Chapter 2.02 Training days and invitation
Chapter 2.02 Training days and invitation (Edited 2/22/23)
——————————————————
Location Katinka, Zoid base area
Date: September 5, 08:00
There was tranquility in the middle of the forest. The birds were chirping, the herbivores were grazing, the predators ran far away, and the sound of explosions filled the air. Well, it was tranquil.
If any native of Katinka, or hell, even the Inner Sphere, saw what caused the explosions, they would either freak out or go to war. After all, who wouldn't want a fast, nimble, heavy-class battlemech for their armies?
However, to anyone not from those places, they would realize how odd it was to see a wolf-shaped mecha running through an obstacle course.
There were dozens of wooden circles hanging off several trees in a large clearing, each with crudely carved rings. Unfortunately, we had shot less than half of them through the center. The rest of the targets are either whole or shattered into splinters.
A few more targets left before a high-speed object barely missed one. The circle swung for a second before a giant metal fang pierced it. Wolf then flung the now doughnut wood disk into another so hard they shattered.
It took only a second for the wooden target to descend before a large metal paw slammed into the ground. The Command Wolf's main gun turned to another target five hundred meters away but didn't fire. The reason was because of me.
I was trying to settle my stomach from the last wooden death disk. At least now, I could handle such a maneuver a few times. I still remember my first try thinking the compensator inside the Zoid wouldn't make me sick. I guessed wrong and now had worked on doing it at least twice daily to ensure we could have such a maneuver for the future.
I know Zoids can throw other Zoids around. So why not throw enemy battlemech too? Example A, Berserk Fury swung Lightning Saix around by its tail.
At first, I thought it was anime logic when the tail of the Lightning Saix didn't rip right off. Now? As the Zoids 'muscles' are engineering marvels, I understand why. But, unfortunately, it was also a biologist's worst nightmare.
I still remember reading that data file on Zoid biology on the Whale King. It was definitely more detailed than what I remembered.
The material that makes up Zoid's internals was flexible and robust to the point that it could bear a heavy load. This flexibility allows the lifelines of the Zoids pumps and moves their 'blood' around.
That blood enables the growth of the Zoid and its movement. However, should a zoid die, its materials lose their flexibility. As a result, the metal hardens upon the death of the zoid. Hard enough that the anti-Zoid beam rifle has a problem getting through. However, it explains why dead Zoids are left everywhere in some shows, not recycled. Or where the corpse went there to feed the offspring Zoid cores.
Man, my mind went on a tangent. I shook my head before guiding Wolf to our third clearing for training. The first clearing was Wolf controlling himself as much as possible without hurting me. That gave me a sense of what I could and couldn't do with him.
A Zoid Warrior can push a zoid beyond its limits, but I'm just a novice. Unlike Bit, I don't have unbelievable luck, and I didn't have Zeke like Van. I did have a pretty obedient Zoids, but they still had their wild side.
"Let's get ready, Wolf," I said aloud as we entered the clearing. It was the final clearing we managed to set up. Of course, it could have been better for its purpose, but it should give us a workout.
The clearing ahead was thirty meters wide and an excellent kilometer-long path. It looked like a good trail for mechs or large vehicles to travel through the thick forest, but it was a death trap for the inexperienced traveler.
The training ground I set up in this clearing took over two days' worth of climbing, building, and testing. After all, the fiber ropes I made might not have been strong enough to trigger those infantry laser rifles I salvaged from the Leopard. So many accidents would have happened if Wolf didn't catch me a few times during those setups.
A few reset up due to the rope being too strong or weak for their purpose. I finally got them working yesterday and nearly got shot for forgetting about the last rifle set. I ensured every spot was labeled with something only Zoids could spot.
I shook my head before saying, "Let's do this right, Wolf. It sees how many we can avoid while blasting these targets."
With a light howl from Wolf, I shifted both controls forward. As Wolf's movement matched my direction, I braced as the first batch of lasers fired. We side-stepped left to avoid several shots before jumping to prevent the log traps Wolf helped set up. As the logs rolled past our previous location, I moved Wolf through the next section.
