Auction Day had arrived, and the atmosphere in the Wolf's Dragoons' compound was tense but focused. Jaime Wolf stood in the briefing room, his sharp eyes scanning the small group of individuals he had chosen to accompany him. Each had been selected for their unique skills and expertise, and together they formed a formidable team. But even with their combined talents, Jaime knew this mission would be fraught with danger. Shephard Industries had already proven itself to be a wildcard, and the presence of so many powerful players at the auction only added to the uncertainty.
Jaime's brother, Joshua Wolf, stood to his left, his usual easygoing demeanor replaced by a rare seriousness. As Jaime's second-in-command, Joshua was a natural choice for the mission, providing both support and a steadying presence. To his right stood Natasha Kerensky, the infamous Black Widow, her sharp features and predatory smile a reminder of her unmatched skill as a MechWarrior. Her expertise would be invaluable in assessing the MAD-CAT and any other advanced technology on display.
Major Evelyn Pritchard, the head of Wolfnet, was also part of the team, her keen intellect and analytical mind essential for navigating the complex web of corporate intrigue and intelligence gathering. Rounding out the group was Cranston Snord, the eccentric but brilliant historian and mercenary leader. His love of history and unique perspective would provide another angle of insight, particularly when it came to identifying any potential lostech or historical artifacts that might be up for auction.
The security detail consisted of five handpicked troopers from the Seventh Kommando, the Dragoons' elite special operations unit. Each was clad in the best concealed body armor their Clan technicians could produce, the sleek, lightweight design offering maximum protection without sacrificing mobility.
Their personal defense weapons, compact but deadly were loaded with high-velocity armor-piercing ammunition, a precaution against the possibility of encountering heavily armored opponents. They moved with the precision and confidence of seasoned professionals, their eyes constantly scanning for threats.
Jaime addressed the group, his voice calm but firm. "This is it. Auction Day. Our primary objective is to gather intelligence on Shephard Industries and their technology. If we can acquire the MAD-CAT or any other advanced equipment, that's a bonus. But we're not here to start a fight unless we have to."
Natasha smirked, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "And if we do have to start a fight?"
Jaime's expression hardened. "Then we finish it. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. We're here to observe, assess, and, if necessary, act. But we do it smart. Understood?"
The group nodded, their expressions serious. They knew the stakes, and they knew the risks. But they also knew that Jaime Wolf didn't lead them into situations they couldn't handle.
As they prepared to leave, Joshua clapped Jaime on the shoulder, his tone light but with an edge of concern. "You know, big brother, this whole thing feels like a trap. Too many players, too much money, and way too much tech on the line. Someone's bound to get greedy."
Jaime nodded, his expression grim. "You're not wrong. But if it is a trap, we'll be ready. And if it's not… well, let's just say I'm curious to see what Shephard Industries is really up to."
The group moved out, their security detail falling into position around them as they made their way to the waiting vehicles. The streets of Andro's capital were bustling with activity, the air thick with anticipation as bidders, corporate representatives, and curious onlookers converged on the auction site. The Red October, Shephard Industries' massive Colossus-class dropship, loomed in the distance, its sleek, angular design a stark contrast to the more utilitarian architecture of the city.
As they approached the auction site, Jaime couldn't help but feel a sense of unease.
The auction site itself was a marvel of modern engineering, a sprawling complex of temporary structures and high-tech displays designed to showcase Shephard Industries' wares. The MAD-CAT stood at the center of it all, its sleek, angular design drawing the eye of every passerby. Surrounding it were displays of other advanced technology, from the Longinus Battle Armor to the David Light Gauss Rifle and the Javelin missile launcher.
The group moved deeper into the auction site, their eyes sharp and their minds focused.
The sight of Cerberus security personnel deploying in Longinus power armor was enough to send a ripple of unease through Jaime Wolf and his team. The sleek, angular suits gleamed under the harsh lights of the auction site, their movements fluid and precise, which showed the corporation's advanced engineering and rigorous training. Each operative carried a Gauss Rifle or other high-tech weaponry, their presence adding more to the unease of the party at the technological edge these spheroids carried.
The message was clear: this auction was under their control, and any attempt to disrupt it would be met with overwhelming force.
The security setup was nothing short of formidable. Multiple checkpoints dotted the perimeter, each manned by Cerberus operatives in Longinus suits or Steel Vipers and Blackstar Company personnel kitted out in heavy combat gear.
The Steel Vipers and Blackstar mercenaries might not have been in power armor, but they were clearly equipped for serious business, their SRM launchers and squad automatic weapons no doubt supplied (and possibly enhanced) by Shephard Industries itself.
Overwatch positions, both obvious and hidden, provided overlapping fields of fire, ensuring that any potential threat would be met with a swift and brutal response.
At the heart of the security cordon stood two Warhammers, backed by a lance of Urbanmechs, the Warhammers were positioned to provide heavy support in case of an attack, their PPCs and missile launchers a clear deterrent to anyone foolish enough to cause trouble.
Infantry in battle armor was bad enough, but it seems that SI decided to being in the heavy metal.
Joshua Wolf, standing to Jaime's left, let out a low whistle. "They're not taking any chances, are they? This is more security than some planetary governors have."
