406 replies to this topic

[Sparks Murphey]

Solaris Mech Space
International Zone
Solaris City, Solaris VII
April 16th, 09:15 hours

“...now Didenksen retreats from the blistering hail of fire, seeking shelter behind the western ramp from McLaran’s cannons. But I don’t think he’s seen Tsuji approaching on his left side...” a series of sharp zaps spat from the radio’s tinny speaker, “BLAM! Rei Tsuji takes her third kill of the match!”

Bertie cursed quietly from deep within the guts of the Enforcer. This Tsuji character and her Phoenix Hawk were sounding dangerous. From the radio commentary of the match, she seemed to have a knack for making her ‘Mech appear out of nowhere. He’d have to keep a sharp eye on his situational awareness if he ever found himself in a match with her. And with them both competing in medium ‘Mechs, that seemed a likely proposition sooner or later.

The thud of ‘Mech footsteps drowned out the radio, and Bertie slid out to take a look. A torn-up Commando was lumbering into the bay, looking like it was being held together with spit and prayers. He smiled quietly to himself. Tsuji might be the hot competition at the moment, but there were certainly plenty of others out there for him to prey upon.

[Thom Frankfurt]

Solaris Mech Space
International Zone
Solaris City, Solaris VII
April 16th, 09:15 hours

DeMarkus made it back to the mechspace in good time. He had to admit that despite all it's faults, One-Eye was a quick and nimble machine. He was going to have to rely on that agility in the battles ahead. He contemplated the Hatchetman that he passed on the way back to the mechspace. It was oblviously a green pilot, for it's movement were lacking anything
even closely resembling grace what-so-ever. He chuckled thinking about how the mech clumsily swung it's namesake hatchet around at invisible enemies. Though he had to admit that Dr. Banzi did good work, for the design despite the noob pilot the machine was fairly impressive.

Fairly impressive in the right situation. Out in the open it would be a slow moving target.

He then thought about some of the other mechs that he passed by during his run on the proving ground. A Clint, which he was startled to see considering how rare they have become. A beat up Whitworth that obviously seen better days.

And a Panther...

His lips peeled back in a grin. Armed with a particle cannon, short ranged missiles, and being jump capable it had to run hot. Or so he thought anyways.

And it's slow...

One-Eye strutted into the bay, past a customised Enforcer. DeMarkus shrugged at the sight of the mech and continued onward to One-Eye's berth. DeMarkus wound his way through the aisles of the cavernous building, passing mechs which stood tall and silent in their bays as small armies of techs milled about them doing various tasks. He stopped at an intersection and waited for a Dervish to pass. After what seemed like forever he found his way to his bay and backed the Commando into it's berth.

Kaylee was there to greet him. She beamed at him while he climbed down the rungs that she welded onto One-Eye. Mech gear didn't leave much room for modestly, DeMarkus had grown used to that, but the way Kaylee eyed him made him uncomfortable.

"So ...Mar, how he handle?" she purred at him while not looking him in the eye.

"Good's enough. Laser's needs too's be realigned dough. And gyro bumps into's something's wen goin' up's slope."

"I'm on it!" All buisness she hopped off some of the scrap left behind from the damaged gyros they picked apart.

"Der's something's else, I's need's too's find a Panther pilot. An's agressive one." He added.

"Min.Tajuri Min." She looked up at him with a worried look on her face, and eyes that pleaded for him to not do what she thought he was going to do.

"Tanks, sweetie. You's get's to wurk and I'lls a bring ya's and Rick someting to's eat." He turned to walk off leaving Kaylee to do her tasks.

He was long gone by the time she started crying.

Edited by Thom Frankfurt, 26 May 2012 - 09:59 PM.

[Sloth901]

Solaris Mech Space
International Zone
Solaris City, Solaris VII
April 16th, 12:15 hours

Alex grinned to himself as he welded the last armour plate in place. He had finished his repairs, the Panther was ready...
Almost. The upgrade he had ordered last night had arrived. He figured he'd need a little more punch if he was going to get into another fight. He winched the new SRM 2 up until it was level with the gap he had made in the centre torso for it.

He paused for a moment.

That PPC was dangerous enough, he didn't want the risk of the ammo cooking off. Reluctantly he inserted the missile launcher and welded it into the chest. It was done, all he needed now was an opponent.

