Chapter 3.01 Let’s get down to Business

AN: I will be referring people by their callsign during contracts but name during free time. I do it in games, so I'm sorry if it seems confusing. For example, Farida hasn't taken the callsign Apex yet. Also, about Dragon 66 being a mech pilot in-game. Based on his background, he is a vehicle operator.

Chapter 3.01: Let's Get Down to Business (re-edit: 11/19/23)

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Location Katinka, New Dutch, Militia HQ proper

Date: September 17, 3021, 07:00

"My Contract with the capital is over," I radioed Sergeant Jon about my status. "Let's meet up with my hired force at this location." I sent the coordinates I had set for the mercs I hired.

"Roger that," I heard from the coms. "The Kid and I will meet up with you there. Hope these mercenaries you got are up to my standards."

I sighed but just replied with "affirmative." After completing my contract, I thought about my day and began foot travel to the meeting place.

Four torturous days of patrols and one day of fun training for my contract expired. Being in the 'B-Team' group was a little fun, and I hope they do well when they get their battlemechs in the future. Especially that Scottish accent, Pontoon. She's the only one who took my advice seriously from beginning to end about how my Urbanmech is different than expected and how to deal with something like that. I still remember her request.

Pontoon had asked, "If I get an Urbanmech. Could you customize one for me that looks similar to the one you're currently using?"

I chuckled and remembered my response of, "Sure. If I still have the parts to do it. I'll even make it my priority."

My thoughts turned to the other two tank Commanders, and I struggled to make an excellent after-action report. Guano and Stubble were initially stubborn, but at least they started working together once I proved my point. Based on how they commanded their tanks, I can see why they would have that battlemech in the future.

I almost wanted to buy the Vedette from Pontoon. Still, I remembered it belonged to the militia, so I just made plans to purchase one later. It was an excellent medium tank with enough speed and accuracy to do more than target practice. Sure, it had a similar weapon as the Quickscell Scorpion, but it was better with superior quality control.

I still couldn't believe Guano was the Bulldog'sCommander until I saw it in action during training. He tried to drive the heavy tank like a Commando would act in a lance, even though the tank was 30 km/h slower and more heavily armored. Still, a fool-hearty man who should get something better than that Lryan scout mech.

Stubbles... Well, I understand why he was so paranoid during the B-Team mission. I would be, too, if I were in a poorly built Scorpion. But, god damn, things broke down every day except the last during training. I hoped the one in the Hangar would stay intact after I got better equipment. I could loan or sell it to the tank crew joining me on the garrison contract.

All well, that ends well. I got my reasonable pay of $50,000 C-bill but no wrecks to take since we didn't run into bandits. But, of course, I knew better and had all the salvage back at base.

Wolf and Hound had wiped out the bandit force between Little Rock and New Dutch. I had to order them away and back to Hangar until I returned. I'm glad I didn't get into a fight, but I could have negotiated better pay for my babysitting. At least the reports from the zoids show I had some technicals now, and they could be decent weapons for infantry to use.

Afterward, I realized I needed those fights the zoids took from us. Unfortunately, I didn't have any way to gain actual combat or leadership experience for future battles when I started the mercenary company. I needed to experience BT levels of fighting and not just watch them. I had to see where my nerves would go now than later.

Reflecting on the last few days, I met up with the Little Rock contingent and began my trip to the gathering point of my hired force. I spotted a small cluster of people ahead of my destination. I saw Farida Lamb conversing with another Mechwarrior who had signed up for the garrison contract.

I recruited Michael "Rook" Dark and his family as part of a 'package' deal. So my group got two kids acting as ASTech to their MechTech mother. Cecilia Bowens Dark and her children Hugh and Julie are our mech's leading techs. She and the kids are working on the Firestarter by attaching more armor. Unfortunately, they couldn't afford anything else, and I didn't have my spare parts here for them to make repairs.

Michael's semi-damaged mech is a Firestarter, FS9-H model. Its armament was now down to two Deprus RF Machine Guns on the torso and two Magna Mk II Medium Lasers on both arms. The flamers were gone due to damage, so they removed them to add more armor. I wanted to help him fully repair his mech here but had to stop myself. I couldn't do that as the hiring contractor for the contract had specific requirements.

One was the lone mechwarrior's pay would need more to replace the missing weapons. Second, the mercenary I hire must have operative vehicles or weapons for infantry. If they don't, then I must supply it to them.

