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[Trondheim Live Daily Report]

Earl Releases Formal Notice of Skjaldborg Departure
-Trondheim Live, Daily Report

Today on May the First, 3050, Earl Stefan Shor publicly released the Letter of Notice directed to him and the people of Trondheim regarding their planetary defense contract. As most know, the Skjaldborg began pulling out their active units, equipment, and personnel as early as last month, leaving only a small portion of their unit in reserve. The Earl received a Letter of Notice as early as April 7th, but until now the Earl has withheld the contents of the letter to allow the Skjaldborg free movement without public scrutiny. In a statement released with the contents of the letter, the Earl was quoted as saying, "We of Trondheim have a lot to thank the Skjaldborg for; business, security, and a community of warriors that not only served the population, but in many cases were a part of the population. I personally wish Dihm Magnusson and the Shieldwall the best in their future endeavors, and may they return safety to their homes here at best speed!"

The content of the letter are as follows:

From: Mordihmer Magnusson, BrÖverste of the Skjaldborg Mercenary Company
To: Stefan Shor, Earl of Trondheim
Subject: Letter of Notice of Withdrawal

Noble Earl Shor,

It is with great regret that I must inform you of our Brigade's withdraw from Trondheim as the Headquarters of the Skjaldborg. For many years your planet and its people have played host to our humble unit, and we have all too happily served you on the frontlines of the Draconis Combine. We have no qualms regarding our current contract, and hope our withdrawal in the middle of a contract does not affect the potential for future ones.

Regarding our withdrawal, we have been requested by the Elected Prince to make ready our armed forces and move to Rasalhague post-haste, in order to better coordinate and assess issues directly threatening the safety of the Free Rasalhague Republic. I'm sure you are aware....the Free Rasalhague Republic has overarching authority on all contracts with Mercenaries within its borders, and may pull from current contracts to renegotiate as they see fit.

As such, we are withdrawing a majority of our equipment and personnel, leaving behind a garrison of a Reinforced Company, labor personnel, and.....'communications equipment'. Flessar Jude Ihilius, our Garrison Commander, will be the highest officer remaining on-planet and your direct representative from the Shieldwall itself. We realize this may not be adequate, but it is the most we can afford to spare at this time.

We wish you the best of luck,

-Signed-
BrÖverste Mordihmer "Dihm" Magnusson

On behalf of all of Trondheim, we at Trondheim Live, Daily Report would like to thank the Skjaldborg for their continued service since the Ronin Wars that began our nation, and hope they may return to our lands soon.

---

The Trondheim Live, Daily Report is up and running! Look to our Daily News Feed for all your Trondheim news!

---

Trondheim Live is looking to compile its special reports together, so here's all the reports on one batch! Enjoy, and thanks for liking our posts followers!

Edited by Trondheim Live Daily Report, 11 May 2013 - 02:06 PM.

[Damon Howe]

Ya know, this really is a better way to do things...should have thought of that sooner!

[Trondheim Live Daily Report]

Sanglamore Academy
April 6th, 3044

"So tell me again why you're visiting our facilities? You aren't Lyran-I mean, Federated Commonwealth Military."

"True, we're Mercenaries. Skjaldborg Mercenary Company out of the Free Rasalhague Republic. We were looking at academies to potentially recruit officers for our unit, or perhaps send some of our members here for training."

"Well then perhaps Outreach-"

"We were just on our way back from there. I assure you we have only the most honorable of intentions, despite the reputation we mercs hold."

The attendant sitting at the desk held the stare with the merc commander before him a few moments longer, seeing if he would break. He didn't, and with a heavy sigh he brought out a small notepad from underneath the desk and began typing away. "Sign here releasing that you accept responsibility for your actions while visiting, that you won't go recruiting without consent..." The attendant droned on while the merc commander took the pad, quickly signing his name and handing the pad back before the attendant finished his rant, apparently annoying him further. After reading the signature, he asked, "And can I get your name again sir?"

"It's Dihm Magnusson."

"Right. Just wait over there, and someone will be along shortly to take you around," the attendant shooed, picking up a phone immediately to signal the end to his conversation.

