Chapter One Hundred and Six: War Comes for Us All

Chapter One Hundred and Six: War Comes for Us All

Kentares IV, September 11th, 3025

"Mark," Dunham said hurriedly. "Just got a priority HPG message from New Avalon via the hidden comms center."

"Let's go then." I said as I stood up quickly and made my way to the nearest elevator/access panel. "Hanse and Ian wouldn't have sent us an HPG via the secret network unless it was of the utmost importance."

Typing in the access code, the elevator shot off at a rapid pace into the floors below us, and once it reached the bottom, it shifted and began moving us into the tunnels that we had dug into and below the mountain.

After gaining access, we walked through the layers of automated security and reached the backup communications center for all of Kentares. We had relocated the Mobile HPG from the Confederate dropship Takes Two to Tangoto underneath the mountain complex. It had taken us a couple of years to set this structure up, but if necessary, you could conduct a campaign for nearly the entirety of the Draconis March should you need to.

"Walking up to the mobile HPG, we synced everything up to our slates and watched as a voice audio message came through.

"Mark," Ian's voice sounded worried. "I should have been a bit more concerned about the Liao's like you, Hanse, and Romano warned me about." He inhaled audibly. "Northwind was hit by two Warrior Houses led by Candace Liao. Warrior houses Daidachi and Fujita along with two aerospace wings and extra armored vehicles battalions." He sighed. "The Highlanders were taken entirely by surprise, and nearly the entirety of the 2nd Kearny and Marion's Highlanders were wiped out, with the Warrior houses capturing most of their 'mechs and repair facilities intact."

'You're currently the unit with the most forces available that will be able to reinforce them in time." Ian said, "I'm giving you the order to fully cut loose and do whatever is necessary to bring the Capellans down."

"We are transmitting updated authorization and authentication codes for the documents that Yvonne Davion gave you, this will give you the authority to take over militia or Federal military units as necessary to complete your mission."

"Godspeed Mark, and hit the Liao's where it hurts." Ian said as the audio transmission cut out.

"Dunham, get me those codes, and have the CO's for the all of our forces assembled for an immediate briefing, we've got a war to plan."

September 11th, 3025 (Afternoon)

"We're going to war." I said after all of the commanding officers of my forces and their XOs were assembled. "Northwind just got struck by a good number of Liao Warrior Houses and are in dire need of reinforcements." I looked around at the faces of the people around me.

"We've been ordered to bring the Capellans to heel." I said after a moment of letting my words soak in. "And, I'm cutting off your leashes." I looked Peterson in the eye. "The 1st Kentares Guards under Colonel Packer and the 2nd Kentares Guards under Rachel Godbolt are going to be reinforcing Northwind."

"The 3rd Kentares Guard will be staying here, and will be on the ready for any potential push on the assets here." I said. "Now, the 1st Marksman will be pushing through to their own objectives." I met Peterson's eyes for a moment before he nodded in understanding.

"The 2nd Marksman are going to be moving as a QRF." I said, "I just worked out a contract with Aaron Sandoval that has y'all stationed on Deshler." I inhaled. "I'm not going to overrule that, so you'll be shipping out to head there."

"All of our Black Navy forces aside from the Defender will be staying here in the Kentares system." I said sternly. "I will be moving to Tikonov with the Ducal Guard to act as a QRF if anyone needs us."

"I take it we have tactical freedom here?" Peterson asked.

"As long as no war crimes are committed then you have complete freedom over what worlds you hit and where you chose to go Peterson." I met his eyes. "No suicidal moves though, I want your unit intact."

"I'm going to requisition some extra 'mechs from the factories sir." Packer said. "I know that they were already promised to varying units, but if the Northwind Highlanders lost most of their metal then they might need some fast replacements."

"Take two mixed Battalions with you and the 2nd Kentares." I told Packer and Godbolt. "I'll personally explain any delays if I have to."

"No Toro's though." I said flatly. "We're not handing over the advanced tech in there for the Capellans to dissect."

"Aye sir, Gladiators, Van Rohrs, and stock Grasshoppers only." Godbolt said in response. "I'm going to ask for some extra Ballista artillery pieces." She said, "I have some ideas."

"You have my written authorization to get whatever you think you'll need to get this done." I told the COs flat out. "But we're shipping out by the 17th of September."

"Any further questions?" I asked, only to receive negatives. "Alright then, get your operational plans set so that I know in general what you're going to be doing and so I can relieve you as necessary." I said. "Hazen," I turned to the CO of the Ducal Guard. "Go get everything sorted there, I want us loaded onto the dropships and ready to ship out at the same time everyone else does."

"It shall be as you command." The once Khan of the Jade Falcon Clan said as she turned and marched away. "Everyone else, make sure you have accurate headcounts and supply parts stores, the last thing we need is to have people dead because we forgot our basics."

"And one last thing, I'm having Dunham's people go over all of our jumpships and dropships with a fine toothed comb, I don't want any surprises to end up with us having dead men and women."

"Now, let's do our jobs and get on home."