Warriors Redemption
                    By Jeremy Evans




Disclaimer: The wonderful people at FASA own Battletech and all
related material.The Amazing Rumiko Takahashi owns Ranma 1/2
and all related characters.Other talented people came up with the
other characters and situations I've used here. I did not write this to
make any money, only for entertainment.

"As long as you're cheating, why don't you train the other army to
cheat intelligently!"

- Andrew "Ender" Wiggins 'Ender's Game'


-----------

3056
Planet "The Rock"
Smoke Jaguar occupation Zone

Star Commander Ranma entered the briefing room. He was 6' 1' with
well-defined musculature, blue eyes and a handsome face. His dark
hair was fairly unremarkable except for the  Pig-tail which reached
down to mid back. He was dressed in a blue/gray jumpsuit, with the
patch for his unit the 'Hunters' over his heart.

He took a moment to scan the room, nodding  greetings to the
few warriors he was on friendly terms with. The rest he treated
with his usual indifference.

The room itself was a semi circular affair, with the seats
sloping up and away from the bidding pool. The bidding
pool was set up with two stations each facing the other.
Both stations contained computer equipment with the
current information on the target and the two units that
would be bidding for the right of conquest.  Around and
above the bidding pool were several screens designed to
let the warriors watching know what was going on.

Ranma took a seat near the back of the room so as to be
left alone during the bidding. As he sat down an elemental
entered the room, looked at him and scowled. Ranma smiled
smugly at the taller man, who then turned away in disgust.

"That was not very smart."

Ranma turned around and sighed. Before him stood his superior
officer, Star Captain Ariel. She was what most would consider
pleasing to the eyes. With her dark brown hair, chocolate brown
eyes and lithe form. However, her eternal frown ruined the
enchanting effect her features could have had on someone.

"Why do you say that Star Captain?"

She sat down in the seat next to him. "Elementals do not like
being beaten by Mechwarriors.  I doubt it will be long before
you face him again, and this time he will be out for your blood."

Ranma shrugged, "Then it will take me a little longer to beat him."

She shook her head at this, "Your arrogance is bad enough.
But considering your other major failing.."

Ranma sighed loudly "Star Captain, let us not start that again.
Besides it appears the bidding is ready to begin."

Indeed it was. The two Star Colonels dressed in the ceremonial
fur of the Jaguar, approached the pool. The two men glared at
each other and waited as the lore master went through the final
rituals. Once done, the senior officer made his opening bid of units.

The object of the bidding was a Kurita planet that Intel indicated
was being set up by the Dragon, to use as a staging place for raids
into Jaguar space. Already 2 merc units were on planet along with
one house unit.

The two merc units were the Jurian Guards composed of about 2
companies of mechs under the command of Captain Yosho Misaki,
and the Lunar Senshi composed of about 2 companies, of mostly
aging Inner sphere mechs, under the command of Major Usagi Tsukino.
Neither group had any experience fighting the clans.

The only house unit on the planet was composed of more experienced
warriors but their new Commander Captain Kuno had yet to see
combat. With all this it was believed that this mission would be a
cakewalk.  Despite the evidence to support this Ranma still felt
uneasy about the whole thing.

"You are concerned with something Ranma, quiaff?!" Ariel's brown
eyes stared at him intently.

"Aff Star Captain."  He pointed to the screen showing the bidding.
"I do not think we are taking this mission seriously enough."

Her frown grew. "Our opponents are nothing more than worthless
freebirths! My Trinary alone could handle the scum!!"

He shook his head. "Those freebirths have beaten us on more
than one occasion. They do particularly well when we underestimate
them, which is what we are doing now." He waved a hand at the
screen which showed the opposing commanders final bid, which
consisted of 3 Trinaries of mechs, plus a star of aerofighters and
elementals. "If you ask me that is cutting it a tad close." He
refolds his arms and waits for her reply.

"We can take them with less." She turned from him to watch the
final bid of their commander. Ranma shook his head before turning
back to the screen.

Their commander smiled in triumph as he bid only one trinary
and two binarys  of mechs. The bad feeling in Ranma's gut suddenly
grew worse. Ariel nodded in approval as she saw her trinary was
still in the fight, though down one star. She then turned to face
Ranma. "That is more than enough to handle the mission. In fact,
I will be surprised if we do not completely rout the dogs with
that!" Her frown lightened somewhat as she turned back to watch
the opposing commander concede the bid. After the final rituals,
most of the mechwarriors began to file out of the room. Some to
prepare for the coming battle, others to simply return to their posts.

Ranma stood up to go when his commander's voice arrested his
movement. "Star Commander, you will come to my quarters tonight."

He sighed "May I ask why I am to be..graced with your company
this evening?"

She turned to look him up and down. "Mission preparation will
not allow me to couple for sometime and my duties have not allowed
me to do so for a while already. We also have a few things to discuss.
You will come to my room tonight, Quiaff."

he looks at her, the response ' Hell No!!' briefly came to his
mind.  "Aff."

*****

Ranma looked at the naked form of Ariel lying atop his bare
chest, his arms wrapped around her. When he realized he was
holding her he quickly dropped them to his side. As his eyes
gazed at her and his mind went over what they'd done it took
all his restraint to keep from shuddering. No matter how much he
enjoyed sex during the act, he always felt miserable afterwards.
Especially when it was with her. Coupling with his commanding
officer was not high on his list of fun things to do and nothing
happened this time to raise his opinion of it.

