An entry with a Bang! - A BT roundrobin II

[evilauthor]

On the whole accepting surrenders thing, US military (or at least Army) SOP for taking prisoners starts off by assuming that said surrendering personnel are faking it (too many suicide attackers in the world dontcha know). Yes, they're required to take prisoners, but that doesn't mean they have to be stupid about it. Unlike what Hollywood would have you believe, it's SOP to search prisoners to make sure they're not carrying anything dangerous.

[evilauthor]

Originally Posted by EdBecerra

Brief note: You have the meeting ending before "new business" begins.

NB begins at 1459, but the meeting then ends at 1423, 26 minutes sooner. Unless Doc Emmet Brown's hiding on Antallos, you need to fix that.

Ed.

Also, the CODE tags on this forum doesn't do carriage returns automatically, and I find side scrolling to be annoying.

[Jonen C]

Originally Posted by EdBecerra

Frightening thought. What happens if/when the Clans learn about Dansel, along with enough evidence to assure the Clans that it's the truth? I can really see the Clans trying to either take him as a bondsman, or trying to bargain for his genetic material...

Clan Spokesman: "We'll swap you first generation Omni-mech tech in return for one sample for each Clan. How's that sound?"

GDI Ambassador: "Actually, that sounds like quite a bargain..."

Dansel: "Sir! You can't be taking them seriously! Sir? SIR?!"

Ed.

Hm. Except that, aside from crazy ideas and insane luck, Dansel isn't that good. There was that blurb that Jankowski and Brox both managed to defeat the same odds Dansel went up against in the Pirate invasion without loosing their mechs (in sims, but still).

Dansel is a good mechwarrior, but what makes him exceptional is his ability to think outside the box and to pull victory out of the ass of defeat after pulling it's pants down, tying it's shoelaces together, ducking to avoid being hit, kicking it in the balls and pulling it in the nose.

Or, in chronological order: Defeat comes up to Dansel. Dansel pulls it by the nose and kicks it in the balls, then ducks to avoid the counterattack, ties Defeats shoelaces together, rolls around behind defeat, pulls down Defeats pants and executes a field proctological exam to get his hands on victory against the odds.

And yes, I am accusing Dansel of resorting to ass-pulls to achieve what he does, but the way he does it takes refuge in such audacity that it flies past disbelief on both the rule of cool, funny and awesome.

[EdBecerra]

Originally Posted by evilauthor

Also, the CODE tags on this forum doesn't do carriage returns automatically, and I find side scrolling to be annoying.

In response to that, may I offer an old program that was originally written for the FFML? WinHelper is ten years old, but ideal for reformatting fics with hard carriage returns. I honest believe that Jason McKesson, the original author, won't mind sharing. Intended for Win9x, it works well on XP. I use it all the time when I need to turn a text file into a more narrow 'column' of text suitable for posting on a forum.

And if no one wants WinHelper, there are literally dozens of text file reformatting programs out there.

Ed.

[JonBerry]

Dansel also has the scriptwriters on his side, even more than the Hounds or the Wolfs.

I'm taking all your notes down, and am parsing them together. I'll also see about putting up a news breif about the formation of the CSN, and maybe take a stab at Katherine calling for the re-signing as well as ComStar.

[EdBecerra]

Originally Posted by Jonen C

Hm. Except that, aside from crazy ideas and insane luck, Dansel isn't that good.

As Larry Niven points out, good luck may be genetic.

It would damn sure explain my Uncle Clifford Mitchell, who was banned from every single casino in Nevada... the son of a gun was a living, breathing version of Gladstone Gander, drat him.

Ed.

[Cody Fett]

Originally Posted by JonBerry

Dansel also has the scriptwriters on his side, even more than the Hounds or the Wolfs.

I'm taking all your notes down, and am parsing them together. I'll also see about putting up a news breif about the formation of the CSN, and maybe take a stab at Katherine calling for the re-signing as well as ComStar.

Katrina. The Archon's name is Katrina. Kathrine is the power hungry wolf-girl who just happened to take her grandma's name during the FedCom Civil War.

Also, I would also like to note that the Wolf's Dragoons didn't cancel their contract with Steiner until the end of 3022, not 3021.