So having a fully operating mech would be nice, but this is all Dark had. He would just have to take part of his pay for this contract to finish rebuilding the Firestarter, and I would help lower the cost to have a loyal comrade. I made sure to note down some small lasers he could use to replace his flamers once we got to Little Rock.

I greeted them both as I walked up with Corporal Talos and Sergeant Jon coming up behind me. I had been talking with them enough over the past five days to finally get used to calling them by their first name. Still with their rank because, for some reason, BT people respect the positions. However, I couldn't stop calling Corporal Talos 'Kid' in my head. He was about a decade, at least younger than me.

As we reviewed the contract, Farida introduced me to her battlemech, Melody. An SHD-2H Shadow Hawk. From its looks, she had replaced its head-mounted Holly SRM-2 and its ammo for that extra medium laser on the arm. I am still determining if it is the same brand, as it seems slightly off from the Martell medium laser. The Holly LRM-5 appeared well-kept and loaded with missiles. I'm surprised there wasn't any damage on it since I heard it took part in the battle to stop the pirate's Thunderbolt. It seems bulkier compared to another Shadow Hawk down the lane.

"Rook. Apex," I said while greeting the two mechwarriors I hired by their call signs. "Welcome to the party. This is Corporal Talos Esposito and Sergeant Jon Jack of the Little Rock Militia forces."

The two militiamen began talking with the mechwarriors while I politely excused myself to interact with my remaining mercenaries. I could still hear their conversation as I walked away. It was positive, so I took that as a good sign. I waved at the nonbattlemech users.

The tanker crew I hired waved back. Zin 'Dragon 66' Ala was leading them. He and his team once operated a Partisan heavy tank, but they had lost it on their previous job. They became virtually useless as their previous mercenary company didn't get them a new tank nor wanted them as infantry. So they came to Katinka to be prospectors until they could save enough for a new one. They just happen to go to the MRB due to the Governor's call for more troops.

They went for the long shot of a job or a company with spare tanks. Lucky for them, I had both. Just not a six-man crew tank.

"How is it going, Dragon. Is this your crew," I ask. I didn't bother adding the ridiculous number at the end of his callsign.

Using a callsign with numbers at the ending could have been better. However, I noticed the twitch in his eyebrow.

"It has been great, Blitz," Zin replied. "However, I have to ask. Why did you ask my crew to review so many vehicle guides?"

"Well," I replied as I noticed some of the crew behind him fidgeting with the few books I had given them. "It the surprise for you and your troops."

The man sighed but then smiled. He began introducing each of his men and women. From his second in command, Mannining, to his gunners and maintenance people. I nodded and tried to commit these few people's names to memory. They were the rare people I could trust with my instincts. However, it was more people than I thought were joining me.

These people are all the mercenaries I approved of out of dozens called. The reason they are my main choices is due to the fact they understood the job I asked of them.

Most of the other vehicle operators and infantry groups wanted off-planet contracts. Others thought they would be doing an easy job and wouldn't have to worry about fighting. I could tell just from how most acted. I was not even looking at the MRB rating of the people. I instead based my hiring on their interviews.

I did this over the past five days after every patrol. I was no slouch at interviews. I hired enough people for my family business and later my work for the government to see who was lazy or thinking of easy cash for those who wanted to work.

I did feel a little bad since I refused a couple of Mechwarriors with mechs, but their attitude was less than desired. If they messed up during an attack, it would spell disaster for the defenders.

A dispossessed Mechwarrior was willing to work as a MechTech but accepted another job after the interview. I told her she could join us after she finished her current contract. After all, you can always have a few more techs. I hope to have a mech ready for them when they join us.

I waited for Jon and the Kid to end their conversations and return with the rest of the Little Rock group behind me.

"All right, everyone," I said as everyone stopped talking and turned to my group. "These two are our main Contractor liaisons, Corporal Talos Esposito and Sergeant Jon Jack." I re-introduced the two since Zin and his crew had yet to have time to talk with them.

"Let's all get to know each other before beginning the job. We have an hour before we head out."

The rest of the Little Rock contingent walked behind the two and began a light conversation with my mercenaries.

I stepped in after the hour ended to start the meeting in the open. This is the Militia main hanger, so there should be no enemy to overhear about the formation for the trip.

