MechWarrior: Tactical Command/Butler Mission 5

Mission 5

Objectives

  • Escort Major Beckman
  • Reach the HPG to contact High Command

Mission Description

Holloway: We have tactical comms up again. Patching in Colonel Joshua Armstrong. Near as I can tell, he's the highest-ranking officer left to Winfield's Regiment. And… Go ahead, Colonel.

Armstrong: Major Beckman, Commander. I don't have much time, so I'll be as direct as possible: we simply cannot hold Butler.

Armstrong: Ultimately, I want to round up as much of our forces as we can, and try to get them somewhere where we can make a difference. But first, we need to inform high command about what transpired here.

Holloway: Sorry, Colonel, but wouldn't it take weeks to reach another system by ship?

Beckman: Not to mention, we might end up jumping straight into another invasion in progress.

Armstrong: There is another way. The world's ComStar station isn't far from your position. If we can get their help, or commandeer their hyperpulse generator, we can reach command and find out what is going on out there.

Holloway: Didn't ComStar declare neutrality? That is, we heard…

Armstrong: Yes. The Voice of Butler. Someone needs to pull his plug. ComStar isn't actively supporting or impeding the defense of Butler. Which is why Major Beckman will accompany the Commander's lance into the field and enlist their services the old fashioned way. We'll buy them off.

Beckman: Sir! Surely I'm of much more use here in the command center where I can oversee the operation and give tactical advice.

Armstrong: Normally, Major, I'd say you are right. Your talent would be wasted in the field. But I need someone with rank to negotiate with ComStar. That's you! Besides, the Commander's lance will be covering you every step of the way.

Beckman: Yes sir.

Holloway: Commander, Major Beckman will carry the encoded data we need to send. Once the transmission is out, you will need to wait for a reply. The Clans are sure to come knocking once they realize what we're doing. Be ready.

DURING MISSION

Objectives:

  • Reach the HPG with the Major
  • Protect the Major while sending the transmission.
  • Leave the area with the Major.

Beckman: I'm moving toward the HPG now. Make sure you cover my approach, Commander; I'm heavily exposed out here.

Beckman: Right then. Commander, keep the Jade Falcons busy while I contact high command. This is Major Beckman, requesting use of the HPG facilities.

Operator: Blake's wisdom be with you, Major. ComStar has pledged their neutrality and administrative services for the duration of this crisis, to help protect and preserve lives.

Beckman: Pledge whatever you want, but I have the access code to the Winfield Regiment's operating budget, so I can pay you well to crank that dish around and point it toward Tharkad, or I can have the lance standing by bring that dish down on top of your cowled heads! What will it be?

Operator: Since you put it that way, Major. Blake be with us all.

Beckman: Commander, keep this compound secure while I send the message and wait for a reply.

Beckman: I received a reply from High Command. We'll need to get back to base to decrypt it.

Holloway: I'm reading a lot of Clan 'Mechs converging on the area.

Beckman: It's time we left, Commander. Keep the Clans at bay while I execute a tactical retreat.

Kendra: Does anyone else feel like he's not even trying to hide it anymore?

Kyle: Copy that.

CINEMATIC

A Star of Clan 'Mechs approaches the HPG station.

Eric Hazen: Where are they?

Operator: I have no idea what you're talking about.

Eric Hazen: You aided Inner Sphere 'Mechs in the defense of this compound, and facilitated the transmission of their communications. You will tell me where they went and the contents of their transmission.

Operator: ComStar is neutral in this conflict. And I have the personal assurance of your Star Colonel Mattlov. Besides, I have no idea where they went, and we did not retain a copy of the communication.

Eric Hazen: Cowardly scheming surat! Your neutrality is forfeit. Star Commander, raze this facility to the ground.

Operator: What!? But ComStar is neutral! *screams*

The Clan 'Mechs open fire on the HPG station, collapsing the building.

Mission Success

  • Reach the HPG with the Major - SUCCEEDED
  • Protect the Major while sending the transmission. – SUCCEEDED
  • Escort Major Beckman - SUCCEEDED
  • Leave the area with the Major. – 3,000,000 C-bills