Battletech: Chronicle of the Guns Special Squadrons

Time: 0545 hours local time.


  Brows furrowed in concentration, Ryan Panzer stood on a platform up to his elbows inside Lady Luck's leg. "Almost dralin'" he drawled to her as he tinkered around inside for a few more moments. With a satisfied grunt, He pulled out a long cylindrical shaft about three feet in length, wiped some of the grease off of it with his already greasy hands and held it up to the light for inspection. "You stupid ass!" Ryan said as he turned and flung the part at the scrawny old man beside him half-heartedly and missing by a few feet. Yelping anyway, he jumped to his feet, "Eat shit Ryan! you want this plate welded up or what?" narrowing his eyes Ryan looked at the man, "I told you you twit that she had a hesitation in her right knee actuator! and what do you do?" pausing for dramatic effect and pinching up his face he mocked, "Oh.. I'm sure it's just rusty from sittin' around. heh. Nothin' to worry about." returning to his normal voice he shouted, "There WAS something wrong with her, the hydraulic ring on that piston is BROKEN! you would've seen it if you had looked at her like it is your job, you cheap old bastard!". Rising with indignation, the older and much shorter man straightened and said, "Now listen here you whelp, I was fixing mecs' back before you was shittin' in your diapers" Rolling his eyes Ryan replied, "Yeah, and your dinosaur taught you how to do it, so what? The point is, that piston is shot, you hear me? done for. Now go get a new one before I have to strangle you!" As the old man scurried off Ryan looked at the time, Realizing that it was almost six in the morning, and he hadn't slept yet. And also realizing that he would be expected at the training exercise today at exactly 0600. Cursing again, he found a clean rag and started wiping off his hands and elbows when a voice called out from the tool room, "Sorry, can't find no replacement hydraulic cylinder for yer particular mech' but I can fabricate one, might take me all day though." Sighing and rubbing his temples at his sudden headache (and smearing grease on his face) he said, "Alright old man, guess I can't strangle you yet. I gotta get runnin'" As he turned and hurried down off the platform he heard over his shoulder, "Good luck with yer practice!." Waving over his shoulder he called back "Take it easy old man, and don't die on me." Chuckling as he heard he old mechanic curse and call him a rotten bastard He hurried along, fully trusting his friend to have lady luck fixed and ready to go by the day's end.

Ryan Panzer briskly walked down the hall, tossing his used rag into a compactor as he went. Glancing down at his watch he hissed a curse and hurried his steps along, turning the corner and heading straight for the simulation room. Barging in suddenly and taking a quick look around, he sighed his relief when he only spotted Lieutenant Faizon, sipping coffee and firing up the simulator process. Walking over to stand beside the man he said cheerfully, "Morning Sir. I'm ready to scare the hell outta these potentials." the excited gleam in his eyes and the wicked grin on his grease-stained face confirmed his statement. "Oh but I love me some mayhem" he thought with a wider smile.

As the crackle of static and the whine of electronics warming up heralded the activation of both screens in the briefing room, Faizan went over the latest reports and recommendations that were furnished over the past few days. To wit there had been over a dozen complaints lodged about "unfair" tests, at least four fistfights and inter-unit shootouts, and three implied or deliberate death threats from jilted candidates.
All in all, things were going better than expected given current events.

'Was it always this nuts? I certainly don't remember this much bile and testosterone being thrown around...' he thought to himself as he ran over data stored on the chip. He idly tapped away as his ears registered the blast door opening and closing

'Or maybe it's been so long that those days are a bit more hazy than I'd like to admit.'
Then a rather familiar voice penetrated his idle early morning un-stimdrink infused thoughts.

"Morning Sir. I'm ready to scare the hell outta these potentials."
Ryan "Shadow Wolf" Panzer had arrived before anyone else as well and apparently was spoiling for a bit of a fight, even a simulated one.

"All in good time Dragoon Panzer, all in good time. While you're here, what was your assessment of the last handling course..."
His request however was cut off by the arrival of somebody of a higher pay grade than his.

"Captain, anyone who is not in the room by quarter after will be locked out of this simulation and automatically fail."

