Djinn of Despair

Djinn of Despair
Serialized novella by Kevin Killiany
First Publication
Published8 May — 19 June 2007
PublisherBattleCorps
Pages
  • 15 (Part 1)
  • 8 (Part 2)
  • 11 (Part 3)
  • 11 (Part 4)
  • 11 (Part 5)
  • 12 (Part 6)
  • 17 (Part 7)
  • 10 (Part 8)
  • 11 (Part 9)
  • 9 (Part 10)
  • 9 (Part 11)
  • 10 (Part 12)
  • 13 (Part 13)
  • 147 (Total)
Chronology
EraClan Invasion era
Timeline20 October 3057 — 22 November 3057
Series
Lex Atreus series
Arrleft.svg 
The Dragons of Despair 		  Arrright.svg
—

Djinn of Despair is a serialized novella by Kevin Killiany that was published online on BattleCorps in thirteen parts from 8 May to 19 June 2007.

It is the sequel to The Dragons of Despair and concludes the story of Alexandra "Lex" Atreus.

Plot Summary[edit]

Part 1[edit]

published on: 8 May 2007
“ Lex Atreus, Leftenant in the Florida Periphery March Militia. Missing, presumed dead, along with Leftenant Caradine. Together Atreus and Caradine are isolated from the PMM base, hurt, down to only one 50-ton 'Mech for both of them... and up against an outfit of unknown size and power. But more important than surviving is taking down the enemy. Kevin Killiany's sequel to "The Dragons of Despair" begins! ”

Set directly after the events depicted in The Dragons of Despair, the narrative unfolds through an official report by Leftenant Willard Britto to Colonel Henry Watkins(see notes). Britto reports the deaths of MechWarriors Caradine and Atreus during an engagement with unidentified enemy BattleMechs on the planet Despair. According to Britto, Caradine fought bravely and heavily damaged a Crockett before being forced to eject. In contrast, Atreus fled the battle in confusion and was later found dead in her Nightsky, crushed beneath the fallen Crockett. Britto suggests Atreus may have panicked or attempted contact with the enemy. He recommends evacuating civilians from Despair and launching a strike to eliminate the suspected pirate base. He asks that Atreus’s failure not be officially acknowledged to avoid shaming her family or unit.

Meanwhile, Lex and Caradine, who actually both survived the battle, start a dangerous journey through Despair's treacherous terrain in the damaged Nightsky. Facing alien wildlife, dense jungle, and exhaustion, the two women develop a grudging mutual respect. Caradine's injuries worsen as Lex tries to locate the pirate base by tracking spilled coolant from the damaged Flashman. She eventually discovers a hidden installation in a valley, but no active BattleMechs are present. With Caradine on the brink of death from internal injuries and blood loss, Lex makes a difficult decision. Rather than risking the mission and the life of Caradine on an uncertain return to their base, she chooses to act decisively and advances toward the enemy base.

Part 2[edit]

published on: 11 May 2007
“ MindMASC has been slowly spreading across the Inner Sphere over the last five years. But when the Eighth Lyran Regulars hear about it, they quickly put together the pieces and find where it's probably coming from. Now they're headed out after the source of this drug, trying to stop it before it claims any more lives than the thousands it already has... ”

As of September 3057, MindMASC is spreading rapidly throughout the Lyran Alliance, with usage increasing and distribution appearing highly organized. Authorities confirm a natural substance that cannot yet be synthesized and is likely sourced from a single, undisclosed location. The Bureau of Controlled Substances (BCS) determines that the drug is being centrally manufactured and distributed across the Inner Sphere, with smuggling and processing operations appearing on multiple worlds. To locate the source, the BCS enlists support from the Eighth Lyran Regulars, a front-line unit specialized in pirate hunting. Intelligence points toward a region in the Timbuktu Theater, where several planets show no trace of MindMASC use, suggesting the source may be located nearby but intentionally avoiding local distribution to prevent detection.

