Chronicles of The NBT4 Jade Falcon's

Jade Falcon Periphery world of Trinity, 23 September 3067

Deep in the periphery on the Clan Jade Falcon world of Trinity several kilometers south of the main star port. A steady stream of autocannon slugs tore into Deejay’s battered Thor. It was a sad looking Omnimech badly in need of repairs and it was this very mechs condition that led to it now being torn apart by the Khan of the Jade Falcons. Twisting the torso to the right Deejay jammed the foot peddles in the opposite direction,” Never give up, Never Surrender,” he snarled as he let loose the last of his AC10 rounds.
Khan Roz Hazen was slightly taken back by the ferocity of the attacking dezgra warrior. This lone warrior who had come out of the wastelands and announced he would fight the star ports best defender in a Trial of Possession for repairs to his Thor. Khan Hazen was on a tour of all Falcon outposts assessing combat readiness and was happy to take a few seconds to teach a bandit a lesson.
The warrior had identified himself as Dezgra MechWarrior Deejay, former LoreMaster of Clan Hell’s Horses now abjured from his former Clan. He stated he had spent the last few months wandering the outer Clan worlds and his mech was in a poor state of health, and as a trueborn warrior he would fight for the right to repair his mech or die trying.
Thrown hard against his restraining straps by the force of the attack, Roz Hazen ignored smoke and stench of scorched metal and lined up for his return fire. He pulled the aiming reticule across the silhouette of Deejay’s Thor, trying to lock his targeting computer onto its torso. The reticule flashed bright red: Roz smiled to himself and squeezed his main trigger. Depleted uranium shells slashed into the left torso of the dezgra Thor blasting out the other side and shearing off the left arm and remaining torso. The enemy mech spun around from the blast and flopped to the ground its gyros gone.
Alarms rang throughout the cockpit as Deejay was thrown violently against the seat harness, Landing cockpit down he knew the killing blow was moments away jamming the control stick and stomping on his foot pads he attempted to make the fallen Thor flip over onto its back. Loud grinding noises vibrated through his mech followed by the computers calm announcement of,” Gyros Destroyed”. Then a message from the Falcon mech came over the comm unit.

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“MechWarrior Deejay”, Roz continued,” You have fought honorably and skillfully. The Jade Falcons do not recognize your abjuration by the Horses. I Khan Roz Hazen Claim you as Bondsman for Clan Jade Falcon. You shall fight a Trial of Entry to determine your rank in the Falcon Touman. Welcome to the Falcons the Strongest and Best of the Clans”
Several moments later the hatch of the downed Thor began to open.
As he unlatched the escape hatch Deejay smiled to himself, “I can finally be a warrior again.”
Stepping out on to the still hot earth he waved to the towering Omnimech and sat down on a rock. Twenty minuets later a green hovercraft with several Falcon Infantry men showed up and took Deejay away for indoctrination, he went along happily. The trip to the star port was uneventful as the accompanying troopers were silent companions. Upon reaching the first check point Deejay was transferred to a Jade falcon Elemental. The huge man looked Down on Deejay and demanded,” put out your right wrist.” Deejay complied with the order knowing his part in the ritual. The Falcon warriors massive chest rumbled with his words,” I welcome you to Clan Jade Falcon bondsman.” Quickly and gracefully the huge man tied a white bond cord around the extended wrist.

Jade Falcon Periphery world of Trinity, 23 May 3068

Deejay thought of the quickly passing months as so many fusillades from an autocannon, with him as the target. His duties and work had intensified since his being taken as a bondsman and his life was a blur. Later had he been required to write down a summery of all the events he had been required to participate in the Falcon bondsman would have failed? He was schooled in Jade Falcon Laws and Traditions in the night and worked on mechs during the day rarely having any free time. Khan Hazen came by several times a week and always seemed to be checking up on his favorite bondsman. Making sure DJ was doing the most work and hardest jobs but also getting the best Falcon training and instruction. It would be six months or longer until Deejay took his Trial of Entrance, and Khan Hazen made it clear he expected DJ to at least make Star Commander.

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In Orbit Sudeten Clan Jade Falcon Occupation Zone,
12 September 3068
“Atmospheric entry in two minuets,” the landing shuttle pilot announced over the intercom. Star Commander Deejay was only half listening to the freebirth pilot’s words. He was reading info on the shuttles destination the Jade Falcon Provincial capital of Sudeten. Looking up from his noteputer he glanced at his wrist, where up until several days ago a bondcord had hung. Thinking back on his Trial of Entrance Deejay recalled Khan Hazen’s faith in his becoming a Star Commander.
“It all seems so strange,” he thought, “the many ways of the universe.”
“Careful,” he chuckled to himself, “I am starting to think like a Cloud Cobra warrior priest.”
Looking down he went back to his reading about the changes the Falcons had brought to Sudeten. How the scientist cast had introduced several new species, including his new Clans namesake the great Jade Falcon. The bird was doing well and had become the top predator in several ecosystems worldwide.
A small micrometeorite that had been traveling for a thousand years had its journey come to a sudden end. It intersected the landing shuttle just below the view port. Entering through the copilot’s panel it passed through the copilot’s torso killing him instantly. The deadly missile dispatched the engineer then ricochet around the cockpit mauling the pilot and lodging in his console.
Star Commander Deejay’s warrior trained senses noticed the slight bump in the shuttles flight followed by change in the angle of decent.
Frowning to himself he got up to check on the pilot’s condition. As he began to rise the cabin lights and the crafts engines shut off.
“What the hell, “he said aloud making his way to the cockpit door. Grabbing an emergency light he noticed the safety seals had clamped shut on it. A quick check of the cockpit pressure on the auxiliary panel confirmed the forward section was open to vacuum. Moving purposely to the back cargo section of the craft he muttered,” I have come too far to die like a freebirth aerotech.”
The tiny ship was starting to buffet as it began to enter the upper atmosphere. In the far back he found the escape pods. Several large egg shaped capsules made for one-person atmospheric reentry in emergencies.
“Well,” he thought,” this certainly qualifies as an emergency.”
Climbing into the nearest one he could feel the shuttle begin to break up. Slamming the hatch shut he engaged the ejection sequence and was rewarded with the jolt of acceleration away from the doomed craft. Illuminated only by the lifeboats tiny control panel he watched the timer count down to retrorocket ignition. The incredible shock of the retros firing pushed Deejay into unconsciousness leaving him blissfully unaware of the rest of his decent.

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Some Mountain top Sudeten, 13 September 3068
Deejay awoke to the smell of cool fresh mountain air. Opening his eyes slowly he began to test his body for injuries. The Falcon warriors left shoulder was extremely painful but it was still usable. The hatch had automatically popped open on landing and he cloud see sunlight filtering in through the crack. Unlatching the safety harness Deejay pushed the canopy the rest of the way open and climbed out. The egg shaped craft had landed in a large snowfield on the slope of a huge mountain. Looking around at the escape pod he could see the track the landing had made in the snow. Searching the interior revealed a locator beacon, rations/water and a survival jumpsuit.
Surprisingly, he noticed he still had his noteputer.
Donning the jumpsuit he found a compass and several other items in the utility pockets.
Hummm weather should hold,” looking up at the sky Deejay watched two large birds for several seconds. Then gathered up his meager supplies and started down for the tree line.
Star Captain Dark Knight Thastus of the Frozen Fears Cluster was livid with anger at the lower cast man standing in front of him. Resisting the urge to strike the tech he realized the current situation was not this freebirths fault. The Frozen Fears new Star Commanders shuttle had inexplicably broken up on atmospheric entry. The technician repeated that they had no way of telling if any escape pods were launched. Dark Knight had helped train DJ on the periphery world of Trinity many months ago, the Cluster Commander expected his new executive officer to survive.
“Sir,” a second tech approached,” we have a probable landing coordinate of what was either an escape pod or a large piece of debris. There are a large number of meteorites entering the upper atmosphere making tracking difficult.”
“Where, did it go down?” demanded Dark Knight,” send rescue teams at once.” he said grabbing both techs by the neck.
“gwwack,” was the only reply.

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Star Port, Sudeten, 13 September 3068
Khan Roz Hazen’s brisk pace barley allowed Star Captain Scturi Hazen
following him to keep up. Roz had received two disturbing reports; the first one was that his newest Star Commander’s orbital shuttle had broken up on atmospheric entry and search parties had been deployed. The second was that Star Captain Dark Knight Thastus was in the process of destroying the star ports communications center. He immediately made his way to the communication center to solve both problems As the Jade Falcon leader approached the comm room he could see the solid steel reinforced blast door hanging at an odd angle. Weighing several hundred pounds and well mounted it must have taken considerable force to dislodge it. Stopping a few steps from the entrance he concentrated on hearing the voices within
.” The Khan is coming,” MechWarrior Viper chuckled from inside the room, “I think he is almost here.”
There was then the sound of shuffling furniture followed by the grunt of a person in pain and the beep of a holoprojector being activated. Suppressing a smile Roz feigned a stern look and marched in leaving the techs that had alerted him behind in the hallway. Looking first to Star Captain Dark Knight Thastus then to Warrior Viper he had to strain to keep a straight face. DK was hunched over a rotating holomap studying the ongoing battle of Mogyorod. One of several Lyran Alliance worlds the Falcons were attacking. Falcon Warrior Viper was leaning against a power console with his arms folded across his chest smiling. Letting his gaze go around the center the Leader of millions of Jade Falcon Clansmen burst into laughter.
Several figures were crumpled against the far wall and a body was draped over a nearby console unmoving. An elemental warrior was sitting in a tech’s chair at an odd angle trembling and a female was sitting cross-legged on the floor weeping loudly.
“W what is going on here,” stammered Roz between bouts of laughter looking to Scturi for support. With the look of utter and complete innocence Dark Knight turned to his Khan.
” Sir, They fell?” Sparking brightly the Holomap projector flickered two times and went out. Taking a deep breath Khan Hazen demanded a report on his lost warrior,
” What word have you heard from the rescue team?”
“It will take two days hike for them to reach the area of the crash site,” Viper replied to his leader.
” The stravag techs received a faint locator beacon signal from near the summit of MT Pryde. They lost it when a storm moved in,” added DK. Star Captain Scturi lightly touched the man lying slumped over an environmental console; soundlessly the unconscious man flopped to the floor. Scturi looked to his Khan smiling
“oops.”
Stifling another laugh Hazen focused on his Star Captain Thastus’s words.

