CHAPTER 9 – ROYALTY & ROGUES
Starring: El Barone Pepperoni (Graham)
Judas Storm (PhilM)
Turkey Creek Jack Johnson (Sukh)
Co-Starring: Jennifer Penelope Jones (Rich) – played by Sukh
Zeus Voyager Bond (PJ) – played by PhilM
Ferdinand of Altringham (Kell) – played by Graham
Jacques Scarfe (PhilJ)
Introducing: ‘Hawkins’ (Dabe) – played by Sukh
Previously..
After the brutal battle at the Ghost Bears Mech Factory on Alshain, everybody was Mechless. Also, Jacque Scarfe was badly injured whilst ejecting from his Berserker and was captured by the Ghost Bears.
The rest managed to get away from the factory on foot and ran into Nalc Bashfelt (Rob). You hatched a plan to break Scarfe out of custody (Hospital). Scarfe was rescued but lost his Right Foot, which was replaced by an artificial one.
Passage was booked on a commercial Dropship to get out of the system, A Buccaneer class vessel. The Dropship linked up to a Jumpship that was heading to Arkab in the Draconis Combine. From there you would be able to get the information you obtained back to your employer. There were two other Dropships attached – another Buccaneer and a Mule Class.
Whilst enroute to Arkab (3 jumps), you found a hidden cargo bay. After a short firefight with some unidentified people you got in and found 3 large crates and 1 smaller crate. The crates were unmarked and well sealed. The Dropship captain knows nothing of these crates or indeed about the hidden bay. After several hours of toiling the crate locks were bypassed and the contents revealed….
Shadow Cat A
Cougar B
Hankyu C
Gnome Battlesuit
All have the Clan Smoke Jaguar Insignia on them. Expressions of surprise and delight were evident on all the players…..
The klaxons sound for the final jump to Arkab. Everyone prepares for the jump. During the final few seconds of the jump process the emergency sirens can be heard throughout the Dropship.
The Jumpship enters normal space with a violent shudder and a series of explosions. Almost immediately the Dropships detach in an effort to get away from the explosions. Everybody is knocked about by the explosions and Bond took a heavy blow to the abdomen, winding him and causing minor organ damage.
The Jumpship breaks up into hundreds of pieces and damage is inflicted on all the Dropships.
El Barone & Turkey Creek, who have got to the Bridge, notice on the sensors that 6 fighters and 1 Dropship are inbound. “Vessels at explosion site, do you require assistance?” crackles over the comms system.
The captain replies “Approaching vessels, we have sustained heavy damage to our engines and control surfaces, will need to make repairs”.
At about the same time the Mule Dropship turns to move away and opens fire on the incoming fighters. The other Buccaneer awaits assistance. The fighters attack the Mule but take damage in the protest.
El Barone checks the comms signature and confirms they are in Federated Suns Space. So he calls up the other Buccaneer – “Unidentified Dropship, please assist by stopping the Mule from escaping”.
“This is the Dropship Hope, stand by whilst we come about.” came the reply.
After a few seconds the Buccaneer turns to pursue the Mule and opens fire. It is immediately apparent that the weapons array has been enhanced as laser beams, missiles and Gauss projectiles are fired at the Mule. Most of the weapons hit the rear of the Mule and after a few small explosions the whole ships explodes.
With the firefight over, and calm descending, El Barone & Turkey Creek check the navigation charts and sensors and discover that they are Federated Suns territory.
“We’re not in the Arkab system, but where the hell are we?” Turkey Creek asks.
“It looks like we’ve mis-jumped into the Bryceland System in the Federated Suns” replies the captain.
“Wow. That must be hundreds of Light Years. No wonder the Jumpship exploded, the engines must have been severely overloaded.” Responds Turkey Creek, in a matter of fact kinda way.
“Where exactly is Bryceland, Captain?” El Barone asks.
“Near the frontier between the Combine and Fed Suns. Also close to the Periphery State of the Outworlds Alliance. Probably quite a rough area.”
The Dropships are escorted in system and the journey takes about 4 days. During this time you attempt to get the new Mechs powered up and usable. El Barone & Ferdinand work on the Hankyu and Cougar, taking 2 days to circumvent the security systems. The Shadow Cat could not be made operational in the time taken to get to Bryceland.
