Seras little snippet thread

Donegal
Lo-Cat Industrial Park
3019

Security, maintenance, janitorial work, transport, the list of people that Lo-Cat Industries needed grew every time I pulled my head out of the factory lines.

Without Arnold I would surely poke my head out one day and find that everything had burned down around me…

But I had Arnold so it was fine to just ignore all the actual CEO work.

I stepped out of Factory 3, and blinked painfully as the sunlight hit me.

Hadn’t it been the morning when I went inside? So why was it the morning again?

I wanted to rub my eyes but my hands were stained black from oil and grease.

Behind me was an almost complete second Freezer line. Automated and ready to start producing.

The number of Freezers I could produce was close to doubling, and that was a good thing… Probably.

“Hey! Who are you?” I startled looking around, blinking around what I’m sure were bloodshot eyes as a… Kid ran up to me. Tech jumpsuit that had… Lo-Cat industries splashed across the chest.

When did we get jumpsuits? I looked down at my tank top and jumpsuit tied around my waist, but mine was way less nice than this one!

“Hey! Intruder! Hey we got an intruder!” The kid screamed out as he looked about ready to tackle me, which was really throwing me off.

“Um… I’m Katherine?” I asked, and he looked like he wasn’t going to accept that shit from anyone.

Thankfully not more than a few moments later the shout had attracted attention from some of the security team. He jogged over, looked from me to the kid, before shaking his head.

“Miss Katherine.” He greeted me, and I blinked. I knew that voice.

“Oh hey Henry.” I greeted back waving a grease stained hand weakly.

“Wha?” The tech said looking from me to the security and suddenly looking uncomfortable.

“Good job.” I told him instead of browbeating him. “If I had been a saboteur or something you’d have just saved the whole factory.” I told him, throwing him a thumbs up which caused him to relax a little.

“Miss Katherine. The Boss asked for you when you were done in the factory. He seemed… Irritated.”

“Uh-oh.” I whispered. Arnold irritated? That guy was like, butler tier calm. If he was upset something had happened.

“I’ll go see what he needs then.” I decided and started walking towards the office before shifting and heading for the smaller office entrance. “Right after I clean up a bit.”

“Probably for the best Ma’am.” Henry confirmed, “Good luck Ma’am. I doubt he can be too angry.”

“Oh I’m sure it’s fine.” I muttered, as I walked away, something about that felt a little off, but whatever. I had things to do… I barely held back a jaw cracking yawn. Another day I guess.

As I walked by I heard the rumble of a transport and watched another of the massive trucks that carried off our product to the much more secure 24th Lyran Guard military post.

From there it would be transported off-world to the locations where regiments were being refitted in secret.

I walked inside, brushing the door open with my waist so I don’t smear machine grease all over the door knob, and stumbled inside. There was a bathroom and cleaning area here, which I walked over, using the degreaser to scrub my hands.

Double Heat Sinks. They were necessary, super important, probably the most important piece of tech that differentiated tech levels. Nothing else quite altered the game so to speak as much as Double Heat Sinks…

But they were boring!

I hadn’t managed to tinker with Lo-Cat in almost a year! Ugh. I shouldn’t be selfish. I didn’t even really know how the first line was doing. It should be good. I’d made sure it worked, and filled out a start to finish production log, but I’d spent the last months trying to get the second line going mostly to avoid thinking about all the stupid shit I had to do as CEO…

Could I convince Arnold to let me build a factory of something more cool next? What was I kidding? Freezers were so desperately needed that every single one we produced was instantly sold to the LCAF through the Archon.

Hands cleaned, and face washed I headed up into the office space on the second floor and into the CEO’s office.

Arnold was inside, and he stood as I entered.

“Miss Katherine. It’s good to see you. Tea?”

“Suuuure.” I whispered and headed over trying not to stumble as I reached my desk and the computer that was open and showing…

Nope. A whole lot of nope. Lyran Excel was not something I wished to ever learn.

“You wanted to see me?” I asked and Arnold nodded.

“Indeed. We received a message that requires your attention.” He explained as he laid a cup of leaf water in front of me, and clicked on the computer bringing up a video message.

