Timeline
5 May, 3059
Contract Accepted
Unit Liftoffs from Weekapaug to Imbros III
18 June, 3059
Sian [INN] -
Operation Bulldog a "success"
During a press conference today, First Lord Sun-Tzu Liao announced that on May 20th, the Star League began a massive invasion, dubbed Operation Bulldog, aimed at the complete removal of Clan Smoke Jaguar forces from the Inner Sphere. This undertaking is being conducted by a massive multi-national force led Archon-Prince Victor Steiner-Davion of the Federated Commonwealth and legendary Precentor Martial Anastasius Focht. Forces from all member states of the reborn Star League are taking part in this massive invasion and the First Lord reports that the invasion so far has been a massive success, with battles progressing faster and significantly fewer casualties than anticipated.
30 July, 3059
The 2nd Rangers make landfall on Imbros III.
Contract begins.
30 July, 3059
Mission 1: Hold the Line (Defender) - Lancer, Spectre, Ereschuld, Fury Lances
Result: Victory - +1 to contract score (minor breach)
After-action Report: Immediately thrown into the battle, the Rangers had to make a drop out of the Dictator to make it to the ground on time. Our objective was to hold the line and prevent the Dracs from entering the Lyran stronghold. Unfortunately, the liaison group that tagged along struggled to land on the drop out, causing fair amounts of damage at the start. Lancer and Ehreschuld dropped in West with Liaison, Fury, and Spectre dropping in East to hold the primary unit at bay.
The fog held both groups at a slow pace while the lines got closer in the approach with a few artillery illuminating out approach with pot shots here and there with nothing conclusive. Soon as the fog receding and the sun overhead, a small lance coming from the South pushed the West line, which Lancer CO pushed the Albatross and Yu Huang to rout them and keep them at bay. Ehreschuld's Battlemaster followed while the primary unit began to make contact with the mech block coming in through the East. During this time, Ranger ASF began to pick off primary targets sitting in the rear, killing a Saladin and Maxim, with the 2nd maxim getting crippled. Another volley of ASF attacked a KU that had a point of BA attached and took them out with a volley of bombs. This helped the Rangers keep half the unit they needed to pass a line from advancing far enough to become an issue. Removing the O-Bakemono got rid of the Arrow IV systems with an engine kill helped keep the splash damage limited.
The lines in the East made contact and everything went downhill for the Ranger group. As fire began to rise, Spectre and Ehreschuld began to take heavy damage from the assault lance pushing forward. SGT von Hoff took a massive blow to the head, which took her life as well. Spectre had a Banshee pushed in the toxic water and was forced to shut down. Even Fury took losses; LTSG Baxter's Falconer had its right leg completely blown off by a freak SRM hit, and surrounded by Draconis troops she hurriedly shut down the Mech's reactor and took shelter. The liaison group was hit hard as well; left to defend themselves by the local Ranger counterattack, Adne Erbe was killed in his Enfield, an event which would later cause significant friction with the Federated Commonwealth mercenary command office.
With the Ranger heavy-hitting Mechs isolated on the far side of the toxic lake, Lancers Orion pushed hard and was taken out by the Daikyu after going headlong into its front. Both sides began to lose mechs quickly; Ranger damage was severe, but the Draconis assault block was slowly losing forward momentum as Mech after Mech was removed from the field. Trying to get back at the Daikyu, Lancers Buccaneer tried to use its MASC to get in his face, only for the thing to take out actuators in both legs. Buccaneer propped up and took out the Mauler instead.
By the end of the battle, the Rangers held the Drac forces back just long enough to ensure victory, although damage was at an all time high. Hopefully, the lances who took too much damage are able to recover fast enough to get back on the line. We hope the loss of the Liaison pilot will not hurt us too much in the end. We will strive for a better outcome. One pilot killed in action and 5 mechs crippled heavily. Moderate damage on some ASF, little damage on rest.
9 August, 3059
Solo Mission 1: Probe (Defender) - Jazz
Result: Victory - no effect on contract score
After-action Report: Jazz lance was on patrol in sector 7 on the shore of the western sea near the Rangers temporary base. Satellite telemetry indicated possible Drac forces in the area which Jazz encountered heading south along the shore. XO Wolf took position on top of the largest hill in the area and spotted additional units half a klick to the east moving south fast. Jazz Actual and Fedcom liaison split off east to intercept while Sgt’s Reese and Luttazi headed to the beach.