[evilauthor]

Originally Posted by Cody Fett

Also, I would also like to note that the Wolf's Dragoons didn't cancel their contract with Steiner until the end of 3022, not 3021.

Yeah, that kinda bugged me. Why would the Dragoons be canceling their contract early? I can't see the GDI's sudden appearance quite justifying it.

[JonBerry]

I didn't expect a canceled contract to happen at the drop of a hat. Give it a year to happen, and that'll work out. And the actual reason why the Wolfs canceled is something of a mystery. Sarna.net's description of the Dragoons admits there was no obvious or given reason why they quit working for Steiner only a couple years into the contract.

[evilauthor]

Originally Posted by JonBerry

I didn't expect a canceled contract to happen at the drop of a hat. Give it a year to happen, and that'll work out. And the actual reason why the Wolfs canceled is something of a mystery. Sarna.net's description of the Dragoons admits there was no obvious or given reason why they quit working for Steiner only a couple years into the contract.

Really? Anyone know the canon BT reason?

But still, this early on, the original reason would probably still stand. I don't think GDI would change that. Provide an additional impetus maybe, but not change it.

[VhenRa]

Wolfnet Nosing Around discovered the whole FedCom Treaty maybe?

[Barricade]

Originally Posted by evilauthor

Yeah, that kinda bugged me. Why would the Dragoons be canceling their contract early? I can't see the GDI's sudden appearance quite justifying it.

Originally Posted by JonBerry

I didn't expect a canceled contract to happen at the drop of a hat. Give it a year to happen, and that'll work out. And the actual reason why the Wolfs canceled is something of a mystery. Sarna.net's description of the Dragoons admits there was no obvious or given reason why they quit working for Steiner only a couple years into the contract.

Originally Posted by evilauthor

Really? Anyone know the canon BT reason?

But still, this early on, the original reason would probably still stand. I don't think GDI would change that. Provide an additional impetus maybe, but not change it.

I dunno about why they might be leaving early from House Steiner, but I think I just came up with an idea for how to have the GDI land the Dragoons just prior to the 4thSSW breaking out. We already have dealings with the Combine, and are already seeing that while the diplomats we're dealing with (and Ulyesses too) are honorable, that certain other 'nobles' are pretty much the lowest level of scum out there. So the events leading up to the Dragoons leaving will likely end up being the same.

Just that this time, the GDI offers the Dragoons an offer better then the one Hanse gives them. And, if we pull it off right, we might just still give the Wolves Outreach (yes, we want to do this. Think about this: Outreach is really REALLY close to Terra, and the Wolves are likely to be really friendly with us if treated well, yet neither they nor us trust Comstar worth spit). We put them on contract, and then after 'muling over' the dishonor heaped upon them, we hint to them that it looks like Hanse very shortly is going to go after Takashi with everything he has, and that while Earth/CSN is going to at least try to stay neutral for as long as possible, if the Dragoons want to give Takashi a massive black eye, we're totally fine with it.

We'll even offer to pay for the fuel they'll need to reach a Davion border world of their choice (strongly suggest where they went in canon) and give them full weapon supplies for ammo and such.

In all likelyhood the chances of us staying neutral are slim to non-existant, and I know what side I'd prefer Earth/CSN to stay on prior to Theodore's reforms (and even then I'd still prefer House Davion, although Theodore does at least TRY to mitigate things, and try hard). So we can likely stand back after the initial battles are going on, even as the Dragoons make mulch out of all the units that are thrown at them, until inevitably, some DCMS Warlord gets it into his head to go hunting over the eastern border of the Combine at the massively revitalized world of Antallos and also hunting for us too. Then we plaster him, and either rip the hell out of a few worlds along the DC's eastern border - claiming a few possibly, or not bothering and just sitting back defending while mulching anything they send at us.

Frankly that's about as realistic as I think we can get it, unless the Dragoons skip joining Kurita at all, and we give them a bid offer that can beat anything else, anyone else can offer. However I honestly don't think we can at the moment. The rest of the Houses have too large & deep of coffers available to buy the Wolves then we do right now. Especially as we're just an emerging power out on the 'fringe' of civilization. And at the moment, that's a major risk for us, especially if someone gets greedy.