She stirred and looked up to face him. A frown was no longer
on her face but nor was it a smile. Satisfaction, that's what it
was. She was simply satisfied with how it went. She slowly
lifted herself off him and plopped down next to him." You
continue to amaze me Ranma."

He gave her a look some where between surprise and curiosity.
"May I ask what you mean by that Star Captain?"

"You hate coupling, don't lie I see it in your eyes. For whatever
reason you continue to deny other females the pleasure of your
body except for me and the only reason I may enjoy it is because
I can order you to. Still whenever we do couple you always
satisfy me."

Ranma blinked before answering, "I am trained to be the best
at what ever I do. No matter how much I may dislike it."

Her eye brows raised "Oh really? Then explain your performance
as a Clan warrior!"

Ranma turned a withering glare on his commanding officer.
"If you question my skill you need only look at my codex..."

She snorts derisively "Ranma, you do have a lot of kills to
your record. But in all most all of them your opponent
survived the destruction of his mech. Sometimes it seems
as if you are doing your best not to kill the pilots! I can
understand this in intra clan battles but we are fighting
Inner Sphere freeborns!! You should be aiming for the
cockpit, not avoiding it!!!

His face takes on a tired expression. "Star Captain, the
Great One himself taught us the evils of waste. A captured
Inner Sphere mechwarrior can do some work within the
Clan. A dead one cannot."

"Nonsense! We have more than enough willing people in
the other castes, we do not need more!" her eyes narrowed
"Also, I said Clan warrior, I am not questioning your skill
but your devotion to the Clan and our ways!!"

Shock rode openly on his face "Star Commander!! You.."

She raised her hand for silence "You are a warden, a heretic!
You deny the path Kerensky set us upon and because of this
you will never be able to serve the Clan to the best of your
abilities. "

Ranma opened his mouth to respond, and then closed it. A
most horrid truth occurred to him, she was right. He shook
himself out of this thought and realized he needed to leave.
As he tried to slip out of bed she grabbed his arm and hauled
him back

She stared at him "We are not finished."

He sighed, "I understand your point Star Captain..."

She then proceeded to straddle him and bent down to the point
where her nose hovers just above his. "I was not talking about
that."

******

The door opened and Ranma entered his quarters. His bed was
disheveled and had numerous documents on it. Most dealing
with new battlemech development, troop movements or political
stability in the Inner Sphere and a few books on martial arts.
Unlike the floor, his walls were bare. Ranma stripped as he
headed for the bathroom. Hitting a switch he activated the
shower, then he stepped in and let the stream of hot water
massage his tired muscles.

As the water cascaded down his face he thought of the
difference in this lecture to the others he'd received from
his commanding officer. This time she pointed out that the
clan would be best served by him being in a position that
suited his skills. He would never get there if he kept his
warden attitude and thus the clan would suffer. The ring of
truth to those words had bothered him to no end. Ranma had
left as soon as he could, all too eager to escape and think
on what was said.

Ranma looked at his hands. "Serve the clan to the best of
your abilities and Kerensky's dream will come true." He
repeated the words of his long dead mentor, Nodoka. She
was the one woman who had actually meant something to him.
He closed his eyes and leaned against the wall. His old mentor
had always said that by being the best he could eventually
complete the mission Kerensky had given the clans. So, was
that it? Embrace his clan and its ways and Kerensky's plan
would be served?

An image of a young girl with soft brown eyes and a dollish
face entered his mind. He remembered meeting this girl during
training to be a mechwarrior. Her name was Isis; she was one
of the freeborns in training to be a warrior. Ranma saw very
quickly that she lacked the talent to make the cut, but she was
one of the kindest people he had ever met. He fully expected to
see her moved off into the Scientist caste and become a doctor
or nurse. He even once joked with her that the next time he saw
her would likely be when he needed patching up after a fight.
He saw her a lot sooner than he had expected.

It was right after his trial to be a mechwarrior. He had
succeeded in destroying two battlemechs earning him the rank
of star Commander. He was the only one of the four cadets
left  from his Sibko to pass the test. He had freed himself from
his ejection seat and was walking toward the drop off
point when he noticed a group of freeborns standing around
something. He hesitated a moment. After all, a few minutes earlier
and they were trying to stop him from reaching his mech as a
part of the test. Unlike others Ranma was unarmed as he had
forgone hand weapons and used the trees to slip by
most of the freeborn guards and the rest he quickly knocked
out with his hands.

Curiosity winning out he pushed his way through the crowd
and froze when he saw what was at the center. It was Isis
and she was bleeding from several bullet wounds. He began
to act before he knew what he was doing; he picked her up into
his arms and bolted for the drop point all the time calling for a
medic. He was almost to the med truck when she got his attention
by caressing his face. He looked down and saw her smile at him,
and then she closed her eyes for the last time.

"No.  No!  No!!"  Ranma's fist smashed into the wall as more
images of brutality filled his mind. Images of clan mechwarriors
stomping on the heads of downed Inner Sphere mechs, the
annihilation of unarmed civilians, and finally the halo-vids of Edo,
and Turtle bay. Watching as deadly lances of energy rained down
on the defenseless cities. Seeing men, women and children simply
cease to exist under the withering bolts caused him to shudder.

Barbarians. That's what his clan was, technologically advanced
barbarians. A mockery to all the Great One had stood for. Kerenesky
must be spinning in his grave. Well no more. He would find a way to
make Kernesky's dream a reality. With this thought Ranma grabbed
a bar of soap and began to cleanse him self in more ways than one.