"I'm glad everyone is here," I said, keeping my tone as formal as possible. "I shall review our current formation for the trip to Little Rock. But first, I must check the speed at which our convoy can travel. So, Sergeant, what's the speed of our convoy vehicles for this trip back?"

The Sergeant answered on the spot, "We have five Brunel Dump Trucks, 50km/h, One Sherpa, 60 km/h. Two flatbed trucks, 86km/h, and two BRVs, 97km/h. All full with cargo except the dump trucks."

I paused for a second since I didn't know a couple of those vehicles but turned to my fellow mercenary. "Dragon 66, I have a heavy-wheeled APC for your crew to drive with us to the location," I added his number this time since I had noticed the twitching in his brow when I didn't earlier.

I pulled out the keys from my utility belt and kept them in hand, "but first, I must ensure the rest of our team is ready. Rook how the repairs on your mech?"

The Mechwarrior in question-answer immediately said, "My mech is good to go. It's a bit under-armed but has the armor to stay in the fight if one breaks out." He looked up and informally yelled, "Honey, is everything ready to go?"

A yell answered his question, "It's done."

"Good," I turned to Farida, and she responded. "Melodyis ready. I'm ready to go, Commander."

I paused for a second before nodding. "Great. Men, we move out in ten. Our speed will be at forty-five kilometers per hour. We are now on the clock."

I handed Dragon 66 the APC keys before saying, "The tanks I'm lending to you and your crew will be picked up near our destination. I hope your crew is ready."

"Yes, sir!" He and his crew saluted and rushed into the Heavy APC. I watched Cecilia and her two kids climb from the Firestarter and enter the Vargr APC that the Corporal drove here. Rook climbed up into his mech and began the start-up sequence.

I walked quickly but calmly to my proto-Urbanlord as Farida moved her mech outside and the gathering convoy. I watched Dragon 66 and Rook join her as my mech began its start-up.

Dragon 66 took the flank with two of the Vargr APC. Rook took the left side, while Farida took the right.

When my mech stepped out of the mech bay, I could feel the silence from the mercenaries I hired. I knew the convoy group would giggle like schoolgirls at what would happen when we moved, so I decided not to ruin their fun. I moved to the front of the convoy at the max sprinting speed of the normal Urbanmech, but just a slow pace for me. I'm glad I got used to the movements of the Urbanmech now. I didn't need to be so slow while getting my mech in position.

"Sergeant Jon, all vehicles ready to move?" I inquired about making sure no one had an issue before we moved. My sensor detected the vehicles' ICE start-up, and all seemed good here.

"All convoy units reporting good condition," the Sergeant replied.

"All units, we are moving now," I said as I brought my mech steady to 45km/h on the road that led to Little Rock. My mech had already tapped into the private coms of mercenaries I hired, which is odd since I didn't do anything to do so. Is there an off switch for it?

I'll worry about that later, as I heard the speculation about my mech from the conversation between Rook and his wife. They wondered what I could have switched out to let my mech slightly faster than expected while still equipped with the weapons I had.

I heard the potential of the fabled Endo steel being part of my mech, but they threw the idea out as my mech still looks like a UM-R60, just a medium laser attached and moving fast. Anyways, most battlemech with that internal structure tends to be bulkier. They also thought the Star League era lostech Ferro-Fibrous might be equipped to lighten the load. The line on that topic dropped as Ferro-Fibrous armor also tended to be noticeable.

They even branched out and asked Farida what she thought of my mech. Of course, her answers are guesswork, but it also showed that she knew her mech parts. I chuckled as they continued to guess what made up my unusual mech. I checked to ensure they were scanning the area or not for any trouble. The slight movement of their torso as they watched the site made me glad I chose correctly.

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During our trip to Little Rock, we noticed fewer patrols around since the zoids had successfully eradicated the bandit groups. To help pass the time and foster a sense of camaraderie, everyone started using the Lance comms to chat. Interestingly, it was the kid who initiated the conversation. Still, it was an excellent way to break the ice and build relationships within the group. Overall, it was a great idea that helped to create a more positive and cooperative atmosphere throughout the journey.

I did notice that some of the APC crews from Little Rock became wary of Dragon 66 and his crew when their Federated Sun background came out. Farida, the Dark family, and Sergeant Jon and his men are the only ones who aren't wary and quickly ease the tension that had appeared with casual conversation.

