EMCOTS 28

=Emergence (Concertverse) - Chapter 28=
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==Meeting the Enemy==
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===Planning for Battle===
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Field Base Carroll
Near Cirenholm
Timkovichi, Coventry Province
Lyran Commonwealth
4th January, 3143
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Major General Labh Khan Singh took swift, measured steps into the Field Bases Command Operations Theater, joined by his chief of staff Brigadier Jamal Huston, his aide-de-camp Colonel Harold Smith, and the planets governing regent, Duchess Katarina.  Already there and waiting were Nadia Allard - in field dress; she’d drawn the duty CO slot - Jacob Tanhause, and the commanders of the pair of mercenary units that - hired out of the Kell estate, or so he’d been told - had been first to arrive; Force Commander Jesminder Harcourt, a compact fireplug of a woman with dark skin and red-blonde hair, her muscular forearms thick with tattoos and the stark pink-white of a slave brand burned across half her face - commanding Metal Fire, a battalion of tanks and battlesuited infantry - and Lieutenant Colonel Darren Huyten, with the pale complexion and lanky height of a native Martian, the CO of the Lucky Stars, an all arms battalion.
In a group the rest of his commanders arrived.  The 2nd Royal Cuirassiers XO and commander of the BattleMech regiment, Brigadier Maxine Shawcross, was a short, broad-shouldered woman from Ford, pearl-complexioned with striking green eyes, and a veteran MechWarrior.  Brigadier Sir Seamus O'Malley was Donegal-born, a dark-haired freckle-faced tank driver in charge of the two armored regiments and the attached battalions of aviation and artillery vehicles.  Brigadier Mark Ottman was from the Alarion March, with a light bronze complexion topped with wheat-colored hair graying at the fringes, an infantry ranger officer by profession.  Air Commodore Yvonne Weiss was sunburnt red, common for residents from Vaj, and commanded the Cuirassiers aerospace and air support groups.  Like Singh, each and every one of them was a battle-tried veteran and survivor of the 4th Succession War.  Rather, their Inner Spheres 4th Succession War, waged eighty years after the one this universe knew, and a wider conflict by far.
"We've received updates from the observation sats out past Starkovich," Nadia said, motioning to the holotank.  Multiple shapes were displayed in three-dimensional blue-shifted light tinged with red.  Singh didn't recognize the specifics but he could tell what they were: WarShips, accompanied by both aerodyne and spheroid DropShips.  Plumes of light lit up the aft of each vessel; they were under thrust.  "Its given us a chance for a more accurate count of their force, and its not good news.  Thats five WarShips, two each of battle and heavy cruisers and a frigate, plus PWS support; all of their fleet less Turkinas Pride, and our last report was that shes at Butler in the middle of a major refit.  I don't think I need to go into detail to say your cruisers no match for that kind of force."
Singh nodded stiffly.  His hand settled upon the hilt of his kirpan unconsciously, as if to seek strength from it.  "Did you send word through the Glass?"
"Just got the drone back.  Theres a Commodore Klauze on the other end, but the Ghastillian squadrons got nothing larger than your ship already here, and they're under orders not to engage odds like this."
Most of those in earshot were paling, most of all Duchess Katarina, who looked like she might die right there.  "Evacuations ready to go at a moments order," Huston said.  "We could likely get all the combatants through the Glass before they arrive, if you don't want to risk a bombardment."
"How much would we have to leave behind?" Singh asked, knowing the answer wouldn't be what he wanted to hear.
"To ensure we get all the personnel out in time, at least twenty-five percent of our gear will likely be left behind for lack of proper time to stow it," replied Shawcross.  "This also accounts for the base personnel, the Armored Guards folks, and Her Graces family."
"We can't cut much off that, I'm afraid," Huyten weighed in, punching numbers into his noteputer. "Our DropShips aren't set up for major personnel lifts, and some of the ones that are, we need here for fire support if the evacs not done in time."
"Assuming the Falcons don't bomb us to death from high orbit,"  Harcourt added with dry cynicism.
Singh glowered at the image and the anger he felt in his heart.  Cutting and running from this rebuilding planet felt like an offense, against the honor of his service and the Federation and House Proctor, but to stay invited death.  There was no honor won in dying helplessly to enemy orbital bombardment.  He glanced in Weiss' direction.  "If it comes to the final extremity, can your pilots hit their ships with atomics?"
The room grew cold at the remark.  While the Succession Wars went differently in their respective histories, both versions of the Inner Sphere nevertheless developed a similar aversion to such firepower and devastation.  Indeed, on Singhs side, not even the Terrans in their final hours stooped to using atomics to stop the Successor States, nor did any use them even in their most dire hours of the 4th Succession War, when everyones armies were on the verge of breakdown.
"We could try," Weiss said.  "But honestly, it'll be Sirius in '23 all over again, given how many fighters that fleets got to have, plus whatever their DropShips are capable of."
Singh blanched at the reference to the failed fight on Sirius.  He hadn't been there, but Weiss had, he recalled, where the Oriento-Capellan Empire's aerospace regiments proved more numerous than estimated and reaved over half of the Federations present aerospace fighters, as well as an armored cruiser and two destroyers, in a single action.
