BattleTech: The Trickster (The Proliferation Cycle, Part VII): BattleTech Novella

By Blaine Lee Pardoe

IMBALANCE OF POWER…

 

On the faraway Clan Homeworlds during the Golden Century, Nicholas Kerensky's vision of the Clans has blossomed into a thriving, varied culture where the warrior is esteemed above all…and MechWarriors, in their armored war machines, are at the pinnacle of Clan hierarchy.

 

The eighteen Clans have existed in relative technological parity as well…until the day Clan Coyote fields a radical new 'Mech that gives them the edge on any battlefield—the OmniMech. Supremely customizable thanks to its modular design, the OmniMech threatens to upend the delicate balance of power among the Clans…and its secrets become a hotly contested prize.

 

In the annual Trial of Possession for the OmniMech technology, the Jade Falcons have won the right to challenge the Coyotes first. But along with the upcoming 'Mech battle, a shadowy force is willing to do whatever is necessary to ensure that the Falcons succeed…even if it requires the sacrifice of cherished ideals…
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Catalyst Game Labs
• Release date: Apr 29, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201688585

Book preview

BattleTech: The Trickster

BattleTech: The Trickster

The Proliferation Cycle, Part VII

Blaine Lee Pardoe

Catalyst Game Labs

Contents

Acknowledgments

The Trickster

Battletech Glossary

BattleTech Eras

The BattleTech Fiction Series

Acknowledgments

The following fans and Kickstarter (KS) sponsors have been included in this story. You’re all canon now!

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(KS) Dennis Busse for Kerek Helmer

(KS) Chris Fernandez for Slynkers Mercer

(KS) Jason Gollogly for Tyrilla Heller

(KS) Matt Kudrick for Matthew Nash

(KS) Leif Lann for Anjij Nuyriev

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Christopher Barghausen

Daniel Corrigan

Ian Morgan Coutt

Mario Garzolini

Brent Kynell

Jeff Rietman

Stanislav Shimuk

BARGHAUSEN

GRANT’S STATION

THE CLAN HOME WORLDS

10 DECEMBER 2854

Barghausen was a small settlement on Grant’s Station, built by Clan Coyote. The town was dotted with small, sturdy structures built for utility. At the far end was bunkers for munitions, repair, and storage of BattleMechs, walled off in case of accidents. It had been a thriving community in its early years. Clan Coyote’s merchant caste had several thriving businesses in the town, including a small chip manufacturing facility. There had been rumors of growth, expansion…that someday Barghausen would be something more than what it was…a large city.

That had changed five years ago, when Clan Jade Falcon had taken the city. Star Commander Corrigan had just become a warrior then, but remembered when the Jade Falcons came and waged a Trial of Possession for the settlement. It was seen as an act of arrogance on the part of the Jade Falcons. They had no interest in Grant’s Station at the time, and hadn’t expanded their holdings since taking it. They seemed to have chosen Barghausen simply because it was a symbol of the growth and success of Clan Coyote.

Corrigan remembered the shame that came with the defeat of his people and the loss of the town. The Jade Falcons had turned it into Firebase Barghausen. Gone were the plans for growth and expansion. Many businesses had closed under their rule, and much of the lower castes left the city, seeking employment elsewhere on Grant’s Station. Yet the town remained as a symbol, a bold splotch of emerald on the map of the planet, a mark of defiance to Clan Coyote. It was the Jade Falcons way of saying, We can take whatever you have.

That arrogance ends today…

He approached the gate in his new OmniMech—the Coyotl. At 40 tons, it was considered a medium class design—deceptive in its appearance. It was something different, something new. Corrigan knew that the new technology; the Omnis, changed everything. For decades we have been fighting using the same tech. We have improved weapons and ranges, but the core of what we wage war with has remained constant. Now things are different. This is the new standard— and only my people possess it.

A lone warrior in a pristine green dress uniform, oozing with confidence, stepped forward to stand before his Coyotl. Corrigan popped his canopy and removed his neurohelmet, climbing down to face his opponent face-to-face…as warriors should.

I am Star Commander Corrigan of the Clearwater Bloodhouse, of Clan Coyote, divine and inspired amongst the children of Kerensky. I am attached to Alpha Galaxy, the 38th Assault Cluster, with bloodlines that tie us back to the Star League. Whom do I face?

The Jade Falcon warrior crossed his arms as he spoke. I am Star Colonel Remagen Pryde, of Delta Galaxy, 1st Falcon Jaegers, and garrison commander for Firebase Barghausen. I speak for Jade Falcons everywhere in the stars, the Clan that will one day stand on Terra. What business does Clan Coyote have here?

Corrigan glared at his foe. "I come to issue a batchall for Barghausen. It was conceived and built by Clan Coyote and will return to our rule. With what forces will you defend this town?"

Remagen Pryde was unshaken. As a Jade Falcon, I know cunning in the bid is worth just as much as skill on the battlefield. He paused, as if to somehow intimidate. This tiny town is not worthy of shedding a great deal of precious Jade Falcon blood for. And judging by the size of your BattleMech, he leaned to the side to look at the Coyotl, I believe I will defend this town with two medium BattleMechs and be joined by one of my fellow Jade Falcon warriors…more than a match for your skills and new BattleMech.

Corrigan nodded. We too are a people that abhor waste. What BattleMechs will you be defending with?

That question was not part of the typical protocol and caught Remagen off guard for a moment—Corrigan could see it in his face. What BattleMechs? Why does that matter?

It does, and is proper. If you were defending the town, unaugmented, with a weapon, I would ask with what weapon you were choosing to bid appropriately. This is no different.

Still flustered, Pryde replied. "I pilot a Sentinel. I will order Kynell of my Bloodhouse to join me in defending the honor of our Clan, and he pilots a Wyvern. Together we are more than a match for whatever you may muster."

Very well, I will bid my Omni and one other, Corrigan replied, glancing back at his new ’Mech with a look of pride. As defender, the choice of ground goes to you.

Remagen Pryde looked around at the rolling prairies surrounding the protective berms surrounding the munitions bunker at the edge of the town. The grasses are in need of fertilization; your blood will do fine for that. We fight here, tomorrow, at dawn.

Corrigan nodded. You have bargained well, Remagen Pryde. But the only blood spilled here tomorrow will be yours.

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BARGHAUSEN

GRANT’S STATION

THE CLAN HOME WORLDS

11 DECEMBER 2854

The next morning, Remagen Pryde stood before Kynell as his junior warrior donned his coolant vest. This new BattleMech—what were the weapons again?

I saw jump jet exhausts, a large pulse laser, a small pulse laser, and a short-ranged missile mounting for four. We should assume those are Streak.

Kynell finished the last connection. So only one long range weapon. Excellent. Given its weight, we can assume it is slow. All we have to do to be victorious is hold our distance and shower them with LRMs and autocannon fire. He shook his head in disbelief. Coyotes…they are a stubborn people.

"Aff, that they are," Remagen replied. And today that stubbornness will cost them.

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THIRTY MINUTES LATER

Remagen’s BattleMech nearly fell over as another extended range PPC blast smashed into his Sentinel’s chest, burning away armor and badly searing the fusion reactor housing. Heat flared in his cockpit as he reeled and regained his footing.

How is this possible? He had been tricked. That was the only answer that made sense.

"My target