CS3056-30

=Chapter 30= 
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==Clover Spear - The Story of the '56 War==
Prologue, Book 2, The Hammer Falls
====Briefing in the Fox's Den====
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Khan’s Office, Steel Viper Compound
Katyusha City, Strana Mechty
Kerensky Cluster, Clan Space
January 6th, 3057
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“It is confirmed, Waltrip, quiaff?” Khan Perigard Zalman queried of his impromptu “intelligence officer”. Waltrip was an older warrior whom had been in Zalman’s sibko, but whom had not quite been the ristar everyone had thought he would be. Zalman prized his judgement, and his counsel, which except for the debacle on Waldorff, which I gave the order for, so it is hardly worth holding against Waltrip, he had been a pretty good intelligence liaison to the Khan.
“Aff, my Khan, it is. The Federated Commonwealth is not even bothering to disguise their intentions this time. Not that I fear, we can do much about them...not after Waldorff.” Waltrip’s reedy frame, with an age induced stoop jumped slightly as he exclaimed each word, his high cheekbones and thin face giving him a look of a warmed-over corpse.
Khan Zalman rose from his desk, it was made of the finest Oak from the finest Arcadian hardwoods, with a top of marble taken from the upland mines of New Kent. The marble had inlaid designs of Steel Vipers chasing the sigils of other clans around the desk. Zalman like to look at the design to soothe his nerves after a bad day. It seems I have had more than a few of those of late.
“When do we expect the next wave to commence?” Zalman inquired, the exasperation evident in his voice.
“Sometime in the next 7 to 10 days, my Khan. And we cannot stop it, not at all.” Waltrip stated flatly.
“You have been quiet, Ahmed? Any suggestions?” Zalman turned to the balding, bulky figure wearing Steel Viper issue fatigues leaning against the far wall, his arms folded over his chest and his ankles crossed.
Ahmed exhaled “My Khan, we are at a crossroads. The Falcons are on their way to the inevitable darkness. They have proven themselves a weak clan in the end, and we should not emulate them. There will be other opportunities with the Inner Sphere, but to allow ourselves to be dragged into their folly and allow our clan to be destroyed, along with theirs is stupidity compounded with hubris. I know we have not gotten along in the past-“ Zalman nodded at that “-but we must put aside our differences for the good of the Clan, as we have done so in the past.”
“So, Ahmed, I ask again, what do you suggest?” Zalman leaned in his seat towards Ahmed, his dark eyes boring into Zalman as if to suggest. I have no problem killing you right here if you suggest something foolish.
“Withdrawal from the Inner Sphere. Return to the homeworlds and join the feeding frenzy that will soon take place regarding the holdings of the Falcons.”
Zalman leaned back and stroked his chin contemplatively. Ahmed is right. What have we gained from the Inner Sphere? First there was the debacle on Tukayyid, now this even greater calamity. Not to mention all the Spheroids willing to chance certain death just to kill only one of our warriors..and the methods they use? So…unclanlike. Why the need to govern people so obviously mad? No, we are better off amongst our own. That and preserving our Clan is the obvious choice.
“Ahmed, you are right. Give the order to our forces in the Inner Sphere to begin withdrawing upon receipt of orders to do so. If they encounter FedCom forces, they are to resist commensurate with whatever force is needed to escape. Warriors, Military equipment, and supplies have priority. All equipment unable to be withdrawn is to be destroyed, military, and civilian.”
“And our civilians, my Khan?” Waltrip inquired in a voice he already knew the answer, yet dreaded hearing it just the same.
“Space available basis, Waltrip, Space available. The rest shall be left to the mercies of the Federated Commonwealth.”
