1200 Days - Gramps' run at a Kerensky rated career

[MarkDey]

Mission 211: 2.5 Skull Target Acquisition ____ Employer: Free Worlds League ____ Target: Pirates ____ Biome: Highlands
Lance: Bull Shark (President), ANH-5U (Sugar), Toothy (Jingle), Death Map (Moose)

Report: Moving quickly will be challenging with the Annihilator, but the rest of the lance should be able to place the targeting beacons before the window of opportunity passes. PNT-9R, JR7-D, JVN-10A, COM-1B. Vehicles begin deploying from an underground motor pool. Packrat, Striker. The beacons are placed and all units sprint to the evac zone. Jingle jumps atop a nearby mountain and gets a good view of the blast. She also spots two more vehicles that just make it out in time to continue the fight, but all of our units sprint towards the pickup zone and just barely make it in time to leave before the enemy kill team arrives. I do belatedly wonder if it would be worth the extra salvage to just wait and eliminate the kill team.

Salvage: JR7-D, JVN-10A, COM-1B assembled and moved into storage.

 

[MarkDey]

Mission 212: 2 Skull Battle ____ Employer: Free Worlds League ____ Target: Pirates ____ Biome: Jungle
Lance: Bull Shark (President), ANH-5U (Sugar), Toothy (Jingle), Death Map (Moose)

Report: Interception of a recently inserted heavy lance. Apparently, they were meeting friends. VND-1AA (pilot kill), HBK-4G (pilot kill), COM-2D (headshot!). LCT-1M, TBT-5N (pilot kill), GRF-1N (pilot kill), ASN-101 (pilot kill).

Salvage: GRF-1N, COM-2D, ASN-101, HBK-4G assembled and moved into storage.

 

[MarkDey]

____We have nearly two weeks until our next stop in Hastur, which is enough time to review the mechbay and see what needs to be kept, and what can be put back into storage. I decide to replace the ANH-5U with the second Bull Shark, and swap out an ER M Laser for a M Laser+++ on each. There have been too many times where I wanted to have a relatively low damage shot to finish destroying a section or ping the head, but the only weapons available were too damaging and could destroy the center torso. Also, adding an LRM 20+++ to each Bull Shark will help with knocking targets over without relying on UAC/5 shots. I decide to keep Highland Storm available just in case, but move Atlas 2X, Guard Dog, and ANH-5U into storage so I can use their equipment as part of the rebuilds. Yang works with the available time, and refits both Bull Sharks.
____Bull Shark U has 4x UAC/5, 3x ER M Laser, 1x M Laser, and 1x LRM 20 with only average armor. This refit also has the advanced communication system and the hit defense gyro, and it should be used mainly on the flank where there are the fewest enemies. Bull Shark X has 2x UAC/5, 2x LB 2-X, 3x ER M Laser, 1x M Laser, and 1x LRM 20 with near maximum armor. This has the cockpit bracing and stability gyro, and should be the mech that takes the most fire.
____During the trip, the hydroponic garden is finished, and Farah's team begins work on upgrading the lounge area. We arrive at the Hastur jump point and the contracts available look good - two from the local government against the Canopians, four from the Free Worlds League against the local government, and one pirate contract. The store and black market have some interesting items, but nothing that would be a direct upgrade. There is an assembled and fully operational Bull Shark, but we couldn't pay the 404.6 million c-bill price even if I wanted to.

 

[MarkDey]

Mission 213: 2.5 Skull Capture Base ____ Employer: Local Gov ____ Target: Pirates ____ Biome: Martian
Lance: Bull Shark X (Goth), Bull Shark U (President), Toothy (Jingle), Death Map (Moose)

Report: An outlaw controlled facility seems to be operational once again, and the local government would like to take over the management of it. Naturally, the outlaws object. LCT-1S, TBT-5N (pilot kill), ASN-21 (pilot kill). Surprisingly, there are no turrets, which is welcome news. There are reinforcements, however. SDR-5K, ENF-4R, CPLT-C4 (pilot kill).

Salvage: ENF-4R, CPLT-C4, ASN-21, TBT-5N assembled and moved into storage.