David "Gun Bear" Wilds, the commander of this new unit that was forming had also decided to arrive before the probationary recruits. While it was the Lt. Colonel's perogative to arrive and leave as he saw fit, Faizan was secretly glad that he was there to observe the procedings. Fitting, given that it was his command or would be once the dust settled after all.
Clicking his boots together and saluting as smartly as the early hour and now-coursing stimdrink allowed, Faizan confirmed his order.

"Yes Lt. Colonel. Very generous of you to allow a quarter-hour flex, heck I'm pretty sure Sergeant Major Unther would have given everyone and odd hour and then let the door cut anyone in half if they were late."
Turning back to Panzer he finished his request and thought directed at him.

"As I was saying Mr. Panzer, what was your assesment of the last handling course's results, was there anyone that might have been sandbagging or cheating? Also, not too much scare tactics, you're hear to lead and evaluate, not see who's lance leader material."

Bear returned Faizan's salute and chuckled at Panzer, "Jones has talent, but he's kind of a chucklehead. I don't think he's cheating, or capable of cheating. But I'll have the techs go through the logs for discrepancies." if he really was cheating he'd be turned over to the academy to be dealt with since it was there equipment.

His appraisal of the 'trouble' candidate complete he sat in the auditorium; he would observe and let Trever give the mission briefing and wondered how surprised the candidates would be when they found out they'd be dueling him in simulation. He also checked his watch, "By my watch they have ten minutes."

Ryo Sanada made punctuality a point in his behavior. He was, above everything, a warrior. And to him, a warrior was something more than a mere soldier skilled in combat, or a savage brute with a knack for fighting. That might have suited the Clans, most mercenaries, or any of the other Successor States' soldiers, and to some extent some of the warriors in the Draconis Combine, but never the Sanada family. He came from a family of professionals, and he was a professional.

He arrived not soon after Faizan finished speaking. He thought he might have overheard his name and the words "prove" and "abilities", but he kept silent, his face showing his usual stoic demeanor.

He thought to himself, "I am used to having to prove my abilities. No matter what expectations there are, a Sanada always redoubles its efforts to exceed them."

The Gun Special Squadrons had got word of his fighting abilities in the Solaris VII Arena, and he had got the possibility of applying. Tired of meaningless arena fights, he sought for a chance to return to the real battlefield. He felt rather wary of mercenaries - after all, his grandfather fought the Wolf's Dragoons, and his father learned their ways while fighting as a member of the Ryuken-go - but with that wariness came curiosity, and he would see it through.

However, it was time for him to focus on the situation at hand. He entered the room and bowed.

"Greetings.", he said in a general look throughout the room, then he looked at Faizan and saluted. "Captain Faizan, sir."

The Lt. Colonel also checked his time and and then shook his head at Sergeant Panzer "They have 93 seconds before they fail. Let them have that time before you write them off. Remember Summer? That half assed Steiner Planet with the governor that wouldn't pay? What if I hadn't have given you that 93 seconds when you and the rest of that outfit stole those 'mechs?"

His tone was mostly playful but he was making a point, and reminding him about how he came to work for the Squadrons.

Keeping an eye on his wristwatch Faizan couldn't help but point out something else that experienced mechwarriors like the three up front and one or three in the seats up front probably knew already after Bear made his point and Panzer time-checked again.

"Besides Dragoon Faizan, it's always in the last 30 seconds of any assignment that conditions become very interesting. The gods of war might favor the bold and the patently stupid on occasion, but they're not above having fun at someone's expense either. Especially if it involves solo elementals, forgotten vibrobombs, or extremely large and angry animals."

Faizan now had the time-check.
"Now down to 47 seconds..."

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Tag: SaintB anonymousjerk @samuraikoku

Faizan noted some of the last stragglers wordlessly as they filed in, some bleary-eyed and beleagured looking, others grim, and others downright chipper and ready to go. After the last in a semi-steady procession had ended, a very young man who barely seemed old enough to earn a civilian driver's license let alone power a multi-ton war machine bristling with weapons, had found a seat he focused on his watch.

"Twenty seconds, Dragoon Panzer man the hatch controls and stand by to seal it..."