The ensuing engagement was short and extremely violent. Lead elements of the Dracs on the beach outran their cover and ran headlong into Sgt Reese’s and Sgt. Luttazi’s Nightsky and Cronus. Behind a dune, Reese dispatched the enemy Kabuto while Luttazi [on top of the dune] took murderous return fire while crippling a Jenner.
Meanwhile, to the east, Jazz Actual managed to disable one of 2 Drillson hovercraft but she and the liaison failed to corral its twin which looked like it would get free to scout the Rangers rear area when fate intervened. The Drillson skidded during 2 high speed turns, slowing enough to allow Jazz’s Wolfhound and Griffin to draw a bead on it and disable it’s lift fan.
From on top of the hill, XO Wolf supplied suppression fire to east and west sides of the battle. The Drac Hezter on the beach succumbed to the Griffin’s LRM barrage.
Final tally: Drac forces, Kabuto LT destroyed [xl eng shut down], 2 Drillson hovercraft and Hexter disabled [immobilized] and Jenner crippled [eventually run down and destroyed]. No Jazz casualties although Sgt Luttazi took a head hit in her Cronus.
10 August, 3059
Mission 2: Stand Up (Defender) - Fire, Blitzkrieg, Norbotten, Paladin Lances
Result: Victory - +2 to contract score
After-action Report: Delta company was tasked following mission 1 to fill the now expanded gap in the front line. Expecting an immediate and heavy response Delta CO requested additional support in the form of Marigold and Osiris. The push however did not come immediately with responding forces being spotted well over a week away. This gave some downtime and allowed additional staging actions. Deploying in force to the gap they waited. Following a full night's rest they powered up their machines and took positions. Infantry worked through the night to lay 300 meters of minefield in an effort to slow opfor forces. Once done with a tired salute they were skirted back to staging for rest. Fire Lance deployed center east, Norbotten and attached allies center west. Blitzkrieg and Paladin west. A heavily weighted center allowed firepower shifts to either flank or bunting the center.
Marigold and Osiris would be held toward the flanks to reinforce the lower weight. When the enemy came they would hit a wall of armor. Each lance variably given a sector of line to hold did so the whole engagement. Although some units would eventually speed past on the eastern flank they would be negligible to decide the outcome.
Opfor deployed their heaviest elements center west, center, and west. Having scouted the sectors earlier in the morning they aimed to smash the weaker west flank and make an effort to pull lighter faster units through the eastern gap. Marigold would reinforce the western lines solidifying the flank further. All there including the liaison would either have ideal position to hammer down or push into the Kurita forces.
The DCMS CO was, although unknown at the time, local nobility, a minor branch of the Kurita family itself. In an effort to handle the situation as soon as possible took control of local forces and marched. The leadership wouldn't be enough nor the forces firepower. Ranger units mostly by the end would see moderate paint and armor replacement as the worst of the damages. A few exceptions a blown off arm, a shoulder forcing an arm replacement and an exploded gauss ripping the side torso apart. Ranger and allied units would push to the mid line of the field and practically hold this the remainder of the operation. Blunting the thrusts from center, east and west they in turn began their own on the east, west, and eventually center. Marigold and Osiris would reinforce center and east respectively ensuring that things would stay within margin of success.
Introducing the revamped Delta company C3 network proved to be a worthwhile investment as Fire and Norbotten fed targeting data amongst themselves the entire battle to great affect. Fire wouldn't see the killing blows in most cases but took in the shock and awe from DCMS forces. Blitzkrieg and Osiris absorbed and shattered the forces in the East. Crippled DCMS machines advanced and died in most cases well short of their exit corridors even with the help of reinforcements. Fire found himself looking for food as if watching a holovid. A conductor of madness and destruction if you will his cockpit filled with laughter as the madness unfolded before him. Marigold, Norbotten and to our amazement the liaison team worked in tandem to hamper, annoy, cripple and destroy. Gauss slugs rained down as did smoke and energy. Fire Lance again looked on in sheer joy as DCMS machines fell or retreated smoking and crippled. Several wouldn't even make it that far.
The Avatar would go critical in the end. This explosion incidentally killed the the DCMS noble, who had just ejected to evade capture and who was caught in the blast. This effectively ended the battle leaving many hulks ripe for picking. Only two units would break through and, of the remaining primary force, they simply no longer existed. As much as the Atlas, Avatar, Nova Cat, Sunder dished out it simply would be met with equal or greater force.