-----------


Planet "Otaku"
Kurita Space, above the truce line


Ranma did a final systems check on his mech, a sleek Conjurer,
as the drop ship entered the atmosphere. Two weeks after his
decision, he still had no idea of how to accomplish his goal.
Years of Clan conditioning had left him at a loss of how to
effectively fight back.

More jostling. The drop ship dove into the atmosphere. Not
long before combat would begin. He checked the displays on
his Conjurer, all green.

Well his only concern now was for the people under his command.
Once he got them through this, he would find a way to start
repairing the damage that'd been done to Kerenesky's dream.

With a final jolt the drop ship touched down. The bay door
lights went green, as the doors opened, showing the planet's night
sky. The vanguard units quickly moved out, eager to engage their
enemy. Ranma's Star waited for their turn.

*****

The battle was going well. The enemy had been engaged earlier
than expected but had very quickly begun to fall back. When
this happened the clan mechwarriors pressed their attack.
Emptying ammo at their targets at an impressive rate.

All this did nothing to soothe the feeling of unease Ranma
had about this. In fact it made it worse. Unlike his Star, most
of the others were not designed with more energy weapons
than ammunition based ones. So even though they were
winning, they were rapidly running low on ammo.

It also didn't take long for Ranma to notice that they'd been
drawn into a valley. The Warriors at front missed it but being
near the rear and not in any immediate action Ranma was able
to see this. "Strike Star I have a bad feeling about this one.
Stay on your toes." As confirmations came in he shook his
head. "Since when did I start to think like a Nova Cat."

It was at that moment that missile fire rained down on the mechs
near the front. Ranma checked his sensors and cursed. Another
5 companies of mechs were cresting the top of the valley. Some
began their descent while others started to fire their long ranged
weapons from where they stood. Added to that, a couple of
squadrons of aerofighters were closing in as well.

"Maybe there is something to their visions after all!"

The Star Colonel was one of the first to succumb to missile
fire from the Inner Sphere mechs. Next was the 3rd then 2nd
in commands. Finally his own Star Captain was in charge. She
quickly ordered the Smoke Jaguar mechs into a formation, likely
intending to charge the line and go out in a blaze of glory. It
was not to be as her last transmission was cut short as a gauss
rifle round slammed through the cockpit of her Cauldron Born.

Ranma realized with a sinking feeling that he was in charge.
"My first major command and it has to be this." Ranma flipped
on the unit address system. "All units move back through the
entrance, and regroup. We will find better ground to fight them
on." Several commanders grumbled but obeyed. The damage
that was being inflicted upon them made them a bit more
likely to listen. As the Smoke Jaguar warriors fell back,
Ranma's unit kept the path  out clear as several of the
descending mechs tried to block their retreat.

Ranma saw a squat Jagermech rip off the arms of an already
badly damaged Nova with its AC 20s. He dropped his targeting
reticule on to the mech's left arm and fired. One large pulse laser
and two medium pulse lasers burned away armor over the enemy
mech's arm. Ranma activated jump jets rising into the air as the
other pilot tried to track him. He landed between the other Nova
and Jagermech. Firing again he managed to amputate the left
arm of the mech. This caused the pilot to stagger as they tried
to compensate for the lost weight. Ranma fired his streak SRMs,
they slammed into to the gaping hole left by the loss of the arm.
The mech began to topple as the ammo began to blow. The pilot
managed to eject as the mech went down.

Ranma quickly ordered the badly damaged Nova to get moving.
He took a moment to scan the battlefield and was saddened by
what he saw. Aero fighters and LRM mechs rained death on warriors,
while their brethren finished off what was left.  In one place a
stocky Exterminator and humanoid Battle Master were laying waste
to any Clan mechs in their path. In another a bulky Gunslinger and
Atlas were double-teaming a Warhawk, while up on the ridge a red
and white Salamander along with a blue and white Catapult rained
death upon the retreating Clan mechs. Finally a Bird-legged
Penatrator was trading shots with a Summoner until a Nightsky snuck
up on the clan mech and caved in its cockpit with its...huh, Since
when did a Nightsky have Axe heads shaped like a Spatula?.

His scan of the battlefield showed that he was pretty much the
only mech left in the area. The others had all ready gone through
the pass or had been destroyed. Triggering his jump jets, he
quickly caught up with his retreating Clansmen.

*****

"What do you mean get aboard?" The confusion and anger was
evident in the younger warrior's voice.

Ranma sighed and once again reminded himself to choose his
next words very carefully. "I mean, get aboard so the drop ship
can get you out of here."

"We are Smoke Jaguars!! We do not retreat!! We will fight these
Inner Sphere freebirth till our deaths! If you will not lead us."

The pig-tailed mechwarrior cut him off, "Enough! If you surats
wish to dishonor yourself and weaken the Clan then disobey my
order and die senselessly on this rock! However, if you truly
wish to serve the Clan you will get aboard the drop ship."
Ranma paused a moment to let his words sink in then continued
on. "The ability to learn from past mistakes, yours or others is a
talent that is greatly needed and in horribly short supply within
the Clans. Learn from our mistakes today, take that knowledge
back to the Clan and we will be strengthened in the long run."

The other warrior said nothing for a long moment. Finally he spoke
in a very strained voice. "We will board the drop ship, but I will see
you in a Circle of Equals when we get back, Star Commander!"

