MBMSFS Chpt 10

==Manufacturing a Blueprint for a More Stable Federated Suns‎‎ - Chapter 10: The Next Steps Forward - ==
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===Improving the Heat Sinks===
[Arthur Corean]
[NAIS]
[New Avalon, Federated Suns]
[October 29th, 3027]
After having had a chance to sit down with the survivors of the NAIS Double Heatsink program- those who had been shuffled off to other projects before its ill-fated relocation- and the documentation that was copied before the Death Commando assault, I felt a great deal more confident in rejoining the program. It took me a few days of running through the hard documentation and cross-referencing their designs with some of the ones that I'd theorized over the years, but I'd come to the determination that the Federated Suns had come within six months to a year of finalizing the tape-out of the Double Heatsink designs.
From what I could see, their greatest sticking point was developing an easily reproducible method of mass manufacture; they could create a fully functional Double Heatsink by hand, an 'artisanal' product if you will, but the process wasn't nearly as simple as the manufacturing method for Single Heatsinks.
 
Heatsinks in general weren't actually 'heatsinks' so much as they were part of a more advanced and efficient heat pump system. Functioning off of the Columb-Grinch Principles of Heat Transference, the system had two key portions where excess heat was removed from the coolant loop. 
 
The first was the heatsinks inside of the fusion engine itself. Heat moved from the coolant loop and into the Fusion Engine Heatsinks which then dumped the waste heat into the reaction process to 'scavenge' that thermal energy as additional power. The second was a large radiator (or several smaller radiators depending on the model of Battlemech in question), typically located within the center torso, which passively radiated this heat; it did have fans so that the heat could be transferred if there was an atmosphere, but if the Mech or Aerospace fighter was operating in a vacuum these fans would be turned off.
 
Single Heatsinks were relatively simple to manufacture. A high-density hydrocarbon, a common byproduct of even the Star League's hydrocarbon-based fuel creation processes, crystallizes into chunks. These chunks are then ground down to get the desired particulate size, wherein a binding agent is added to hold the loose powder together until it is essentially sinter-forged into a contiguous block under extremely high pressures. The resultant block, which normally weighs around two tons, is then machined down, with coolant channels carved into the bottom of the block. A thin block is then pressure welded to the bottom with another metallic binding agent to seal up the bottom so that the radiative vanes can be machined in to increase the surface area of the Heatsink; that way even the individual heatsinks in the loop can contribute to dissipating the heat. 
 
The end result is a one-ton Single Heatsink that can be found in virtually every piece of large machinery within the Inner Sphere, from Jumpships and Dropships to Battlemechs, Combat Vehicles, and Industrialmechs.
 
Star League Double Heatsinks are ultimately similar in nature, with them even including a graphite core, but where it differs greatly in the creation process is that it utilizes a similarly formulated crystalline polymer that the Hegemony used in their Extra Light Engines. Where it differed was that the graphite core was made much thinner, and the crystalline polymer was placed over the top of it like a shell; given the semi-liquid nature of the polymer prior to curing, the number of heat-dissipating vanes that could be molded into it when compared to the standard machined was enough that it could radiate the same amount of heat over a larger surface area for the same weight. This meant that the Double Heatsinks were thrice the size but could remove twice the heat while still remaining the same weight as the traditional Single Heatsink that hadn't changed since it was introduced in 2022. 
 
It took some time for the engineers to update existing Fusion Engine designs to be able to accommodate these larger heatsinks, but once these adjustments were made they became a game changer in the Inner Sphere's Game of Armored Combat. 
 
Smaller 'Mechs that were once constrained by their size and tonnage now suddenly had many tons of free weight to play with, with their militaries now able to utilize that saved tonnage in additional armor, larger weapons, or simply just stuffing a larger engine into them. This same benefit carried over to the larger weight brackets as designs could utilize more powerful energy weapons without fear of overheating, or simply allow them to incorporate their existing energy weapons payloads into their firing order while carrying more ammunition for their autocannons.
 
The only real rub was that these Double Heatsinks required the use of a crystalline polymer/glycol coolant that was incompatible with the standard Single Heatsinks. This had been a fairly large downside in the beginning, but with the massive industrial complex afforded to the Terran Hegemony, this became less of an issue as they could simply avoid this by giving every 'Mech Double Heatsinks. Even if they didn't need them.
 
It really reminded me of that old Ophra Winfrey meme: 'You get Double Heatsinks! You get Double Heatsinks! Everybody gets Double Heatsinks!'
 
So while NAIS had gotten the creation method and crystalline polymer formulations done and dusted, what they were lacking was critical expertise in Mass Manufacturing. Which was why Hanse had reached out to me and asked me to stick my head in the door to see what was taking them so damn long. I had been in on the project for a few moons before I was shuffled off to another project (and another project after that, and another project after that) and quarantined into my own 'personal' lab to be out from underfoot of the other scientists.
 
It had been annoying, but there was an immense feeling of satisfaction that inflated my ego as I looked at the White Papers and saw that, in the end, even after they kicked me off the program, the Rubes still ended up using the vast majority of my ideas. Sure, some of them were wrong or not economically feasible, but most of my postulations were right, and the pricks hadn't even credited me for it.
 
In order to help get this program back on track, I picked the brains of a few of my more experienced engineers working Corean's Single Heatsink line, and then sat down with the newly reformed DHS Team to rough out the necessary steps for mass manufacturing. We broke down the whole process, from start to finish, into fifty-three distinct steps starting with the creation of the initial graphite cube all of the way to the end where the completed Double Heatsink was packed into a foam-lined steel container.
 
Then after that, we began optimizing.
 
Which stations in the assembly line could be condensed, with multiple actions formed at once? How can we shorten the amount of time it takes to cure the crystalline polymer so that it doesn't need a full week? And so on, and so forth.
 
In the end, on paper, we shortened the number of steps required from 57 to 43, and after some testing we learned that the polymer would cure faster when exposed to UV light, cutting the amount of time required from seven days down to three and a half. 
 
