Chapter #6

The space-port had come alive only an hour ago when news and video streams started to come in from Skye, tracking systems would finally spot the new satellite in near solar orbit that was broadcasting real-time between the two worlds. The only signal lag was caused by Summer's lack of proper relay for the satellite's systems, which got all eyes on the new satellite and the news transmissions coming from it.

One such feed was from the "new" Skye News Network, which had feeds and a reporter in the control room for the primary defense base on Skye. The feed was of people from the Wolfin and human races hustling and moving about, working systems and speaking over com systems to ships and the defensive stations in system. An older news agent with heavy scarring on his neck and cheek stood beside a few officers both Wolfin and Human. "We have decent real time connection to Summer now commanders, you said that the expeditionary fleet will be bringing Summer it's own planetary relay?"

Two of the commanders turned and nodded, one human and one Wolfin, the tall rather lanky canine smiling softly as the human general nodded to him. The furred man smiled and touched his collar before speaking in his native language, the collar translated perfectly into English "Yes, like the transmitter that has just come online, there is a planetary receiver/transmitter that is going to be brought to Summer by the expeditionary fleet and installed in a secure location."

The reporter smiled. "That's wonderful news, I know it was a pleasant surprise for us when the transmitter on Skye came online and our global com systems came back to full use." He'd touch his ear and nod softly. "Oh I almost forgot, we've come to take some things almost for granted as of late. Is it true that like our HPG systems, your com systems are based largely on your FTL drives?"

The canine commander's ear twitched and he'd nod lightly. "Yes they are, though our systems are different than your jump drives and while coming to Terran space requires us to have a few stations in dark space that power a network we're hoping to link to a project here in Skye's orbit. It takes a great deal of power to use these, and even then it's thanks to another race's ingenuity that we are able to use such a system."

The canine motioned toward the largest screen in the room. "Our own shorter range FTL system is strange or as some humans have said...insane." A snort and nod from the general checking over his screen. "It takes a great deal of power and actually requires us to make our jumps from a system's star to another system's star. Smaller ships dock and moor to our heavier vessels and activate their.."

The General turned and shook his head. "We're still trying to figure out how exactly to replicate it...but they use magnetic fields to surf a star and slingshot faster than light to a neighboring star." He'd sigh. "I still think your people are insane."

"We have gravity tech at least, your people still are scratching their heads trying to figure it out..." Came from one of the techs at a nearby station. "Commanders, the fleet is starting their run."

The camera would move back to the screen, the reporter chuckling at something that couldn't be heard fully. "Alright folks, this is Humanities first good view and experience. That's right boys and girls, the expeditionary fleet is now a combined group of Wolfin and human, civilian and military personnel. The leader of the ground forces is none other than the former Galaxy Commander and now General Anastasia Kerensky." He'd sigh. "Who is usually either revered or hated, but none the less a formidable commander and willing to fight with the Admiral himself in mech combat. That video after this."

The view went to the station's view in solar orbit of the fleet tucking together around the Dreadnought as engines went to full burn and space seemed to distort around the ships. Magnetic fields pushed out as the images of the ships seemed to bend and warp as they shot past the station at full burn. The views of the ships warped even more as the magnetic bubbles rode alone the outer layers of the sun, seeming to move faster than light already. As the ships vanished around the backside of the star, the view went to a map with a diagram showing the fleet moving more and more rapidly around the sun until the line simply shot toward Summer's star.

"And there you have it folks, the Expeditionary fleet is on the way to meet with delegates from major factions in this region of space. This is the first true step for peace...and this reporter hopes they've learned from the stupidity of others." A stern look at the camera and it was switched to battle footage of the Admiral and General testing her newly modified mech.

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Tara Cambell walked into the command center that had been setup at the space port, several of the other delegates had beaten her here thanks to her needing to meet with her commanders. "What is the eta on that fleet?"

A tech sighed. "For the 352'nd time since we got setup....it's on the bloody transmission!" He nearly shouted, making another tech walk over and touch his shoulder. "Sorry commander, it's like riding in a car and hearing are we there yet for 5 damn hours...." He actually lit a cigarette at his post and puffed on it softly.