 

[MarkDey]

Mission 214: 4 Skull Destroy Base ____ Employer: Local Gov ____ Target: Canopians ____ Biome: Martian
Lance: Bull Shark X (Goth), Bull Shark U (President), Toothy (Jingle), Death Map (Moose)

Report: The Canopian manufacturing facility is actually a front for military operations, and we've been tasked with destroying it. This base has heavy turrets, as well as a lance of defending mechs. The Zeus is a welcome sight, as that is the last mech I need for the MRB Collection category. 2x LRM, 1x Laser, 1x Shredder. ZEU-6S (headshot!), ASN-101 (legs kill), CDA-2A (legs kill), CPLT-C1 (pilot kill). HCT-3F, RFL-3C (pilot kill), CPLT-C4 (pilot kill), ON1-V (pilot kill).

Salvage: ZEU-6S, CPLT-C1, CPLT-C4 assembled and moved into storage.

 

[MarkDey]

Mission 215: 3 Skull Capture Base ____ Employer: Free Worlds League ____ Target: Local Gov ____ Biome: Martian
Lance: Bull Shark X (Goth), Bull Shark U (President), Toothy (Jingle), Death Map (Moose)

Report: Switching employers, we get a job to secure the same base that we previously cleared pirates out of; still no turrets installed. This time though, the reinforcements have ECM. 2x MAD-3D (pilot kills), ASN-101, CN9-A (pilot kill). CTF-0X (pilot kill), Schrek SPPC Carrier, CPLT-C4, WVR-6R (pilot kill).

Salvage: CTF-0X, WVR-6R, MAD-3D assembled and moved into storage.

 

[MarkDey]

Mission 216: 2.5 Skull Capture Base ____ Employer: Free Worlds League ____ Target: Local Gov ____ Biome: Martian
Lance: Bull Shark X (Goth), Bull Shark U (President), Toothy (Jingle), Death Map (Moose)

Report: We have a lead on a base that looks like a secure data storage facility. Farah will join us in a rumble seat to decrypt and export the databases. There are heavy turrets, but no defending mechs on patrol, so Jingle is able to jump Toothy and Dr. Murad right into the center of the base. Reinforcements do appear, and they have ECM support, but they are quickly dealt with. 3x Laser, 1x LRM. CTF-0X, HBK-4P (legs kill), TDR-5S (pilot kill), CN9-A (pilot kill).

Salvage: TDR-5S, CN9-A assembled and moved into storage.

 

[MarkDey]

Mission 217: 2.5 Skull Battle ____ Employer: Free Worlds League ____ Target: Local Gov ____ Biome: Martian
Lance: Bull Shark X (Goth), Bull Shark U (President), Toothy (Jingle), Death Map (Moose)

Report: This job is a straightforward hunt for an enemy lance. We find them, along with some of their friends. Moose strays too close to the combat and the lightly armored Death Map takes some fire. Jingle is forced to retreat for a break and is hit in the rear armor by the Crab's large laser. LCT-1V, LCT-1E, QKD-4G, ASN-101 (headshot), TBT-5N (pilot kill), TBT-7K (pilot kill), CRB-20 (pilot kill).

Damage: Toothy, LT rear, 10%; Death Map, RA 40%, CT 10% structure damage. ____ Salvage: TBT-7K, TBT-5N assembled and moved into storage.

 

[MarkDey]

Mission 218: 2.5 Skull Capture Base ____ Employer: Free Worlds League ____ Target: Local Gov ____ Biome: Martian
Lance: Bull Shark X (Goth), Bull Shark U (President), Toothy (Jingle), Death Map (Moose)

Report: This contract is one I haven't seen before. We are still capturing a base, but the Free Worlds League wants to establish a lodgement on Hastur so they can conduct further operations. We're expecting to encounter multiple lances, and there won't be any terrain intel we can use in advance to plan our approach. Good thing that our opponents will mostly be in medium mechs. HCT-3X, ENF-4R (pilot kill), FS9-H (pilot kill), HCT-3F (pilot kill). As we get a visual on the base, heavy turrets power up and are swiftly destroyed. 1x Laser, 2x LRM, 1x Sniper. Reinforcements also arrive to try and retake the base, and Goth gets flanked and is forced to pull back. KTO-18 (pilot kill), CN9-A (pilot kill), ARC-2S (pilot kill), HBK-4P (pilot kill).

Damage: Bull Shark X, RA, 25% structure damage. ____ Salvage: KTO-18, ARC-2S, HBK-4P assembled and moved into storage.

 

[MarkDey]

____Repairs and refits are begun for nearly all mechs in the mech bay, incorporating upgraded equipment wherever possible. The financial report arrives and I set everyone to restrictive pay again to get the most out of the morale boosting upgrades on the Argo. Darius reports a new flashpoint in Mendham, with House Nakano of the Draconis Combine fighting Pirates over A House Divided. Tempting, but it's too far away right now.