Ranma smirked "If I survive the day stravag, I will gladly give
you another opportunity to learn from your mistakes." With that
he changed comm channels and ordered his Star into a defensive
formation.

His rear monitors showed the remaining 23 mechs quickly boarding
the drop ship. Unfortunately enemy missile fire was all ready raining
down on their position. His Star held their position in face of the
advancing inner sphere warriors. Ranma's large pulse laser burned
away at the chest of a blocky Centurion. The other mech swung
its torso away to prevent his assault from setting off the
missiles stored there. The mech then staggered under the
assault of twin gauss rifle rounds fired from a Galahad piloted
by one of Ranma's star mates. Regaining its balance somewhat its
AC-10 vomited fire and metal at the Galahad, chewing through
the armor over heart and staring to munch on the its ferro-titanium
bones.  The pig-tailed warrior then triggered his medium pulse
laser and streak SRM's. The laser destroyed the last of the other
mech's armor, while the missiles slammed into the undetonated
ammo stored in the mechs chest setting of a chain reaction. The
other pilot ejected as internal ammo explosions tore the mech
apart

Ranma checked his sensors and noticed the others stars were
all ready aboard. He triggered his comm. "All right, we have
done our part for the glory of Clan Smoke Jaguar today. Break
for the drop ship." Ranma turned  his mech to run when he saw
a missile swarm slam into the left leg of one of his Star mates.
The other's Nova plowed face first into the ground. Ranma
fired at the attacker, a Javelin, striking it in the head. As the
other  mech began to topple he moved to assist his fallen comrade.

As he used his mechs hands to lift the other to his feet he
triggered his comm "Can you make it?"

A moment passed before the other warrior responded, "Neg, Star
commander I have a damaged leg actuator, I do not think I can
move fast enough. Leave me behind."

He shook his head "Neg, I will cover while you go to the drop ship."
Without waiting for a replay he turned to face the opposing force
and charged. The enemy's fire was quickly drawn to Ranma as he
becomes a more immediate threat. The other's mech stands still for
a moment before finally limping for the drop ship.

****

Ranma moved his Conjurer through the thick forest foliage as
quickly as possible. Between his anti-missile system and the trees
obscuring him from view he was able to dodge LRM locks from
the Catapult, Salamander and Archers. However, this did not mean
he could relax as a Gunslinger, Atlas, and Owens were currently
hunting him.

Since the drop ship had left, leaving him behind 20 minutes ago,
he had been engaged in a running fight with one of the groups
of mercenaries. Finally, he had been forced to take to the forest
to prevent the support mechs from raining missile fire down
upon him. But that didn't stop the two assault mechs and the
light from coming after him. So far his speed and jump jets
had allowed him to stay safely out of the way of the larger
mechs weapons, however the light mech was able to land a
few hits. Not causing him any real damage, more like it was
trying to piss him off enough to go after it.

"Stravag! These freebirths are very persistent!" As if to
confirm this, two gauss rounds tore through the foliage in front
of him. Arresting his forward motion and pulling a 180 while
swinging his torso to the side, he dropped the targeting reticule
onto the offending mech and fired. Two medium pulse lasers
burned away over the mech's heart. The Atlas fired its medium
pulse lasers; which struck and boiled holes in his leg and torso
armor. The Owens charged in firing missiles. A few struck
doing no real damage. Ranma paid the warrior back with a
blast from his large pulse laser.

Ranma was getting ready to fire again when he noticed the
mechs pulling back. He blinked, and then the missile warning
went off. He checked his scanner then looked at the retreating
Owens outside. A sense of doom descended upon him as he
realized that it had been carrying a NARC missile beacon. He
swung his large pulse laser in line with the rear of the mech.
Too late 40 LRMs slammed into his mech causing armor to
fly in an impressive light display. Amazingly Ranma kept the
mech on its feet.

As he staggered to straighten up, the Gunslinger lumbered into
view aiming all its weapons at Ranma's mech. Ranma's hand
hovered for a moment over the eject button. He grimaced and
hit it. The hot evening air slammed into him, as he was sent
skyward just ahead of the Gunslinger firing its weapons at
his mech, which was all ready falling back. All the weapons
hit their target. The two gauss rounds blew through the core
housing and out the other side, causing the mech to go
critical. The force of the blast knocked him out as his chute
deployed.

****

Ranma stared at the wall of his cell. It'd been about 6 hours
since he'd been captured and moved to this cell on the main
base. 4 hours since his debriefing at the hands of the base
personnel and some of the merc leaders. Four hours of sitting
and thinking. Trying to decide whether or not to commit
suicide

<Why did I eject?>

Ranma leaned back and sighed. He knew why he had ordered
the retreat, he knew why he had stayed behind, but he did not
know why he chose a life of servitude instead of an honorable
death.

The door to his cell opened to allow in a very pretty young
women carrying a tray with food on it. She was dressed in
a shirt and dress with a white apron. Her hair was pulled
back in a long ponytail down to her waist. She had a serene
smile on her face. This unnerved Ranma. He was used to
smug, calculating, and even feral. Serene was new and totally
unfamiliar. He gave her a wary look as the door closed behind
her.

"They told me your name is Ranma."

He nodded, "Aff. "

She continued to smile. "A stallion amongst Jaguars, how
interesting. My name is Kasumi Tendo, a pleasure to meet you!"
She set the food down in front of him, then straightened back up.
"I thought you might want something eat."

