DE Chpt 8

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==Chapter 8 - Danger Everywhere==
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7 June 3050
Star's End System
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When CWS Excellence materialized at the Nadir Jump Point it caused total chaos among the various Jumpships there that no amount of communication could calm down as multiple Jumpships made emergency jumps from the system. There was a look of bemusement on Star Captain Brandens face while Captain Felicia Graves was one of embarrassment.
"The transponder codes. We forgot to change the codes." Captain Felicia Graves said
"Well, one thing is for sure, those folks on the surface are not going to be very happy to see us because now they have no ride out of here. I doubt any of those Jumpships are going to come back, not anytime soon anyway." Major William Mitchell replied
"I am sorry, sir, it just slipped my mind completely." Captain Felicia Graves said
"No sense crying over what cannot be undone, Felicia. But how about we get those codes changed before we forget again." Major Mitchell replied
"I will get on that right away." Captain Felicia Graves said
"The hull also needs to be changed. This ship still has Clan Wolf markings." Star Captain Branden said
"Let's figure out something different for that. It might come in handy and buy us some time if we run into another Clan ship. Maybe find a way that we can make it a temporary cover, one that can be removed when we need to show the Clan Wolf markings." Major Mitchell replied
"That will take some thinking on. But if we do that, then I will save the transponder code so that we can switch it at will." Captain Felicia Graves said
"If you would like, I offer my assistance in making the changes." Star Captain Branden said
"While you both work on things up here, I guess I will get everyone ready to head for the surface. For security, I am going to leave Point Commander Hugo and his people up here, you should see any danger coming with enough time to get them suited up to repel any boarders. I will take Point Commander Trisha and her folks with me. I might need some extra muscle but I am going to keep them under wraps as best I can." Major Mitchell said
"Your going to let them arm the suits?" Captain Felicia Graves asked
"Yes. It is time to start trusting them. There has been no trouble with any of them since we took the ship. Everyone has performed their tasks with no issues. It is time to start treating them as one of us." Major Mitchell said as he caught Star Captain Brandens eye. "Welcome to the 2nd Guards, Star Captain Branden, you may inform all of the former Clan personnel that they are no longer, what was the term, bondsman. They are now equal members of this command."
"We will not let you down." Star Captain Branden replied
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10 June 3050
Novo Cressidas, Star's End System
The landing on the surface was uneventful, even with taking half a day to scan the surface from orbit before heading down. Scans had showed quite a few Dropships on the surface around the primary settlement on Novo Cressidas, the only planetary body in the system. Still, they landed over 15 kilometers from the settlement itself for safety. He marched his Thunderbolt down the ramp and joined his personal company of Battlemechs slong with Captain Marcus Wright and 2 of his platoons in their APCs for the trip to the settlement.
The third infantry platoon, remaining two companies of Battlemechs and Point Commander Trishia and her Elementals would remain behind to guard their grounded Dropships. He hoped to barter the supplies on their Mule for repairs, and anything else they might find and need down here.
As they approached, they passed the first set of grounded Dropships, all bearing the markings of the Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth. He could not make out what command they belonged to, but it was obvious that it was two different commands. They had enough guards out that he avoided any contact with them. His radio chirped "Sir, I have eyes on a Overlord, it has the marking of the 3rd Oberon."
"Where, okay I see it now. Well, let's go on over and say hello, see what they can tell us. But cautiously, the Third has always been a bunch of scumbags." Major William Mitchell replied
When they reached the grounded Overlord, they were met by a single Oberon officer and a small gathering of infantry personnel. Major William Mitchell dismounted his Thunderbolt and greeted the "welcoming" party. "Major William Mitchell, 2nd Oberon Guards."
"Lieutenant Frank Langston. We heard Clan Wolf had entered the system. How did you get past them?" The man asked
"Long story. What happened back home and why are you here?" Major William Mitchell asked
"We cut tail and ran. Barely made the Merchant before she bailed. Those Clan Wolf folks ripped us to shreds and I doubt they even broke a sweat doing it. I want no part of them." Lieutenant Langston replied
"We were on a long range raid, missed the action, but got chased from Placida by Clan Wolf. Needed ground time and came here. You in charge?" Major Mitchell asked
"No sir, Captain Randal is. Him and most of the others are in town, probably drunk on the local hooch." Lieutenant Langston replied
"Randal, Curtis Randal?" Major Mitchell asked
"Yes, sir. That is him." Lieutenant Langston replied
Captain Curtis Randal, of all people to survive. Major Mitchell thought. There were few in the Oberon Confederation more cruel that Randal. Treated his people like total trask, which most of them were, but had a fondness for the ladies and the word no meant nothing to him. "Well, I know him. You need anything?"
"We could use some food if you can spare it. We jammed the Dropship with spare parts and ammo, but seems we went shy on food." Lieutenant Langston replied
"I think we can spare some food for you and the troops here. I will have it sent over while I head into town and locate Captain Randal." Major Mitchell said
Once he had remounted his Thunderbolt and secured the cockpit he thumbed the radio on a secure frequency. "James, you on?"
"Yes sir, what gives."
"Seems you might get your wish after all, seems Captain Randal from the 3rd Oberon is in town." Major Mitchell said calmly
"That worthless piece of trash. Your going to let me do what needs to be done?" Corporal James Patney asked
"He raped and disfigured your little sister. So yeah, we find him you can have your revenge. No torture, we don't do that." Major Mitchell cautioned
"I don't like that stuff either, but beating him to death with my bare hands okay." Corporal James Patney replied
"Then let's go locate him and dispose of a waste of oxygen." Major Mitchell said
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