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Roz Hazen knew the meteorological report and he knew the storm DK spoke of would subside in several days.” Star Commander Deejay will survive, or he will not. It is out of our hands. You will take your 12th Regulars the Frozen Fears Cluster and coordinate combat operations on Mogyorod with the 9th Talon Cluster at once. The 9th is led by Star Colonel JP Lewis they are already there conducting operations with the Falcon Guards and 1st Falcon Hussars. They are up against the 15th Lyran Regulars, made up of four reinforced battalions. They are hardened and battle proven a worthy enemy we will gain much by defeating them. When Deejay is located he will jump with the Keshik and we shall rendezvous there with you.
Dark Knight and Viper both snapped sharply to attention and shouted in unison" Yes Sir” Satisfied Hazen turned toward the disfigured door and the accompanying techs, still standing in the hall waiting, to leave. Noticing something on the floor he stooped down to pick it up. It was a large tooth, a molar; it had obviously been recently removed from a jaw. A trembling hand came out from under a desk and a muffled voice said,” my Tooff pweese.” Beginning to chuckle again Khan Roz Hazen dropped the white molar into the out stretched hand and strode from the room.

In Orbit Sudeten, 16 September 3068
High above the world of Sudeten the Congress Class warship Green lantern waited in stationary orbit for a rendezvous with Khan Roz Hazen’s Dropship the Golden wing. Silent and stately the warship patiently hung in space. A mild meteorite shower was peppering the upper atmosphere so the Green Lantern had its solar sail stowed. The Khan’s ship now moved from the sunlit dayside to the shrouded night side. What little light there was went out when the main engine shut down its burn.
“Aboard her SaKhan Tib Malthus looked out of one of the bridge observation ports. Mechwarrior Timur Malthus came up beside him,” the Dropship Captain reports docking operations will begin in one minute. Do you wish to oversee docking?”
“No our khan has requested a meeting in mech bay four, let the Captain control the docking.” While they spoke a rumble began to reverberate through the floors of the Golden Wing as the docking thruster flared to life. Both warriors moved to the command centers hatch Timur instructed the ships Captain to continue the docking.
A small football sized ancient rock, one of thousands of meteorites intersecting the orbit of Sudeten, sped towards the Golden Wing.
“30 seconds to final docking approach “, the loud speaker, announced.
At the exact moment Tib and Timur entered the top level to mech bay four the football of destruction entered near the floor on the opposite bulkhead.

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Landing Zone Jade Falcons; Mogyorod Lyran Alliance,
16 September 3068
Ram Pryde graced the departing lower cast woman with his most sincere smile.
“That was very satisfying I shall call on you for coupling again.”
The tech paused at the exit looking shyly at the floor she giggled her affirmative. Watching the hatch close behind her the falcon warrior pulled out a combat knife. Moving forward to his footlocker he started making a notch in the lid. Ram finished his carving and ran an approving finger over the long line of marks.
Ram said to himself "not all conquests are achieved with combat.”
Stretching fully he made his way to the small cabin shower. There was a situation report meeting at 1800 hours he had enough time to clean up and get some chow. Looking around at the sparse room the falcon veteran’s gaze came to rest on the empty top bunk.
“We have lost too many good warriors in this Lyran Alliance Campaign,” muttering bitterly he turned on his shower.
Ram felt refreshed after his wash just finishing up a sandwich he entered the drop ship Roshak’s Ride situation room. Star Captain Sebastian Roshak was already there studying the holographic projector. A three-dimensional map floated in front of the trueborn warriors face bathing him in eerie colors. Sebastian glanced at Ram,” We need to drive these stravag devils off this planet.”
“Aff,” replied Ram,” the fresh troops Khan Hazen promised should be here in two days.”
“I have received Star Colonel JP Lewis’s new plan of attack,” said Sebastian pointing at the map. “We will link up with my old friend Star Captain KncTrnl Roshak’s Falcon Guards.”
Several Clan warriors filed into the room and silently took the open seats. MechWarrior Frizzle, Gypsy and Raven watched Ram and Sebastian talking for a few seconds then ram took a chair.
Pointing to a spot on the Holomap the 1st Falcon Hussars Commander moved his finger.
“We are to link up here with the Falcon Guards and proceed to this city.” His finger caused a momentary red blip on the projected map.
“We will attack with the 9th Talon’s and the Falcon Guards to retake the city and star port. Star Colonel Lewis’s 9th Talon’s are fighting on the outskirts of the city; they are engaging The 15th Lyran Alliance Regulars. The Frozen Fears will make a combat drop on the opposite side of the launch facilities,” Star Captain Roshak narrated as he traced the line of attack along the map. Sebastian looked each one of his warriors sternly in the eye,” We are Jade Falcon we will prevail.”
“Seyla,” the Clan warriors solemnly intoned.

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Near a Star Port, Mogyorod, Lyran Alliance, 16 September 3068
Azure lightning flayed armor off of Star Colonel JP Lewis’s right torso spinning his mech in the same direction. A Lyran Alliance Thantos circled to the right and an Uzeil came at him head on firing a second PPC. Thrown hard against his restraining straps the 9th talon commander ignored the scent of ionized air and burned circuit boards and let loose his return fire. The double blast from his LBX 20 autocannon chewed into the attacking Uzeil’s Chest shredding armor and internal structure and cracking the reactor core.
The Enemy pilot did not have time to eject to avoid the nuclear fireball that consumed his mech. Still circling to the right the enemy Thantos fired into Lewis’s rear armor. Stomping the foot peddles and twisting hard on the control stick JP turned to the left to greet the Lyran mech. Getting his shot off first JP’s alpha strike targeted the damaged left leg of the Thantos. Unable to take the punishment the leg snapped at the knee joint sending the Inner Sphere pilot to the ground. Not hesitating Star Colonel JP Lewis of the 9th Talon’s fired into the downed mechs torso putting it out of action.
Star Commander Pixius Binetti broke from his stars formation alternating his fire on an enemy Atlas. The staccato rapport of his LBX autocannon soon gained the Atlas pilots attention. Abandoning the grove of trees that had offered some protection the Atlas began moving towards Pix’s Thor. A second Atlas followed the first charging out of the stand of old growth pine. The scarlet pulses of lasers and spiraling contrails of missile marked the Atlas duos attack. The attack of missiles and lasers shook Pixius Thor and nearly threw it to the ground but he managed to keep his machine upright and twisted the torso to return fire. Binettie initial attack on the first Atlas had done some damage and on his secondary monitor he could see a small hole in the center torso. Zooming the resolution in to Max he spotted a dinner plate size jagged hole. Pix could see just inside the opening the upper corner of a fusion reactor, smiling he knew the enemy was doomed.
The two Atlas’s were crisscrossing in front of the 9th Talon’s Star Commander. Waiting for their closest approach to each other he weathered their fire. “Now,” Pix said aloud, firing everything his mech had the Falcon warrior was rewarded with an atomic mushroom in miniature. The enemy pilots escape pod rocketed high overhead and the remaining legs fell to either side. Laughing he moved his Thor around the dissipating cloud hoping the second Atlas had been caught in the blast.
The second Lyran mech was lying on the ground trying to use its right arm to stand. Pixius came to a stop and stared open mouthed at the damage to the enemy mech, the left arm was gone as was most of the left torso. He could see the gyro housing and reactor shielding and parts of the LRM20 auto loader were hanging loose on the side. Pix could not believe his luck,” they must have run into each other just as the first one detonated,” he thought. The enemy Mechwarrior turned his torso to look at Pix’s Thor making no move to stand or fire. Star Commander Pixius Binetti could see the enemy pilot clearly the two locked eyes for a moment. Both men snapped a sharp salute to the other, Honor given Honor acknowledged. Binettie fired into the gyro housing then turned and rejoined his unit.