Meanwhile Turkey Creek decides to power up the Battlesuit and start moving around in it. Initially the movement is jerky, awkward and painful but after a few days he starts to get the hang of it.
You finally land on the planet Bryceland, at the main Starport. Upon landing you are met by various Port officials who discuss the incident at the jump point with the Captain.
Medics attend to the injuries sustained and Zeus is treated for his abdominal wound.
Baron Pepperoni and Ferdinand walk over to the Dropship Hope where some of the crew are loading supplies.
“Is the captain of the ship around?” Ferdinand asks of them.
“Over there”, one of the crew point to a well-built man.
They walk over. “Hello, I am Baron Umberto …. Pepperoni and this is Ferdinand of Altringham. Thankyou for your assistance.” the baron says.
“It was a pleasure. Never did like smugglers. I’m Hawkins by the way.”
“That’s an impressive ship you have. I’ve never heard of this version of the Buccaneer” Ferdinand says.
“Why don’t I show you around, you’ll be even more impressed.”
And so they were taken onboard and given the grand tour. The ship is a heavily modified Buccaneer class vessel with state of the art armour and weapons, along with a modified bay for Mech combat drop operations. One of the cubicles has a Mech in it – an Anvil.
After the ‘tour’ you end up in the captains’ cabin for refreshments. “It looks like your ship will need quite a few repairs” Hawkins says.
“Actually, we only used that ship to get us to Arkab. So to an extent we are shipless.”
“Indeed. Can I transport you back to Arkab or have you got other arrangements?”
“I reckon we can come to an agreement that benefits us all. I would like to hire your ships and crew to become part of our outfit.” states El Barone.
Ferdinand chokes on his drink. They look at him in disgust.
“Agreed. We’ll sort out the details later” Replies Hawkins.
Judas, Zeus, Penelope & Turkey Creek head into to town to do a spot of ‘shopping’. Various items are purchased and all are generally happier.
Late on in the evening (after dark) you move the Mechs over to the Dropship Hope. The Shadow Cat in moved over in its crate. The two Techs onboard are gobsmacked at the Clan hardware being stowed in the bay.
The following morning, whilst admiring again the amount of damage that the Hope took, the group are approached by a woman and two ‘attendants’.
The woman, rather attractive looking, stopped and said “Good morning, I am Jane Sawyer. May I speak to the person in charge?”
“Good morning to you. I’m in charge. Baron Umberto …… Pepperoni. How may we be of assistance?”
“I am here to invite you to meet the Duke. He has a proposition for you that may be of interest.”
“Excellent. We will be delighted to meet him.”
“1100 tomorrow okay?”
“Fine. I will bring a couple of my colleagues along, if that’s okay?” Pepperoni inquired.
“It is. A Royal car will be sent to pick you up. Until tomorrow”
With that, Ms Sawyer and the others depart.
Things are quiet for the rest of the day, only Turkey Creek is busy trying to get the Shadow Cat operational.
The following day El Barone, Zeus & Judas are picked up and taken to see the Duke. You arrive at the palace and taken into a vast hall, which is adorned with bright silk banners of the Federated Suns & Federated Commonwealth, the flag of Bryceland and the Davion-Harland Coat of arms. In the centre of the hall , a large holographic motion-painting plays out a climactic Mech battle. A man can be seen on the far side of the image. He stands slightly hunched and walks towards you, through the image. He attempts a smile, but nothing van disguise the weariness and anxiety in his face.
“Good morning, I am Duke Morris Davion-Harland.”
“I am Baron Umberto ….. Pepperoni, and this is Zeus Voyager Bond and Judas Storm.”
Pleasantries are exchanged and the Duke gets straight down to business.
He explains that pirate raids by the Silver Slayers have almost crippled the economy. The Royal Guard, under the command of General Freeder, have put up a brave attempt to deal with the pirates, but without any success. Most recently they raided Fantos Island, which his daughter Samantha runs. They attacked the palace and took her captive. He says that he cannot attempt to save her himself as he needs to remain on Bryceland to calm the peoples fears.
“My hope and Brycelands rests with you. I beg you, find my daughter and return her to me. Her safe return can help end the misfortune that has befallen Bryceland. I offer generous pay, as well as the use of my technical facilities should you need them.” concludes the Duke.
“Interesting, very interesting..” says El Barone.