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===Operation Clover Spear - Wave 3 - Report===
====FedCom Actions====
;Taken from the daily operational briefing provided to Field Marshal Ranier Poulin, Supreme Commander of “Operation Clover Spear”, declassified October 9th, 3076
..Due to some communications difficulties, the 3rd Wave of Clover Spear did not jump off until 11th January, 3057. Little to no resistance was met on several Steel Viper worlds where it was expected, that and other information from various sources and methods has now led us to believe that the Steel Vipers have ordered a general withdrawal from the Inner Sphere. Furthermore, we have noted a definitive decline in the morale of Jade Falcon EPWs. If this information is correct, we believe we can speed up the timelines for both the 4th wave, and for the return of Davion units to the Federated Suns State Command to deal with the Capellan offensive into the Sarna and Capellan Marches…
Derf
Attacker: 20th Arcturan Guards RCT, 21st Striker and 151st Light Horse, Eridani Light Horse, 2 Independent Artillery Brigades
Defender: 5th Falcon Regulars, Clan Jade Falcon
Results: The 5th Falcon Regulars grimly dug in around the planetary capitol and awaited the FedCom taskforce which arrived 5 days after arriving in system. The 5th’s aerospace fighters did what they could, and took a toll of the FedCom fighter screen, but did not appreciably slow down the FedCom landings, the FedCom took their time on Derf, taking the better part of two weeks to encircle and invest the planetary capitol, with the initial break in assault happening under cover of night and concentrated artillery fire via the western suburbs. The block to block fighting was grim and determined and took ten more days before the final Falcon citadel was literally battered down via direct fire from a Long Tom and the survivors, a mixed Binary of Jade Falcon troops, was compelled to surrender. Casualties amongst the Fedcom forces ran about 25% with the 20th Arcturan taking the worst of it.
Baker 3
Attacker: Davion Light Guards RCT, 7th Crucis Lancers RCT, 4 Independent Artillery Brigades
Defender: 305th Assault Cluster
Results: The 305th Assault Cluster fought poorly, failing to engage the Davion units in a week of cat and mouse pursuit across the planet before the unit decamped and headed for Evciler.
Colmar
Attacker: Wolf’s Dragoons (Delta and Epsilon Regiments), 4 Independent Artillery Brigades
Defender: 1st Falcon Jaegers and Gubereng Garrison Cluster, Clan Jade Falcon
Results: The Falcons met the Dragoons on their LZs in the Danzo River Valley and came close to overrunning Epsilon Regiment, but the overwhelming firepower advantage the artillery brigades provided made the difference, especially the 56th Artillery Brigade, whose fire proved to be very accurate. This fire broke up attack after attack by the Falcons, by daybreak two days after planetfall, the Falcons surrendered to the battered Dragoons. Epsilon Regiment was soon sent back to Outreach for rest and refit, and the 56th was given the honor of putting Epsilon regiment colors, and the Dragoon patch on their uniforms and equipment for their actions.
Parikoila
Attacker: 25th Arcturan Guards RCT
Defender: None
Results: The FedCom landing force missed the Steel Viper garrison by just hours and arrived during a full-blown revolt against the collaborationist government left behind. The 25th fell into the role of peacekeeping amongst a populace that was both grateful, and vengeful, with both regiments helping to narrowly avert several attempted massacres of Steel Viper civilians that had been left behind.
Antares
Attacker: 23rd Arcturan Guards RCT
Defender: None
Results: Like Parikoila, the FedCom troops missed the Steel Viper garrison by hours and spent most of their time policing the now newly liberated world.
Here
Attacker: 26th Lyran Guards RCT, 2 Independent Artillery Brigades
Defender: 14th Falcon Regulars
Results: The 14th was scattered in penny packets that were virtually besieged by a planetary rebellion that trapped most of the packets in their forward operating bases. Morale had been low for some time and thus it took only 10 days for the 26th to clean up the Jade Falcon resistance on Here. In a side note, the 17th Skye Rangers, who were supposed to be part of the operation, never showed up, and are currently listed as missing by the AFFC.