Faizan noted the bootfalls, differentiating between the steady gait of the noncom and a few frantic pounding signatures that indicated that somebody had forgotten something and was trying like hell to grab it and get back before the sealing of the hatch. Preferring the surprise of potentially losing a bet vs breaking his pinpoint accuracy and concentration on the letter and spirit set forth at last night's debrief he kept his head down and focused on his simple wristwatch.

The seconds ticked by. Fifteen seconds came and passed with a simple command from Faizan to Panzer

"On my mark Dragoon Panzer, seal the hatch

Then ten...

Then the familiar countdown:

"Five, four, three, two, one, mark."

With a hiss, thud, and several metalic clunks and crunches the hatch was sealed, followed swiftly by a heavy body blow against it as the first of the runners came back half a second too late.
Ignoring the pounding on the outside of the hatch Faizan addressed those that remained.

"Good morning. As of 0545 hours we have initiated the final test in this selection process. Those of you here have gotten through intelligence, will, and ability. To those qualities you must add resolve in order to pass that final threshold and earn a contract to join this new unit.

Whatever the results of the day's test, know that your sitting here now is a testament to your willpower and your ability. We purposefully made the tests extremely difficult in all aspects in order to weed out the non-hackers, and you have all demonstrated that you deserve to be here and now."

Faizan clasped his hands behind the small of his back and walked slowly out from behind the computer dais, affecting a steady timbre in his delivery at a resonant but civil volume for the briefing bay, the heels of his boots echoing softly in the chamber in syncopation to his words.

"However, let me assure you that this final test will be no pushover. You have come through trials of physical and mental exhaustion, tested your mech piloting and gunnery basics and demonstrated you can reasonably defeat computer algorithms with simple combat protocols and runtimes. Now however you will be facing that most dangerous person of all in the most real approximation of combat that Tri-M was willing to insure; full-blown simulator combat against living breathing human beings.

Make no mistake, these simulators will rattle your bones, bake you alive, tally every hit you receive and every shot you miss, and we will be keeping score the entire time. Raw numbers do not make a passing score make, and those of us you see in front of you plus other consulting parties will be the final arbiters of your performance in these simulators."

Faizan stopped, squared his shoulders to the probies present, put his hands on his hips and cast his gaze slowly across those present, meeting each one of their gazes in turn.

"Nobody has stood and attempted to leave. Good, I was not mistaken in my analysis of everyone's collective resolve. Obviously victory will be a major deciding factor in final judgements, but victory alone will not decide who gets a contract and who does not. We will be looking at several parameters including tacticical adaptability, teamwork, and others which I shall not name in order to taint the process.
Also bear in mind that defeat will not automatically result in a fail as well. Loss is a part of combat as some of you may know already, but we will be looking for how you lose.

"We're also fully aware that these are not the latest NAIS simulators and therefore might throw a glitch or two at the person inside. Rest assured that we will have technicians monitoring the raw data of the simulator and will take glitches into account, however a glitch won't mean a do-over. Foul-ups and less than ideal conditions are also part of combat, and griping about a programming error will look bad indeed. Guns Special Squadron believes in the SAP principle; Survive, Adapt, Prevail, so take note of that if complications should arise.

The hands returned to the small of his back and there was a lull for a moment, another form of unspoken punctuation.

"So, are there any questions about the test itself? Once we begin this will be treated as a fully-fledged combat mission so now is the time to ask about any of the technicalities."

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TAG:@samuraikoku Oviraptor anonymousjerk SaintB

Ryo sat still and didn't flinch at the door shutting down, or at the unfortunate - although "indisciplined" would have been the word that he would have used - stragglers that didn't make it on time. Such things, in the Draconis Combine, would have warranted much more severe consequences than simply being left out of the trial. It was yet another good sign - he expected just that.

He glanced at the last entry, a young man barely out of his school years. A faint smile almost crossed his lips, remembering that he himself had piloted a BattleMech while in his training years at the Sun Zhang MechWarrior Academy, and in extremely important circumstances - the defense of the Draconis Combine capital itself, no less. Many of the Clan units he fought then had underestimated him - and paid the price. Ryo knew from his own experience that he shouldn't do the same to this young man.