The others look at him curiously and can picture his mind working overtime hatching a plan.
“We accept your request and will gladly rid you of these parasites” states El Barone.
Details were then discussed and the Duke will pay 100,000 C-Bills up front and 300,000 on completion.
Further information the group gets indicates that the Slayers were heading for the Outworlds Alliance, via the Bad News system. Jumpship transport to Bad News will be provided.
With a contract agreed the group put their ears to the ground for information on Duke Davion-Harland and his daughter Samantha. What they found made for heated debates about what to do next:
The Duke has ruled for nearly 20 years and political trouble started with the pirate raids. The kidnap of Samantha has deepened his depression. If he can’t solve the pirate problem he’ll face a revolution.
However, Samantha is very popular among the people of Bryceland, more so than the Duke in some places. She is a skilled, self-taught Mechwarrior and leader. She’d like to leave Brcyeland and form her own Merc unit but rumour has it that the Duke made her ruler of Fantos to keep her on Bryceland. Finally, she always leaves her palace on Fantos Island about two weeks after every raid and returns about a week later.
The final night before departure some of the group are out on the town – Turkey Creek, Hawkins, Judas, Penelope and Zeus. Soon after leaving a bar they are accosted by several (five) thugs.
“Evenin’. Nice night for a walk. Too bad they’re gonna have to wheel you the rest of the way home!” The leader says. With a yell the whole gangs charge drawing daggers & pistols. A Street fight ensues.
The fight lasted all of about 30 seconds (6 rounds). Turkey Creek drew his heavy pistol and shot at one of the thugs holding a revolver. The shot missed. The thugs shot back, one missed and the other grazed Zeus’s left arm. Zeus returned fire, and missed. Penelope drew her heavy pistol and shot the guy that was charging her. The shot blew a massive hole in his guts and made mess on the ground. Hawkins went hand-to-hand with another thug and promptly smashed the thugs right arm. The guy slumped to the ground.
The remaining two thugs that were shooting backed off and shot again, missing. The group over powered them quickly. The only information they got out of them pointed to a tall man wearing a dark long cloak who wanted the group out of the way.
The Jumpship transport provided by the Duke got you to the Bad News System in an uneventful six-and-a-half weeks. You dock at one of the many collars on the Bad News Station.
You step out of the airlock, onto the station and are greeted by a smartly dressed Asian Woman and her three armed escorts.
“Welcome to Bad News Station,” she begins, “We hope your stay here will be pleasant. Feel free to walk around this facilities designated decks. The recreation area is located on Deck 12; the merchant plaza and trading centres are on Deck 8.” She hands each of you a plastic passcard. “These passcards grant access to those decks. As you are carrying no saleable cargo, your ship will not be inspected. However, we must ask that you keep all personal weapons on your ship, in accordance with our peace laws.”
You can see a series of scanners that everyone must pass through. Only El Barone decides to sneak through a hold-out gyrojet pistol in his artificial leg – and seems to get away with it.
You start asking around on the Merchant deck for any info on the Silver Slayers and find out that they have indeed been on the station. You are eventually directed to Home Pier Imports as a source that may prove useful.
So El Barone, Turkey Creek, Judas & Ferdinand head to Home Pier Imports. The others continue asking around for information.
As the group enter the shop their feet sink into the soft floor covered with deep Persian rugs. All manner of exotic items from the Inner Sphere adorn the walls. The most eye-catching of these is a life sized statue of Stefan Amaris, usurper of the Star league. The lighting in the room changes from a dim white to a deep red and then to orange. A lone man turns and greets you with a pleasant smile, “Yes?”
“You have a very wide and unusual collection of items” El Barone says.
Turkey Creek is looking around and eyes up a selection of pipes.
“Indeed I do. What is it you are looking for?” Manatara asks.
Various things are mentioned and then the business of the whereabouts of the Slayers in raised.
“I have dealt with the Slayers recently, what of them?”
Turkey Creek looks at some of the pipes, check the prices and nearly chokes to death. The prices are extremely high for something so ordinary.
“Would you like to try one?” Manatara asks Turkey.
“Yeah, okay”. With that Turkey Creek is handed some ‘weed’. Turkey fills the pipe, lights it and take a drag. Feeling slightly elated he says “this is good stuff, how much with the pipe?”
