BattleTech: The Crescent Hawks' Revenge/Lyons

Lyons

April, 3029

Orbit

Captain Stewart interrupts your reverie: “Jason, we're cleared for landing at the Kell Hound base and are ready for planetary descent. Topographical scan of the area is complete, and the hardcopy is on its way to you.”

Stewart: “Jason, unidentified aerospace fighters have appeared on our sensors, and they're closing fast!”

You punch the general alarm: “Red alert! All hands to battle stations!”

Even as you give orders to man the weapons, you realized the fighters have a clear advantage, due to the Leopard's limited maneuverability during atmospheric entry.

Jason: “Damage report, Mr. Stewart!”

Stewart: “Hull breached, weapons failing… Engines are at critical! We're going down!”

Jason: “All crew, prepare for emergency landing!”

East of Kell Hound Base

The DropShip crashes into a lake east of the Kell Hound base. Half of the DropShip is flooded, making it impossible to get to two of your four ‘Mechs.

Most of your crew has suffered only minor injuries; however Victor Stewart – your pilot and fourth MechWarrior – is dead.

There! You spot a damaged Kell Hound Jenner BattleMech on the western end of the lake. You quickly punch up his commlink frequency.

Jason: “Jenner pilot, this is Jason Youngblood of the Crescent Hawks. We have crash landed and are about to be attacked by a lone Kurita Locust two kilometers away and closing. Can you intercept him?”

Anderson: “Intercept? I'd love to, but this Jenner is almost in pieces! My sensor screens have been blown out! I need help!”

You think for a second.

Jason: “All right. Move where I tell you, and open fire on the Locust when he gets in range. He should head straight for the DropShip. If he hits us, we'll sink right for the bottom. Got it?”

Anderson:“Got it, boss! Point me in the right direction and watch me go! Anderson out.”

Following the battle between the Jenner and Locust:

Anderson: “He's run away!”

With the Locust gone, your men evacuate the DropShip. You and Rex then enter the two remaining command ‘Mechs.

When you open the bay doors, the DropShip floods and sinks, along with the two trapped ‘Mechs. You move across the lake to the south shore.

You see the Jenner pilot being bandaged by Kurt. He is Rick “Grease” Anderson, the MechWarrior who saved your lives. You thank him and then ask about the Kurita assault.

Grease: “Some Kurita commander named Chiun has gone nuts! He claims to be honoring a vendetta or something. The attack started about an hour ago, and took us completely by surprise. We've got almost every ‘Mech out in defense, including half-repaired ‘Mechs like this Jenner here, and anybody who can pilot one in the cockpits! It's crazy!”

Grease winces as Kurt finishes bandaging his arm: “I was on recon when we were ambushed by the Kurita scum. They're trying to take the base!”

Grease: “Only a couple ‘Mechs were left behind to guard it. If any Kurita units make it across this bridge, they'll easily break down our defenses. You gotta help us defend this road, Jason!”

You and Rex climb into your BattleMechs. “Kurt, that Locust was probably a scout for a light lance. That means more will be here soon. See if you can get that Jenner in better shape to help us out. We'll need it when more Kurita ‘Mechs show up.”

Rex appears on your screen.

Rex: “Jason, I've located a ‘Mech signal from the northeast.”

Jason: “Blake's Blood, they just keep coming! Could you make out what it is?”

Rex: Looks like a Whitworth to me, probably the commander of that light lance we've been fighting.”

Jason: “Let's finish him off, Rex!”

Once the Whitworth is destroyed:

Kurt: Hey, Jason. I've got some good news and some bad news. The bad news is two Rommel tanks are headed towards you, escorting an APC. We have to destroy them all; otherwise they'll cruise right into the base.

Kurt: The tanks are tough customers, but the APC is the true threat. Don't let it get past you. That's a direct quote from the Kell Hound Captain who gave us the order.

Jason: “So, what's the good news?” you ask.

Kurt: The good news is that I'll pilot that Whitworth!

Jason: You're on, Kurt. We'll need your help against the tanks.

Kurt: On my way. Graham out.

If the APC is destroyed and the Kurita light lance is driven off:

Kurt's voice echoes through the cockpit: “That's it! The bridge is secure!”

Jason: “Okay, our job is done here, so let's get moving. I want to be at the Kell Hound base by 1530 hours.”

