In Transit, Overlord
Vanra System
September 2, 3053
Kato calls in all lance leaders and senior officers for a briefing. While he’d already shared with the unit that the next stop was Capella, it was time for more details. Once everyone is seated, he begins.
“Good afternoon. I wanted to provide additional details on what to expect over the next few months. In-transit time is as normal. Things will be different once we reach Capella.”
He pulls up a display with planned jump path including recharge times and times in systems. “We’re currently due to arrive on the ground in Capella on October 13th, approximately 10:00 hours. I’m not anticipating any combat duty or hazards, so this effectively is a paid three-month vacation with shore leave and some privileges, but with restrictions. The good news is we’ll have access to Ceres Metals Industries facilities while on planet for repairs and modifications at standard rates. Further, we’ll be staying at my future estate currently managed by my grandfather. There’s easily enough room to accommodate all officers present and with room to spare. There are spare barracks that can accommodate the majority of those who want to get off the dropship and enough room here to cycle in groups to the estate proper. The number will shrink as other guests and more security personnel arrive, but I expect we should be good for two to three dozen. The manor will be at least slightly more comfortable than the bunks we sleep in here on ship,” the understatement generating the expected chuckles. “Food and the rest will be of similar quality.” He lets the good news settle in before moving on.
“There are restrictions though we will be expected to conform to. Romano’s tenure is recently ended. She drove a lot of paranoia and mistrust from the populace through the ranks to the highest levels. Justin Allard-Liao’s betrayal of the Confederation and the loss of the St. Ives Commonality is too recent to be ignored. Anyone with even a whiff of ties or sympathies to the Federated Suns is considered suspect, including myself. Chancellor Sun Tzu hasn’t been in charge long enough to make substantial changes to that assuming he’s inclined to. To say there’s a certain amount of xenophobia baked into the current culture would be an understatement. So, because of that, all non-citizens will be given a security detail for their protection, and before people get too wound up about it, this includes Erin Mae (his wife). It’s been made clear to me that the security detail is non-negotiable. If you don’t want one, you’ll need to stay on ship which by extension means no factory access. It is my understanding that I will not require one, but if it is at all suggested I will accept it. This will get tighter and less comfortable as the Master of Ceremonies arrives. I expect it to be the Duke of Capella and as the ruler of Capella and the local Diem.”
“I’ve served now with most of you for years. Despite what you may feel towards the Confederation, I would still consider it an honor to have you there at my investiture as a show of support.” He looks over at Col. Mudd. “I have done what I can to ensure your safety and that of all the others under my command. I believe it should be enough, but it’s outside of my control.” He turns and takes back in the table at large. “I will certainly understand if concerns for your own safety are strong enough to decline my invitation. No explanation is needed, and I will not think less of you for doing so. Still, I hope you make it.”
“Once on the ground we’ll be given the itinerary of events. I expect the investiture proper to take place sometime in November. The goal then is to look at contracts at the beginning of December as soon as my contract with the Rangers ends. So. Questions, comments?”
Moon checks the room before speaking up.
"Hell as long as the beds are decent and the food better I can look forward to this."
Pausing for a seconds for good humor and smiles.
"Once we are on planet we can roam about to try food and what not right? What type of entertainment and bars can we hop around at? I'm not the only one who is curious here I'm certain."
Taking a second to think and more serious tone.
"As far as the security details go a few things. Lt Mudd I would assume has extra security since he was addressed with concern? Out of concern A suggestion possibly is to to stay if he felt at risk on the jumpship. Just tossing it out there. Are we permitted to be armed and I assume we're allowed free roam to move in groups and not to be isolated?"
"Expect at least a couple of individuals with each group that goes out, so a group of 6 will likely have 2 as would a single individual. From that perspective you may find it more comfortable traveling together. Expect that as we get close to the investiture security will tighten and we will likely need to remain locked down at the manor until it's over. Based on what I know now, that should be just a day or two. As for Colonel Mudd, if he wishes to stay on board the jumpship or one of the dropships, he is certainly welcome to do so. I would hope he will feel comfortable enough taking me up on the invitation to be planet side."
