Chapter Three – Styx

Dossier File 12C
Re: Agent Antoine Anderson and the Vampires

There is considerable anecdotal evidence that my associate Antoine is “in” on this wider Conspiracy. He is frequently away from ConsInt Headquarters, yet his activity reports to me indicate no such absences. He is privy to information that neither Duke Ryan nor anyone of his level of access should have.

Thus, once this dossier comes into your possession, it is quite likely that the Duchess will give the assignment of retrieving it to Anderson. This should give the recipient of this information pause. Anderson’s service record within the LIC shows that he is one of their top agents. He has a well-deserved reputation for ruthlessness. I have personally witnessed his interrogation of several ISF and SAFE operatives, and can attest to the accuracy of that assessment.

Considering these realities, it is also likely that Anderson will choose a particular Loki team to assist him in the retrieval of this dossier. He has made use of one team in particular in operations over the past 10 years. The Loki squad is nicknamed “The Vampires,” due to their M.O. of exsanguinating their victims.

The Vampire team is made up of four operatives. One, their leader, is named Michael Allens. Off-duty, Allens is a known womanizer, but on-duty is a cold-blooded killer. Reference enclosed photo. Do not let his effeminate appearance fool you. He is as deadly as he is foppish.

Second on the team is Damian Drake. Damian is a certified expert at information technology and computers, in other words, a master hacker. Damian does most of the foot work for the team, but is as skilled as the rest at wetwork.

Third is Deborah Means. Like Damian, she does a lot of footwork for the team, although while he uses computers and information technology, Deborah works with “human” intelligence. She is likely to be the most visible of the team outside of Anderson himself. A master of seduction, as well as yet another cold-blooded killer.

The last is Solomon Wolfe. He is, as his photograph implies, a brute, a blunt instrument. He’s the team’s muscle. Expert at a number of martial arts as well as nearly every personal weapon available to the LCAF, AFFS, and DCMS. No subtlety here.

Be mindful. These are the ones who will be on your trail.

Dropship Pegasus
Inbound, Styx
Dieron Military District, Draconis Combine
26 December 3055

“Alright, everyone, listen up.” Barked Logan to the assembled Dark Rangers in the cavernous bay of the Pegasus. “We are two hours from atmo on Styx, another planet of the Draconis Combine. Protocol is going to be the same as last time. Remember this is not the FedCom. The Combine is a different nation, different culture, different attitudes, different laws. Please do…not…get…into… trouble.” Logan put great emphasis on his last sentence.

“Same cover story too, I presume?” asked Abel. Abel’s father, Christian, had been a part of the Rangers, but died during the Ranger’s first visit to Northwind in 3054.

“Yes,” interjected Gwen. “It worked on Fomalhaut and it should carry us through here. It helps that it’s not much of a stretch of the truth. We’re a FedCom hired mercenary group looking for Conspiracy fugitives. We didn’t have much luck catching them on Fomalhaut, but they did give us a trail to follow.”

Beside her, Logan nodded. The “trail” of which she spoke was an old conservative nobleman determined to stir up trouble within the Combine. Although the Combine had been better at keeping their insurgents under wraps, it was obvious now that even in Kurita space there were significant numbers of those unhappy with an alliance with the Combine’s old enemies.

“So, what’s this world like?” asked Kai Tatsumea. Kai had been with the Dark Rangers for several years now, counting himself lucky to have survived many of the missions that others recruited with him had not.

“Styx was an industrial powerhouse during the Star League years. Its close proximity to both Lyran and Federated space however made it a prime target for raids and invasion during the Succession Wars and most of its industry was blasted into dust. Five of its seven major cities are likewise in ruins. Most folks live in the remaining two, although there are small communities in the outlands and in the ruins. Settlements made up of people who prefer to be left alone.” Said Gwen. “This makes it an ideal planet for those hiding from trouble. Some of you may recall the story about an abduction of Melissa Steiner when she was en route to New Avalon before her wedding in ’28. They brought her here.”