It was Katrina.

I swallowed, and instantly paused the video.

“Is she upset? Is it the production numbers? I almost have the second line ready, I thought we had more time!” I hissed at Arnold and he looked at me over his little salt and pepper mustache for a long moment.

“Ma’am. Please take a sip of your tea. I can assure you our production numbers have already gone well above the expectations.” He assured me calmly, and then reached over and pushed the tea cup towards me…

I took it and took a sip, keeping the grimace of distaste from my face as I started up the message.

—--

Donegal
3020
Arnold Kruger

“Herr Kruger! You simply must tell me!”

“Apologies, I am sworn to secrecy.” He replied back and made a casual bow of apology, his smile never shifting.

Arnold didn’t really enjoy this sort of thing, but retirement was retirement. LIC work had been his life until his body simply couldn’t keep it up. His knee never quite returned after that scuffle on Mallory’s world.

“Oh you kid! But you simply must! A new industrial park? Kept quiet, and even hiring only those with security Clearance? Come now!” She wheedled.

“I can say nothing, we all serve the Commonwealth how we must.” He offered, and the socialite tittered.

His current job had grown a bit more than he had planned. He’d been assigned to Katherine Ferrous, a woman that had the sort of mind that the Commonwealth had to protect.

And so he had. He’d acted as her attache, ensuring that those hired were loyal Lyrans.

Many of them were LIC as well. The Archon had not been lean with her protection for the woman that had discovered how to create Double Heat Sinks.

But if that was all she was, then Arnolds job would be easier. No, Katherine was…

Brilliant. Impossibly brilliant. But worse she was capable. A factory line set up and operational in months instead of years, thousands of Double Heat Sinks coming off automated systems that she put together herself.

Arnold had realized very quickly what Lo-Cat industries needed, what the Commonwealth needed, and what Katherine Ferrous needed.

So while Katherine focused on building, he had ensured that no problems arose. Cash flow, security, hiring, and in this case politics.

The funny thing was, no one really knew Katherine was the CEO of Lo-Cat. Sure it was in their register, but Arnold had done every public event, speaking engagement, or social visit.

It amused him to an extent that everyone thought he was the CEO, when he was just an old spy, using his years of corporate espionage for the good of a company this time.

“Tsk! You fail to be a proper gentleman. My husband CEO of DF&G is very curious about constant routes between your park and-”

“Madame. Please, those are private records. Do not break them, your husband will be quite cross if Donegal Freight and Goods must pay a security fee. ”

“Oh of course. I wasn’t going to actually say it!” She tittered out, she was absolutely going to say it. She wasn’t stupid despite her act. She was fishing.

The worst part was, Elaine Kina wasn’t a traitor or a spy, she was something worse.

A socialite looking for a scoop.

“Arnold my man!” A usually unpleasant voice called out, but for once he’d take it. “Ah that is you!”

“Leutnant Colonel Orpheus Thomas.” Arnold greeted politely and the man laughed. The 24th Lyran Guards were good men, but their leader was more social than Arnold would have liked.

Loyal though. That was the most important part. He was loyal.

“Ah, Madame Kina, apologies, do you mind if I steal the good CEO of Lo-Cat?”

“Oh if you must Leutnant!” She huffed but waved a hand and turned her back to join other more interesting conversations.

Arnold waited long enough for her to get some distance before turning to the Leutnant, “Thank you.”

That earned Arnold a belly laugh. “No, no. I know well what that woman can be like. She’s a headache and a half for her poor husband. I do wish to speak with you privately.”

“Of course.” The two left the main party area and headed into a side room.

The Leutnant instantly shifted to a more serious look once the door was closed, but thankfully he realized that privacy was more of an illusion at the moment.

“I’ve done what I can to keep your product protected and secure. The daily transports are unusual but explained away by calling it a new ammunition factory. It neatly explains why you’re product is stored on base.”

“Indeed.” Arnold agreed, that was the understanding that LIC had set up, why bring it up?

“There is a problem. Your production schedule is outpacing my secure storage.”