Tara waved a hand and checked the screen, not long now. "Not to worry. Everyone is on edge right now." She'd get a nod from Jasek, who'd been checking with his forces and some of the mercs on planet to make sure none were planning to start a fight. "Highlanders and Storm Hammers have the space-port and local base under protective guard."

"Yes but how many possible enemy hiding places are in the surrounding area." Asked the Wolf Khan as he looked at the maps. "There are too many jackals on this world for my liking, I also do not like leaving my mech with my forces on the edge of the city."

"With my people as well, ease your worries. When trouble arises, it is best that our honor driven warriors do not partake in it. Our ways are not that of the freeborn, nor the Wolfin people." The Spirit Cat Khan said softly from where he sat on the floor, having just seemed to wake. 

"Have another of your visions?" Alaric Wolf said to the other Khan, not really caring or paying attention to him.

"I have, and I trust it. We will be safe when trouble arises." He'd look to Tara Cambell and smiled softly. "And it will not come from any of our warriors."

She'd nod and sigh, sipping some coffee as she looked over a data pad. "I know, none of our people are that stupid...I worry more about who might of been hired to cause trouble, or who just simply wants to see this fail." Her hair was cropped back short as her fingers worked that single lock in worry.

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The star-field visible through the currently raised bridge of the Nautilus as the entire ship seemed to thrum with the power of the reactors and drives gently worked at slowing the ship. Magnetic fields rippled as the burning light of Summer's star pulled at them, slowing the fleet as it arced around the burning ball of plasma. As the fleet finished it's slowing arc around the star it would finally drop below light speed, the magnetic bubble around the fleet slowly dropping strength until it faded completely. Transmissions from the system came in finally to the com system as the crews slowly spread the fleet apart from the tight knit formation needed for ftl.

Admiral Dark stood on the bridge of his fleet's flagship as the Nautilus slowed for it's now standard 4g burn for the planet of Summer, deciding to no longer hide the abilities of their ships and craft from the Terran populations. After the horrendous failure of High Command's choice to have the ships at lower power modes for a first meeting and the loss of multiple ships, not many argued against his change of policies in the matter. He'd move about the bridge looking at screens and stopping at the com station, a small smile on his face. "How are the Terran drop-ships handling the changes?"

The com officer snorted and twitched his pointed ear, much lankier than the Admiral. "Panic, calm, panic, more calm, and then the best reaction I've gotten was Blade's mate threatening to run the drop-ship herself if one more person asked about the new inertial systems, and that is also after she knocked out the technical officer. She did that before jump. They're handling the change well enough thanks to the practice. Most of the worries are from the ground troops."

"I'm heading down to the drop bays, I'm going to get everyone ready for trouble." The Admiral said and got a few nods.

"Do you think the delegates would do such a thing?" That got a snort from more than 1 on the bridge.

The armored commander turned and grinned. "The delegates not really, but I expect trouble, there are too many weapons and too much ammo on that planet for none to be fired at us." Without another word he'd turn and head for a lift that would take him closer to the bays. Unlike the Terran armed forces, Wolfin armors rarely showed signs of rank. Different battle groups or assault forces tended to have set patterns they used for their particular group, but rank was known and only shown with a scanner. All thanks to the little devices in the hip and skull of each of them.

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Jasek and his father once again sat in different chairs with Tara Cambell standing between them. Janella Lakewood had taken away the stun baton away from the Countess and rubbed her temples. "Would you two peacocks quit pissing off the angry sobering woman, who I must remind you...keeps finding new things to hit you with when you argue? I would like for there to not be any broken bones...namely jaws when we greet the Wolfin..."

"Yes...I have been in and out of drunks for the last 3 days, yes I have more interest in making this work than some of you would admit for yourselves....and yes Duke I will shoot you if you try and be a pompous noble ASS!" She roared that last word and then groaned rubbing her head. "So little sleep, so much yelling...asprin?" She caught a bottle tossed to her by Trillian.

The Steiner leader gave a knowing grin and went over paperwork at her table with Alaric Wolf as the Spirit Cat khan meditated. "Learn to drink more water Tara, helps with the hangovers." She'd sigh. "I still can't think of how someone expects me to use a mech, I've read on them...but I've never been a pilot."