Meanwhile, Hauptmann Kristoff Sardella of the Eighth Lyran Regulars commands a force aboard the Invader-class JumpShip, Saint George, supported by the DropShips Pith and Harpy, during a patrol in the Karkkila asteroid cloud. Originally assigned to track the pirates who attacked the PEn-NAM mining habitat in May 3057, Sardella receives new orders to investigate the MindMASC activities instead. Alongside Captain Josef Lanier of the Saint George, he reviews the strategic options and decides to redirect the task force toward the Ender's Cluster, where he hopes to trace the drug's origin.

Part 3[edit]

published on: 15 May 2007
“ Lex would like to recon the enemy base further, get an idea of what she's facing, but she's out of time; Caradine's in bad shape and needs medical attention, fast. There's no fortifications, no armor, no obvious weapons emplacements. But her sensors can't tell her everything; they can't tell her what the situation is inside the base... ”

Lex pilots her damaged Nightsky to investigate the mysterious and seemingly abandoned pirate compound in the jungle of Despair. Despite sensor readings showing no immediate threats, Lex cautiously disables a communications array and discovers a hidden 'Mech hangar containing a damaged, partial disassembled Thorn. It seems from the outside that the base had been abandoned months or years prior due to mechanical failures. Lex urgently seeks shelter to tend to her gravely injured companion, securing her Nightsky against theft before entering the base on foot.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the Ender's Cluster, Hauptmann Sardella, speaks with Viscount Darmon, a skeptical bureaucrat who doubts the existence of illegal operations producing the narcotic MindMASC within the region. Despite Darmon's insistence that such operations are improbable, Sardella decides to prioritize investigating Despair, suspecting the planet to be central to the illegal drug production and trafficking.

Part 4[edit]

published on: 18 May 2007
“ Lex Atreus has made her way into the enemy base, carrying the unconscious Caradine with her. Infantry tactics aren't her forte—she's a MechWarrior, not a member of the PBI. But this is her only chance to help Caradine... perhaps more importantly, her only chance to find out just who's behind the opposition on Despair and what it is they're doing in this desolate jungle. ”

Lex maneuvers through dangerous territory carrying her injured comrade, Caradine, seeking refuge and medical aid. After cautiously entering the pirate complex, Lex disables the electronic locks to avoid being trapped and proceeds into the main dome. Inside, she confronts, the previously presumed dead but very much alive, Dr. Emil Chevalier and his associates, who are holding Dr. Bannik "Nick" Severin captive.

During a tense standoff, Lex attempts negotiation, demanding medical help for Caradine. When one of the captors moves to shoot her, Lex instinctively fires first, killing the attacker. The others quickly surrender. Dr. Chevalier, clearly alive and orchestrating events, is captured and interrogated. Meanwhile, several of his crew escape in vehicles, alerting Lex to further potential threats. Lex secures the prisoners, prioritizing immediate medical attention for Caradine and handling the tactical situation. With Nick's assistance, she strategizes her next moves, including containing the remaining hostiles on the base.

Part 5[edit]

published on: 22 May 2007
“ The Eighth Lyran Regulars have jumped into the Despair system, and recieved [sic!] the garrison's report on the deaths of Leftenants Atreus and Caradine—and on the pirates on Despair. Drug-hunting mission aside, the Regulars have a job to do: clear out the pirates on Despair. Meanwhile, Lex and Nick are left to investigate the pirate base she just captured... and figure out their next move. ”

The Invader-class JumpShip Saint George arrives in the Despair system at a risky pirate jump point. Captain Lanier and Hauptmann Sardella coordinate the planetary approach, guided by a local navigator familiar with the system. Immediately upon arrival, the crew receives a warning from the JumpShip Zoroaster about an impending pirate assault on Chevalier Base, where enemy forces have already destroyed two defending Florida PMM BattleMechs.

Given Despair's challenging atmosphere, which severely limits sensor effectiveness, Sardella and Lanier discuss deployment tactics. They agree that the Saint George will hold position at the pirate jump point, while the DropShips Harpy and Pith carry out reconnaissance and landing operations. Sardella plans to lead his Alpha Lance in a ground search for the pirates, while additional Eighth Lyran Regulars forces remain ready for quick deployment once the enemy base is located.