If APC gets through:

Grease: “The APC went down the main road, Jason!”

Jason: “All right, we need to get to the Kell Hound base immediately! Since we let the APC through, we'll have to give them all the help we can.”

Kell Hound Base

The Kell Hound base is almost empty, with only a few scattered ‘Mechs guarding the gate. Captain Caitlin Shaw meets you at the gate with grave news. The northern walls have been breached, and infantry squads are just now entering the base.

In the center of the base are crates of invaluable Listen-Kill missiles that the Kurita forces must not discover. She needs you to save the Listen-Kill missiles and destroy the infantry.

Captain Shaw asks you to take the transport truck to the research center, load the missiles, and get them out of the base. She motions Rex and Kurt towards two UrbanMechs. Their objective is to destroy the infantry before the infantry gets too close to the truck.

You've never commanded a mission from a wheeled transport truck before, but you're going to try. Sgt. Krall starts the truck and leans back towards you.

Sgt. Krall: “I'll start drivin' towards the research center to get the missiles, so you don't need to tell me how to get there. I know the way. After all the missiles are loaded up, I'll let ya know. If those infantry units get close enough to shoot the ammo we're carryin', we're roasted!”

Sgt. Krall: “Oh, yeah, one more thing, Sir. I drive faster than those UrbanMechs can run!”

Sgt. Krall snorts in laughter and puts the truck in gear.

Sgt. Krall: “We're here! We'll have ‘em loaded up by a quarter ‘til.”

Sgt. Krall: “There's some infantry. Keep them away from us!”

Sgt. Krall: “All the SRMs are loaded. Now we're goin' to where the LRMs are.”

Sgt. Krall: “A Kurita ‘Mech is inside the base! He's blockin' the gate!”

Sgt. Krall: “The Listen-Kill LRM missiles are loaded. Now how are we gonna leave?”

Sgt. Krall: “The infantry has called in Kuritan fighters to strafe the area.”

As the truck drives off the base, a few ground units pull around you in a defensive posture. With both sides exhausted and night falling, the Kurita ‘Mechs pull back to rest and rearm. The Kell Hounds do the same.

You and your MechWarriors are the guests of honor at the dinner. Morgan Kell welcomes you and states that without your help, the base might have been lost.

When the cheering dies down, you explain that without "Grease" Anderson's help, the Crescent Hawks would all be dead, and that he is one promising MechWarrior. The Kell Hounds roar with laughter, and Morgan whispers that Grease is not yet a trained MechWarrior, only a Tech.

Morgan: “Nonetheless, even the most elite of our MechWarriors will have a tough time tomorrow. We just don't have the firepower to continue pushing them back.”

You offer the use of the two ‘Mechs at the bottom of the lake. Morgan delegates a salvage crew to raise and repair them for the battle tomorrow. With that promise in mind, you order the Crescent Hawks to their quarters.

The next day, you approach Captain Shaw with a plan. Your lance might be able to break through the Kurita front lines, go deep into the plains, and destroy both their Dragon ‘Mech and Mobile HQ.

This would sever their communications, disrupting the Kurita forces. With luck, the Kurita commander might even be forced to retreat.

Shaw considers your “Gauntlet” plan and offers some suggestions. If your ‘Mechs do survive the gauntlet, they'll probably be in pretty poor shape, perhaps too damaged to destroy the Dragon ‘Mech guarding the Mobile HQ.

However, if two light ‘Mechs can flank the Dragon by using the road to the east, you would have it at a serious disadvantage. No matter where it turned, it would have an enemy lance behind it.

She also brings up the Listen-Kill missiles. “You risked your lives to save them. I've instructed our techs to load them on your ‘Mechs that have SRM or LRM missile launchers. The two Javelins for the “Road Run” mission will also have them.

Road Run

Shaw: “Javelin Lance, your mission is accomplished in two phases.”

Shaw: “In phase one you will quickly follow the road, which is now blocked by Kurita forces. You must follow the left fork in the road to arrive at Coordinate A30 before 0714, or you'll be too late for phase two.”

Shaw: “Phase two will begin when you reach the northern area. You are to remain hidden at coordinate E74 until 0730 hours. At that time, the Hawk Lance should begin engaging the enemy Dragon ‘Mech in sector D. Come out of hiding, and concentrate your missiles on its rear armor. It won't stand a chance, Jason.”