Some pretty significant improvements to be sure, but we still needed to create the assembly lines with all of those stations, and then we'd have to create whole new Vac Stacks and code them to handle the necessary functions- such as integrating with off-the-shelf sensors and cameras.
 
It made me wish that I could just bring in my Automation Team and tell them to have at it, but alas, they did not meet the requirements to join the Egg Carton. So the majority of that workload fell to the 38 men and women that I had underneath me as part of my NAIS science team.
 
That would still be many months away, and currently, I had them testing out other off-the-shelf solutions, mainly the Vac Stacks, to see if there was anything that was already up to the task. Every piece of equipment that we didn't have to fabricate ourselves would be a huge win, even if they required some modifications to suit our needs. While they did that I spent my hours at NAIS, after my Aerospace Engineering classes, glued to my CAD Pad and creating new waldos, cutters, and hydraulic forming presses or modifying the existing hardware that could be found on any Single Heatsink line.
 
At the rate we were progressing, I expected that we'd have Double Heatsinks production ready for licensing by Q1 of 3030 at the latest, and once we had a full production line I was going to talk to Hanse about having NAIS sell Double Heatsinks at the market rates to act as a source of revenue for the Egg Carton. Scientific advancement always required more funding, and if the Egg Carton already had a DHS line up and running, then why not just keep it in place and sell them? Or at the very least, have the line moved elsewhere on the planet to keep a steady production going while the companies who purchased the license can retool and ramp up production themselves.
 
Given New Avalon's large population and strong artificially produced hydrocarbon fuel industry, all of the necessary components to create the new Double Heatsinks were already here; why not take advantage of that?
 
Might as well make some money off of it to offset some of the bills the taxpayers footed to get this LosTech back into production, right?
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===Meeting Lingling Ming===
[Arthur Corean]
I had just 'clocked out' from my office within the confines of Dozen-Two and made my way over to the underground tram station when, after exiting the final security checkpoint and recovering my Personal Security Detail, I came across a pair of rather conspicuous figures.
 
There, waiting by the tram, was Ardan Sortek clad in his Dress Greens, and standing next to him was a beautiful woman roughly around my age; like him she wore Dress Greens. As I got closer I could make out the rank of 'Major' on her shoulder boards, along with the Mechwarrior Spurs on her polished boots, and the patch of the Davion Heavy Guards on her left sleeve. The gold-laced cord-loop hanging from her right sleeve, denoted her having seen combat action, and the gold-plated sword that hung at the bottom of the loop meant that she'd conducted at least ten combat sorties. Three gold chevrons at the end of each sleeve signified that she had at least twelve years of service within the AFFS.
 
All of that was taken in at a glance as I approached, and I finally allowed myself to glance at the pretty Capellan features on her face, though the picturesque painting was only slightly marred by a scar over her left eye. Given it was still very pink, with some splotches of angry red, it was relatively fresh. 
 
Her nameplate read 'L. Ming' and I couldn't stop myself from smiling broadly as I looked toward Ardan, "Colonel Sortek! Such a surprise to see you here of all places."
 
Ardan was the sort of guy who always felt out of place anywhere but a strictly military setting; whenever he followed Hanse around the Egg Carton he was the type to keep a stern expression and nod along with whatever scientific drivel was dripping into his ears as though he understood what was being said. Being that he was the First Prince's dogsbody, he rarely, if ever, had a reason to venture to the Egg Carton unless the Prince was leading the way. 
 
"The Prince told me that you would be here today," Ardan stiffly clasped his hands behind his back before nodding to the woman standing next to him as he continued, "And seeing as prior engagements were no longer keeping my compatriot here busy, I decided that this would be a perfect time to introduce you to my subordinate and long-time friend."
 
"Major Lingling Ming," She stepped forward and offered her hand, "First Battalion of the Davion Heavy Guards. A pleasure to meet you, Mister Arthur Corean."
 
I don't know what she was expecting when she offered me her hand, but not being a barbarian, I took it gently within my own and brought her hand up so that I could kiss the calloused backs of her knuckles. I could see that it was the right move as her pale cheeks flushed and her eyes slid off to the side demurely.
 
"I do remember your name having come up once before while in conversation with Ardan and our beloved First Prince," I spoke softly as I tilted my lips to the side and glanced over at Ardan, "I believe it was over me seeking out a potential match with both exceptional prowess and steadfast loyalty to the Federated Suns."
 
Her hand slowly came back down to the side as she turned her head just enough to get Ardan in her field of view, "Was that how he described me?"
 
I could feel the black miasma wafting off of Ardan as he gave me a pleading stare, and despite the desire to fuck with him building up within my breast- it was practically a reflex at this point- I decided to showcase my magnanimity and grace and help the poor man out, "Yes. He was impressed by your skills in and out of the cockpit, Major Ming, and unlike most people, I find your experience within the Death Commandos to be a boon rather than a bane."
 
A soft chuckle left my lips as I drew out a square in the air with my fingertip, "I have an 'Assassination Attempt Bingo' card I keep in my desk, and while I have other attempts from different factions marked off I don't yet have a 'Capellan Death Commando' check. With your inside knowledge and experience, I just might be able to survive such a raid."
 
"Really?" Her tone was bordering on high-pitched, but only the most emotionally dense of people would be able to ignore the mixture of surprise and hope that laced her voice.
 
"Mhmm, indeed," I nodded, though I gave her a commiserating smile, "Although you're a bit late to... interview for the position of Wife, as I already met someone-"
 
"I am fine with being a Mistress!" She all but jumped forward and grasped onto my hands, her expression a touch manic, "Lingling Ming is more than happy to be a Mistress. Just as long you don't go around collecting other women like a toy nerd at a games shop."
 
"They're historical figurines, not toys..." Ardan muttered to the side, which pulled my mind out of its short-circuit.
 
I had honestly been taken aback by the sheer enthusiasm on display, and while my cool hands soaked up the warmth from her calloused fingers I quickly shifted attention back onto Ardan so that I could collect myself, "Oh Ardan, why didn't you say you were interested in those trinkets? I think my Father had a limited-run, first-edition set of historical figurines from 2678... still mint condition in their packaging."
 
