Resurgence - Cataclysm Chapter 20: War Party 2
Chapter 2: One Door Opens
Brattleson's Depot, Vindemiatrix
July 25, 3152
1100
Paladin Ariana Zou volunteered to lead the reconnaissance for RAF personnel on Vindemiatrix while Jonah, Janella, and Callandre seek to restore the fleet’s resources. Needless to say, there are a lot more mouths to feed than the Nomads anticipated. Expecting to simply house a company or battalion of Kell Hounds and instead getting the entire unit and dependents was a shock to food and water stores. Their journey slows from time to time having to take on mercenary contracts to pay for some of the supply challenges.
In an attempt to keep attention reduced the Nomads use a Kell Hounds Overlord dropship to land and resupply. Being just a world away from the Wolf Empire, it is prudent to keep attention low. An officer by the name of ‘Othar’ seems to have quite literally made something from nothing to defend the Empire worlds. However, the rumors continue to escalate of his disillusionment about the helpless ilKhan sitting on Terra behind the Republic’s Fortress Wall.
Ariana strolls along the sidewalk outside the spaceport walls looking at the insignia on various uniforms. Of course, the Lyran insignia is everywhere. She sees a couple mercenary insignias, some she knew of and others that she didn’t. Ok, so I am where I need to be if I am going to find anything. Deciding to let the foot traffic bring insignias to her, she nonchalantly sits on a wall that is about four feet high and pretends to just be hanging out.
One man walks by with a uniform that has an icon of a heart made of stone with a sword through it vertically. Bingo, I know that one. Just as a PI might let someone gain some distance before following, she watches the man with dark skin walk on for a little ways. Another icon catches her eye of a mercenary faction she hasn’t seen before. It looks like a roaring animal on two black/bronze bars. Later for that one.
Sliding off the wall she begins to head in the same direction as the mercenary she spotted just moments ago. He turns and walks into a pub, moving to go sit down. She enters the establishment and can see one other at the table but doesn’t glance over, relying on her peripherals. They are clearly not going anywhere. Approaching the bar she is greeted. “Good morning to ya’.”
“Good morning barkeep, could I get a shot of rum?”
“Certainly lass, comin’ on up.” He plinks a shot glass on the bar as she slides him some coins for payment and tip. Filling the glass full with the rich and delicious looking rum she reaches for it as she feels a hand on her shoulder. Chills roll through her body as she mentally prepares for the worst.
“Talk about a small galaxy,” a man’s familiar voice comes from over her shoulder, “One for me too.” He slides the money on the bar. A gentle squeeze on her shoulder and the tan skinned man sits down adjacent to her. Reaching and lifting his glass they finally make eye contact. “Ariana.”
“Mason… Mason!” Ariana is shocked to see him sitting right there. They clink their glasses together, slam their shots back, and then embrace.
“It is really great to see another friendly face after dealing with all the mercs.” Mason Dunne says with a chuckle. “Come on over to the table and sit with us.” He gets up and extends a hand to motion her in the direction of the table. As she walks, she notices that both Mason and the dark-skinned man are wearing the same insignia. “Ariana Zou, may I introduce Reynard Seychelles, Colonel of the Seychelles Stonehearts.”
He places the menu he is reading down and stands. “Hello Ariana Zou.” He stops thoughtfully for a second and then leans in, “Paladin?”
“Yes, Colonel. Paladin, still.” She says quietly.
“Still?” he asks in confusion. I get being proud of once holding such a position but, the Republic is gone. The closest we former citizens have is gathering together and making due.
“The Nomads are here and we are looking for former RAF.” She continues in a quiet voice.
His eyes show his surprise. Reaching down, Reynard grabs a seat from an empty table and brings it around for Ariana to sit in. As they take their seats Mason glances at Reynard and adds in, “Uh oh, you’ve got him sold!”
Reynard turns to Mason and gives him the classic ‘come on’ look. Looking back to Ariana, he continues, “Here’s a menu, let’s chat about what we have going on. Firstly, who are the Nomads?” He grabs another menu and begins scanning.
She takes the menu and begins looking. “Vindebeast sounds pretty good with that seasoning…”
***
1200
“That meal was delicious.” Ariana states as she slides her plate forward. Reynard and Mason do the same.
Both agree with her and then start to lean in, sipping the straws of their water glasses. “So, the Nomads?” Reynard asks again.
“The fire lives on.” She responds with a smile. “I am currently on the lookout for other RAF personnel looking to join the fleet.”
“Ariana, hold that thought.” Mason interrupts, looking past them. “You guys need something?” he asks in a very assertive manner.
