Editing Flight of the Falcon
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Line 38: The kaptain of mercantile [[JumpShip]] ''[[Faust von Himmel]]'' is terrified when a fleet of assault JumpShips arrive in [[Summit]] led by a ''[[Nightlord]]''-class [[WarShip]]. Onboard, [[Clan Jade Falcon]] [[SaKhan of Clan Jade Falcon|saKhan]] [[Beckett Malthus]] and [[Star Admiral]] [[Dolphus Binetti]] discuss the strategy of the Jade Falcon ''[[desant]]''. Named after an ancient Terran military tactic of using airborne drops to land infantry deep in enemy territory for decapitation strikes, the Falcon's [[w:Maneuver warfare|maneuver]] is to greatly expand its influence by striking through the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] into the chaotic [[Republic of the Sphere]]. Malthus would lead three [[Galaxy|Galaxies]] into [[Prefecture IX]] to establish a bridgehead which [[Khan of Clan Jade Falcon|Khan]] [[Jana Pryde]] would later reinforce. The Falcons do not reveal their plans to the Lyrans, simply saying they are hunting the hated [[Steel Wolves]]. Not wanting an invasion, the Commonwealth turns a blind eye. The kaptain of mercantile [[JumpShip]] ''[[Faust von Himmel]]'' is terrified when a fleet of assault JumpShips arrive in [[Summit]] led by a ''[[Nightlord]]''-class [[WarShip]]. Onboard, [[Clan Jade Falcon]] [[SaKhan of Clan Jade Falcon|saKhan]] [[Beckett Malthus]] and [[Star Admiral]] [[Dolphus Binetti]] discuss the strategy of the Jade Falcon ''[[desant]]''. Named after an ancient Terran military tactic of using airborne drops to land infantry deep in enemy territory for decapitation strikes, the Falcon's [[w:Maneuver warfare|maneuver]] is to greatly expand its influence by striking through the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] into the chaotic [[Republic of the Sphere]]. Malthus would lead three [[Galaxy|Galaxies]] into [[Prefecture IX]] to establish a bridgehead which [[Khan of Clan Jade Falcon|Khan]] [[Jana Pryde]] would later reinforce. The Falcons do not reveal their plans to the Lyrans, simply saying they are hunting the hated [[Steel Wolves]]. Not wanting an invasion, the Commonwealth turns a blind eye. − [[Galaxy Commander]]s [[Aleksandr Hazen]] and [[Malvina Hazen]] are called the "Eyes of the Falcon" among the Clan as the ''[[sibko|sibmates]]'' are the premiere Falcon ''[[ristar]]s'' and a rare example of two [[Bloodname]]s won by the same ''[[sibko]]''. Though devoted to each other, their personalities could not be more different. Aleks wins a [[Trial of Grievance]] against an [[Elemental]] with typical panache but does not kill him, as that would be an unnecessary waste of a warrior. The Trial was over an insult to one of Aleks' [[Technician Caste|technicians]], which he believes is an insult to the way a warrior should behave. Aleksandr sees himself as a hero of old, a knightly warrior that rules justly and protects the weak. Malvina agrees with his results, but not his reasoning. The defeat of the Elemental was good for discipline and enforcing dominance – violence and victory establish what is right. Aleks' sister is a firm believer of the [[Mongol Doctrine]] of warfare and it bleeds into her nihilist vision as well: strength is morality and if terror and slaughter will accomplish a goal than that is the prerogative of the strong. + [[Galaxy Commander]]s [[Aleksandr Hazen]] and [[Malvina Hazen]] are called the "Eyes of the Falcon" among the Clan as the ''[[sibko|sibmates]]'' are the premiere Falcon ''[[ristar]]s'' and a rare example of two [[Bloodname]]s won by the same [[sibko]]. Though devoted to each other, their personalities could not be more different. Aleks wins a [[Trial of Grievance]] against an [[Elemental]] with typical panache but does not kill him, as that would be an unnecessary waste of a warrior. The Trial was over an insult to one of Aleks' [[Technician Caste|technicians]], which he believes is a insult to the way a warrior should behave. Aleksandr sees himself as a hero of old, a knightly warrior that rules justly and