Once the stories of each person had begun, it became a story swap day, just without the beer. They ranged from battles similar to the pirate fight from the kid to family accidents. Like how Rook's kids set a fire alarm off by fixing it. To random tidbits here and there. I even joined in with a few stories of wrong customers from my life and some tactics I used in the Battletech and Mechwarrior 5 that I consider foolish.

Oh, that last part sparked a debate between Dragon 66 and Rook. I did try to break it up but ended up joining them.

Dragon 66 argued that combat vehicles could do more than a battlemech in many situations, as he repeatedly marked before becoming a mercenary. His crew in the Partisans and a lance of lighter tanks would take down assault Battlemech with coordinated strikes several times. He even cited the cost comparison to defensive battle using vehicles than battlemech or militiamechs.

He sounded a bit bitter, but it might have been because of the previous mercenary company he had left. He had a great rep on Solaris VII for beating battlemech with vehicle teams. Those rare fights were not mech vs. mech but vehicles vs. mechs. Also, his win records on the Tank Derby circuit made his crew first class in their Partisan.

Rook's argument for battlemech is the leading force in attack and defense. Vehicles tend to cost the defense group a lot more as automobiles have to be manned by crews of people. When someone destroys a motorcar in battle, the force it belongs to loses more people and money. While a single battlemech would cost millions, a single mech could destroy more vehicles and targets, totaling more than it cost.

Also, if a battlemech goes down, you only lose one trained person instead of a crew. Rook had much experience, often winning against vehicles from its sounds and seeing what other battlemech could do.

I interrupted them by saying both sides had some excellent points, but relying on just one fighting style is a flawed thought process. They both asked me to explain my reasoning, though their tone was somewhat heated. Finally, I pointed out that combined arms tactics are an accurate fighting method. That had them pausing again, but they asked again why combined arms were the way to go.

I decided to cite both but put them in a situation where a Battlemech couldn't enter the area or would cause too much damage. For pointing out that a mech might cause more damage to the town in the middle of defense should the enemy get too close.

Tanks and combat vehicles could enter those urban areas and take the enemy down. In contrast, tanks are too vulnerable out in the open compared to battlemechs. Battlemechs could dodge and return fire in the open better than a vehicle caught below the attacker's position. It was the same with infantry in a city, in which Sergeant Jon piped in how often they surprised mechs and vehicles as infantry.

However, both interrupted me when I added the flyboys to the tactic. It then became a topic of cost and logistics. They did agree that having all angles covered is excellent but then pointed to the cost of using such a tactic.

The Great Houses and a few large mercenary groups could only use them. I counter with examples of several smaller mercenary companies that can or have used such tactics. They disagreed. Such groups usually had the Great House backing them. This conversation went back and forth, but it helped pass the time as we got closer to Little Rock.

It would have continued into the town outskirts if my sensors hadn't picked up HoundSolider at its edge. I decided to let those two debates on how combining arms tactics with smaller groups could be possible. I switched to my Zoid coms and inquired if he had brought the tanks. The words 'YES' appeared on my screen, and I sent my thanks. Those two are good boys.

I noticed my Lance coms getting loud as the mercenaries went loud from HoundSoldier's electronic interference caused by his advanced radar. Of course, the convoy didn't react since it seemed like they were used to the pseudo-ECM. This was an odd response, but the people of Little Rock were hardy.

I was about to address my fellow mercenaries when the Lance coms started filling with battle direction. Rook moved his Firestarter out of position and into flanking speed. In contrast, my Heavy APC moved beside it.

I hit the coms override, and my outside speaker yelled, "All mechwarriors stand down. Remember I mention this false ECM interference is natural near Little Rock."

Rook and the Heavy APC stopped, but Dragon 66 responded, "Sir, I don't remember an ECM field being natural in these parts when I worked here during my stay."

'Oh shit, gotta think of an excuse,' I opened my coms and responded. "It's a recent development, a few weeks after the pirate raid."

"Nein," Rook said this time, "this is just like what happened at the capital a week ago." His battlemech moved to protect the convoy and the APC holding his family. It was the same with Farida's Melody, but she stopped just a few steps toward the armored vehicles.

Farida said, "Then we stay in formation to protect the convoy, right? Commander."

I responded just as quickly, "Correct, Mechwarrior. Now, everyone, prepare yourselves. I got an Aurigan patrol lance on my sensor heading our way. Let's regroup with them before heading into town."

