Fan Fiction
"The Long Road " by Fatal_Seraphin
Debate...
Location: Planet in the Tortuga Dominion
April 20th, 3067
18:30 Local Time
Chicken of the Sea Cantina read the sign out on the front of the building. Not much to look at really, but a place where the food was great and the brew flowed easily. Your typical “mom-n-pop” place. Bright and cheery. Conversations abounded from how this one managed to escape certain death, hopping on one of his mech’s legs, to heroic last stands. Mom had died long ago from who knows what, pop, ran the place like a Captain sailing a ship. Nice, neat and tight. To everyone who knew the place, it was simply, the Shack. Dinner had been served in the back room, which had become the Headquarters pro-temp to the remnants of the Taurian Defense Forces. Granted asylum by the Tortugan Government, Diabolic and his loyal followers sought refuge in the Dominion to regroup and find out what their next move would be.
Earlier in the day, Smagaman, the newly appointed Commander in Chief of the Tortugan Defense Forces, and his staff had come to pay a visit. Shortly after they left, Diabolic held his first “non-regulation” staff meeting. “Well folks, I had a very interesting visit today from Smaga and his folks. While he did offer us sanctuary, for as long as we need to regroup, he did make a request that we need to seriously consider. As of right now, we are considered a rogue element of the former TDF. We really only have two choices.” That’s when the debate began.
The evening wore on with no one able to come to a consensus. Other, newer members of the unit were trickling in and taking their seats around the table that had been moved to one side of the room. A rough Horse-Shoe had been formed almost like in an amphitheater. Each member of the staff presented their argument as to why or why not we should stay independent or merge. As far as Diabolic was concerned, he would do what ever it took to preserve and protect his troops, he owed them nothing less. He stood in the middle of the room holding up both of his arms “OK! OK! Quiet down everyone!” he yelled at the top of his lungs. “Seeing that it’s pretty much a 50 – 50 split, we’re going to put this to a vote, with me being the tie breaker.”
Not everyone in the unit had been there, so couriers were sent to round everyone up. Soon the Shack was packed to capacity, making pop more than a little nervous. Over several hundred warriors and support personnel were there to help in the decision of where would they go from here. “Here is the deal” said Diabolic, “Which ever side the vote turns to, we all go with it, like it or not, there will be no turning back,” and under his breath “not this time.” Perplexed, those closest to him in the crowd wondered. What did he mean “not this time?” The command staff was also noticed mumbling some unintelligible words. The vote took almost as long to start as it did to tally, but, in the end, Diabolic stood and commanded quiet. He quickly turned to Selena and asked “Are you sure this is correct?” Nodding once was her reply. That was all he needed. He had learned long ago to take her word as truth. She never lied.
Diabolic raised his hand, the crowd hushed and waited for the verdict “Well, one thing for certain, is that my tie breaker wont be needed tonite,” he said, which drew a few grins from the crowd. “Of the 456 individuals here and voting, 312 vs. 144, voted for starting our own outfit. So let it be written, so let it be done.”
That evening, on an unnamed planet in the Tortuga Dominion, a new unit named MC’s Marauders, was born.
Preparations…
Location: Planet in the Tortuga Dominion
April 21st, 3067
07:00 Local Time
It had been a long night. The newly formed Tortugan Government had been informed of the refugees’ decision to remain independent, with one, agreed by all, caveat. Should the unit fail to survive, then they would be reintegrated into the Dominion’s TO&E. Diabolic didn’t even need a vote for that one. He intended to make sure his troops were taken care of, one way or the other. Looking up in the clear skies, he could see patrol craft streaking by leaving their con-trails in the high altitudes. Instantly, he was taken back, decades, to a long ago time that he had almost forgotten. His staff and long time friends knew what the deal was. They remembered too. He turned to them “I believe its time” he said. Quietly, they all nodded in agreement.
Looking to the left, “Serge I need you to set it up, preferably in a secluded area someplace on this rock.”
“It shall be done sir; I will inform you as soon as I am ready.”
“Go now, I have some calls to make. Everyone else, please ensure you are in proper attire for the occasion.”
“Aye sir.” Was the unanimous reply. Saluting their commander they all left to take care of what they need to do.
Tugging his uniform, he set out for the comms building to make his “calls.”
Two and a half hours later, Serge sent him the signal that all was set, as well as the place. Smiling he went on to his next task. He needed to be upfront with his Dominion allies, or there could be no trust between them. He paid a visit to Smagaman, personally.
It is said the truth is often stranger than fiction. In seeing Smaga’s expression, anyone not knowing any better would have guessed otherwise. “Are you Serious?” asked Smaga, incredulous. “Absolutely” replied Diabolic, “However, you and your folks are welcomed to join us tonite at our gathering. The full story will be told.” “Are you kidding? We wouldn’t miss this for all the Lost Tech in the Inner Sphere, well, maybe not that but you get the picture.” Diabolic reached over the desk and wrote on a piece of paper. “These are the coordinates where our gathering will be held. You do understand that certain…Decorum will be required, as it is a fairly sacred ritual.” Asked Diabolic, “I understand” replied Smaga, “we’ll tie AC up and stuff him in a trunk some place, so we can have some peace and quiet.” Laughing Diabolic stood to leave. “We shall see you then” as they reached across the desk to shake hands.
Stepping outside and into his command car, he looked at his friend Guardian. “Well that was easy, now, for the hard part.” Guardian smiled and they drove off.