Mop up operation (D3 LA Szekeres Combat)

[GM Yuusha]

The Comms Relay Outpost is coming under our control. However, there is a remote vehicle park and security checkpoint on the highway that we're sure will send all they have to support Szekeres. We're not too worried about the mechanized infantry, but the lance of tanks could be problematic if they aren't dealt with under our own terms. Assault the checkpoint and neutralise those tanks.

Objective: Defeat the enemy.

[Aleksandr Korolov]

Alek whooped over comms as they approached the check point he was itching for a scrap. "Simulations can only do so much to imitate the real thing. Let's mop up this check point and shake the rust off!"

"Roger boss!" Came Nado's energetic reply as he fed off Alek's energy from his valkyrie

"Whatever let's just get this done." Chimed in Whip as the Cicada scouted ahead

"Let's get this done efficiently and safely as we can." Came Hammer from her shadowhawk, her tone slight tired already

They all had different reactions but everyone was focused and ready for the task.

[GM Yuusha]

Facing Aleksandr's lance were four tanks, each in a convoy leaving the compound.



Like the scouts had observed, there were two common Vedette tanks, a light Scorpion and a much more intimidating Manticore. It was at the rear and likely commanded the force.



Three tanks stuck to the roads as the fourth moved up onto a bluff to get a better view of the approaching mechs.

[Aleksandr Korolov]

"Alright let's advance on them I'll try and draw as much fire as I can especially from that Manticore. Nado and Whip be especially careful around it. As soon as youre in range fire your long range weapons. If we can take out the Manticore fast the rest should be easy clean up. Let's move."

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Run forward to 2608

[GM Yuusha]

There was no weapons fire. Everything was either out of range or the odds, according to their systems, were near impossible.



Both Vedettes headed toward the road while the Manticore and Scorpion both paused...

[Aleksandr Korolov]

"I'll take a high ground get lines of sight. Manticore is the primary target but take what shots you can." He barked as he ran.

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Run to 2109
Fire weapons I can prioritize manticore within reason take what shots I can.

[GM Yuusha]

The Manticore soon demonstrated why it had stopped. Once Alek's mech popped onto the hill and in clear sight it trained weapons on him and fired. Its PPC shot nearly hits his cockpit, but good fortune has him lean to the left so it only hits the right torso. The mech's narrow profile was proving helpful as the damaged was minimal (5 damage to RT, edge used to prevent HD hit, 3 damage to LA). The lance's return fire was mostly inaccurate, but the Shadowhawk did land a single LRM on the Manticore (1 damage FR).

(Grand Dragon 4 heat, Cicada 1 heat)



The Manticore edged forward slightly, shielding one side with the hills, as the Scorpion moved past it to climb the same hill for a clearer shot. Both Vedettes remained near one another, ready to attempt to stop the mech advance.

[Aleksandr Korolov]

Alek walked down looking to get an angle of return fire.

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Walk to 1810 return fire to Manticore. Team that can get angles on Manticore should, other wise get best shots they can on other tanks.

[GM Yuusha]

The lance was closing and getting better angles for shots, but the Manticore was something else. Maybe the crew were especially diligent in their training? Whatever the reason, their accuracy was insanely good. LRMs rained down on the Grand Dragon along with PPC fire (5 damage RL, 1 damage CT, 10 damage RA). Its right arm only had a tiny amount of armour left now. Its like the tank was targeting its PPC. Worse still, its turret turned as its weapons recharged and reloaded, so it could unleash SRMs upon the nearby Cicada. Nearly every single one hit (4 damage LT, 2 damage LA, RA, HD, 1 pilot injury). Mekner rocked about in the cockpit as one of the damn missiles even struck the Cicada's ferroglass. It had thin armour already, but it was getting shaved off. However, the absolute worse thing was that all this accurate fire was putting off the aim of Alek and his lance mate. Both missed their shots.

One of the Vedettes landed an AC/5 shot on the left arm of the Shadow Hawk, but it was still minor damage (5 damage LA). All the other tanks missed. In response, the Shadowhawk hit the Vedette with its own AC/5 and some LRMs to boot (5 damage LS, heavy damage, +3 to driving skill rolls and 1/2 MP, 3 damage LS). The Vedette's engine began to let out a lot more noise, none of it healthy sounding. Meanwhile the Valkyrie, which had hung back, unleashed some LRMs on the Scorpion (5 damage FR, 3 damage LS, minor damage, +1 to driving skill rolls).

(Grand Dragon on 7 heat, Cicada on 2)

Aleksandr's mech was beginning to feel like a sauna. It was slowing down slightly too due.



All four tanks remained close together, each trying to provide cover for the rest. They were well trained.