Then, on my Zoid coms, I sent Hound a quick message. 'Turn down the radar power and move slightly out of the Aurigan patrol route.'

I watched my battlemap as Hound moved back toward the Hangar as the AC lance came closer to us but passed the location of the tanks. The pseudo-ECM field around us died down as radio communication cleared from light white noise to normal voices.

The mercenary members stood tense, but the constant confirmation that nothing was around eased everyone. It helped that Dragon 66's APC and Sergeant Jon's Vargr quickly moved around the convoy around a 500-meter circle to verify that nothing was around them.

I watched as the AC lance approached even closer and within coms range.

I signaled to the kid to contact the approaching patrol lance, which he did.

"Aurigan patrol, this is Corporal Esposito of Little Rock's 1st defense force. I'm returning with the convoy Alpha and several mercenaries. Code: Beta, Charlie, and Zeta."

A young, feminine, Asian-accented voice responded, "This is Aurigan Patrol Unit Delta. Your code for return is approved. You can bring the convoy here." A nav point appeared on my screen and the battlemap. My tanks and the nav point's location are next to each other. "If you require extra support."

I responded, "Acknowledged. We will take a slight detour to pick up some equipment I have for some of the mercenaries here for the garrison. May we rendezvous here?" I marked the location of the tanks, "You may investigate the equipment as well to prove there is nothing amiss." I could hear some of the crew members in my APC asking Dragon 66 if they could request to go ahead and see the tanks they would be using.

I decided to approve the request before it even came. "Aurigan Patrol. One of my crews will be driving ahead to meet the patrol there. Acknowledged."

"Acknowledged. Send that unit to the nav point. Sergeant Decimus will meet them there." I watched one of the blue dots on my battle map move ahead of the incoming Lance. The rest of the patrol lance heading would have us meet around the same time, so we continued.

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After thirty minutes, we finally arrived at where the tanks were being held. Dragon 66 and the patrol APC crew removed straps from the tank trailer. I was surprised they didn't accidentally roll them down the trailer, but they waited for us to arrive. However, I noticed Aurigan lance units present before proceeding, which made my stomach drop slightly.

Oh, the lance composition is well-balanced according to the onboard Warbook. The Lance has a decent scout and city-fighter mech in an HNT-151 Hornet. A decent mid to short-range JVN-10F Javelin. Finally, the mech that dropped my stomach was a BJ-1 Blackjack for a ranged attack.

My stomach dropped from the last time I played Battletech. The backstory I picked was female, Kurita, JumpShip accident, and an Aurigan Coalition Soldier. It was my tenth playthrough, the one I did just before appearing here.

I must thank Dragon 66 somehow because he shocked me by contacting me on the coms. I realized he called my callsign twice. So I hit my speakers and said, "You can uncover the tanks I procured for the contract. They are yours to use."

I watched them pull the tarp off of the two repaired tanks. If a ROB is watching me, he might have noticed this one bit. How did I fix the combat vehicles? Well, that surprised me, too.

I know the active radar system on the HoundSolider could detect enemies and pick up object material makeup. But, it did more than detect things. I found out it had a detailed scan of most vehicles they fought as long as it locked onto them. This radar scanning ability is weird unless its tech evolved from age. But wait, could it have?

It couldn't do it to a battlemech as it seemed they had to eat them to get some blueprint, but vehicles were as easy as shooting at them. It's easier if they take it mostly whole to the Hangar.

The first tank is a standard Quicksell Scorpion.

Well, as standard as you can get after using parts that Wolf had salvaged around the Little Rock area over the days. When he went out for patrol without me. I only found out when I was to tucker out from training. Of course, I only had the tank rebuilt after seeing the rebuilt Urbanmech. I had an empty bay and the parts needed to make it.

I had wanted to make one sell to Little Rock. Both boost their defense and get some money to start living here. However, I realized they needed to have trained tank crews here as time passed. They only use APCs and VTOLs here. I wished it was like the games where anyone piloting a vehicle could do so with any of them. Well, I had the tank put aside to sell one day. When I recruited Dragon 66 and his crew, I realized I had enough men to pilot the Scorpion and the second tank.

The second tank is the Bulldog that Liger brought back on his first battle against the pirates. I had managed to prevent Wolf and Hound from eating it after I had gotten done watching all the files.