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Jade Falcon Hall, Clan Jade Falcon Occupation Zone Capital World, Sudeten: 17 September 3068

“Well, Star Captain you are the last person I would think to see tonight,” Star Colonel Samantha Cleese said, as Star Captain Scturi Hazen opened the door of her office.
“We must talk, I thought you would not be as busy at night and your office light was on.” Scturi told his commanding officer, stopping in the middle of her office and turning to face her.
“You go to far beyond the ways of the Clan, I would have you transfer me and my Binary to a frontline Cluster,” Standing tall and Defiant his Falcon genes giving him confidence and strength.
Cleese smiled at him, Scturi was not the first proud Clan trueborn to demand a transfer. Samantha had fought several Trials of Grievance over the issue and Cleese had no desire to fight Scturi she actually liked the Warrior. Star Colonel Cleese stood, posture straighter than ever more the look of Command about her. Walking slowly over to her plain standard issue desk Cleese sat on the corner keeping her eyes on Scturi all the time. Star Captain Scturi Hazen had to turn his head to the right to maintain eye contact with his superior. Scturi looked around the room taking in its austerity. There was the old Desk that Cleese was sitting on and swivel chair behind it. A bland landscape print on each wall and a second guest chair completed the room’s furnishings.
“As you have ordered I have brought my Binary back up to strength. We have replaced mechs, supplies, and personnel.”
“I have read your reports and am aware of your current status,” Samantha dismissed his report with a wave of her hand. Samantha Cleese then did something Scturi did not expect; slowly she slinked around him looking up and down Turi’s body. For all his Clan training Trueborn Warrior Hazen felt like a slab of meat hanging on a hook before an interested merchant. A wicked grin came to Samantha’s not to bad looking face as she stopped her appraisal directly in front of Scturi
“I will Grant your request if you can please me in coupling, It has been many years since any young warrior has done so,”
“Bargained and well done,” Scturi said as he began to unbutton his Camouflaged shirt,” I have heard the rumor that you Howl like a Coyote when you reach climax is that true?”
Pushing everything off her antique desk in one stroke Cleese turned to Turi and started to remove her uniform, “ You shall find out Star Captain.”
That night a The legend of the Ghost Coyotes that roamed the Falcon Halls was born by lowercast men that swore the could here the Baying and Howling of a pack of Coyotes running loose in the Hall. A search the following morning reviled nothing.

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In a Forest on Sudeten, Clan Jade Falcon Occupation Zone,
17 September 3068
On the morning of the fourth day Deejay used up the last of his meager rations. He realized that rescue might not come soon enough and had started foraging for editable foodstuffs. His outdoor survival training was up-to-date but the Star Commander had not yet been briefed on what was safe to eat on this world. Luckily he still had the noteputer from the destroyed shuttle. It had a limited battery source so he was using it sparingly. The trek down the mountain slope had been fairly easy terrain and Deejay had made good time, traveling several miles a day. The storm of the last two days had finally broken and blue ski was back. Using the maps located in the noteputer memory and his rough estimation of his landing the falcon warrior had placed his location about 50 miles from the coastal city of Heignberg. Setting a brisk pace he had been averaging about 7 mile a day and at that rate he would reach the sea in about 5 more days. Scanning the horizon he found his traveling companions. The same two large birds that had found him the day of the crash were still following him. Deejay had recognized the avian’s as the genetically created Jade flacons that his new clan had brought to Sudeten.
The Falcon’s seemed to be leading DJ in the direction of the coast guiding his way around obstacles. After the second day when the warrior had ran out of water the birds had led him to a clear mountain steam. Picking up his possessions Deejay started on his days hike. Foraging as he went the Falcon warrior had by midmorning found several roots that using the noteputer he had identified as safe to eat. Consuming the first one while refilling his canteen next to a brook Deejay had stored the others in his coveralls utility pocket. By the time the sun sank low on the horizon the terrain began changing from old growth forest to brush land. Star Commander Deejay made his camp in the space of two large boulders. A huge tree had fallen on them in the last storm creating a covered space. Snapping branches and laying leaves around he made it as comfortable as a warrior would. A loud wet plop to his right startled DJ. Dropping to the ground he rolled quickly to the left coming up in a combat stance. Glancing around for the attacker he found only a large fish flip-flopping on the ground in front of him. Looking up he then noticed the silent circling of his companions and it seemed benefactors. Deejay ate half the fish and placed the rest on a large leaf and placed it on a tall broken stump. Laying in the dark on his bed of leaves Deejay thought about his past. Part of an illegal experiment by Falcon and Hell’s Horses scientist casts his sibko had both Horses and Falcon Bloodlines mixed in it. When it was found out the scientists responsible were executed and the sibko divided up between the two Clans. He also thought about the Jade Falcons helping him. Grabbing out the noteputer DJ risked the battery usage by using the light. Searching through the index he found the story of the Clan founder Elizabeth Hazen and her Jade Falcon, Turkina. Several hours later he put down his reading tired.
“Wonder where those birds are leading me,” was Deejays last thought before sleep overtook him.

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Dropship Golden wings, 17 September 3068
The silence of space is eternal and everlasting to some a blessing. LoreMaster Timur Malthus half dragged half carried the unconscious form of SaKhan Tib Malthus to the crafts emergency pods. He had no intention of experiencing the eternal peace of space and was trying to get himself and the badly injured SaKhan to the surface below. The Dropship was coming apart around them, having been thrown several meters down the corridor they were in by the force of the explosion; both were lucky to be alive. Timur knew khan Hazen was not so lucky. The Khan had been on the lowest level of the bay just looking up to wave at his fellow officers. LoreMaster Malthus recalled the image of his Khan as the entire side of the ship ruptured inward. A bursting plasma conduit has bathed him in greenish energy fire for several milliseconds then his form charred and withered and was dispersed by the blast. Tib moaned in pain as Timur stuffed him into a restraining couch in the four man escape pod they were now in. strapping in himself he smacked the eject button with his left palm.
Violent shaking proceeded the ejection rockets firing knocking both around inside the capsule. Timur knew the Dropship was exploding around the ejecting lifeboat and he hoped they would note be hit by debris. After what seemed like long seconds the craft rocketed out of the now expanding fireball that had once been a proud Dropship of Clan jade Falcon. Making a straight course for the planet the lifeboat was one of only a few to manage to eject.
Timur could see they were going to land on the night side of the planet near what looked like Pryde Mountain. He looked over at his friend and checked the portable medic pack stuck to his left side. After scrambling up from the initial blast Timur had found Tib unconscious and bleeding badly they were near an emergency locker so Timur had grabbed two of the medic packs stored inside. Tib was heavily sedated and would need immediate medical attention. Timur pulled out the second medic pack and peeled off the adhesive cover paper. Lifting his burned shirt he stuck it to his side. Lights began flashing on the device as it assessed his condition and began to administer drugs. His eyelids fluttering Timur Malthus slipped into chemical induced slumber. Both passengers were blissfully unaware when the lifeboat deployed its landing parachutes and crash-landed in an ancient forest near Pryde Mountain.

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Near a Star Port, Mogyorod, Lyran Alliance, 17 September 3068
"Enemy contact: several mechs 300 meters NE of my position," reported Mechwarrior Philip, who was sitting in his Cougar atop a small flat hill.
“Flank right of the hill," ordered Star Colonel JP Lewis as he moved to rejoin his unit with Star Commander Pix Benniti close behind. The Lyran Alliance mechs were moving in a "V" formation to the left of Philip's hill. Emerald laser fire and autocannon slugs tore into the flanks of the Lyran mechs; their formation quickly broke into confusion.
Trueborn Warrior Philip of the 9th Talon's engaged an enemy Cougar and quickly gained the upper hand. Bringing his autocannon to bear before the enemy pilot could recover from his first barrage. The Falcon warriors second burst found their mark. Carving a deep hole where previous damage had weakened the armor, gutting the enemy Cougar. Philip was greeted to the sight of the Lyran mechs graceless fall to the ground.
MechWarrior KingKai advanced on an enemy Thantos, his opponent changing direction as he became aware of Kingkai's attack, his first mistake. KingKai kicked in his Shadowcat’s superior speed and rounded the LA Thanys flank blasting away the right torsos armor. MechWarrior TJ who had been following his star mate KingKai unloaded all his weapons into the same Thantos already damaged right torso, directing the LA warrior’s attention away from Kai’s circling mech. The Lyran Alliance pilot’s second mistake. KingKai’s large lasers melted through the last of the right torsos armor and dissolved parts of the internal structure. The beams ate away the last bit of IS and destroyed the gyro required to hold the Inner Sphere mech upright. It pitched backwards into the earth out of the battle, the pilot not getting a third mistake.
Two Lyran Ravens thought they had Philip cornered but they were in for a surprise. The squat shoulders of his Cougar brushed aside full grown pine trees as if they were matchsticks as Philip maneuvered with the enemy mechs. As if on cue azure PPC bolts tore into Philips mech from both Lyran Ravens. Realizing they had been heavily modified the Falcon warrior weathered the storm as tendrils of lightning danced across his Cougar.
"Damn you to hell," he screamed as his trigger finger flexed targeting the first raven’s right leg. Both of his large autocannon weapons hit flaying away armor and laying bare the legs internal skeleton. Mechwarrior Philip stood his ground waiting for his weapons to cycle first when they did he fired a second volley into the vulnerable right leg. The leg snapped in two places where the depleted uranium slugs tore through it sending the machine crashing to the ground. Twisting his control Yolk Philip rotated his mechs torso, keeping his weapons inline with the second Raven. A third PPC bolt slammed into Philip's Cougar's mangled torso almost throwing his mech to the ground.