His stomach began to rumble in confirmation and without further
encouragement, he digs in. After a few moments he looked up to
see her giving him a funny look. He blinked at her in total confusion.

"That's right you're not to familiar with our customs." She took
a seat in the corner, folding her hands on her lap. "I guess that's
something you'll need help with if you're to live among us."

Ranma tensed up "I have yet to decide whether or not I will be
living amongst you."

Kasumi blinked as his words sank in, "Oh my! Why would you
want to do that?" a frown began to form on her face.

Ranma looked at her for a moment before he turned back to his
food, "You would not understand."

Kasumi watched him eat for a bit. "If you wish to kill yourself
I cannot stop you. However, it would be a waste to lose someone
with your skills."

Ranma snorted derisively, "The same skills which caused me to
get captured by your people!"

She smiled "Doesn't that simply prove the superiority of the
Inner Sphere cause?" Ranma froze at this, most of the Inner Sphere
was working towards a single goal and that was to stop the onslaught
of the Clans.  To stop an outside force from invading their space, a
task Kerensky had meant for the  Clans.

The corners of his mouth tugged upwards a bit. He inclined his head
towards Kasumi, "You are correct. It would be negligent of me to turn
my back on a superior purpose." especially one endorsed by the Geat
One himself.

Her bright smile was turned up a few notches. "If you need any
help adjusting to life here..."

He shrugged "I will admit I am not familiar with Inner sphere
customs, but if it will make everyone around me feel more
comfortable I will make an effort to   learn."

"I am curious, I saw some of the Battle-Roms from the fight.
You could easily have gotten away, why did you stay behind?"

He sighed "One of my people was down and would not have
made it if I had left. So I covered for him."

She blinked "Oh! Isn't that an unusual practice for Clan warriors?"

He smiled wryly "Depends on the Clan, but in general it is."

Kasumi's stood up. "Well, I must be going. I do wish you
the best in whatever happens though. Farewell."

She is about to step through the door when something
finally clicks in his head. "Thank you for the food."

She turns to face him and amazingly her smile brightens even
more. She bowed low "You are most welcome." She then
turned forward and leaves.

As the door shuts behind her Ranma resumes digging into the
food in front of him. Shoving aside any doubts about the validity
of this superior purpose for now.

*****

An hour later Ranma was reclinging on the bench in his cell,
staring at the ceiling when he heard voices outside his door.
He sat up as the door opened and a tall, brown haired,
mustached man entered followed by a very short
old women with a knarled wooden cane. The two pulled
up chairs as the door shut.

The man extended his hand. "Hello Son! I am Captain Soun
Tendo of the 'Nerima Maulers'.  Ranma glanced at the hand
before he stared at the man before him "Son?!".

Soun slowly rubbed the back of his neck and laughed
"Sorry, old habit!"

He looked at the older man for a moment longer before
turning to the wizened old women next to him, with an
expectant look. "I'm Sao-shao Cologne of the 'Amazons'"

Ranma's eyebrows knitted in concentration before recognition
lit his face. Cologne chuckled a bit. "I see you've heard of us."

"The Clan had a few reports that dealt with your unit."

Her eyebrows raised a bit "Really, what did they say?"

He pursed his lips in thought. "Sao-shao or Major Cologne of
the Amazons. Former Liao warrior, recruited by Natasha
Kerensky. Was a part of her Black Widow Battalion before
they returned to the Wolf Clan. Since then she has been recruiting
and training other Liao warriors in an attempt to replace the Black
Widow Battalion." He looked up to see a bemused expression
on her face.

"Not bad, young man. Not fully correct but very close."

He did not like the appraising look she was given and decided
to move on, "I  have a question."

She said nothing but shifted as if to hear him better. He
continued on  "Why are you recruiting Liao warriors? There
are plenty of mechwarriors who have fought the Clans
in FedCom and Kurita space. Why recruit the inexperienced
ones, especially of a nation that hates your merc group."

Cologne sat quietly for a moment before responding, "There are
many bright and eager warriors in the Capellan confederation who
do not agree with their leaderships decision to avoid conflict with
the Clans. They are willing to put aside past differences for a greater
good."

Soun cleared his throat, "Well, we should get down to business. Ranma,
if I understand Clan law correctly you are now someone's bondsman
right?" Ranma inclined his head"Okay, now how is that determined?"

"Whoever is responsible for bringing me down is my Bonds master."

Cologne smiled in triumph "Well that's solved." She turned to Soun "
It was my unit and its aero fighters that allowed us to crush the Clan
forces. It was also my LRM units that fired on his mech."

Soun looked at the elderly women "Yes but it was my mechs that
cornered him and targeted him for yours!"

The two glared at each other for a moment, then Ranma regains
their attention by clearing his throat. "Actually the warriors who
are most responsible would be whoever was in the 'Owens' or
'Gunslinger'."

Soun smiled brightly as Cologne frownd. "Excellent! Those
pilots are both in my unit. The first is Shinji and the other is
my daughter Akane." He turned to Cologne "I believe this
matter is settled."

She frowned deeply "Fine, but if you should ever change your
mind young man, there will be a place for you amongst our unit."
With that  she got up and left.

Soun motioned for Ranma to stand; he then grasps his hand and
gives it a firm shake. "Welcome aboard Son!" and with that motions
for Ranma to follow him.

The two exit the cell, and make their way through the base.
Soon they've exited the building and find a hover car is waiting
for them next to the curb. Without preamble the two men enter
the vehicle and drive off into the night.