Alaric wolf looked over and was about to say something before there was a beep from several terminals and the main screen lit up to show a woman that made his face pale a small amount, even if he kept that face hard to read. His eyes on hers as she looked around the room at the delegates and one of the aides finally tripped when he stared a little too long. "See, this is why I do not understand the freeborn worry of clothing..." He admitted and relaxed in his chair slightly.

Anastasia Kerensky, 1st human General of the expeditionary force, mate of the Admiral, formerly the Galaxy commander of the Steel wolf forces, and a woman known for her ability for violence...was standing topless aside from grease smears on her upper body looking at the delegates. "First off...thank you for tripping, I just won 100 credits for less than a minute. Second...Alaric Wolf, I was quite drunk when I made that recording, as well as the one for you was when I was hung over." She got nods and smiles from both of the Khans as the spirit cat leader was suddenly beside Alaric.

"I'm also topless because I lost a bet, with someone...but I will not hold that creepy feline of yours Captain." The camera followed as the formidable warrior backed away from something off screen to the laughter of others in the background on her end. An annoyed sigh and she'd look back at the screen. "This is live...."

A deep rumbling laugh. "And the Admiral wins, nipples are hard."

Anastasia growled and gave a deathly look to someone off screen before trying to look back at the screen. "Thankfully I know this is a secure link, any pictures of this found on Summer's net will earn someone a full body shave with a sword." There was a very canine yelp in the background and she smiled. "Back to business. We all know that there are far too many faction's presences on Summer for you to keep track on them all, and far too many mechs and weapons for you to ensure everyone will behave when the big bad wolves come to town."

This time Alaric Wolf laughed so hard that he fell back into his chair, the clansman wiping a single tear from his face. Though as he caught her glare he'd become the picture of clan emotionless posture.

"We've caught several bombs planted, a few well hidden artillery pieces, and a drop-ship's worth of arms cache's already." Paladin Lakewood said as she held a data pad in her hand, her eyes kept flicking to Anastasia's shoulder.

The Countess would sigh. "You're right though, as much as none of us want to admit it...the talks gathered too many here for us to police everyone everywhere properly. At first I didn't mind in the event that we might have to make a stand against the Wolfin." Her fingers rubbed her temples. "We've done what we can though, you know as well as us that not everyone likes to think things through for proper reasons. Hell for the communications system alone I'd give them the damn mining rights to what isn't drilled on Northwind."

Anastasia's grin broadened and she'd nod. "That can all be worked out during proper talks at the landing zone aboard this ship. Which is I must add...at 4g thrust in that direction." She'd point to her side, making techs and delegates fully pay attention that weren't. "They have upgraded our drop-ships with some of this tech as well, and it means a good boost to tech we humans never had before now. Even the clans have failed with some of these concepts, and some things like problems with people happen no matter the race it seems." Her hand was off screen doing something about shoulder level to her.

The view shifted to show she was viciously assaulting around the ear of an elemental sized black furred Wolfin, who's jaw size matched the scar on Anastasia's shoulder. He never even noticed the camera on him before it was back on Anastasia's face. "Some things are just easier to calm with Wolfin, mainly due to them not having as many social problems with things as we do. We propose that you allow us to handle whatever problems that arise with standard Wolfin practices and mixed forces for minimal damage."

Trillian looked around the room and went to open her mouth before blinking as Anastasia was jerked off of the screen and it switched to the Admiral that had been getting scratches from Anastasia a moment before, there was a fair amount of cursing and sounds of flailing in the background. "I see no problem with the proposal, lets be honest...civilians will run as soon as trouble starts, and those that linger should run when they see your machines."

"I second letting the Wolfin machines help police problems that arise, but I wonder how you are planning to deploy without causing a large amount of damage to property or people...hearts and minds is a saying." Paladin Lakewood said as she looked over screens and shook her head. "Combat drops, aerospace fighters, everything runs the risk of causing major damage to the star-port and the city." she was looking over different things and heard snickering and a giggle, the giggle made her look back at Tara, who was covering her mouth and staring at the screen. The Paladin blinked as she saw Alaric Wolf biting his own hand to keep silent and even the other Khan staring wide eyed.