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Slapping the override a split second before loosing his mech to heat-induced shut down Philip unleashed his own torrent of death. Cockpit alarms alerted him that his mechs reactor shielding was cracked explaining the heat spike. Struggling to keep his mech upright the Clan warrior moved to continue the fight and was surprised to find his enemy destroyed. The second Lyran raven was laying on the ground its cockpit smoking and blasted the pilot dead.
Mechwarrior TJ crested a small rise and was attacked by a Lyran Uziel. Missiles sped from the Uzeil's launch tubes corkscrewing towards TJ's mech, wreathing it in smoke and flame. TJ's response was swift and brutal he bathed the Lyran mech in laser light. The enemy clumsily fired his PPCs wide the shots missing TJ. Then the Falcon warrior demonstrated Clan superiority by dropping the Uziel in its tracks with a clean center torso shot. The enemy pilot ejected out the back of the dying mech into captivity.
Star Colonel JP Lewis had encountered an enemy Novacat as he was rejoining his unit. JP sped towards the enemy mech trying to eat up the distance between the two. The Falcon Star Colonel had never thought of himself as a ristar, or as tacitly brilliant he simply did what was necessary to reach his objectives. Triggering his LBX autocannon while deep in thought JP unconsciously mauled the Novacats center torso badly. The Lyran pilot thought valor was the better part of discretion and attempted to withdraw. Unfortunately the enemy pilot ran into Pix who had also been rejoining his star after destroying two Lyran Atlases. Pix quickly dispatched the badly damaged Novacat and formed up with his commander JP. A lyran Raven stepped up to a hill and peppered Pix’s Thor with SRM missiles causing minor damage to the arm. The Thor’s response was quick and in a haze of flying armor the enemy Raven pilot ejected out the back of his mech. The half destroyed mech swayed for a second then collapsed in on its own legs.
“Talon warriors regroup on my position, NOW”, Star Colonel JP Lewis of the 9th Talon’s called to his warriors. Several seconds later Star Commander Pix Benniti reported in,” All points accounted for sir, ready to move.”
“We will hold here awaiting link up with Star Captain Sebastian Roshak’s 1st Hussars.” JP replied,
“Star Colonel JP Lewis to Star Captain Sebastian Roshak what is your ETA to link up over?"

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Forest Near MT Pryde, Sudeten, Clan Jade Falcon Occupation Zone, 18 September 3068

LoreMaster Timur Malthus groaned as consciousness slowly returned to him bringing with it the pain of his injuries. Opening his eyes Timur looked around the inside of the escape craft. A quick survey told him they had landed in one piece but the lifeboat was lying on its side. Carefully he released the restraining straps holding him in place and swung his legs around. Agony lanced through Timur’s body when he tried to stand up, his left ankle was defiantly broken. Using his now vacated seat for support he reached over and checked Tib Malthus condition. The Falcon SaKhan was still comatose not seeming to have sustained any further injuries in the crash landing. Hobbling to the rear of the tilted craft Tim found several more emergency med packs and several inflatable splints. Sitting down gently he began to wrap and splint his broken ankle. Limping forward to the controls the Falcon LoreMaster tried to engage the emergency locator beacon. The cockpit systems were completely dead and no matter what Timur Malthus tried he got no response from them. Giving up in frustration he decided to attempt to get Tib out of his seat with out hurting himself or his SaKhan further.
After several hours of hard labor and excruciating pain Timur had gotten Tib down to the Floor/wall and propped up comfortably. Resting his back against the skewed control panel Timur broke open a ration pack and hungrily devoured it.
“Better check my surroundings,” thought Timur as he looked up to what was now the ceiling and the location of the hatch. Slowly and painfully he climbed up and opened the exit hatch. Easing out onto the hull of the mini craft the trueborn warrior surveyed his situation. They had crashed in a dense old growth pine forest and his senses were immediately assaulted by the woodland odors. Movement to his right caught Timur’s eye, a large shimmering green bird was sitting on a broken branch watching him; being the Clan LoreMaster he instantly recognized it. To Timur’s complete astonishment the Falcon flew over to the lifeboat and landed near the hatch, hopping once to get closer it looked inside the opening. Never in his life had Timur been so close to a wild Jade Falcon, it smelled of musk and the sunlight reflected a thousand different shades of green from its feathers. The majestic creature had eyes and a beak of dark yellow bordering on orange and when it looked up Timur swore it could see into his very being. The bird looked at the Clan warrior for a few seconds then cocking its head upwards it spread its massive wing and launched itself airborne with a mighty screech. Stunned Tim sprawled backward onto the hull and watched his Clans totem disappear into the sky. Leaning up on his elbow Timur was sure something significant had just transpired but he was not sure what.

Page 14

Near a Star Port, Mogyorod, Lyran Alliance, 18 September 3068

The Frozen Fears were deployed for an advance across the wide expanse of the landing area of the star port. They had made a successful combat drop only encountering several enemy scout mechs, which they quickly destroyed. Dude was impressed never in his memory having seen a battlemech mustering as clean-lined and militarily correct as the one he was in now. He had been in several battles with star Captain DK Thastus and was confident they would triumph. The operation looked simple enough on the battle charts and plans, the kind of straightforward battle DK favored. Yet DK knew that the Lyran’s had at times won battle against Clan forces by using deception and trickery. They would employ the kind of sly, tricky strategies that Clan warriors scorned and therefore did not expect.
The Lyran’s did not know that several of the Falcon warriors were experts in deception tactics.
“Yes indeed they are in for a surprise,” Dark Knight chuckled keying his commlink to the general channel,” Frozen Fears today we finish the job started on this world many weeks ago, it is a good day for Lyran hunting. ALL UNITS MOVE OUT.”
The Falcon warriors were spread across the tarmac strictly maintaining their spacing and formation. DK could hear Mechwarrior Viper’s regulating of the Fears march. Viper would tell a Shadowcat pilot to sow his speed, then order a pilot in a cougar to raise its torso because it was creating a dead zone if the fire pattern of the advancing unit. A Thor pilot was even chastised for not closing the gap with another mech. Viper Never stopped talking never stopped revising the line, pattern and rhythm of the march. All in all the Frozen Fears advance was impressive, the massive fighting machines of the unit creating a pattern suggesting not only discipline but controlled force and power.
As Mechwarrior Timmay in his Shadowcat closed ranks with Dude‘s Loki he wondered what Dude had seen.
“Dude reporting I have a contact bearing 140 degrees from my position, contact is an enemy Raven”, his voice crackled over the general comm. line.
Star Captain Thastus quickly issued orders to his star,” warriors Dude, Timmay engage and destroy that Raven. Viper you stick with me for now.”
As if on cue Dude and Timmay peeled off from the main force to intercept the enemy scout mech. They were nearing the edge of the landing zone. After crossing a large water filled ditch the two Falcon mechs came out on to a hilly area with small crops of trees spread out. Timmays Scat topped a small rise before Dude and all he could see were trees,” Damn Raven went passive, it should be here.”

Page 15

Suddenly the Frozen Fears MechWarriors missile lock warning alarm went off followed by several flights of incoming LRM missiles. His Shadowcat was knocked to the ground just as Dude crested the hilltop. Dude seeing Timmay’s mech fall charged forward to protect his star mate firing at the now powered up Lyran Alliance mech emerging from the trees.
“This is Dude I have six enemy mech’s on my position Timmay is down, what are your orders.”
Just as Dude finished his words a missile barrage arrived that washed deadly fire over the LA mechs. The LRMs were followed by DK and Viper their mechs leaping over the crest of the small hill in their high speed run. “I knew they would try this tactic,” DK broadcast to Dude. Mechwarrior Timmay had been killed instantly by a head shot from one of the enemy missles. It was all over in a few seconds a blur to the combatants. Dark Knight had known they would use the tactic and had soundly beaten them with his own counter, LA had lost six mechs and the Falcons had lost one. DK himself accounting for three of the kills.
Star Colonel JP Lewis seated high in the cockpit of his Thor received Star Captain DK Thastus‘s report with a smile. Thastus is a ristar JP thought to himself; someday he will be a Khan. JP now had ETA reports from two of his three Star Captains. Flipping his commlink over to the Falcon Guards general channel he listened in on the combat chatter.
“This is Mechwarrior Deathwish reporting one enemy Thor and one Argus down my status is green, I am rejoining the formation.”
“Aff Deathwish good job,” Star Captain KncTrnl of the Falcon Guards responded.
Mechwarrior K-Rock could barely make out Knctrnl’s acknowledgement over the din of his own personal battle. The joys of seeing a Lyran Loki explode from ammo detonation died as two enemy Thor’s and a Dashi focused their attention on him. The Loki pilot had attacked honorably engaging K-Rock in one on one combat.
Now three of the LA mechs were turning their weapons on him, the cowardly act made his blood run cold crystallizing a desire to see all those before him destroyed. Unloading all of his weapons in an alpha strike the Jade Falcon warrior was rewarded with one of the Lyran Thor’s flopping to the ground, limping as it struggled to its feet. The pilot of which must have been getting very frustrated as he fired two dark green lasers into the Dashi not waiting for a clear shot. K-Rock’s weapons ready light cycled to green indicating all his LBX autocannon were again ready, wasting no time, he unleashed depleted uranium slugs into the Dashis meagerly protected rear. Tearing into its internal structure the shells demolished the reactor core shielding.

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The Dashi died in a flash of light and radiation as the reactor instantly went super critical Mechwarrior K-Rock’s own Thor was rocked backward to the ground from the splash damage; he had been to close to the exploding Dashi and had suffered in lost armor. As alarms rang throughout the cockpit K-Rock struggled to get his mech upright, hoping the other enemy Thor was in similar shape. Lifting his Omnimech to one knee he twisted his torso just in time to see the electric white-blue discharges from two particle projection cannons slam into his Thor’s midsection. New alarms joined the chorus as the new assault again threw K-Rocks omni to the ground. Landing cockpit down he knew the killing shot was only moments away.
“ Bastards! Not this time, ”K-Rock snarled” to the darkened cockpit. Jamming the control stick in the opposite direction as he was stomping with his feet, the battered Thor flipped over on to its back and sat upright. Dirt fell away from the window and sunlight streamed in, anticipating an enemy strike, K-Rock was unprepared to see his Starmate Deathwish’s mech calmly standing on the wreckage of the Lyran Thor.
“K-Rock are you just going to nap there all day? Or are we going to go kick some more Lyran ass,” Nearby was Mechwarrior Lycanthrope in his Mad Cat standing close to the smoking remains of the other Lyran Thor.
Smiling at Deathwish’s joke K-Rock brought his mech to its feet,” thank you for the assist, shall we rejoin the rest of the Guards “
The second crash to the ground had slammed K-Rock hard in his restraining harness giving him a nasty headache. Wiping blood from his nose he reported in to Star Captain KncTrnl,” One Loki two Thor’s and one Dashi destroyed. Deathwish, Lycanthrope and I have no losses our status is green, over”.
“Aff K-Rock you three hold your position, Mechwarrior Terry and I will finish up our party here and link up at your location,” in the back ground of Knctrnl’s transmission the steady beat of extended range medium lasers could be heard. K-Rock noticed movement off to his right just as green death lanced out from Lycanthropes Madcap spearing a Lyran Vulture near the cockpit.
“Contact, Vulture to the right, NW, I have him”, Lycanthropes reacted instantly to the enemy mechs presence. His primary strike was true however and the pilot less Lyran mech crumpled to the ground useless.
“Ummm never mind,” Lycanthropes half-heartedly reported.