---------

The car pulled up to a large complex. The few windows that were
visible, shone with light from the inside lending the scene an eerie
feel. Soun turned to Ranma a smile on his face, "Welcome  to your
new home son!" and then exited the car with Ranma right behind.

As Ranma stood up he noticed a women with short brown hair and
a black jumpsuit standing out near the door. Her arms were crossed
as she stared at Soun, an irritated expression on her face. Soun smiled
at the women and motioned Ranma to her. "Ranma this is my Daughter
L.t Nabiki Tendo. She's in command of the Light lance." Ranma bowed
respectively but said nothing.

Nabiki simply inclined her head slightly before turning back to
Soun. "Daddy, we need to talk." Soun's smile faltered a bit, she
never called him that unless he'd screwed up royal. He followed
her as she led him a short distance away.

Ranma watched as Nabiki quietly vented some grievance at her
father. The elder man looked apologetic, but adamant. After a few
minutes Nabiki shook her head before turning another glare on her
father, who smiled weakly in turn. He then spoke a few more words
before heading inside.

Nabiki approached Ranma, "Well, I've been asked to give you the
grand tour so please come along." Without waiting she turned and
headed inside, Ranma followed

He quickly caught up to her and matched her long stride. He
cleared his throat, "Yes?" She turned to look at him. "I was
wondering what that conversation was about?"

Nabiki stared at him for a minute before turning to face forward.
"For some unfathomable reason, he let Akane, the one in the
Gunslinger, hunt your mech. He should've used Heero and Duo
to do that. They'd have done the job, without gutting your mech
and costing us it's salvage." She let out a frustrated breath
"We could've had your engine and weapons, but she just had
to gut the mech! I swear, she and I are going to have a LONG
talk later!!"

Ranma nodded in understanding. Waste was something he
abhorred, and was glade to see at least one person in this
unit felt as he did.

*****

"This," Nabiki began as the passed through two double doors
"Is the our Mech Bay."

Ranma looked around, it was like any other Mech bay, with
14 meter tall war Machines standing at the ready in their bays,
weapons primed and ready to go to war. Yep, seen one mech
bay seen them all.

There were people scurrying here and there doing repairs and at
the center of it all was a tall glasses wearing man in a black shirt
and pants, with stark white hair and wearing a lab coat. He was
calmly giving orders to the people rushing about.

Nabiki tapped the guy on the shoulder. "Ido this our new Mechwarrior,
Ranma"

When the man turned to face him Ranma inclined his head. The
other man adjusted his glasses, giving him the once over before
sticking his hand out in greeting. "Hello Ranma, I'm Daisuke Ido
head Tech around here."

A younger man ran up with a clip board in hand. "Ido, The actuators
in the Penatrator are acting up again." Ido sighed "Is the Mongoose
ready?" The man nods "Get that ready, we'll take the Penatrator
offline for now.  Oh where are my manners Ranma this is my
assistant Kensuke Aide, Aide this is our new Mechwarrior
Ranma."

Kensuke looked at the pig-tailed Warrior and smiled "Ah, your the
one whose going to pilot the Wraith. We should have it ready for
imprinting soon."

Nabiki cleared her throat to get their attention. "Ranma I need to
speak to Ido and Aida alone for a moment, why don't you go
inspect your new mech."

He shrugged and wondered off towards the Wraith which was
between a Cataphract and a Salamander. He quickly reached the
Gantry stair way and proceeded to climb it, which eventually brought
him along side the mechs hatch. He took a moment to look out
across the bay, he saw Aida race over and skid to halt in front of a
short amber eyed girl in a black and blue jumpsuit standing near
the Penatrator. There was a short conversation before the two headed
off towards the Wolf hound."

Ranma refocused his attention on his own mech when he noticed a
red haired women painting something on hers, a Salamander. Curious
Ranma approached "What in the name of Kerensky are you doing?"

The women twirled around, surprise on her face, she quickly recovered
and presented him with a smug smile. "Putting my kills on my mech
of course!"

A confused look crossed Ranmas face "Why".

Another voice from behind answers "So all can see the greatness
that is Asuka." Ranma turned around to see a  man of Asian decent
in blue overals with a spanner in his hands working on the Cataphract.

Asuka became angry "At least I get kills Wu Fei!"

Wu Fei quickly whirls around and stands up, "Yes, but Shinji has
to target them for you!" The two quickly start bickering with one
another as Ranma backs away.

A young man appeared at Ranma side and sighs "Are they at it again."

"They do this often?" The young man smiled ruefully, whenever
they're in the same room." He shook his head then looked again at
Ranma "You must be new, I'm Shinji" he held his hand out, which
Ranma took and shook it.

"So you are Shinji." He quickly appraised the young man. "I am Ranma."

Shinji blinked in confusion "Have we met?"

Ranma chuckled "In a way, I was in the Conjuror you helped take
down."

The argument behind them stops dead,  as a look of horror
passed over Shinji's features "Y-Y-you mean you're a Clanner?!"

Ranma noticed that all the conversation seemed to have stopped
and the eyes of everyone near by was on him. "Ex I am a bondsman
now." At this several people including Wu Fei went back to what
they were doing.

Shinji's fear is quiet evidant as he slowly backed away. "L-L-look
I don't want any trouble I..."

Ranma looked at Shinji as if he's gone nuts. "Why would I cause
you trouble?"

Shinji stops, disbelief written plainly on his face "You mean you're
not going to kill me?"