Both the of the patrons at the table behind shake their heads as Ariana and Reynard turn to check on the eavesdroppers. Ariana notices the same new symbol as earlier on the sidewalk. Shit, if we are being tracked…
Joining Mason’s current demeanor Ariana stands and passive aggressively says, “Well if we can’t even get the semblance of privacy.” Then she begins walking for the door. Both Reynard and Mason give the pair a glare as they follow Ariana.
Mason is now on edge as a Ghost Knight and his entire demeanor changes to a more aggressive and alert posture. “You guys keep walking and talking, I’ll listen and keep watch.”
Keeping her voice low, “So… yes, we are looking for others that want to join the fleet. We have been picking up troops from multiple worlds. We even went to hire the Kell Hounds and wound up with the entire unit, you’ll have to see how that situation played out.” Ariana laughs.
“Seriously, how did you escape Terra?” Reynard asks.
“Operation Homefleet. Compartmentalization was in full force when we started sending up RAF personnel. We couldn’t take everyone and couldn’t even take everyone we wanted to. What whispers we have heard from Terra tells us few have joined up with this feckless ilClan.”
“Where are you now with numbers?” Reynard continues to ask.
“We are around a regiment in strength plus the Kell Hounds. Levin and Lakewood will be excited to see you here.”
Mason interrupts, “You said Lakewood?!” he asks with urgency.
Ariana’s shock is visible, “You didn’t know she was with us?”
“No! A huge number of our communications veins have failed since the loss of Terra.” He pulls his head back, his face toward the sky mouthing the words ‘thank you’ over and over.
“I’ll take you both to them, let’s go.” Ariana continues walking toward the spaceport. Mason continues to find ways to glance behind him.
***
1220
“Who are you?!” Mason shouts as he pins a woman to the wall just inside the spaceport. “Why are you following us?!”
She is clearly shaken and trying to push him off of her to no avail. She goes to kick him between the legs and he expertly deflects the kick. “Tell me who you are or I will crush your windpipe!”
Both Ariana and Reynard realize that the commotion is happening with Mason and they both turn around and jog the handful of meters back to where he is. Another man comes around the corner aggressively and is intercepted hard by Reynard, shoulder plowing him into a wall. He falls to the ground with a large gash on the side of his head, clearly dazed.
“Plea… Please!... Please!” the girl says as Mason continues the pressure on her throat with his forearm. Her own hands are desperately pushing and pulling on him. He lets off of her slightly. “We are RAF!” she blurts out.
Mason responds with severity, “Why are you following us and not just announce yourself?!”
“We have been very careful; Justin has warned us that the Watch could be trying to hunt down any RAF that is still in the military profession.”
“Justin who?” Mason asks with a glare.
“Justin Hall, he used to be higher up in the RAF but he keeps a lot of secrets.” She says pleadingly.
Mason eases off of her allowing her to reach for her throat then lowers herself down and checks on her friend who is still bleeding. He looks to Reynard and Ariana who are looking at him inquisitively, “Well today just seems to be a whole damn family reunion.”
***
1245
Finally making it to the Kell Hounds’ Overlord dropship Ariana has the two followers sit down, “What unit are you guys with?”
“The Cheetahs, ma’am.” The girl responds, still checking on the guy’s head.
Ariana tells them to sit tight under watch of some guards. She turns and walks up the ramp with Reynard and Mason. As they reach the top, Mason’s eyes immediately lock onto the Tundra Wolf that is among the Battlemechs in their gantries. Andrea… Like a hawk he begins surveying everyone present. Then he sees the long, dark hair and slender build that he is all too familiar with and has longed so long for.
Almost in a trance he walks toward her. He can see the person she is talking to beyond her looking at him, over her shoulder, as Mason approaches. The person beyond her mumbles something. The woman reaches out and places a hand on the shoulder of the person watching Mason with curiosity. Her other hand reaches up to her face, out of his sight and her head tilts slightly down.
Please be her… Please be her… The scent in the air, it hits him like a brick wall. His eyes well up. He is just two meters behind her. Neither of them realizes that most of the hangar has gone silent, watching.
“M’lady.” he manages to get out. The air is silent.
She turns and tears are running down Janella’s face as she sees Mason again after far too long. An attempt to try to say something fails as she is so choked up. Almost leaping to him, he steps forward and catches her, holding her in a tight embrace. Her arms and legs have wrapped around him like in any classic meeting between a couple in love. A tear runs down his cheek and she quietly cries tears of joy. For those watching, Levin, Reynard, Ariana, they can’t describe the emotional response and atmosphere that has enveloped the hangar.
On the other hand, there is the Kells Hounds commander. Callandre Kell has no qualms escalating to the situation, “Woooo!!!” she screams. “Together again!” and the Kell Hounds crew erupts into hoots and hollers to cheer on the long-lost lovers. Cheers and clapping echo through the hold, the Nomads join in.