Dihm nodded and turned, passing his right-hand man Chris Sangun as he moved towards the couches. He'd debated with the attendant for nearly fifteen minutes, and supposed the only reason he didn't lose is cool was the massive amounts of alcohol in his system. Recruitment and training were two things he did not handle well, but with enough mead in his system he could get through anything. Hopefully, anyways - it had been a long tour down to Outreach afterall.

In due time some professor of the communications department came and welcomed them, and took them both on a long tour of the facilities. Though somewhat extensive and boring at times, it did have its merits. Dihm was at least impressed with the efficiency of the cadets, and started giving more thought to the idea of recruiting graduates from the academy. As they were travelling through the Communications Department - which was made particularly boring by the enthusiastic professor - when something caught his eye.

"Professor, excuse me for a sec...what's that?"

The professor peered to his right, where an open door to a storage closet revealed a large, slightly covered machine. "Oh that? That's nothing important."

"Then what is it?"

"Well....it's not really something-"

"It's something cool isn't it?"

"I can't exactly-"

Ignoring the man, Dihm walked over to the closet and pulled off the sheet, turning on a light for good measure. The machine was large, slightly larger than a briefcase but covered in buttons and appeared very complex.

"I have no idea what this is, but it looks awesome."

Chris held his head, "Dihm, stop just...stop."

"This-I mean...fine I might as well tell you," professor whats-its finally caved. "This is a K-Series Transmitter, also known as a 'Black Box'. It's the first faster-than-light communications equipment, predating our HPGs. It was used by the Star League to send messages across the known galaxy before the discovery of HPG technology."

"That's cool and all...but why do you have one, and how can I get one?" Dihm eagerly enthused.

"The 'why' is classified...technically. Suffice to say it was rediscovered recently, though I can't tell you anything more. As for how you can get one, I don't know. This is an older model, soon to be decommissioned. Current models are strictly classified and cannot be-"

"I'll take it."

"What?" the professor and Chris said simultaneously - Chris sounding like a heartattack was imminent.

"I'll take it."

"You can't just-"

"We don't even-"

"How much?"

"....what?"

"WHAT?!?!?"

"10 million c-bills."

"I can't just-"

"Are you out of your mind?"

"25 million c-bills."

"I don't have the authority-"

"50 million c-bills." Chris' face was sheet white.

"Look, I can't just sell this thing! It's-it's highly classified equipment!"

"See here," Dihm said calmly, approaching the man, "I'm a businessman. You need business. Your facilities always need money. A little money can go a long way in an academy of this size. Besides, you're destroying the damn thing anyways, so why not just get rid of it? We're Mercs, we don't make huge investments on a whim-" "*cough*apparentlywedo*cough* "-we make them for the long term. And we could definitely use this in the long term. 100 million c-bills."

"Dihm..."

"Well...."

"You won't see the offer again. Just think, a brand new Communcations wing...heck you could build five wings with that money."

"Dihm..."

"....okay, fine. So long as you can get it out of here discretely, and I do mean discretely, it's yours."

"DIHM!"

"I'll also need two crews of cadets to run it."

"Fine! Just...just don't get us caught, or we're both dead."

"Oh that's easy, just flunk them in someth-"

"Dihm! Can I grab you for a second?" Chris said, finally getting Dihm's attention by grabbing his collar and locking eyes with him.

"Hang on a sec."

Taking Chris aside, Dihm addressed his brother-in-arms. "So whats up?"

"100 million c-bills? Are you out of your mind?! We don't HAVE 100 million c-bills! We could buy and fully equip an entire Steiner Scout Lance with that kind of money!"

"Chris, Chris...it's okay."

"Okay? How? How is it okay?"

"Trust me, one day, we're going to use this. And when that day comes, I'll say 'I told you so'."

"When we go broke next month I'll tell you the same thing."

"Deal." Turning back into the room, Dihm asked the professor, "So when exactly can I get those tech crews?"

Edited by Trondheim Live Daily Report, 11 May 2013 - 02:10 PM.

[Damon Howe]

...so wait, what happens to the old threads? Are they sticking around or (hopefully) being deleted?

[Trondheim Live Daily Report]

Recorded Communications Chatter:
17:21:46

"Roger 02, pull up alongside at 050 kph and lets get a look...."

"Well would you look at that. Bridge doesn't seem to be pressurized any more, guess we know why they didn't respond to our hails after their distress call. But how did they jump without a sealed bridge?"

