MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries/Offshore B

Offshore B

BRIEFING

A group of naval vessels and a lance of mercenary ‘Mechs are mobilizing against the beleaguered Transpax coastal facility. The Black Cobra and naval commanders have made clear their intention to level the base. Transpax has begun preparing for evacuation; whether sufficient time remains is unclear. Transpax is contracting for base defense during evacuation.

Castle: Looks like the hornets’ nest is busted wide open. Admiral Carrington is calling for the complete destruction of the Transpax coastal facility, Deneb. He’s enlisted mercenary ‘Mech support from the remaining Black Cobras. My best estimate is that they will be ready to strike in the next two weeks. A month at the outside. Transpax has made it clear we are their first choice unit, and are offering double pay for harbor defense.

DURING MISSION

Castle: Transpax has begun a full evacuation of the facility until this matter is resolved. A skeleton crew is manning Deneb Control, and has the calliope grid patched up and functional.

Spectre: Deneb, this is Spectre. You on the comm?

Deneb: A…a…affirmative. This is Corporate Officer Second Class Smedlin.

Spectre: Lowest brass on the totem pole, eh? Don’t worry, Smedlin. We aren’t looking to lose this fight.

Deneb: R…roger. I have the calliopes online. Radar giving mostly static.

Castle: I have a good sub-commlink. I’ll provide positional data for the operation while I can.

Spectre: Okay, Spectre Lance, give a ready report and keep one eye on your scanners. We’re expecting combined naval and ‘Mech aggressors.

Blaze: This is Blaze. Ready op.

Beowulf: Contact! Nine hundred meters.

Dragonfly: I assume this is the infamous Spectre?

Spectre: This is Spectre. There some reason you need an introduction?

Dragonfly: Dragonfly, here. Just wanted to make sure I was swatting the right fly.

[If Spectre killed Dunman]

Dragonfly: I’m gonna make you pay for Lieutenant Dunman’s lance!

[End divergent text.]

Spectre: You’re welcome to try. Spectre out.

Castle: All units, be advised. Militia – heavy choppers – moving in from the east.

Spectre: Castle, any chance of getting Harpy in here?

Castle: Negative, Commander. Their dance card is full for now. I will update if situation changes.

Spectre: Looks like we’re doing this without air support. Maintain good air watch.

Spectre: Cobras lost their bite? Your reputation had me expecting more.

Dragonfly: This isn’t over. Colonel Burr has a lot of friends. You’ll pay!

Castle: The carrier Harkness has launched two fighter wings. Nightshades inbound. Over.

Spectre: Roger, Castle. Still tangling with the Cobras.

Castle: TacCom shows area clear of hostiles. Looks like we did it again, sir.

Spectre: Transpex could have saved themselves a mint in evacuation fees if they’d had more faith in us.

Castle: I’m sure they’re plenty happy either way.

AFTERMATH

Castle: Good work, Commander. MercNet is already buzzing with the news of taking down the Black Cobras. It seems someone leaked a BattleROM of the conflict. The admiral has been relieved of command, and his replacement has negotiated a truce with Transpax. I think he’s afraid we’d start mounting counterstrikes. That clears up the missions here on Halloran. Consult your star system overview to plot our next move.