Fortunately, the Bulldog still had its turret controls despite the Liger biting into it. Also, they did manage to keep the body mostly intact enough. So I just directed them to rebuild this tank since it was one of the better combat vehicles I had the parts to fix. Although the armor is made chiefly of Starshield due to how little of Bulldog's standard armor remained. I hope no one notices.

I was closely observing as the crews started up the tanks and carefully drove them down the trailer ramp. I was eagerly awaiting their feedback on the tanks that I had prepared. My heart pounded as I heard Dragon 66 and his XO in the Bulldog announcing, "Commander, we are all set to go."

"Okay, men, return to rear guard. Mrs. Dark," I said, directing my comms to the kid's APC. "Can you drive the Heavy APC alongside the BRVs?"

I waited for her to respond with an affirmative. Then, the Kid's APC drove next to mine. While they transferred over to my APC, I received a message from the Blackjack in front of me.

"Commander, are you finished with your business here?" She asked as her Lance started getting back into formation with the Hornet and their wheel APC took to the front.

"Confirm Delta lead," I responded as the convoy formed into its new formation. "Lead the way."

The convoy and my Lance followed behind the Aurigan Patrol. We should reach Little Rock in an hour and a half based on the speed.

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Location: Katinka, Little Rock Militia HQ station

Date: September 17, 3021, 12:00

Upon entering the town, the Aurigan patrol departed from our company. Despite the mech pilots' young age and the Sergeant's advanced years in their APC, they conducted themselves highly professionally, befitting their status as soldiers on duty. At the behest of Delta lead, I have agreed to reschedule our patrol for a later date under the terms of our garrison contract. Rest assured that all necessary steps have been taken to ensure the safety and security of Little Rock's personnel and assets.

The convoy proceeded to the designated unloading zone after reaching the Little Rock Militia's headquarters. The Kid, leading the convoy, parked his APC at the unloading site, followed by the rest of the trucks and armored vehicles. Upon checking my map, I noticed that Sergeant Jon's Vargr APC marker had moved to the assigned parking area.

I opened my coms to Sergeant Jon and asked, "Our escort part of the contract is complete. Is there anywhere to station my men until we go over the garrison duty?"

After a moment, he replied with a nav point appearing at another recently built hangar. "You and your mercenaries can station your mechs and armor here. We will discuss the garrison duty and patrol routes after they finish unloading the convoy."

With his piece said, Jon went off with his crew and headed to where the Kid went. Meanwhile, I opened the lance coms to relay the station we would be occupying.

"Attention, everyone," I announced while connecting my battle computer to the team's devices. "Our lodging is situated in this direction. Rook, I recommend you and your family begin disembarking and prepare your assigned room. Dragon and Manning, I suggest you continue guarding the location passively. Apex, kindly monitor your sensors until the assigned room is ready."

"Affirmative!"

"Roger that!"

"Yes, Sir."

As I watched the Firestarter enter our temporary housing alongside my Heavy APC, the rest of my team positioned themselves for protection. Zin's Bulldog took the west entrance, while Manning's Scorpion was stationed on the east side.

I slowly backed my battlemech into the hangar, observing what the townspeople of Little Rock brought from New Dutch. Rook called out, "Clear!" so I ordered Apex to head inside next, stating that I would follow shortly after.

"I'm going to take a quick look at what our friends have brought us," I told her.

"Understood, Sir," She replied as her Shadow Hawkentered the hangar. I waited a moment before focusing on the people of Little Rock.

The Kid and his crew helped the large group of people unload the Sherpa and the two flatbed trucks of their cargo. I noticed Jon's group heading to those BRVs, and I still needed to learn the meaning of its name. Well, I didn't until I detected a mech-grade engine start-up. The covered-up mech in the back of the convoy began to stand up slowly.

The tarp fell off and revealed a Buster Industrial mech. The same type of mech the Kid piloted. As it stood up, the BRV, the second one, also registered a reaction.

A lighter mech rose on the second BRV, which has something to do with mechs. It looked intimidating with its twin chainsaw arms. My warbook showed the name Crosscut, but I thought those mechs only had one chainsaw. I shook my head to rid myself of that stray thought and powered down my mech. I best get out and freshen up before the meeting.