He laughed "Why would I do that, I am apart of your group now."
Asuka laughed causing him to turn to face her "Is something wrong?"
before she can answer Ido interrupts from the ground "Ranma,
I need to speak with you."

He glanced down  "I will be right down." As he leaves Asuka gives
him a dirty look as Shinji scrambles to get out of his way.

On the ground Ido has a far more sober expression than last time.
"Is something wrong."

The older man grimaces "Nothing you can help with. However
you can help me and The Company. I need another mechwarrior
capable of field repairs."

Ranma gazed at the people working around the room. "You seem
to have plenty of Techs, why would you need me?"

He chuckled dryly "Everyone you see up there is a mechwarrior.
The only real techs are myself and Aida. We try to have 5 people
per company capable of doing field repairs. That way we can get
stuff done here faster and you won't be totally helpless on the battle
field if we need to do emergency repairs."

Ranma thought on it for a moment seeing where he was going with
this "I don't have any experience with this..."

"I understand about the Caste system. I'll get a couple of the other
warriors to train you."

He nodded "All right I am in."

"Good, Heero and Duo will handle your training, they are
the two working on the Exterminator." Ranma nods his thanks
and heads for the indicated two.

The two were working on the foot actuator of the mech. "Excuse
me are you Heero and Duo."

A blond haired man with long braided hair pulls his head out of
the leg as his dark haired partner beside him turns to face him
"That's us!" the blond replies "I'm Duo, my brooding companion
here is Heero."

"I am Ranma, Ido said you two would train me."

Heero scans him with cold eyes "Yes, you can begin by handing us
the tools from that set over there."

Duo frowned and stood up, "Hold on now, he just got in. We can start
his training tomorrow."

Heero stared at his companion who smiled in response. Heero lookd
at Ranma "EARLY tomorrow, 5 am you met us here, understand?"

"Aff!"

"Good!" Duo rolled his eyes. That's when a distinctly feminine voice
broke the silence

"OOOHHHH Heeerroooo!!!" Ranma noticed that Heero's face seemed
to twitch for a moment as Asuka approached, a swaggly to her hips
"Could you help me repair my Salamander, please?!" She bat her eyes
lashes at the brooding mechwarrior. For a second Ranma thought Heero
looked exasperated but he quickly dismissed that thought.

Heero stared her dead in the eye "I'm busy helping Duo here."

Duo grinned wickedly "I can handle this Heero. I'm sure she needs you
more than I do, so you go on ahead!" and before he could argue otherwise
Duo ducked back under the mech.

"Yay!" Asuka grabed Heero's arm and started to drag him away.
Meanwhile He was glaring at Duo with enough intensity to punch
through Ferro-fiberous armor.

Ranma looked around and spotted Nabiki talking with Aida. He
started for the door to wait for her, when he felt a tap on his
shoulder. He turned to see the same short girl he'd seen earlier,
standing in front of him. "What?"

She stared at him distrust written all over her face. "You've been
assigned to the light lance under Nabiki."

He blinked "Why, I should be with my bonds master?"

Her chuckle had a melodic ting to it "Partly for your own safety,
you'll understand when you meet Akane. The other reason is
that we need someone to watch our backs. That's why you were
given the Wraith, it can easily keep up with most of the light
mechs including my Mongoose. It will be your responsibility
to make sure we get back alive understand."

"My life for theirs then." He stated

"Good, now I only have one thing to say, we have no room
for glory hogs in this outfit, if you endanger anyone's life in
some dumb grab for personal glory I'll kill you myself."

Ranma gave her a good long look. She was, admittedly, small,
but in her frame was packed a whole lot of power. A warrior
in and out of the mech, wonderful! He genuinely smiled at the
little mech warrior  "Fair enough. I look forward to working
with you."

The girl, woman he corrected himself, looked him over before
extending her hand, an impish smile on her face "I'm Alita,
welcome to the Maulers Recon Lance."

The two shook, as Nabiki strode over. "Well I see you've met
Alita and Shinji all ready, good saves time. Alita your dismissed.
" She tossed a salute to her commander and strode away. "Well,
you must be hungry. I'll take you to the Mess hall first, then will
swing Gym, by that time we should have your assigned
quarters ready."

"Lead on" he said.

------------

Ranma noted the look of nervousness on Nabiki's face as they
entered the mess hall.

"Is something wrong?"

Nabiki glanced around as if expecting an attack. "The mess hall
is never empty at this time, unless..."

She never finished her sentence, for it was then that the youngest
Tendo entered the room from the kitchen. "Okay everyone, I made
a victory meal to celebrate...Hey! Where'd everyone go?!"

Akane spotted her sister and their new recruit A warm smile
spread across her face, while Nabiki's paled considerable.

"Oh goody! I'm sure you two are starving! Here try some
of my curry!!"

Ranma, deciding he'd have to get used to Inner sphere cuisine
stepped forward to give it a try. Completely missing the warning
look Nabiki tried to give him. Taking the offered bowl, Ranma
downed a spoonful of her cooking.

The next thing he remembered was waking up in the infirmary,
a very concerned Nabiki standing nearby with a flustered
Akane. "I thought I had it right this time."

Nabiki shook her head "Akane, please try to remember why
you were banned from the kitchen."

Ranma idly wondered if it was an accident or if his bonds
master had just tried to kill him. After observing her for a
few moments he decided that as ludicrous as it sounded
it had been an accident. After a few moments he tried to
sit up only to be pushed back down by a firm hand.