Meanwhile, at the pirate outpost northeast of Chevalier Base, Lex and Dr. Bannik provide medical aide to their injured comrade, Caradine, who is suffering from pulmonary edema due to trauma. Nick stabilizes her by draining fluid from her chest cavity and administering medical treatment.

Lex investigates the pirate facility, verifying the security of prisoners and assessing available resources. She finds a holomap indicating a larger enemy installation located in the mountains nearby, separated by a clearly marked hazardous zone. Evaluating the map, Lex determines the timeline for possible enemy reinforcements and decides to evacuate back to Chevalier Base promptly. She instructs Nick to have Caradine ready to travel within three hours and then starts to prepare her Nightsky for departure.

Part 6[edit]

published on: 25 May 2007
“ Not trusting the Florida TTM's report to tell him everything he needed to know, not after the weekend warriors' attitude towards the Eighth Lyran Regulars, Hauptmann Sardella of the Regulars is investigating the site of Atreus and Caradine's fight himself. Not surprisingly, the site doesn't match up with the situation posited in the report. If anything, it's worse than he'd thought... ”

Hauptmann Sardella leads a lance of BattleMechs from the Eighth Lyran Regulars through difficult terrain consisting of rubber-like trees and deep bogs northeast of Chevalier Base. Accompanied by Leftenant Thomas "Tommy" Aldicott piloting a HCT-3F Hatchetman, they investigate the site of the recent battle where the Florida PMM BattleMechs were lost.

Sardella's team locates the wreckage of a Crockett and a Flashman, partially submerged and heavily damaged. Closer inspection reveals evidence suggesting another BattleMech was involved in salvaging the damaged Nightsky, which has since been removed from the battlefield. The team deduces the involvement of multiple unidentified hostile forces, potentially indicating internal conflict among local pirate factions.

First Leutnant Fatima Twindle identifies markings that match a mercenary unit known as The Adders, which had disappeared decades earlier. Considering evidence of extensive battle damage and the unusual salvage operation, Sardella concludes that these mercenaries may have been stranded on Despair for an extended period, possibly guarding a hidden facility or cache.

Realizing that Chevalier Base could soon be caught in the escalating conflict, Sardella orders the Pith into geosynchronous orbit for improved reconnaissance to locate the pirate base. Before departing, Sardella instructs his team to destroy any Nightsky they encounter, recognizing it may now be under hostile control despite broadcasting a friendly IFF signal.

Part 7[edit]

published on: 29 May 2007
“ After treatment, Caradine is up and awake—and not happy. Lex disobeyed her orders, and came out on top through sheer luck. Still injured, she has no choice but to work with her fellow leftenant. They need to get their information—and their prisoner—back to the PMM as soon as possible. It's not just the jungles of Despair they need to defeat; there's more pirates, their base mere hours away... ”

At the pirate outpost, Lex prepares to evacuate with Caradine and Nick, intending to transport all of them in her Nightsky. The awakened Caradine, recently stabilized from severe injuries, insists on piloting a partially operational Thorn found in the facility's 'Mech hangar. Successfully activating it, Caradine plans to carry Nick, while Lex transports their key prisoner, Dr. Chevalier. Before leaving, Lex retrieves critical encrypted data and maps from the facility's computers.

While preparing their escape, Nick speculates that the pirates are secretly exploiting a large herd of tonners to produce the powerful narcotic MindMASC. Realizing the threat running into pirates guarding the herd is higher than initially assumed, Lex and Caradine decide on a risky route toward Chevalier Base, intending to bypass expected enemy positions.

Elsewhere, Hauptmann Sardella's lance moves through hills northwest of Chevalier Base. After observing unusual behavior from a massive herd of tonners moving purposefully through a valley, Sardella deduces they may be intentionally driven by enemy BattleMechs as cover for an assault against Chevalier Base. He orders his team to reposition onto high ground and scan for concealed enemy units among the herd.

