Battletech: Planet's Fall

Your lance is to attack the southern defences of Budai. It's late morning and intercepted communications suggest the enemy are relaxed. They aren't expecting us. Two turrets have been sighted. They're supported by a lance of tanks. While the turrets will be slow coming online, they pose a real threat. Expect their foundations to be reinforced. Destroy the enemy so more Obsidian Angels can penetrate directly into the facility further up in the hills.

Objective: Defeat the enemy.

The Penguins up and ready are deployed to southern defences of the facility. "Time to test the toys." Mickey said.

Alex nodded. "Let's see how good you are with those LRMs, Mickey. Rico you know how to deal with the artillery, and Skipper keep me posted of any development."

"Aye aye lieutenant."

"Roger that Kowalski, And today is red dress day."

"We will see... Let's move!"

The two turrets, a dual AC/5 and a PPC turret, appeared motionless as the lance approached. So too did the defenders. They would all be caught off guard.



Up the hill Alex could make out a Goblin tank and a Bulldog with their large lasers, a Vedette with an AC/5 and something the Crusader's targeting system identified as an Axel Heavy Tank. It had an AC/20, which would be devastating at close ranges.

"Okay guys... Let's take out the heavy ones first and then let's get others... maybe let them come to us." Alex stated. "We go west then work with the East."

"Roger"

The Penguins start their move.

//Crusader to 0714
Vidicator 1R to 0914
Vindicator 1X to 1215
Assassin jump west of 1415

The Axel dead ahead was the biggest threat. Fully aware of this, the whole lance opens fire at it. Alex plants some LRMs into it, causing good damage (4 damage FR, moderate damage, +2 to driving skill rolls, -1 MP, 3 damage FR). The 1R Vindicator lands a few LRMs on it too (4 damage TU) as does the Assassin (3 damage LS).

The enemy's return fire is disorganised yet surprisingly accurate. The Axel hits Alex's mech with LRMs of its own (3 damage LT), but thankfully misses its AC/20 shot at long range. A second later and Alex's Crusader is hit with an AC/5 from the distant Vedette (5 damage CT).

Meanwhile the 1X Vindicator takes a large laser to the leg (8 damage RL). It was a mixed start.



The cocky Axel crew lurch forward to hunt for a better AC/20 shot as the Goblin and Bulldog move toward the mechs. The Vedette, perhaps the only cautious one, goes hull down where it is. Only its turret was visible above the sandbag nest. The turrets remained offline. However, they were soon to power up.

"Skipper are you okay?"

"Aye... just some work for you later." The Penguin joked.

"Let's take down the Axel then the Bulldog." Alex commanded. "I'll take the Vedette." Kowalsky said with resolve.

//
Alex stays put shooting at Vedette.

Kappa jumps ahead to mix it up with the Axel, dancing around it to prevent it being able to shoot him. As he does this he fires his weapons at the dual AC/5 turret (4 damage). Rico shoots at the heavy tank as Kappa dances around it, doing good damage (13 damage RS). Skipper misses his shots as he repositions. Finally, Kowalski lands a few LRMs on the Vedette's turret (3 damage TU).

The enemy return fire is much worse now, with only the Vedette landing a hit on the Crusader (5 damage LL). Continuing to show off, Kappa Mikey kicks the Axel hard up the rear, destroying its engine and immobilising it! (8 damage, critical, engine destroyed). That was one down.

(Assassin on 3 heat)



The turrets both come online within seconds of each other. Their heat signatures are obvious to the mech's targeting systems. While the Axel crew bailed the Bulldog and Goblin took up firing positions on the hills. The Vedette stubbornly remained where it was.

Alex nodded but was worries that Kappa might have moved too far off. Hopefully he will do okay.
"Rico, Skipper the tower is online... but those two tanks worry me too... Let's split fire and give Mickey some back up. Bulldog and the dual turret. Rico you know what to do."

Rico smiled brightly.

//Alex fires at the Vedette if possible at the dual tower AC5.

The turrets being active is very apparent when AC/5 shots and a PPC blast whizz toward Alex's lance. His Crusader takes the hits (5 damage RL, RT) while Rico is hit by the particle blast (10 damage CT), which cuts his centre torso armour in half. The Vedette continues to be annoying as it hits the Crusader once again (5 damage RL).

The lance do excellent damage to the fortified turret (18 damage), but it remains operational. Skipper also plugs the Bulldog with his PPC (10 damage FR). A moment later and Kappa kicks the building. It shudders and one of the AC/5 guns jams (4 damage, AC/5 jammed).