"As for entertainment and bars, you are welcome to look up the information on Ceres City. This will in fact be my first time on planet in about 30 years, and I doubt you want the entertainment venues 7-year-old me remembers."
Kato considers. "In terms of being armed, sidearm and/or knife is probably ok, though may be considered 'rude' in some areas. You shouldn't need them at the estate, but again, until security tightens, they're probably ok."
"Other questions?"
I look forward to seeing the planet, and not from behind the cockpit of a mech. Thank you for this opportunity on my first visit to the Confederation. While the security may be tiresome, I understand the need for it.
Hitzig chimes in with an unexpected concern.
"Since we are here, in an area with high amounts of danger to the unit, with your attempted assassination and our good XOs disdain with the Commandos, I will be taking use of the factory, but staying near the ship, to ensure no forms of sabotage or attacks can occur to either our enlisted or our property. I hope everything goes well, but we cannot be too lax while here."
"On that note just a chime in here. Will we have any of our mechs deployed to the ceremony just in case or are they all confined to the ship and factory. I will have four units up and ready at just about all times if needed."
"Your concern is noted, Lt. Hitzig, though I believe the risk is overstated. In any case, it's been addressed. Major Bray?"
Major Amy Bray was 2nd Battalion's commander, a tactical genius and an elite marksman. Had she been a Mechwarrior there's a good chance she'd be competing for the top job in the Rangers rather than leading the support elements. In her late 30s and exceedingly professional, she's easy enough to get along with if you haven't disappointed her. Her one glaring flaw if you want to call it that, is a complete lack of sense of humor. "While on planet the dropships will be tightly monitored and locked tight except at designated times for the loading or unloading of assets or cargo. At least one squad of Captain Ramage's battle armor and a full platoon of my infantry will be on duty at all times, rotating out for R&R at the Colonel's request. Key ship personnel as well as a few select others will be included in security monitoring as well. Threat assessment has been completed and will be updated regularly to reflect status changes on the ground especially as it relates to Colonels Atayde and Mudd having recent or credible threats against them, Colonel Atayde's request notwithstanding. No offense sir."
"None taken, Major. Continue."
Bray nods once and then wraps up. "We've got operational security for the dropships covered and will follow strict protocols for hostile world deployment even though Capella is considered friendly. If you identify any flaws in our security procedures, don't hesitate to alert the duty officer immediately, then follow up with me. I pay generous bounties to those who ID flaws and gaps in security, not just for the protection of military personnel and equipment, but the safety of the non-combatants we have as well. Colonel Atayde's promised me three more platoons of battle armor as soon as he can lay hands on it which will close the final gaps. Respectfully, I don't recommend passing up on the opportunity to enjoy some R&R to help babysit the ships. That's our job."
She glances back at Kato who nods and takes back the floor. "To answer your question, Captain, we do not have permission to disembark our mechs for anything other than transport to and from Ceres Metal Industries. That will be done on a strict schedule with confirmation that the weapons are powered down and that it's techs rather than Mechwarriors who are moving them. Given how much the Confederation lost in the last Succession War, I can't say I blame them for their caution. To that point," he says addressing all those assembled. "Please submit to me a list of those 'Mechs that you want sent to the factory for repair or refit so that we can work with CMI to accommodate as many requests as possible."
"What else?"
"Submission already pending. Easy and efficient. Time for some R&R"
Hitzig will allow the ceremony to go on without a hitch while trying to ease her worries. Although the worry remains, she will place her trust in your current judgement.
Sensing Hitzig's acceptance even if reluctantly given, Kato shifts his attention back to the room as a whole ready for other questions or concerns. When no more come, he ends the meeting.
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Topic: Operation INVESTITURE - "1. In Transit" (Read 412 times)