“I see.” Arnold, ran a finger across his mustache as he considered the situation. Keeping the Double Heat Sinks quiet for as long as possible was imperative. “Do we need to create additional secure storage on base?”

“Nonsense. Don’t think that the 24th are misers. I was simply informing you of the situation. A new storage area is being secured as we speak, but we have about two days before we run into issues. You may need to hold onto some of your product for a few days until things are sorted.”

“I’ll work on the solution on my end immediately.” Arnold assured the Leutnant and got a firm nod.

“Good. Now, onto less serious topics. How much for a few batches?”

“I’m afraid everything is spoken for.”

“Bah, you know as well as I do that our offworld shipping isn’t ready to handle the load. Those fools expected you to take another year or more to set up, and you don’t have your own shipping division yet.”

“Not yet.” Arnold agreed. Getting dropships on retainer had been planned for later in the life of Lo-Cat. For now the LCAF was handling all shipping as they were claiming every Heat Sink Lo-Cat was producing, but that wouldn’t last forever.

“So considering how many batches you have laying around, one or two paid for by a regiment in good standing shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Unfortunately, all of them have been pre-purchased by someone with an important control of Lo-Cat. My hands are tied.” Arnold explained, he wasn’t about to break the agreement between Lo-Cat and the Archon, besides he didn’t have the power to truly make this decision. Katherine might technically have just ran away from the responsibility, but there were things Arnold wouldn’t dare do.

Orpheus did not look pleased. Arnold gave him a commiserating look.

“When Lo-Cat is allowed to sell outside of our agreement, I’ll ensure you have an early bid my friend. Unless you reached out to our guarantor and requested a batch, there is nothing I can do. I would not dare sell off already purchased military equipment.”

That finally got through to the man. “Damned. I know they chose you because you’re a good man, but sometimes I wish good loyal men would be a little more greedy when it benefits my regiment. I’ll send that request in fact. Considering how much is sitting in my secure storage perhaps they’ll allow us to test one or two of them.”

“As you wish.”

“Fine. Come along and let me share some war stories. It'll be more interesting than going out there with the damned harpies.” The Leutnant offered heading to a decanter of something that looked quite pleasing.

“That I shall agree to with relish.”

Better relations with the 24th would only benefit the company after all.

—---

Donegal
3020

The second Factory line was complete and producing. Arnold had handled bringing on more workers to handle the tasks that needed to be supervised, and so I did something I usually avoided. I headed back to Factory 1, and checked over everything. To my relief, the old Mech Tech in charge, Friedrich, a large domineering sort of man, knew his job.

Slipping into the factory I watched as younger techs did their work. Mostly loading pallets of metals onto the intake systems, and making sure there was no issue as the metallic sheets ran through the machines. Then they were quick to haul away the completed Heat Sink. Forklifts in and out, and just a few people in between checking things over.

It looked… Professional.

“Miss Katherine.” I looked up from the line that I’d been staring at. Everything sounded good, and even the routine maintenance like the sprayers that ensured the metal didn’t warp when it was cut into correct shape by the machines was all checked over.

“Hello Friedrich… Umm, sorry I don’t know your title.”

“Friedrich is fine for you Ma’am, but my official title is Factory Head.”

“Factory Head. Right.” I nodded. I looked back. “Everything looks good. I’m not seeing any issues.”

“That’s a relief Ma’am. The Documents you left covered everything but getting everyone trained on their role had some teething issues.”

“Nothing too bad I hope? I probably should have been around more.” I trailed off, jumping head first into the second factory had been… Probably stupid.

“We figured it all out, and it let me come up with some training methods for Factory 2.”

“That’s good then.”

“Indeed.”

I swallowed at how awkward it was for a moment, I wasn’t used to being the boss Boss. Sure I had been the Head Tech on the Edelweiss, but that was something different. I’d been the kid with the skills there, I was the CEO here, and everyone treated me like…

Something special I guess. Ugh I’d always been well treated except for when me being a kid had caused issues.

I shook it off.

“Alright. I’m sure Arnold will have a plan to transfer some workers between the lines to get things settled?”

“Yes Ma’am.”

“Good. Thank you for your work Friedrich.”

