Struck Talon

[wardeninexile]

[Post Battle of the Behemoths]

[1]

After the mission, Ranna is in the hangars, overseeing mechs with battle-damage being transfer from the Wolf dropship back to the White Chalice. There are some new additions - mechs painted in the Jade Falcon colors as well.

In fact, another young woman with sharp and refined features is standing besides Ranna, wearing a Falcon uniform, and a visible chord wrapped around her wrist. She does not appear to be restrained at all. Whatever a bondsman is to the Clans, it is not the typical definition of 'prisoner'.

See how they are doing?

[2]

Later, Ranna is by the Chalice comm console, a map of the planet on display. There are symbols all over the map, most of them have some form of Wolf or Falcon iconography attached.

She listens in to the reports, her expression calm.

Comments

1

[fermionprincess]

New acquisitions, I see! In personnel and machinery alike.

Re: 1

[wardeninexile]

"Aff," Ranna replies even as the woman beside her scoffs.

"A Trial of Possession in which we won."

[fermionprincess]

Dear lady Whose Name is Unfamiliar to Me, you seem not to be most content of this situation.

A Trial, is it? How fascinating.

[wardeninexile]

"Aff, a Trial performed via combat. In this case, for the possession of a Trinary of mechs which this warrior commanded."

Ranna's use of the word 'warrior' seemed to straighten the other woman.

"As such, she is now a bondswoman of Clan Wolf. However, I should let you two introduce yourself to each other."

The other woman gives Ranna a faint nod before looking at Alessandra in the eye, without any hints of condescension despite the... difference in height.

"I am Sandra Pryde, former Star Captain of Clan Jade Falcon, now bondswoman of Clan Wolf."

Ranna decides to add, "Unlike me, she has already earned her bloodname. It is a great honor among Clan society, and to do so at her age indicates great skill in piloting."

Sandra nods with fierce pride at that.

[fermionprincess]

Ah, quite a distinguished individual then, if I do say so myself! Allow me to introduce myself - Chosen Champion of House Consenesco, Alessandra Langelier!

[Short may she be, but Alessandra is prideful enough to appear at least an inch taller.]

...

What might a bondswoman be?

[wardeninexile]

"A bondswoman or bondsman is indicated by this that you see." Ranna points to the woven chord on Sandra's wrist.

"And it means for now, she is of the Labourer Caste within the Clan." The former Jade Falcon grimaces at that.

[fermionprincess]

A mighty warrior, reduced to the role of menial worker? What a terrible fate! Please remind me never to allow myself to be defeated by anyone of the Clans.

[wardeninexile]

Ranna chuckles.

"It is customary for them to be humbled, and a chance to see their new Clan from a different perspective as we determine if they have fulfilled the bond obligation.

Once that is done, they will be Warriors once again."

[fermionprincess]

My statement stands strong. And yet...

[Thinking of that time when Resnick took the Siberian Terrible Trio under his wing.]

Is there an option for people outside the Clans to throw the burden of Bondsmanship on others?

[Yes, Alessandra wants some free servants/slave labor now.]

[wardeninexile]

"Neg. For it even as it is the bondsman's duty to fulfill the bond obligation, it is the bondholder's duty and responsibility to be there to free the bondsman once that obligation is done."

Ranna explains solemnly.

"However, two on the White Chalice, excluding myself, are now bondholders due to defeating their Jade Falcon enemies in the Trial. I had allowed them to claim their defeated opponent as bondsman if they wish, and they did."

[fermionprincess]

Of course, we would not want any kind of irresponsibility after all!

Oh, who might the two be?

[wardeninexile]

"The bondholders would be Ryouma and Kamina. They came out victorious during the Trial."

[fermionprincess]

Ah, the literal caveman and the borderline psychotic individual? I am sure they will take care of their underlings just fine!
[Spoken with no sarcasm whatsoever.]

[wardeninexile]

"They are on the White Chalice after all. There will be many who would point out any neglect seen, I suspect."

Replied with a straight face.

2

[saikyocivrobo]

Do they really think they can take over the whole planet?

Re: 2

[wardeninexile]

"Aff. At least if unopposed. During our invasion of the Inner Sphere, we have captured planets with far less."

[saikyocivrobo]

"Unopposed" is the crucial term here. Clan Wolf and White Chalice are not the only ones fighting back against them. Nobody on Earth likes when space invaders try to butt into their territory.

[wardeninexile]

"Aff, I presume that is why they brought in one reinforced Galaxy this time round instead of a Trinary or Cluster."

Ranna nods to herself.

"Yet the 3rd Falon Talon being here with Omicron Galaxy means it is not over yet."