protects the weak. Malvina agrees with his results, but not his reasoning. The defeat of the Elemental was good for discipline and enforcing dominance – violence and victory establish what is right. Aleks' sister is a firm believer of the [[Mongol Doctrine]] of warfare and it bleeds into her nihilist vision as well: strength is morality and if terror and slaughter will accomplish a goal than that is the prerogative of the strong. The Khan has declared no Trials of Grievance during the ''desant'' as they could disrupt the complex mission. SaKhan Malthus knows about the Trial but ignores it, another subtle manipulation to control the extraordinarily charismatic ''ristars''. Bec Malthus is a political mastermind, the quiet power behind the Khan, and is well aware of the dangerous potential of the Eyes of the Falcon. Aleksandr's knightly approach to war is childlike but inspiring and harkens back to the original traditions of the Clan. Malvina's Mongol Doctrine is monstrous but effective at a time when traditional Clan doctrines have failed. Aleks can be led by appealing to his better nature. Malvina's beliefs are ultimately heretical to the Jade Falcons and if necessary her and her adherents can be shamed into acquiescence. The trick is to exploit their talents to the fullest without giving up control. To do this he pits the ''sibmates'' and their philosophies against each other, knowing they are evenly matched and too devoted to destroy each other, and certain that he can influence the winner. The Khan has declared no Trials of Grievance during the ''desant'' as they could disrupt the complex mission. SaKhan Malthus knows about the Trial but ignores it, another subtle manipulation to control the extraordinarily charismatic ''ristars''. Bec Malthus is a political mastermind, the quiet power behind the Khan, and is well aware of the dangerous potential of the Eyes of the Falcon. Aleksandr's knightly approach to war is childlike but inspiring and harkens back to the original traditions of the Clan. Malvina's Mongol Doctrine is monstrous but effective at a time when traditional Clan doctrines have failed. Aleks can be led by appealing to his better nature. Malvina's beliefs are ultimately heretical to the Jade Falcons and if necessary her and her adherents can be shamed into acquiescence. The trick is to exploit their talents to the fullest without giving up control. To do this he pits the ''sibmates'' and their philosophies against each other, knowing they are evenly matched and too devoted to destroy each other, and certain that he can influence the winner. − Khan Jana Pryde loaned her saKhan her personal unit, the [[Turkina Keshik]]. Malvina commands the elite [[Delta Galaxy (Clan Jade Falcon)|Delta Galaxy]], the "Gyrfalcons", who are devoted to her. Aleksandr had been given command of [[Zeta Galaxy (Clan Jade Falcon)|Zeta Galaxy]], the "Turkina's Beak", a ''[[dezgra]]'' Galaxy filled with green and ''[[solahma]]'' warriors. He chose it deliberately, as victory with a rehabilitated force would be greater than victory with an elite Galaxy. + Khan Jana Pryde loaned her saKhan her personal unit, the [[Turkina Keshik]]. Malvina commands the elite [[Delta Galaxy (Clan Jade Falcon)|Delta Galaxy]], the "Gyrfalcons", who are devoted to her. Aleksandr had been given command of [[Zeta Galaxy (Clan Jade Falcon)|Zeta Galaxy]], "Turkina's Beak", a ''[[dezgra]]'' Galaxy filled with green and ''[[solahma]]'' warriors. He chose it deliberately, as victory with a rehabilitated force would be greater than victory with an elite Galaxy. On [[Shionoha]] in the [[Draconis Combine]], the [[Knave of Hearts]], a covert operative, escapes a police raid by blowing up his apartment. His mission, to inject a virus into JumpShip navigation systems to interrupt [[DCMS]] logistics, was a success. He exalts in the chaos and disappears into the population. On [[Shionoha]] in the [[Draconis Combine]], the [[Knave of Hearts]], a covert operative, escapes a police raid by blowing up his apartment. His mission, to inject a virus into JumpShip navigation systems to interrupt [[DCMS]] logistics, was a success. He exalts in the chaos and disappears into the population. Line 64:
Line 64: Undeterred, Aleks demands a [[Trial of Refusal]]. Since Malvina won the vote 2-to-1, by right she can respond with a second defender. Instead she chooses to fight alone, augmented. For the first time Aleks defeats her 'Mech-to-'Mech, forcing the invasion to be fought on his terms. Enraged and embarrassed, Malvina launches an attack anyway with her [[5th Battle (Clan Jade Falcon)|Golden Talons]] but they are caught in a trap and several of her 'Mechs are incinerated by explosives. Finally chastened, she obeys the saKhan's orders and joins his Keshik as it descends at speed on the city of New London. Undeterred, Aleks demands a [[Trial of Refusal]]. Since Malvina won the vote 2-to-1, by right she can respond with a second defender. Instead she chooses to fight alone, augmented. For the first time Aleks defeats her 'Mech-to-'Mech, forcing the invasion to be fought on his terms. Enraged and embarrassed, Malvina launches an attack anyway with her [[5th Battle (Clan Jade Falcon)|Golden Talons]] but they are caught in a trap and several of her 'Mechs are incinerated by explosives. Finally chastened, she obeys the saKhan's orders and joins his Keshik as it descends at speed on the city of New London. − Ardent and overeager, the Forlorn Hope die in large numbers but their sacrifice slows down the Falcon's advance. Skye's defense in depth further staggers the Jade Falcon forces. Seeing an opportunity, Tara Campbell attacks Malvina Hazen's ''[[Shrike]]'' from behind with a swing of her ''[[Hatchetman]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[hatchet]]. Malvina's instincts save her, but the close-quarters combat prevents her much heavier 'Mech from pummeling Campbell with its weaponry. Instead she starts crushing the ''Hatchetman'' in a bear hug. [[Tara Bishop]]'s ''[[Pack Hunter]]'' slips around the ''Shrike'' and unleashes an [[Alpha Strike (tactic)|Alpha Strike]]. Malvina shrugs it off and fires her [[Ultra AC/5]], forcing Bishop to eject. The Countess frees herself enough to use her [[Autocannon/10|autocannon]], cracking Malvina's cockpit and felling her 'Mech. Their exalted commander defeated, the Gyrfalcons claim her ''Shrike'' and withdraw. + Ardent and overeager, the Forlorn Hope die in large numbers but their sacrifice slows down the Falcon's advance. Skye's defense in depth further staggers the Jade Falcon forces. Seeing an opportunity, Tara Campbell attacks Malvina Hazen's ''[[Shrike]]'' from behind with a swing of her ''[[Hatchetman]]'s'' [[hatchet]]. Malvina's instincts save her, but the close-quarters combat prevents her much heavier 'Mech from pummeling Campbell with its weaponry. Instead she starts crushing the ''Hatchetman'' in a bear hug. [[Tara Bishop]]'s ''[[Pack Hunter]]'' slips around the ''Shrike'' and unleashes an [[Alpha Strike (tactic)|Alpha Strike]]. Malvina shrugs it off and fires her [[Ultra AC/5]], forcing Bishop to eject. The Countess frees herself enough to use her [[Autocannon/10|autocannon]], cracking Malvina's cockpit and felling her 'Mech. Their exalted commander defeated, the Gyrfalcons claim her ''Shrike'' and withdraw. − While Delta Galaxy is defeated and Zeta Galaxy weakened, Turkina Keshik has seen little fighting and reinforces the line. Aleksandr reaches Malvina's broken ''Shrike'' and finds her alive but comatose. He and the remnants of Turkina's Beak go headhunting for Tara Campbell. + While Delta Galaxy is defeated and Zeta Galaxy weakened, Turkina Keshik has seen little fighting and reinforces the line. Aleksandr reaches Malvina's broken ''Shrike'' and finds her alive but comatose. He and the remnants of Turkina's Beak go headhunting for Tara Campbell. Paul Laveau finds Chief Minister Solvaig alone in his home, preparing to flee the city. Calling him a traitor to Skye he placidly kills him and then heads for the nearby spaceport. Hearing on the radio that the Falcons had breached the city's