He looked up at the Clint and sighed, depending how my battle goes I may need you yet.

[Thom Frankfurt]

Solaris Mech Space
International Zone
Solaris City, Solaris VII
April 16th, 12:23 hours

"Yo. Wat's wrong wit you two's?" DeMarkus inquired as he sat the brown paper sack containing Chinese food down upon the stack of scraped armor plates.

Rick didn't respond, just glared at him silently rose to his feet and stormed off angry towards his Archer. Kaylee looked up at him with red rimmed eyes then quickly looked away.

"Okay's wat's wrong?" Concern in his voice.

"You... c..c..can't.. win, against Min!" She began to sob. (She continues to sob, but it's a pain in the butt to try to type sobbing)

"Okasies, who's dis guy Min?"

"He, he... fights for the Blackhand, Blackhand Stables. He fights under the name of Min the Merciless. (Yes, I went there. ) And is in the top 10 light mech pilots here.. on Solaris. You're in a lighter mech, and it barely functions, YOU CAN'T WIN!!"

She sprang up to her feat then and began to pound her fist away on his chest. He quickly caught her arms.

"Kay, Kay... Ow's, damnit's Kaylee!" She kicked him in the shin. "Kaylee look's at me. Dis is noting new. I's a used to dis. Being's outnumbered, out gunned, and in a's desperate situation. Every guy who's fought for's da CapCon in da last war knows dis."

He breathed a sigh of releif as she began to calm down.

"I's awas da last pilot defending's Tikonov. And's out gunned an out numbered, I destroyed da better part of a's company. Just alike da Davies who thought me harmless, dis guy is in for a's rude awakening. Don'ts worry about's me."

He let go of her arms and leaned in to kiss her on her forehead. She surprised him by tilting her head up and kissing him full on the lips.

[Sparks Murphey]

Solaris Mech Space
International Zone
Solaris City, Solaris VII
April 16th, 12:20 hours

With a few whirrs, Bertie bolted the last panel back onto his Enforcer. The last of its scheduled maintenance complete, it should be ready for combat. Only one way to test it out for sure, though...

He shoved his hands in his overall pockets and strolled through the ‘Mech space. After the cramped access points of the Enforcer, it felt good to stretch his legs and move about. He paused as a Locust galloped through the space, then crossed to Alex’s bay, rapping on an ammo box with his knuckles to signal his arrival.

“Hey there, Alex. I’m about to take the Enforcer out for a run at the proving grounds. You interested in tagging along?”

[Sloth901]

Solaris Mech Space
International Zone
Solaris City, Solaris VII
April 16th, 12:21 hours

Sparks Murphey, on 27 May 2012 - 06:23 PM, said:

“Hey there, Alex. I’m about to take the Enforcer out for a run at the proving grounds. You interested in tagging along?”

"sure why not" Alex had been delaying going there. He needed to zero his new weapon but didn't exactly have fond memory's of the proving grounds, he'd been out there twice and nearly died twice. At least he'd have Bertie with him if anything happened

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Solaris Mech Space
International Zone
Solaris City, Solaris VII
April 16th, 12:25 hours

Alex began the start up sequence ensuring power bypassed the PPC. Even so a few techs still ducked for cover, He could only imagine what Bertie would be thinking seeing the techs running for cover.

The Panther stepped out of its bay and began making its way to the exit towards the proving grounds

[Sparks Murphey]

Solaris Mech Space
International Zone
Solaris City, Solaris VII
April 16th, 12:25

“All systems nominal,” reported the Enforcer’s computer.

Bertie took a slow step forward, letting himself adjust to the altered balance of the machine on this new world. The heavier gravity on Solaris VII slowed the ‘Mech’s stride, but it also pulled the machine off balance quicker, a nugget of information that might save him one day. He spread the ‘Mech’s arms wide, giving it an almost comical sway, but it kept him from meeting the concrete.

Alex’s Panther was already walking towards the exit to the proving grounds, moving much more comfortably with its more locally-experienced pilot. Bertie designated him with the sensors, keyed him in as Friendly 2, and opened a narrow beam radio link.

“Alex, this is Bertie, you copy? I’m switching to 16.35 megahertz encrypted, just in case we meet any more of your ‘friends’ out there today.”

