MechWarrior 2: Mercenaries/Homestead

Homestead

MechWarrior's Campaign Journal

October 10, 3050

Draconis Tactical Intelligence has told me about a common Clan strategy for attacking a static area. They send in light, quick 'Mechs to draw the defenders away from the target, then send in a second group of 'Mechs to eliminate the target. "Common Clan strategy? I've seen kids playing 'Mech battle in the street come up with more sophisticated plans. They're not going to fool me with that. There's no way I'm leaving that Supply Depot, no matter how tempting a Jaguar 'Mech's back is.

The Jaguars are slow about getting here. I have been waiting in my 'Mech for nearly an hour, while the swamp buzzes in my ear. I have three gnats inside my cockpit. I have no idea how the nasty little things got inside. The damn 'Mech is supposed to be secure enough for space. I've been listening to the combat channels, which is not a good idea just before I go into battle myself. I can't tell if we are winning or losing. The Jaguars seem to be contained, but the losses in men and vehicles on the Draconis side is staggering. The medic's combat channel is buzzing with chatter. I count 34 dead and twice as many wounded in just an hour.

Briefing

Hohiro Kurita, Draconis Combine High Command: There has been a short lull in the fighting. We have moved your unit to a rear area to protect our ammunition supplies and repair facilities. There are also several fuel depots here for the hovercraft we are using to keep the Jaguars penned in the swamps. These supplies are essential to our success on Wolcott.

Kurita: Several Smoke Jaguar units have broken away from the main pack, and appear to be trying to make an attack on your position. They may be supported by aerospace fighters. We do not control the skies. Protect the supplies at all costs.

• Codename: Homestead
• Planet: Wolcott
• Terrain: Salt Marsh
• Time: Afternoon
• Mean Temperature: 20 Celsius
• Mission Pay: Bounty plus Bonus
• Expected Resistance: Smoke Jaguar Mistweaver Galaxy
• Your Call-Sign: Sabre-1

Kurita: Defend the supply depot.

Objectives

• Target: Defend the supply depot
• Bonus: Defend any refueling vehicles

Aftermath

Debriefing

Hohiro Kurita, Draconis Combine High Command: You have successfully defended our essential supplies and destroyed a number of Clan 'Mechs as well. You have been a bargain, [Player Name]. You will receive another bonus for your excellent work. Three Smoke Jaguar MechWarriors have already contacted me to demand the honor of facing you in a personal duel to the death.

Brockton's Complete History of the Inner Sphere, p. 218

Hohiro Kurita had laid his plans well. To compensate for the Smoke Jaguars' advanced technology, he planned that the battle be fought in Wolcott's forested marshes, where the Clans' advanced sensors would be hampered. He hid armed hovertanks in the swamp's underbrush, ready to strike. As soon as the Jaguars entered the swamps, the hovercraft attacked, successfully ambushing the Jaguar 'Mechs and setting them immediately on the defensive.

As the battle raged furiously, many fell on both sides. Hohiro's army, a mix of Draconis and mercenary troops, would taste victory only to have it snatched away by a Smoke Jaguar sneak attack. The warriors knew that, if Wolcott fell to the Smoke Jaguars, it would be proof that the Clans were unstoppable. This was not just another battle in the war-torn Inner Sphere, it was a war for their way of life, their past, and their future.