Part 557: Auxilia - Turn 13
Auxilia: Tactical Update 13“No,” Alec’s voice was thin, broken by static. “Let them go.”
For a moment, Jason thought it was his imagination. A tiny, man-shaped form stood atop Alec’s downed Dragoon, one arm waving to catch Jason’s attention. He focused on it, saw Alec’s face through the bizarre armored flight suit the Republic’s `Mechwarriors seemed to favor in lieu of a standard cooling vest. Alec tapped the side of his helmet, and continued.
“Showing a little mercy never hurts. Maybe we’ll teach them something?” Alec sounded doubtful, but pressed on. “We can’t linger, they’ll be back soon and we need to collect our downed Mechwarriors, your captive, and that Clan `Mech you want to drag off the field.”
“What about the `Mechs that are down but recoverable, like the Awesome and Sunfire?” Jason asked. “Do we leave them?”
“For now,” Alec’s voice lacked any trace of regret. “They’re just machines—and you’re on a three year contract so we’ll have a chance to recover and fix as many of your original rides as possible after the battle’s over, but that’s a long, slow process. I hate to say it, but unless you’ve got a spare Awesome leg on your DropShip you should probably write off any `Mech that’s lost limbs, even if it can still walk, and request a replacement. The Republic will get your pilot something comparable to ride until we can fabricate replacement limbs.”
Alec paused, then added, “After the fighting’s done.”
[n/a]
No Combat Occurred
Player Status:
Demon Lance
Hawk Lance
Ally Status:
Opposing Force Status:
Mission Objective:
- Defend the Convoy (5/5) Successful!
- Assist Allied Forces Successful!
- Drive off the Clans (1/1) Successful!
- Bounty Collected: 18,000,000 c-bills (27,000,000 goods)
- - Light: 3
- - Medium: 4
- - Heavy: 1* (1 salvaged Mad Dog)
- - Assault: 1
After-Action Report:
This was a hard-fought battle, and I’m really impressed how well all the players did under difficult circumstances. It’s going to be hard to pick an MVP this time around, everyone did an outstanding job keeping me at bay and splitting my forces up while dealing with both enemy air support and surprise Elementals. We’ll be seeing some of the Clan survivors of this mission later (possibly as soon as next mission), so the more bloodthirsty viewers will have the opportunity to take vicarious revenge.
There are other consequences for not going full glory hog. For one, taking out ten Clan `Mechs and a fighter with a starting numerical disadvantage, not losing any pilots, and with the loss of only seven (technically 9, counting the Tempest which isn’t repairable in a reasonable time-frame and the Dragoon II) BattleMechs of their own has definitely impressed the RWA. Both Duncan and Jason can look forward to new rides next mission, although I’ll save the specifics for the vote post.
As a head’s-up, we’re getting so near the end of the pilot list that I’m considering bringing in 1-2 “old timers” in future missions. If anyone hates that idea be sure to let me know or blow up my inbox.
No matter what, I need the usual: MVPs from both sides. Everyone did so well, for once I have no idea who I’d pick!