The Lancer Strike Trilogy
Sarna News
| The Lancer Strike Trilogy | |
|---|---|
| Serialized short story by Jason Schmetzer | |
| First Publication | |
| Published | 8—22 September 2013 |
| Publisher | BattleCorps |
| Pages |
|
| Chronology | |
| Era | Succession Wars era |
| Timeline | 11 May 3022 |
The Lancer Strike Trilogy is a serialized short story by Jason Schmetzer that was published online on BattleCorps in three parts between 8 and 22 September 2013. Each part of the trilogy includes a playable BattleTech scenario by Ken Horner.
Plot Summary[edit]
Part 1: Tripwire[edit]
- published on: 8 September 2013
| “ | During the Federated Suns' attempt to gain a foothold on Al Na'ir in 3022, Draconis Combine defenders are tasked with delaying part of the heavy assault force at all costs, but not all of the Combine MechWarriors are convinced their sacrifice will be worth the effort. Part 1 of 3. | ” |
- BattleTech scenario: Forced March I
On 11 May 3022, the Third Crucis Lancers fight on Al Na'ir. Captain Cedric Pratt leads a heavy 'Mech company against a hidden logistics depot of the Fifteenth Dieron Regulars. His veterans doubt his judgment, but follow him through the Ki'rin Mountains. Among them is Sergeant Courtney Burke, who shoulders the real work of keeping the company together.
The Fifteenth Dieron Regulars send a light recon company under Tai-i Sahasu Owen to delay the Davions. Sasa Ybarbo, a Panther pilot, knows the plan is hopeless but fights anyway. Despite the Combine's ambush, the Crucis Lancers smash through, crippling or destroying several of the recon company's primarily light 'Mechs, and kill Owen, while survivors, including Chu-i Roran Acuff and Ybarbo, keep following the Davions as they continue toward their objective.
The stage is set for the next clash in the campaign for the supply depot on Al Na'ir.
Part 2: Not One[edit]
- published on: 15 September 2013
| “ | In Part 2 of the Lancer Strike Trilogy, a reserve company of the Fifteenth Dieron Regulars must defend the regiment's staging point, but the Third Crucis Lancers outmass them. Can the company hold out long enough for reinforcements to arrive? | ” |
- BattleTech scenario: Forced March II
After the initial ambush, the Third Crucis Lancers reach the Kurita supply depot in the Ki'rin Mountains. Captain Pratt orders his company to destroy the warehouses before enemy reinforcements can arrive. His lances advance at the depot burning buildings and battling the defenders, a Reserve Company of the Fifteenth Dieron Regulars.
The Reserve Company, commanded by Tai-i Zelma Crossen, defends the depot with a mix of light and medium 'Mechs. Chu-i Neill McFarren's scout lance fights to slow the Third Crucis Lancers, but one by one his pilots are cut down. Usara Ransome is killed when her Wasp is destroyed, and others are crippled as the heavy Davion 'Mechs press the attack.
On the Davion side Leftenant Rita Moreno dies when a FS9-A Firestarter ambushes her SCP-1N Scorpion. This triggers her lancemate, Sergeant Clyde Vasquez, who ignores orders and throws himself into hopeless duels until his Ostroc is destroyed by a Hunchback. Captain Pratt pulls back survivors while Sergeant Burke tries to cover their retreat in her WHM-6D Warhammer.
The Lancers manage to level several depots but suffer heavy losses. Reinforcements reach the Dieron defenders too late to save much of the supply base, but they overwhelm a battered Davion lance still in the valley.
While Pratt is forced to abandon comrades to save what is left of his company, Kurita reinforcements are closing in, ready for the final clash in the campaign.
Part 3: Relative[edit]
- published on: 22 September 2013
| “ | The fate of the Davion invasion of Al Na'ir is revealed. Will the company survive the Draconis Combine's counterattack? Find out in the final part of the Lancer Strike Trilogy! | ” |
- BattleTech scenario: Return Game
Captain Pratt leads the remnants of his company from the Third Crucis Lancers back through the Ki'rin Mountains. A third of his unit is already dead or captured after the depot raid. Sergeant Burke holds the survivors together, while Sergeant Florence Kim and Kenneth Ballard scout ahead. Pratt is haunted by the losses and fixated on protecting his younger brother, Subaltern Clarence Pratt.
The Fifteenth Dieron Regulars dispatch Chu-i Kuke Sobieski with a mixed force of 'Mechs and hovertanks to intercept the Third Lancers near Lake Acorn. They spring an ambush, and a brutal running battle follows. Kim's GRF-1N Griffin is crippled, Burke's Warhammer is destroyed, and Rickey May dies when the ammunition of his Crusader explodes. Meanwhile, Pratt struggles to lead as his company collapses around him.
Clarence Pratt is nearly killed by a Dragon before his brother intervenes. With Burke dead and most of the company destroyed, only a handful of Lancers survive to rejoin the regiment. Kim, who is pulled from her wrecked Griffin by Pratt's BattleMaster, is furious at Pratt's failures and the loss of her comrades. She plans to speak to her superiors upon return to make sure the truth about Pratt's poor leadership is heard.
On the Dieron Regulars side Chu-i Sobieski and most of his command are killed, leaving only Erik Blanca and a few other survivors to withdraw.
Featured Characters[edit]
Third Crucis Lancers[edit]
Fifteenth Dieron - Recon Company[edit]
Fifteenth Dieron - Reserve Company[edit]
Fifteenth Dieron - Reinforcements[edit]
Others[edit]
- Former First Prince Ian Davion (mentioned)
- Coordinator Takashi Kurita (mentioned)
Featured Units[edit]
- Third Crucis Lancers
- Fifteenth Dieron Regulars
- Legion of Vega (mentioned)
- Sword of Light (mentioned)