outer defenses and were slicing through the suburbs, he turns his motorcycle around. Though his mission is complete, he decides that a Falcon victory here is a fundamental threat to his employers; besides, he is a "romantic at heart". He happens upon a forward scouting Jade Falcon ''[[Phoenix Hawk IIC]]'' and climbs it with just ripper gloves. The pilot, distracted by a pair of [[Demon Medium Tank|Demon]] medium tanks, realizes too late that the operative has forced open the cockpit door and is shot. With an advanced [[Loki (Intelligence agency)|Loki]] [[Neurohelmet Codebreaker|codebreaker]], he is able to use the [[Neurohelmet#Security|foreign neurohelmet]] and turns to join the Falcon front line. Paul Laveau finds Chief Minister Solvaig alone in his home, preparing to flee the city. Calling him a traitor to Skye he placidly kills him and then heads for the nearby spaceport. Hearing on the radio that the Falcons had breached the city's outer defenses and were slicing through the suburbs, he turns his motorcycle around. Though his mission is complete, he decides that a Falcon victory here is a fundamental threat to his employers; besides, he is a "romantic at heart". He happens upon a forward scouting Jade Falcon ''[[Phoenix Hawk IIC]]'' and climbs it with just ripper gloves. The pilot, distracted by a pair of [[Demon Medium Tank|Demon]] medium tanks, realizes too late that the operative has forced open the cockpit door and is shot. With an advanced [[Loki (Intelligence agency)|Loki]] [[Neurohelmet Codebreaker|codebreaker]], he is able to use the [[Neurohelmet#Security|foreign neurohelmet]] and turns to join the Falcon front line. Line 79:
Line 79: Tara learns from [[Sphere Intelligence Service|Republic Intelligence]] that the [[Loki (Intelligence agency)|Loki]] agent Knave of Hearts is in the region and concludes that Paul Laveau must have him, and is probably still alive since a body was never found. The Knave of Hearts himself has moved on as "Rabbi Yitzhak Martínez", traveling to [[Syrma]] for some downtime. Tara learns from [[Sphere Intelligence Service|Republic Intelligence]] that the [[Loki (Intelligence agency)|Loki]] agent Knave of Hearts is in the region and concludes that Paul Laveau must have him, and is probably still alive since a body was never found. The Knave of Hearts himself has moved on as "Rabbi Yitzhak Martínez", traveling to [[Syrma]] for some downtime. − Malvina Hazen finally awakes to hear from Bec Malthus that her brother is dead. Rage and grief overwhelm her and she calls for the death of every being in the universe, including herself, and breaks down weeping. Malthus is certain that without the emotional balance of Aleksandr he will now be able to control her and her bestial Mongol Doctrine. Her charisma and vision are far beyond that of Khan Jana Pryde, and her potential greater still. She and her fanatics are his ultimate weapon. He tells her that her nihilism is salvation, her hate will bind all of humanity, and names her the Chinggis Khan. + Malvina Hazen finally awakes to hear from Bec Malthus that her brother is dead. Rage and grief overwhelm her and she calls for the death of every being in the universe, including herself, and breaks down weeping. Malthus is certain that without the emotional balance of Aleksandr he will now be able to control her and her bestial Mongol Doctrine. Her charisma and vision are far beyond that of Khan Jana Pryde, and her potential greater still. She and her fanatics are his ultimate weapon. He tells her that her nihilism is salvation, her hate will bind all of humanity, and names her the ''Chinggis Khan''. == Featured Characters == == Featured Characters == Line 120:
Line 120: * ''[[Ryoken II]]'' * ''[[Ryoken II]]'' * ''[[Shadow Hawk IIC]]'' * ''[[Shadow Hawk IIC]]'' − * ''[[Spirit (BattleMech)|Spirit]]'' + * ''[[Spirit]]'' * ''[[Tundra Wolf]]'' * ''[[Tundra Wolf]]'' * ''[[Kit Fox (Uller)|Uller]]'' * ''[[Kit Fox (Uller)|Uller]]'' Line 139:
Line 139: * [[Asshur]] Artillery Spotter * [[Asshur]] Artillery Spotter * [[Bellona]] Hover Tank * [[Bellona]] Hover Tank − * [[Crow (Combat Vehicle)|Crow]] Scout VTOL + * [[Crow]] Scout VTOL * [[Demon Medium Tank]] * [[Demon Medium Tank]] * [[DI Schmitt]] Heavy Tank * [[DI Schmitt]] Heavy Tank Line 200:
Line 200: ==Foreign-Language Editions== ==Foreign-Language Editions== − ===German=== + ===German=== − A German edition, translated by [[Reinhold H. Mai]], was published by [[Heyne]] in 2006 as ''Der Flug des Falken'' (ISBN 9783453521506).<ref>Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Catalog entry for [https://d-nb.info/974865575 ''Der Flug des Falken'']</ref> + A German edition, translated by [[Reinhold H. Mai]], was published by [[Heyne]] in 2006 as ''Der Flug des Falken'' (ISBN 9783453521506).<ref>[https://d-nb.info/974865575 Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Catalog entry for ''Der Flug des Falken'']</ref> ==Covers== ==Covers==
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The kaptain of mercantile [[JumpShip]] ''[[Faust von Himmel]]'' is terrified when a fleet of assault JumpShips arrive in [[Summit]] led by a ''[[Nightlord]]''-class [[WarShip]]. Onboard, [[Clan Jade Falcon]] [[SaKhan of Clan Jade Falcon|saKhan]] [[Beckett Malthus]] and [[Star Admiral]] [[Dolphus Binetti]] discuss the strategy of the Jade Falcon ''[[desant]]''. Named after an ancient Terran military tactic of using airborne drops to land infantry deep in enemy territory for decapitation strikes, the Falcon's [[w:Maneuver warfare|maneuver]] is to greatly expand its influence by striking through the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] into the chaotic [[Republic of the Sphere]]. Malthus would lead three [[Galaxy|Galaxies]] into [[Prefecture IX]] to establish a bridgehead which [[Khan of Clan Jade Falcon|Khan]] [[Jana Pryde]] would later reinforce. The Falcons do not reveal their plans to the Lyrans, simply saying they are hunting the hated [[Steel Wolves]]. Not wanting an invasion, the Commonwealth turns a blind eye. | The kaptain of mercantile [[JumpShip]] ''[[Faust von Himmel]]'' is terrified when a fleet of assault JumpShips arrive in [[Summit]] led by a ''[[Nightlord]]''-class [[WarShip]]. Onboard, [[Clan Jade Falcon]] [[SaKhan of Clan Jade Falcon|saKhan]] [[Beckett Malthus]] and [[Star Admiral]] [[Dolphus Binetti]] discuss the strategy of the Jade Falcon ''[[desant]]''. Named after an ancient Terran military tactic of using airborne drops to land infantry deep in enemy territory for decapitation strikes, the Falcon's [[w:Maneuver warfare|maneuver]] is to greatly expand its influence by striking through the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] into the chaotic [[Republic of the Sphere]]. Malthus would lead three [[Galaxy|Galaxies]] into [[Prefecture IX]] to establish a bridgehead which [[Khan of Clan Jade Falcon|Khan]] [[Jana Pryde]] would later reinforce. The Falcons do not reveal their plans to the Lyrans, simply saying they are hunting the hated [[Steel Wolves]]. Not wanting an invasion, the Commonwealth turns a blind eye. | ||
| − | [[Galaxy Commander]]s [[Aleksandr Hazen]] and [[Malvina Hazen]] are called the "Eyes of the Falcon" among the Clan as the ''[[sibko|sibmates]]'' are the premiere Falcon ''[[ristar]]s'' and a rare example of two [[Bloodname]]s won by the same | + | [[Galaxy Commander]]s [[Aleksandr Hazen]] and [[Malvina Hazen]] are called the "Eyes of the Falcon" among the Clan as the ''[[sibko|sibmates]]'' are the premiere Falcon ''[[ristar]]s'' and a rare example of two [[Bloodname]]s won by the same [[sibko]]. Though devoted to each other, their personalities could not be more different. Aleks wins a [[Trial of Grievance]] against an [[Elemental]] with typical panache but does not kill him, as that would be an unnecessary waste of a warrior. The Trial was over an insult to one of Aleks' [[Technician Caste|technicians]], which he believes is a insult to the way a warrior should behave. Aleksandr sees himself as a hero of old, a knightly warrior that rules justly and protects the weak. Malvina agrees with his results, but not his reasoning. The defeat of the Elemental was good for discipline and enforcing dominance – violence and victory establish what is right. Aleks' sister is a firm believer of the [[Mongol Doctrine]] of warfare and it bleeds into her nihilist vision as well: strength is morality and if terror and slaughter will accomplish a goal than that is the prerogative of the strong. |