Event - Tournament Madness: Youngblood Koyama has been doing well, but Youngblood Grimes isn't pulling their weight. I suggest that YB Koyama hold extra practice.
Result: Their standing improves. Youngblood Koyama has High Spirits for 30 days.

____The contracts in Thurrock are mixed, but the large amount of mech salvage available in the store makes me decide to visit. There are two contracts from the Free Worlds League, one of which is 4 skulls - high for this system. There are two more from the Lyran Commonwealth, and then three from the Pirates and Capellans that we can't take.

 

[MarkDey]

Mission 218: 4 Skull Escort ____ Employer: Free Worlds League ____ Target: Capellans ____ Biome: Desert
Lance: Bull Shark X (Scrub), Bull Shark U (Jalopy), Toothy (Jingle), Death Map (Moose)

Report: Our task is to escort a prototype our of a lab and off to a safer location, despite continued attacks from Capellan forces. One notable moment was when both Bull Sharks fired their Thumper cannons to destroy a pair of light mechs that had sprinted forward and scouted out the convoy's position. And then, as soon as the artillery had reloaded, a final lance appeared via dropship, and both Thumpers fired again into the packed formation, shredding the enemy and destroying a light mech before it's ever identified. JVN-10N, TBT-5N (pilot kill), ASN-101 (pilot kill), WVR-6K (pilot kill). TBT-5N, JVN-10N, COM-2D, TBT-7K (pilot kill). CN9-A (pilot kill), BJ-1DB (pilot kill), SHD-2D (legs kill), 25 ton blip.

Salvage: WVR-6K, SHD-2D, BJ-1DB, CN9-A, ASN-101, TBT-7K assembled and moved into storage.

 

[MarkDey]

Mission 219: 2 Skull Escort ____ Employer: Free Worlds League ____ Target: Pirates ____ Biome: Urban
Lance: Bull Shark X (Scrub), Bull Shark U (Jalopy), Toothy (Jingle), Death Map (Moose)

Report: Escort missions in a city are usually tricky, but the drivers stick together and get to the extraction zone without a problem. 2x LCT-1E, Striker, Striker NARC. COM-2D, 2x FLE-4, JVN-10A.

Salvage: LCT-1E, FLE-4, COM-2D assembled and moved into storage.

 

[MarkDey]

Mission 220: 2 Skull Escort ____ Employer: Lyran Commonwealth ____ Target: Free Worlds League ____ Biome: Badlands
Lance: Bull Shark X (Scrub), Bull Shark U (Jalopy), Toothy (Jingle), Death Map (Moose)

Report: A Demolisher and some other vehicles have been highjacked, and we've been tasked with escorting them to safety. Our approach to the base is unopposed, and the Demolisher is joined by a Striker NARC, and two LRM Carriers, although they are all in poor repair and have reduced armor. Mechs from House Marik move to oppose our extraction and are swept aside. TBT-7K, JM6-A (pilot kill), LCT-1M. A reinforcement lance drops down as the vehicles begin to move onto a Lyran dropship, and they are met by concentrated autocannon fire. JVN-10F, TDR-5S (headshot), HBK-4G.

Salvage: TDR-5S, JM6-A assembled and moved into storage.

 

[MarkDey]

Mission 221: 3 Skull Battle ____ Employer: Lyran Commonwealth ____ Target: Capellans ____ Biome: Urban
Lance: Cataphract (Scrub), Bull Shark X (Jalopy), Toothy (Jingle), Death Map (Moose)

Report: The Lyran Commonweath has captured a Cataphract, and they'd like us to bring it into an urban battle to get some good combat performance data. SDR-5V, BJ-1, BL-6-KNT (pilot kill), LCT-1S. A Marik lance enters the battlefield and opens fire on both us and the Capellans. Their avenue of advance brings them next to an electrical transformer, and Jalopy fires a Thumper cannon into their packed formation, destroying the transformer in the process and causing significant damage before they even open fire. 2xPXH-1K, SHD-2H, HCT-3F.

Salvage: HCT-3F, BL-6-KNT, PXH-1K assembled and moved into storage.