He gazed at me queerly, as if suspecting this was bait, "Who, what, where, and when?"
 
"It was made by Brunquist Figurines of Terra for their 'Reunification Wars Centennial Commemorative Collection', more specifically the '2578 Invasion of Meadowvale Set'; complete with Colonel Buqoy's Mercenary companies and the SLDF defenders," I said with a smile, and the man's brows furrowed in thought.
 
"I haven't heard of that particular set before, but if it was fashioned in 2678 and still in its original packaging it should be worth tens of thousands of Pounds-"
 
"Aaahhhh... Ardan is such a nerd." The former Death Commando grinned from ear to ear as we both watched the Colonel mutter to himself.
 
"That he is, though I didn't know about this particular hobby of his, so thank you for stocking my proverbial Autocannons with fresh ammunition, Lingling," I gave her warm, rough hands a good squeeze, which caused the woman to stiffen in surprise before she relaxed.
 
"Mhmm, I'm just happy that someone else other than me likes poking at Ardan. He's just so stiff all of the time. He really needs to lighten up."
 
"Well hopefully now that the two of you have met I can lighten up," The man tugged at the bottom of his coat, "I've put my own life on hold until I could fulfill my promise, so now that the promise has been fulfilled-"
 
"Ooohhhh, it's Sep, isn't it?" Lingling Ming grinned broadly as she all but bounced on her toes, which sort of dashed the 'silent and crazy Death Commando' caricature that had been built up in my mind after first hearing about her from Ardan, but 'bubbly and effervescent' was fine too.
 
But first things first... I needed to consult with my wife-to-be. 
 
Even if she's likely already known of Lingling Ming's approach well before I did, you don't just go out and pick up Mistresses from out of nowhere.
 
"Well, how about we retire for the evening? You can join me back to Corean where we can sit down with my fiance' and discuss this over dinner in a more private setting."
 
"Capital. Now that this business is finished I will take my leave." Ardan nodded to Lingling before he spun on his heel to enter the tram and take a seat.
 
As if we didn't have to get on the Tram as well.
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===Aspirations for the Future===
"I will want something for my children to inherit. If Lady Sterling's children are to inherit the Duchy and Corean Enterprises, then I want something tangible for my children. Something they can hold onto." Lingling murmured lowly, as if raising her voice above a low whisper would somehow ruin the atmosphere of the negotiations that were taking place; the clinks and scrapes of fine silverware on porcelain filling the void her words left.
 
"I take it that you mean something along the lines of a family Battlemech?" I asked as I cut off a piece of steak and enjoyed the subtle tang of the free-range meat that I was now importing from Petrolia II as part of the newly incorporated 'Petrolia Agricultural Cooperative' or 'PAC Foods'.
 
It seemed that a few of my lawyers on retainer had finally gotten the disparate farming communities together to start laying down the framework for their future; things would be slow going in the next few years, but by 3040 Petrolia II would hardly be recognizable. Their numbers would swell, manufacturing facilities would open up, and the place would become a hotbed of economic activity. Schools, Hospitals, office buildings, warehouses, and a brand new spaceport to feed the sprawling Corean Enterprises manufacturing complex would completely change the landscape. They would need to modernize or else they would get left behind, as while their ancestral lands were still their own, the rest of the planet was essentially up for grabs for anyone who had a solid business plan that wouldn't damage the environment or exploit my people. 
 
This included other farming corporations, so I wanted to give the farmers I already had a leg up, and part of that was paying out of pocket for lawyers and industry experts within the agricultural sector to come and let them know what would be needed if they wanted to keep pace. I'd be willing to sell or lease a lot of land if it meant that we could one day have enough food production to get Jumpships in every week. More plentiful and cheaper foodstuffs would only be a boon for the Federated Suns, and given our proximity to the Outback, I had a feeling I knew who our closest customers would be.
 
And to think that they were once selling this excellent steak for pennies on the Pound for use in processed meats! Bringing this to the New Avalon market as a premium brand would put lots of money into their coffers. When combined with the economic incentives I rolled out before I departed, the generous seed money I left in their corporate account to get their Cooperative off the ground, and the soon-to-be influx of discounted Corean Agricultural Robots? 
 
They should be set.
 
"Yes, I would like a Battlemech. One for each child if we can," Her chopsticks scraped at the inside of her rice bowl as she held it up to her lips, and I sighed.
 
"Lingling, if we're going to do this then I'd like for you to keep in mind that they'll be my children as well. There is no need to fret about their inheritance,." I settled my cutlery onto the napkins at the dinner table, "If they wanted they could have three Battlemechs each. As long as they're Corean-made Battlemechs; if there is a specific 'Mech they want we'll see what we can do to acquire the license to produce it... or they'll have to take one of ours and earn that 'Mech themselves on the battlefield."
 
I shrugged my shoulders, an easy smile on my face, "After that? They can bring it back to dear old Dad and I'll fix it up for them."
 
Her eyes widened in shock a little bit before she let out a small, sheepish chuckle, "Apologies, Arthur. I forget how rich you are."
 
A snort left me, "You don't need to worry about that. All wants and needs will be taken care of, within reason, of course. Now, while Samantha's children will inherit the Duchy of Petrolia, as is right and proper by Federated Suns law, I plan on selecting the best Corean for the job to run Corean Enterprises when it is time for me to retire. Whether that is one of the children we have, Lingling, or one of the children I have with Samantha. I will choose the one who has the best qualifications and the will and desire to carry on my vision for Corean Enterprises into the future."
 
"Given Arthur's already... hectic schedule running both Corean and the Duchy at the same time," Samantha leaned forward slightly, the golden necklace hanging in front of her decolletage distracting me for a moment, "I can only pray that it is not my firstborn that will have to shoulder both of those responsibilities. Even with your drive, Arthur, you're barely keeping your head above water."
 
"That is true," And it was, as I slept seven hours a night, but once I woke up in the morning it was meetings, meetings, more meetings, and then research; the best breaks I had were when I was traveling to NAIS for classes. I could catch a good nap safely ensconced within the safe confines of my up-armored luxury van, "Once you feel ready, Samantha, I'm hoping that you'll be able to step in for me either as the Duchess of Petrolia or as the Assistant CEO of Corean Enterprises."
 