[saikyocivrobo]

The Clans like astronomy-themed names, I noticed. I know a Trinary has 15 mecha, or an equivalent force of weaker vehicles, but how many units are in a Cluster or a Galaxy?

[wardeninexile]

"Despite what some outsiders see as a rigid society - which in many ways we are - our Toumen tend to be quite flexible. A Cluster usually average 3 to 5 Binaries, Trinaries or Supernova, and a Galaxy usually consists of 3 to 5 clusters.

Clans like the Star Adders have oversized Galaxies, while Wolf's and Jade Falcon's are closer to the average. I would say... roughly 300 Points. This does not include the attached naval support - the dropships and jumpships that brought them in. They also carry many weapons themselves."

Ranna considers, then continues.

"However, the 3rd Falcon Talon being attached to Omicron Galaxy is unusual. From reports I have obtained, Omicron was reinforced by some frontline units, thus they were bigger than usual.

I believe the other known Falcon unit pursuing us - Peregine Galaxy, maybe reinforcing itself with more clusters before making the FTL jump."

[saikyocivrobo]

Between 300 and 600 robots, with support... Fortunately they're spreading themselves too thin instead of gathering it all and trying to steamroll everything. Especially since that'd probably make the Federation do the same; last thing we need is another giant battle between humans.

[wardeninexile]

"Aff, our naval elements managed to force them to split up. It was followed up by our units splitting up to fight them at their landing zones whenever possible to prevent them from grouping up."

[saikyocivrobo]

Good job. Thing would have gone much nastier if you didn't manage to do that. Not that I need to point out such things to a professional soldier.

Do the Clans ever retreat? Or will we have to beat every single one Jade Falcon up?

1

[demonofjeeha]

"So those guys are on our side now? I don't really get what just happened."

Re: 1

[wardeninexile]

"Aff. Though in what capacity is up to the bondholder to decide."

Both Ranna and the woman besides her nod at Kamina.

"You have taken the Warrior you defeated as bondsman, quiaff?"

[demonofjeeha]

"I dunno, whatsa bondman? He keeps following me around and it's starting to creep me out."

Sure enough, the defeated Clanner is hanging about somewhere nearby, not looking especially pleased at being defeated by some punk who apparently doesn't know anything.

[wardeninexile]

"The closest analogy I can think of in your terms would be a cross between prisoner and servant. There are some differences though, as a bondholder, you should not ill-treat him, and you are expected to give him some tasks to perform as befitting his current Labourer-caste status. That is why he follows you. Presumably you have not give him any tasks."

Ranna pauses for a moment, while the former Jade Falcon woman besides her nods at the words.

"Once you have judged him to fulfil the bond obligation, you can sever the woven chord he has on his wrist to 'free' him, so to speak."

Then she holds a hand up to preempt any actions.

"It is however, customary for a bondsman to serve for at least some time. If you free him now, it can be seen as a slight on his honor. If you wish him to fight alongside you, it is acceptable to do so even with his bondsman status. You can restore him to full Warrior status a few weeks later."

[demonofjeeha]

"Oh, well that's easy then!"

Kamina turned to point dramatically back at Matthew, "Hey! You're now an official member of the Gurren Brigade!"

[OOC: Gonna leave Matthew's reactions to you, as I don't know nearly enough about Mechwarrior to handle them myself. Cool?]

[wardeninexile]

The woman besides Ranna actually starts to laugh, Ranna herself looks amused, while Matthew looks on confused.

"I am an official member of... what now?"

((OOC: Sure!))

[demonofjeeha]

"The Gurren Brigade! The manly brotherhood of those firey souls who will band together to put their stamp on the world for all time with their roar!"

That's not a super helpful explanation, no, but it's clear that Kamina feels very strongly about it.

[wardeninexile]

Matthew is as close to just gaping as a clanner could...

Ranna chuckles, "Perhaps a little more specific, Kamina?"

[demonofjeeha]

His enthusiasm stumbles in the face of actually having to define something.

"Well it's...you know...I guess it's my clan?"

[wardeninexile]

Ranna glances at Matthew, before continuing, "How big is this Brigade of yours?"

[demonofjeeha]

"We lost most of our members recently. They betrayed us to save their own skins, the spineless bastards. So right now it's just me and Simon."

Lost them in the tragic defeat of Kamina's pigmole fueled escape attempt, but no reason to share that.

[wardeninexile]

"Therefore, there is much honor and glory to be obtained when fighting alongside you, quiaff? High chance of being outnumbered." Ranna says even as Matthew seems to perk up at that.