DE Chpt 11

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==Chapter 11 - Danger Everywhere==
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15 June 3050
Star's End System
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The first Jumpship to return to Star's End materialized at the Nadir Jump Point, it was quickly followed by another. Both Invaders were fairly close together and each of them carried a Dropship, in this case a Leopard CV on each one which was quickly detached, and fighters began launching and forming a CAP. While they no longer broadcast a Clan Wolf transponder code, any close examination would reveal the Clan Wolf logo on their hull.
"Comms, hail them and lets see if they believe we are no threat." Captain Felicia Graves said
"This is 2nd Guards Jumpship Excellence to arriving Jumpships. We are not hostile. Please respond." This was transmitted multiple times with no response, yet the sensors showed both Leopard CV Fighter Carrier dropship and their fighters starting to head towards them.
"Keep sending the message. Nav, double check that we have the Zenith Jump Point correctly plotted, it will at least buy us a couple days before we are force to confront them." Captain Felicia Graves said
"Captain, transponder codes identify the Invaders as FCS Beluga and Ever Reach. I checked them against our arrival, and both were here."
"Very well, they are returning for whoever they left on the ground." Captain Felicia Graves said
"They are sending coded comms to the planet surface. Probably telling them they are back."
"Time for the transmission arrival and response?" Star Captain Branden asked
"Eighteen minutes each way."
"Sensors show the arrival of those fighters at one hour twenty minutes at the current rate of thrust. We can wait a little longer before we have to jump." Star Captain Branden said
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On the surface, Major Walter Duboise hurried to the Dropships communication station the second he heard their rides had returned. The initial message had also said they were investigating another Jumpship whose transponder did not show in any databank.
"Send this back to them. Leave the Jumpship alone unless it makes a hostile move. Focus on making ready to receive Dropships for return to safe space."
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Thirty minutes later aboard Excellence, Captain Felicia Graves and Star Captain Branden breathed a little easier as they watched the incoming AFFC force turn around and head back towards their Jumpships.
"That was close, we still another 30 minutes to safely furl the sail." Captain Felicia Graves said
Back on the surface, Major Walter Duboise took an APC over to where he knew Major William Mitchell was located. He was not surprised when the Major did not hesitate to walk over to greet him.
"You need something, Major Duboise?" Major Mitchell asked as he offered his hand.
Shaking the offered hand Major Duboise said "Our rides have returned. Well, two of the three anyway. We will be leaving in a few days, give them time to recharge."
"Trying to make it back to FedCom space?" Major Mitchell asked
"We have to try." Major Duboise replied
"I understand and wish you all the luck. If the third Jumpship does not come back, what are you going to do?" Major Mitchell asked
"Destroy them on the ground and cram everyone we can into what is left." Major Duboise replied
"Since your here, it saves me a trip. I ran a silent patrol last night and it looks like the locals are planning something, lots of activity at their respective bases. Might want to prepare yourselves accordingly." Major Mitchell said
"We will do that. If we call for help?" Major Duboise asked
"They are a threat to both of us. So, if you call, we will come running. Can I count on the same?" Major Mitchell asked
"Yes. The only heavy stuff we have are Patton tanks, no Battlemechs." Major Duboise revealed
"I really don't like waiting to get hit. I would hit them first, but I am short of my primary tool for that sort of thing." Major Mitchell said
"What are you short of?" Major Duboise asked
"Needles. Over the last couple years we have made use of tranq darts. Powerful sedatives, but we are down to only a couple hundred left. Avoids casualties and taking damage." Major Mitchell replied
Major Duboise laughed out loud as he answered "Needles, I think I can help you out with that. Our Mule has about 1100 tons of medical supplies. I am sure there are several thousand needles in that cargo." Major Duboise said
"If you could spare a few thousand, then I will make extremely good use of them. My ground pounders are experts in getting in close and quiet to use them." Major Mitchell replied with a smile
"They are all yours then. I will head back and start locating them, send them over as soon as we locate them." Major Duboise said as he got back into the APC
Major William Mitchell turned and yelled "Captain Wright, we are going to work."
"What gives?" Captain Wright asked as he reached Major Mitchell
"We are going to hit the pirates before they can hit us. Seems the Feddies have several thousand needles and are going to let us have them. So break out the sleepy juice and get your people briefed. They are 30-35 kilometers from here, so the Battlemechs can be there quick, I will have Point Commander Trishia accompany you as immediate fire support until we get there. Take down the 'mech pilots and any Dropship crew first. We can easily deal with Infantry troops if we have to do it the hard way. We strike tonight." Major Mitchell explained 
"I will get everything ready. I was not looking forward to a conventional defense. This is much better, it's what we have done quite a few times. Sneak in, dart them and make off with the goods before they wake up." Captain Wright said
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