“Oh, I could let you have it for 750 C-bills.”
“Great I’ll take it” Turkey replies. “What’s the weed and is it legal?”
“It is Tabayama weed, and its legal to smoke it in private”.
“Anyway, about the Slayers. When were they last here?” Judas asks.
“They were here about a month ago and they had a woman with them. Looked like she was in charge.”
The description given was that of Samantha and you also found out that the Slayers were heading for their base on Antallos.
It is determined that Antallos is deep in the Periphery, outside the Outworlds Alliance. Now all you need to do is get there. So to the recreation deck to find a fast ship and a pilot to take them.
The Rec Deck’s four main bars are packed to capacity. Asking around reveals that most pilots don’t want to travel deep into the Periphery unless the pay is substantial. Prices of 30,000 C‑bills, each way, are the best offers and these would take up to 3 months to get there.
Whilst taking stock over a few beers and old woman approaches “You the ones looking to head out into the Periphery?”
“Maybe? Who wants to know?” Says Judas.
The old woman looks the group over, smiles slightly and says, “My name is Trini Bezz and I have a Jumpship in orbit ready to go.”
“And how much are you gonna charge, lady?” Turkey inquires.
“I’ll take you there and back for free, on one condition”
“What’s that?” El Barone asks.
“You are to provide protection for me on a deal I doing. I don’t fully trust these traders and would feel happier with some back-up. Will ya do it for me?
A few mutterings of free, gift horse and mouth are heard and then the group agree.
“Great, then we’ll leave in the morning. I’ll meet you at the docking port”.
With that the group settle down to a night of beers and more beers.
During the transit to the ‘deal’ the group find out that Trini is exchanging gold and precious metals for some Clan high tech equipment. This equipment will hopefully make her a tidy profit, but the people she’s trading with have turned deals sour in the past.
After a few weeks of jumping, you arrive at the location of the ‘deal’. The planet appears to have been devastated during a previous war and all the settlements are now just shells. You land near an abandoned settlement and Trini steps out in an AgroMech.
“Stay here in the valley and keep an eye out for unwelcome visitors.” With that, Trini heads toward the village towing a hover platform loaded with unmarked crates and other storage containers.
Within moments, a similarly arrayed counterpart steps out from behind the nearby hill and also heads towards the village.
The group (consisting of El Barone – Hankyu, Turkey Creek – Elemental Suit, Judas – Shadow Cat, Zeus – Cougar, Hawkins – Anvil) scan the area and get the occasional feint echo from the surrounding area. Time passes and the two AgroMechs meet in the village. El Barone decides to do a recce and moves off.
El Barone doesn’t find anything until near the end of the circuit. Two Mechs were detected moving on the village. These were identified as a Panther and a Flashman. Trini is by now starting to move back to the Dropship after concluding the deal.
The Flashman moved into position and fired on Trini, causing moderate damage to the Mech. Meanwhile, the Panther was moving through the village to get a firing position. The group spring into action. El Barone runs across the open ground and takes a shot at the other AgroMech, hitting the Head and blowing it clean off.
The others begin firing from long range and inflict moderate damage on the Flashman. Fire is exchanged between the opposing Mechs and eventually the Panther is decapitated and the Flashman is utterly destroyed.
After the dust settles the group check for damage and find they haven’t taken any hits at all. They salvage the Panther and the original merchandise from the deal.
“We better get the hell outta here. More Mech’s inbound” Calls Trini.
Sure enough, the sensors show at least 3 Heavy class signatures approaching. With that, everyone boards the Dropships and blast off to continue to Antallos.
Part Four – Welcome to Antallos
Trini bids you farewell and says “I’ll be around for 2 weeks. If you need a ride back to the Inner Sphere, just give me a call.”
So, you have arrived at Port Krin, the Capital of Antallos. All the rumours are true about this place. It’s a hot, dirty city brimming with excitement and danger. Rough customers give you the eye everywhere you look, and everyone seems to be packing a weapon. Lazy guard patrols wander the streets, paying little heed to the petty crimes constantly going on around them.
The group start pounding the streets for information. After a few hours you have found the Slayers tend to frequent the Split Axe Tavern. The only other useful bit of info mentioned a guy by the name of Lobit, a well known Stablemaster. He knows plenty about the Slayers and ain’t afraid to talk.