Like say, the DCMS does get the Dragoons after all. IIRC Samsonov was also partially in charge of the district that holds the eastern border. And Antallos (and the CSN once we start expanding) is going to look like an awfully tempting prize to grab. And hey, they're 'just' Mercenaries. Might as well throw them at Antallos, then take the glory for himself later, rather then risk sons and daughters of the Dragon. Not that he cares, other then it makes his PR look good with whoever is higher up the chain then he is.

[JonBerry]

01 December 09
UN Building, New York, Earth
Sol II, Granville Cluster

"And there you have it people. Like the League of Nations at the beginning of the last century, the United Nations of the 20th Century has folded. In an epic address by President Jack Ryan, in addition to the Chinese and Russian Presidents, they, along with over 100 nations, withdrew from the venerable institution today, citing that it was no longer capable of representing the needs of the world given our new position in the galaxy at large.

"In it's place, the long talked about Coalition of Sovereign Nations, or CSN was officially inaugurated today mere minutes after the dissolution of the last General Assembly of the UN. It will take many of the responsibilities of the now defunct UN, but it’s major stated goal is the representation of Earth on the galactic political stage.

“The Global Defense Initiative, or GDI, long a formal transnational unified military force for off-world actions was also formally placed under the political command of the CSN today. This resolves major issues surrounding the legality of hiring Mercenaries by nations such as the United States that had laws against such actions.

“Vocal critics of the CSN point out that it has little to no power over the internal affairs of the member nations. They feel that this focus on the Inner Sphere and other regions will turn a blind eye towards internal issues such as humanitarian aid in Africa.

“This is Daryn Kagan, reporting live from outside the former United Nations Building. Back to you, Leon!”

“Thank you Daryn. Now, one of the first issues facing the CSN is the selection of it’s first head to replace the former Secretary General of the UN...”

17 December 3021
Draconis Combine Embassy
Port Krin, Antallos

Shanti Taro Kurita was a middle-aged woman who had long served the Pescht District in their internal negotiations with other provinces. This post was an excellent boost to her career, long that she feared had dead ended. Even though the CSN was a small periphery state, it was still an improvement in her fortunes.

At the moment though, her and the CSN ambassador had agreed to a small break in the days negotiations. She reclined in a private room with her military advisor, Sho-sa Alicia Kurita whom she had replaced as the lead diplomat. Something for which the younger Kurita held no grudge, being far more comfortable in a Battlemech than at a table.

“This Charles Smith is indeed an expert wordsmith.” Alicia said as she took a sip of water. “I think he is more appreciative of your presence over mine.”

“Now then, cousin, he is a good diplomat. I’m sure he recognized that you were temporary and sought to maintain a level of decorum more suited to you than to I.” The elder woman tried poured some sugar into a cup of tea that was gifted to her by Ambassador Smith upon her arrival at her post. He called it “Earl Grey” and she found it to her taste after sweetening.

“I know, Ambassador. But it felt wrong for me to be in that position, and I cannot help but wonder if I insulted him with my fumbled attempts at your duties.”

“Sho-sa, he is a professional, not like the Davion dogs. He would not take offence to you no more than I would to any military officer put into your position.”

“Very well, but I still felt inadequate to my duties, and that bothers me.” Alicia finished her water, and waited while Shanti did the same.

“Do not worry over that, cousin. Rather, see it as you being given the opportunity to expand your bounds in the service of the Dragon.”

Alicia stood, and Shanti did the same. “That may be true, Ambassador, and I will reflect upon your words. But now, I believe it is time to return to the meeting room. Perhaps we will be there before the CSN ambassador this time.”

Shanti smiled, and nodded as she rose. “Let us be off then.” They quickly left the room, and walked down the hall towards the meeting room. The faint smell of fresh paint still lingered in the air, though both ignored it.

Entering the designated room, they found Charles Smith seated there, reviewing the contents of a folder marked with the symbol of the CSN, political masters of the GDI. He stood as they entered the room, and bowed as was his custom. It wasn’t a proper Combine greeting, but the sentiment was there so the two women returned the gesture. Taking to their seats, Shanti consulted some of her own papers, noting that the guards from both the GDI and the Combine seemed relaxed. That was a good thing.

