshua. “I’m not going to win this argument, quiaff?”
“You lost quite a while ago actually.”
“Doesn’t mean I have to like it. If your plan fails, Pryde will eat you for breakfast. I don’t want that to happen."
“You said yourself that we have to come to terms with the risks our lives as warriors place upon us. Besides, it’s not Pryde you fear when it comes to me.”
“The idea of you falling into Robert O’Malley’s hands is even worse. You heard Juan. Richard is going along. For all his service to us thus far, we still don’t know how he’ll react when he meets Robert on the field of battle.”
“You don’t trust him?”
“I’ve no reason to. No proof he intends to stand against Robert other than his word. And now, you force me to entrust you to him.”
“It’s still the best choice. You know that, even with the risks."
“I know.” Said Joshua, sitting down and letting out his breath. “Just do one thing for me?”
"What's that?"
"Just come back alive."
Zenith point, Sudeten system
Tamar March,
13 March 3052
The final transfer of equipment to the small one-dropship transport was almost finished. The team of six mechs and four platoons of elemental infantry was now almost fully loaded.
The forward team consisted of Juan, Richard, Daisaku, Lisa, Miranda, and Bedwyr Ymir. Miranda’s Vulture had been destroyed on Donegal, and she had replaced it with a potent fast Griffin IIC. Bedwyr Ymir, who had been a company commander under Daisaku since his rescue on New Belfast, piloted a Battle Cobra, one of the Steel Viper mechs captured on Twycross.
Lisa stood in the zero-G hanger bay of the Shadow class as the last of the supply crates were secured to the floor. Held down by magnetic boots, Lisa thought her heart felt as heavy as her feet, memories of the previous night still fresh in her mind. There had been a desperation in Joshua’s lovemaking; it was driven by fear more than affection.
“This must be one of the hardest things he’s ever done. He still carries so much guilt over Matthew and Isaac, and now he consents to send me into what could be a death trap…or worse.” Lisa shivered at the thought. It had not escaped her what horrors might await if O’Malley captured her.
"You okay?" asked Daisaku.
"I will be. Joshua’s just really worried about sending me along.”
“You are soon to be landing on a world under the thumb of two men who would like nothing more than to inflict as much harm as possible to Joshua. If you were to fall into either of their hands…”
“I’ve been over that scenario a thousand times in my own mind. Don’t think I haven’t shuddered at the thought of it myself. Still, the benefits outweigh the risks. If we succeed, the Swords can win. If we fail, the Swords don’t stand a chance and this’ll just be another Garrison or worse. With stakes that high, my knowledge could make the difference.”
“Logic or no, this isn’t any easier on either of you.”
Lisa nodded. “No, it isn’t.”
Juan moved up beside them. "We jump in five minutes. You’d best get to your seat and get secured."
Lisa nodded but said nothing. She and Daisaku quietly followed him out of the hanger bay.
From the bridge of the Star Sword, Joshua was a whirl of emotions himself. He was scared, and didn’t know what to do about it.
“Now I understand,” he thought to himself, “the pains of being reckless. I was that on Garrison. Now Lisa shows it here and I’m beside myself with worry.”
"Sir, the Investigator reports ready to make its jump." reported the deck officer.
"Move the Star Sword away from the Investigator.” Said Eric from the command chair. “Once we are clear, signal that they may jump."
"Aye, General."
The massive Nightlord class warship fired its thrusters and began moving out of the jump radius of the relatively tiny Scout class jumpship.
"Investigator, you are cleared to jump." Said the deck officer into his communicator.
Joshua watched outside the viewport as the Scout shimmered and vanished from sight. A feeling of total despair washed over Joshua as he watched Lisa vanish amidst the stars.
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