Page 17

Forest near MT Pryde, Sudeten, Clan Jade Falcon Occupation Zone,
18 September 3068

Star Commander Deejay made his way down the steep hill in the morning haze in a hurried manner. His traveling companions, the two large Jade Falcon birds, had been very persistent in their encouragement that he kept moving quickly. Deejay skidded toward the bottom of the long hill approaching what he could see was a creek cutting between the hill he was on and the next one over. With the help of the Bird’s he had covered many more miles than he thought possible in this type of forest terrain. Now it was obvious from their movements ahead they wanted him to follow the stream. The footing was strong in the mountain gravel so the Falcon warrior set off at a brisk run to keep up with his fleeting guides. The sunlight was warm on Deejays back and the cool creek water was refreshing while he ran, reflecting on what he had read about his own genetic lines founder Daniel Mattlov. It was said by Falcon historians Mattlov had once told Nicholas Kerensky himself ‘I can damn well pilot a Mech better than any one of you fools,’ and for that he earned the right to be in the twenty original Clans. The smell of burned vegetation was the first sign Deejay noticed, and then up ahead a wide swath cut through the tops of the pine trees. Many of the sheared off tree tops and branches had fallen into the stream forming a dam causing the water to back up. It was obvious to him it was some sort of crash, probably an aircraft of some sort. Both Falcons had come to roost at the top of a broken evergreen and upon seeing the Star Commander catch up they let out a screech to get his attention and started off flying inwards of the crash direction. Moving as fast as he could Deejay hoped the landing site was not too far as the birds were already out of sight.
After several minuets of travel Deejay came to the crashed vehicle lying on its side.
“Hello is anyone in there,” DJ called immediately.
From inside the craft came the muffled reply “Yes we are here.”
Then on what was now the top a hatch swung open and a Falcon warrior popped out.
“I am LoreMaster Timur Malthus, identify yourself”.
“Greetings LoreMaster I am Star Commander Deejay newly assigned to the Frozen Fears. My landing shuttle experienced difficulties and I was forced to abandon it, I have been traveling for several days now in the direction of the coast but my friends diverted me to your crash location.” Deejay pointed skywards indicating the two Jade Falcons circling overhead. Looking up and shielding his eyes from the sun Timur recognized one of the birds from his encounter with it before.
“Are you hurt LoreMaster?”
“I am, my ankle is broken and I believe several ribs as well. SaKhan Tib Malthus is with me, he is unconscious and I do not know the extent of his injuries. “

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By sunset Deejay had broken out the stored emergency shelter and set up a campsite, Using a laser cutter he had cut through the hull of the lifeboat making an opening far easier to traverse than climbing through the roof. With both Timur and Tib comfortably situated and fresh medic packs on both Deejays went to work trying to get some of the crafts emergency signaling systems to work. All the time he labored the protective Falcons took turns guarding and bringing provisions. Several small furry mammals and ten fish made up the entrée. Timur watched in amazement at the interaction between this strange new warrior Deejay and the very symbol of his Clan. Timur had read the reports of the former bondsman, how he was also at one time a LoreMaster for the Hell’s Horses. But he had never won a Blood name because his genetic make up was a fusion of Falcon and Horses lines. The Birds seemed to almost communicate with the new warrior as the dropped fish from over head and DJ caught them without knowing they were coming. Then DJ had started to fix the damaged emergency locator beacon on the landing craft, Timur was doubtful but kept his own council. Using parts from his low power beacon Deejay managed to cobble together a working one. Activating it he was relived to receive a return signal. The message received was short and text only,’ Have your location, ETA two hours’.
Deejay sent an affirmative to the message then shut down the transmitter to save its meager power reserves.
“ LoreMaster Timur, sir, I have made contact with the rescue teams they will be here in two hours to air lift us out.”
LoreMaster Timur Malthus Looked at Deejay then turned to stare at both roosting Falcons, the birds were on a large fallen tree trunk looking intently at Tim, and the largest nodded its head as if reading his thoughts. Leaving Timur to his pondering deejay took several of the uneaten fish over to the tree trunk the Falcons were roosting on placing the food with in easy reach he checked on Tib. After two hours the sound of chopper blades could be heard in the distance getting closer. The falcons let out a mighty screech and like one creature they both sprang into the air. Swooping madly at Deejay they seemed bent on attacking him, dodging to the left one managed to claw his uniform shoulder. The other, the largest, dropped a silvery object into Deejays surprised grasp. Looking at it as the Birds flew away he realized it was a silver belt buckle with an attacking Jade Falcon on it with emeralds for eyes. Turning it over he read the inscription on the back; ‘To my friend Dan Mattlov, may you teach the Jade Falcons all you have taught me.
Nicholas Kerensky 2810’
Timur Malthus had watched the whole scene; walking over to Deejay he plucked a Falcons Claw out of DJ’s uniform shoulder strap where it had become stuck in the attack. The mark and claw of the Falcon were very meaning full to Tim; he realized the birds had accepted DJ as one of their own

Page 19

Jade Falcon Command Center Sudeten Clan Occupation Zone,
19 September 3068
As the Dropship descended, Star Colonel DarkStryfe Heller studied the face of his Galaxy Commander with almost scientific detachment. To Dark, Zodiac Icaza represented all that was admirable in a Clan Warrior. Zodiac held himself above mundane Clan conflicts, administered his command with fairness and fought with more skill than any two warriors. DarkStryfe Thought it was exactly these qualities that made Zodiac a superb Galaxy Commander. The Dropship landed in the field recently cleared for that purpose, and began disgorging its contents. Large Bay doors opened up and several large construction mech ambled out carrying several large pieces of wreckage. It was the salvage from the Khans Dropship Golden Lion. Several survivors of the Dropship destruction, led by Mechwarrior IronQueen marched down the loading ramp and lined up for the Galaxy Commanders review the wounded were taken to the infirmary. They were all Fledglings former Bondsman Archmore, Redeye, SargRock and standing proud at the end of the line was DragonKnight. Star Colonel DarkStryfe Heller would have recognized Mechwarrior Ironqueen at any distance as her chest was very formidably and distinctive. IronQueen stepped in front of Archmore, Heavy was too far away to hear the exchange but Ironqueen suddenly decked Arch. He quickly jumped back up to attention, a small trickle of blood running from Arch’s lip.
“Mechwarrior Ironqueen and fledglings reporting for duty sir,” she snapped a sharp salute. IQ stood with her charges she had instructed them to stand at stiff military attention, not slacking off as fledglings sometimes did. No one in her command would be permitted to display anything less than correct military posture. Galaxy Commander Zodiac Icaza and Star Colonel DarkStryfe Heller proceeded slowly from one fledgling to the next, behind them Omnimechs were now being unloaded. They made an impressive backdrop for the military correct line of cadets. Finally Galaxy Commander Zodiac Icaza turned to MechWarrior IronQueen and took her hand in a firm handshake. ”Welcome to Sudeten it is good to see you alive”.
Star Colonel DarkStryfe Heller walked around to IQs side smiling he clasped a hand on her shoulder, “Aff it is good to have you here.”
IQ looked first at Zodiac then over to Dark,” I have Mech bay roms of the accident and Khan Hazens death.”
“His death is confirmed?” Asked Zodiac, “Have you seen the roms?”
“Yes to both, Sir”, IQ replied standing at parade rest.
“SaKhan Tib Malthus and LoreMaster Timur Malthus also survived in an escape pod. They were rescued by a new Star Commander named Deejay. He is a Horses Hybrid with a claim to the Mattlov line,” Heavy informed IQ
“That is good; we will need strong warriors in the days ahead.”
Smiling at IQs formal tone Zodiac spoke to the Fledglings, “Today marks the beginning of your final Phase, and soon you will take your ToE.”
“Dismissed!”