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The unloading of the convoy was a laborious process that lasted several hours. The trucks were packed with many supplies that exceeded my initial expectations. It was during this time that I took the opportunity to introduce my fellow mercenaries to the distinguished Sergeant Hans and the esteemed Commander Tagger.

Initially, I intended to introduce them to Brook, but he was out defending or mining at the newly constructed mine. Once I finished the introductions, I had my APC moved to the hangar's storage containing the supplies. At first, I had planned to send them to my base, but considering the situation, the equipment and ammo could be required at any moment.

After storing my equipment, I followed the infantryman who had the order to show us to the meeting room. Once we arrived there, Commander Tagger informed all of us of the change in the contract.

My attempt to pay for the battlemech and the trouble I caused backfired. I overpaid and caused more problems for Little Rock. But, of course, I didn't let it show on my face as Tagger pulled out multiple paper maps of Little Rock and its surrounding area. My reaction was the standard response.

"So you want to modify the contract after we returned and completed a part of it already," I asked as I could almost hear Rook and Dragon's questions, angry at such a change.

"We are modifying it to hide certain objectives," Tagger replied before continuing. "We tried to contact you about the change and increase in payment, but that failed due to the electromagnetic interference we have been suffering through."

I wanted to sigh and facepalm at the man's excuse. Instead, I began reviewing the updated contract.

The original one had me recruiting people to defend a newly built manufactory. The type of factory was unknown at first. The garrison contract stated it was the defense of the facility and a large mine.

The mine was right next to that hidden bunker where those Taurian battlemechs were found, with the tech to slowly manufacture those two types of mechs.

The new contract now stated precisely what we were defending and the area. I tried not to get overwhelmed by how much space we had to protect now. I looked at the others only to see all my mercenaries looking at me with shock. After all, they were defending a battle mech production facility now. That is a juicy target for any force.

They must have just realized the change, as Farida looked overwhelmed. It's her first job as a mercenary, after all. Yet, she kept it together as she looked back at the contract and seemed to read over it.

When I turned to my two veteran mercenaries, they were almost at my seat with copies of the new contracts. The pensive looks on their face told me many things. Thus, the aggressive argument went.

It took what felt like forever to get them to calm down and not just report this to the MRB once they had a chance. ComStar or the MRB should have noted such a change in the contract before leaving New Dutch. However, I thought about the job and pointed out that I hired them to protect the factory as stated on paper. The mine was an optional objective with extra pay, even said in the agreement.

Commander Tagger or Captain Esposito must have realized this might happen. So they made options parts in the contract for those hired initially to defend the factory, such as being given a chance to purchase the product at salvage cost. Or even receiving one depending on what happens during the next few months.

"How about discussing it with your family," I nodded to Michael. "And your men." I finished while looking at Zin.

They both nodded before clarifying some parts with Commander Tagger. Once they were done, I watched Michael talk with his wife, who had entered a few minutes ago, while Zin went to the hangar's entrance. Where his crew was stationed and reviewing their tanks.

"Farida," I said while walking to her. "What's your decision on the matter?"

She took her time to go through the contract before responding to me. However, I had already decided to defend both sites in the deal. It would benefit the Aurigan Coalition to have a mech factory run by the locals. Moreover, the salary was quite lucrative, amounting to 4,000,000 C-bills for the entire garrison, including free meals, lodging, repairs, and full ammunition coverage for six months.

The only thing is that the salvage was fantastic if we solo the enemy without help, decent with assistance from the militia. While I gave everyone generous pay for the original contract, this new one will require some math work. I am waiting for the others' decision on continuing.

"Commander," Farida said with a tense tone. "I would like to be part of both defenses. I know I'm inexperienced as a mercenary, but this is my home. I want to improve it, and this will help."

I smiled openly and said, "I'm glad you accepted this for the right reason."

Her slightly confused face had me chuckling a bit. "Think about your father. Why did he, a former 'soldier of fortune,' pick up his old mech to fight against the pirates? Of course, those pirates didn't attack your town. Also, he was not part of the militia. But he still piloted his mech to protect his homeworld."

She understood what I was trying to get at, but just to be sure. "I won't fault anyone for leaving, but I will blame them for killing themselves over greed. We may be mercenaries, but we all have decent morals. That's why I chose everyone here."

She looks at where those two went before looking back at me with a raised eyebrow.

"Well, surprises in the mercenary life aren't always welcome. Just give them time to discuss it before we see our position."