[Aleksandr Korolov]

Alek Grit his teeth and ran up his Mech trying to close the distance but also needing to reserve some heat he relied on his lasers. "Whip see if you can land a solid hit on that manticore. And everyone else let's get in close and smash these tanks."

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Run to 1408 fire lasers

[GM Yuusha]

Alek's right arm continued to be focused by the Manticore. Its PPC clipped his PPC arm, the damage going internal (5 damage RA). The Shadow Hawk took an AC/5 from the Scorpion (5 damage CT), but its central armour was strong. It would be fine. Both Vedettes missed all their shots.

The lance had more luck over the next few seconds. The Valkyrie landed 6 LRMs and its medium laser on the Scorpion (5 damage LS, heavy damage, +3 driving skill rolls, 1/2 MP, 1 damage FR, moderate damage, +2 driving skill rolls and -1MP, 5 damage FR), doing immense damage to the light tank. Everyone else focused on the Manticore. It could take a pounding (5 damage FR, 2 damage FR, 5 damage RS, 10 damage RR). It didn't seem remotely bothered by all the shots hitting it. The Shadow Hawk only switched targets briefly to kick the Vedette beside its foot! (11 damage LS).

It was getting close and personal now. This was where mechs shined.

(Cicada on 2 heat, Grand Dragon on 3)



One of the Vedettes sped down the road to give itself some space as the other three tanks tried to huddle up.

[Aleksandr Korolov]

Alek smiled as this was where he loved to be, all in the mix. "Let's go warriors crush and burn!"

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Walk to 1206 Melee on the manticore fire lasers

[GM Yuusha]

Stomping in close, Alek's Grand Dragon lands both lasers on the nearby Vedette (5 damage FR, TU). Its armour was melting, but it absorbed the damage. Meanwhile the Shadow Hawk focused on the Manticore, planting an AC/5 round into its left side (5 damage LS, minor damage, +1 to driving skills). It actually looked a little damaged after that. The wily pilot also shot some LRMs at the Scorpion, with a few hitting the turret (3 damage TU).

The Cicada had moved to an optimal firing position to shoot at the other Vedette heading up the road, but the shot went wide. Its machine guns chewed up the Scorpion however (2 damage TU, FR). Lastly the Valkyrie spread fire, but that only served to make it miss with both weapons.

The Manticore remained a threat as it hit the Shadow Hawk with weapons fire (5 damage LL, 10 damage RA). The Vedette on the roads fired its AC/5 at the Grand Dragon, further damaging its right arm (2 damage RA, 7 internal structure remaining). Only the mech's low profile causing the shot to glance prevented it doing more damage. Alek gets his revenge however. He kicks the Manticore. Hard. Enough to completely immobilise it (13 damage LS, major damage, vehicle immobile). If the crew were smart they'd surrender now. The Shadow Hawk also contributed, kicking the Vedette it had chased (11 damage RR).

(Cicada on 3 heat, Valkyrie on 1)



As the Manticore shut down the other tanks tried pressing North East. They'd not given up quite yet.

[Aleksandr Korolov]

Alek smiled as the manticore shut down "Alright let's clean this up crew! Finish off that Scorpion and let's hunt down those medium tanks."

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Walk to 1403 fire PPC and lasers at further vendetta crush other one

[GM Yuusha]

Things kicked off with the Valkyrie planting all ten of its LRM volley into the back of the Vedette to the north-east. It exploded in short order, forcing the Shadow Hawk to quickly back away (10 damage RR, ammo explosion, 475 damage. Dead!).

The Scorpion got a tiny measure of revenge, hitting the Valkyrie with both its weapons (2 damage LL, 5 damage LT). The Grand Dragon took a little damage too (2 damage to LT), but it was fine. The Shadow Hawk mostly missed its shots, as did the Cicada, except for a single AC/5 into the surviving Vedette (5 damage FR). It was a good shot with that autocannon. Very consistent.

In melee, Alek easily hits the Vedette near his feet, causing horrific damage to the turret (13 damage TU). It looked ready to pop.

The Cicada and Valkyrie both kick the Scorpion, with the Cicada opening up its left side and destroying it.

The sole surviving tank is one damaged Vedette at this stage. It tries to drive north, but Alek pursues. The crew switch off the engine and hope for the best. They've surrendered.

(All enemies eliminated! Congratulations!)

Once HQ was informed the lance was asked to guard the immediate area for the next thirty minutes before a relief force arrived. It was tense, but ultimately quiet.

[Aleksandr Korolov]

Alek nodded with a happy expression "Good shit squad. Drinks on me when we get back." He said as they headed back. Could have been smoother but they came out in one piece.

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Thanks for a good combat!

[GM Yuusha]

Aleksandr Korolov gains 0.3 fame for his contributions toward a successful combat.

Combat closed.