That same evening, the group are approached by a bunch of 5 people with 2 Rock Gilas (Large Lizards). “If you value life, you’ll stop looking for the Slayers.”
“I don’t know what you are on about.” Replies El Barone.
After a short exchange of words and subtle preparation of weapons the ‘pirates’ back away and leave the group alone.
The rest of the night passes peacefully (for the group).
The following day, El Barone, Judas, Turkey Creek and Zeus went to visit Lobit. His residence is on the outskirts of the city and is well guarded. “What do you want?” one says gruffly.
“We have a proposition to make to Lobit” El Barone says.
“What sort of proposition?”
“That’s for Lobit and us to discuss, but I’m sure Lobit will you’ll be rewarded for letting us in” replies El Barone.
With that, the guards decide to let you in.
You are herded into a couple of rickety jeeps that whine in protest as their drivers spurred them past the compounds large iron gates. As you travelled through the grounds you noticed several odd sights. Walls of bent, rusted metal are arranged in various angles facing the road and decaying hulks of legless Mechs with their torsos firmly planted in the ground seem to watch you as you ride by. You circle past a large pit that seems to be used for Mech duels or duelling training. Beyond the pit there are several buildings. The jeeps stop outside the buildings and you are escorted into the most heavily guarded building. Inside, you pass several closed doors; from behind each one come the sounds of humans in various stages of pain or pleasure, you’re not sure which.
You are shown into a small office and wait for 5 long minutes. A well built man enters from a side door. He has a large scar stretching across his forehead and a tattoo runs from his scalp down onto his back. He sits down and plants his heavy boots on the wooden desk facing you.
“Mr Lobit, I presume” inquires El Barone.
“That is correct. How may we help each other” Lobit says, looking over everyone in the group deliberately.
“We understand you have information on the Silver Slayers” Says Judas.
“What if I do? Why do you want to know about them?”
“We have a deal with them to conclude but have lost our contact.” El Barone says, “We thought you may be able to help us out on this?”
“Well, let me see.” Lobit pauses for a long minute. “Yes, I know. I’m in the business of running a Mech Stable on the Antallos Duelling circuit.”
“Yeah, sort of.”
“Well. I have a match tomorrow and my Pilot has gone AWOL. If you were to fight on my behalf I will give you all the information you need.”
Mutterings between the group all agree to listen further.
“Go on.”
“Whoever fights will have to use their own Mech. I will pay for one-quarter of any repairs following the fight if you win. Regardless, you will get the information on the Slayers.”
“What, surely the Mech your pilot was gonna use is available” Turkey Creek shouts.
“I’m afraid not. She took it with her.” Lobit replies.
“Can we have a few minutes to discuss this proposal?” El Barone asks.
“Of course, I leave you and come back in ten minutes.” With that Lobit gets up and leaves the room.
A feverish discussion erupts. Words like Mech parts, one on one, what if we lose can be heard. Finally they agree that Turkey creek will pilot the Anvil – The best pilot in the best Mech for Short range action.
The details are sorted with Lobit and the fight is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon.
In order to calm everyone’s nerves the group retire to the Split Axe for a few beers.
Part Five – DeathRain Arena
The time arrives and the group take their seats in the arena. Turkey Creek is somewhere in the bowels of the complex preparing for the fight.
The ‘spectators’ climb the stairs and take their seats. The flat stone seats are dreadfully uncomfortable, but the avid spectators around you don’t seem to care. Thousands of them are packed in, screaming in anticipation of the day’s carnage. Money can be seen changing hands as bets are placed for the upcoming battle. As you look around the arena, something odd catches your attention. On the top most level of the arena are several missile launchers swivelling back and forth, their deadly ports aimed at the arena floor. Now you know why this place is called “DeathRain”. You also notice that nothing protects the stadium seats from being struck by stray rounds.
The arena commentator announces the current champion and the crowd goes wild with excitement. A heavily modified Crusader enters the arena. Huge spikes project from its chest and shoulders, and its hands have been turned into wicked-looking claws. Then the commentator announces the challenger.
Just as he is about to enter the arena, Turkey Creek hears over is radio “Watch out for Crusading Creal. He likes to get in close and mix it up. Keep moving and you should be okay. Oh, yeah – and keep your head up.”