The Enforcer cleared the building and he turned for the first navpoint, an intersection that would take them out of the immediate urban build up around the mech space.

“And do you have a callsign I can use? Or should I just call you Alex? I tend to go by ‘Firestorm’, myself,” he added as the ‘Mech loped into a run.

[Sloth901]

Solaris Mech Space
International Zone
Solaris City, Solaris VII
April 16th, 12:25

Alex was surprised when the voice came through on the Radio. Honestly he'd forgotten he even had one "Ok Firestorm, I suppose my call sign would be Wrecker but this is the 1st time ive been with another friendly mech. Most of my experience piloting is from industrial mechs on my home world. Now changing frequency" Alex reached up and adjusted the dial to the antique radio he got with the mech.

As they headed out of the tunnels Alex began to weave his mech from side to side and bring the throttle up, he wanted to make sure the previous damage and this new weapon system hadn't effected his mechs performance.

[Sparks Murphey]

The Proving Grounds
International Zone
Outskirts of Solaris City, Solaris VII
April 16th, 14:08 hours

The proving grounds were surprisingly busy when Bertie and Alex arrived. A Blackjack was making an impressive display of targeting with its AC/2s, while a Javelin and a Firestarter were practising coordinated manoeuvres on the far side of the grounds. A media truck had set up on a hill overlooking the ground and was capturing the Blackjack’s training.

Bertie pointed down a slight slope to a target field with his PPC, where a tan Clint was practising with its medium lasers. “I’m heading down there to get my guns in sight. Should keep us out of view of the cameras. Don’t much fancy my first media exposure here being a bunch of clips of me missing the broad side of a barn,” he said over the secure channel as he flipped a few switches on the weapons panel.

“Weapons in training mode,” reported the computer, followed by three short shrills. A burnt out tractor became Hostile 1, and Bertie raised the Enforcer’s PPC.

[Whoops, forgot that Vulpes was already here. Edited to make reference to him.]

Edited by Sparks Murphey, 28 May 2012 - 04:33 PM.

[Thom Frankfurt]

Solaris Mech Space
International Zone
Solaris City, Solaris VII
April 16th, 12:25 hours

"Ahem... Herr Frankfurt?" The voice asked and DeMarkus turned from Kaylee's embrace to reguard the voice's owner.

The tall Germanic looking man looked out of place when compared to the grease stained coveralled wearing techs. Judging by his attire he wasn't a mechwarrior either. Well, he wasn't dressed as one anyways. Nor did he even have any dirt under his well manicured nails. Clad in a black pinstirped suit, with matching black silk tie, and some type of exotic leather shoes, the man looked immaculate and stuck out like a sore thumb.

"Yeah."

"Hello. I am Randolf Von Bremen of Rainbow Stables and I'd like to extend an invitation for you to join us."

Markus was taken aback. He'd spent the better part of a week looking to join on with any of the stables but he was always turned down, and not always in the nicest ways. Now somebody was trying to recruit him, a warrior with no fights under his belt, and with as Kaylee put it 'A mech that barely functioned.'

"Okay's..." He stammered out.

"We understand that you have recently acquired a mech, ah, this is it? Most impressive I must say. By joining us you'll have access to top rated technicians, access to a private mech hanger with 24 hour security provided. And a dormitory for housing and be provided with a weekly allowance."

"Allowance?" He chuckled. "Wat am I's twelve's again. Wat's da catch?"

"No catches Sir. No tricks or traps either. We are a new stable and need experienced pilot's to fill our ranks. Please think about our generous offer." The man extended a folder to him emblazened with a rainbow across the cover.

DeMarkus took the folder and cocking his eye looked it over, it had generic mechs from all the Successor States in parade rest under the rainbow. Zeus for the Lyran Commonwealth, an Enforcer for the Federated Suns, a Hermes for the Freeworlds League, a Dragon for the Draconis Combine, and lastly a Vindicator for the Capellan Confederation. He then looked at the buisness man with the stock of blond hair.

"You's gonna give's me's a Vindicator?" He asked.

