REPUTATION UPDATE
Commander Krine's Assessment (Private Notes):
"Ashen Lance continues to impress. The assault on Ft. Steadman was flawless execution—they led the assault, broke the garrison, and captured Fort Steadman with minimal casualties. More importantly, they showed maturity in the aftermath.
They could have kept both captured 'Mechs. Salvage rights entitled them. Instead, they sold at fair market value, citing practical limitations. This shows they understand their own capabilities and limitations—rare in mercenaries.
Ashen Lance is becoming exactly what I need: professional, reliable, smart. They're not glory hounds. They're operators who understand missions, relationships, and long-term strategy. I'm going to offer them the retainer contract at end of current term. They've earned it."
TCA Intelligence Assessment:
"Update on mercenary unit 'Ashen Lance': Three pilots, light/medium 'Mech composition, currently contracted to FTM. Responsible for Checkpoint Charlie disaster (Sergeant Torres's patrol destroyed), Warden Station raid (zero casualties, precision execution), and Fort Steadman assault (garrison surrendered in under 30 minutes).
Assessment: Priority One threat.
Not typical Periphery raiders. Combat effectiveness comparable to House regular units. Tactical sophistication indicates formal military training.
Recommend: Do not engage without superior forces. Current location: Fort Steadman. Sergeant Torres has requested permission to lead counter-operation."
The Aftermath Continues
Three days after Fort Steadman's capture, Major Mikhail Torres stood in Governor Castellan's office in New Perth, standing tall, but his pride still wounded.
"You want to go after them," Governor Castellan said. It wasn't a question.
"They've beaten us three times," Torres said flatly. "Checkpoint Charlie, Warden Station, Fort Steadman. They're not just lucky. They're good. And they're making us look incompetent."
"So you want revenge."
"I want to stop them before they cost us the whole northern territory," Torres corrected. "Revenge would just be a bonus."
Castellan studied him. "You're one of my best officers, Torres. But you're also obsessed with these mercenaries. It's clouding your judgment."
"My judgment," Torres said coldly, "told me the Kemper Station attack was a diversion. I was right. My judgment told me Ashen Lance would plan for pursuit. I was right. My judgment tells me that if we don't stop them now, they'll take apart our entire defensive line. Am I wrong?"
Castellan was silent.
"Give me a proper force," Torres continued. "Medium 'Mechs, good pilots, experienced infantry. Let me plan an operation specifically targeting Ashen Lance. I'll bring them down."
"And if you fail?" Castellan asked.
"Then I was wrong about them," Torres admitted. "But I don't think I am. These aren't thugs. They're professionals. Which means they can be beaten by professionals. Let me prove it."
Castellan considered. "I'll think about it. In the meantime, we're reinforcing all remaining outposts. No more surprises. No more losses."
Torres saluted and left. But as he walked back to his quarters, he pulled up the mission files on his datapad. Three engagements. Three Ashen Lance victories. But he'd been studying their patterns. Their tactics. Their decision-making. They were smart. They were disciplined. They thought before they fought. Which meant they had weaknesses. Everyone did.
"Ashen Lance," he murmured. "We're not done yet."