The crowd cheer half heartedly as Turkey Creek enters the arena in the Anvil. The Mechs move to their assigned start points and then the klaxon sounds, the game is on.
Beds of spikes can be seen to rise from the arena floor and random times, keeping the combatants on their toes. Shots are traded between the Mechs with little damage. Then the arena missile launchers start to liven things up by shooting at the Mechs, randomly. One of the launchers misfires and a salvo of LRM rounds smash into the stands. Blood, bits of bodies and stone seats are sent flying.
Gradually, Turkey Creek gets the upper hand, through expert piloting and precision shooting. The Crusader starts slowing down and eventually collapses as the gyros give way completely.
Turkey Creek is announced the winner. The crowd cheer wildly, slowly realising that they have a new champion of the DeathRain Arena.
The Crusader is salvaged for spares. Enough armour to repair the Anvil. The rest of the Mech is sold for scrap. A reasonable price of 800,000 C-bills is given for the Mech.
Lobit honours his agreement by giving the group the information they want:
The Slayer’s full strength is two Companies of Mechs, but One Company is off on a raid.
They have the use of an Overlord Dropship, which is off planet with the raiding company.
The Slayers base is about 750 klicks Northwest of the city.
The Slayers having been dealing with an Inner Sphere guys by the name of Fitzgibbons. He has been paying the Slayers for their raids and he lives in the Inner Sanctum of the city.
The final thing that Lobit gives you is an invitation to a social gathering at Stengar’s Nightclub (in the Inner Sanctum). “This will help you get into the Sanctum” Lobit says.
With that he bids you off and hopes that you will come back and fight for him in the future.
So, El Barone, Judas, Penelope, Turkey Creek and Zeus head off to the Inner Sanctum, after kitting up at the Dropship.
The group arrive at one of the Inner Sanctum checkpoints. Their invitation is checked and authenticated, so they head on to Fitzgibbons pad.
Penelope, Turkey Creek & Zeus go to the front door to try and obtain an audience with Fitz whilst El Barone and Judas recce the building for another way in.
Turkey Creek knocks on the door, the door opens. “Yeah, what do you want?”
“We’d like to see Mr Fitzgibbons”
“Well, he ain’t here so get lost.” With that the door is slammed shut.
“They reckon he’s not in boss.” Turkey Creek says to El Barone on the communicator.
“Okay, prepare a distraction. Let me know when you’re ready” El Barone said.
A short while later Turkey Creek lets El Barone know the distraction is ready. Penelope opens the boot of the car and removes her grenade launcher (that has been randomly loaded with an unknown ammo selection).
“Execute” States El Barone.
With that, Penelope flips the mode switch to auto and fires at the door of the building. The dull thwump of 5 grenades are heard followed by masses of smoke, light and flames. (The shot contained 2 smoke, 1 flare, 1 inferno & 1 AP round).
El Barone & Judas climb up the wall at the back of the building, using gripper gloves & boots, to an open window. They can hear shouts of confusion below and enter the landing area. Judas covers the stairs whilst El Barone checks the rooms out. From the final room could be heard the sound of voices. El Barone waits and the door opens. A guard exits and before he has time to shout anything, El Barone grabs him by the shoulders. The guard collapses under the strain of the stun glove El Barone is now wearing. Judas hears someone coming up the stairs and so fires down to keep them at bay.
El Barone enters the room and Fitz is inside closing his laptop. Fitz tries to make a break for it but El Barone grabs him and knocks him out. He picks up the laptop and get Judas to help him move the body.
“Turkey Creek, we are leaving. Meet us round the back, now!” El Barone shouts over the comm unit.
“On our way”. The car is moved round the back just as El Barone & Judas exit the building with the unconscious Fitz.
They leave the area to the security forces. The building is full of smoke and flame, so not much will be left to point to who carried out the attack.
Back at the Dropship, El Barone work son the laptop and eventually gets some information.
Fitz has been paying the Slayers to carry out the raids on Bryceland, which have been co‑ordinated by General Freeder (the guy in charge of the Forces defending Bryceland).
“Time to have a chat with the Slayers, me thinks” says El Barone.
[The credits roll]
Rockin’ in the Free Zone – Will the group find the Slayers?
Liberation – Will they Expose General Freeder and will El Barone get his girl?
Tune in next time for the exciting conclusion to Royalty & Rogues.