"We could also petition the First Prince to have a Steward appointed to handle the build-up of Petrolia," My sexy MIIO wife swirled the wine around in her glass, "There are plenty of upper-level officials in the Federated Suns that would be more than happy to manage it in your stead in exchange for... economic incentives for their realm. Given the small size and population of Petrolia as it is now, and even with the current projections for growth, it wouldn't be all that difficult. The hardest part would be to create a shortlist of possible candidates. Once we get it to a self-sufficient level then we can hand over the administration populous; a Francis-Peckt style of government would be fine until we grew larger."
 
Within the Federated Suns there existed a whole slew of different styles of Government, with practically each planet running different systems or different variations of the same system. As long as they followed the overarching laws of the Federated Suns and showed the proper respect to the Nobility, they were more than welcome to govern as they saw fit, though at the end of the day, the Noble was the Head Honcho with the power to overrule the Government whenever they saw fit. 
 
The Francis-Peckt Trinary Government was a take on the old Terran style of Government, with a Judicial Branch, a House of Commons, and a House of Defenders. The Judicial Branch did as it said on the tin, overseeing and upholding the laws of the land. The House of Commons was a bicameral legislative body with Representatives and Senators, the two sides holding different powers and duties that created laws when needed. The House of Defenders was typically made up of the Knightly Houses, those whose families owned their combat vehicles and Battlemechs; they were tasked with seeing to the defense of the world and overseeing the Planetary and System Militia assets. There was a fourth Branch, the Executive Branch, but the Chief Executive was the Noble in charge of that world.
 
The Hallmark of the Trinary Government was that it was designed from the ground up to be what Aerospace pilots termed 'High Speed, Low Drag'. 
 
It was almost barebones in its approach to 'Federal' Government Departments, taking only what was required to run a planet-wide bureaucracy and little else. Most planets who adopted this form of Government only added to it what they felt was needed, but never took away from as downsizing it from there always caused problems. It wasn't comprehensive, but it was streamlined and efficient, with each branch able to act and react quickly with authority while still maintaining some checks and balances on each other's powers. Given the fact that the Executive Branch was the defacto authority in the system, any overreaches from each body were expected to be handled by the Chief Executive, that being me.
 
It wasn't my old American-style of Government, but such a system had proven to me in my last life to be slow and ponderous, always reaching for more and more. Considering this is supposed to be a Government that is supposed to span multiple planets, with a projected population in the multiple billions, that could not be the case. 
 
Thus the Francis-Peckt Trinary.
 
"It was definitely on my list," I had briefly considered a modified FPT system that was seen on Hesperus, where the businesses that employed the people of the planet had a seat at the table with the House of Merchants, but I ultimately decided against it; Corean Enterprises already had a seat at the table, and we were well far enough away from the Commonwealth where it wouldn't be a requirement. Though if I did happen to expand into the Commonwealth, which might very well be the case considering all of the free shit I was tossing in front of Katrina Steiner, then a House of Merchants would be on the list because I wouldn't be able to function otherwise.
 
I picked my fork and knife back up and resumed eating so that the meal wouldn't get cold, "As for you, Lingling. I was thinking of creating a Mercenary Regiment owned by House Corean. It would be Combined Arms, with whatever equipment would be needed to make it an effective and flexible fighting force. That is where you would come in, my dear."
 
She tilted her head to the side, "You aren't going to ask me to join the Ducal Guard or Corporate Security?"
 
I shook my head, "Arnold Willis has been a part of the Corean Security Forces since I was knee-high to a grasshopper. He's a seasoned Mechwarrior with plenty of Combat Merits on both the Capellan and Combine fronts, and he's done a stellar job managing things here. Replacing him at this juncture would... not only look bad, but I don't repay competence and loyalty with what would nominally be a demotion. As for the Ducal Guard, the long and short of it is I don't have one yet, and likely won't for years to come; with the AFFS sucking up almost my entire production output with the mercenary units loyal to House Davion getting the remainder I don't have the metal to throw into a House Guard."
 
While I did have a lot of said metal coming in here within the next few months, if I threw that metal into creating a Ducal Guard then I would be kneecapping myself because I would then lose the AFFS Regiment that was already there. Then I'd have to scramble to muster a soldiery, get them trained on the basics before then having to get them trained on all of the Star League-era equipment that I'd be throwing into their hands. While I would always be able to find dispossessed Mechwarriors, vehicle crews were a touch hard to come by, and the life of an infantryman was often riddled with hardship... and extremely short when they were thrown into the meat grinder as often as they were. 
 
Trying to find a retired Infantryman who survived all of the shit he or she survived and then convince them to do it some more after they retired was like trying to find a needle in a haystack. 
 
It wasn't impossible to entice them, especially if there was a noble title such as Knight or Dame in the cards contingent on them signing up, but finding them was most definitely the hardest part. 
 
Lingling Ming narrowed her eyes at me slightly, "So you want to use the newly formed Mercenary Regiment to act as a pipeline to get your Security Forces and Ducal Guard seasoned?"
 
I snapped a finger, "Indeed. Ducal Guard units often rely on the retirees to train and season their soldiery because, by their definition, they are a House Guard. Meant to protect the realm of their Lord. Unless they are offered up then the chances of them leaving to see combat are slim to none. The same can be said for the future Planetary Militia."
 
What was better left unsaid was that I would also be using the Mercenary Company to skirt around some of the rules governing the maximum sizes of forces that a planet and system could have. While most couldn't fund a large enough House Guard or Militia to ever reach those caps, those realms that were wealthy enough could never purchase enough Metal to see them realized; supply, not money, was their issue. Given that I was one of the largest suppliers of Metal within the Federated Suns, once things calmed down after Operation RAT and I'd had time to expand my facilities, then I'd be able to set aside production for all of my realm's military needs.
 
