Part 421: Trial by Fire - Turn 12

Trial By Fire: Tactical Update 12

Ariana stared in silence at the shattered expanse of ferrocrete that filled her `Mech’s canopy. The stony surface, designed for long-term durability, was only a few centimeters thick. More than enough to withstand the passage of any number of motor vehicles; but nowhere near enough to withstand the weight of an eighty-five ton BattleMech. Her Battlemaster’s massive, wedge-shaped feet crushed, pulverized, and otherwise tore the surface to shreds with each step she took.

Normally that wasn’t an issue, but she’d gotten herself so distracted planning the next phase of the attack that when two flights of the Woodsman’s LRMs caught her Battlemaster in the chest, she’d started—and that had been enough to set the Battlemaster’s right foot skittering across the ferrocrete like a colossal metal spider. She’d caught herself instantaneously, on her massive warmachine’s outstretched arms, but it was an embarrassing mistake to make with the leadership of the 331st watching. They probably wouldn’t damn her for the error unless she threw off the lance’s plan, but if her recovery wasn’t smooth it wouldn’t go unnoticed.

She took a deep breath and ran through the very specific set of eye movements that released the emergency locks that’d automatically frozen her PA(L)’s arms the moment her gyros tumbled. Immobilizing the pilot’s body was a safety feature, protecting her vulnerable joints—and especially her neck—in the event of a fall. The non-verbal release was, in Ariana’s opinion, the only real flaw to the system. It was intended to stop a badly-concussed pilot from worsening their condition, but it was touchy and often wasted precious seconds waiting for the pilot to get things exactly right.

Ariana got it on her first try, but her regular practice sessions had it so ingrained in her muscle memory she’d probably have been able to make the gesture in her sleep and she’d absolutely been able to do so with a heavy concussion—exactly what the system was supposed to protect her from. A verbal release would’ve been better: a pilot who couldn’t talk probably couldn’t fight.

“You ok?” Shoji asked, sounding distracted. The effort was still appreciated.

“Fine,” Ariana didn’t grumble or complain. Her voice was calm, focused. “Don’t let me slow you. Continue as planned.”








Movement Phase
Shadow Hawk (Player)
- Jumps to hex 1519, does not specify facing! Rolled 5, now facing hex 1419!

Coyote
- Attempts to enter hex 1020 but has insufficient MP!



Combat Phase
Crab (Player)
- Holds fire!
- Gains heat 2, sinks 36!

Battlemaster (Player)
- Holds fire!
- Gains heat 2, sinks 34!

Coyote (Player)
- Holds fire!
- Gains heat 2, sinks 30!

Shadow Hawk (Player)
- Holds fire!
- Gains heat 2, sinks 20!

Coyotl
- Holds fire!
- Gains heat 2, sinks 20!

Wolverine
- Holds fire!
- Gains 2 heat, sinks 28!

Thunderbolt
- Holds fire!
- Gains 2 heat, sinks 28!

Woodsman
- Fires ER Large Laser at Battlemaster (3 base + 2 range + 0 movement + 1 enemy movement = 6): rolled 4, miss!
- Fires LRM-15 (Narc Capable) at Battlemaster (3 base + 2 range + 0 movement + 1 enemy movement = 6): rolled 7, 12 missiles hit Right Arm (15/27 armor remaining), Right Torso (11/28 armor remaining), Right Leg (30/31 armor remaining)!
- Fires LRM-15 (Narc Capable) at Battlemaster (3 base + 2 range + 0 movement + 1 enemy movement = 6): rolled 7, 9 missiles hit Right Torso (7/28 armor remaining), Left Arm (19/23 armor remaining)!
- Gains 22 heat, sinks 24!



End Phase:
Battlemaster (player)
- Must pass a piloting test or fall (4 base + 1 massive damage = 5): rolled 4, fails!
- - Suffers damage in the fall to Left Arm (15/27 armor remains), Right Torso (5/28 armor remains)!
- PA(L) prevents pilot damage from falls!









Player Status:


Neutral Forces:


Opposing Force (level)
Cyclops (Mk. 6) – Disabled!
Woodsman Prime (Mk. 6) – Stationary +0
Mountain Lion (Mk. 4) – Disabled!
Thunderbolt (Mk. 2) – Stationary +0
Kintaro (Mk. 2) – Disabled!
Wolverine (Mk. 7) – Stationary +0
Coyotl A (Mk. 6) – Jumped +4
Commando (Mk. 4) – Disabled!



Mission Objective:
Plunder Recovered (0/1500 points)

Secondary Objectives:
Enemy Units Damaged (150/400 points)
Penalty Accrued (-150/-300 points)



Orders Due: Tuesday Night!