Ambassador Kurita raised her head from her papers to speak, only to find the stare of Smith coming at her. The mental pressure put on her by this gaze made her sympathize with the Sho-sa, and she did her best to dismiss it as the trick that it was. “Ambassador Smith, we seem to only have a couple points left to address this day before we retire. The first of which is the return of Kuritan citizens still held as prisoners on your world.”

“Ah, yes. As I know you are aware, Ambassador Kurita, we would certainly repatriate your citizens, but there are two major issues that stay our hand in that matter. First is that the Kuritans currently on Earth are there because they took part in acts of Piracy against our world, as well as participating in the attempted invasion launched by the late administrator of Port Krin. They cannot simply be set free without due legal process.”

Shanti recognized a prepared response when she saw one, and the Motherloder delivered a perfect one. Fortune smiled on her, as she too had a response already prepared. “Charles,” she said, knowing the use of first names around the diplomacy table was yet another part of the Game, “we certainly understand that. However, it is our concern that our citizens may be falsely dealt with under your laws, and as the Dragon himself is interested in the safety of his people, we must ask that you either hold such trials here at Port Krin where the Combine can observe, or that you allow proper legal representation from the Draconis Combine to travel to Motherlode to represent and aid our citizens.”

The ultimatum on the table, Charles leaned forward, closing the folder in front of him. “I must also raise the second issue, my dear Shanti Taro.” He tapped the symbol on the folder. “The location of my homeworld is a secret, and those persons currently detained on Earth are there because they may have information that could be leaked to more pirates and other parties of ill repute who may think to raid our world which they think defenseless while the GDI is here. I am certain you can understand our desire to keep that secrecy from even our allies and friends until such time as we can be sure of the defense of our home.”

Shanti kept her face calm as she picked at the logic. He wasn’t saying certain things, and she recognized that silence was as valuable as what was said. “Perhaps then, we can send representatives to your world on your jumpships? That would help with your security, and help establish a trust between our peoples.”

Charles too kept a good poker face as Shanti took the unspoken offer. It was a calculated risk, but his superiors back on Earth had spent many long and loud hours talking about this exact scenario. But they had reached a conclusion, and one that had been passed along to him. At the moment though, he wanted to seem like he was the one making the decision, rather than simply passing along made months ago.

“Very well. It seems like we have little choice in the matter. I can allow a small team of legal and diplomatic representatives to take a GDI Jumpship back to Earth for this purpose.”

“Excellent! I suppose then I shall have my staff confer with yours about the details.” The decision made, subordinates on both sides would deal with the details, and only if there was some major issue would it come again to the attention of the people in this room as more than a report to read. “Now, for the last point.”

“Ah yes, you have been quite secretive about this point, and I confess some curiosity at it. Natural, I suppose.”

“Indeed. When this message came down to me from Coordinator Kurita himself, I too was taken aback. You see...”

GDI Compound
Office of General Davis
Port Krin, Antallos
Same Day

General Davis looked deep into Ambassador Smith’s eyes and saw no duplicity in them. “They what?” he asked again, not really sure of the windfall he had just been given.

“The Draconis Combine, as near as I can tell, are countering the Davion’s move towards our mercenary companies by offering us a mothballed Mech parts factory. It isn’t one to build weapons, rather it was meant to build the internal structure and chassis of some of their lighter Mechs, such as the Jenner.”

Davis settled back into his chair, letting the abused piece of furniture take his weight. “That is quite... What did you say?”

“That I had to consult with you first. Although I was tempted to simply say ‘Yes’ right there, I didn’t want to seem to be to eager to take the offer. There are strings attached though.”

“There always are. What are they?”

“First, it will be a lease. Not a sale. We won’t own the factory itself, but will be responsible for it. Secondly, we’ll be producing parts for the Combine, as well as for ourselves. Thirdly, they would require the deployment of a Mech detachment to guard their investment, both against us should we try to backstab them, but nominally to guard against the Federated Suns.”

“How many Mechs are we looking at here?”

“About 32 to 36, General. Under the direct command of Tai-sa Ulysses Kurita.”

“The man who commanded the DC forces that arrived soon after we did. I think we can trust him as he didn’t take advantage of us after we finished off the pirates and other marauders. He won’t do anything stupid.”

“So, you agree to their proposal then?”