“That makes this a great hiding place for the Baron too.”

“Agreed.” Said Gwen.

“Any other questions?” asked Logan. ”The Styx planetary control should be contacting us soon. No? Then dismissed. Make ready for planetfall.”

The group dispersed and Logan, Gwen, and Rohan made for the bridge.

“You seemed a bit unconvinced of your own briefing.” Commented Rohan to Gwen.

“As I told you two, this is not my first time to Styx. The ISF ran a training facility here in the 3040s for DEST commandos. Seems an odd place to foment rebellion.”

“Yeah, but you also said they shut it down after the commandant of the facility retired. The ISF are gone.”

Gwen gave Rohan a long look. “You were a Kurita citizen once. What do you think?”

“You two are paranoid. As for me, I’m looking forward to this.” Said Logan. “Finally a chance for some real action. Enough of all that private eye stuff we had on Fomalhaut.”

“It answered the questions we needed.” Said Gwen flatly. “Gave us a direction to go.”

Logan frowned at Gwen, “True, but I’m a warrior not a spy. I’ve had a bellyful of this cloak and dagger stuff on Dieron and Northwind.”

“Well, with luck, we’ll catch O’Malley here and this will be the end of it.” Retorted Gwen.

Logan shrugged. Their relationship had remained frosty since Gwen had turned Logan down all those months ago.

“Regardless of ISF presence or not, I wonder how will the Combine react to us taking close action here?” asked Rohan.

“Styx has no garrison outside of militia. All their mech forces were withdrawn to the Clan front. Rumormill says that’s the source of the discontent with the Luthien government.” Replied Gwen. “Two companies of trained mercenaries in BattleMechs sent here to cause trouble are bound to be a handful for any militia commander. If we show up with our force and say we’re here to help, I suspect they’ll welcome us with open arms.”

“We shall see.” Said Logan as the door opened onto the bridge.

“Dropship Pegasus, we have you on our scopes. This is Styx Planetary Control.” Came from the loudspeaker as they walked onto the bridge.

“Hello, Control.” Said Logan cheerfully. “We request permission to land.”

“We have you as a mercenary registered combat dropship. You will not deviate from your present course. Our fighter escort will bring you into Styx City Spaceport.”

“Yes, sir. Not deviating.” Said Logan flippantly. Despite the threatening tone of the controller, Logan knew this was standard procedure.

“Alright, everybody.” Said Rohan. “Let’s look nice for the Kurita fighters. Anyone who needs to make any other preparations for landing should do so now.”

Styx City Spaceport
Styx
Dieron Military District, Draconis Combine
26 December 3055

“It’s pretty much what you see, Commander. We’re armed to the teeth.” Said Logan. His flippant attitude had not changed when the militia inspectors came aboard to examine the ship.

“Why are you here?” said the militia inspector, his serious tone a contrast to Logan.

“We are in search of a group of Conspiracy fugitives that fled into Combine space.” Said Gwen.

The militia inspector nodded. “I have been instructed to escort the commander of this vessel to the ISF once my inspection is complete. You will come with me.” He pointed at Logan.

“I will go with you.” Interjected Gwen.

“No, the rest of you will remain here under guard.”

“I will go with you.” Repeated Gwen, pulling out an ID card and handing it to the inspector.

“Yes, yes, ma’am. My humble apologies, Agent Laidir. I did not know this was a joint operation.”

“You do your duty well, inspector. There is no harm.”

“What did you show him?” whispered Logan to Gwen as they disembarked from the ship.

“My ID. I was ISF myself remember.”

“I thought they declared you dead on Northwind.”

“I can bluff my way through this. Don’t worry.”

“They’re a lot more nervous here than they were on Fomalhaut.”

“O’Malley’s already started stirring up trouble.”