Both Mason and Janella hold each other tighter than ever before. Her legs slide to the ground and she keeps leaning into him. Both of them now smiling after the cheering has begun, both also blushing from the ruckus.
“Get a room!” Callandre yells as she walks over to them. Janella slightly leans away from Mason as Callandre continues. “So, you must be the missing Mason.” She says in a sassy way as her stance matches the sass with her hands on her hips.
He coughs to clear his throat and manages to get out, “Yes. This is my girl.” He says with the biggest smile as he looks Janella in the eyes.
Callandre leans in and whispers slowly, “Deck Bravo, hatch three alpha, code is 0907, have fun!” she slaps Mason on the shoulder and gives him a little push toward the lift; the reunited pair walk hand in hand trying not to break into a run. A number of crewmen are whistling after the two lovers and cheering them on.
Walking over to Ariana and Jonah who are standing next to Reynard, Callandre can see them smiling and laughing as she hears the lift hatch close behind Mason and Janella. “Alrighty, so who do we have boarding my ship?” She asks about Reynard.
“The legendary Callandre Kell, pleasure to meet you,” Reynard begins. Callandre reaches her hand out and they share a firm shake. “I am Colonel Reynard Seychelles of Seychelles’ Stonehearts.”
"Welcome aboard, Reynard. I look forward to seeing other capable mercenaries join this little cruise through the Inner Sphere." she quips as they look to Jonah.
“It is incredible to see you again, sir. And Paladin Zou, an honor to meet you.” Reynard says to the Exarch and Paladin.
Ariana nods and Jonah responds, “I do know that name, it is good to have you, Colonel. Has Paladin Zou brought you up to speed? Are you interested in returning to the fold?”
“Yes, sir!” Reynard shouts and salutes. Jonah returns the salute. Returning to parade rest, “My men will be incredibly excited to hear about this news. We have been taking on numerous contracts to strike at Wolf Empire worlds, salvaging equipment, and even taking bondsmen. We are an extremely capable fighting force.”
“I love to hear it Colonel, tell me about your whereabouts after Terra was taken.”
“I was considering smuggling the unit back to Terra as my rage consistently got the better of me. Due to Mason’s council, I decided against it. We would run the risk of killing our own civilians, smearing our nation’s history, and simply being slaughtered. While the wolves remain crippled, they have more strength than what we can bring to bear.”
“We must discern at times what is right versus what we want. You made an incredibly wise decision and your patience has paid off. Ariana will work with you to get your men brought up to speed and organize you into our formations. We will make sure to keep the Stonehearts as intact as possible.”
“Much appreciated sir that you would have us back.” They salute each other once again.
“Reynard, please wait at the bottom of the ramp and send The Cheetahs up.” Ariana asks.
“Yes, m’lady.” He turns crisply and descends. Moments later the two come walking up the ramp, the man holding his head from the injury. There is still blood on his hand and head.
Ariana and Jonah can hear them whispering to each other, “Holy shit, it’s the Exarch!” Mia whispers a little too loud.
Jonah grins as the two approach him. Before he can speak Callandre chimes in, “Medic! Someone get over here and fix this guy’s head!”
Jonah holds back a laugh then looks at the woman. “Miss, what is your name?”
“My… my name is Mia Fowler, Mechwarrior. And… uh… this is Jack Traver. He is a Mechwarrior as well… uh, sir.” She gulps as she helps Jack to stay standing. The medics come over with a chair and sit Jack down working on his head as he muffles some groans.
“I appreciate you caring for Jack but the medics can handle him from here.” Jonah says to get her to focus on their conversation. She realizes this and jumps to attention. “At ease.” Jonah says.
“Yes, sir!” she responds quickly.
“So, the Cheetahs, any big contracts?” Jonah asks.
“Somewhat, sir. We were able to secure some large mechs from the scrapyards before leaving Terra and have taken on work with the Lyrans and Free Worlds League, mostly against the Wolf Empire.”
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“Looks like you and the Stonehearts have had a similar drive since Terra fell. What mechs did you acquire?” Jonah asks.
“I can show you, sir.” She pulls out a small holoscreen and shows him an image of the Dire Wolf Jack pilots that was once clan colors and then she brings up an Atlas II that is black with a skeleton on it.
“No…” Jonah leans in close to look over the Atlas II. Ariana leans in as well and gasps. He stands back up and points at the screen, “Mia, you know that’s…”
“Phantom, yes sir. And I would be proud to pilot such a storied mech among the Nomad Republic.” She says with renewed confidence.
Jonah smiles, today really has come together. Stone’s dream still rages like an inferno in our people.
Chapter 19: Between a Fist and a Falcon