The Khan has declared no Trials of Grievance during the ''desant'' as they could disrupt the complex mission. SaKhan Malthus knows about the Trial but ignores it, another subtle manipulation to control the extraordinarily charismatic ''ristars''. Bec Malthus is a political mastermind, the quiet power behind the Khan, and is well aware of the dangerous potential of the Eyes of the Falcon. Aleksandr's knightly approach to war is childlike but inspiring and harkens back to the original traditions of the Clan. Malvina's Mongol Doctrine is monstrous but effective at a time when traditional Clan doctrines have failed. Aleks can be led by appealing to his better nature. Malvina's beliefs are ultimately heretical to the Jade Falcons and if necessary her and her adherents can be shamed into acquiescence. The trick is to exploit their talents to the fullest without giving up control. To do this he pits the ''sibmates'' and their philosophies against each other, knowing they are evenly matched and too devoted to destroy each other, and certain that he can influence the winner. | The Khan has declared no Trials of Grievance during the ''desant'' as they could disrupt the complex mission. SaKhan Malthus knows about the Trial but ignores it, another subtle manipulation to control the extraordinarily charismatic ''ristars''. Bec Malthus is a political mastermind, the quiet power behind the Khan, and is well aware of the dangerous potential of the Eyes of the Falcon. Aleksandr's knightly approach to war is childlike but inspiring and harkens back to the original traditions of the Clan. Malvina's Mongol Doctrine is monstrous but effective at a time when traditional Clan doctrines have failed. Aleks can be led by appealing to his better nature. Malvina's beliefs are ultimately heretical to the Jade Falcons and if necessary her and her adherents can be shamed into acquiescence. The trick is to exploit their talents to the fullest without giving up control. To do this he pits the ''sibmates'' and their philosophies against each other, knowing they are evenly matched and too devoted to destroy each other, and certain that he can influence the winner. | ||
| − | Khan Jana Pryde loaned her saKhan her personal unit, the [[Turkina Keshik]]. Malvina commands the elite [[Delta Galaxy (Clan Jade Falcon)|Delta Galaxy]], the "Gyrfalcons", who are devoted to her. Aleksandr had been given command of [[Zeta Galaxy (Clan Jade Falcon)|Zeta Galaxy]], | + | Khan Jana Pryde loaned her saKhan her personal unit, the [[Turkina Keshik]]. Malvina commands the elite [[Delta Galaxy (Clan Jade Falcon)|Delta Galaxy]], the "Gyrfalcons", who are devoted to her. Aleksandr had been given command of [[Zeta Galaxy (Clan Jade Falcon)|Zeta Galaxy]], "Turkina's Beak", a ''[[dezgra]]'' Galaxy filled with green and ''[[solahma]]'' warriors. He chose it deliberately, as victory with a rehabilitated force would be greater than victory with an elite Galaxy. |
On [[Shionoha]] in the [[Draconis Combine]], the [[Knave of Hearts]], a covert operative, escapes a police raid by blowing up his apartment. His mission, to inject a virus into JumpShip navigation systems to interrupt [[DCMS]] logistics, was a success. He exalts in the chaos and disappears into the population. | On [[Shionoha]] in the [[Draconis Combine]], the [[Knave of Hearts]], a covert operative, escapes a police raid by blowing up his apartment. His mission, to inject a virus into JumpShip navigation systems to interrupt [[DCMS]] logistics, was a success. He exalts in the chaos and disappears into the population. | ||
| Line 64: | Line 64: | ||
