BattleTech : MechWarrior - Dark Age 03 - The Ruins of Power - Robert E.Vardeman (2003)

by Robert E. Vardeman

  Austin grinned like a fool as he stared out the polymer window. He was strapped into a 'Mech and ready for action. He put his feet down firmly on the pedals, gripped the joysticks, and eased the ponderous machine forward. As the 'Mech strode from the assembly building, Austin experienced a flash of fear. Something wasn't right. The 'Mech didn't respond properly.

  Then he calmed. He was used to quicker BattleMech sims. There wasn't any reason for this one to race along at sixty kilometers per hour or agilely dodge. It was built to hunker down, drill, and scoop. That was it.

  Austin still was thrilled by the sensation of immense power at his beck and call. He looked down on the world from his lofty perch in the cockpit. Lined up outside the assembly building were non-'Mech military units destined for service in the Legate's army. APCs and a few scout vehicles were parked and waiting for drivers to whisk them off to their duty stations. But they were low-slung and impotent compared to the MiningMech. The immense strength in the legs sent a chill up Austin's spine. On impulse, he activated the right-hand drill. It whirred futilely. There wasn't a drill bit installed yet.

  He switched to the left arm and made spastic scooping motions until he found the precise rhythm. He dug a trench five meters long just beyond the rows of vehicles until he had proved to himself that he was in full control. Austin let out a whoop of glee and straightened, towering two stories above the ground. He looked out across the test range from his lofty vantage point and set the 'Mech into motion, lumbering along at about the speed a man could run.

  He might not have the sophisticated viewing equipment of a true BattleMech, or even the IR and other radar ranging gear of the military units, but he didn't need them for this trial run. The pitiful sensory equipment and his own keen eyesight were all he needed as he kicked the 'Mech to greater speed.

  To meet the demands placed on it, the engine noise whined upward to the supersonic range, but Austin ignored it. The simple readouts showed he wasn't near maxing out the systems.

  When the needles approached redlining, Austin reluctantly backed down the power. He was hurrying along at almost ten kilometers per hour and totally wrapped in his own feelings of power when he heard the phone's small chiming sound. He used his thumb to press the activator button, then recoiled when Marta's voice exploded from the small speaker.

  "Austin!" she screamed. "Answer! Answer, dammit!" "I'm here," he said, holding the phone away from his ear to keep from being deafened. He couldn't figure out how to lower the volume. "What's wrong?"

  "The test range supervisor reported a rogue 'Mech on the field with you. It's homing in fast, and it looks like it's out for blood." "What do you mean?" Austin shook the phone, as if it might provide him with a more logical report if he punished it enough.

  "No one knows who's in that 'Mech. No radio response. All we know is that it's outfitted for battle, Austin. Get away from it. Turn around and get back as quick as you can." "It's too late for that," he said. Austin spotted the other 'Mech now. A brown dot moved against the dirt of the test range, but it grew fast-and responded even faster. Austin knew the other 'Mech had detection and ranging equipment from the way it swung about and homed in on him.

  His 'Mech staggered as a series of blows knocked it sideways. Austin struggled to keep the MiningMech upright. It took him a second to realize an autocannon had fired on him and the hammering sounds came from rounds hitting his 'Mech. A large section on his left torso had been damaged, but the 'Mech still functioned. He hunched over to present a smaller cross section for the other 'Mech to fire at, then found himself under missile attack. The salvo whined above and around him, but two found his right arm and blew it off.

  Austin grunted as he fought to keep the 'Mech upright. If he tumbled over, he knew he was dead. Autocannon fire and more missiles would end his life in a flash. He couldn't even eject. Such safety devices weren't included in a basic MiningMech.

  For some reason the mental image of an escape pod ejecting while the MiningMech burrowed deeper into the ground amused him. Then all humor fled. Another blast from the 'Mech's autocannon damaged his right leg, slowing him considerably.

  Austin made a quick assessment of his situation and saw it was hopeless. He had no armament worth mentioning that would combat a converted IndustrialMech. Sucking in a deep breath, he tromped hard on the pedals, jerked at the controls, and pushed the engine to overload to drive directly at the other 'Mech. His frontal assault took the enemy pilot by surprise just long enough for Austin to get a glimpse of what he faced.