I knew there was a kill box I set up based on my old RTS gaming days. So I could dodge the incoming lasers. Sure, I set them up, but because they fired once someone trips to rope, those rifles may shoot higher or entirely off target. So, once I moved, the light show began.
———————————————————————————————
Location: Katinka, outskirts of Little Rock
Date: September 5, 20:00
It was sunset, and many off-duty soldiers, miners, prospectors, and Mechwarriors gathered at the local cantina. A place where everyone was allowed to entire and mingle. Especially after the pirate raid.
The day had been eventful for the miners and prospectors as they excavated more buried tech and mineral veins caches. The Militia forces had a peaceful day with even more good news. The Aurigan Coalition was sending another patrol group to help the planetary defense force. With potential threats from pirates and recent pressures from the Taurian Concordat, the Coalition decided to send a lance of battlemechs per their agreement.
At least, that is what I picked up as I sat at the bar drinking some poor attempt at liquor. The few C-Bills I salvaged from the Capellan's Leopard paying for it. Since the battle, I had to time my arrival with the new people coming in and out of town. I glanced down at my clothes.
I managed to dress the part of a new person in the area. However, some of the clothes were tight, but it was better than the Helic uniform. I made sure the large, overpacked backpack with some cases tied to it was between my legs as I didn't want anyone tripping and causing trouble with me.
I took another sip as I waited for my appointment to arrive. I watched as the Mechwarriors walked in and knew they were coming soon. I knew who they were after several days of coming here. I managed to talk to some mercenaries that came simultaneously as Capellans and the second pirate wave. I'm just glad they came when they did. The Planetary Governor or the Coalition must have hired the mercenaries.
I waited for the commanders to show up as I heard through the rumor vine that they were planning to celebrate the recovery of most of their troops. I knew the town's Militia forces lost two pilots and APCs. I didn't even realize they had a VTOL unit, but hearing them die without even putting up a fight was sad. So I visited their grave last night to honor these guys for protecting their friends and family.
I took another sip as I listened in on a group of soldiers talking about their 'boring' patrols and the rumor of the Zoids. So many of them underestimated their capability of them, while others overestimated me. I felt embarrassed since they thought the Zoids had excellent pilots and mysterious backgrounds. They were right on one part.
Still, some had outrageous thoughts. One was that the Zoids and I were members of that SLDF coming back as scouts for their return. Luckily those guys and girls were ridiculed by the others as dreamers. After all, I'm not the Wolf Dragoons. So, after a few cups of this horrible liquor, I noticed my mind was wandering.
I must be getting a little drunk. First, I should get some water to clean myself up. I turned to the bartender to make my order.
"Hey Raoul, pass me a water bottle and some of those chips," I ordered as I grabbed a few C-Bills from my left pocket. I knew it looked odd not to have one of those digital chips I see most people using, but I didn't find any digging through their personal belongings. Luckily, the sales from a few laser pistols gave me enough to eat. But, of course, I had to sell a few rifles too.
The bottle of cold water and chip, made from something, was placed before me. I passed the bills to Raoul, who quickly counted them, nodded, and went to deal with another patron. I like that professionalism wished I could find someone like him for what I'm trying to do.
I took a bit of the chip and paused for a moment. It tasted like someone fried an orange into a chip flavor. It was such an odd taste that I nearly missed the two men I had an appointment with.
I saw them both heading toward me, and I got up to greet them. The oldest man I was familiar with, thanks to the small talks I had with him the past few days. It is not hard to forget the Mechwarrior who took on multiple battlemech with an industrial one. Captain Esposito, who told me to call him Brook, called out for a drink before walking up to me. The second man behind him followed along without one. Brook then turned to his companion to say something I couldn't hear.
I raised my hand to greet both of them with a firm handshake. Brook took mine as usual, but when the mercenary Commander shook my hand, I noticed he gave a bit of a grip to it. A test of some sort through physical strength? Well, I best keep mine just strong.
