MechWarrior 4: Vengeance/Capture Barges

Capture Barges

BRIEFING

Karl: Young Duke, I wanted to tell you something. In the years when you were away from home, your sister, Johanna, always supported you. She felt your father made a terrible mistake, and their relationship was never the same afterwards. I would never speak ill of Duke Eric. He was a great man. But seeing you now, I realize your sister was right. I think your father realized it, too. He just didn’t know how to apologize until it was too late.

Ian: Thank you, Karl. He told me. I just wish I could have told him that I forgave him a long time ago.

Karl: I am sorry, young Duke.

Gonzales: Commander, I just wanted to say I’m happy to hear your sister’s okay.

Ian: Thanks, Jules.

Gonzales: You know, I hate to admit it, but I wasn’t sure we could pull it off without the Colonel. Guess I didn’t figure we’d make it.

Ian: I’m glad you stuck with it.

Gonzales: So am I. Steiner doesn’t know it, but they’ve already lost, whatever happens to any of us. I just want to be around long enough to see when they realize it.

Ian: I’ll make sure you get a front row seat.

Gonzales: I’ll take you up on that.

Johanna: Ian, I wanted to tell you how much everyone here appreciates what you did. We never would have been able to hold the base against Steiner’s assault without your team. Word is spreading. More people are beginning to understand, it doesn’t have to be this way. We can push back. We are pushing back. I’ve discussed something with my people. I’d like to broadcast the news of your return. I’ve kept my identity a secret until now, but I think it would be appropriate to let the people know that we’re both here, and fighting for them.

Ian: If you think it’s the right time…

Johanna: I do. A lot of people who are unsure who to support would side with the resistance if they knew there could be a legal succession.

Ian: Then go ahead. You know the people of Kentares better than I do, Johanna.

Johanna: I have to go, but I wanted to tell you that your returning to Kentares has already made a difference. Now that you’re back, I know we can turn this around.

Ian: We’ll do it, together, Johanna.

Johanna: Talk to you soon.

Karl: I’m surprised to see what we salvaged last mission, young Duke. The Donegals must have just procured them. I’ve never seen one before. It’s a Thanatos. A brand new BattleMech design. I doubt this one’s seen any action until now. The paint still looks fresh. You should look it over. It can deal a lot of punishment, and it can take it. Mostly ballistic weapons, so ammo will be a factor, but in a quick fight, it would be tough to beat. Heavy armor for its class. Can’t say from experience, but this chassis could be quite solid. It’ll take the punishment, that’s for sure.

OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW

Capture Barges: There are a number of barges laden with supplies being moved through our operational area. Steiner will doubtlessly be guarding these barges well, but civilians will be captaining the barges. If you can destroy the barge escorts, they will surrender, giving us much needed supplies.

DURING MISSION

Ian: Control, this is Omega. We’re set. Let’s get this mission started.

Rathburn: Roger, Omega Lead. Salvage Two, are you in position?

Salvage: Roger Control, standing by.

Rathburn: Omega, the barge shipment should be just ahead of you. Once you take out their escorts, the barges should surrender. They’re headed to an outpost at Nav Beta. We’ll need to have the escorts neutralized before they reach Beta, or the resistance won’t be able to get in and salvage the supplies.

Ian: Roger, Control. We’ll neutralize the escorts before the barges get to Beta.

Rathburn: Several of those barges are packed with munitions, Omega, so watch your fire. The resistance will need at least four of the barges intact to supply their offensive on the eastern peninsula.

Ian: Acknowledged, Control. We’ll make sure we don’t end up sinking any of them in the assault.

Rathburn: Good plan. Luck! Control, out.

Ian: Control, all escorts have been neutralized. The barges are sitting ducks.

Rathburn: Roger, Omega Lead. Salvage, it’s your show.

Salvage: Roger, Omega Control. We’re moving in. Good work, Omega.

Ian: Roger.

Jen: Once the resistance gets those supplies, Steiner’s going to have some very nasty problems to contend with.

Casey: Not bad. Six for six!

Rathburn: Omega, hold position and provide cover for Salvage. Once they’re clear, head upriver and return to base. Nice job, team.