  The AgroMech had been extensively refitted with autocannon and two missile launchers.

  Something had gone wrong with the launchers. Austin saw thin tendrils of black smoke twirling away from the unit mounted on the AgroMech's right shoulder, betraying a serious malfunction. If the other pilot tried firing another barrage, one or two of the missiles might reach Austin. The rest would explode, causing a fiery suicide.

  Austin forced his 'Mech forward at top speed, in spite of increasing accuracy by the AgroMech's autocannon. Smoke filled his cockpit, choking him, but Austin had no choice but to get as close as possible. If he tried to run, the other 'Mech's autocannon would blow him to metallic bits.

  The impact of his MiningMech crashing into the other snapped his head back. Austin recovered fast. He brought the digging scoop up, then drove it at full power as if he scraped once more at the ground. Huge blue sparks leaped away when the digging edge crashed into the other 'Mech's leg.

  This was the only chance he got at damaging his opponent. Dozens of rounds from the autocannon blew away the top of Austin's 'Mech. Hot air and cloying dust began to fill the cockpit. He could hardly see, much less control his 'Mech. But he had to keep fighting if he wanted to survive.

  He guessed where the AgroMech had to be and charged again through the dust cloud. Austin knew his gamble had failed when the surge of heavy depleted-uranium slugs cut off his 'Mech's legs just below the knees. His 'Mech whined in almost human agony as metal tore away. Then the engine hit a crescendo that was unsustainable. The 'Mech died around him in metallic pain.

  Austin felt the ponderous machine toppling to the side and was powerless to stop it. The impact against the ground rattled his teeth and caused him to see a collapsing black tunnel for a moment, but he never quite lost consciousness.

  "Austin, Austin! I'm coming! Are you alive?" "Hanging in there," he answered Marta on the phone. Somehow, it had bounced around the cockpit and had come to rest beside his head. He pressed it to his ear. "What do you mean, you're coming?" At first he thought he heard an explosion. Then he realized it was the crash of metal against metal relayed by the phone. Whatever Marta had done, it had stopped the incessant hammering of autocannon rounds into his disabled 'Mech.

  Through the clouds of dust whirling around like a tornado, Austin caught sight of an APC grinding into reverse, then launching forward again to smash into the AgroMech. The armored personnel carrier didn't have anything to fire, so Marta was using it as a battering ram.

  And he saw the AgroMech turn an arm toward her. Smoke belched from the autocannon as they fired.

  "Marta!" Austin realized that warning her was pointless. If she didn't know the autocannon fired at her, she was already dead. He frantically worked the controls of his MiningMech, hunting for something that still functioned. The digging scoop swung in a wide arc parallel with the ground and caught the AgroMech's metallic ankle.

  Metal twisted and the hot burning smell of tortured steel filled his nostrils. Then there was only silence.

  Austin hung in his safety harness, too stunned to move. Slowly pulling himself together, he hit the releases on the web straps and fell almost a meter, cutting his hand against ragged metal. He got his feet under him, ducked around cracked polymer plate that had once been his window, and tumbled to the ground.

  He had hoped to breathe easier outside the devastated 'Mech. He was wrong. The dust, the smell of burned metal and cordite and something more that sickened him, was worse out
side. Austin wiped his mouth after retching, then staggered forward, fearing what he would find.

  "Marta!" He saw the APC flipped onto its side. Flames lapped fitfully at the exposed skeleton where it had been ripped open by vicious autocannon fire.

  "I'm all right," came the woman's choked voice.

  She pulled herself out of the rear emergency hatch and flopped to the ground. Austin knelt beside her. She was bruised and bleeding and filthy, but she spoke before he could.

  "You look a mess," she said.

  He realized he was in no better condition. Somehow, that struck him as funny. Then hysteria seized him until tears ran down his grimy cheeks.

  "Sorry to lose control like that," he said, holding his sides. They ached from laughing so hard.

  Austin swiped at his eyes, then found the AgroMech.

  "You really did a number on it," he said. "You rammed it head-on." "The digging claw on the MiningMech finished the job," Marta said.