What they were trying to keep serious while watching was the Admiral keeping very still aside from his ear twitching as a small mechanical hand was helping a light and dark blue kitten with brown fur streaks sit on his muzzle. The towering warrior was cross eyed as the camera picked up purring and the kitten kneading on the Admiral's face earning little whines from him.

"We will see you all soon. Drills have been run, we'll do our best...won't we Whiskey?" A tiny mewl sounded before the feed cut.

Paladin Lakewood snatched the flask that the Countess was raising to her mouth, sighing and taking a swig herself before handing it back. "We have 5 hours with them slowing town to enter atmosphere. Only the Admiral's ship and a small escort are coming over the port, the rest are heading to secure their landing zone." She'd rub her temples and looked over at the Clan Khans. "I need you both to move your people north of the city and run scouts along the major and minor routes." Her eyes shifted to Trillian. "I need the Steiner forces to keep watch on the eastern bank of the city since you have more hovercraft."

Tara capped her flask and sighed. "I have all of my forces in the city ready to go and already pulling security." She'd look to Janella and smile. "You taking south or west?"

Jasek lifted his head up. "Don't I get a say in..." His words died in his mouth as a Paladin, Countess, and Lady Trillian Steiner all looked at him with death's own stare. "I will deploy my forces as you need them...." A gentle pat and light squeeze on his shoulder from his father, who was keeping nice and quiet while the three women worked and looked over data pads and maps.

"You have a Paladin, a Countess, and the leader of the Lyran Commonwealth...let them plan what they can. I got pulled out of a comfortable bed and dragged here for this...but if we can get back to our home Jasek...they freed Skye. They're helping OUR people, people we had to leave behind..." He watched his son nod grimly.

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It was one of the warming afternoons in the capitol city, the Spaceport surrounded by thousands upon thousands of people, while buildings in the city had people flocked to windows watching the burning trails. As had been reported for years that humanity had met another race in the stars and then the panic of finding out how the first meeting had went, the residents of Summer were watching another attempt at a proper peaceful meeting with leaders.

Air vehicles had been forbidden from being anywhere near the city as the fleet entered the atmosphere from space, several streaks of fire flashed out over the city as most of the fleet passed it by, the camera feeds from the three dozen news teams setup over the taller points of the city. One such point is where a news team slipped in ahead from Skye was setup on a hill feeding information to the fleet and to the station situated near the system's star.

"Are we transmitting yet?" "I told you three minutes ago we were transmitting...pay attention!" "Shit shit shit...fix the suit, get that second camera up...." A secondary view came online and people on Summer and Skye got the surprise of a lifetime as a feed was piped from the top of one of Summer's sky scrapers at the far end of the city. The views were actually lovely with the people and the trails as the fire streak slowed enough to reveal the dreadnought and escort ships that slipped from it's hull.

"This is Rodney Davis with Skye news network, here on summer thanks to a trick of our Wolfin friends getting us here ahead of time." He'd turn to look behind him as two frigates and a few gunships flew above the dreadnought. "Alright folks, I've seen that thing come down four times now....I still want to run for the hills watching it come down slowly like that." The camera zoomed in on the still distant ship. "Now if you watch from a distance you can see the engines slowing it down and also the little wave to the view of it. That is from the drives we just don't have the tech to make. Magnetic and gravity based systems...they're the good kind of insane folks. This isn't like what happened when the clans came to visit us the first time, they're pretty nice...sure there's a prick here and there like any group of people."

A laugh from the camera man made the reporter smile. "Now there's a reason why a rough talking group of hellions was given camera's and sent instead of the normal crews you'd see. Like a good bit of folks on Skye, we've seen some hell. We've worked in the cities cleaning up and helping try to get together lives we had before Jade Falcon tried to grind us up. We're combat reporters, combat veterans. Jamie holding the camera is an elemental in jump armor, our other camera girl who's keeping watch on the spaceport is an old sniper, and Me well...you can only report on battles so much before you join one."

