Only the Beginning
Ratache Osis noticed his damage indicators go red and cursed loudly. "Damn Wolves..." Ratache switched to active sensors and clenched his jaw at the sight of two more contacts, plus what could have been several Elementals.
Before he could think, a voice came through on his comm system and over the lead Wolf 'Mech's external speakers. "This is Khan Phelan Kell of the Wolf Clan. I offer you hegira, Jaguars, so that you may return to your masters and warn them that these people are under my protection."
"I am Star Colonel Ratache Osis, freeborn bastard," Ratache retorted, "and I will not run from traitors like you, nor the helpless freeborns you support."
"Then you will die, Star Colonel," Phelan replied. "I have elite MechWarriors and two Points of Elementals to throw at your Star. This battle is mine to win. You and your allies should withdraw. Now."
Ratache clenched his fist angrily. I will show that...
Before he could complete the thought, the UN commander's voice came over the radio. "All forces, retreat immediately," the Frenchwoman barked. "We will break through here later."
At that command the UN troops began to fall back to their APCs to cross the river again. Ratache howled in frustration. "No you cowardly freebirths, fight!"
"It seems your allies have no more stomach for battle," Phelan crowed. "Do you wish to die at my hand, Star Colonel Ratache?"
"Damn you, Wolf! This is not over," Ratache raged. "I will see this world lifeless before I allow your traitorous brood to have it!"
"And my Wolves and I will die before I allow you and your Jaguars to destroy these people," Phelan responded coldly. "You are welcome to try again, we will be waiting."
"I accept hegira, freeborn false-Khan," Ratache hissed. His mind raged angrily at the humiliation of reporting to Howell that he had failed to help the UN Army penetrate the line. Those damned Wolves had ruined everything! "But only this time."
Ratache began backing his Summoner up, prompting his fellows to do the same. Phelan watched them move away on his scanner screen and sighed. "Ranna, Ragnar, looks like we saved the day."
"For now, at least," Ranna sighed. "I have MedTechs on standby."
"Bring them in to help care for the American wounded," Phelan ordered. He lifted the face plate of his neurohelmet and wiped his forehead of sweat. This was only the first shot. Soon this entire world will be a 'Mech battleground. Maybe even enough to rival Tukkayid...