"That is not for me to say Herr Frankfurt. Please call and make an appointment to take a tour of our facilities.. We'll be happy to have someone take you on a grand tour." Randolf cast DeMarkus with a smile that would make women swoon; it made his flesh crawl. The sharply dressed man then clicked his heels and left a bewildered Markus and Kaylee there at the foot of One-Eye looking over the folder in silence.

When the man was gone DeMarkus broke the silence by tossing the folder down atop the salvaged armor plates that served them as a table and work station.

"Well's wat you's think Kay?" He asked of her.

"It seems like a real good deal, Mar." She responded.

"I dunno's. Seems too good to me's." He replied to which she made her wierd face.

[Vulpesveritas]

The Proving Grounds
International Zone
Outskirts of Solaris City, Solaris VII
April 16th, 14:09 hours

Sparks Murphey, on 28 May 2012 - 04:30 PM, said:

The proving grounds were surprisingly busy when Bertie and Alex arrived. A Blackjack was making an impressive display of targeting with its AC/2s, while a Javelin and a Firestarter were practising coordinated manoeuvres on the far side of the grounds. A media truck had set up on a hill overlooking the ground and was capturing the Blackjack’s training.

Bertie pointed down a slight slope to a target field with his PPC, where a tan Clint was practising with its medium lasers. “I’m heading down there to get my guns in sight. Should keep us out of view of the cameras. Don’t much fancy my first media exposure here being a bunch of clips of me missing the broad side of a barn,” he said over the secure channel as he flipped a few switches on the weapons panel.

“Weapons in training mode,” reported the computer, followed by three short shrills. A burnt out tractor became Hostile 1, and Bertie raised the Enforcer’s PPC.

[Whoops, forgot that Vulpes was already here. Edited to make reference to him.]

Frederick tapped on his jumpjets, still not completely used to the gravity here, although it wasn't much different from his home planet, before pushing full and taking aim at one of the targets, out at 700 meters or so. Timing the shot, he tapped and got a near bullseye from his volly, before coming back down to the ground, tapping his jets again and fluidly coming to a halt, sighing as the shot had been slightly too high, before moving forward with a grace which more or less shouted his experience in the 'mech, moving from side to side, jumpjetting here and there where it would improve his speed, doing his best to get used to maneuvering and making a full circle. As he came back, he spotted a rather familiar looking Panther, and thinking of yesterday, opened up his voice com on an open channel.

"Hey, is that Alex?" he asked over it, laying his AC/5 arm across his mech's chest and pointing down towards the ground in a passive stance, given that the last Clint he would have seen was the one that had shot at him. Probably wasn't the best idea to appear threatening in any form or manner.

Edited by Vulpesveritas, 28 May 2012 - 04:59 PM.

[Sunburst]

Apartment Building 34
International Zone
Solaris City, Solaris VII
April 14th, 21:25

Walter let out a deep sigh of regret. The numbers weren't wrong. They seldom were. Even in his early school years he had had a knack for numbers. He still fondly remembered his the bet and the kiss he won from Dorothy for him helping her get the hang on numbers. Dorothy was the neighbours daughter, his first crush in school. Their afternoons were a delight to them laying in the grass, talking, doing numbers, gosiping and generally having a good time. He even got a peak at...

'Stop wool-gathering, Walt' he chided himself. 'Fact is, Dorothy isn't here, you are. Fact is, your money isn't going to last another month. Conclusion you have to get money and cut costs.'


Walters Apartment
International Zone
Solaris City, Solaris VII
April 16th, 9:31

After geting a cheaper apartment, cuting his grocery expenses in half and looking for another Mechhanger Walter had moved to the slums in the International Zone. He had spend too much on additional security to keep his belongings inside that apartment and out of other peoples hands. On the plus side his financials looked much better now. He had approximately four months before he really ran out of c-bills. Still he had to move that costly piece of junk a benevolent donkey might call a 'mech into that new and cheaper hanger. Three hours left till the transport was scheduled to arrive at the Solaris Mech Space.
'What an uppity name for a garage with grease-stained walls, flickering headlights and reeking of spilled coolant.' Walt thought 'I just hope their security is adequate. Otherwise tomorrow I won't have a 'mech to complain about anymore.'
Three hours till the delivery date left him ample time to jog there, but first he had to get on with the second part of his plans. He gathered his pad and started searching for job offers. Dispatching his CV to some units offering minimum pay, registering at the mercenaries guild hall as available veteran with his own Battlemech and leaving his contact address. The one notable thing he did not was to look for a stable to join.
With just under 45 minutes left he went to the nearest street vendor, got something hot and spicey with some kind of meat in it, he wasn't to ask the cook about it's origins and strolled to the Solaris Mech Space to park 'Ol' Parts', maybe for the last time.