Major Evelyn Pritchard, her sharp eyes scanning the scene, nodded in agreement. "It's overkill, but it sends a message. This is as much about intimidation as it is about security."
Jaime's eyes narrowed as he watched the Cerberus operatives take up positions around the perimeter. "They're not messing around," he murmured under his breath.
Beside him, Natasha Kerensky smirked, though her sharp eyes betrayed her own unease. "If those Warhammers and Urbanmechs don't have lostech in them, I'll challenge the fool who says no to a duel," she said, her tone half-joking but with an edge of seriousness. "Shephard Industries doesn't do anything by halves. If they're flaunting this kind of hardware, you can bet there's more where that came from."
Jaime nodded, his expression grim. "Agreed. But let's not get distracted."
Jaime's jaw tightened as he considered the implications. Shephard Industries' display of force was a clear warning to anyone who might think about causing trouble. If they could field Longinus suits, Gauss Rifles, and Warhammers with such ease and for this auction on a planet of minor importance, what else were they capable of?
The team moved through the first checkpoint, their credentials carefully scrutinized by a Cerberus operative in a Longinus suit. Up close and [personal it really looked like a spheroid's attempt at capturing the essence of the Elemental Battle Armour.
Jaime and his people did not like how close it was to the real deal, depsite the probable inferiority it had due to not having the same advancement as their people had back home.
Before stepping into the auction hall, Jaime Wolf and his team found themselves immersed in a spectacle that was as much a masterclass in marketing as it was a showcase of advanced technology. The area leading to the auction hall was a sprawling maze of kiosks, displays, and interactive exhibits, each one designed to dazzle and entice.
Shephard Industries had clearly spared no expense in creating an experience that was as much about selling a vision of the future as it was about selling their products.
The marketing style was unlike anything Jaime had ever seen. Gone were the clunky, utilitarian aesthetics of the Inner Sphere's typical trade shows. Instead, Shephard Industries had embraced a sleek, futuristic design that felt almost alien in its sophistication. Holographic displays shimmered in the air, projecting lifelike images of their products in action. Realistic mock-ups of BattleMechs, power armor, and advanced weaponry were arranged in dynamic poses, as if frozen mid-battle.
Beautiful models, human and otherwise roamed the floor, their movements graceful and deliberate, their attire a blend of high fashion and functional combat gear. It was a sensory overload, a deliberate assault on the senses designed to leave visitors awestruck.
Jaime's sharp eyes took in every detail, his mind racing to process the implications.
"Well," Joshua muttered under his breath as they passed a particularly elaborate display of the Longinus Battle Armor, "this is… something else. I've seen Solaris VII mech shows with less flair."
Natasha smirked, her sharp eyes scanning the crowd. "Flair doesn't win battles, but it sure as hell sells tickets. And it looks like Shephard Industries is selling a lot more than tickets here."
Major Evelyn Pritchard, ever the analyst, was already jotting down notes on her noteputer. "This level of marketing sophistication is unprecedented. It's… impressive."
Cranston Snord, his historian's instincts kicking in, adjusted his glasses and peered at a nearby display of what appeared to be a Star League-era data core. "Impressive, yes. But also deeply unsettling. If they're this good at selling the future, how much of it do they actually control?"
Jaime didn't respond immediately, his attention drawn to a group of corporate representatives clustered around a display of the David Light Gauss Rifle. The representatives were clearly impressed, their expressions a mix of awe and greed as they examined the weapon. Nearby, a contingent of mercenaries which were likely from one of the smaller outfits—eyed the same display with a mix of envy and frustration. The tension between the groups was palpable, their security details eyeing each other uneasily as they hovered close to their respective employers.
This is a powder keg," Jaime murmured, his voice low. "Everyone here wants a piece of what Shephard Industries is selling, and they're all watching each other like hawks. One wrong move, and this whole thing could go up in flames."
Natasha nodded, her predatory smile returning. "And if it does, we'll be right in the middle of it. Fun, isn't it?"
Jaime shot her a look, but before he could respond, a commotion near one of the displays caught his attention. A group of Kallon representatives easily identifiable by their corporate logo were engaged in a heated discussion with a Shephard Industries representative. The Kallon representattive's body language was aggressive, their voices rising as they gestured toward a display of the Javelin missile launcher. The Shephard rep, for their part, remained calm and professional, but the tension in the air was unmistakable.
"Looks like the people from Kallon aren't happy," Joshua observed, his tone dry. "Wonder what their problem is."
"Does it matter?" Natasha replied, her smirk widening. "If they start something, it'll just make our job easier."
As they moved deeper into the expo, the sheer scale of Shephard Industries' operation became even more apparent. Everywhere they looked, there were displays of advanced technology—some familiar, some entirely new. The MAD-CAT, of course, was the centerpiece, its sleek, angular design drawing crowds of onlookers.
But there were other items as well: advanced sensor arrays, next-generation communication systems, even prototypes of what appeared to be a new class of aerospace fighters. It was a treasure trove of technological innovation, and the bidders were clearly salivating at the prospect of getting their hands on it.
As they stepped into the auction hall, the weight of the moment settled over them.
To be continued...