Quail Hunting

Quail Hunting
Short story by Philip A. Lee
Publication
Published31 March 2013
PublisherBattleCorps
Pages15 (11 + 4 for the attached scenario)
Chronology
EraClan Invasion era
Timeline9 March 3059 — 20 May 3059


Quail Hunting is a short story by Philip A. Lee that was first published online on BattleCorps on 31 March 2013.

The corresponding scenario Operation BIRD DOG: Clipping Jaguar Wings by Craig A. Reed, Jr. is attached to the story.

Teaser Text[edit]

During Operation BIRD DOG, the Federated Commonwealth hatches a desperate raid against the Smoke Jaguars, but can they defeat the fabled Gray Baron? Story by Philip A. Lee, with a scenario by Craig A. Reed.

Plot Summary[edit]

As part of Operation BIRD DOG, the Davion Heavy Guards under Marshal Ann Adelmana have been assigned to attack the Smoke Jaguar garrison on Asgard. A volunteer company under Hauptmann Jacob Lee, including Leftenant Nancy Stegil, is sent ahead for a reconnaissance raid. They make planetfall and meet with local resistance, but are informed that the Clan presence on Asgard is much stronger than expected. If the upcoming assault is to have a chance of success, enemy air power from the Vernan and Airbase Beta bases must be neutralized; they go for Airbase Beta during the night on 19 May.

Among the Smoke Jaguars, the Fourth Jaguar Dragoons Cluster (of Epsilon Galaxy) include feared aerospace fighter ace Manfred "Gray Baron" Chrisholm, a cocky and arrogant loner. When he kills a MechWarrior in the mess hall over a perceived slight, Galaxy Commander Jin Mehta grounds him until further notice. As Airbase Beta comes under attack, Manfred bluntly orders Point Commander Oswald, whose fighter was undergoing repairs and who was going to use Manfred's craft, to pilot another fighter instead and fly as his wingman. Together, they launch and fight the attackers, strafing the Mad Cat piloted by Stegil. In a desperate maneuver, she blinds the fighters with her searchlight when they return for their next pass and manages to shoot Oswald's wing off; the piece collides with Manfred's fighter, crashing to both fighters.

Manfred Chrisholm survives. Recognized for the dreaded Gray Baron, he is taken prisoner and sent to the OWL-4 prison camp.

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