Solaris Mech Space
International Zone
Solaris City, Solaris VII
April 16th, 13:00

"You are late." Walter berated the three transport drivers here to deliver his 'mech who were quite a bit younger and heavier than he was. Chiding them wasn't about to improve the odds at seeing his Whitworth moved any faster, but he just couldn't abide tardiness. In his opinion being late wasn't fashionable it was disrespectful to your counterpart. People had lives and schedules to abide to after all.
"Shut it, Gramps. You the geezer named Tormano?" their obvious leader asked sneeringly. The others laughed at his shallow joke.

"It's pronouced Tormann", reigning in his temper, Walter put on a thin smile "and you got that right. If you three would be so kind please unload the 'mech at the gate to the compound. With my feeble body I always look for help and would greatly appreciate any I might get." he smiled indicating a substantial tip.
Obviously it worked wonders to their motivation and soon afterwards 'Ol' Parts' stood at the gate waiting for his pilot to steer it to it's newest resting place.

"Thanks a lot." Walter signed the offered pad, paying the transfer. "I have to make sure everything is okay in the cockpit I am certain you understand. When I get down you will have the appreciation I promised."
He carefully climped the ladder and opened the hatch. The same old smell greeted him. A smell of burnt flesh and acrid chemical. His son Sorin died in here. The cleanup crew couldn't get the stench out of the cockpit as hard as they tried. The metal must have absorbed some of it due to the heat buildup in the firefight. Walter wouldn't like it no other way. It reminded him each time of his purpose, fueled his anger at the treachery from his former superior. Betraying Trellwan to he raiders, sending Sorin to his death so he could get a share of their plundered wealth. Walter swore at Francines grave he wouldn't think or speak that ones name until Sorin was avenged.
A wave of heat from the damaged reactor washed over him as he powering up the 'mech. Turning on the external speakers he shouted at the rude lot still waiting his eternal gratitude outside..
"Get off! And be glad I am in no sullen mood today. Otherwise I would report your insolence to your superiors." Feeling better he saw the the guard at the entrance smiling and waving Walt' through the opening gate. Walter saluted him raising 'Ol' Parts' right arm.

Making sure he got the right hangar, Walter checked the notice on his lease agreement. 'This space sure is deserted' he thought noticing a couple of techs hunkering before a few vidscreens probably watching some fights. His entrance turned some heads. He didn't concern himself with those and parked his 'mech in the rented space. Walter knew exactly what they were thinking as they noticed the 'mech. A piece of junk it was and it was. Limping, showing internal structure in too many places, leaking heat and missing at least one laser 'Ol' Parts' certainly was no beauty, but it has been Sorin's deathbed. Walter couldn't just leave it to be scraped. Powering down into parking mode he relaxed. Piloting wasn't a second nature to him anymore and his lost leg was itching. 'Phantom pain the meds called it' Walter thought bitterly 'It is not the only phantom that haunts me.'
Climbing down, he secured the hatch and walked over to the techs.
'Hi, name's Walt.' he nodded, some nodding back 'That pile of junk over there is my 'mech. Though it looks like scrap I very much appreciate it if it stays the way it is, if you get my meaning. There are a couple of six-packs in for you if you see to it when I am not around. Thanks.' nodding again, Walter turned away and started to work on the broken foot actuator in silence.

[Sloth901]

Alex let the Enforcer pass him and began to follow. He didnt need any media attention either, his mech was in bad shape and he knew it, and he didnt want to give anyone the chance to analyse his weak spots before his first arena battle

Vulpesveritas, on 28 May 2012 - 04:54 PM, said:

"Hey, is that Alex?"