The issue was that once you reached a certain size, which was based on your relative population and economic importance, any further military expansion would require either the disbandment of other units or direct federalization into the AFFS. It was annoying having an RTS-like 'Pop Cap', it dug at me that I couldn't just build up the largest military the Inner Sphere has ever seen, but in a Feudal society having one of your subordinates having a large enough military force to be a threat was a 'no-no'. 
 
However, Mercenary Commands were the way around this limitation.
 
They were more often than not expensive to hire and maintain, as they were more costly than their Regular counterparts, but because of their experienced, blooded Mechwarriors who more often than not excelled in combat compared to the rest... they could command that high price. Mercenaries were, by their very nature, warriors on the move- they took multiple contracts back-to-back to keep the bills paid, and that meant the mercenaries who survived their ordeals were far more seasoned than most standard Line Regiments. Of course, the quality of the mercenaries varied wildly, but the 'general rule of thumb' regarding Soldiers of Fortune was a rule of thumb because more often than not it held water.
 
The tales of mercenaries pulling off valiant feats were the stuff of legends, after all, and while most were overblown, there was always a kernel of truth to them. Those who had the Battle ROMs to back it up, however? They were unquestionable.
 
So a good Mercenary outfit was well worth the retainer if you could afford it, but typical Mercenaries were difficult to keep because eventually they got restless and picked up stakes to move on elsewhere. The number of Mercenary commands that had remained under their founding employment couldn't be counted on a single hand, however, I hope to avoid this by founding the unit myself, made up Mechwarriors and Combat Vehicle crews who would be loyal to House Corean.
 
Ten years of service to House Corean as a mercenary would net you a small plot of land and citizenship to the Petrolia system and all of the benefits that carried. Fifteen would earn you the noble title of Knight along with the representation that afforded you in the House of Defenders, and at twenty years? The Mech or vehicle you piloted would be yours to carry on through the family; this would carry its own stipulations but for the people of the Inner Sphere? That alone was something worth sticking around for.
 
I even had a program in mind that would allow years of service to transfer between family members. If a retired AFFS Mechwarrior fell in the line of duty and thier son or daughter stepped in to fill their place, then they would only have to carry out the remainder of their service to fulfill the obligations. That would keep a strong familial culture within the Mercenary unit and keep retention high; those sorts of deals didn't exist within the Inner Sphere. Generous and expensive? Yes, without a doubt, but I found that when you treat your employees with respect and pay them well, then betrayal or desertion is the last thing on their minds.
 
Corean made Battlemechs, which meant I could supply this future Mercenary command at cost, and that greatly reduced the expenses needed to keep them fully functional.
 
"Though this new unit wouldn't be a full Regiment of Battlemechs," I continued as Lingling stared at me with blatant interest, "With Corean manufacturing Combat Vehicles and advanced infantry equipment, this would be a Combined Arms Regiment. Likely a Square Battalion of Battlemechs, two Square Battalions of Combat Vehicles, an Aerospace Wing, a Conventional Aircraft Wing, and two Battalions of Enhanced-Mechanized Infantry to support."
 
"A small Regimental Combat Team," The Heavy Guards Major mumbled to herself, though her eyes regained some clarity as she zeroed in on me, "You said 'Enhanced' Mechanized Infantry? Are you fielding... cyborgs or something?"
 
"No, no, nothing of the sort," I shook my head, "Just a currently experimental Combat Exoskeleton. The AFFS is already conducting initial trials with the samples I've provided, and by the time the full CAB comes online, they should have all of their issues smoothed out."
 
"You did not include an Artillery unit in that list," The woman placed her steel chopsticks on top of her empty rice bowl and hummed, "Why is that?"
 
"Missile Carriers will handle the indirect fire-support role for the CAR. Though initially these will be highly modified Quickscell models, I plan on Corean to produce all new designs, a Light Missile Carrier, a Medium-weight version, and a heavy version. These will offer superior weapons payloads, better mobility, and far better armor than what is currently sold on the market," I shrugged slightly, "I haven't created them yet, but I have some designs already made up that should streamline the creation and testing processes. However, I'm not expecting the full Regiment to be ready until 3033 at the earliest; we'll be focusing on the Mechwarriors and the square battalion they belong to for right now."
 
She fiddled with the metal chopsticks for a few moments, the beautiful woman clinking them against the porcelain rim, though Lingling Ming had an unmistakable smile on her face, "Well then, it sounds like I will have my work cut out for me! So much training to do, so little time." 
 
"Though I would be remiss if I didn't inform you that I had a Mercenary command coming to handle the training of my Corean Security Forces," I interlaced my fingers over my plate as I leaned forward, "I trust you won't have a problem working with them?"
 
Lingling rested her elbow on the table before placing her chin in her palm, "That depends on the unit. I have worked with plenty of mercenaries before, so I don't have a problem with them as long as they aren't rude."
 
"Mason's Marauders is a small, Lance-level Mercenary unit," I leaned back and threw an arm over the back of my chair, "While their leader, Commander Jacob Mason, isn't a strategic genius, I've come to learn that when it comes to small-unit tactics and individual skill as a Mechwarrior he is... likely one of the best the Federated Suns has ever produced."
"High praise, coming from you, I'm sure," The former Capellan scratched at her nose with a finger, "Though I can honestly say I haven't heard of them before."
 
"Small units like Commander Mason's rarely make the news," Samantha spoke, dragging our eyes to her, "Though it is as Arthur says; I've pulled up all of the AFFS contracts they've successfully completed, both from operations on the Combine and Confederation borders, and having seen some of the Battle ROMs as proof I can say that Mason is a Crack Mechwarrior. It is sort of baffling to me that we haven't tried to get them on retainer before now."
 
"And by 'we' you mean the AFFS," The Major nodded, "Okay. However, I'm going to spend a few hours in the simulators when we get the chance. When someone like that shows up you just have to see what all of the fuss is about."
 
The red-haired former MIIO Agent smiled, "Well then, Lingling Ming, I am glad that we've come to an agreement."
 
"Oh, no, I'm glad. I have a wealthy, successful husband, my babies will have Battlemechs and the best education money can buy, and I'll get to live out every Mechwarrior's dream of having my very own Mercenary unit!" The woman smiled beatifically as she stretched her arms above her head, "The only downside to this is that I'll no longer have a reason to bother Ardan now."
 