Page 20

In a Star Port Communications center, Mogyorod Lyran Alliance,
19 September 3068

Star Colonel JP Lewis was dirty and tired having come directly from his mech to the newly captured Comm center. Small pockets of resistance still remained but the city was under Jade Falcon control. Lower cast members had moved in to align the cities HPG transmitter with Clan channels. They had called to him immediately to see an urgent message for his eyes only. As he stood there waiting for the Clan tech to set up the real time HPG transmission he found his mind wondering. Always the military man he was thinking of timetables to move supplies in from orbiting Dropship. The lens on the camera like device in front of JP glowed to life.
”There,” proclaimed the tech proudly, bringing JPs Attention back.
The raised podium in front of JP glowed bluish-green and flickered into a Holo image of Galaxy Commander Zodiac Icaza standing proud.
“Greetings Star Colonel Lewis, I have grave news. Two days ago an accident in orbit of Sudeten destroyed the Khans Dropship Golden Wings. There were survivors but Khan Roz Hazen was killed. There will be a meeting of all the Bloodnamed warriors. You and all Bloodnamed Warriors are recalled to Sudeten.”
“Aff, Galaxy Commander we will be there, but tell me this? Who is the running favorite to be the new Khan?”
Zodiac’s image leaned forward and smiled at JP, ”you will just have to wait to find out. We will talk when you arrive on Sudeten.”
Saluting Zodiacs image winked out to be left by the faint smell of ozone.
“Loosing another Khan cannot be good for the Clan, strong decisions need to be made to many home Clans are brisling to take our place ” JP said harshly to himself. Turning sharply the Commander of the 9th Talon’s marched from the room; calling to his Star Commander Pix Benniti he began to formulate a plan. After receiving his commander’s instructions Pix ran back into the Comm center, he had a lot of Falcon Bloodnamed Warriors to call and not much time to do it in. Part one of his new plan under way JP sent word out to all blooded warriors to assemble at the Star Port for immediate return to Sudeten. He included the report of Khan Hazens untimely demise.
Star Captain Dark Knight Thastus was just finishing reading a report sent to him by lower cast personnel from Sudeten about his lost Star Commander when JP’s transmission came in. He knew Roz was dead but was more interested in the condition of his new exec. DK was now looking forward to finally meeting DJ upon the return to the capital. He signaled an affirmative to the transmission and set the portable receiver down. JPs Message had put DK in a good mood so he decided to wonder over to the captured Lyran prisoner’s section and help with some interrogations.
“I have time for some exercise.”

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Hall of Bloodnamed Warriors: Sudeten Clan Occupation Zone and Ironhold Clan Home worlds, 16 December 3068

Word of Khan Roz Hazens death and SaKhan Tib Malthus injuries spread through the Falcon Touman. A meeting of all the Blood named warriors was called to elect a new Clan Khan. Using HPG holotransmissions the warriors in the home worlds and the warriors in the occupation zone could have a real time meeting. Star Colonel Samantha Cleese of the 2nd Falcon Dragoons the Zeta Galaxy was pleased to here the news, feeling it would bring her new opportunities to regain Honor. She had once been the SaKhan to Khan Marthe Pryde but had given up the post when her Honor was questioned in regards to Khan Prydes death. Samantha had expected to be giving command of the very prestigious 9th Talon Cluster, but it had gone to Star Colonel JP Lewis. Star Colonel Cleese had received the dezgra 2nd Falcon Dragoons instead.
It was unclan like but she hated the man and did everything in her power to impede his career and his unit’s progress. Her latest target had been Star Captain Dark Knight Thastus unfortunately it had backfired and DK was now very popular with the Blood named warriors. There were even rumors he would be nominated to be the next Khan. Samantha sat near the rear of the circular council chamber she could see her former Star Captain Scturi Hazen near the front Cleese was confident if she was named Khan, Star Captain Hazen would accept the position of SaKhan if she offered it to him.. All around her the assembled Bloodnames warriors sat in solemn silence. Flickering Holo images projected from transmitters set into the seats themselves represented many. The Holo scanner in front of her glowed red indicating it was now active. Ghostly figures filled more than two/thirds of the spaces and Samantha knew she appeared as a Holo image to them. Many hundreds of light years away on the Clan Occupation Zone Capital Sudeten LoreMaster Timur Malthus stepped into the Center of the chamber. It was obvious he was still injured but he spoke with strength and dignity.
“We have been summoned here on a matter of grave importance. We must once again choose a new Khan. SaKhan Tib Malthus is awake and will recover full in time. He will not pursue being Khan at this time.”
A buzz of murmurs erupted throughout the chamber echoing in the high domed ceiling.
Quieting the room with a practiced look Malthus continued,” You all see on the terminals before you the nominees for Khan make your choice now.”
Several tense moments passed while Samantha looked over the short list, smiling she pressed the button next to her name. Star Captain Scturi Hazen Looked at the names before him on the screen choosing the name he minded the least he made his choice, If Thastus screws this up I will challenge him for the role of Khan, thought Sturi. Looking around the assembled warriors Turi could not see Star Colonel Samantha Cleese but he knew she would not be happy if Dark Knight Thastus was elected Khan.
“Glancing at a noteputer LoreMaster Malthus cleared his throat for attention.
“I have the results of the Vote of the Blood named warriors for Khan
of Clan Jade Falcon.”

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Looking around at the gathered Falcons Timur announced the name of the new Khan. Star Colonel Samantha Cleese was holding her breath waiting for the name.
“By a vote of over two/thirds I declare Star Captain Dark Knight Thastus Khan of Clan Jade Falcon. May we all be bound by this till we are dust.”?
“Seyla, “the Falcon Bloodnamed replied.
Samantha Cleese said the ritual word without feeling as she was in shock over the choice of the Clans Blooded warriors. “How? I had called in all my favors, used all my tricks. HOW,” she was now openly angry.
“I can just imagine who he will choose as SaKhan, my favorite person.” She thought, looking over at the Holo image of Star Colonel JP Lewis.
The new Khans Holo image winked out, only to be replaced with a full sized version standing next to LoreMaster Tumor Malthus.
“My Warriors,” he began,” I will not give you a speech filled with rhetoric or hype, I will give you a promise we shall regain our Honor from the Lyran Alliance and make the dezgra Wolves sorry they did not flee farther into the Inner Sphere.”
“I wish to call as my SaKhan Star Colonel JP Lewis, I believe he will make a fine addition to my Keshik.”
LoreMaster Timur disappeared for a moment then reappeared with a set of grand robes he then placed on the new Khan of the Jade Falcons shoulders. Slowly a clapping sound began to build, one by one the Bloodnamed warriors stood up and paid Honor to Khan Dark Knight Thastus.
After the applause had died down Timur spoke to his new Khan
“My Khan I wish to make a request, I am unable to continue my duties at this time due to my injuries. I believe our Clan totem the great bird Jade Falcon has given us my replacement. Two Falcons befriended Star Commander Deejay; they led him to us and then helped us to survive until rescue teams arrived. The birds even gave him Daniel Mattlov’s lost belt buckle, originally given to Daniel by Nicholas Kerensky himself.”
“You would have Deejay assume the position of LoreMaster, Quaiff?” DK asked uncertain he had heard Timur correctly.
“Aff my Khan.”
“Then the new Keshik shall start with myself, ,JP Lewis and Deejay of house Mattlov,” Khan Thastus announced to the gathered faithful raising his arms in emphasis.
More applause followed and almost no one noticed Samantha Cleese slip from the room her shoulders hunched over in deep thought. Star Captain Scturi Hazen watched her make quickly through the upper doorway.
“We shall see how well you deal with adversity my new Khan we shall see indeed,” she thought as she glanced angrily back at DK while exiting the chamber.

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Jade Falcon Hall Sudeten Clan Occupation Zone,
28 December 3068

Galaxy Commander Zodiac Icaza entered Khan DK Thastus new office and greeted the officers already present. SaKhan JP Lewis and LoreMaster Deejay stood to shake hands with Zodiac.
Walking around his new desk DK warmly put his hand on Zodiacs shoulder.
“Thanks for all your support, with out you and the old Guard this would never have worked.”
“It is all for the good of our Clan my Khan, besides this was as much JP’s idea as it was mine.” Zodiac smiled at his fellow warriors.
“Let us get started, Now that we have the full Coyote information we have much to go over,” Said JP gesturing to the chairs gathered around the cluttered desk.
Several hours later they decided to take a break and all got up to stretch.
“OK, let us recap what we have so far.” yawned DK, “I will to travel Back to Clan space and Khan Judgement Steele and I shall go before the Grand Council to gain approval for a Trail of Merger, JP will stay here and reorganize our forces in preparation to absorb the Coyote Touman. Zodiac will coordinate movements of the new units into attack positions. Finally Deejay you as the New LoreMaster will use the Falcon Watch intelligence service to gather information on JPs selected targets and to sow disinformation on false ones.”
“Enroot to the Home Worlds I will send out HPGs to the Khans of the Blood Spirit and Fire Mandrills, I will offer them incentives to become allies. I know Khan Anjinn has some designs of his own for Clan Jade Falcon. JP you contact the Wolves and the Ghost Bears, see how friendly they are. I do not at this time know what roles Coyote Khan Judgement Steel and NightWight Steele shall play in our combined Touman.”
Labor caste members brought two bowls filled with fruit and a large flask of a carbonated drink with the cups hanging from the side of the bottle. Hungrily the Falcon warriors tore into the food consuming most of both piles of fruit in a few moments.
Drinking loudly his second cup of beverage Deejay turned to Zodiac,
”Has Star Colonel DarkStryfe Heller arrived at Mogyorod to assume command of combat operations there yet?”
“Aff, I received his transmission this morning, I am looking forward to joining him there, I have been out of combat for far too long now.”
The Jade Falcons new LoreMaster Deejay chuckled at Zodiac’s remark. “Well my friend if I am reading JP’s plans correctly and looking at his time tables I would say you will get lots of time in a mech.”
Khan DK Thastus looked out the large picture window at Mechwarrior IronQueen on the parade grounds below giving the fledgling their evening work out. “We have the Trial of Fire for the Fledglings in three days, I want working plans with alternatives in my hands at the end of that night, Quaiff.”
“Aff.” Replied the senior Falcon warriors in unison.