“Yes. And send a priority message to Earth, telling them to bring over the proper people.”

Sian, Capellan Confederation
GDI Dropship Faith and Trust (Seeker Class)
31 December 09

David Jackson stretched his neck as he sat in his office on the Dropship. He was the civilian representative of John Deere attached to this mission. While most of the crew were spooks and military men, his was the actual job of signing contracts for deliveries, as well as resources for the future plant on Helm. He was a Company man, single and no living relatives, which made him suitable for this mission, in addition to his business sense and acumen.

Today, he had signed a delivery contract with one of the semi-socialist state controlled companies for the delivery of 500 units of farming equipment. Tractors, combines, sprayers, the works. Down on the floor of the dropship, other employees, as well as GDI personell used for gruntwork, and on-the-job training were already processing the order, preparing dissambled units for transport.

He reflected on his 'employees'. They were either like him, employees of the company, single and expendable (he really didn't like that word, but after weeks away from home, he came to terms with it), or members of the GDI who were learning their covers. Some of them were even fairly good at their second jobs, and his best salesman was one of the head spooks. Probably had something to do with being in a job where a glib tongue was required.

David shuffled some papers, and came up with a list of current resources to his expedition, as well as current finances. There were well into the black on this trip, the simplicity of what they were selling, as well as their non-military nature made for good sales wherever they went.

Privately, he reckoned that sales like this would make John Deere one of the largest companies in the history of mankind if it kept up. But then he returned to the immediate realities, and noted that while they had a machine shop to make more tractors, they were running low on certain basic materials, like galvanized rubber and the trademarked green paint. He wrote a note on his terminal, and sent it off to the right people about the lack, trusting them to get what he needed to keep the mission's cover intact.

He shut off his terminal, and stood up. But for now, work was at an end, and it was time to get ready for the New Year's celebration coming right up.

HQ of the Wolf's Dragoons
Unknown Location, Lyran Alliance

Colonel Jamie Wolf paced back and forth, the contents of the Wolfnet brief important enough for his own personal input. The agent on Antallos had sent in several reports by way of secure channels, and he and the head of Wolfnet conferred over the contents.

"So, there is no relation between these GDI and the Falcons?" Jamie had been worried from the start that there had been some hidden influence from their Clan's enemies on this upstart Periphery state. The vague similarity between the symbols of the Falcons and the Global Defense Initiative had raised many questions, and it seemed like there was an answer at hand at last.

"None, Colonel. Our agent in place indicates that while the GDI has access to advanced technology, none of it matches Falcon technology."

"And the Timber Wolf?"

"The GDI calls it a Mad Cat, sir. To them, it was the logical addition of arms from what we think may be a Marauder to the sides of a Catapult that included additional Auto Cannons, reducing the laser weapons on the base 'Mech to two Medium Lasers to make room for the additional armor and ammo. It weighs in at about 75 tonnes."

"Mad Cat, huh. A Franken-Mech then. It's good to know that it's simply a coincidence." The trust in his agent went unstated. "Their weapons technology?"

"He confirms that they use Ballistic and Artillery technology almost exclusively, hoarding their energy weapons carefully."

"Ammunition problems in long fights."

"That would be the case, as their defense of Port Krin showed."

"Mercenaries?"

"Headed up by the Buron Cavalry. A decent group that got a bad deal from the Davions, and it seems like the GDI favor them as examples of how good they can be."

The Wolfnet head handed Wolf another sheet of paper. "He's also asking for a couple more agents to support him. The GDI are rapidly expanding on Antallos, and he feels that he needs some backup to keep pace."

"Send them."

"Aff, Colonel. Is there anything else?"

"What would you think if we cut our contract with Steiner short, and moved to the Combine?"

"Why Colonel? We still have three years left in our contract with them. And it would take several moths to prepare to move at least, not to mention properly recalling our forces." He paused. "Minobu Tetsuhara."

"That's not your concern, but he did not deserve his punishment. Dismissed."

"Aff, Colonel."