Alex saw the Clint and part of him was saying to run, but he had recognised the voice, He opened a tight beam communication with the mech, "hey Vulpes, it is Alex, me and Bertie are on 16.35 megahertz, see you over there" he closed the tight beam com and accelerated the Panther passed the Enforcer and began alternate firing his small lasers at burnt out cars as he passed by. He stopped once he was clear of Bertie.
"Ok Guys, im about to bring my PPC online, you need to stay back and be ready to pull me out if the thing overloads"
He flipped a switch and a blue flash temporarily blinded him as the barrel glowed into life, Alex lowered the power going to the weapon and took aim at the wreck of an old bus and fired. The blue streak incinerating the top half. The seats inside began to set alight at sparks of blue shot along the out side of the bus. His shot was just a tiny bit high, he adjusted but did not fire again. The risk of overload wasn't worth it. He Changed to SRM and fired at the bus, The two missiles landed short and the bus flew through the air on the blast falling apart as it did. He looked to acquire a new target when he saw the media crew looking straight at them.

"uhh guy's, we got a problem"

[Sparks Murphey]

The Proving Grounds
International Zone
Outskirts of Solaris City, Solaris VII
April 16th, 14:10 hours

Bertie spun the Enforcer with a quick burst of the jump jets, his old instincts expecting to find a hostile ‘Mech bearing down on them. The camera lenses staring down on them were in some ways worse. He cursed quietly to himself, wishing he’d repainted the ‘Mech before gallivanting off to play with it. Depending on how far these pictures went, some people just might recognise his machine. People he’d didn’t particularly want knowing where he was.

Too late to put that genie back in the bottle, though.

“All right, how do we want to play this?” he said over the com.

[Vulpesveritas]

The Proving Grounds
International Zone
Outskirts of Solaris City, Solaris VII
April 16th, 14:10 hours

After Frederick had heard Alex, he had switched to 16.35, walking up closer to Bertie and Alex, sighing in relief that the PPC did not, in fact, overload. Until he heard Alex say they had a problem, at which point he turned to his 9 and looked. Noting the media crew, he sighed again, this time at the annoyence of the media crew.
"I'm not sure what we should do, given I don't know how you guys consider media... to me they're annoying.. but if either of you have issues with them I could create a distraction for you guys to get back to the 'mechbay if you need me to." Said Frederick, sighing again. "Otherwise, I say we just play it cool, answer their questions, and act like friendly rivals." he added, giving a silent shrug at the situation.

[Sparks Murphey]

The Proving Grounds
International Zone
Outskirts of Solaris City, Solaris VII
April 16th, 14:10 hours

Vulpesveritas, on 29 May 2012 - 07:27 AM, said:

"I'm not sure what we should do, given I don't know how you guys consider media... to me they're annoying.. but if either of you have issues with them I could create a distraction for you guys to get back to the 'mechbay if you need me to." Said Frederick, sighing again. "Otherwise, I say we just play it cool, answer their questions, and act like friendly rivals." he added, giving a silent shrug at the situation.

Bertie nodded. “And making a quick exit might just convince them that they’ve got a story on their hands. I guess we play it safe and look boring. Wrecker, you might want to leave that PPC off. That thing is certainly a light show and a half.”

He turned the Enforcer back to the range and kicked it into a walk, going through a handful of basic manoeuvre exercises he’d learnt back at the academy, getting the feel back for his machine.

Edited by Sparks Murphey, 30 May 2012 - 05:43 PM.

[Thom Frankfurt]

Madam Wing-Wha's Jade Palace
Cathay, (The Capellan District)
Solaris City, Solaris VII
April 17th, 18:07 hours

"Wow." DeMarkus hit the pause button on the holovid player freezing the image of a battered Panther standing triumphant over a decapitated Wolfhound on a frozen tundra.

He then took a sip of his now lukeworm tea and contemplated the last two hours of vid footage of Min the Merciless' fights he had just finished watching on the tiny vid player. Pushing the empty teacup away and contemplated the small booth's other occupant, a emacultely dressed Rudolph Von Bremen. He reguarded the Germanic looking man and come to the conclusion that he was even more fancier dressed than the day before. He even wore jewelry today; a white gold ring with sapphires cut into the mailed fist of the Lyran Commonwealth ringed in diamonds.

"So Mr. Frankfurt.... what do you think of Mr Min?" The sharp dressed man asked.

"He's good. I'm better." DeMarkus thumbed his chest and the Lyran quirked a golden eyebrow.