"03, go in on the port side and see if the docking ring is still in place, this Merchant should have at least one more and the starboard is fracked."

"Confirmed 02, we read you inside, let us know what you find out. No more than 45 minutes EVA."

"Base Ops, this is Command 4, the Jump ship is a wash, send in the salvage crews. No sign of the cargo Dropships. No survivors."

Officers Followup Report:

Invader-Class Jumpship: Designation Meadship Express
Status: Lightly damaged but intact. Life Support systems damaged beyond immediate repair. All hands lost.

Report:

JS entered Trondheim system at the Zenith JumpPoint at 16:50:32. JS was 35 days behind scheduled arrival from Pinnacle.

Zenith Recharging Station received distress signal from JS at 16:50:54. Distress signal was of 'MayDay' priority, signalling immediate threat to life. Zenith Station first attempted radio contact at 16:51:40, receiving no response. Zenith Station did not have proper equipment for immediate rescue, taking several minutes to get organized and deploy.

Zenith Rescue Team deployed at 17:15:21. Arrived at JS Meadship Express at 17:19:49. No radio contact was made in this time, distress repeated on an apparent loop.

Rescue crews reported Life Support Systems completely destroyed, all hands lost. All cargo appears destroyed or non-existent. Expected two Merchant Dropships also missing from the JS. One DS Hardpoint destroyed.

Damaged sections showed Naval PPC and Laser damage. Unknown cause, likely an engagement with unknown hostile forces. JS logs wiped except for last jump location, which bears Pinnacle Nadir Jumppoint Coordinates, Unable to reconstruct engagement or events leading up to Jump.

Followup:

All 'On-Leave' Forces recalled to base. Alert level escalated to '4'. Planetary Militia informed and also placed on alert. Zenith and Nadir Jumppoints under constant planetary scan, Recharging Stations put on high alert, and all non-military personnel evacuated. All Non-Military Jumpships ordered to leave system as soon as possible.

[Damon Howe]

...nvm, I can see the old one's going.

[Trondheim Live Daily Report]

Trondheim Planetary Red Alert

08:05:3050
16:30:00 ECCT

Earl Stefan Shor of Trondheim has issued a "Planetary Red Alert" for the Trondheim System, following the unexpected appearance of Jumpships at the Nadir JumpPoint.

The report reads as follows:

On the eighth of May, year 3050, several Jumpships of unknown classification entered the Trondheim System at the Nadir JumpPoint at approximately 11:56:05, Eastern Continental Coast Time.

The Nadir Recharging Station first reported the Jumpships and was later confirmed by a planetary scan of the JumpPoint. After several transmissions were recorded from the station, transmissions ceased. No further transmissions have been received from the Recharging Station despite attempts to make contact.

Due to the nature of the appearance of the Jumpships and the lack of communication from both our station and the Jumpships themselves, the Earl of Trondheim has declared the situation a "Planetary Red Alert". Planetary Red Alert Level is only issued in the event of 'an apparent imminent attack or invasion by hostile forces'. The alert level gives certain emergency martial law powers to the Earl and allows the Planetary Militia and Mercenary forces to move freely in order to best defend the planet from assault.

​---

Trondheim Live, Daily Report will continue to provide coverage on the incident as it is released to the public. At this time, the Jumpships' origin and affiliation are still unknown, and any attempts to make contact have been met with silence.

-TL,DR

[Trondheim Live Daily Report]

Ghost Bear Batchall:

Trondheim Live, Daily Report has obtained an official copy of the broadcast from the enemy Jumpships, now claiming to be 'Clan Ghost Bear'.

---

09-05-2013
10:30:33 ECCT

*Kzzzzt-*"Attention Planet of Trondheim and all Forces who defend the planet. We are Clan Ghost Bear, heir's of Kerensky's Great Journey and Liberators of the Inner Sphere! We come to reclaim the glory of the Star League and restore balance and peace to those who only know death and war!

I, Star Captain and Oathmaster Aletha Kabrinski, along with my 3rd Bear Guards, lay claim to this planet and her system in the name of our Khan Karl Bourjon and our fellow Ghost Bears!

I ask, in honor of noble fighting, with what forces you wish to defend this world? We will bid our forces to match the honor of facing you in the field and defeating you. Our initial bid is one Cluster, the equivalent of an Inner Sphere Regiment.

