A Call to Arms

A Call to Arms.jpg
A Call to Arms
Product information
Type Novel
Author Loren L. Coleman
Pages 320
Cover Artwork Ray Lundgren
Publication information
Publisher Roc Books
First published 4 February, 2003
ISBN-10 0451459121
ISBN-13 978-0451459121
Content
Era Dark Age era
Timeline 3133
Series MechWarrior: Dark Age Novels
Preceded by Ghost War
Followed by The Ruins of Power

A Call to Arms, by Loren L. Coleman, is the second book in the new Dark Age era.

From the back cover

Months have passed since the interplanetary communications net was destroyed, isolating planets across the Republic of the Sphere. Achernar is one of the few worlds still in possession of a working Hyperpulse Generator Station, a device that enables communications across the galaxy—and a much sought after prize for the splintering factions of the Republic...

After failing to qualify as an active MechWarrior, Raul Ortega finds some solace in the Republic's military reserves on Archenar and dreams of of the day he might know the adventure and glory of real combat. The Republic-loyal forces of Archenar are supported by a loose alliance with the Swordsworn, a faction pledged to House Davion, whose leaders have an agenda all their own.

When the planet falls under siege by yet another splinter group, the Steel Wolves, who are intent on capturing the HPG station, Raul is called to active duty. But when the Swordsworn desert Archenar in its time of need, Raul discovers that there's little honor in the subtle nuisances of treachery and the brutal realities of war...

Plot summary

Prolog

Raul Ortega is piloting his Legionnaire battlemech on Achernar's Highlake Basin. He comes into contact with an enemy JES I and with a quick burst of his 'mech's autocannon, easily destroys the vehicle. The fire that comes out from the vehicle looks odd, it looks fake. This is where we find that he is in a Mark III simulator in his final test to see if he is going to become the new MechWarrior for the planet's milita, or if he is going to become a new "desk commander." Unfortunately for him, his rival, who also has the same marks in academics and practical standings, is also vying for the MechWarrior role for the militia. The winner of the simulation graduates to fill the role that the militia needs.

The simulated battle is intense with each pilot pushing towards victory, than having to fall back in order stave off defeat. Through simulated destruction, each pilot is left with a near destroyed mech that has been pushed to the ground. Raul raises his mech so that it is on its knees, getting ready to take one last pull of his cannon to destroy the enemy pilot in order to gain victory. He pulls the trigger, and the screen goes black.

Someone bangs on his simulator to mark that the simulation is finished. Raul believes that he was able to get the final shot off before the enemy battle armor was able to break through his cockpit's shield. To his dismay, he hears the other cadets screaming with congratulatory cheers as the Achernar Militia has its new MechWarrior pilot. Charal DePriest.

Featured characters

Featured worlds

Featured BattleTech

'Mechs

Vehicles

Battlearmor

Dropships