Participating units were given salvage with Fire CO happily saying you get one and you get one. A job well done for the Rangers. Fire CO would also extend an appreciative offering of the salvageable tanks to the liaison leader for the exceptional help.
11 August, 3059
Solo Mission: Probe (Attacker) - Ironside
Result: Victory - no effect on contract score
After-action Report: The mission started with Ironside pushing west along the northern front. Spears spearheaded the advance and was the first to make it to the target zone. The attacking forces delivered staggering hits throughout the quick advance and managed to take down a phoenix hawk early on. Once spears made it to the target area a defended retreat began. Ironside lance took some heavy damage on a few mechs but nothing of value was lost. during this retreat, three vehicles and another mech were destroyed while another enemy mech was rendered crippled. The mission was short and efficient with all objectives being met quickly with minimal loss.
11 August, 3059
Solo Mission: Hide and Seek (Attacker) - Foil
Result: Victory - no effect on contract score
After-action Report: Old and trusted sources let me know of a troop movement where several companies would be splitting into lances to conceal their movement and moving through mountainous terrain in the middle of the night. A limited number of passes meant possibility of detection, but a gap was found where one lance formation would be alone long enough to kill some of them before any support was available. It was an odd lane, 3 lights and an assault.
Battle quickly started, as Foil moved i an envelopment of the Kuritians, with Axman on one side and everyone else attacking the other side. The Gunslinger showed its inexperience quickly, moving back and forth allowing higher hills to block its best shots. I moved quickly to the center, allowing Cushion and Naga to isolate the Panther who tried to remain behind to use its PPC. Both Raptor and Baboon came to the middle to try and hunt me.
It took far too long for Naga and Cushion to kill the Panther. After ripping both its arms off, the Panther started jumping all over the pass to avoid destruction, and Cushion in th Ku took too long to destroy iy. In fact, it was Naga who kicked a leg off which finished the panther. Shortly after, the Raptor charged Cushion and myself. After an exchange of fire, I kicked the Raptor's leg off and it fell on its damaged torso, its XL engine shutting down. We grabbed both pilots, but our time was up. With another lance coming into the same pass, Foil withdrew.
Any fault about speed is mine. Cushion is not as experienced as I am with night ops, and struggled in the darkness. We got two pilots, and in the morning the Kuritians and left the Raptor which we scooped up. A success, and a blow against the pretender.
14 September, 3059
Solo Mission: Hold the Line (Defender) - Paladin
Result: Victory
After-action Report: Paladin Forces met up with the liaison on scene to hold the enemy and prevent their Draconian forces from joining a larger Lyran battle occurring to the south.
CO Seraphina found herself at home in the dark and was able to cleanly kill one of the Schrek tanks early on, while London Ren took to the hill on the eastern map to pepper shots into the jumping light mechs from the Huron Warrior, whose plan was to go down and around the hill to reach the victory zone The sentry joined this endeavor by following the Wolverine around and putting damage into the back looking for crits, never got any but thankfully the Wolverine pilot was having trouble turning around to blast the sentry with their LPL, resulting in only mediocre damage to the Sentry. Sgt Anita Sin used the low light to maneuver and exploit the back of the Akuma for 3 turns in a row from the Black Hawk KU but didn't manage to do more than cripple it and knock the Pilot unconscious then ran south to try and stop the light lance from reaching victory threshold. Meanwhile to the West, Theresa in the Banshee chased down the wolf trap, who did manage do get across the scoring line on the commcenter map, but the banshee managed to put it internal on 2 torsos, resulting in a crippling for purposes of scoring. the 3 jumping units Wolverine Griffin and Firestarter did make it to the south side of the map and were making their way to the COMM center to push through but due to time constraints the mission had to be called. In the end it was a 1-0 victory, Paladin took about 180 points of armor damage and a single hand actuator crit, thankful since M3 is in 2 weeks so choosing to fight in low light to prevent damage and movement seemed to be the good choice.