"Mr. Frankfurt-" DeMarkus cut him off.

"DeMarkus." Markus corrected.

"Fine then Mr. errr... DeMarkus. Forgive me for being frank, but you sound overconfident." DeMarkus shrugged.

"Maybee's. I's think's I's have dis guy figured out." He turned over all the viddisc's cases and pointed out all the pilot names and what type of mechs they piloted.

"Check dis out. Commando, Javelin, Valkyre, Wasp, Stinger, Locust... All Lyran or Davie mechs. Dis guy only fought one mech over thirty tons, and if it wasn't for dat lucky heatshot he'd have's lost. An look at de pilot names, all anglo or's saxon... Dis guy is a bully who likes shooting up da Combine's old enemies..." He trailed off.

"So you think you can beat him?" Von Bremen asked.

"Oh, I's know's I's can. Look, you handles da paperwork an arrange everythings and I'll fights for your rainbow. Only thing, I's get to bring's my girl Kaylee wit me."

The Lyran began to pull a thick stack of papers out of an Armani briefcase and passed them over to DeMarkus

"I'm sure we can work out an arangement where she can come with you... Now if you'd sign here, here, here.... "

Edited by Thom Frankfurt, 05 June 2012 - 05:20 PM.

[MacabreDerek]

Solaris Mech Space
International Zone
Solaris City, Solaris VII
April 17th, 08:15 hours

The bay was quiet. Perhaps it had something to do with Rick coming back after spending a few days in the hospital after his 'accient', Kaylee knocking him in the jaw with a wrench and plummeting down a flight of stairs. His face was a mess of bruised tissue and staples, but even with half of his face swelled to the point of keeping his eye closed he walked with purpose, a kind of anger.

"Rick!" An angry voice came from down the hall. It was the boss' gopher, Sal. Sal caught up to Rick, and half-out of breath began jabbering away.

"Rick, Boss says enough is enough. You haven't been able to pay for your trash-heap's space in our bay for two months, and we've been more that patient with you. You work for a salary and you said you'd pay the rental fee like everyone else. Hell, we let you use the tools from our shops to make repairs and work for us, and you said you'd make it work. Well you didn't. You're mech's out of here in two days, and we really don't care where it goes, as long as it's gone. If it doesn't go, well, you remember the contract. We own your hunk of scrap after two days."

"Yea, I remember. I can make it work Sal, I swear to ya, but you gotta understand, I just landed a repair gig and I feel like I am really close to landing some real cash. Hell, if everything works out, I might even start earning the pay by competing!"

"You and every dirtwad who comes to this planet thinks that. You're mech is garbage, and so are you. You think working two repair gigs will even come close to paying off what you owe?! You're mech is gone, then you start paying us back. If you don't, we own it, and sue your *** for breach of contract. You'll be buried under so much red tape you'll hang yourself with it just to stop seeing it. You got it?"

Sal turned and started strutting away in his usual fashion.
Looking up at his Archer, his eyes widened. Someone added to the paint-job on his mech where the SCRAP stencile was and extended it.

"S.C.R.A.P.M.A.K.E.R."

"*** **** it Kaylee." He knew the little runt kept a soft spot for him, even if she had to act as a hard-cut individual to gain the respect of her male piers in the bay. That, however, was not what upset Rick.

Pulling out his PDA, he read the message:

Dear Mr.Turven,

It has come to our attention that you have come under the employ of DeMarkus Frankfurt and have been hard working to keep his mech in fighting condition. While we are glad to see such a talent as yours being put to use, we have an offer for you. Should his Ol' One-Eye fail to finish his matches here on Solaris due to Mechanical Issues, you may find yourself with a surprising amount of disposable income suddenly thrusted into your account.

However, should you wish to rescind this offer, you may find accidents such as what you have recently undergone to become far more frequent, and far more violent. We understand Kaylee, a tech under the same employ as yourself, has been having back problems which may leave her paralyzed for the remainder of her life. Such unfortunate things happen with your line of work, and we are sure you would agree it would be a tragedy to let such a promising career suddenly end in such a way.

We are watching closely, and will look forward to providing your payment upon DeMarkus' failure in the arena.

- A friend.

Rick grabbed his tools from his bench at the foot of his mech, and looked across the bay toward Ol' One-Eye. He signed, and began to walk towards the mech when he saw himself in a mirror upon the wall.