She sniffed, "He's too rigid. He really needs to lighten up."
 
I felt my eyes crinkle as I smiled, "I think there are plenty of things we can do to liven up our dear Colonel's day, Lingling. We just need to put our heads together and make some plans."
 
"Oh Arthur~," The woman purred in delight, a lone fingertip drawing a slow circle on the table as she made bedroom eyes at me, "And here I thought that you couldn't get any better."
----
===Meeting Your Hero===
[Elanore Wright]
[Corean Enterprises]
[New Avalon, Federated Suns]
[November 2nd, 3027]
It had been rather difficult to get control of myself, but after spending some time in the restroom, splashing some water on my face, and giving myself a pep talk, I was ready. 
 
It wasn't every day you met your Heroes, but meeting Commander Jacob Mason was like... I don't know... meeting the Master Chief. 
 
The guy was a killing machine, one of the most dangerous Mechwarriors that nobody's ever heard about. The guy who participated in the heart of every major event in his lifetime and lived to tell the tale, from Operation RAT to the formation of the Free Raselhauge Republic and the events of Dragon's Gambit, a DLC that I hadn't been able to play before I was reborn in this beautiful, crazy Sphere. My Table Top brethren and I would get into massive arguments about who was the superior Mechwarrior, and while the Wolf's Dragoons simps would easily say 'Natasha Kerensky', and the others would say 'Kai Allard-Liao'... my number one Mechwarrior was always Commander Mason. 
 
Even if he wasn't 'canon' to the rest of the weekly group I played with, he was always first in my heart. I suppose that had to do with the fact that I as the player had been Mason, that metal-crushing Mechwarrior who would look at an incoming Dropship filled to the brim with enemy Atlases and only think 'Cool, more loot'. 
 
Granted, the Mason we saw in the game was as flat, generic, and lifeless as a cardboard cut-out for any 'casual action-flick hero', but that didn't matter to me. The big stompy robots did, and while you had to play the game modded to hell and back to be fun and enjoyable, the number of hours I spent playing Mason with my cousins online was some of the best times I ever had playing a video game. 
 
So when I put out some feelers and saw that Commander Jacob Mason and his mercenary unit not only existed but seemed to follow the path of the game I'd played numerous times before? I knew I had to have him. He was definitely part of a core of Mercenary outfits that you just needed to have, like Grayson Carlyle and his Grey Death Legion and- and the Wolf's Dragoons if you were a Clanner simp.
 
Given his stellar profile within Comstar's Mercenary Review Board and some of the 'sample' Battle ROMs they had of every Mercenary Outfit on their database so that you knew what you were getting, grabbing Jacob Mason's insane skill would only be a boon. Or at least I hoped. 
 
I had a plan that would hopefully tie him more closely to Corean Enterprises, but that all came down to certain things falling into place that I didn't have control over. 
 
I fiddled with my cufflinks one last time and settled myself as I watched the small convoy of Lamborghini Typhons pull up in front of Corean Enterprises' Admin complex. Through multiple panes of ferroglass and hardened doors. Because people wanted to kill me, and like hell was I going to stand out in the open waiting for them to snipe me like a moron.
 
The Corean-Dimurot Motors building across the street was no longer a blatant security threat, not with the upgrades I'd been stuffing into the building and the strict training my security staff were now putting their rent-a-cops through, but it would be just my luck for there to be a helicopter hovering a kilometer away with a sniper waiting for the chance to blow my front out of my back.
 
When you didn't take needless risks the chances of getting assassinated went down astronomically, and when someone like Comstar wanted you dead, getting comfortable was the worst thing you could do.
 
I could see Jacob Mason, his XO Ryana Campbell, and their Chief Technician Fahad Arazad enter through the first set of double doors where they entered the security station and began in-processing. While they went through the scanners and got patted down, I used that time to observe them.
 
All three were wearing a set of surplus, olive-drab SLDF fatigues that had been starched and pressed, which was a common sight among most Mercenary units that didn't have a defacto House affiliation. Most Outfits who did business primarily with one nation over another tended to wear their fatigues, though units like the Eridani Light Horse, 12th Star Guard, and other cosplay units wore the old SLDF uniforms as if they were still true units of that long-dead carcass. While their fatigues lacked the Cameron Star of the SLDF uniforms, they did have their Mercenary Patch on the left sleeve, with subdued, black metal rank pins on their lapels. 
 
When the last set of doors opened up I could see the handsome, action-star face of the Commander give me a lopsided smile as he crossed the distance between us, and his voice was exactly as I remembered, "Mister Corean."
 
Lazy with a side of boredom, but still handsome and masculine.
 
I smiled back and held a hand out, "Commander Jacob Mason, I've been waiting for your arrival."
 
We shook hands, a simple 'firm business' shake, and I turned my attention to Ryana and offered her a hand as well, "Major Campbell. Welcome home."
 
She seemed taken aback by that, and a small flush crept up her neck as she replied with that delightful bough of hers, "Ah, thank you, Mister Corean. It's always a pleasure to set foot on New Avalon once more. Especially after so many years spent away."
 
Then I offered a hand to the last man of the trio, "Technician Fahad, always happy to meet a fellow man of culture."
 
"Oh. Uh. Yeah, a pleasure, Mate," He floundered for a moment, his lips flapping as though he wasn't expecting to be addressed at all, "I'm just really here to inspect the digs and see where I'm gonna be fixin' up all of our busted 'Mechs. You said you'll be coverin' the costs of all this, yeah?"
 
Ryana looked like she died a little bit inside, and Jake's eyes tightened as his lips formed into a thin line, but I just snorted, "Yes. Corean's full suite of tools and resources will be available for your perusal. Though that will have to wait until after our initial meeting here is concluded, so while I know you're excited to get to work and play with all of the latest and greatest in Battlemech maintenance..."
 
He blinked and flinched at Ryana's 8cm glare before he cleared his throat, the man placing his hands on his hips, "Ah. Yeah, right then, Gov. You're the boss."
 