This mercenary looked like a bodybuilder with blond hair and a strong facial structure. He appeared to be in his forties but could be younger. He was dressed in an armored mech pilot suit and armed with a pistol. Unfortunately, I never got to meet this man in person before today. The only thing I knew was he was the Commander of the mercenary unit. He was also the man to go to for advice on becoming a mercenary.
I decided to break the ice, "Hello, sir. My name is Michael Chen. Brook told me you could advise me on becoming a mercenary, Commander Tagger."
The grip on my hand lessened, but I could feel how tense he was. Finally, Tagger let go slowly before responding, "I can help you with some advice on setting up a mercenary ID."
Tagger seemed to take a pensive look before continuing.
"First, Mr. Chen, you need to answer a few questions the Comstar rep will ask you during the registration." His voice was sharp. It felt like he was digging for something, but I didn't know what.
Brook took out a tablet, or a noteputer as they call it here, out of the briefcase he was carrying and handed it to the man.
I wasn't going to hide anything except the Zoids, so I said, "Sure, no problem. Ask away."
So began the questioning that would help determine my future. Some questions were easy to answer, while harder ones were fewer. I just realized there would be many mandatory sections to become a mercenary. Before I knew it was midnight.
The other patrons were leaving by the end. I look down at the noteputer and realize I have several pages filled out with just the essential information. If I had a mech, my name, field experience or training, education, etc. Half of those, I realized, wasn't even required but optional. Both men had slightly arced brows when I looked up, which embarrassed me.
After it was all said and done, I shook both men's hands. The atmosphere as I answered those questions had become less tense. I noticed Brook pull out a sheet of paper from the briefcase.
" I know you wish to register with the MRB to become officially known as a mercenary. I have a job for you and any new warriors signing up." He handed me the paper, and I quickly read over it. The was a roughly written contract from the Militia for a new Mechwarrior to help stress test the planet's military strength. They are also willing to repair any damages to the warrior's mech. Then I saw the second part, which also had information for hiring mercenaries to protect a newly built factory near Little Rock.
That was news to me. I hadn't picked up any chatter about a manufactory being created. So I checked where it would be, and wow. Little Rock wanted to construct a factory within Hound's ECM field. I wonder if Brook offered both contracts to test for new mercenaries while ensuring they are good enough to defend a new factory.
I wondered if they were onto me. After all, I've been trying to protect the Zoids and myself until I was ready for Battletech's more expansive, chaotic universe. So I unofficially took over the area where the Zoids had been patrolling. It did help end any illegal hunting or mining in that zone.
A stray thought hit me. It may be because I look like a Capellan servitor who managed to escape. After all, there were insults about them, and most people couldn't trust them. Heck, I realized most people here were sneaking a few glances on my first couple of days. Well, that and a few glares when someone didn't think I saw them. However, that did end when more Capellan-like people started showing up as part of a recent mercenary company.
Luckily I responded to Brook with an "Of course!" And grinning like a madman. This contract will train me in what I need and help me prepare the paperwork for my future career. "But can you promise me you won't laugh at my mech?"
Both men stopped and looked at me before replying with a straight face, "Sure./Okay," Before walking off. I knew they saw the mech I wrote down that I would be using.
I sighed before grabbing my stuff and heading out of the tavern. I steady myself outside in the cool weather before slowly walking toward the forest. I kept my eyes searching for anyone following me. It will take me a bit to rendezvous with Wolf.
I was tired from my paranoia when I got to the location. I gave a loud whistle of a specific tune and waited. I chuckled a bit since the signal I used was something the Halo fan in me liked. The response of the ground slightly shaking had me rechecking my supplies.
The backpack had several MREs, seeds, vegetables, and dry meat. I had been gathering all the supplies I could get on hand. I finally got something I needed to become a battlemech pilot.
Wolf stepped out from the tall trees before me with its head scanning the area. I trust his sensor better than my current tipsy senses. I waited with my hand on the pistol, ready to fire, as the zoid finished his third scan.
I sighed in relief as Wolf lowered his head to let me store the supplies. I could hear the turret scanning the woods behind me just in case someone or something entered his sensor range. I secured the backpack with some bought rope before hopping into the pilot seat. The cockpit sealed as I buckled up and grabbed the controls.