What say you, defenders of Trondheim? Do you wish to face us in the field and fall honorably, those survivors being added to our ranks, or become nothing more then a scorch mark upon the land? We will give you one day to respond."*Kzzzzt*

-End Transmission-

Response to Batchall:

Trondheim Live, Daily Report has received an exclusive copy of the Skjaldborg's transmission response to 'Clan Ghost Bears' "batchall" yesterday. Here is the copy of the radio transmission, which unfortunately encountered some static during its recording.

---

*Kzzzt*"This is Flessar Jude Ihilius, Garrison Commander of the Skjaldborg and Acting Commander of the Trondheim *Kzzzzt*-orces. We have but one response to your "batchall".

"Go *kzzt* yourselves." *Kzztclick*

-end transmission-

---

Again we apologize for the static in the recording. May Odin himself shine on our defenders as they prepare to defend our home.

TL,DR

Edited by Trondheim Live Daily Report, 12 May 2013 - 05:06 PM.

[Trondheim Live Daily Report]

This memo made it through the communications networks during a momentary disruption of hostile communication jamming last night. It appears to be intended for military authorities on Rasalhague:


From: Menig Thor Mannerheim
To: Kapten Friedrich Kjellin, KungsArme Personnel Disciplinary Committee
CC: Skjaldborg Mercenary Command
Subject: Probationary Update

Kapten Kjellin,

In accordance with the terms of my probation outlined in the court martial decision, I am filing the monthly report on my rehabilitation progress. I know this communiqué is late, but I believe there are special circumstances which excuse the delay.

The the order issued at the end of my court martial hearing demanded that I quit drinking alcohol and obtain gainful employment. I have fulfilled both of these conditions.

Upon my release from the Trondheim Military Incarceration Center, I have to admit I had a moment of weakness and went straight to the local meadery for refreshment. Once I arrived, I found out that some pirates operating out of the Periphery had been hijacking mead shipments to the planet. I was admittedly upset that I was forced to remain sober when I wanted to celebrate the end of my sentence. I wasn’t the only one who was getting angry. Local KungsArme personnel and the mercs of the Shieldwall weren’t at all happy about this alcohol shortage, and tempers were generally very heated.

It was at this point I ran into my old lancemates, including Korporal “by-the-book” Henge. The rest of the lance greeted me by my old honorific of “Fanjunkare” or more informally as “Sarge”, and we reminisced about the time I won the 1^st Kavelleri’s mech piloting contest and then got drunk and punched a Draconis Combine Chu-i afterwards. Henge, who has apparently been given my old position as lance leader, objected to the warm greeting and fraternization with my former comrades. After loudly discussing his shortcomings as a pilot and why I should still be in charge of the lance, Korporal Henge came unhinged. I must emphasize, that in the scuffle that followed, Henge threw the first punch. You can ask the Trondheim civil authorities, they have the surveillance video which proves that I was only an innocent victim.

Apparently there had been trouble between KungsArme and Skjaldborg personnel a few nights earlier, and one of mercenary officers was impressed to see an experienced mechwarrior who was willing to stand up against one of the KungsArme’s more inflexible pests.

After the brawl and a period of questioning with the civil authorities, I was released along with the members of the Skjaldborg merc corps who were involved in the brawl. Their officer, Flessar Jude Ihilius, offered me employment as a mechwarrior in their merc corps.

The officer said he was having trouble in training up some of the very green recruits that had been left behind on Trondheim. He wanted an experienced pilot with some background in running training exercises to join his unit, and I pointed out that I had been a former advanced gunnery instructor. He hired me on the spot.

Apparently I will not have much time to work with these recruits. The pirates who stole the mead shipments apparently never learned anything about military tactics. They’ve sent out a communiqué with a huge, ugly woman named Kabrinski who announced some sort of ridiculous “batch all” where they tell us exactly when and where they will show up to fight. They even tell us the number of mechs they will bring! Of all the nerve! Steal our mead and tell us where you are going to attack?