14 September, 3059
Solo Mission: Stand Up (Defender) - Fury
Result: Victory - no effect on contract score
After-action Report: Fury Lance, under its new commander LT SG Lori Herrera, moved into a local sector to investigate reports of Draconis recce forces. What they found was a mixed company-strength force attempting a night crossing to approach from the south flank of the Ranger logistics hub. Without calling for reinforcements, LT Herrerra threw her new command into the path of the Draconis forces, and stand-up fight ensued; the heavy cloud cover and new moon made the conditions nearly pitch black. While the minimal visibility made for excellent conditions for a surreptitious maneuver, it also shielded the Ranger advance to contact, allowing SGTs Thomas and Fairchild to close to point-blank range without taking any significant fire.
With the battle lit only by muzzle flashes and quick illuminations from Herrera's Warhammer and Fairchild's modified No-dachi, the action was short and sharp. Fury's Warhammer and Thunderbolt engaged along the eastern flank, and the Wraith and No-Dachi advanced quickly down the west. The Draconis forces advanced at a glacial pace down the center of the field in an attempt to maximize command integrity in the darkness, and to prevent units from being individually flanked, but their march discipline broke down and the Draconis No-dachi and Marauder IIC broke formation to make individual attacks against what they saw as isolated Ranger Mechs. A short, sharp action between the two No-Dachis was inconclusive before they were swept apart in the darkness; the Draconis machine attempted a charge against its Ranger counterpart, but cost itself the hit as it dodged furiously to avoid a swinging mace. While Fury's Thunderbolt and Warhammer provided medium range fire support, the Wraith and Fairchild's No-dachi isolated and engaged multiple Draconis units in detail, blowing both legs off the Hatamoto-chi, ripping the leg from the Marauder IIC and sending it crashing to the ground, and engaging and breaking up the charge of Draconis reinforcements entering the field from the north. In the battle's closing phases, SGT Montgomery's Thunderbolt blew both SRM carriers into scrap in a single volley, and kicked the head cleanly off of the Drac CO piloting the Grand Dragon. Having taken over 50% casualties in their primary attack force, and having lost their commander, the Combine forces withdrew in good order, leaving the battlefield to Fury Lance. The Marauder IIC, Hatamoto-Chi, Grand Dragon, two SRM Carriers, one Hunter Support Tank, and one Panther all lay as casualties on the field. With the open Mech bay available as a result of LT Baxter's medical retirement, Fury Lance recovered the Hatamoto, Grand Dragon, and Marauder IIC all as salvage, and with minimal damage across their lance, held the sector until relieved.
17 September, 3059
Solo Mission: Stand Up (Attacker) - Ereschuld
Result: Victory - no effect on contract score
After-action Report: The Rangers started out in the northeast, outside of the city within the wood line bordering the open terrain to the south. Combine vehicles skirted the western edge of the engagement moving towards the city and the east / west road while the light lance used the south central hills for screen and the heavy lance moved up into the woods on the southern side of the open terrain. Initial engagement between the heavier elements had the Rangers taking the worst of it, lucky shooting by Combine forces destroying the foot and lower leg actuator of the Marauder almost as soon as the battle began. MSGT Fox in her Grasshopper pushed forward to soak fire and deliver significant damage to the Daikyu granting the Marauder a moment's respite and the ability for Lt. Ramsden to collect himself, before Fox fell back.
Sharpshooting by MSGT Lee took out one of the Kabuto and later both Saracen after the lighter elements had joined the Combine's heavier elements pushing the Rangers into a screening arc to try and shield Ramsden and his Marauder through an attempted withdrawal to the northeast. Missing most of his right arm and with his right torso's front armor gone and virtually nothing left of the internal structure he was still technically operational rather than crippled. Sgt Fox destroyed the Drillson and chased the damaged Grand Dragon while the Lynx worked to run down the Marauder. A withering blast from the Lynx tore into the Marauder's right leg, taking out the hip actuator (all other actuators had already been destroyed). Somehow Lt Ramsden managed to keep the mech upright, as it likely wouldn't have survived a fall. Sgt. Fox's kick into the Grand Dragon's leg drove shrapnel up into the torso setting off the LRM ammo and destroying the mech. Having lost half their forces without even crippling a single Ranger unit or liaison, the Combine forces withdrew (/victory).
Units Destroyed: Saracen (x2), Drillson (x2), Grand Dragon, Kabuto; Extra salvage for unit: $4,383,652
25 September, 3059
Solo Mission: Recon Raid (Attacker) - Fire
Result: Victory - no effect on contract score
After-action Report: Fire Lance received orders to hunker down as a blocking force. The goal prevent the DCMS recon elements from gaining telemetry data and potential foothold in the area.