Then Faizan began speaking, and Ryo listened intently. When Faizan mentioned the applicants would be fighting human beings instead of computers, he felt a sting of excitement - that was his element. He had little problem in training with simulations, and he knew their value and usefulness, but at times he'd grow bored. He welcomed the opportunity to demonstrate why they called him the Blade, as he had done countless times previously. The description of the harshness of the tests only served to make him even more eager: It was not only the outcome of the fight, but how he fought.

He didn't, however, give a great deal of importance to Faizan's explanation about glitches and programming errors. There certainly were things one had to look out for in a 'Mech's system, but ultimately, he thought, a weapon is as good as the hand that wields it. Ryo was a fighter by nature, and he would always take any challenge.

The part where he paid most attention, though, was the part about parameters that exceeded any statistics that could be put on paper - teamwork, tactical adaptability, etc. So far, he had never had any particular problems in fighting as part of a team, but it was true that as a warrior, he was more suited to individual actions. He was, however, a reasonable man, and knew that there is only so much one can do on their own, even if they were the best of MechWarriors fighting aboard the mightiest of BattleMechs.

Faizan gave the opportunity to ask questions about the test itself, so Ryo thought asking one question couldn't hurt.

"Captain, only one question for my part." - he said coolly. - "You mention this will be treated as a fully-fledged combat mission. Could we get any information on the battle conditions, of this mission?"

This was, after all, a relevant question. A briefing was necessary in every combat unit - be it the lowliest recruits in a training academy, or the elite units of every army, regardless of origin or state it fought under.

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Attn.: Huck n' Roost, anonymousjerk, SaintB - Y'all the bosses.

Although at least one person seemed to flinch, it was Sanada who started out of the gate with the first question.

"...You mention this will be treated as a fully-fledged combat mission. Could we get any information on the battle conditions, of this mission?"

Inwardly Faizan had to smile. Evidently at least one person was chomping at the bit and itching for some sort of fighting. Outwardly however he kept his cool facade up, emulating the calculating patience of his callsign.

"You will get that information when it is time to be briefed for said mission Mr. Sanada, and not a milisecond sooner. Right now the floor is open to any questions about the nature of the test itself, not the content.

Are there any other questions for any of us? Bear in mind I'm just the lowly XO, you have a chance to pick the brains of the CO of this Brigade here and now."

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Tag: @samuraikoku Oviraptor SaintB anonymousjerk

 Ryan Panzer looked over the class with an icy glare, "That's it?" He demanded as he fixed a stare at the last person to come in through the door briefly before moving on.

    "You have the opportunity to speak and learn more about the test and only one person is smart enough to even think of something to ask? Now is the time, people. A stupid question is one left unasked." Ryan relaxed slightly, attributing his impatient outburst to lack of sleep. "I know -I- for one would take every opportunity to learn more and use it to my advantage. There is no reason to be shy, this isn't nursery school. And in the real world, intelligence is vital." Having said his peace, he once again swept his hard gaze around the class.
 

"It's Lieutenant Colonel, Captain. I run the brigade, the colonel runs the entire organization." he reminded his subordinate before stepping up and quite literally taking the floor and standing in the center of the room.

"As mentioned before, I am Lieutenant Colonel Dave Wilds, known as Gun Bear. I'm the executive officer of Gun Special Squadrons and the commanding officer of Bear's Brigade. Most of you will not be familiar with me personally but I assure you I am quite familiar with each of you from watching your performances over these past weeks.. I'm a combat veteran of 19 years, I fought the Clans in Operation Revival, I spent more than a decade as an Officer in the Free World's League Military and then I went Merc and helped found the parent company of this unit. Gun Squadron was one of the most prominent mercenary units in the FedCom war taking part in campaigns on Emerson, Small World, New Avalon, and half a dozen places I'm not permitted to talk about. We've only been around for six short years but we have gained a reputation for professionalism, skill, and determination that rivals far larger and older companies. We also developed another reputation, a dangerous reputation, a reputation for being special forces for hire. We are lean, we are fast, and we hit our objectives hard."