Part 8[edit]

published on: 1 June 2007
“ So far, Atreus and Caradine have made their way through the terrain of Despair without incident, even with Caradine's injuries. Unfortunately, that's about to change. The valley that was supposed to let them go around the tonners is now filled with them. The leftenants and Nick can only come up with one possible reason for their presence: a diversion. It can't be for just two 'Mechs—the pirates are hiding from something bigger. ”

Lex and Caradine encounter a vast migration of native tonners, pursued by predators that ignore their BattleMechs. Lex tests her theory that BattleMechs might control the herd, causing panic and confirming her suspicion. Lex and Caradine avoid engagement, moving toward Chevalier Base but encounter enemy pirate 'Mechs positioned strategically uphill.

Simultaneously, Sardella, in his HGN-732 Highlander, comes under unexpected missile attack. Despite initial setbacks, including loss of rear armor and radio antennas, he identifies multiple pirate 'Mechs: a Trebuchet, THG-10E Thug, and CP-10-Z Cyclops. A fierce battle ensues, with Sardella engaging directly with the Thug and Cyclops. He damages the Thug significantly but faces danger from the Cyclops' heavy weapons.

In a risky move, Sardella executes a Highlander Burial, a maneuver using his 'Mech's jump jets to land directly atop of the enemy Thug, crippling it. Although successful in disabling the pirate 'Mech, his Highlander suffers damage upon landing, leaving it vulnerable. The serial part concludes with Sardella struggling to regain footing as the Cyclops targets him for another attack, intensifying the desperate combat scenario.

Part 9[edit]

published on: 5 June 2007
“ Sardella is in trouble. The pirate 'Mechs are in the area, and scanning with active sensors. There's no way he and Aldicott can stand up against assault 'Mechs in their mere medium-class machines. Ammunition full, armor depleted, the only way he'll make it out of the ambush alive is if he receives a miracle... ”

Sardella is heavily damaged and at risk of being destroyed by the advancing Cyclops. Immobilized and facing death, he makes a desperate effort to raise his 'Mech and re-engage. Just as the Cyclops prepares to finish him off, reinforcements arrive in the form of Leutnant Aldicott in a Hatchetman and two other officers from the Florida TTM, Caradine in a damaged Thorn and Lex Atreus in a Nightsky. Together, they execute a coordinated and dynamic assault that overwhelms the pirate Cyclops. Lex's Nightsky delivers the critical hatchet strike that disables the enemy 'Mech, leading to its pilot ejecting. After regrouping, Sardella issues new orders to continue the pursuit of hostile The Adders forces, suspecting they are trying to hide or reach something north of the valley. The presence of more unidentified enemy 'Mechs is confirmed, and strategic movement continues to contain or intercept them.

Lex patrols alone on the lower slopes of the valley, accompanied by her prisoner: Dr. Chevalier, a figure linked to the original Chevalier expedition that vanished decades ago. As they navigate the terrain, Lex interrogates him, piecing together the mystery of the earlier mission's disappearance and its possible link to current pirate activity. Dr. Chevalier reveals he was unaware of his grandfather's survival until recently and confesses that neither of them were scientists, despite their expedition's appearance. Lex remains wary of Chevalier's unusually calm demeanor and ambiguous motivations. Her instincts suggest something more complex is at play, though she cannot yet articulate a concrete threat.

The serial part ends on a note of growing suspicion and tactical caution, with the protagonists maintaining surveillance while trying to unravel the mystery hidden within the jungle-cloaked hills of Despair.

Part 10[edit]

published on: 8 June 2007
“ Following the tonners, Lex has time to go over the sensor readings of the pirate 'Mechs that stayed back from the battle. They don't track, and she quickly realizes why. Her competency further emphasized, Sardella questions Caradine about what really happened during the battle. Why is their reality so different from the report? And what are those pirate 'Mechs doing skulking about? ”

In the jungle foothills of Despair, Lex monitors a migrating herd of tonners. While tracking potential threats, she detects anomalous readings that initially appear to be a single BattleMech. Upon closer inspection, she determines they are actually two separate 'Mechs, a Champion and a Lancelot. Lex communicates this discovery to Sardella and Caradine. As the Lyran forces continue their advance, they reflect on the weakened state of The Adders remnants, most likely composed of inexperienced or underqualified MechWarriors fielding poorly maintained equipment. This insight supports the theory that the pirates have repurposed old Adders pilots and recruited new pilots for garrison duty.