What was expected was a lighter recon element but drone over flight showed what now apparent was a now demi company. This would indicate the expected recon became more recon by fire. This would impact planning leading to a hasty ambush being unsuccessfully set. The recon force coming into view before the occupation of defensive positions completed.
Fire Lance would deploy along the rocky cropping in the East South East. Initial deployment would allow for overwatch and ranged fire while C3 would help relay targeting info. This would prove highly effective allowing ranged but precise fire early in the fight. By the time the second volley cycled the DCMS Wolverine would be without a leg and not moving. Additional damage would be put across DCMS machines but not enough to slow the determined DCMS charge. DCMS units would opt for a spear thrust through center AO. The Nova, Sunder among a smattering of others would prove to be a nuisance in the best case scenario.
The defensive croppings wouldn't hold for long and even the initial Ranger push would be forced back. The KU would sustain a large amount of the targeting early on while giving as good as it got as would the Sunder and Spartan.
Most of the battle would see Fire steadily being forced back while the lighter assets would brawl bouncing back and forth. Quickly the KU Spartan and Atlas found themselves using cliff edges to screen fire while brawling. The DCMS LAM would fly off into the sunset never firing a shot scouting one partial area and vacating to secure partial objective. While it was useful a large smattering of DCMS troops would be ineffective but not incompetent. The Sunder, Demolishers, Nova, Mauler would deal heavy damage to Fire Lance. The lack of much internal damage would say otherwise but the trio of head hits, large amounts of armor, and outright destroyed arm of the Spartan would paint a different picture.
The entirety of Fire Lance fought for their lives in this battle in most cases being in roughly melee range while nickel flew overhead. Knowing there could be no good outcome should they all go down and be captured all stops were pulled. Rear armor in some cases became very relevant in some cases and near noticeable increased heat levels added to the discomfort. A sigh of relief was heard as Fire actual would see DCMS troops turn to leave. The Nova having been destroyed was the last hope to get the data needed and preservation of the mechs now the priority. The Wolverine would stay where it fell having waking up once and then falling again into a coma(5 pilot hits). The Mauler, LAM, Gunslinger, Griffin would escape although half would be well close to battle loss grouping.Sunder taking a half empty ac20 bin hit in miraculous fashion survived but barely while the pilot was a smear.
Rangers would say thankfully that hell was done and over.
Salvage on the field
Sunder
Wolverine
Grand Dragon
Panther
Demolisher
Taking Sunder and Grand
Rest lost minus demo to unit
25 September, 3059
Solo Mission: Hold the Line (Attacker) - Spectre
Result: Victory - no effect on contract score
After-action Report: Entered between their two sets of forces and worked in from a range. Lost the war at range and lost the Buccaneer to an unfortunate hit to its ammo. Pulled back and around towards their weaker force. Dealt with the opposing light 'Mechs while working our way in, and eventually pressed incorrectly to brutal results. Took out several, but returning fire from the distant hill devastated Black Knight. Took out a few more on the way out but the Nightsky was forced to power down due to engine damage and Black Knight lost its left torso. In summary, a high cost for both sides, though it counts as a mission success.
27 September, 3059
Solo Mission: Recon Raid (Attacker) - Jazz
Result: Loss - no effect on contract score
After-action Report: Ordered to scout sector 63, Jazz followed a massive thunderstorm into the area. Jazz One sent the attached liaison’s Valkyrie and Jazz XO’s Griffin to the top of nearest hill in northwest quadrant to get a good look while Jazz CO’s Wolfhound and Sgt. Luttazi’s NIghtsky charged up the middle of southwest quadrant to attract the attention of the enemy forces as Sgt Ohani’s LAM raced around the southern edge of the Drac forces. The Drac forces converged on the Wolfhound and NIghtsky much faster than expected as a Spider connected on charge attack on the Wolfhound as the Nightsky scored a critical hit on a Harrasser’s engine putting it out of the fight. Meanwhile, the other half of the Drac forces rapidly closed on the Griffin and Valkyrie, prompting the Wolfhound and Nightsky to move north where a close range donnybrook ensued. The LAM was forced to break off from the planned scouting to add it’s firepower to the developing scrum.
