DMHK13

=Chapter 13=
==Dead Man's Hand: The Kowloon Job==
Militia Proving Grounds
Malibu
Jade Falcon Occupation Zone
14th April, 3054
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"Stravag!" Nathan Roshak hissed as he felt his Summoner's left leg stiffen under him.
Joker's attack had done little direct damage, but according to the diagnostic screen, some of the armor that had been melted by her ER PPC had run down into the left knee of his OmniMech before solidifying again. While no permanent damage had been done, and all of his weapons were still functional, it did reduce his speed and mobility, giving her a clear advantage. It was only by keeping his speed down and movements measured that he was able to keep her from seeing the damage she had done.
They had been playing cat-and-mouse from almost half an hour, stalking each other amidst the ruins of the ore processing plant, trading weapons fire, neither seemingly able to gain the upper hand. He couldn't help but be impressed by Joker's raw talent as a MechWarrior, but it was obvious that she had only rudimentary training and poor discipline. He couldn't help but imagine just what kind of warrior she could become under the tutelage of an experienced superior. One willing to take the time to mold her into the truly exceptional pilot she had the potential to become.
He wanted to be that individual: Perhaps more so than Henry, bringing Joker into Clan Jade Falcon would prove that. While the people of the Inner Sphere needed the leadership of the Clans, they still had the ability to rise above what they were. He would temper her like a blacksmith did a blade, forging a weapon capable of cutting down all who stood before the rightful destiny of his Clan.
Of cause, first he had to defeat her, which was prove to be easier said than done.
Twin emerald beams lanced through the air. Digging into the armor protecting his LRM launcher, and he pivoted on his already damaged leg. He then sent stream of autocannon rounds back in response. His computer warned him that he had expended half of his ammunition. So he followed it up with a shot from his ER-PPC, the sudden spike in heat making the ice cold rain that was falling through the shattered roof hiss to steam as it landed upon him.
Joker responded with a one-two punch from her own ER-PPCs, followed by a volley of SRMs, before moving to disengage again, his attacks having evidently done at least some damage.
Sensing an opportunity, Nathan Roshak set off in pursuit.
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