(Crusader on 4 heat, Assassin on 3)



As seconds ticked by the crew of the Goblin decided they were too far away. With reluctance they turn around to make their way downhill. The Bulldog remained where it was, continuing to track with its large laser turret, but the Vedette backed off as the Assassin drew closer. Both turrets were still a big threat.

"Let's move boys!" Alex comanded. "Concentrate fire on the bulldog."
"Roger."


/moving to 0606 and firing at Vedette.

Alex takes out the AC/5 tower as he heads north. His weapons fire also badly damages the Vedette (5 damage FR, 3 damage TU, critical hit, AC/5 malfunctions, 5 damage TU, 1 damage FR, heavy damage, +3 to driving skill rolls, 1/2 MP). He does take another AC/5 hit, but it would be the last (5 damage CT).

From across the open ground a PPC blast slams into Rico's Vindicator. It chews through the remaining centre torso armour and then causes severe, truly severe damage to the mech's engine and gyro (10 damage CT, armour destroyed, 12 internal structure left, triple critical hit rolled: hit on gyro, engine, engine. Mech is crippled and should withdraw). With the gyro damaged, balance becomes near impossible and the mech crashes over. Rico receives a nasty whack on the head as part of the fall (5 damage LL, 1 pilot hit).

(Vindicator 1R on 6 heat, Crusader and 1X on 1 heat)



The Bulldog remained where it was as the Goblin crew had another change of plans. They decide to go high as the Bulldog remains low. Rico could stay in cover and perfect safety where he was, waiting for the battle to end, or he could try standing and withdrawing. The other three mechs were all still combat worthy.

”RICO!" Alex started to get a bit frustrated and infuriated. "Stay down and out of sight... Let's finish of this God damned turret and Skipper finish that bulldog.”

// Moving forward to the turret AC 20 firing at it.

Alex cleverly leads the lance northwards, using the woods to shield themselves from the vehicles. Neither the Goblin or Bulldog could draw line of sight on anything so neither fired. Better still, his long range missile fire and Skipper's stuns the crew and knocks out the weapon of the turret! Brilliant!



Both tanks switch positions, aiming to take the high ground. Each of their crews was now rather anxious. With the turrets gone, they'd be next. A little damage on either could get them to surrender.

Skipper pursed his lips. "Kowalski, Status."

Alex nodded. "Two tanks left. I remember where they are. We can take them from here. Follow my lead." Alex sent coordinates to where they should be. As Kowalski made the analysis on where they should be sending a barrage to the Goblin.


//Alex goes for the Goblin.

Backing up behind a nearby hill, Alex remembers where he'd last seen the Goblin and he targets the area with LRM fire. His lance mates duck down to avoid being seen.

While Alex is still visible to the Bulldog, which hits the Crusader with its large laser (8 damage CT), he lands many LRMs on the Goblin. The tank's turret is locked and much of its outer armour is damaged from the attack (3 damage LS, 5 damage RR, moderate damage, +2 to driving skill roll, -1MP, 1 damage TU, turret locked!).



The Goblin slows down, but it continues to draw closer, as does the other tank.

Now it was time to get that bulldog that has been a drag. The Penguin now aimed to the probable position of that annoying tank.

//shooting the bulldog

Alex does heavy damage to the Bulldog with his indirect LRM fire. The tank is slowed so much in fact that the crew feel they have no chance of moving to where they could engage the enemy. Equally, if they tried to run, they would surely only be hit by more LRMs.

The tank is switched off after an open surrender broadcast. A few seconds later and the Goblin crew does likewise. There was no way they could win.

(All enemies eliminated! Congratulations!)

As all the tanks were abandoned or surrendered by their crew, they'd all be quite valuable compared to a smoking wreck. However, the damage to Rico's engine was severe. It would likely require a replacement or lengthy repairs. He'd likely need to find a new ride in the immediate future.

[Crippled Mech - Strength lowered by 0.1]

(Vindicator VND-1R will be undergoing repairs for at least a few weeks. It will be unavailable for combat or patrols.)

The Penguins would need to help Rico's Vindicator up and take it slow on the way back to the dropsite after being relieved.

Alex smiled and shook the head. "Skipper, Kappa let's get Rico and get out of here. Our work is done." They move out to aid Rico back to the base. "Y Rico seems the Urbie will be yours." Alex giggled. "I will have to work day and night to fix your vindicator."

Rico frowned. "No red dress?"

Alex giggled.

Alex Kovac gains 0.3 fame for his contributions toward a successful combat.

Combat closed.