They wanted us to do the same, but what commander in their right mind would give up that information? Luckily, the officers on Trondheim are not that dumb (we got lucky there—you never can tell what some ***** fresh out of the officers’ academy might think is a good idea), and a combined force of KungsArme and Skjaldborg mercenaries will be waiting for these damn mead thieves when they land. Some of the more paranoid locals seem to think we should just surrender, but that’s insane. There’s only a handful of them and we know where they’ll be. We should have them at a severe disadvantage and this should be an easy fight.

Who knows? Maybe we can get a dropship to take us up to their jump ships and we can get our mead back. Not that I would be drinking any, because that would be a violation of my probation.

Sincerely,
Thor “Fyllo” Mannerheim

[Addendum]
I, Major Flessar Jude Ihilius,of the Skjaldborg Mercenary Corp, do hereby verify that Thor Mannerheim has obtained gainful employment as a mechwarrior with our unit. He has been sober and fulfilling his responsibilities to the unit.

[Watchit]

WE DARE REFUSE THEIR BATCHALL!?!

why yes, yes we do.

[Trondheim Live Daily Report]

18:05:3050
Misby Flats Outskirts
14:20:43

-Begin Transmission-

*Kzzzzt*"-at's your damage recon 02?”

“Just a flesh wound sir.”

“That looks like a huge f***ing flesh wound to me. Are your tracks operational?”

“Partly sir. I'm leaking coolant and two lasers gone from the turret. I think maybe *kzzt* defend this block sir. It'll take a few, but I think I can rig the core and *kzzt* way down that alley to an ambush position.”


“Closing off this block would only slow them down. Can you make it back to alpha six?”

“There's a hole in my gut *kzzzzt* get critical within the hour sir, and I’m not sure the track will hold that long. With your permission *KzzZZztt* blow a big hole in the road than die running. Who knows, maybe I'll take one of thos-*Kzzt* with me.”

“Permission granted. Die well, and see if you can find a rusty fork for me to stab Loki with when you get to Valhalla. I have a feeling I will need it soon."*Kzzzzt-*

-End Transmission-

[Trondheim Live Daily Report]

Transmission Log from 1st Rasalhague Dragonregimentë and 'Unconfirmed' Trondheim Ground Forces
Dated on 19:05:3050

*Kzzzt*"Say again, this is Naglfar of the 1st RDR on a closed hail; Trondheim Ground, respond. Repeat, Freyr, if you are receiving this tight-beam transmission, respond."
...*Kzzzt*....
"Orm? Son, you cannot be here. Turn your ship around and retreat while possible."

"Nonsense, Toste. We've been inbound for several days now, since our arrival. What is the sit-rep?"

"Hostile invaders. We are outnumbered, their weapons are advanced and beyond our ability to repulse. We've retreated out of the capital with light losses, but we can't even scratch their forces. The Skjaldborg and militia forces are fighting a running battle, but we can only hold out so long against their firepower, and more are on their way. We can delay them, but not long."

"Can you hold until we can reinforce you?"
...*Kzzzzt*.....
"This battle is lost, boy. We cannot be saved, not by what you can bring us. You'll only add to the losses. There are some refugees en route to the Zenith jump point, I know your Ships are already picking them up. Hot charge your jumpships and leave the system at once. Burn back to them at max G if you have to. Whatever you do, do NOT land."
.....*Kzzzt*.....
*Kzzzzzt*"-sir. You know the Æsir demand we fight for our land and honor."
...*Kzzzt*.....
"Son, don't make me order you. You need to bring word to the Överbefälhavare and let them know what has happened here. We'll fight them as long as we can, and take as many with us as Odin permits."
...*Kzzzzt*.....
"Affirmative. Good luck sir....good luck father. I'll see you in Valhalla."

....*Kzzzzzzzzzztttt*.....

-End Transmission-

---

Written by Surtr and Malzel of the 1st Rasalhague Dragonregimentë. Posted with their permission and on behalf of the unit. Support the FRR!

Edited by Trondheim Live Daily Report, 19 May 2013 - 07:03 PM.

[Trondheim Live Daily Report]

+++Report Begins+++

Sender: Menig Halldorr Kristiansen
Subject: Clan Ghost Bear RSVP to FRR BBQ
Date: 20/05/3050
Location: Lava fields outside Trondheim, FRR


Today early in the morning, our COs decided to host a small BBQ in the response of Clan Ghost Bear surprise visit to Trondheim. The event was BYOM (Bring Your Own Meat) as we would supply the mead for our dear guests. Considering this was such a rare occasion, CnC decided to ignore the Mead rationing. The BBQ was held on a magma field on Trondheim and everyone from CGB was invited.