Bear paused a moment and then continued, "The testing you've been through has been designed to weed out anyone who isn't the kind of pilot I want in my unit. That you are here right now today is an accomplishment but before you start patting yourself on the back you have one more very important test tonight that will determine which of you will be hired and who will have to hit the road. Just the fact that you are here however is an accomplishment you should be proud of because in my estimation you have shown that you have the determination, discipline, and ability to be a part of an elite team of mercenaries. Regardless of the results of this morning's final test I will gladly write a letter of recommendation for any of you who ask me after this is all over."

"Now Captain Faizen will be splitting the remainder of you into two teams that will compete head to head with each other. Win or lose I want you all to conduct yourselves as best you can, good luck to all of you!"

Faizan nodded to Bear as he concluded his remarks. He didn't exactly mince words and anyone who had been actually listen would have picked up on the meta-message buried in the actual words.

If anyone hadn't however then it was too late to figure it out. Faizan had gotten the high-sign and it was his job to execute at this point. Consulting a small list at the dais he set the test in motion.

"The following people will stay; Fitzpatrick, Eamon. Sanada, Ryo. Yodfa, Lia. Everyone else go out the hatch which you came in and head right, there will be a proctor at the end of the hall in the waiting area who will give you further instructions."

Once everyone else had filed out and the hatch was once again shut and locked, Faizan turned back to those names who were left.

"Well then, let's begin. From here on out everything is to be treated as a current-time mission until one of us announces that the test has concluded."

Pressing several buttons on the keypad in front of him in a sudden flurry of activity, Faizan turned his attention to the enormous screen as the overhead lights suddenly dimmed dramatically and the screen flickered to life, first black, then fading into the image of a map:



Once the image had condensed into its final form Faizan started the actual briefing.

"Command has identified a high-value airfield facility and they want it captured. Since breaking off a large contingent of their primary combat forces would invite enemy reprisals in a hurry we're being tasked to capture the airfield and neutralize any enemy threats in the area. Bear in mind that these drone overflight images are approximately 24 hours old but they're about as up to date as it's going to get for the time being.

Mission will start at NAV Alpha..."

Faizan tapped a button on the screen in front of him and the large map's "A" flashed for a second.


"... and from there you will proceed to NAV Beta and your first objective, scouting this old Dropship wreck."

More taps at the controls behind the dais and this time the Holovision monitor in the center of the briefing space flickered to life, showing a dilapidated and obviously wrecked Leopard-class dropship.

"Obviously it won't be flying anytime soon, but intelligence suspects that this wreck could be an old Star League dropship, therefore command wants us to secure it for potential salvage and scan it to get any preliminary readings that could be helpful. That being said if our drones have seen it then odds are that enemy forces have as well as well as any scavengers who might be looking for a quick buck in the middle of a warzone.

Once you've swept and scanned the dropship wreck proceed to NAV Delta..."

The "C" flickered this time.

"... and secure the airfield. Try to minimize the damage to the actual runway and any facilities, and especially your first OP points, OP Foxtrot 1-3."

The three "F" markings flickered in turn.

"These are dual PPC turrets. Intelligence indicates that they're offline and command really wants those secure for obvious reasons, so unless they shoot first don't even think about destroying them. Also be sure not to damage the structure at OP Echo, intelligence seems to think it's a missile facility which again is valuable for obvious reasons.

Finally, proceed to NAV Delta..."

"D" flashed and flickered

"... and secure the hangar, again preferably without damaging anything severely.

Now, as you can see these images don't indicate any potential hostile forces so that's a big question mark, but expect at least one or two mechs securing the area and probably more. As always don't expect much in the way of backup, so the quicker you can secure the airfield the better.

Mission will start at 0915 hours, expected weather is clear with an average temperature of 10 degrees C. As indicated previously Dragoon Panzer will be in command. Tactical designations are, Panzer is Sidewinder 1, Sanada is Sidewinder 2, Yodfa is Sidewinder 3, and Fitzpatrick is Sidewinder 4.

Any questions?"

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Tag: Oviraptor @samuraikoku SaintB anonymousjerk