MechWarrior 2: Mercenaries/Crystal Storm

Crystal Storm

MechWarrior’s Campaign Journal

October 3, 3045

I’ve become some kind of hero to the Mutineers. I still have the best food, the most water, and the best living conditions of any warrior in the resistance. Still, I could wish for more. I’m rationed on water and, now, on food, too. I share a room with two other soldiers, both Lieutenants. Both of them talk about ending the war and going back to their wives and families for peace. It seems more likely that even if the FedCom accepts Proserpina, the fighting will just keep going. This planet is right in the path of this war, and it won’t see peace until it’s over.

October 22, 3045

There’s a chance this could be my last entry. Some say that Harris’ plan is bold, but I call it reckless. The Mutineers have committed three heavy artillery tanks to this mission, but the tanks can’t move and fire at the same time. They’re defenseless at close range against fast moving ‘Mechs, and I’m going to be their only support against an entire heavy lance. They’re calling this an “attack,” but it’s more like suicide. I’d give anything to be back on Outreach.

Briefing

Commander Elijah Harris, Free Proserpina Mutineers: All right, let’s keep the streak going. We’ve located a full lance of Draconis Assault ‘Mechs and some recon ‘Mechs on their way from Proserpina’s capital to a firebase. We placed an artillery unit on a foothill overlooking the Assault Lance’s march path, but a sandstorm has completely obscured their path and location.

Harris: We’re not quite sure where they are, so you have to go into the storm, find them, and then keep them occupied so the artillery unit can do its job.

• Codename: Crystal Storm
• Planet: Proserpina
• Terrain: Sandy Desert
• Time: Afternoon
• Mean Temperature: 30 Celsius
• Mission Pay: Bounty only
• Expected Resistance: 1st Amphigean Light Assault
• Your Call-Sign: Raider-1

Harris: Defend the artillery platoon throughout the mission. Search for the Draconis Assault Lance. Assist the artillery in destroying the Draconis Lance.

Objectives

• Target: Defend the artillery platoon
• Target: Find the Draconis Lance
• Target: Destroy the Draconis Lance

During Mission

Artillery: Find us that Draconis Assault Group, Raider-1, and we’ll do the rest.

Artillery: We have a lock, Raider-1. Keep them in range of our guns, and keep your head down. All units, fire at will!

MISSION SUCCESSFUL

Aftermath

Commander Elijah Harris, Free Proserpina Mutineers: Well done, troops. We took out the Draconis ‘Mechs and we’ve sent out a message to the people of Proserpina that we can kick the Combine off our planet. All we need is skill, courage, and a good dose of luck.

Harris: The news of our victory spread fast, and inspired the rest of the Mutineers. The salt flat firebases have almost been destroyed, with heavy Kurita losses. It got pretty brutal over there. Some of the warriors inside the firebases kept holding out for reinforcements, and we had to kill them almost to a man.

Proserpina Daily News – October 22, 3045

DON’T LET THE DOOR HIT YOU IN THE ASS!

Proserpina’s citizens began celebrating today as the Draconis Combine Governorship began moving off-planet. The Draconis High Command withdrew their secondary support personnel from Proserpina’s capital today. Over six hundred Kuritan government officials and bureaucrats fled on a military DropShip early this afternoon, and two hundred more are expected to leave tomorrow. DC media liaisons are no longer available for comment, and Tai-sa Michaels refused to speak to the press today from his office at Draconis Headquarters. After years of warfare, the people of Proserpina finally appear to be free of the Combine’s despotic presence, thanks to the brave men and women of the Free Proserpina Mutineers.

The battle, however, may not be over yet. DCMS infantry are busy fortifying Proserpina’s capital against an attack from the south. Draconis units have been trickling into the city all day. Scattered reports indicate that the rebels are preparing to mount a general offensive against the DCMS across the entire planet, focusing on recapturing Proserpina’s capital with a minimum of civilian bloodshed.

The DCMS, however, seems eager to take out their frustration on the defenseless, and reports of violence against Proserpina civilians continue. Several bodies have been discovered at the edge of Proserpina’s capital, massacred by Draconis soldiers. Mutineer Commander Elijah Harris warned citizens to avoid the DCMS, and stated that “By week’s end, we’ll be marching into Proserpina’s capital.” We anxiously await his triumphant return, when he and the heroic mercenary unit that made our liberation possible will receive the heroes’ welcome they deserve!