"Hold on a minute there Ranma." A man with the nametag
that read Dr. Onu Tofu said "Akane's cooking packs quite
a wallop. You may want to stay her for observation."

Akane looked even worse at this. "I'm really sorry Patrick."

Ranma and Nabiki both blinked. Ranma sat up to despite the
Doctors protest as the elder sister gave him a closer look. "Well,
there is a striking  similarity between the two but this isn't
Patrick." She looked to him. "If you notice, he's taller and
more muscular."

"I'm Ranma formerly of the Smoke Jaguar Clan and your
bondsman Akane."

Akane blinked for a few moments as she digested this. A
very unfriendly smile spread across her features. "Perfect,
I could use a servant. It'll be nice to have a janitor on hand."

Ranma's mouth began to open but Nabiki beat him to it.
"He'll be piloting a mech in my unit sis."

"What! Why?! I thought Patrick was going to handle that?"

Nabiki's face became solemn "After the battle, Ukyo received
a message from Wolcott."

"Don't tell me he left her?"

She shook her head "He's dead, killed in a raid two days ago
by Jaguar forces."

Akane's hand came up to her mouth "Poor Ukyo, they were
to be married next month!" Her wrath filled gaze turned to
Ranma. "And were letting one of THEM into our unit!!"

Nabiki shrugged "His codec and actions proclaim him a
capable warrior. We need someone to fill the slot and
Kasumi said it'd work out."

Akane calmed at the last bit but just barely. "Kasumi
said that?" Nabiki confirmed. She glared at him again,
filled with distrust "Fine, but you'd better stay out of
my way."

Tofu smiled at Ranma as Akane stormed out. "Welcome
to the Nerima Maulers"

-------

Despite the doctors warnings Ranma'd decided to go sleep
in his room. Which was where Nabiki was currently leading
him. Since the infirmary they'd both been very quite. Finally
Ranma decided to end the silence. "Do I really bare a resemblance
to this...Patrick?"

The middle daughter turned to reply when a surprised cry range
in the hall. Both turned to see a girl with a large battle spatula
on her back staring at Ranma. "Ukyo what's..."

Ranma was looking to Nabiki, so he missed it when Ukyo launched
herself at him. He turned in time to catch her and keep his balance.
She began to cry and pepper his face with kisses, all the while saying
"Oh Patrick...you didn't leave me, I knew you didn't."

Ranma was at a complete loss. Obvously he'd been mistaken for
her dead fiancé, which answered the question of resemblance.
"Um..er...ahh..Ukyo is it? I am" She put her finger to his lips,
eyes focused on him and yet not. "Ucchan, Pat, always your
Ucchan." She moved in to silence him in a more pleasurable
fashion. Ranma gave a panicked look to Nabiki.

"Ukyo...this...this isn't Patrick. Patrick's...gone."

Ranma felt her arms lock around him. "No, no he promised to
never leave me. He can't be..." She cried a new "Please, can't
I...just for little while....pretend...."

Nabiki's hand squeezed her shoulder "This is our bondsman,
his name is Ranma."

Ukyo, head bowed, took a hesitant step back. Nabiki continued
"We captured him in the recent fight. He'll be serving in recon till..."

He saw it coming, the way her body tensed, and her arm flinched
told him what was coming, but he didn't stop her. The slap
exploded against his cheek with far more force than he'd expected.
He was confused, not understanding the reason for any of this, but
the look Nabiki gave him kept him silent.

"Filthy, monster!!" she spat at him "You take my beloved's life,
now you take his face! DIE!!" With surprising speed she pulled
her spatula from her back and swung. In one smooth motion he
disarmed the young women and pinned her to a wall. She spat in
his face. "Pig!, Bastard! I'll kill you!!"

Now he was completely bewildered, he had no clue what to do.
He was saved as Tofu and Alita appeared down the hall. Seeing
their approach he took his attention from Ukyo. This was a mistake,
as she broke his hold by kneeing him in the groin. Then grabbed
her Spatula and swung it edge down at his head."

It never made it. Alita's arm blocked below the head of the weapon,
arresting its decent, before yanking it from its wielder. Ukyo turned,
ready to spew profanities when Tofu reached her side and injected
her with a sedative. Ranma made it to his feet at the same time
Ukyo slipped into unconsciousness. He looked quizzically at Alita
"Why did you help me?"

She gave him a wry look "Normally you should saw thank you
when someone saves your life."

"Okay, thank you. Now why did you save me."

She looked at Tofu lifted Ukyo in his arms and heading for her quarters.
"You disarmed her without hurting her." She glanced at him
sideways "I've seen Clanners break limbs for less than what she
tried to do, so why didn't you?"

He watched as the girl in question was carried away. "She...was
in enough...pain. I would not add to it."

Alita smiled a little "That's why I saved you." Without another
word she followed after Tofu.

Nabiki moved to stand next to Ranma. "You okay?"

He sighed "Confused by the behavior I have run into more than
anything. I have never heard of someone being so upset by the
death of another."

"Fairly normal here in the Inner sphere. You think it's a sign
of weakness?"

"On the contrary, if you can channel those feelings into fighting,
I can see why the invasion failed."

"Victory through pain. I hope we don't have to suffer much more
to truly win. "

Ranma's mind came back to the look of pain in Ukyo's eyes,
and to the face of another girl who paid for needless violence
"Neither do I."

Nabiki gave him a calculating look before leading him deeper
into the complex.

T.B.C.