Twycross
Attacker: 1st Davion Guards RCT, 8th Deneb Light Cavalry RCT, 10th Deneb Light Cavalry RCT, Lindon’s Regiment, 4 Independent Artillery Brigades
Defender: None
Results: The FedCom was expecting a huge Steel Viper presence on Twycross, but upon entry to the system, no evidence of the Vipers was found. The FedCom force grounded without incident, and quietly assumed control of the once embattled world.
Denzili
Attacker: 2nd Davion Guards RCT, 3 Independent Artillery Brigades
Defender: 9th Talon Cluster, Clan Jade Falcon
Results: The 9th fought a rear guard across the planet for two weeks, then after taking seemingly light losses, they left the world for Evicler.
Butler
Attacker: Grey Death Legion, 3rd Crucis Lancers RCT, 2 Independent Artillery Brigades
Defender: 7th Talon Cluster, Clan Jade Falcon
Results: The 7th fought a determined and brutal action from the start of the campaign, but the unit was overmatched in both numbers and firepower, and at the end of two weeks, the surviving trinary surrendered to FedCom forces.
Beta VII
Attacker: 1st Aragon Borderers, 1st Federated Suns Armored Cav, Hansen’s Roughriders, 4 Independent Artillery Brigades
Defender: 18th Falcon Regulars, Clan Jade Falcon
Results: The 18th set up their defenses in the remains of the old Commonwealth firebase north of the planetary capital. The attempt to hold out did not last long, after 5 days of heavy bombardment by FedCom artillery and several probing attacks by the 1st Armored Cavalry, the 18th’s commander was killed in a Trial of Position and the new commander surrendered the unit.
Dompaire
Attacker: 2nd Royal Guards RCT, 3rd Royal Guards RCT, 4 Independent Artillery Brigades
Defender: None
Results: The collaborationist government on Dompaire surrendered without a fight to the overwhelming FedCom invasion force.
====Wolf Land Grab, Part II====
Jabuka
Attacker: 11th Wolf Guards, 37th Striker Cluster, Clan Wolf
Defender: 1st Viper Guards, 2nd Viper Guards, and 5th Legion, Clan Steel Viper
Results: The Wolves fought a series of duels for the possession of the three Steel Viper Clusters on the planet, and won three of the five trials, winning possession of the Steel Viper units, and then withdrew with their new bondsmen and gear back to Wolf space.
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===Girl Talk===
Private Quarters of the Acting Archon Princess
Royal Palace, Avalon City
New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Commonwealth
January 19th, 3057
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Katherine Steiner-Davion smiled as she took another sip of her tea. This is good Earl Grey, I am going to have to get this recipe when I leave here. A smile came unbidden to that last thought as she gingerly put the tea down on the saucer and regarded her guest. Mother and Father must be of two minds concerning whom we have been entertaining..and who my brother is dead set to marry. Thing is, I like this woman. A lot. She’s not your typical Kurita. She’s more…introspective, and a lot less of the “me big warrior” hubris, then again, I got one of those in my own life..god Bless Galen, but he’s not the typical arrogant Mechjock either. I wonder if I got that wrong? Daddy did exude that at times..when mom would give him a mock clouting and let some wind out of his sails. Concentrate, Katherine, it’s time to get the measure of your future sister-in-law.
“Hello Omi, I wanted to ask you here at some point because, well, I finally have a bit of breathing room with two wars and all the related instability in the Inner Sphere to have what we call in the Commonwealth..’girl talk’.”
Omi chuckled, her laugh was demure, but somehow had a quality that filled the room. I see why my brother was attracted to her. She has a gentle quality, but with steel underneath. Good. I do not want him getting his own way. “Forgive me, Katherine-chan, if I may call you that?”
Katherine simply nodded. “You are amongst friends here. I just have to know..what do you see in my brother? Not that he isn’t a great guy..but I’ve seen him well, at his lesser moments..many of them I am willing to share.” Katherine punctuated that last with another bit of mirthful laughter.
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“Please do, he is a bit serious most of the time. Especially so since his injury.” Omi’s head lowered, and a frown crossed her face.