"If you'll follow me please, we can get the paperwork knocked out and discuss the fine details," I held out a hand and gestured for them to follow as I brought them toward one of the secured offices on the first floor.
 
I nodded to my security team who were posted up outside as I led the trio into the room, with Samantha and Major Willis following in behind them, "Please, take a seat. Refreshments are at the cart by the door."
 
I heard a soft groan of pleasure as I booted up the terminal attached to the holotank, and I looked over my shoulder to see the Commander all but pouring a steaming hot cup of coffee into his mouth, "Real coffee."
 
"Sos dat real coffee, Mate?"
 
"Real coffee. Mhmmm. Good coffee."
 
"Well then, don' mind if I do..."
 
Ryana was seated at the holotank with a bottle of water in front of her, the poor woman looking as though she wanted to crawl up in a hole and die. When I gave her a smile she tried to shrink into her seat.
 
This was probably why we never saw Mason handle the negotiations for the contracts in the game. Ryana likely handled everything to avoid the embarrassment, and I can't say I didn't blame her. If any of my direct employees acted like that I'd string 'em up by their toenails until they sang me the Federated Suns anthem, but seeing as they were mercenaries they would get a little more latitude.
 
Samantha was just as amused as I was, but I could see Major Willis frowning as the pair finally settled into their seats, with Fahad having emptied out the entire bowl of sugar into his large paper cup.
 
The philistine.
 
Once they were settled in I pulled up the original contract and displayed it on the tank, "When I sent you this contract several months ago I had a clear idea in mind as to what I wanted the Marauders to accomplish. However, in light of recent events, I would like to request we make an off-the-books addition to the contract."
 
I could see Jacob's eyes narrow slightly as he sipped at his cup, "That depends on the nature of the work. While we are Mercenaries, I have certain lines that I don't cross. Civilian targets and critical infrastructure are some of them. I lost my home, and thanks to Black Inferno countless others have lost theirs, so while I'll take down valid targets I refuse to be party to perpetuating that particular cycle of misery."
 
I shook my head easily, "Nothing of the sort, Commander Mason. In fact, this won't be a Combat Addendum at all. Corean Enterprises is creating several new lines of weapons for 'Mechs and Combat Vehicles, weapons that will likely bring great change to how warfare is conducted in the Inner Sphere. The initial contract still stands- $5 Million C-Bills for six months as Training Cadre in addition to the promised repairs and refits- but I would offer an additional $2.5 Million C-Bills if you were to test our new weapons both in the testing grounds and the Training Grounds that the AFFS is allowing us to use. You will need to give your honest thoughts on them-"
 
I turned my attention to Fahad, "As Technicians as well as Mechwarriors-"
 
"And there will be written reports, but comparatively speaking it should be light work. Maybe even enjoyable if you like shooting new Autocannons and PPCs," My fingers tapped at a few keys to bring up the fine language of the contract on the holotank, "Given that this is cutting-edge tech, there will need to be the utmost discretion. Which is why we won't be adding this onto the official MRB contract."
 
That got Mason to tilt his head to the side, "That doesn't give us a lot of recourse if you reneg on the contract. Do you not trust Comstar to be discreet?"
 
Thank you, Mason. For giving me just the opening I needed. 
 
I gave him a firm stare as I leaned over the table, "Not only did Comstar try to kill me... and they murdered my parents, Mason. Of course I don't trust them, because I know that they are actively working against the people of the Inner Sphere. You don't need to look any further than their fine work with Black Inferno and other dubious mercenary companies to see that."
 
A startling pop issued from the Commander's neck as his body stiffened, and he leaned forward over the table as well, his voice terse, "Okay then. You had my interest, but now? Now you have my attention."
 
I had to admit that I felt my heart flutter in my chest at the sheer chilling intensity wafting off of his ice-blue eyes, and in the back of my mind, I wondered if this was how people felt around me when I was utterly focused.
 
"It was Comstar that supplied the faulty hydrogen seals that doomed my Mother and Father to a horrific death on what should have been a joyous occasion," I felt my hands clench so hard my fists popped, "I was supposed to be on that Leopard when it went up in a ball of flame in low-orbit over New Avalon... and when that particular planned failed them?"
 
I navigated over to a video folder and pulled up the holo recordings from the top floor during the 'SAFE' assassination attempt before playing them all at the same time. My eyes watched their faces carefully as they watched from multiple angles as my brother and I slowly watched our armored protection getting stripped away from us, one bullet and one SRM at a time until the assassins were forced to retreat when they ran out of ammunition. Right into the arms of my security detail who were unable to take them alive.
 
"They organized a second kill team to finish the job," I let the recordings play over as I dragged the Commander's eyes back to me, "So if there is anyone in the Inner Sphere who knows the dangers posed by Comstar, Jacob Mason, and has suffered at their hands just as everyone else, just as you and I have... it's me. So yes, I do not want Comstar to get their grubby hands on anything my company is producing if I can help it. Not one shred of documentation, and certainly not official reports that they can collate into their vast intelligence gathering apparatus."
 
I watched the man's shoulders heave as he reigned in his rage, and after a few moments he calmed himself, but his eyes were still narrowed at me, "No one else seems to have any idea what they're up to. Nobody we talked to even believes us, not about Comstar and certainly not about Black Inferno. Why you?"
 
"Now that isn't true, is it?" I tilted my head to the side as I did my best to keep myself cool under his questioning gaze, "Sebastian Spears believed you, didn't he?"
 
He inhaled slowly, "And how do you know about Sebastian Spears?"
 
"Please, Commander, as... pedantic as this might be to hear, anyone whose anyone knows of Sebastian Spears and Interstellar Expeditions. Especially when you get into the upper ranks of the nobility and the corporate types with more money than they know what to do with," I interlaced my fingers on top of the table, "You have worked with Sebastian Spears in the past, rather closely since Black Inferno forces raided DeBerry IV. And my father? Well, my father was a huge fan of IE, and he donated plenty of money to fund some of their expeditions. He even... paid a lot of C-Bills to reserve a space on one of their famous expeditions. One he planned to take when he retired and I took over the company."
 