The Drac forces continued a murderous rain of fire using their superior numbers to maintain the initiative on Jazz’s mechs while return fire continued to miss the mark. One small highlight came as the LAM lined up for a pass on the Drac CO and kicked the Daimyo mech in the head.
The Nightsky managed to core Drac Venom and capture it’s pilot but the decisive moment came when the Drac Jenner hit the liaison Valkyrie’s ammo magazine which caused the pilot to eject unconscious into a grove of trees causing critical injuries.
Fighting ended as Jazz One and Drac commander negotiated a truce: in return for the captured Venom pilot, the Drac forces allowed the Jazz forces and injured liaison to leave the area.
28 September, 3059
Mission 3: Recon Raid (Attacker) - Lancer, Osiris, Marigold, Paladin
Result: Victory - +2 to contract score
After-action Report: Coming in from the North, Lancer, along with the rest of Alpha, began an operation to retrieve information from the enemy base. Ironsides shortly behind, ready to push forward and through to get in. Pushing through in the slight cover of darkness, Paladin and the Liason unit began to push to the SW corner and was held back by 2 lances of lights and mediums. Lancer had his tanks push alongside Paladin, with the Demolisher covering the middle. A Jenner broke through when the numbers lightened and was able to immobilize the Demo in the rear. Marigold and Osiris began to push for the SE corner, along with the help of Ironsides. 2 of Osiris broke off to make a rush for the corner and left the other half to hit a massive block of assaults. Before the sun rose, 1 of the enemy maulers had a failure in its engine, causing it to explode, while the 2nd mauler ended up cooking an ammo bin from heat. Paladins Banshee had a brash idea to tackle some infantry, slowly whittling their numbers and stumbling every time they got shots off and Lancers Buccaneer began to work on turrets on the West end.
The team going towards NW was struggling to break through the line when more mechs began to enter the fray. Lancer, Marigold and Ironsides began to push West after the East corner was scanned. Marigold, Osiris and Ironsides kept several units to help keep the remainder of the assault block at bay. Lancer and Ironsides were met with a pair of Daikyu coming in from the base, taking pot shots along the way. Lancers tank team took a mad dash towards the corner and was ultimately routed by a Raptor that sat nearby. The ASF, attempted to deal damage to anything, was blocked every chance that was given by this point and the artillery missed its mark as well. The Liason groups Commando took a mad dash toward the enemy Jenner, thinking it could take it on, got immediately removed from an ammo explosion.
The numbers on the West started to get whittled down, with the help of an Albatross using C3 to take shots at unsuspecting victims. The Bishamon fell from hits that were focused on its right side, then the Owens immediately followed from an ammo explosion. Osiris had a mech fall from focused shots from the assault block, but successfully getting his scouted units back in the process. The Rangers now had a heavy block that ended up surrounding the Daikyus, who ended up being focused hard, taking massive damage, and being rightfully routed. The Rangers won this day when both Paladin and Lancer broke through and scanning the corner just in time. 2 mechs fell from Marigold, with 1 from Osiris, damage overall was a fair spread. Given the amount of assaults our lighter elements went up against.
21 October, 3059
Solo Mission: Probe (attacker) - Jazz
Result: Victory - no effect on contract score
After-action Report: Jazz drew the short straw for the assigned patrol to sector 38. The midnight mission was a probe into area with a large concentration of Drac troupes. Jazz entered the area from the east heading northwest. Short range scans identified a lance of Vedette tanks directly ahead and a lance of mechs approaching from the southwest.
First contact however was made by Lyran Liaison Sgt Gertrude Strachan in her Dart battlemech. Sgt Strachan spotted a Drac jump infantry platoon trying to sneak up on Jazz after hiding in the woods. Caught in the open, the platoon was decimated by the Dart’s SPL barrage. As Jazz approached the tank lance, the Drac mechs split their mech forces. The Panther and Firestarter with the remaining jump infantry platoons turned east to take on the Dart and the Jazz Griffin which had hung back from the rest of the lance to provide long range fire support. The Dart lived up to its name and lost its pursuers in the darkness while the Griffin played a game of cat and mouse in the woods. Meanwhile, the Drac Wolverine and Grand Dragon closed northward to support the tank lance.