Undeterred, Aleks demands a [[Trial of Refusal]]. Since Malvina won the vote 2-to-1, by right she can respond with a second defender. Instead she chooses to fight alone, augmented. For the first time Aleks defeats her 'Mech-to-'Mech, forcing the invasion to be fought on his terms. Enraged and embarrassed, Malvina launches an attack anyway with her [[5th Battle (Clan Jade Falcon)|Golden Talons]] but they are caught in a trap and several of her 'Mechs are incinerated by explosives. Finally chastened, she obeys the saKhan's orders and joins his Keshik as it descends at speed on the city of New London. | Undeterred, Aleks demands a [[Trial of Refusal]]. Since Malvina won the vote 2-to-1, by right she can respond with a second defender. Instead she chooses to fight alone, augmented. For the first time Aleks defeats her 'Mech-to-'Mech, forcing the invasion to be fought on his terms. Enraged and embarrassed, Malvina launches an attack anyway with her [[5th Battle (Clan Jade Falcon)|Golden Talons]] but they are caught in a trap and several of her 'Mechs are incinerated by explosives. Finally chastened, she obeys the saKhan's orders and joins his Keshik as it descends at speed on the city of New London. | ||
| − | Ardent and overeager, the Forlorn Hope die in large numbers but their sacrifice slows down the Falcon's advance. Skye's defense in depth further staggers the Jade Falcon forces. Seeing an opportunity, Tara Campbell attacks Malvina Hazen's ''[[Shrike]]'' from behind with a swing of her ''[[Hatchetman]]'' | + | Ardent and overeager, the Forlorn Hope die in large numbers but their sacrifice slows down the Falcon's advance. Skye's defense in depth further staggers the Jade Falcon forces. Seeing an opportunity, Tara Campbell attacks Malvina Hazen's ''[[Shrike]]'' from behind with a swing of her ''[[Hatchetman]]'s'' [[hatchet]]. Malvina's instincts save her, but the close-quarters combat prevents her much heavier 'Mech from pummeling Campbell with its weaponry. Instead she starts crushing the ''Hatchetman'' in a bear hug. [[Tara Bishop]]'s ''[[Pack Hunter]]'' slips around the ''Shrike'' and unleashes an [[Alpha Strike (tactic)|Alpha Strike]]. Malvina shrugs it off and fires her [[Ultra AC/5]], forcing Bishop to eject. The Countess frees herself enough to use her [[Autocannon/10|autocannon]], cracking Malvina's cockpit and felling her 'Mech. Their exalted commander defeated, the Gyrfalcons claim her ''Shrike'' and withdraw. |
| − | While Delta Galaxy is defeated and Zeta Galaxy weakened, Turkina Keshik has seen little fighting and reinforces the line. Aleksandr reaches Malvina's broken ''Shrike'' and finds her alive but comatose. He and the remnants of Turkina's Beak go headhunting for Tara Campbell. | + | While Delta Galaxy is defeated and Zeta Galaxy weakened, Turkina Keshik has seen little fighting and reinforces the line. Aleksandr reaches Malvina's broken ''Shrike'' and finds her alive but comatose. He and the remnants of Turkina's Beak go headhunting for Tara Campbell. |
Paul Laveau finds Chief Minister Solvaig alone in his home, preparing to flee the city. Calling him a traitor to Skye he placidly kills him and then heads for the nearby spaceport. Hearing on the radio that the Falcons had breached the city's outer defenses and were slicing through the suburbs, he turns his motorcycle around. Though his mission is complete, he decides that a Falcon victory here is a fundamental threat to his employers; besides, he is a "romantic at heart". He happens upon a forward scouting Jade Falcon ''[[Phoenix Hawk IIC]]'' and climbs it with just ripper gloves. The pilot, distracted by a pair of [[Demon Medium Tank|Demon]] medium tanks, realizes too late that the operative has forced open the cockpit door and is shot. With an advanced [[Loki (Intelligence agency)|Loki]] [[Neurohelmet Codebreaker|codebreaker]], he is able to use the [[Neurohelmet#Security|foreign neurohelmet]] and turns to join the Falcon front line. | Paul Laveau finds Chief Minister Solvaig alone in his home, preparing to flee the city. Calling him a traitor to Skye he placidly kills him and then heads