  "Finished?" Austin said grimly. "It's not finished. Not yet." He stumbled across the chopped-up field to where the AgroMech lay smoking. As he approached, he saw how it had been extensively refitted for battle.

  He picked his way through piles of smoldering scrap metal and pulled the cockpit hatch all the way open. The cockpit was empty and the enemy driver had fled. Kicking his way through the debris, he hunted for the neurohelmet.

  "What are you looking for?" asked Marta, peering in from behind.

  "The identity of the driver," Austin said. His heart sank when he saw how badly the neurohelmet had been damaged. He held up a few wires and the melted helmet itself. Destroyed beyond forensic recovery. "There's no way this can be used now to match brain wave patterns." He turned and saw Marta's expression.

  "Do you know who this 'Mech belonged to?" he asked. She didn't have to answer. He read the answer on her face.

  17

  Palace of Facets, Cingulum Mirach

  1 May 3133

  "What would Manfred be doing there at all?" Austin Ortega stared at his father in disbelief.

  The Governor's office was bright with sunlight but so deathly quiet that Austin could hear the hammering of his own heart. "He hasn't gone rogue, has he? Being transferred to the Home Guard didn't please any of the FCL, but this would be treason. Unless-" He stared at his father, realization dawning.

  "Manfred is a loyal aide," Sergio said in a neutral tone.

  "You knew he was at the plant, driving 'Mechs for the MBA. Why didn't you say something to me?" "There's no need for you to become entangled in this." "Marta Kinsolving is involved, too," Austin said, piecing together a jagged puzzle. "She didn't want to tell me that was Manfred's refitted 'Mech, but I got that much out of her." "She, with the MBA, are cooperating fully in my investigation of this situation," Sergio said.

  "Please, Austin, do this for me. Don't get involved."

  "I'am involved. That wasn't Manfred in the 'Mech. It couldn't have been. He had no reason to come after me."

  "Someone else piloted the refitted 'Mech," Sergio said, "and his identity is still a mystery. He covered his tracks well, destroying the neurohelmet. However, there's no reason to believe he singled you out to kill. He was probably intent on destroying the IndustrialMechs being manufactured.

  You chanced to be on the test range, and he decided to demolish an operational 'Mech." Austin tried to digest the idea of his father, Manfred, and Marta Kinsolving being in a clandestine partnership. Whatever the purpose, it had little or nothing to do with Span-net. Some other strategic purpose was being hidden from him.

  "You'll only endanger Manfred's life if you keep searching for answers to this, Austin." "Is it tied in with Dale's and Hanna's murders?" he asked. Austin spoke before he thought, but as the words rushed out, an electric thrill ran through him. On the face of it, this was absurd. Three unconnected assassination attempts, two successful and the third failing only through outrageous luck and Marta Kinsolving's quick action.

  "Don't drive yourself crazy," Sergio said more sternly. "Who could have known you were going to the Industrial Giants plant? No one but Ms. Kinsolving knew you were even going out in a 'Mech, and she did everything possible to rescue you. Now drop it. Trust me to do the right thing." "I want to talk to Manfred," Austin said. "Where is he?"

  Sergio's response was interrupted by the insistent buzz of the intercom. He passed his hand over the actuator. "What is it?" "My lord," said the secretary, "Legate Tortorelli is here to see you. He says it is urgent." "Send the Legate in," Sergio said.

  Too much remained to be discussed. Austin started to argue, but Sergio lifted his hand and cut off any further exchange. Austin glanced over his shoulder as the office doors whispered open and Legate Calvilena Tortorelli marched in, jeweled medals bouncing against his chest with every stride.

  Tortorelli came to a halt in front of the desk and even clicked his heels.

  "Governor Ortega!" Austin saw what the secretary had failed to mention. Lady Elora trailed the Legate at a discreet distance and stopped just inside the office. She smoothed her already wrinkle-free red silk dress over her thin frame, struck a pose, and waited. Austin couldn't help looking around, but the Minister was alone.

