Anywhere
Tamar March
Federated Commonwealth
9 March, 3050




     Fiona thumbed the trigger for her large laser, and the shot rang true. As energy poured into the clan mech, the temperature in her cockpit rose to almost unbearable levels. Part of her wanted to close her eyes and sink away, but she fought through the urge to unconsciousness and was rewarded with the sight of the enemy Uller collapsing, limp on the ground as pieces of the massive gyro that had been keeping it upright spun off in all directions.

     She had won. Now all those fools back at the resistance camp would be forced to take her tactics seriously. For days they had argued over the best way to go about liberating supplies from these clan invaders, and in the end, they had compromised. The militia got their way, and a large scale raid was planned. In fact, the raid was probably going on right now. But Fiona had stuck to her guns. These clanners were obsessed with duels, and she could use that. She had managed to wrangle permission to take her Wyvern out alone, and test her theory while the main group pulled off a coordinated raid.

     She had marched her mech to one of the supply dumps they had been targeting, challenged the defending clanners to a duel for three trucks worth of supplies, and now she had won. A single battle had netted three entire trucks worth of munitions and spare parts. While she hoped that the main attack was going well, even if it did, there could be no arguing that her way was more efficient. It involved lower risk, and bigger payoffs.

     She contemplated getting out of her mech to supervise the loading, but instead opted for the safety of her cockpit. She watched as a recovery crew swarmed over her downed opponent. The mechwarrior inside emerged uninjured, but looked ready to start a fight all over again if need be. He was clearly unnerved at having lost the duel. Who were these people? These Clan Jade Falcons? There would be time enough to discover that later, she supposed.

     The trucks were almost loaded when a burst came over her comm line.

     "Kendrick...you there?"

     So much for operational security. She recognized the voice of  Hauptmann Clay in spite of the near panicked tone of his voice "Yes sir, I'm here, and I have recovered supplies. I'm heading to the-"

     He cut her off before she could finish her report. "That's all fine and dandy, but we've kicked a hornet's nest over here. We hit them hard, but they were on us with reinforcements in minutes. We're all shot up and trying to break contact. We need your ass on the line here, and fast. We're planning to make a stand of it at one of the passes over the ridge line. Pull up your AFFC map and it will be marked as Mitchell's Gap. We're gonna blunt these Falcons in the nose...or beak..or whatever at the pass, hit them hard, kick 'em in the teeth, then break contact fast. You got all that girl?"

     She sighed. "Understood. I'll make best speed to the gap and help you boys get your fat out of the fryer."


     By the time she arrived at the pass, it was clear that the plan had gone all to hell. She stumbled into a disorganized mob of mechs and vehicles, and her tactical display was showing a large contingent of enemy contacts heading their way very quickly.

     "Who's in charge here?" She barked over the comms.

     "Clay here, don't act all smug now. We're trying to get organized to put up a defense of the gap here, just take your place in line and we'll get you all situated."

     She slammed her fist against one of the displays in the cockpit in frustration. Once again, the higher-ups were making an absolute disaster of the situation.

     "Sir, you don't have time, they're right on top of us. Their mechs run faster and cooler than ours, and they're going to be on our ass any second now."

     Once again, the disheartening drawl of Hauptmann Clay came over the line in response. "Don't get your panties in a twist, we know this is serious, and we're gonna' handle it."

     She fought off the urge to curse over the comms. "No. I'm going to handle it"

     She turned her Wyvern, battered from her earlier duel, in the direction that her tactical display said the Falcons were coming from and pushed the throttle forward.

     "Where in the hell are you going, Kendrick? Get your ass back-" she switched the militia channel to mute and opened a broadband frequency.

     "Jade Falcons, I am Leftenant Fiona Kendrick of the Ivaarson Chasseurs. I challenge you to a trial by combat. If I win, you will cease your pursuit. If you win, we will lay down our arms and cease all resistance. Who will accept my challenge?"

    She waited for what seemed like ages, but in actuality was only a few seconds. "I am Star Commander Lovvins, of the 8th Falcon Regulars. Your batchall is late. You have already broken the tenets of zellbrigen and fought like rabble. I will not afford you honorable combat now. You are dezgra. You fight like bandits, you shall be treated as such."

     Damn Hauptmann Clay and his people, they've endangered the one weapon we have against these people. There must be a way around this...."Star Commander Lovvins, I apologize for the conduct of the troops behind me. Their conduct will be dealt with later. But I am no bandit. Twice I have defeated you Jade Falcons in single combat, once during the invasion, and again just a few hours ago I defeated one of you in a trial for possession of supplies. My conduct is honorable. You cannot use that to cover your fear."

     Again, there was a few moments of silence.

     "Ha! Such insolence from a beaten people is ripe. It seems your claim is just, but I will not extend the honor to those surats that cower behind you. You may not protect them with your honor. If you wish single combat, that will be granted as your right, but the pursuit of these vermin will not stop."

     Her mind raced with possibilities. There had to be a way to make this dueling system work in her favor, she just had to find it. She would have to stall for time. "Be careful who you call bandits and vermin. We are all warriors of the Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth. Our conduct might not be pure, but we are no pirates."

     This time the deep voice of the clan commander responded quickly. "I grow tired of these words. I grant you a Trial of Grievance for declaring you dezgra. You may choose the location for this trial, but choose quickly."

     An idea formed in her head. "Very well, Star Commander. I choose the site known as Mitchell's Gap. While we fight, none of your forces may pass through the gap. You can continue your pursuit all you like, just not through our battleground, at least until we're done."

     The clanner scoffed at her. "Very well. You grant too much honor to the mob that you seek to protect. You may have it your way. The surats may retreat, and we will fight our trial at the Gap in ten minutes. I hope the cowardly rabble behind you are appreciative of your sacrifice, though they do not deserve it. I bid my point of force against you. Remember your decision after I have vanquished you, little Inner Sphere warrior."