ISF Styx Headquarters, Styx City
Styx
Dieron Military District, Draconis Combine
26 December 3055

“So, let’s cut to the chase shall we?” said the ISF commander. “A dropship of unknown design makes planetfall on my world, bearing within its cargo hold an entire company of mercenary battlemechs, all less than a month after the arrival of a similar ship which touched down in the wilderness and offloaded a hostile force of battlemechs there.” He paused for dramatic effect and sat down behind his desk. His jitte, the ceremonial and often effective weapon of an ISF operative, lay prominent on the desk in front of him. “What am I to think about this?”

“We made no secret of our presence here. We followed all proper protocols for planetary approach. We submitted to inspection by your militia. We have nothing to hide.” Replied Logan. “We are what we say we are, a mercenary unit dispatched into Combine space in pursuit of Conspiracy fugitives, no doubt the very group that you have half-accused us of being collaborators with.”

“Mind your tongue, gaijin. My patience has its limits.”

“Your patience is irrelevant.” Said Gwen. “We have told you our story. You have done your duty to the Dragon. Now release us and allow us to do what we came here to do.”

“You don’t come in here and tell me what to do, woman.”

Angered, the ISF operative snatched up his jitte, but Gwen was faster. From under her coat was flash as she pinned the agent’s right arm to the wall with her left. In her own right hand was a wakisashi, a Japanese short sword.

“You may not remember me, Agent Narataki,” snarled Gwen in fluent Japanese, “but I remember you. Don’t let your newfound authority go to your head. You’re still little more than a pencil pusher.”

“Who…who are you?” asked the startled agent.

“I am DEST and I trained here under Commandant Keiko Yamada seven years ago. I am assigned to work with this mercenary unit by Director Noriko herself. Cooperate or you’ll answer to her.” She pulled out her ID and showed it to the agent.

“Why didn’t you say so?” said the nervous agent.

“You didn’t ask. You were too busy making accusations.” Gwen released him. “Now, we want full cooperation. Not the least of which is whatever intelligence you have gathered on this mercenary force in the wilderness.”

“I can assemble the data and have it to you by tomorrow.” Replied Narataki sheepishly.

“Also, we want full access to the planet. We have been in space for three weeks. A bit of recreation would be nice for my mercenary allies.”

“I will also put the militia at your disposal.”

“Domo. Good. Anything else from our good friend here, Logan?”

Logan shook his head.

“Very well then. Agent Narataki, thank you for your cooperation. We will be returning to our ship now.”

Dropship Pegasus
Styx
Dieron Military District, Draconis Combine
26 December 3055

Gwen sat on the dark bridge, her feet propped up on the inactive control panel in front of her. The only light came from a lamp next to her; the sun had long since gone down. In her lap, she held another filmbook, reviewing its contents to pass the time as she waited for the ISF agent to transmit the data on their opponents. Other than herself, the bridge was empty. The crew and the Dark Rangers were enjoying a lively game of basketball in the cargo bay.

The elevator door slid open and Logan walked onto the bridge. Gwen looked up.

“You know, you’re the prettiest nerd I know.” He said flippantly. “What is it now? Twenty-first century warfare or the mating rituals of Altair VII?”

“Cute, Logan.” Said Gwen in reply. “Aren’t you busy with the game?”

“Basketball is five on five and there are roughly twenty five of us between dropship crew, technical staff, and my mechwarriors. I’m sitting out this round. Any word?”

“None yet. They’ll not let us down.”

“You’re sitting here waiting. Has to be boring, even with your books.”

“Someone has to mind the store while the crew relaxes.” Said Gwen. “In truth, I’m as eager as you are to get moving on this. These long sojourns in space aren’t exactly fun for me either.”

“You know, I have a solution to that.” Said Logan flippantly.

“Look, Logan,” replied Gwen with a sidelong glance. “I don’t want this to be a point of contention between us. We’ve got a job to do and if we keep sniping at each other, it’s going to hurt our mission. I’m just not interested in a relationship right now.”

Logan chuckled. “You think I’m after something serious here? Boy, have you misjudged me.”

Gwen gave him a puzzled look. Logan continued. “It’s kinda funny that you would think that. Look at who we are. Mechwarriors, in a universe that seems to always be trying to tear itself apart. You never know from one day to the next whether you’ll live or die.”