Gauntlet

Shaw: “Hawk Lance, your mission is twofold. First, you are to support the Kell Hound units north of the base. Then, move north through the forest six kilometers until you reach sector D of the northern area. Stay hidden and wait until 0730.”

Shaw: “At 0730, you will advance and attack the Dragon ‘Mech. You are to keep him facing south, as the Javelin lance will soon appear to attack his rear. Using all available firepower, you are to destroy the enemy Dragon and then find and eliminate their Mobile HQ.”

Smoke Lance, under Lt. Casey, is defending against a Kurita lance as Hawk Lance emerges from the base:

Casey: “Four Kurita ‘Mechs spotted due north. We need assistance.”

Casey: “We're losing control of the situation!”

Casey: “The Kurita ‘Mechs are getting past our line!”

Casey: “Thanks for the help, Hawk Lance. Now go take out that Dragon.”

After Hawk Lance reaches the target zone:

Rex: “Hawk Leader, target sector approximately six kilometers north.”

Jason: “Confirmed, Hawk Two. Let's try to avoid enemy contact until zero hour. Leader out.”

Rex: “Roger that, leader. Hawk Two out.”

Once the Javelin lance arrives:

A calm voice comes from your speaker: “So, you are the one who has made such an impression. And now you threaten my Mobile Headquarters. Who are you, MechWarrior?”

Jason: “I am Jason Youngblood of the Crescent Hawks.”

Chiun: “I am Tai-sa Chiun. Do you wish to honor us with a change of alliance, or simply surrender now?”

Anger wells inside you as you reply: “I do not serve tyrants, nor will I cease fighting you for as long as I live!”

Chiun: “That was much like what your father said to me.”

Jason: “Where is my father!” you shout at his image.

Chiun: “I have given him the highest honor. One I am about to give you. Death by combat.”

After the Crescent Hawks win the battle:

Chiun's grim face appears again: “You have won this battle, Youngblood. Because of your success today, the Coordinator asks for my return. I will have my revenge, Youngblood. I will not be cheated. I feel we will meet again. I will not be denied the challenge of mortal combat against both father and son. Until then…”

Aftermath

With Chiun's units retreating, the Hawks return to a hero's welcome at the base. Morgan gratefully acknowledges your success and debriefs you and your men.

During the debriefing, Colonel Chiun's claims of your father's death come up.

Morgan: “I trust Chiun as far as I can throw him,” Morgan says. “Your father has knowledge of a Star League cache on Pacifica they want, not to mention tremendous information about Steiner internal security. Killing him is the last thing the Kuritans would do.”

Morgan: “Chiun tried to provoke you, hoping that your judgement on the battlefield would be affected. It appears you focused your anger and used it against him, much as your father would have done.”

Morgan: “If your father is alive, he is probably being interrogated on Dieron, the Kurita Prefecture capital.” You eagerly ask Morgan to help you raid the city to find him, but he holds up his hands in helplessness.

Morgan: “With the Fourth Succession War raging, neither you nor the Kell Hounds have the firepower to wage a full-scale assault on Dieron with any hope of success.”

Morgan offers a suggestion, though: “If you were to lead two lances of assault vehicles on a quick raid of Dieron,” he states, “you might be able to rescue your father and get off the planet before the garrison has time to react.”

Morgan: “I can arrange to get you the vehicles and some troops, if you like.”

Rex and Kurt agree that any chance to get your father back is worth the risk. However, you realize the Crescent Hawks are lacking one MechWarrior. You turn to Grease and ask if he knows anyone who would like the job.

All eyes turn to him as he responds: “Well, I know this Tech who's had some experience, but the ‘Mechs he pilots tend to get shot up a lot.”

Jason: “That's fine. What I need is someone to drive a tank.”

Grease: “A tank? Now there's a challenging machine to wreck! Count me in!”

You smile warmly: “Rick Anderson, you are now officially a member of the Crescent Hawks!”

Morgan smiles and says: “Jason, you risked your own life to save ours, and the Kell Hounds never forget a favor. Not only will I allow you to steal my favorite Tech, but I can increase the odds of saving your father. What would suit your tactics better: three standard vehicle lances under your command, or two vehicle lances that are better armed and armored?”