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IronQueen could see Khan Thastus standing in the second story window of Khan hall. She knew he was watching her drill the new fledglings and gave each cadet an especially hard time to show the new Khan his new warriors would be the Falcon’s best. This was a different group of siblings from the four she had survived with in the destruction of the deceased Khans Dropship.
Archmore, Redeye and DragonKnight had all three passed their Trial of entry and were combat ready warriors waiting for first assignment. IQ knew it was vain but she was proud of all the sibs she trained that made warrior status even the freebirth ones. Returning her concentration to the fledglings standing in line in front of her, MechWarrior IronQueen stepped in front of each fledgling; Jaguar, Striker, SrgRock, and MechKnight looking each over carefully she dismissed them for the night but not before giving the Fledgling group as a whole a dressing down. Falconer IronQueen walked briskly away form the direction the cadets had gone. The evening wind blew dust in swirls across the Falcon parade grounds. The massive Falcon Hall dominated the entire side of the grounds, a huge medical complex took up the far end and the rest was devoted to barracks buildings and support structures. IronQueen would soon be ending her tour as a Falconer and resuming the duties of a MechWarrior. IronQueen would be taking place in a Trial of Bloodrite for a Mattlov Bloodname in several days and she was impatient to begin full training.
The Khan of the Jade Falcons watched IronQueen send the cadets to their barracks and then turn towards the officer’s barracks her firm buttocks swaying seductively as she went. Walking over to his massive desk he sat in the high backed leather chair. Little did DK know at that moment Ironqueen was thinking how badly she wanted his hands on her body. As a warrior IronQueen spent little time ever thinking about sex but since she had been Transferred to Sudeten and near DK that all had changed. He entered her thoughts daily. The Officers shower had become torturous. To see his naked wet well-muscled body was more than she could bear. She could feel her lions throb painfully with want. She hoped he was thinking the same. DK was unaware of her unclan like thoughts as he turned bak to the meeting.
“Are we all agreed that Star Captain Scturi Hazen will assume the duties of OathMaster upon my return from the Home Worlds?”
Veteran warriors SaKhan JP Lewis, Galaxy Commander Zodiac Icaza and LoreMaster Deejay all nodded their agreement. Deejay spoke up,” I will administer the appropriate Trial with your permission my Khans.”
“Then that is it for tonight,” JP said while finishing off the last of the carbonated beverage the lower cast men had brought much earlier.
“I have a shit load of paper work to finish before the sun rises so I will take my leave. My Khan, Galaxy Commander, LoreMaster, I shall see you in the morning.”
The meeting quickly broke up leaving Khan Thastus alone in his new office and his thoughts.
Events far beyond Thastus’s control had been set into motion by those who would see him fall. Many Good warriors had been lost in the Northern Lyran Campaign resulting in a strong disillusionment amongst the Touman in general. The up coming merger weighed heavy on his mind. DK was unsure if he could defeat Judgement in one on one combat, Judgement Steele was one of the best infighters ever produced by the Clans breeding program. Walking across his overly plush office Khan DK Thastus looked in to a small wall mirror.
“We shall see my Khan we shall see,” he said to the reflection looking back at him.

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In the Hills Near a Star Port, Mogyorod, Lyran Alliance, 29 December 3068

Star Colonel DarkStryfe Heller had spent all his life training to be a MechWarrior, the apex of Clan achievement to have his genes added to the Clan Gene Pool.. To be one of the Falcons best required training, skill and courage. A single Omnimech had the power to level buildings in warfare it was all but invincible unless pitted against another Omnimech. Strapped into his Thor's Cockpit he could see across a small valley to the opposing hillside. The lyrans had some how found out something was up with the Clan and upon Dark's arrival they were attacking in force. He had rallied his Clan forces and the battle had lead to the hills outside of the city. An enemy Black Knight appeared from some trees at the far end of the valley.
The Black Knight came equipped with a Beagle Active probe that enhanced its ability to find hidden mechs but it was detecting nothing. The Falcons passive radar systems allowed them to track the approaching lyran mech without it being aware. Three more Lyran mechs emerged from the tree line and followed the Black Knight, a captured Clan Loki and two Thanatos. DarkStryfe caught a flicker of movement near the crest of the opposing slope. Three Clan Mechs, all painted in the Jade Falcon's bright green, came into view. All were fast configurations with maximum armor unleashing an alpha strike each of the three Clan mechs took off running away from the advancing Lyrans. MechWarrior Phillip hit the enemy Black Knight in the center torso doing considerable damage, not waiting for a second shot he turned his Cougar around and kicked in its superior speed. Checking his rear monitor Philip could see two more enemy's an Uziel and another captured Clan mech: a Mad cat. DarkStryfe watched the enemy Uziel run to with in 580 meters and not sight his camouflaged mech. Most of the perusing Lyrans were passing now they had taken the bait.
Opening up his commlink Dark said one word over the open channel," NOW."
DarkStryfe and Star Captian Ender had their mechs standing close together in the camouflaged net covering. Weapons blazing both mechs burst from their hiding place.
On the other side of the valley Star Captain Retic Steele led his Warriors over the crest into the exposed flank of the Lyrans. Mechwarrior Lycanthrope fired his extended range large lasers into the upper back of a passing Lyran Awesome; stabbing up through the cockpit the Lyran never knew what killed him.
Warrior K-Rock turned his weapons on an enemy Argus his twin ER large lasers boiling off some of the protection on both arms. His Autocannon 20 Chewed away armor on the right leg throwing the mech to the ground. Firing point blank into the other leg K-Rock put the scout mech out of commission. Retic Steele opened up on bird-legged Catapult carving armor from the upper torso. The Lyran Mech shuddered under the assault, but the pilot kept the machine upright.
Not giving the enemy pilot a chance to recover Star Captain Retic blasted more armor off the Inner Sphere mechs upper torso but failed to open a breach. Firing his extended range large lasers into the left side of the Catapults breast.

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The Trueborn Clan Warriors aim was true, the green beam created a gaping hole in the torso armor, melting support structures. A huge gout of black smoke jetted from the hole telling Retic that the Catapult's engine shielding had been damaged. Internal heat spiked in the doomed mech and its LRM ammo began to explode, the enemy pilot wisely choose to eject.
By now the Lyrans were fully aware that they had been led into a trap and their formation broke up into chaos. A pair of Uziel's ran into each other one unleashing its ERPPC's into its mate. Seeing the damage already done to the unfortunate Uziel Warrior Deathwish finished the job coring the short mech causing it to explode in a miniature mushroom cloud. Caught in the blast the first Uziel was blown to the ground taking massive damage to the chest. Deathwish’s weapons cycled faster than the Lyran mech could stand and it was also destroyed.
Two Thantos had targeted Warrior Terry battering his lokie with a hail of gauss slugs sending his mech to the ground causing it to explode killing Terry instantly. Star Colonel DarkStryfe Heller and Star Captain Ender moved into avenge Terry’s demise. Slowing their mechs the Clan officers took apart the First Inner Sphere Thantos in under 20 seconds. Unfortunately a gauss rifle shot from the surviving enemy Thantos passed through the weak armor on the left torso nearby the cockpit of Star Colonel DarkStryfe Heller's mech causing his auto eject systems to engage. Pilot less Heller's Omnimech crashed to the ground next to Dead MechWarrior Terry’s destroyed mech. Friendly Units saw him eject and Heller would be quickly picked up and listed as wounded in action.
An enemy Black Knight fired at K-Rock but missed with its PPC and one of its large lasers. The second green laser slagged armor on
K-Rocks mechs chest leaving a crescent-shaped wound burned through the green paint. Another Lyran Black Knight unleashed everything it had at K-Rock expanding the damage done by the first Black Knight. K-Rock did not shrink back despite the damage, seeming contemptuous of the Lyrans efforts to kill him. The LBX cannon located in K-Rock left arm vomited a torrent of depleted uranium slugs at the first Black Knight sending it tumbling to the earth out of the action. Warrior Phillips opening salvo had already seriously damaged it. A captured Clan Mad cat and a captured Thor had decided to make a stand back to back. The bait mechs had returned to the battle and were severely harassing the captured Clan mechs. KingKai would run in and shoot one of the two then run out only to be replaced on the other side with TJ and then Phillip in his Cougar. The vicious attack by three small mechs surprised the Lyran pilots disorienting them temporarily. Phillip wasted no time in taking advantage of the Lyrans pilot’s laps running in close to the enemy Thor he stopped and fired every thing into its cockpit area. The dying mech reared over backwards into the Mad cat that was still standing behind it.
The LA Mad cat tried to move but the dead weight of the Thor draped over its back prevented it. Shaking like a dog trying to dry itself the Mad cat finally shook free of the dead Thor. Star Captain Ender engaged the Mad cat as it started forward cutting loose with an alpha strike. The autocannon hits devoured armor on the LA mechs right leg severing it above the knee joint. The lower half of the leg careened back toward the dead Thor, while the Mad cat dropped to the ground.

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Twisting its torso the downed Mad cat fired at TJ's passing Shadowcat sending a storm of laser bolts through its weakened chest armor. TJ's Omnimechs cockpit window exploded outward in a burst of flame. Nanoseconds later the Scat exploded, consuming the upper half of the mech in a roiling fireball. Ender quickly avenged the destruction of TJ’s mech by destroying the prone Mad cat. The Lyran unit was all but annihilated leaving one Black Knight and one Raven left operational.
The Black Knight attempted to disengage but Star Captain Retic Steele firing his LBX20’s in succession intercepted its retreat. One drilled through the armor in the Black Knights right torso mangling inner structure. The other Blast of shells ripped all the armor from the mechs right arm and all but severed it. The ER large lasers that shot from Retic's Thor finished the job slicing into the open chest melting the gyro housing. Unable to stay upright the LA mech nose-dived into the chewed up hillside. Angry at the death of so many good Falcon Warriors Retic fired again into the downed Black Knight Causing it to explode also killing the Lyran pilot inside. The Lone Raven had been observing the battle with its sophisticated array of electronics, feeding the data back to the Lyran command post. When it also was destroyed the data feed was terminated.
As the Holo projected image in front of him broke up into static the Lyran Commander Traxxas looked to his second in command Xavier and said,
" I hate the Jade Falcons."
He then got up from the portable holoprojector and walked from the command bunker.
Xavier just nodded his head in agreement wisely knowing not to say anything.