 

[MarkDey]

____ Nine more days to Alamagordo. The upgraded lounge is completed, and Yang has already scheduled a long viewing session for the mech techs. Work on the low gravity pool has begun, and Darius has already started making sure everyone knows how to use it properly.
____ There are amazing contracts available - 4 from the Magistracy and 3 from the Free Worlds League, all targeting the Capellan Confederation. We buy all of the mech salvage on the market as usual, and get to work.

 

[MarkDey]

Mission 222: 5 Skull Battle ____ Employer: Magistracy of Canopus ____ Target: Capellans ____ Biome: Lowlands
Lance: Bull Shark X (Scrub), Bull Shark U (Jalopy), Toothy (Jingle), Death Map (Moose)

Report: A large engine signature is traveling alone, and we've been asked to take the bait. Before we even get the bait on sensors, enemy reinforcements arrive on our left flank, and we move to engage. HGN-733P (pilot kill), ZEU-6S (pilot kill), CPLT-C4, AWS-8Q (pilot kill), JM6-A (pilot kill).

Damage: Bull Shark X, RA, 25% structure damage. ____ Salvage: HGN-733P, ZEU-6S assembled and moved into storage.

 

[MarkDey]

Mission 223: 4.5 Skull Battle ____ Employer: Magistracy of Canopus ____ Target: Capellans ____ Biome: Desert
Lance: Bull Shark X (Scrub), Bull Shark U (Jalopy), Toothy (Jingle), Death Map (Moose)

Report: Interception of a heavy lance that has just been inserted. Things get difficult when enemy reinforcements arrive, at least, until they enter artillery range. BNC-3S (legs kill), Demolisher, CP-10-Q (pilot kill), ZEU-6T (pilot kill). ON1-V, AWS-8T, ON1-K, ZEU-6S.

 

[MarkDey]

Mission 224: 4.5 Skull Assassinate ____ Employer: Magistracy of Canopus ____ Target: Capellans ____ Biome: Jungle
Lance: Bull Shark X (Scrub), Bull Shark U (Jalopy), Toothy (Jingle), Death Map (Moose)

Report: Bug Hunt. This is a rapid deployment with no advanced terrain intel to destroy a terrorist that is very rarely spotted. We may have spooked him with our recent attacks. The fight starts as a bit of a mess, but ends up with a huge amount of salvage. BNC-3M (headshot), TDR-5S (legs kill), KTO-18, BJ-1 (pilot kill). GRF-1N (pilot kill), RFL-3C (pilot kill), CPLT-C4 (pilot kill), CPLT-C1 (pilot kill), VTR-9S (pilot kill).

Salvage: VTR-9S, BNC-3M, CPLT-C1, RFL-3C, BJ-1 assembled and moved into storage.

 

[MarkDey]

Mission 225: 4 Skull Ambush Convoy ____ Employer: Magistracy of Canopus ____ Target: Capellans ____ Biome: Desert
Lance: Bull Shark X (Scrub), Bull Shark U (Jalopy), Toothy (Jingle), Death Map (Moose)

Report: The terrorist we just dispatched had the route and cargo manifest of a Capellan convoy. For the last Canopian contract here, we've been dispatched to intercept it. Our drop is a little bit late, and we catch the tail end of the convoy and have to rush to eliminate all of the units. This is further complicated by the ECM protection that they have. CTF-0X, TDR-5SE (pilot kill), QKD-5A (pilot kill). SRM Carrier, Gallant Urban Assault Vehicle, Schrek SPPC Carrier, Demolisher.

Salvage: TDR-5SE, CTF-0X assembled and moved into storage.

 

[MarkDey]

Mission 226: 4.5 Skull Battle ____ Employer: Free Worlds League ____ Target: Capellans ____ Biome: Tundra
Lance: Bull Shark X (Scrub), Bull Shark U (Jalopy), Toothy (Jingle), Death Map (Moose)

Report: Switching to the contracts offered by House Marik, this mission is on a separate continent, and is to intercept two lances of heavy mechs that have landed within the last few days. Sumire drops out well out of weapons range, but also at the lowest point of the battlefield. I have the lance move far to the right to approach the enemy hilltop from a better angle. During the movement, enemy reinforcements appear to protect that flank and we engage them. QKD-5A (pilot kill), MAD-3D, CP-10-HQ!, CPLT-C4 (pilot kill). WHM-6R (pilot kill), Demolisher, PPC Carrier, SPPC Carrier.

Damage: Bull Shark X, LA, 5%; Death Map, LA 15% structure damage. ____ Salvage: WHM-6R, CPLT-C4, QKD-5A assembled and moved into storage.