I could see a variety of emotions flash over the other man's face before his lips peeled back in a grimace, "A trip he didn't get to take..." 
 
The room was silent for a few moments before a gusting sigh was heard from the side of the table, "Boy, dis certainly got heavy quick, dinnit?"
 
It took a bit of effort for me to clear my throat, which had gotten... distressingly tight during that exchange, and I nodded, "Mister Arazad is right. We can discuss these particulars in more detail if you'd like at a better time, Commander."
 
"Yeah," Jacob Mason's voice was hoarse, "I think that would be for the best. So. The addendum. $2.5 Million for our thoughts on the new weapons you're making?"
 
"Essentially that is what it boils down to, yes, but I do hope that you'll spend some time looking over the language of the contract first before agreeing," I turned my eyes to Major Campbell, "I'll have my secretary-"
 
Samantha was already up and handing a Verigraph-locked case over to Ryana, "This is a special case. Once you and the Commander supply your samples it will be locked and will only open for the two of you. Should anyone else attempt to open it, the small incendiary device within will destroy the contract."
 
"Sheesh, some real Jane Bond stuff..."
 
Ryana gave Samantha a strained smile at Fahad's peanut gallery commentary as she took the small metal case, "Thank you, Miss-"
 
"Sterling, Samantha Sterling." My wife-to-be adjusted her sexy glasses smartly before taking her place back on my left.
 
The Major nodded as she and Commander Mason supplied a droplet of blood and synched the case to their biometric signatures.
 
"Now that this is out of the way, I'll let Major Willis here, a fellow Mechwarrior and the Commander of the Corean Security Forces, give you a brief rundown over what we're expecting Mason's Marauders to do for the duration of this contract-"
----
The Major gave a brief, twenty-minute presentation for the trio, mainly giving them a rundown of our current stable of 'Mechs for our two Battalions- a smattering of different designs from all across the Inner Sphere, but mainly filled with Battlemechs that Corean Enterprises manufactured. He moved efficiently through our numbers in regard to Pilots and backgrounds, current levels of competency, and generalized targets of where he wanted our readiness to be at the end of the six-month contract. Given the written language for the bonuses, he also outlined the performance targets for those as well.
 
We had a 63% Pass Rate for the AFFS' Level II Battlemech courses, which for a Line Regiment was below acceptable. This was unavoidable given the majority of our pilots were fresh Mechwarrior Academy graduates or promotions from our Industrialmech pilots, but Samantha assured me that there would be some newly retired Mechwarriors that would likely join the company once word spread about the Mercenary unit I was going to be standing up. 
 
A 70% Qualification Rate for the Level III Battlemech combat courses was what was considered the 'Standard' for AFFS Line Regiments, but we were aiming rather low for this six-month period and settling for a 100% Pass Rate for the Level II courses. Given the underperformers were all of the fresh recruits it meant that most of the Marauder's time would be focused on getting them up to par. Their bonuses, a quarter-million C-Bills, kicked in for every 10% they got to pass the Level III trials.
 
It would be easy money, something that I saw lit a fire in the Commander's eyes, and I just knew it deep within my soul he was like me- staying in on every Warzone mission until I had to retreat before something expensive got blown off. All to get every last C-Bill possible.
 
"Now, as for the Battlemechs, I'll be taking a personal hand in helping your teams repair them all, as will a few choice members of my work crews. Partly because I want something to do on my off time, and partly because I don't want the repair and refit bays to be filled up for the next eight months-"
 
"Oi, Mate, listen here-"
 
"Fahad," Came Ryana's terse warning, "If Duke Corean wishes to help put our 'Mechs back together then there shouldn't be a problem. We are using his facilities after all."
 
"Come'n now, Ryana, me 'an the boys don't need any help-"
 
"Ryana's right, Fahad," The Commander crossed his arms over his chest, "Their house, their rules. Besides, you're supposed to be relaxing and taking a break. You do a lot of good work for us already, so if Corean's teams helping out reduces your load then I say you take the help."
 
I gave the pouting Technician a commiserating smile, "Trust me, Mister Arazad. I get it. But my boys are the best in the Inner Sphere, and me? I am the best. So you don't have to worry about us mucking about in the internals like a bunch of wet behind-the-ears Astechs. Besides, all of the equipment in our bays? They're custom-made by me, Star-League-era tech, and then some. And very expensive. While they're you're 'Mechs, if my equipment gets broken because someone didn't know how to operate the systems..."
 
I could see the wheels turning in the man's head before he was finally cowed by Major Campbell's scathing glare, "Alright. You're the boss, Mister Corean."
 
I nodded, "Excellent. Now, my first order as your boss? Take a few weeks and relax. It's November 3rd now, so we'll begin the contract after the New Year, starting January 1st and running through the 1st of July-"
 
When the Commander's mouth opened I held up a hand, "Don't worry, the first quarter's payment will go through as soon as we fill out the paperwork here. If you decide to take the Addendum, then a quarter of that will be sent to your account as well. You and your crews should... relax, spend some time, and enjoy the Christmas season and New Year before we put our noses to the grindstone. I know you and the Major had a 'boot camp' idea for the Mechwarriors, which I certainly approve of, but I'm not going to make them do that over the holidays that they should be spending with their families. Though if you get antsy and feel like doing some work anyway then I'm certain we could let you start early on weapons tests before then."
 
The Commander bobbed his head as he shrugged, "Fair enough. A little extra 'kickback' time shouldn't hurt, so I don't have any problems with that. Ryana?"
 
"You'll find no complaints from me, Commander. I'll put this time to good use; I haven't visited me Mum in almost twenty years now so... being here for Christmas and the Hols should be a welcome surprise," She smiled happily, though she remembered that she was in a business meeting, the warmth melted away into something more polite, "Fahad? Anything else to add?"
 
The bald man shook his head, but his crossed arms and tense jaw showed me a little bit more into his character, "Nope. None at all. Sos I believe this is the part where we go on a tour, yeah?"
 
"Yes. Let's take a fifteen-minute break and then we'll go out on a tour."
----
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