The Grand Dragon announced its arrival by charging the Jazz Nightsky as Sgt Luttazi lined up to kick one of the Vedette tanks. Luckily for Sgt Luttazi, the attack missed. The remaining Jazz mechs converged on the Dragon with the kill going to the Nightsky, having severely damaged the Dragon’s gyro. The Drac Wolverine concentrated on the Nightsky and eventually shut down its gyro but lost both legs to fire from Jazz’s Cronus and Wolfhound.
As Jazz finished off the Wolverine, Sgt Strachan’s Dart, under the cover of darkness, circled the battlefield and found Jazz again. The Dart finished off one of the crippled Vedettes, destroying its engine. A lance of Drac hovercraft reinforcements arrived on scene but joined the rest of the battered Draconis forces and retreated from the area.
22 October, 3059
Solo Mission: Ace Duel - Marigold
Result: Victory - no effect on contract score
After-action Report: Nancy wasted no time getting back to her Catapult, although it took longer than usual as she took a less obvious route. She moved even more carefully once she arrived, looking for any clue that might reveal an ambush. Eventually trusting to speed and the beckoning safety of her heavy Mech, she made the run. There was no attack, and her nerves began to unwind slowly as the cockpit canopy slid closed over her. She knew she wasn't safe yet, but the comfort of the mechs start sequence lifted her spirits considerably.
The immediate sensor ping dashed her hopes of a clean escape. Having parked her Mech on the north side of town, she was getting a single radar return from the woods to the south, which was exactly the direction she needed to go. She had just barely made it to her Catapult in time, the enemy Mech would be in weapons range in moments. The nagging question was where were the other mechs? Behind her?
Time to worry about that later. Fortunately, Nancy knew this little town well and immediately jumped onto an office building that provided a clear view of the forest to the south and gave her a little cover as well. Spotting the enemy Mech moving quickly through the woods she launched a salvo from the twin LRM-15 racks but it was a hasty shot with no effect. The next half minute consisted of jumping to various rooftops while cycling new LRM's through the launchers as quickly as possible. Generally, Nancy never cared how quickly she emptied the ammo bins. She eagerly anticipated the close-range portion of the fight, but it was better to soften them up from a distance first. Some of her missiles found her target, and she saw armor dropping off the left arm of the Hercules. The enemy pilot was carefully lining up his own shots as he moved through the woods and returned the favor, rocking Nancy's Catapult with fire from the ERPPC and the LB 10-X.
As the Hercules climbed a nearby hill, it punched another huge shot from the ballistic weapon into the Catapult while Nancy's missiles tore up the surrounding trees and missed the Hercules completely. This Mech was a problem. It had long range power similar to her Catapult, and could keep firing long after her bins emptied. Her next round all missed as well, and she began to move in closer. Maybe she could surprise him and get close enough to kick. The enemy pilot responded quickly though and backed away, continuing to hold the ridge and grab tree cover whenever possible. He had no reason to push forward, that ER PPC could fire indefinitely. The next half minute was quiet as Nancy searched for an opportunity to press forward, but the Hercules moved with precision, maintaining distance or forcing Nancy to choose an inferior position with an aggressive advance.
Again Nancy jumped back to the roof of a nearby building, caught in mid-flight by the LB autocannon and the PPC, she landed unsteadily but stayed upright. Immediately launching a flight of missiles in return, she guessed her opponents move correctly and almost every missile found the target. The Hercules’ left arm dropped away as ruined scrap. Nancy felt she was making progress but this fight was about to change, as she had exactly one salvo left before she'd have to move forward quickly and engage at point-blank range. She jumped again, knowing she couldn't stand up to the Hercules full firepower for long at close range. With a sigh of resignation, she launched her last missiles at the Hercules. She focused on her landing as the Hercules’ shots went wide. The missiles once again pounded the left side of the Hercules and to her surprise, she saw an ejection seat fly into the air as the Mech was consumed by a much larger explosion.
Just like that, the Hercules was a smoking hulk, the battle over. A missile must have found the ammunition stored in that torso. With a glance at the instruments panel, Nancy assured herself that no other enemies were inbound. Just great, she thought, even if she did make it back to base she would have to explain a few tons of shattered armor and two completely empty ammo bins… and no salvage to offset that bad news. Nancy jumped to the edge of town and pushed the throttle to full speed. That was a problem for later, right now she just needed to escape before this guys friends showed up.
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Topic: Operation FUSILIER June 3059 - December 3059 (Read 1461 times)