Caradine, previously thought dead, reveals that she had in fact been rescued by Lex before helping take down a Crockett and Flashman in a fierce engagement. Her account of Lex's melee tactics—using jump jets, hatchet strikes, and pulse lasers impresses Sardella, though he remains cautious about her mental state following the battle and potential trauma.

The group's attention shifts to strategic concerns when Lex observes the tonners' migration path, which will bring them perilously close to Chevalier Base. She proposes leveraging the herd to incite a stampede toward the enemy-held base, thus forcing the pirates to respond and potentially attempt escape via DropShip. Sardella quickly acts on this plan, ordering Lex to outrun the tonners to the base and coordinate a counter-stampede using the other Eighth Lyran Regulars' lances. Caradine remains behind as Sardella's communications liaison, due to the damaged radio antennas of his 'Mech. With time running out and the pirates likely to exploit the chaos for escape, the serial part ends on a tense note as the protagonists split up to execute their high-stakes gambit.

Part 11[edit]

published on: 12 June 2007
“ Lex is in a race against time... and against the tonners. Now that the pirates' plan to deal with the meddlesome militia is clear, it's up to her to warn the base so they can counter the stampede with the rest of the Regulars' 'Mechs. But with four 'Mechs between her and them, it doesn't seem likely... ”

Lex pushes through treacherous terrain while attempting to outpace the massive stampede of panicked tonners threatening to overrun Chevalier Base. Ignoring her prisoner's warnings that she cannot stop the stampede, Lex broadcasts alerts to Chevalier Base while scanning for enemy contacts. Her sensors are erratic, but Lex detects and engages a pirate Commando, trading fire and eventually disabling its SRM launcher. She sends a warning to Aldicott, an ally operating nearby, as the Commando retreats. Continuing her advance, Lex encounters the Lancelot and a brutal close-quarters fight ensues, where Lex uses her hatchet and pulse lasers to cripple the enemy 'Mech, eventually forcing its pilot to surrender after repeated blows destroy its weapons systems. As the megaherd closes in, Lex leaves the defeated enemy behind and rushes toward Chevalier Base.

Meanwhile, Sardella and Leutnant Caradine retreat to higher ground to avoid the stampede. Sardella's Highlander and Caradine's heavily damaged Thorn struggle up a steep jungle slope, but Caradine refuses to leave his side, offering rear-guard protection despite the disparity in their 'Mechs' size and survivability. Once at a vantage point, Sardella attempts to scan the base but sees only jungle and the heat signatures of fleeing wildlife. Soon, two unidentified BattleMechs approach, one identified as a Guillotine, the other a damaged Hatchetman piloted by Leutnant Aldicott. The Guillotine shows signs of recent combat and signals surrender in the face of overwhelming opposition. Aldicott's 'Mech is also heavily damaged, his cockpit exposed to Despair's toxic atmosphere.

After an informal exchange of signals, Sardella confirms the threat from the tonners' stampede has passed. He orders Caradine to take point as they proceed to Chevalier Base to regroup.

Part 12[edit]

published on: 15 June 2007
“ Barely a month on Despair, and Lex is once again Dispossessed. Her 'Mech is blown to pieces, with no way to get replacement parts while in the Florida TTM. But even though her 'Mech is destroyed, the pirates finished, the militia and the Regulars still have matters to take care of before they can call it a day... ”

The recent battle at Chevalier Base was brief but decisive. Captain Lanier landed the DropShip Pith between the base and the approaching stampede of tonners, using the vessel to redirect the herd. Later in Chevalier Base's hangar, attention turns to Caradine, who is found unconscious in the cockpit of her Thorn. Medical personnel evacuate her as concerns grow over her condition.