The event was kind of a letdown as only 5 CGB mechs decided to RSVP to our invitation. Since our guests were unfamiliar with the terrain and would otherwise have problems in trying to find us, it was decided that our infantry regiment would place appropriate signs pointing the way towards the magma fields (pictures included in the attachment), while the boys from the Skjaldborg Mercenary Regiment, would meet CGB Mech on location and escort them personally.

CGB was really excited to see the boys from the 'Borg as they responded with honorary firing salutes and rushed to meet the lads. The 'Borg responded with a same firing salute while crossing the field to join them. Unfortunately, CBG Mechs were not paying attention to where they were walking and sadly, the magma swallowed the Mechs along with their pilots.

‘Borg pilots have reported that the only thing left of the CBG Mechs was the smell of burned leathery bacon.

Oh well, I guess more mead for the rest of us.


+++Report Ends+++

[Trondheim Live Daily Report]

Officers Report on Ghost Bear Star Destruction in 'Lava Web'

Report:

Location:

'Lava Web' plateau designated as prime area to lay a trap for Ghost Bear forces. Area has active lava-flow underneath a thin layer of crust, permitting only light vehicles and mechs to cross safely and only while following known 'safe' routes across the field. Medium and heavy mechs, such as the one's observed in Misby Flats, have a high risk of falling through.

Lava Web is enclosed on three sides at one point by low volcanic peaks, leaving a 'no-way-out' scenario for any who enter. The crust appears to be thinnest at the entrance.

Plan:

The plan was simple. A lance of light mechs supported by ground infantry would scout out known Ghost Bear patrols in the area, getting the attention of one and fighting a retreating battle across 'Lava Web' to the more vulnerable areas. Once there, they would dive into the box canyon, drawing in the 'Bears for a seemingly quick kill, where they would fall through the crust (if they haven't already) and be destroyed. Additionally, infantry manning high-explosives lines will be strategically positioned to weaken crust as necessary.

Followup:

Contact was made 15 km to the southwest of the trap; much closer than expected. 'Bears were lured through the trap by two Jenners a Commando and a Spider. Ghost Bears took some 'encouragement' to follow, but once they did they came with a terrifying determination. Ghost Bears followed 'Borg Lance into the canyon, where after some initial difficulties the 'star' was destroyed outright by detonating the fragile crust underneath their feet (see Attachment 106-A). No ejections, complete and total loss of the star.

Light damage to friendly mechs and only four infantry personnel suffered minor injuries in the blasts.

Area evacuated of personnel in a timely fashion, after leaving appropriate inflammatory vandalism behind for remaining Ghost Bears to find.

---Attachment 106-A:

From the journal of Warrant Officer Kennsy, Skjaldborg Technician and Weapons Expert

Okay, so here's the deal. We're supposed to lead this group of dirtbag clammers...or clanners...or Bears-whatever! into this trap right? Okay, this trap is stupidly simple. Fast friendlies run out, shoot s*** up, get the attention of these Bears and bring them back here where the crust is real thin. I mean, REAL thin. like, not even paper...t**s, whats the word...ah whatever, it's REAL thin I tell ya!

So anyways, I'm stuck here with the infantry on the side of this ridge leading into the canyon. Oh, by the way, once you get in, you can't get out. That's the best part. Our forces go in, they think they've got us cornered then BLAMO! They all burst into flames! well I'm getting ahead of myself again...anyways...

So yeah like I was saying...what was I saying-oh right, the bears. Well, it worked right at first. They caused a heck of a ruckus and stirred up the hornets nest. We got reports of five coming in, heavies and mediums like we wanted. So our guys go in, right past us, and wait in the back of the canyon. Then these HUGE freaking mechs like I've never seen come around the corner, right up to the entrance and stand there-STAND there! They must'of been broadcasting something like a surrender or something I don't know it was there loss. The ground was freaking cracking beneath them and they JUST WOULDN'T DROP! Can you BELIEVE it? Sheesh, I gotta do everything myself!