“That won’t do. Tell him his younger sister remembers the time he put a toad in her bed and has been waiting for a chance to retaliate. That and she remembers he has a fear of spiders. But seriously, how is he doing?”
“Physically, well as can be, Katherine-chan. Emotionally? Victor is as good at hiding his emotions like any of the men in my family…were.” The frown deepened as Omi remembered her dead brother and father and tears formed in her eyes.
Great going Katherine, you’re doing more harm than good. Christ, why am I so damn bad at this? Katherine winced at that last thought. “Please forgive me, Omi, I did not mean to cause you pain.”
Omi shook her head “Shigata-nai, Katherine-chan. My emotions are a bit raw and well..my sleep has been irregular. Your intelligence apparatus has been very forthcoming about the state of my people back in the Combine. I am doing what I can to rally my people, but..most of the DCMS is content to rally around the pretender, as they blame my father for the loss of Luthien to the Jaguars.”
“Rather unfair, that.” Katherine nodded. “Think we both have had a measure of the weight of the world on our shoulders. Both of us having jobs we clearly didn’t want, nor ask for. But yes, I do believe we need a break. And that’s what I wanted to ask you about? I have some ideas to endear you to the people of the Commonwealth. My brother loves you, and between our interaction. The reports I do get from Kommandant Pavrati, whom I think you share a friendship with? Yes, I do think you are more than worthy of my brother. He’s frankly lucky to have you, the big lunk head.”
Omi giggled. “He is. But aren’t all the men in our lives fortunate?”
Katherine nodded “They are, but they’ll never admit it. Now, phase one of my little plan to make the Commonwealth see reason about you two. For one thing to get you a new wardrobe..seeing as you have little more than what you left Luthien with, is a little thing I like to call…”retail therapy!”. 'Omi, I need a break too, I am seeing the casualty figures in my mind every day, and I imagine the faces and the families behind them. Simply put, we need out of this stuffy old place before the weight of the history buries us both and we’re no good to anyone.”
“But Katherine-chan, I must inform you that my funds..are a bit limited..” Omi admitted
Katherine shook her head, reached into her dress and whipped out a plastic credit card with the Fist and Sun sigil of the Commonwealth on a black background. “Tsk, Tsk, I am a Federated Commonwealth Express Black Select member. Sweetie..being the queen has SOME perks you know! Now, let’s get Kommandant Pavrati in here, get some proper disguises, and show the boys what charge really means? Heh, if Victor and Galen are really good, we’ll get them a small latte from Starbucks.”
Both women collapsed into hysterics at the last thought.
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===Staring into the Abyss===
Jade Falcon Enclave
Katyusha City, Strana Mechty
Kerensky Cluster, Clan Space
January 31st, 3057
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Marthe Pryde looked at the casualty lists in horror, thousands of warriors dead, captured, missing, or too maimed to be warriors anymore. The once proud touman reduced to nothing. And our freebirth idiot of a khan too racked with indecision to do a damn thing about it. We cannot defeat another absorption vote when it comes. And it will come. If it does come, we must make sure it comes on our terms.
But how? None of the other Clans will afford us, the once powerful Falcons, second only to those whelps in the Wolves, any mercy at all. No, I must consider steps unprecedented in Clan History. At least, to most Clans. The Blood Spirits have shown the way, and unclanlike as it may be, we must arm the lower castes, to give us the numbers, and the time to fight for our survival.
But that fool Crichell, he selects me as the new saKhan, and then ignores every piece of advice I have given him. What I must consider..it smacks of a spheroid concept..a “coup”, to somehow save what is left.
Pryde’s frustration bubbled to the surface and her fists curled, her shortly cut fingernails cutting deep into the flesh of her hands.
“Whomever planned this assault....whomever they are, I swear as my rede. That I will see them dead for what they have done to my trothkin, my Clan, and all of us of the Clans. I ken death for this person.”
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Category:Clover Spear - The Story of the '56 War Chapters
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