  "Well, Legate? What is it?" demanded Sergio. "I was in the middle of an important conference with the Baronet." "It is good he is here, Governor," Tortorelli said, not bothering to look in Austin's direction. "A full investigation of the incident at the 'Mech factory is being conducted." "By your authority, Legate?" asked Austin. "Isn't it unusual for the Legate to conduct an investigation into a civil matter?" "Not when an AgroMech outfitted with autocannon and LRMs is involved. That is a serious matter." "What have you found?" asked Sergio. He and Austin locked glances. Austin fumed. Then he tensed when the Legate answered.

  "We know who was responsible, Governor. He is an officer in my command." "What?" Austin and Sergio cried out simultaneously.

  "I am sorry to inform you that the attempted assassination was conducted by none other than Captain Manfred Leclerc." "What makes you think the captain had anything to do with this?" asked Sergio.

  "Extensive comparison of equipment in the 'Mech cockpit shows he was the driver." "The neurohelmet was destroyed beyond any chance at identification," Austin said. "I saw that for myself." "There are other things. Access coding, other things," Tortorelli said. "We are certain he is responsible and I have informed the civil authorities, but so far, they are at a loss to find Captain Leclerc.

  I have empowered military intelligence to begin a search. Technically, since he was on active duty, Leclerc falls under military jurisdiction. With the evidence accumulated so far damning him for this atrocious act, he will find few allies. We will arrest him soon, Governor." Austin was at a loss for words. He looked from Tortorelli to Lady Elora, whose slight smile told him she was the driving force behind the accusation against Manfred.

  "I find these charges incredible," Sergio said, "but I am sure the captain will address them fully in court."

  "He didn't do it," Austin spoke up. "He's my friend."

  "The evidence goes against your, umm, feelings," Lady Elora said in her soft voice. The words cut like a knife with a serrated blade. "There were his fingerprints on the AgroMech controls. No one else's were there."

  "No one's?" asked Austin. "Not even a tech? Isn't that strange? It takes a team of trained technicians to field a 'Mech. And a pilot would wear gloves."

  "I misspoke," Elora said. "I'm sure there were other fingerprints-Leclerc's techs. There were only the captain's prints on the controls. Perhaps he touched them without gloves on. I know you thought he was your friend and this must shake certain beliefs, but there is more evidence." "What?" asked Austin.

  "Witnesses seeing him preparing the refitted AgroMech," the Legate said. "We are interrogating them now." "You have the investigation well in hand," Sergio cut in, again glaring at Austin to keep him silent. "Keep us informed, Legate."

  "The Ministry of Information is doing as much as possible, also
, Baron," Elora said. "Captain Leclerc's likeness is included on every newscast, along with details of why citizens should turn him over to military police." "Not the civil authorities?" asked Austin.

  "Or civil authorities, though everyone anticipates arresting Manfred Leclerc will be dangerous and better handled by military action." Lady Elora's emerald green eyes danced with merriment. Austin saw that she considered this meeting to have gone her way and herself to have won.

  "I'm sure everyone is doing their duty as they see it," Sergio said. "Forward any report to me marked EYES ONLY, if you will, Legate." "Consider it done, my lord." Tortorelli turned and followed Lady Elora from the office. Austin closed the doors behind them.

  "There's no proof," Austin said angrily. "They're making it up. Elora is making it all up!" "This is the last time I'm going to say this, Austin. Don't butt in. Let this play out. You don't have all the facts." "Yes, sir," Austin said, having no intention of ignoring a friend in danger. Manfred Leclerc was a decent man. Austin had to help straighten this out-and find out what intrigue his father was involved in. He had the uneasy feeling that Sergio knew more about Hanna's and Dale's deaths than he was letting on.

  He quickly left the office, closing the doors behind him. Tortorelli and Elora had already vanished. Austin considered following the Minister, then knew it would do him no good to spy on her.

  She was the expert at such things. Whatever he saw or overheard would be exactly what Elora wanted him to know.

  "Damn her," Austin exclaimed. Office workers turned at his outburst. He smiled weakly and waved them back to work. She was the master spy, always rooting about for news. She might have had him followed to the 'Mech factory, or she might have known earlier of his visit, since it had hardly been a state secret. He took a deep, settling breath.

  Austin had to find Manfred Leclerc before Elora whipped up a vigilante mob, and knew only one place to begin his search. Stride lengthening as his resolve hardened, Austin left the Palace. He needed to don some camouflage before the hunt.