"You're going to hate yourself for the rest of your life for this, you know that, right?"

"What choice do I have?"

"Choice would imply you haven't made a decision yet."

"Yea, it does. What choice do I have?"

"Do something stupid?"

"Stupid.... yea..."

Rick walked away from the mirror with his tools towards Ol' One-Eye.

[Thom Frankfurt]

Rainbow Stables Apartments
International Zone
Solaris City, Solaris 7
April 18th 3031 08:17hrs


Beep.

The intercom sounded, tearing Erin's attention away from the dossiers on the latest bit of arrivals to Solaris. A hodge-podge of washed up has-beens, never will-bes (even with her help) and wanna be mechwarriors from every walk of life. It seemed her scolding talk with all her lackeys was getting results, just not the kind that she wanted. She'd take quality over quanity anyday. Why didn't the knuckledraggers working for her understand that?

Beep. Again the chime from the intercom.

Erin cast a withering glare at the small metal box built into her desk's top, then tossed the hardcopy report on some long retired mechjock to the side. She then depressed the small knobby button.

"Yes?" She tried to only allow a slight tinge of irritation creep into her voice.

"Ma'am, Mr. Von Bremen is her to see you." The receptionist statted.

Her Wallichan accent annoyed Erin to no end, but it wasn't every day that you found people that were fluent in fourteen different languages. Despite the crazy accent, her message bore good news. Randolph was proving himself to be an asset, unlike the rest of the people working for her. Smiling at whatever news the sharp dressed man may have had in store for her, she mashed down the intercom's button.

"Please send him in." She hoped she sounded indifferent on the com. She then quickly popped open a small makeup kit and did her best to make herself presentable to the (what she considers) handsome man.

There was a sharp rap against the door, then it yawned open, admitting the ever imaculate Von Bremen to swagger into the office. Erin felt herself begining to feel flush eyeing the ivory suited man. He walked in a few steps and held his arms out wide for her.

"There's my girl!" he boomed out and she found herself blushing. She stiffled a giggle and indicated for him to take a seat. She pushed aside the thought of what their clothes would look like strewn around her office and took her own seat.

"What do you have for me, Randy?" She inquired, sounding all buisness.

"Randy now? Ha. I got four more for you. They're decent pilots from what I read on them, they should be showing up soon." He grinned ear to ear revealing a smile that would make any poster boy jealous.

"Quit trying to hold back on me." She blurted out impatiently. "Is the Capellan one of them?" To which he nodded.

"He is. Mr Frankfurt said he'd be here late today. Something about helping his tech pack and move here." He imformed her. "He's a decent man, insisted on paying for our lunch, then got angry when I beat him to the check. You should have seen his face, with his scar turning purple..." He trailed off chuckling.

"He is moving his tech?" She arched a golden eyebrow.

"Yes. He's grown attached to Kali, Kate....it was something like that. Maybe Hayley? Whatever her name is, he wouldn't have agreed to join us without her tagging along. And you said to do what I had to to get him to sign on... It was kind of odd though, man has been living out of the cockpit of that Commando, and would turn down a free place to stay if his tech didn't come." He shrugged.

Erin was upset about the idea of a tech running around her domain not on her payroll. But she wanted the Capellan to be her plaything. He would be an excellent champion and an even better sacrifice.

"Fine. But make sure this b***h is monitored night and day." She began to undo the buttons on her blouse.

"Now, get over her." She demanded.

It looked like it was going to be a good day.

Edited by Thom Frankfurt, 10 June 2012 - 12:49 AM.

[Sloth901]

The Proving Grounds
International Zone
Outskirts of Solaris City, Solaris VII
April 16th, 14:10 hours

"I'd like to avoid them if possible, I dont want any footage of me for my 1st official opponent to analyse" With that the Panther began to move away from the other two, chain firing his small lasers to make it seem as if he was still practising. looking behind him he saw the camera was still on him. "Sh*t" Alex looked around for a way out, there was none, that media crew could see everything for a mile. In anger he fired his SRM at the ground in-between him and the film crew, He lost sight of the crew in a cloud of dust. That should give them the hint.

"were not gonna loose them, hopefully they'll lose interest soon"