———————————————————

It took a little while before Michael and Zin returned and accepted the new contract. I did agree to readjust their original pay to match the difficulty. I also included extra benefits as a compromise.

Michael only asked to add a life insurance fee if he should die doing the defense to match. I agreed with the logical choice. After all, he has a wife and two kids on my team.

Zin just asked to try and get a better tank than the Scorpion during our time here on duty. I also agree with that. It's reasonable since that Quickcell tank is a terrible vehicle by itself. It would be safer for the crews if I had an army of them or a lance.

I asked him if he could train someone to take over the Scorpion, as there is a subsection on training crews for armor vehicles in the contract to newer militia units. He noted that it is rare to see something like that in a garrison contract as it usually just joins patrols and maybe war games. I suggested it as an excellent way to boost the defense here while keeping information from our garrison from spreading.

I did note the subcontract for training within the main one. I knew about multiple contract agreements from MW5 but never thought these things would go that detailed until Brook's contract. Now, I'm open-minded to all possibilities in a contract, but training vehicle crews is more attractive. I thought only training mech pilots was a game mechanic. So I really shouldn't be surprised some contracts train in all fields.

We talked about the new contract here, and I realized something important. Even though we all agreed to do both site protection for a generous amount of money and benefits, we needed more people.

I know three patrols are scheduled to protect the sites, one of them being us. The other two would be the Little Rock Defense Force 2nd division, the ex-mercenaries, and the AC Delta patrol lance. Unfortunately, the former had stepped out to get Brook for the meeting, and the latter still hadn't returned from her patrol.

I could tell that the room's atmosphere tensed as time passed. Then, finally, the doors opened by some luck, and the people we were waiting on walked in. Brook walked in with a complete PDF uniform, along with Delta lead in her Aurigan uniform and Commander Tagger still dressed in his Mechwarrior piloting suit.

I also see the five men behind them. Four of them had the rank of Sergeant, and Jon a Lance Sergeant. They walk in behind their respective commanders. Following them were a few civilians, Mechtech Woods, and lower-ranked militiamen.

I greeted them with a salute—time to be on the clock.

"Captain Esposito, Commander Tagger," I paused at Delta's lead, who took that opportunity to introduce herself. "Captain Yuki Honda."

"Captain Honda," I nodded as she stepped back, and Captain Esposito stepped forward.

"I apologize, Commander Chen, for being unable to contact you about changes in your contract."

"What issue caused such a change," I replied, wondering what happened just to call me Mechwarrior. I already knew what caused the adjustment in the contract.

Captain Esposito walked over to the table and boarded with all the paper maps of the area. Tagger and Honda moved off to the left and right side of the room while their men sat down next to my fellow mercenaries. Esposito flipped a switch on the board that lit up the paper map with its background light.

"I received word from Governor Chili that our initial desire for a factory changed after discovering the massive resources in this area." He drew on the map on the table that appeared on board behind him. He circled several areas I recognized as the mine I helped them find. "Somehow, despite the odd interference from the area, someone got the word out about our mines and the building factory."

He circled an area where I remember the group clearing trees. "This is the location of the factory. A newly built battlemech factory." That caused commotion around me from the militia members. They did know about that except Lance Sergeant Jon and his fellow Sergeant Hans.

"Our Governor found that elements from the Taurian Concordat and Capellan Confederation may attack us just for the factory. We will also see pirate raid due to the mines."

One Militia Sergeant raised his hand, which Esposito acknowledged, before speaking out. "I can understand why the Capellans would attack us, but why are the Bulls attacking?"

This time, it's Honda's turn to speak up. "Your Governor has officially joined the Aurigan Coalition and even received a seat on the council. This action plus the factory producing Taurian specific battlemech has incited elements within their nation into action."

The curse from the two native Militia members came out loud but was ignored as Esposito continued.

"Besides the factory, those Capellans' target may be the source of the ECM effect in this area as they didn't accept the destruction of one of their DropShip here a few weeks ago. So you don't have to guess about why pirates raid."

Esposito asked me, "Seeing as you are still here and haven't called the MRB, do you guys accept the new contract?"

Since the others trusted me, I stood up and responded with a firm voice.

"Yes, we will take this new contract. Now, let's get down to business."

After completing the negotiations for the new contract, a message runner was immediately sent to the MRB station. More people must receive training for what lies ahead, and I am pleased to see that this is now possible.