for the nearby spaceport. Hearing on the radio that the Falcons had breached the city's outer defenses and were slicing through the suburbs, he turns his motorcycle around. Though his mission is complete, he decides that a Falcon victory here is a fundamental threat to his employers; besides, he is a "romantic at heart". He happens upon a forward scouting Jade Falcon ''[[Phoenix Hawk IIC]]'' and climbs it with just ripper gloves. The pilot, distracted by a pair of [[Demon Medium Tank|Demon]] medium tanks, realizes too late that the operative has forced open the cockpit door and is shot. With an advanced [[Loki (Intelligence agency)|Loki]] [[Neurohelmet Codebreaker|codebreaker]], he is able to use the [[Neurohelmet#Security|foreign neurohelmet]] and turns to join the Falcon front line. | ||
| Line 79: | Line 79: | ||
Tara learns from [[Sphere Intelligence Service|Republic Intelligence]] that the [[Loki (Intelligence agency)|Loki]] agent Knave of Hearts is in the region and concludes that Paul Laveau must have him, and is probably still alive since a body was never found. The Knave of Hearts himself has moved on as "Rabbi Yitzhak Martínez", traveling to [[Syrma]] for some downtime. | Tara learns from [[Sphere Intelligence Service|Republic Intelligence]] that the [[Loki (Intelligence agency)|Loki]] agent Knave of Hearts is in the region and concludes that Paul Laveau must have him, and is probably still alive since a body was never found. The Knave of Hearts himself has moved on as "Rabbi Yitzhak Martínez", traveling to [[Syrma]] for some downtime. | ||
| − | Malvina Hazen finally awakes to hear from Bec Malthus that her brother is dead. Rage and grief overwhelm her and she calls for the death of every being in the universe, including herself, and breaks down weeping. Malthus is certain that without the emotional balance of Aleksandr he will now be able to control her and her bestial Mongol Doctrine. Her charisma and vision are far beyond that of Khan Jana Pryde, and her potential greater still. She and her fanatics are his ultimate weapon. He tells her that her nihilism is salvation, her hate will bind all of humanity, and names her the Chinggis Khan. | + | Malvina Hazen finally awakes to hear from Bec Malthus that her brother is dead. Rage and grief overwhelm her and she calls for the death of every being in the universe, including herself, and breaks down weeping. Malthus is certain that without the emotional balance of Aleksandr he will now be able to control her and her bestial Mongol Doctrine. Her charisma and vision are far beyond that of Khan Jana Pryde, and her potential greater still. She and her fanatics are his ultimate weapon. He tells her that her nihilism is salvation, her hate will bind all of humanity, and names her the ''Chinggis Khan''. |
== Featured Characters == | == Featured Characters == | ||
| Line 120: | Line 120: | ||
* ''[[Ryoken II]]'' | * ''[[Ryoken II]]'' | ||
* ''[[Shadow Hawk IIC]]'' | * ''[[Shadow Hawk IIC]]'' | ||
| − | * ''[[ | + | * ''[[Spirit]]'' |
* ''[[Tundra Wolf]]'' | * ''[[Tundra Wolf]]'' | ||
* ''[[Kit Fox (Uller)|Uller]]'' | * ''[[Kit Fox (Uller)|Uller]]'' | ||
| Line 139: | Line 139: | ||
* [[Asshur]] Artillery Spotter | * [[Asshur]] Artillery Spotter | ||
* [[Bellona]] Hover Tank | * [[Bellona]] Hover Tank | ||
| − | * [[ | + | * [[Crow]] Scout VTOL |
* [[Demon Medium Tank]] | * [[Demon Medium Tank]] | ||
* [[DI Schmitt]] Heavy Tank | * [[DI Schmitt]] Heavy Tank | ||
| Line 200: | Line 200: | ||
==Foreign-Language Editions== | ==Foreign-Language Editions== | ||
| − | ===German=== | + | ===German=== |
| − | A German edition, translated by [[Reinhold H. Mai]], was published by [[Heyne]] in 2006 as ''Der Flug des Falken'' (ISBN 9783453521506).<ref> | + | A German edition, translated by [[Reinhold H. Mai]], was published by [[Heyne]] in 2006 as ''Der Flug des Falken'' (ISBN 9783453521506).<ref>[https://d-nb.info/974865575 Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Catalog entry for ''Der Flug des Falken'']</ref> |
==Covers== | ==Covers== | ||