MechWarrior 4: Vengeance/Clear the Skies

Clear the Skies

BRIEFING

Mandril: That was a bit hairier than I expected, but we made it through. We’ve started picking up local broadcasts from the government, media, and local opposition groups. It appears Dresari is really in a messy situation here. Shortly after the death of his sister, several key advisors broke from his side and began a rebel movement under the banner KFA – Kentares Free Army. Political dissidents are being rounded up into camps, and the conflict has escalated to battlefield aggression. This may make our job a lot easier. Until we go after the MODLs, we need to keep one MechWarrior with TacCom for local security. You’ll have to run the next few missions with only two lancemates.

Mandril: We have a decent location on the local Dresari airbase. It is defended by ‘Mech patrols and turrets, as well as its attendant aircraft. Taking it out should lessen enemy air support in this theater of operations.

OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW

Clear the Skies: Your lance has been pursued and harassed by enemy aircraft ever since leaving the spaceport. That is about to change. A quick strike at the local air base will eliminate Dresari air cover and open up tactical options.

DURING MISSION

Mandril: Striker Lance, Op order as follows. Move to the airbase at Nav Alpha and destroy the air control tower and any aircraft hangars you encounter. Dresari comm intercepts indicate a significant ‘Mech presence in and around the airfield. Destroy any ‘Mech patrols in close vicinity to the airfield. Report Ready Op.

Eric: Op order received. Striker Lance reports Ready Op.

Mandril: Roger. Op time is one-two-four-five hours. Mandril out.

Eric: Okay, Striker Lance. Keep a close eye on the scanners. They don’t know we’re coming, so let’s maximize the surprise factor. We take out this airfield, and we can expect a lot less air harassment in our future Ops.

Isabel: Roger. I’ve had enough of these Dresari jet jockeys already.

Mandril: Striker One, be advised. The comm intercepts mark at least two ‘Mech patrols in communication with the airfield. Proceed with caution.

Eric: Mandril, this is Striker. Scratch one Dresari ‘Mech patrol.

Eric: Mandril, this is Striker. Report a second ‘Mech patrol has been eliminated.

Mandril: Good work, Striker One. Move to Alpha and commence airfield assault.

Mandril: Striker Lance, we’re picking up a distress call two klicks southwest of the airfield. It appears to be rebel forces engaged with Dresari ‘Mechs in what should be an abandoned village. Forwarding.

Squire: To any receiving station, Mongoose is down. Repeat, Mongoose is down! Dresari ambush at Calypso Station! Request all units reinforce Calypso.

Mandril: It’s not our fight, but perhaps we shouldn’t pass on the opportunity to weaken Dresari further in the region. I’m uploading transmission origin as Nav Gamma. It’s your call.

Isabel: What are we, a charitable institution all of a sudden?

Mandril: Striker One, this is Mandril. Exit point marked Nav Beta. Proceed to Beta and terminate mission, or investigate conflict at Gamma. The ball is in your court.

Isabel: Now that hardly looks like a fair fight!

Eric: Let’s even up the odds!

Squire: Mongoose is down! We need help out here! Any receiving station, please respond!

Squire: This is lance leader Squire of the Kentares Free Army. Identify yourself!

Isabel: Awfully bossy for a charity case.

Eric: Just passing through. Thought you could use a hand.

Squire: Uh, thanks. What unit are you with? I don’t recognize the insignia.

Eric: Like I said, just passing through. Maybe you’ll return the favor someday. Striker One, out.

Squire: Have it your way. Squire out.