So I told this private next to me I said "Private, hold my mead. Check this s*** out, and start running!" So I give him my mug of mead, which he bobbles and damn near spills (would've killed him if he did) After that I get up, run slide and stumble down the cliff to this trigger mechanism we had jerry-rigged to set off the explosives. Only problem was, we didn't have enough det-cord! Freakin' unblelievable! So I have to haul *** down to this thing, take 2 seconds to prime it and run like hell!

I got maybe five steps before the whole world blew up behind me. I saw Valhalla for a split second...it was beautiful! And then I tasted the sulfur wall I was thrown into and flew over the foxhole and in with a couple other privates who had dug their post too close to the bombs...lucky me! Well, unlucky for the one I kicked in the head, but lucky me!

So once I come to I look over the side and all I see is this HUGE pit of orange and lava and melting mechs. Hot da*n and I do mean that literally what a beautiful sight! Almost prettier then Valhalla-almost! After basking in the glow for what could've been hours, I look back to the private I handed my mead to and said "Where's my mead!" He handed it to me and I told them all.

"And THAT is how you start a Barbecue on MY home planet!"

[Trondheim Live Daily Report]

*Incoming Transmission. Broadband frequency, tri-vid broadcast. Origin is Misby Flats Parliament Building. Displaying in 3....2....*



"Attention freebirth mercenary scum."

"We have played your games. We come to fight with honor, yet you run from it. We give chase to your pathetic warriors, who cower in fear rather than fight and die with honor; and to top it off, you give our warriors the greatest dishonor by letting them die in a pit of lava rather than killing them yourselves. Then their deaths would have been meaningful. Then, YOUR deaths would have been meaningful."

"Instead, we come to this. You running and hiding, while we hunt you down and brutally slaughter your patrols. We WILL regain our lost honor from your disgrace, one way or another. And if we have to wipe out this planet field by field, building by building, town by town and city by city we will do so, no matter the consequences."

"There is another way. If you surrender, come to Misby and surrender your weapons and arms immediately, we will spare these people. YOUR people. As for yourselves, I promise a swift and painless death. Something I will not promise should we meet on the field."

"You have 24 hours. SaKhan Aletha Kabrinski out."

*End Transmission*

Edited by Trondheim Live Daily Report, 23 May 2013 - 04:01 PM.

[Trondheim Live Daily Report]

05/24/3050

The morning is crisp on the senses here on Trondheim. With a cup of coffee I stroll into my CPLT-C1, placing it on the console while picking up the daily duty report. Dew has formed on the outside of the windscreen. A little mold has formed on the edges of the inside. This thing is getting old.

Looks like we’re headed pretty far today, a distraction towards an old silo. Fair enough, whatever. “Fire’n up!” I yell out across the com. “Five minutes until move.”

Several chassis grow in height and burst out of their bay clamps. Couple minutes warm up and we’re on our way.

It’s a little wet this morning as we make our way across the landscape. “Epsilon, first recon stop,” I call. A few minutes pass and the JR-7 ahead calls out “Epsilon all clear.” “Roger, move to Theta, regroup there.”

“This is HQ. New orders, G-Bear sighted, you guys might as well get their attention since you’re out there. Have fun fellas.”
“Roger that HQ, moving to engage at distance. We’ll check it out.”

About 40 minutes munch through the forest we get to a hillside. “Let’s get a view. Chopper you’re up on point. Let’s check it out before moving over.” Moving to the top of a nearby hill, 30+ mechs are viewed in the valley below. “Holy mother they’ve got a force here! Negative on engage. Repeat negative on engage. Good God it’s an army! Pulling back.” Chopper’s CDA stumbles back down the hillside. “They’ve got a Stalk-*fzzzz* an-*fzzz* …ing right at me!”

PPC fire litters the landscape as LRM follows suit in missing attempts.

I jump to the com, “HQ we’ve got Ghost Bear out here in a large advance. We’re pinned down here! Advise!”

A pause… “Head t-“…another pause… “Move towards Kappa strike zone.”

“Kappa, isn’t that that the moonshine silo we were headed to anyway?”

“Roger that, get your team there now, it’s close by. Get ready to eject when you get close. We’re going to use this today to our advantage. Let’s hope it’s fermented well.”

“…10-4 HQ, making a break for that location. Shame, that was going to be tasty.”

“Yeah in a blinding sort of way.” Chopper confirmed.