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Falcon Training facility Sudeten Clan Occupation Zone,
31 December 3068

Training had intensified in the days following their arrival on Sudeten. The Fledglings Falconer IronQueen was even more demanding now that they were on the capitol world. There was to be a ceremony preceding their assignment of mechs for their final Trials. One night a tech showed up at their barracks with several ornate wooden boxes. Each fledgling opened the box with his or her name on it, inside the found Clan Jade Falcon dress uniforms. When they had donned them, the clothing seemed to transform them from drab looking trainees into figures that bore at least a resemblance to actual warriors.
They had dressed in some confusion not knowing what to expect.
MechWarrior IronQueen came into their barracks and lined them up. She inspected their clothing, managing to find something to adjust on each outfit. Going from cadet to cadet she straightened MechKnighs collar, wiped a smudge off of SargeRocks top button, adjusted Strikers belt buckle, and retied Osdad’s cape. Satisfied she marched them outside where the New Jade Falcon LoreMaster Deejay was standing at the head of two ranks of Warriors. LoreMaster Deejay and the assembled Warriors were dressed similarly to the fledglings but with medals and battle ribbons. Without speaking DJ gestured IQ and the cadets into line. It was nighttime almost midnight on December 31st. Several of the warriors in the line carried flashlights and several more carried flaming torches. Deejays voice cut throughout the night, I am LoreMaster Deejay of House Mattlov. On this last night of the old year all here are bound by the proceedings about to take place until we are all dust and memories."
"Seyla, "whispered the gathered Falcons.
"You are no longer mere fledglings, whether or not you succeed in becoming warriors. You have left your sibko and will be strong in whatever cast to which you are assigned." Deejay marched them away signaling to the fledglings to take up the rear and follow.
They came to a clearing lit by many fires; many warriors were gathered around a huge Bon Fire. The Fire blazed higher and higher lighting up the assembled warriors in strange twisting shapes. The wall of flame consisted of huge timbers piled helter skelter by the efforts of Battlemech. It appeared as if a giant hand of crimson inferno was reaching for the sky. Standing on a gnarled stump illuminated by the blaze was their new Khan Dark Knight Thastus. The Firelight reflected in his eyes whose own natural fires had always been powerful enough. Now DK’s eyes seemed those of some mythic demon, glowing with a strength that could never be comprehended. DK raised his arms over his head and all the gathered warriors began to chant. Then in a tradition passed down from the great Father Himself DK stepped down from the stump and into the flames.

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During the formation of the Clans the Great Father Nicholas Kerensky had come up with many new traditions to bind the new Clans together. The Trial of Fire was one of them, adopted by all the Clans to initiate new cadets into their final phase of training. Kerensky foresaw the need to build unity between his veteran troops and the new trueborn warriors. Khan DK eyes glowing with intensity took a step into the fire then another, and finally with a mighty stride he was on the other side walking towards the fledglings. There was no hint of pain in his face or even knowledge he had pass through the flames. Taking Mechnight’s hand he instructed the other cadets to link hands. One by one they took each other’s hand not knowing what to expect. Little did the cadets know, compared to the inferno Raging in DK's loins for IQ the fire he had traversed was a mere cool breeze.
SaKhan JP Lewis stepped up on to the stump and began to speak.
“On one side of the flames is your old life of the sibko. On the other side is your new life as a warrior if you pass your Trial of Entry. You must pass through the flames to burn away the child and allow the warrior to step forth.”
“Seyla,” The gathered warriors intoned as one.
As JP began to speak Khan DK began to draw the cadets through the fire, the fledglings exchanged puzzled glances. It was no shock that fire would not harm someone like Khan Thastus but they were unsure of what the fires effects would be on them. Striker had a sudden urge to release both SargRocks and Osdada’s hands but he knew such cowardice was unClan like. Mechnight felt all his muscles tighten as Khan Thastus pulled him forward. SargRock followed without the slightest hesitation, Striker was pulled along and he in turn drew Osdada into the fire. Suddenly they were in the flames, SargRock realized the shoes and clothes must have been treated to be flame resistant. Though the heat was intense and it seemed long enough to burn them to shriveled husks they emerged on the other side intact.
Falconer IronQueen was standing on the other side and handed each one a canteen of water. Lining the cadets up IQ hung a small Flame pin on each fledglings collar. "Good job, you did well." she told them.
Next came Khan Thastus and SaKhan Lewis, congratulating and shaking each cadets hand. After the official ceremony IQ rounded up her charges near the edge of the fire,” All right you -Bleep- I expect to have to kick your -Bleep-Bleep-Bleep- heads back into your own -Bleep- for this last part of training.”
All around the fire small chuckles could be heard as almost all had fallen victim at one time or another to IQs wrath. It was said She had once woven a tapestry of obscenity to the illKhan himself that still hangs in space above Strana Mechty today. IronQueen glared slowly around the inferno stopping to give some warriors an epically withering look. A lower caste tech came up to SaKhan Lewis.
“My Khan,” he bowed.
“Yes” JP questioned.
“ Star Colonel DarkStryfe heller has been wounded in action.”
Clasping the lower caste man on the shoulder JP replied grimly,”I will inform the Keshik.”

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Grand Council Chamber, Clan Capital Strana Mechty 25 January 3069

Khan Dark Knight Thastus Standing at the Grand Council Chamber entrance surveyed the large room. He had been in the Chambers before but this was his first time in the Hall as a Khan. The room itself was incredible. The amphitheater’s tiers, desks, and seats had been fashioned from black granite streaked with crystal. Red cushions had been set on each seat and a banner with the Clan crest hung over the appropriate places. Ascending the steps he approached the Falcon’s tier gazing proudly at the large sculpted marble-top desk. There behind the desk the banner that denoted Clan Jade Falcon, with the impressive view of the Clan totem. Reaching over he put his hand on the beautifully enameled Khan mask that would be used in council ceremonies. Sitting down on the red cushion the rustling of his ceremonial robes was amplified by the acoustics of the spacious echoing chamber that was their meeting hall. Next to enter the chamber was the Clan Snow Raven Khan Striker smiling up at DK as he moved into the chamber. Detouring up to the Falcon’s side he began to talk to Khan Thastus. Joining the duo was the Kahn of the Blood Spirits =Anjin=, his SaKhan =Bloodlust= continued on to their desk and took his place. Next came Coyote Khan Judgement Steele flanked by his SaKhan and friend NightWight Steele. Nodding up to DK, Judge made his way up the marble stairs. When Judge reached the Falcon tier DK raised to strongly grip his outstretched hand and followed him and Anjinn into a side doorway. Hell's Horses and Ghost Bear Khans, Christof Kabrinski and Kilbourn Jorgenssen walked in to the Hall with the Fire Mandrill Khans, Khan FM_NightHawk Tanaga and SaKhan FM_Russ Carrol. All four were deep in conversation about the renegade GB unit Black Bears occupation of Terra and barley acknowledged the others.
DK sat with Judgement, Juggernaut and Anjin at a huge desk in a secluded council room discussing merger options. Anjinn was adamant he also wanted a chance to fight for control of Clan Jade Falcon. IlKhan Juggernaut was concerned of a Clan wide round of Trials all aimed at Taking control of different Clans. Judge assured Jugg that would not happen and JF would be strong and for now the ilKhan agreed. SaKhan JP Lewis was back in the occupation zone reorganizing the Touman for the upcoming merger and Thastus had brought Judgement detailed information on the Jade Falcons. A Falcon Jump ship command circuit had been set up to whisk DK and Judgement to the Clan occupation zone and he knew once this meeting was over they would head back to the Inner Sphere. While on The Jade Falcon home world IronHold Khan Thastus had began several programs designed to move vast amounts of men and materials into the Inner Sphere and to speed the merger of both Clans lower casts. DK, Judgement, NightWight and JP had fashioned a long-range plan and the massive supplies needed to merge the two Clans into a Super Clan would take time to make its way to the occupation zone. Leaving the meeting room with the rest DK still needed to talk to the Snow Raven Khan and seeing Striker at his seat DK saw his chance. DK took his leave of Judge, Juggernaut and Anjinn and moved quickly around the upper row to talk to Striker. Shacking hands firmly the Jade Falcon and Snow Raven Khans parted with DK taking his seat as IlliKhan Juggernaut walked to the center of the chamber flanked by two huge Elementals in body armor. Coyote Khan Judgement Steel also moved to his seat whispering to NightWight as he sat on the red cushion. Glaring at each Khan he motioned for his guard to close the massive oaken doors. Turning to the gathered Clan leaders Juggernaut began to speak of the merger of Clans Jade Falcon and Coyote in to one and actions of the traitorous Black Bears. The ilKhans speech went on for many hours occasionally interrupted by the answers and questions of the other Khans. Slowly overall Clan strategy emerged from the brainstorming. There would be a Trial of Possession for Khan of the New Jade Falcons, Khans Steele and Thastus would fight for the right to lead the merged Touman and as in the Invasion there would be a second Clan waiting to be activated if the Coyotes should fail, Clan Blood Spirit. They would fight in five days time. Many many hours after entering the Hall, long after the awestruck feeling had warn off Khan Thastus left the Grand Council Hall with A feeling of dread in his gut.

                                           «Continued»