The primary monitor flashed on as Wolf raised his head back up. As the pilot controls came online, I waited and slowly guided my partner back to base. I had to get more training before registering in a few days.
——————————————
Location Katinka, Zoid base area
Date: September 6, 01:00
It was a quick trip back to base, as Wolf was at the entry before I knew it. I keyed in the password that I set up to open the gates. It took a few seconds before the entrance opened enough to let Wolf inside.
After walking through the pathway for a few minutes, I moved Wolf to his spot in the Hangar and opened the cockpit as he lowered his head. Next, I removed the ropes on the backpack and hauled it out onto the floor below. After setting it to the ground, I opened the first case and removed a beautiful, if not heavy, helmet.
I found a decent Neurohelmet while selling some weapons I retrieved from the DropShip. I was lucky to find this one as people around here began to buy them now as the Militia was recruiting new Mechwarriors to defend the planet. I needed it to pilot the battlemech for my plans. Luckily, the people of Little Rock had a device to test for compatibility, which I passed.
I turned to look at the activity in the Hangar. Since I joined in salvaging as many materials as possible from the downed Leopard, the Hangar became a hive of activity.
The loud noises of the Zoid/mech bay mechanical arms working on the Swordsman and the mech I would be piloting for the training. I wanted to drive the Federated Sun battlemech. However, it needs more repairs and refits for the decay of the myomers and minor erosion in its LRM and lasers.
Also, getting ammunition in that fit for the AC/5 was surprisingly okay, and the system said it was operational. But unfortunately, there was no viable ammo here, so we had to handcraft it from what was already on board.
The biggest issue of piloting this battlemech is a gift from the Militia. So they would know that I was a part of the Zoids group.
With Hound still going through refits and Wolf down to his 20 mm Vulcans and 50 mm twin-beam canons, The Hangar's controls could replace the ammo for the Vulcan with 20 mm machine gun ammo. Still, it took a lot of work to reload. So the Hangar modified the Vulcans' ammo storage to use the BT ammo bins.
I didn't want to risk them to open combat unless I wanted to kill everyone and destroy everything to keep them hidden. I didn't like the freaking IS invading this planet to take or destroy the Zoids. I didn't want ComStar poking around, but I needed them to get anywhere in the Mercenary career. So battlemech it is for now.
I want to make enough money to buy and repair a Dropship. However, I would use Command Wolf if it were more dangerous than using a battlemech I have yet to experience piloting. After all, my secret is worth nothing if my friends and I die.
I turn to the mech I will pilot for registration and my first contract. It looked like the weak and underestimated Urbanmech. However, if someone got inside it, they would be surprised by what was changed. I did nothing to it myself, but the Zoids happened to do it for me. I wonder why Hound set up the bay to create the UM-R60 model, but after looking through what they did, I was happy as an Urbanmech fan.
Instead of the six tons of Durallex armor, it was armored with four tons of Zi armor. This was about three times stronger than Durallex, so I was actually over-armored. Zi metal reinforced the internal structure of the Urbanmech. It was one-fifth lighter, so it was underweight by a few tons until I noticed the additions. This weight saving allows the Hanger's computer system to replace the Leenex 60 engine with the Wasp's GM 120 engine. This change should increase the speed of the Urbanmech beyond 32 km/h, but we still need to figure out how much.
The difference in the engine types also allows a Diverse Optics type 2 Medium Laser, taken from the Capellan DropShip storage, to be placed above the Harmon Light Small Laser. The Imperator-B Autocannon/10 now had two tons of ammo thanks to the weight saving from the new armor and structure. I still need to learn how the Hangar created the Zi metal, but it did take a while before it built the Urbanmech. I wanted to call this the UM-60Z prototype. But looking at the hidden weapon and its source, I decided to call this UM-R61ZL.
I shook my head, hauled the supplies off to the kitchen area, and prepared myself for a midnight dinner and rest. I have to start training to pilot both Zoid and battlemech tomorrow