GDI Compound
Port Krin, Antallos
19 November 3021

Originally Posted by ”brox@gdi.antallos.mil

Minutes of Mercenary/Foreign Legion Meeting
Attendence
(HB) Burgess, Captain Hale (Foreign Legion)
(AA) Al Azim, Major Aladdin (Foreign Legion)
(AS) Staedele, Major Andreas (Buron Cavalry, Mercenary)
(NF) Fischer, Natalie (Fischer's Freelances, Mercenary)
(Br) Mechwarrior Brox (Fischer's Freelances, Mercenary)

Minutes recorded by Mechwarrior Brox.

1402: Meeting called to Order by HB. Attendence taken. All parties present.
1410: Old Business
-Replacement Armor and Repairs to Mechs
-AS notes that Buron Cav is almost back to 90%, requiring ammo.
-NF reports Jolly Rogers at 100%
-HB reports GDI Foreign Legion at 55%, noting that GDI native forces have priority over Foreign Legion.
-HB reports that GDI Foreign Legion recruitment at over 500, most rejected on medical reasons. GDI has very high standards. Persons with personal 'Mechs that don't make requirements are referred to Mercenary Forces with other standards.
1459: New Business
-AS reports Davion attempt to recompense for lost materials
-Discussion ensues over this action. Conclusion reached that Davion is attempting to use this to gain inroads against the GDI by suborning Mercenary forces.
-AS and NF affirm longterm contracts with GDI as better offers.
-AA raises issue of Muslim/Islamic groups desiring passage to Motherlode due to religious reasons (Hajj). All agree to support that cause.
-Br reports that lessons for American Sign Language have started, with moderate attendence.
-HB reports that Variable Auto Cannons are due to arrive within a month in sufficient numbers to refit the Foreign Legion Command Lance, as well as native GDI forces.
-AS wonders when Buron Cavalry can purchase V-A/C technology.
-NF wonders when Fischer's Freelances can purchase V-A/C technology.
-HB reports that Medium Range Missile Technology is ready for limited field deployment
1423: Meeting Adjourned

Originally Posted by ”haleburgess@gdi.antallos.mil”

Brox, the GDI doesn’t have a Time Machine. The meeting adjournment occurred at 1623, not 2423.

Originally Posted by ”brox@gdi.antallos.mil”

Nor did it end at 2423 hours. ;p

[EdBecerra]

Originally Posted by Barricade

Frankly that's about as realistic as I think we can get it, unless the Dragoons skip joining Kurita at all, and we give them a bid offer that can beat anything else, anyone else can offer. However I honestly don't think we can at the moment. The rest of the Houses have too large & deep of coffers available to buy the Wolves then we do right now. Especially as we're just an emerging power out on the 'fringe' of civilization. And at the moment, that's a major risk for us, especially if someone gets greedy.

That depends on how well received our new weapons are. If the VAC takes off, it's success combined with the success of our far more intelligent ballistic weapons will have ComStar, the Clans, and quite a few other people wondering, and wanting to know more about us.

Oh, the IS can copy them, eventually. But I suspect that given the speed with which we're decreasing the die size of semi-conductor tech (remember, 11 nanometer chips are predicted for consumer electronics by 2012 - they'll arrive MUCH sooner with the impetus of war in the CE-verse), the IS simply won't be able to copy our smart weapons for a long time to come. And a great many people will simply say "F*ck this, if we can't make them, let's buy them. Find out what these CSN people want, and trade them for it. It can't possibly cost that much now, can it?"

Galahad mine fields are going to really piss off people in the Inner Sphere...

Ed.

[evilauthor]

Originally Posted by JonBerry

01 December 09
UN Building, New York, Earth
Sol II, Granville Cluster

09? As in 2009? Wasn't the CSN name being bandied about by late 07?

[JonBerry]

*facefault* Sorry, slip of the finger in writing.

[EdBecerra]

Originally Posted by JonBerry

*facefault* Sorry, slip of the finger in writing.

Okay, two time travel based errors in one posting.

Originally Posted by JonBerry

1459: New Business

*snip*

1423: Meeting Adjourned

Yeah. It's certain. JonBerry's simply a screen name for Dr. Emmet Brown.

Are we gonna see some serious $hit when your writing reaches 88 mph?

Ed.