"Us and the Lyran navy have been looking at it for a last ditch option," Nadia offered, "but they've got heavy fighter cover, and a lot of those blasted NL-45 gunships. Against the numbers that fleet could bring to the table, I don't think we can do it. And its a bit late to call in more carrier support from Coventry or Arc-Royal."
"Nor will the Sara Proctor be returning quickly enough, given how far they are.  Very well.  Your Grace."  Singh nodded to Katarina.  "Unless these Falcons prove willing to bid away their WarShips, I cannot in good conscience keep these troops on Timkovichi.  Their deaths would gain no tangible result, and the bombardments would undoubtedly harm your world as well  As stated, we can take you to sanctuary until such a time as we can manage the naval forces for a counter attack through the Glass."
"My family cannot abandon our people, General Singh, though we are thankful for your gracious offer."
"What are the odds the Falcons would agree to a straight up fight, no naval support?" Ottman asked.  "They're not all blood-crazy bastards, right?"
"We'd need to know who their commander is," Nadia commented, looking at the holoprojection thoughtfully, "But its been known to work, and, under the circumstances,  I can't say we've got anything going to lose by trying a formal batchall. Even if it fails, at least we know what we're up against, and if it works then maybe we can hold out long enough for backup to arrive."
"Then make all due preparations for the evacuation, and we shall see what comes."
Salutes and nods answered him, followed by the impromptu departure of most of the commanders.  "We could really use that battlewagon your people arrived in." Nadia commented, remaining at her post.
"Unfortunately, keeping a Battle Fleet stationed five jumps from Sudeten was not acceptable to my superiors, not with how it would disrupt the Concert." Singh sighed.  "So we must do as we can, and trust in the One God that it will work out."
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===Opening Bids===
CJFS White Aerie
6th January, 3143
The Cluster commanders of Delta Galaxy, enlarged as it was, attended Stephanie in the command theater on the White Aerie. They were forty-eight hours out from Timkovichi and close enough, now, to have a proper real-time conversation; close enough, that is, to perform the appropriate batchall.  When the indicator lights showed green, confirming her voice and image were being transmitted, she spoke in proud, firm tones.  "I am Galaxy Commander Stephanie Chistu of the Jade Falcons.  My Delta Galaxy comes to claim this world.  Who would resist our talons?"
They were far enough out that the delay in reply was at least a minute.  Finally an image showed on the screen, depicting a bearded man in a predominately red uniform jacket.  He wore a wrapping on his head, a turban by Stephanie's recollection, and she noted a dagger hilt visible at his belt at the image cutoff line.  He wore a number of colored ribbons in the style of Spheroid uniforms that acted as a sort of poor counterpart to a Clan warrior's codex, each ribbon speaking of a different campaign or award.  "I am Major General Labh Khan Singh of the Armed Forces of the Royal Federation, Commanding Officer of the 2nd Royal Cuirassiers Regimental Combat Team, and acting commander of planetary defense.  We have been briefed on your customs so I have prepared a listing of those forces we have for the defense of Timkovichi.  It is transmitting now."
Beside his image, the listing appeared, reflecting the defenders down to at least battalion level.  They use four battalions instead of three in their regiments.  They are somewhat smaller than the RCTs employed by the Lyrans and Davions, even so.  I see one regiment of 'Mechs, two regiments worth of armor, four of infantry, and slightly less than two Trinaries each of aerospace fighters and air-breathing atmospheric fighters.  Her eyes went further down the listing.  The planet has mercenary support as well, I see, plus the surviving defenders and a small contingent of Kell Hounds.  Yes, it is fortunate I insisted on forces from Morges after all.  The cutdown is going to be quite high.
Her eyes swept over to the fleet listing.  Admiral Crichell's people already identified the one WarShip, a heavy frigate now identified by the Arcadians as a "light cruiser", and spoke of more frigates and destroyers that awaited on the other side of the anomaly.  DropShips and fighter wings showed as well.  Her forces were yet superior, given the White Aerie and her sister ship the Jade Aerie were present, and even if not, the Jade Talon and Blue Talon were still greater in strength.  But some of these vessels were listed as "missile boats" or "picket support", and to her that implied capital missile armament like some of the Republic's ships.  Enough that, even in defeat, the enemy naval forces might inflict damage, even loss, on her WarShips.  Our means of repairing ships remain too limited, and if our ships are damaged too greatly, it will leave us without any naval backup on any front.
That thought was sour enough.  She also considered what it might mean if the enemy chose to simply withdraw before she arrived, to avoid a repeat of Malvina's dezgra tactics from the prior strike on Timkovichi.  She needed a battlefield victory, not an easy unopposed conquest, as the latter would be too much a Mongol victory for her or the others' liking.
Yet to bid away the WarShips too early would be too much.  No, she needed a reason, something to justify it…
"I would make an offer, Khan Chistu.  Not one I make lightly, but duty compels me."
Curious, she nodded.  "Go ahead."
