I was so relieved when the doors to the outside opened, and I could see my home again. Even the sunlight that came streaming in enlightened my spirits after being stuck on what I thought was Terra. It might have been, but in any case it sure scared the heck out of me. Stepping Jenny onto terra firma, I ran with such happiness to the Jade Falcon Clan Hall that I almost ran into a Training Commander issuing orders to some new cadets.
The clinking and clanking of my boots over the Clan Hall grating in the 'Mech Bay made memories wash over my soul. I felt a warm sensation that invigorated me, giving me spurt to run to the Khan faster than ever. Even though I don't look it, I'm a bit of a sprinter, and am pretty good at running. But my stamina couldn't handle my runnning performance, and before long I stood in front of the Khan panting and sweating.
"Welcome back,"the good soul greeted me. "So, tell me exactly what you found. Although I'm not quite up-to-date on the situation, I heard from some of the eavesdropping personnel that the planet you explored was Terra?"
And so, I related all my adventures. Starting with the skirmish while I was boarding my dropship, I eventually began to realize myself that something was going on with Clan Ghost Bear. I don't know, but maybe there was more to it than I first thought. I mean, the only blood I've spilled was that of the Ghost Bears. And they were on Terra before my party arrived there, giving them control over the situation. Hey, maybe those bastards probably set up all that junk and made us believe that we really landed on Terra!
That night, I lay in my quarters, thinking about, you know, everything. The furture, the past, basically what did I think was in store for the Jade Falcons. I hope we just do not meet with another clan in the near future. I mean, it's been a long time since the Refusal Wars, and I'm getting sick of these sporadic attacks. Maybe it'd be better off if Clan Jade Falcon got off of this rock and conquered "Terra". Sigh, I just feel so caught up in this, that I finally realized what was happening. But, as time wore on that night, my need for sleep grew. I closed my eyes, and hoped for the best.
The next day, I rose up bright and early. The last night's rest put my mind at ease, as well as my cramped back and muscles. Today I was ready for anything the Keshnik threw at me. I mean, I really was. Just forgetting about everything was like taking off a great, big load off of my shoulders. No longer was I under the yolk of anxiety.
Around noon I strapped myself into my Timberwolf. Today I was leading a new Binary into a nearby canyon on a recon mission. These were fresh, newly-trained cadets who just got done with that son-of-a-gun (who trained me when I was nothing but free-birth scum) the week before. So, while I was gone kicking Ghost Bear butt, they were here in a nice, cozy Firemoth practicing torso-twists and weapons usage. Frankly, I'm gonna show them what it's really like on a mission. They're all probably scared out of their wits, scared about this stupid little recon mission. Hell, I'll show them the difference between simulation and real life!
After a couple of hours in this god-forsaken desert, it became apparent that no one was happy. They, along with me, wanted to wrap this up and get back to HQ. I then relayed,"Hey! Y'all ready to head back now? Looks like this place is clean as the Khan's quarters!" I heard the blase "yes" from everyone. So, to me, democracy rules, and I guess we'd better head back now. The unanimous decision came a bit early, however, and before we knew it, the ambush was upon us.
Out of nowhere, the Ghost Bears hit with a vengeance. Lasers blasted all over, bouncing off the canyon walls, hitting and penetrating 'mech armor, and decimating Jade Falcons. The battle was on, and I was determined to join it. "C'mon, guys,"I said,"Let's get them!" Remembering not to succumb to the enemy and fall back, I pushed my comrades forward into not a fight, not a battle, . . . but a war!
Returning their fire with lasers and LRMs, we, the mighty Jade Falcon, trampled our enemies. They recoiled a little, but did not pull back their ranks. I nevertheless rose Jenny into the melee, taking missles, lasers, and PPC fire as I shot all I had at them. They didn't have a chance. What, with me running in like a wild dog; it could scare the head off of anybody! But, the Clans do not fall in such a cowardly way. Hoping to turn the tide in their favor and regain their strength, the Ghost Bears pulled a wild maneuver.
Using their jump-jets, the remaining omnimechs rose high into the sky, making themselves easy pickings. Turning our torsos upward, our rain of fire turned skyward, following the desperate machines. While the others continued to fire, I stopped a moment to catch my breath and let my weapons cool down. Hey, Heat Sinks aren't the only way to cool down a laser. The best way is to just stop using it before you blow up into smithereens. Fortunately, while I bowed my head a little, I caught a glimpse of a ray of light glinting off of metal. Then, it hit me.
"It's a TRAP!"I yelled. Hearing my cry just in time, the cadets followed suit and turned their torsos to face the cave before us. Letting 'em rip, all of our barrages were fixed to one point: the Stone Rhino which had been lying in wait to strike when we were unaware. Well, looks like we caught him unaware. The bastard never knew what hit him. The last thing he saw was probably what he became. That is, a great, swirling cloud of fire and ash steaming skyward and arcing, as jets of charred internals and 'mech parts flew this way and that. I don't know about him, but to me and my comrades, it was beautiful.
It was then that I realized not all the Ghost Bears were dead. Sure, the ones that took off with their jump-jets were miles away from here. But, the pilot of the Stone Rhino had somehow survived. Crawling pathetically in the sand that supported the weight of us and our environment, so supported his weight as well. Too bad for him. The ground would be relieved of a little more weight soon. But before I ended his pitiful life, I said to myself, "Hey, you don't have to kill him. Let him rot in the desert. After all, he, having the heaviest 'mech, probably led the attack for all we know. Don't end his suffering, just let him live a little while till he chokes." Well, that's what I decided to do. Turning around, I led the now veteran cadets back to the Clan Hall to report our findings. The Ghost Bears shall leave us alone, now, for they know of our strength and might.
Wow. What a way to come home.
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