[Tweeky]

Originally Posted by EdBecerra

Oh, the IS can copy them, eventually. But I suspect that given the speed with which we're decreasing the die size of semi-conductor tech (remember, 11 nanometer chips are predicted for consumer electronics by 2012 - they'll arrive MUCH sooner with the impetus of war in the CE-verse), the IS simply won't be able to copy our smart weapons for a long time to come. And a great many people will simply say "F*ck this, if we can't make them, let's buy them. Find out what these CSN people want, and trade them for it. It can't possibly cost that much now, can it?"

Ed.

It sounds like the IS will find themselves in a similar position the Soviet Union did, Ed, with regards to the US and Western europe in the late 70s and the 80s in regards to smart/high-tech weapon systems and bankrupt themselves trying to keep up.

[krellan]

Originally Posted by evilauthor

Really? Anyone know the canon BT reason?

But still, this early on, the original reason would probably still stand. I don't think GDI would change that. Provide an additional impetus maybe, but not change it.

I don't think the canon reason is stated anywhere.

But for speculation, the Steiner contract was right after they got their last Clan order - break all contact with the Clans and prepare the IS for a Clan invasion.
The contract also had the first encounters with the DC, who exhibited interesting behavior, like not killing a shut down mech and a tendency oward duels. Might have reminded them of Clan traditions and behavior.

By late 3022 the Dragoons probably had a good enough understanding of the LCAF and wanted to experience the DC to see how close to clan they really are. If the time with DC had meshed with their own legacy Clan/Warden ethics, they might have decided upgrading the DC is the best chance the IS has. The temptation would certainly have existed, see Ryoken, if Samsonov hadn't smashed any resemblances into pieces.

[aeroprime]

Hey Ed, what are Gallahad minefields?

[Typhonis 1]

Interesting will be the spooks reaction to some of the news from Motherload....IE the 10,000 warheads a year thing should spark their intrest. Also How effective would a hydra 70 be with Btech explosives and propellant with modern laser guidance technology? since this would be something we can do.

[Death By Chains]

Originally Posted by Jimmy C

To those still wondering if North Korea was still around by the time of the pirate raid, here's a few lines from Debt of Honor:



A few paragraphs after this, they mention "the now-dead madmen to their north" with regards to Korea.

Is that satisfactory proof that NK is no longer an issue on Clancyverse Earth?

Thanks for that, Jimmy C - I've been going on memory since my copy of DoH got misplaced about five years ago, and clearly my recall's gotten a little 'questionable'.

[Barricade]

Originally Posted by Jimmy C

To those still wondering if North Korea was still around by the time of the pirate raid, here's a few lines from Debt of Honor:



A few paragraphs after this, they mention "the now-dead madmen to their north" with regards to Korea.

Is that satisfactory proof that NK is no longer an issue on Clancyverse Earth?

I believe you, but got a page numbers for that?

*goes back to edit a few spots before posting in the story thread*

[consequences]

Originally Posted by EdBecerra

Frightening thought. What happens if/when the Clans learn about Dansel, along with enough evidence to assure the Clans that it's the truth? I can really see the Clans trying to either take him as a bondsman, or trying to bargain for his genetic material...

Clan Spokesman: "We'll swap you first generation Omni-mech tech in return for one sample for each Clan. How's that sound?"

GDI Ambassador: "Actually, that sounds like quite a bargain..."

Dansel: "Sir! You can't be taking them seriously! Sir? SIR?!"

Ed.

I'm not intending to be anywhere near that nice to Dansel when the time comes.

But the reaction of the Diamond Shark SaKhan is going to be interesting if I have my way. As in 'Tony Dansel, Hero of GDI?! You mean he's real?!'

And yes, the contraction is deliberate.

As far as Dansel's skill goes, it's important to remember that he cheats, and cheats hard. When people say 'he took down ten mechs his first time in the cockpit!' they tend to leave out the 'while recon drones kept him apprised of the exact positions of the enemy, allowing him to successfully ambush them on three separate occasions in small groups, each time incapacitating the largest enemy combatant present before it could inflict significant damage.'

As far as Brox joining the Foreign Legion, yes please. It's not the Unholy Trio without him, Dansel and Jankowscki. Or for for that matter without Hale directing everyone else to take advantage of the swathe of destruction they leave.

Debt of Honor page is 637 in the paperback edition.

[Imperator Pax]

damnit now I want to see a Sergeant Major Gibbs