Half a minute passed, giving her a chance to note the hungry look on Star Colonel Isaac's face, and on the other Mongol commanders around her.  Finally the offer transmitted.  "I would be willing to face your forces, mighty as they are, in ground combat, but only if your WarShips remain beyond orbital bombardment range."
Isaac sneered at that.  "Why would we give away such an advantage?" he asked openly, ignoring her glare.  "Especially since it would invite your aerospace fighters to intercept our ships during landing."
The eventual response came.  "Because I am more than willing to employ any means I might to protect my troops from a repeated attempt at bombardment.  And because, in accordance with Clan custom, I will grant safcon if you do not bid your WarShips."
Stephanie muted the response this time before Isaac could speak.  "This is foolishness.  We brought these vessels should they still have their mighty battleship.  They do not.  If they will not surrender to our might, destroy them for the affront.  That is the Mongol Way."
"Until her failure here, even your Chingis Khan did not turn to such tactics at first blow," Stephanie reminded him coldly.  "Nor is it the Clan way to destroy warriors from space to avoid a Trial.  Or are you a coward underneath that bravado, Star Colonel?"  She grinned at him.  "Perhaps I will bid away the 9th Talon, then, if their commander is so fearful of the fray."
Isaac's nostrils flared.  "I fear nothing. It is you who quakes in fear, fear to take the necessary path to our Clan's greatness and final victory!  You would waste warriors in battle to win the Khanship rather than secure our Clan's victory with the superior way!"
"So you challenge me, Star Colonel?  Finally?  Shall we meet in a Circle of Equals then?"  She moved about the holotank to stare him down.  "Admiral Crichell may serve as our Oathmaster."
His eyes locked onto hers with fury, but behind it, she saw calculation.  Her reputation as a MechWarrior was long-established, and her codex had a share of victories worthy of her candidacy to replace Malvina Hazen.  He was accomplished, but against her, he would be at a disadvantage.  So would he put everything on the line, whatever ambitions he held, or sway over those warriors whose faith in the Mongol Doctrine was fading with Malvina's loss, to face her now?
The silence between them lasted another ten seconds before his eyes tightened.  "You are my superior.  I disagree with your methods, but I will obey your orders, so long as they are of benefit to the Clan."
"I would expect no less," she said in firm reply.  "My decision is made.  Let us test the Arcadians' mettle in battle.  It will be a chance for real glory in this campaign instead of facing an overwhelmed and broken foe."  Returning to her prior place, she unmuted the comm and faced General Singh.  "We will accept safcon and leave the WarShips out of this Trial so long as your WarShips and naval forces keep their distance from our vessels and the anomaly.  Nor will you bring reinforcements through the anomaly; we will seize or destroy any vessel that comes through.  These are my terms, and I will not negotiate them.  Aff or Neg, General?"
She suspected the silence that came was not just from the delay.  It took nearly a minute before the reply "I accept" came over the speaker.
"Bargained well and done.  In two days we commence the battle for Timkovichi.  Our bid force and chosen landing site will be transmitted to you by then.  White Aerie out."  A second key ended the communication.  "These Arcadians wish to face our fury, and now they shall, without the benefit of surprise as they enjoyed before.  We will analyze the data and provide the formal cutdowns to you by tomorrow, when I will accept bids for which Cluster gets the right of the first engagement past our LZs. The day after, we land, and claim this world for the Clan."
She received nods and salutes, though those from her "borrowed" Mongol Clusters were perfunctory only.  They will not bid honestly, I think, for their lack of appreciation of our customs.  It may put greater strain on my loyal Clusters in the opening engagements.  But it will give Delta Galaxy the fight it has earned.  And I will see that Star Colonel Roshak and his ilk do not shirk their duties in this fight.
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Field Base Carroll
General Singh watched the image of the stocky, muscular woman blink away.  That of Captain Hanson on his ship did not.  "We would have made them earn it, General," Hanson said.  "Are you sure about this?"
"I will not throw lives away needlessly, nor have our forces face the ignominy of fleeing." Singh answered.  "We came to protect these people, and we will, to our last if need be."
"My orders?"
"Take up a position equally distant from the planet.  Stay in contact with Captain Winters and General Bridger.  Their part in this is not yet done, I think."
"You sure about this, General?" asked Shawcross. "She made it awfully clear she'll consider the term broken if we get reinforcements."
"Reinforcements through the Glass, yes.  The 8th Strikers and Kell Hounds are already here."  Singh smiled bitterly.  "Besides, I think that deep down, she, and definitely Malvina Hazen's followers in her ranks, want to fight the Strikers, since they're the ones who brought Malvina down.  It may be our last card should we be unable to hold.  Though either way, I fully intend to make the Falcons bleed win or lose, and we are in this to win.  The 2nd Royal Cuirassiers have been bloodied and battered in our century of service to House Proctor's Federation, but we have yet to be beaten, and that is a record I expect us to keep intact."
"Victory or death it is, then.  Just like Buckminster," Brigadier O'Malley vowed, a vicious grin on his face.  "Th' Dracs learned th' 2nd's mettle in those days, an' th' Falcons will learn th' same lesson."
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EMCOTS 28