“I don’t think about it much.”

“Maybe that’s one of the benefits of being a part of the Star Swords.”

Gwen gave a bitter laugh. “Now who’s the one misjudging the other? The Star Swords got to be some of the best by being put into the path of danger all the time. Never mind the fact that I’ve been with the Swords for a couple of years. Before that, as I had to remind Narataki earlier, I was ISF, sworn to give my life in service to House Kurita. And before that…” She let her voice trail off for a second. She took a breath and then continued. “You know nothing of my upbringing, of my people, my real people. I live under a curse, Logan, as do all who were born on my world. Death has been my constant companion.”

“Then I’m surprised you don’t understand me better. I’m just looking to have some fun while I’m still here. That’s all I’m after really. That’s all it was with Yuri on Dieron, and Michelle after her. I’m not looking to make anyone a widow. All I’m interested in is fighting and fucking. It’s about the only luxury I have left in this universe.”

“Then maybe I’m just more optimistic.” Said Gwen quietly. “Maybe I’ve still got hope.”

Logan chuckled grimly. “You know you’re never going to have him again, don’t you?”

Gwen nodded. “That’s not exactly what I meant.”

Logan walked over and plopped down into the con chair. Gwen returned to her filmbook, considering their conversation over. But then Logan spoke up again. “So can the nerd tell me what that brightly lit complex out there is?”

Gwen looked up at what Logan was pointing at. “That would be the Styx City power plant, a fission reactor.”

“They still have those? And this close to Terra? Some backwater world, I can see, but not here.”

“Well, remember what I said in the briefing earlier today. Styx was bombed, looted, pillaged, and practically wiped off the map by the Succession Wars. The people here did what they could to survive, even came to rely on old primitive technologies long abandoned by other worlds nearby.”

“Makes me a bit nervous to be near something like that.”

“Well, they’re a lot safer than they were when they first invented a thousand years ago. Radioactive waste is now easily disposed of. Just launch it into the sun. Not sure why you’d be worried.”

“If that reactor were to meltdown, how much radiation would it release?”

Gwen sat up quickly. “Logan, are you thinking what I’m thinking?”

“I suspect I am. That’s a military target. If they blow that up, they’d poison the entire city.”

“Thousands would die. Some within minutes, others would linger, days, months. Years down the road, people would still be feeling the aftereffects.”

“Gwen, the whole purpose behind the Conspiracy was to get the Combine and the FedCom to fight one another again, right?”

“Yeah.”

“And the ISF wanted that too. That’s why you attacked Dieron. You wanted to kill Prince Victor and plunge the nations into war.”

“Those were our orders.”

“So, if a group of Northwind Highlanders, who are in the FedCom’s employ again, were to suddenly blow up a fission reactor on Styx and kill thousands of innocent people, what would happen?”

“Oh, hell….” Whispered Gwen.

“Baron O’Malley was a Conspiracy supporter. Didn’t he lose his wife in the Fourth War?” said Logan grimly. “You see, I learned a thing or two when I was on Northwind. Maybe there’s more to this than just fleeing from us or from Anderson. Maybe he’s out to settle a score or two as well.”

ISF Styx Headquarters, Styx City
Styx
Dieron Military District, Draconis Combine
27 December 3055

Agent Narataki sat up and stretched his back. It had taken him many hours to assemble the data packet for Agent Laidir. Her ID, although old, had placed her in the same unit that Director Yuri Noriko once commanded, a unit that had trained for two years here on Styx. Narataki had only been peripherally involved in that training center, since he was part of a different branch of the ISF than Laidir.

Still figuring discretion was the better part of valor, he had complied with her demands, despite some personal reservations.

Narataki loaded the last bit of data onto the encrypted disk. Now all that was left was to take the disk down the hall to the communications room and transmit it over coded frequency to the Dark Ranger dropship. He popped the disk out of his personal terminal and stood up. Despite the fact that it was well after midnight, he was surprised how quiet it was. He knew at least another half dozen people were on station tonight, but the ISF building was as quiet as a tomb.