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Millions of eyes were on the dreadnought as it slowed to safe speeds and glided slowly over the spaceport, seeming to shake the air as the engines rumbled and pulsed jets of flame and plasma into the sky to shift the ship. The two frigates and various small support craft stuck close to the ship as cameras filmed and snapped pictures of the grand sight of such massive vessels moving through the air as if on strings.

Tara's eyes were glued to the monitors as she watched the monster of a space vessel hover through the air, the alarm actually making her jump a few inches in the air as seismic sensors picked up a few detonations near the spaceport. "Report!" She barked out even as she ran for a console. She barely heard the technician relaying that it had been one of the city's drainage systems erupting out in several places, her eyes instead on the screen showing mechs, artillery, and infantry pouring out like ants from their nests. "Crowd control! Sound the alarms and lock this spaceport down!" She barked out and paused as she realized she had no mech to fight in.

Weapons were handed out to each of the delegates as soldiers moved to take defensive positions around the star-port, which were all but ignored by the advancing forces. Crowds scattered and went for cover at the very least as the air was tainted with exhaust smoke, missiles, and artillery shells that all arced through the sky for the Nautilus. It was then that the delegates and many others blinked in confusion as shells and missiles exploded in mid air, windows shattering as the air on that side of the ship just seemed to explode. "What...was that?"

Alaric wolf grinned. "By Kerensky, that is the new weapon, a Concussion weapon strong enough to erupt shells and missiles." A wolfish grin covered his face as more missiles and shells met the same fate as the air on either side of the ship seemed to erupt.

"Attention attacking forces, you've given us a chance to show off some of our defensive weapons, please turn yourselves in to the authorities or we will treat you as enemies." A soft growl rang out as arcs of lasers and plasma slammed into the hull of the ship. "As you wish, please enjoy our ground forces."

"How are they going to deploy ground forces while under fire and unable to la......" Janella blinked as sections of hull raised up showing bays for mechs and vehicles that charged out into the open air, heavy cables latched to their backs as weapons fire from lasers and plasma projectors lashed out from the falling vehicles. "They're insane...they're repelling from the ship under fire." She looked over at another screen and groaned. "And they're rushing us as well. Tara!"

Tara Cambell was already holding a com to her ear as she hooked a radio to her belt. "All forces fall back into the structure. Fall back and return fire!" The heavy walls blocked most of the sound as her highlanders moved into the building and fired out at approaching forces. And then she and a few others looked over at the com station that was barking out orders in english, german, and odd growls and yips. "Are they broadcasting openly?"

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"Do not dig in! Drop, unlatch, advance in hunting formations!" The coms were on open frequencies as the tactical controllers relayed orders. "We are picking up air assets coming in from the east, escorts move to engage and keep them out of the city!" Came Lightfoot's voice as they picked up several incoming vtol's and aerospace assets advancing on them. "Releasing locks on command group, good hunting Admiral!" "YOU ARE ALL INSANE!" The last came from Anastasia Kerensky as the heavy doors opened below her machine.

Though one of the things that actually caused several people to pause was what came out of the next bay over from the Command bay. 200 tons and nearly 75ft tall as it stretched out its legs, hanging from heavy cables as it dropped down to the spaceport from the hovering ship. It was also broadcasting openly from it's loudspeakers, letting everyone able to hear "WEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!" and purring coming from the war machine. It seemed the pilot loved cats as there were insignia's on either side of the cockpit of a kilted feline and empty whiskey bottles. "Damn this thing's heavy! Heading to support forces protecting spaceport. Here we go Whiskey....dropping marines!" A vehicle ejected from the back of the mech and raced for the spaceport, weapons lashing out from it at the attacking forces.

"Captain Bishop, Captain Zeus, secure spaceport from attacking forces and protect the delegates! Mixed drop forces are to route and corral assaulting enemy forces." Was all the Admiral said as he and Anastasia shifted to head for the far side of the port where mechs and long range attackers were firing wave after wave of missiles and long range weapons at the ship and mixed forces. "Blade, take your forces and move to route any flanking maneuvers you see. Anastasia and command group with me." Long range fire from the group was minimal as it broke apart into two forces, Blade leading the fast attack group off to assault a group attempting to flank the main group, while the Admiral and general moved to lead their group straight into heavy fire.