Meanwhile, Lex reflects on the damage of her Nightsky, which was critically damaged during the final confrontation with the Lancelot. The encounter cost the 'Mech its right arm and several vital systems, rendering it beyond repair for the capabilities and resources of the Florida TTM, thus leaving her dispossessed for the time being. She is then engaged by Hauptmann Sardella, who introduces himself and praises her actions. When Leutnant Aldicott joins the group, Lex witnesses a confrontation between him and Sardella. Sardella challenges the legitimacy of Aldicott's unit patch, identifying it as the destroyed Eighth Arcturan Guards. Aldicott responds by recounting his survival after being separated from his unit during the Clan Invasion, his two years of resistance fighting, and his reassignment to the Florida TTM following a disciplinary dispute with superior officers. Clearly impressed, Sardella offers Aldicott an opportunity to join the Crimson Crusaders, a mercenary unit focused on fighting Clan Jade Falcon, led by a former Lyran Regular, Major Brent Matis. Before leaving the hangar, Sardella orders Lex to deliver her full BattleROM for review.

Days later, Sardella and Twindle debrief Leutnant Britto. They discuss the backgrounds of Lex and Caradine, revealing that both women lack the financial resources to repair or replace their damaged 'Mechs. Britto is also told that, despite some technical mistakes during battle, his valor is confirmed by MechWarriors of the Eighth Lyran Regulars and their recordings. Sardella finally presses Britto for his perspective on Lex, admitting that inconsistencies in her story remain troubling as he prepares his official report.

Part 13[edit]

published on: 19 June 2007
“ All's well that ends well—and Lex Atreus can't deny that her tenure on Despair ended well. Her 'Mech is fixed, her future bright... What happened to change everything around, to let Lex go from screwup to hero?

Kevin Killiany brings his "Djinn of Despair" saga to a close!

”

Several reports and news articles deal with the aftermath of the MindMASC epidemy and the resulting fallout, including the bankruptcy of Albermarle Courier/Transport, and the suicide of the wealthy financier Ernst Ridder, revealed to be Emil Chevalier, amid allegations of fraud. It is also revealed that the powerful and illicit drug originated from a rare thirty-ton animal whose adrenal glands produce the compound. With the only known population secured and its habitat sealed, production is expected to cease permanently.

Meanwhile, on 12 November 3057, Leutnant Lex Atreus returns to Florida with her fully restored and freshly painted Nightsky. Both done by the grateful Eighth Lyran Regulars. Her superior officer, Hauptmann Richard Showalter acknowledges her battlefield acumen and invites her to test her combat skills against him on the live-fire course.

Elsewhere on Timbuktu, Leutnant-General Maria Esteban and Colonel Linda McDonald review an earlier debriefing involving Hauptmann Sardella and Leutnant Willard Britto. BattleROM recordings revealed that Britto attempted to kill Lex by firing on the damaged Crockett so that it would collapse on her 'Mech. Presented with the evidence, Britto confessed. He believed Lex past successes were due to luck, not skill. Rather than face charges and in return for secrecy, he resigned his commission and surrendered his Axman to Leutnant Caradine.

The story concludes with Esteban approving Caradine's transfer to the Eleventh Arcturan Guards, suggesting her presence may prove valuable in the conflicts to come.

Featured Characters[edit]

Featured Units[edit]

Featured Places[edit]

Featured BattleTech[edit]

'Mechs[edit]

Vehicles[edit]

DropShips[edit]

JumpShips[edit]

Notes[edit]

  • ^ Part 1 incorrectly names Colonel Ethan Kuhn as CO of the Florida PMM/TTM. However, the unit's actual CO at the time was Colonel Henry Watkins, while Colonel Kuhn was in command of a sister unit, the Teyvareb PMM/TTM.
  • ^ Part 5 describes the Invader-class JumpShip Saint George as carrying its own aerospace fighter escort. While the vessel does have a bay for two small craft, there is no canonical source that supports a proper CV configuration.

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