BlackJack replies, “It’ll still be I’m thinking.”

I switched to full lance comms. “This is it fellas, we’re using the silo. Stay tight and take as many as you can on the way in. We’re going to blow this mother today. Fire out a few and get as many as you can to follow in close.”

Cheers and war calls commence over the comms. We march forward.

Leaving cover of the hillside, the long range hits come in. I turn torso and return futile fire, turning back again. Gotta get there, just gotta get there…

*WHAM* a guass shot nails the right missile pod. *BAM* another comes in knocking out elecs. *BAM- BAM* two more. “-eep moving!“ I call. We’re almost there. So close.

A friendly image disappears from the radar. Vulkan calls out, “Ain’t no party like a hooch part- bzzzzt…”

“Get as many as you can to follow in close!” I call. “We’re gonna blow this, get ‘em in NOW!”

Other coms come through, some cheers from HQ overlapping, “Ragnorok THIS!” “Valhallaaaaa!!” “Suck my PPC you G-bear piece o- bzzzzt.” Chopper shouts, “I got at least three following, I win! Ha!”

Three friendly mechs left on radar, then two.

“It’s you and me BlackJack, almost ther-“ …my auto eject pops off as my mech disintegrates.

Looking down, I see a lone mech running into the moonshine silo among at least half a dozen others, all enemy, closing in from all sides. And then just blinding white.

*Begin Local Emergency Frequency Transmission.*

-- Officer’s report 05/24/3050:

Mission accomplished. At least 6 Ghost Bear within immediate blast range when moonshine silo set off. Remaining forces unknown. Entire lance lost save one ejected pilot to make this report. Requesting pickup.

Personal note. I was surrounded by heroes today. I wish I was drinking among the gods with them tonight. It’s cold out here and my brothers are gone. May they be honored well.

Lt. Magnarr Olavsen
Skjaldborg Outpost, Trondheim

*End LEF Transmission*

Edited by Trondheim Live Daily Report, 24 May 2013 - 07:21 PM.

[MostlyHarmless]

RIP Trondheim Silo #3 gone but not forgotten 05/24/3050

[Trondheim Live Daily Report]

Tribute for the Dead

Tonight, we raise a pint for the fifteen brothers and one sister we lost on Trondheim.

Their names, as well as their memories, will forever be engraved in a monument - appropriately named 'Remember Silo #3' - to remind all who see it those brave few who fought against impossible odds to hold the line.

We salute you:
Garrison Commander Major Flessar Jude Ihilius
Kapten Friedrich Kjellin
Lojtnant Magnarr Olavsen
Lojtnant Xander Lightheart
1st Sergeant 'Myuu' aka 'BB Wolfe'
Sergeant Tomas 'AlexEss' Lönngren
Korpral 'Trufast'
Korpral 'JChopper'
Korpral 'Wugg'
Korpral 'Catch'
Menig Thor 'BlackJackRaider' Mannerheim
Menig Halldorr 'VorBan' Kristiansen
Menig 'Garjack'
Menig 'Ermine'
Menig 'Gestpenster'
Menig 'Seymour'

Edited by Trondheim Live Daily Report, 25 May 2013 - 07:15 PM.

[Liquid Leopard]

Trondheim Live Daily Report, on 23 May 2013 - 03:42 PM, said:

"Attention freebirth mercenary scum."

"We have played your games. We come to fight with honor, yet you run from it. We give chase to your pathetic warriors, who cower in fear rather than fight and die with honor; and to top it off, you give our warriors the greatest dishonor by letting them die in a pit of lava rather than killing them yourselves. Then their deaths would have been meaningful. Then, YOUR deaths would have been meaningful..."

^ Says the vat-grown space commie.

Mercenary or not, your job is not to die for your cause. Your job is to make the other guys die for theirs.

Your job is to make yourselves, as one troll put it "such a miserable mouthful [they] have to spit you out."

If we sacrifice ourselves for civilians or objectives, so be it. We don't sacrifice ourselves for the enemy's idea of honor.

If they were truly honorable, we need not be enemies.

Edited by Liquid Leopard, 28 May 2013 - 11:55 AM.

[AlexEss]

I feel so... dead... inside... Outside too...

"As they lay us down to rest, tell out mothers we done our best. "