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"Forward guard is routed, they've entered the building. We're falling back on the command center." Came from the com as a few of the delegates were still watching the screens. The building actually rumbled slightly with the steps of the machine that was heading for it. An Uziel had already been disabled from a blast of the giant's naval class ppc's that had slagged away it's armor into it's joints and topped the mech. A demolisher 100 ton tank was disabled with it's turret literally ripped loose by the machine's massive hand. Even with the size of the machine it had an odd grace to it, showing that even mammoth machines could move fluidly. Though several camera's on the building went out as a Catapult put an alpha strike in on the monster's back, earning it's pilot a Naval burial by ppc that lit off the machine's reactor.

"Captain Bishop....less coring shots please. I could see that over here..."

"Woops...he shot me in the back, still adjusting to practices Admiral." There was also mewing and purring. "I know...it's so pretty Whiskey."

"Open coms Captain...please refrain from cute kitten talk while in battle, it's distracting." Came from Anastasia Kerensky, which just earned laughter.

"Mam it looks like the enemy forces will reach us before Wolfin reinforcements." Came from one of the staff as there was heavy weapons fire down the hall.

Tara hefted a rifle and kicked over a table. "Grab a weapon and cover the door. I want fire on that door if it's not a Highlander!" Techs and a few of the delegates grabbed weapons and took cover. That was about the time that a section of floor vanished in a rush of dust and the shock of charges. Tara turned to watch as a black armored wolf the size of a large brown bear would run up the newly made ramp into the room followed by Wolfin soldiers and Elementals. "Hold fire!"

The wolf looked around and made a growl and bark before charging out of the room with all but one Wolfin and 1 Elemental following, the duo staying behind and dropping medical kits onto the floor. "The Captain wishes for the little humans to not get themselves hurt and let him hunt the stupid humans." Came from the Elemental as the Wolfin took up a guarding position on the point they entered.

Alaric Wolf blinked. "You can understand him." The elemental nodded to him in his heavy armor. "Yes Alaric Wolf...they have translation devices, Captain Zeus prefers German over English." That got the Khan laughing before there was a scream from down the hall and heavy weapons fire.

"Humans, you have injured soldiers friendly and enemy. Please move forward and assist them with medical treatment while I hunt." Came from the elemental's collar as he grabbed the medical kits and tossed one to Jasek as he held out his hands. The genetically enhanced soldier nodding for the door. "Please follow me, we have to abandon this room and follow the Captain."

"How do they have a machine that looks like one of our top secret failures?" Janella thought aloud making the wolfin soldier laugh as he moved behind them while they went down the hall. "How long have you been watching us?"

The soldier shrugged. "I'm just a soldier mam, but a while...not long enough to fully understand your ways, but enough to get your languages and some of your machines. Probably two hundred years or so, but we are always fending off attacks, this is the first time we've had a spare fleet to come here. From what I've heard the Captain's machine is mostly our tech now with just a shell and preference of it's human pilot...and her cat..."

That actually made the Spirit Cat Khan pause in his step. "A normal feline would panic in battle."

A laugh rumbled from the Wolfin as he and his partner moved to check over the wounded with some of the other able soldiers, getting to work. "It's not a Terran cat...we cannot pronounce their name like your languages cannot pronounce ours...so we use Wolfin to describe our people and call them Cats, they are feline...but not feral, wonderful at passing for feral."

Tara Cambell looked over. "Terran felines are not blue...ever." And then she noticed things were getting quieter aside from the slight rumbles coming from Tara Bishop's machine. "What did she name her machine?"

"Oh that giant thing. She lost a bet...well several bets with the tech's back on Skye. She wanted to name it Falcon hunter, but after several lost bets...the name is Whiskey's Pride. They never could figure out how to get a kilt onto it....." The Wolfin looked over as Alaric Wolf yelled out in pain, thanks to a face full of Whiskey from Tara Cambell spitting it out at the mention of a kilted mech.