The quiet put him ill at ease. He picked up his jitte from his desk; it was still sitting there from his earlier attempt to intimidate the Dark Ranger commander with it. He headed to the door, went through it, and began down the hall.

The hallway was brightly lit, but there was still no sound. Narataki now knew something was wrong. He scanned the hallway, up and down, but saw nothing out of place. He continued cautiously towards the communications room. The door was closed, but not locked as it should have been. He drew out his jitte, put his hand on the door handle, and prepared to strike at whoever was within the room.

Fast as lightning, he flung the door open. Inside were three men, but he barely had time to register them before the loud pop of a sonic stunner took him in the chest. He was flung backward and hit the floor with a loud thud.

“Ah, Agent Narataki, how good of you to join us.” Said the dark-skinned man, likely the leader of the intruders. Narataki could see the communications techs slumped over their desks. They were obviously the intruders’ first victims.

“Who…” Narataki started to say. His words were slurred by the stunning effect of the weapon.

“Just some of your erstwhile allies from the LIC.” Said the leader. “I am Antoine Anderson. My companions are Michael Allens and Damian Drake. They are part of a crack Loki team we call the Vampires and they are very good at what they do. You never heard a sound as we killed every person in this building, did you?” Antoine shook his head as he began to search Narataki’s pockets. “Your ISF superiors really should give your station here on Styx greater priority. A DEST agent or two would have made our mission a little interesting at least and if memory serves, there used to be a few of those around. Ah, here it is.” He pulled the disk from Narataki’s pocket.

“Now, I’m going to guess that the information on this disk is for Agent Laidir, patiently waiting for it on the Dark Ranger dropship. I’m tempted to dispatch the Vampires to rid us of our competition, but I’ve got a much better idea. No sense getting our hands dirty when those pesky rebels of yours can do the job for us. Of course, now that I have this disk and with it the location of Baron O’Malley and his mech forces, I no longer have any need of you. It was good to meet you, Narataki, even if it was for just a short while.”

The quiet pop of the Vampires’ silenced pistols was the last thing Narataki heard.

“Alright, let’s get to work.” Said Anderson, holstering his pistol. “Michael, you go find the little bastard. I’m going to arrange a rude surprise for Ms. Laidir and her mercenary friends.”

En route to Twin Spire
Styx
Dieron Military District, Draconis Combine
28 December 3055

Rohan deftly maneuvered the borrowed automobile across the barren plain. Beside him, Gwen kept watch, constantly scanning the horizon for trouble. In the back seat, Logan had let lethargy take him and he had fallen asleep.

“God, what a desolate planet this is.” Said Gwen.

“Planet’s population is only a few million.” Replied Rohan. “Most fled. Others died in the wars. Those who are left are mostly huddled in the few remaining cities. The others, well, as you said, are the types that don’t want to be found.”

“And with such a small population, you can go for hundreds of kilometers and not see a single sign of civilization.”

“Nope.”

Logan stirred in the back seat. “Are we there yet, Mommy?” he said teasingly.

“Another hour maybe. According to our intelligence from Narataki, this town is a forward base for the rebels. It’s an old abandoned iron mine, situated at the bottom of a chasm. It’s called Twin Spire because of the two rock spires that sit in the center of town. Probably makes for an interesting looking town.”

“It was also blasted into ruin during the First Succession War. No one lives there…officially.”

“And unofficially?”

“The Combine census takers tend to avoid the outlands here.” Replied Gwen. “There’s been no official record of anyone living outside the major settlements for centuries. However, everyone here knows that there are scattered settlements, farms, scavenger groups, and other communities in the outlands. As I said before, they’re made up largely of people who want to be left to themselves.”

“I imagine that makes them a bit unfriendly to outsiders. We should be cautious.”

Gwen nodded and drew her blaster pistol to check its charge. “Agreed.”