“It was my pleasure ma’am. For an old Mech Tech like me? Seeing Double Heat Sinks rolling off the factory floor? Going right into the mechs of our men to protect the Commonwealth? It’s a satisfying feeling Ma’am.”

“Well it’s not the only thing we have planned. I’m hoping that we have enough to open up a line for other products soon.” I really did. I had no idea how the company finances was doing, but I had hope I might be able to open a small factory for MASC or something soon.

Heh. MASC Atlas’s go brrr.

“I look forward to it Ma’am, but no offense, I’ll likely stay here if I can. Double Heat Sinks…” He trailed off. The larger man was clean shaven, and so his whimsical smile was in full view.

For him these were… Special. Magic almost. That was how Lostech was treated still.

I smiled and nodded. If that was what he wanted, fine. But I bet when we start producing EndoSteel and other bits and bobs he’d want in.

Satisfied that the first line was doing well I left and headed to the office. As usual the moment I entered Arnold offered me tea and I accepted to be polite as I settled into my chair the man standing across from me. Honestly the desk was covered in his stuff, I should just get another desk and let him have this one or something.

“I’m going to make a third Factory, but I want to build something different… Is that okay?” I asked, as he placed the tea in front of me, and he just smiled.

Was… Was that a yes?

—--

Donegal
3022
Anneliese Hildegard

Chekswa School of Literature graduates were the best of the best. Best writers, best journalists, and Ann was one of them.

Recently graduated, sure. Without much of a feather in her cap yet, but she knew there was a story.

Lo-Cat Industries. It was quiet. Too quiet, and her brother had applied for a job there a year back and yet had been refused as he didn’t have the correct security clearance.

A brand new company, less than three years old, that needed LCAF security clearance? Something was fishy.

So she’d started digging, and instantly been stonewalled. Nothing. Basic company information was out there, but it was as fake as anything.

But then there was news. Something that had Ann asking her cousins in the LCAF only for them to look at her like she was crazy.

Apparently Lo-Cat industries were producing… Rocket Launcher weapon systems for mechs.

It sounded normal to her, but when asked about it everyone in the LCAF had just started laughing and most had just refused to explain. But the few who did made sense.

Rocket Launchers were antiquated, Periphery weapons.

And yet something about this was making her suspicious so she had signed onto the journalist list, and pulled some favors.

Ann was now driving up to the Lo-Cat industries industrial park. Stopped at the gate she offered her press badge and it was checked, and then her face was scanned as well, and then her car was scanned…

Something about that told her that security was higher than it should be for something like this, but she was waved through.

She was guided to a small parking lot, and then instantly eyes were on her, as she was waved towards a line of carts that were already filling up and taking guests, military journalists and more away. She slid into one, right next to… A Colonel?

“Good morning.” She was greeted as she took the seat, and she offered hand.

“Gutten Morgen, Anneliese Hildegard, Journalist.”

“Colonel Carl Frank. A pleasure.” He said warmly, with that military boy flare that told her, he found her attractive. Good.

She could use that.

“Are you interested in what Lo-Cat is selling today Colonel? I’m afraid the exact details go over my head. But those I’ve spoken to haven’t been very interested.”

“Rocket Launchers? On mechs? No, I can’t say I am, but I was pulled in by an old friend, and I’ve been told that I should keep an open mind. Apparently Lo-Cat know what they’re doing.” He remarked frankly, and Ann already felt her fingers itching to write that down, but kept her questions casual.

“Oh, I suppose that makes this more interesting than just a weapon no one seems to want being shown off.”

“The company at least is better than expected.” He flirted, and she let her eyes crinkle in pleasure at his comment. Good, she could ride his arm through this and maybe talk to more military men about just what Lo-Cat is doing.

A driver arrived at their cart and greeted them politely, and then they were off not a moment later. Down a small road that led to nowhere. Well it was a firing range, but still. A building armored thankfully was set up, and they were led up a pair of stairs and into the armored second floor view.

Inside was already well filled, generals, and socialites glittered, as medals and jewelry hit the light.

Ann felt underdressed, but thankfully Carl seemed un bothered by her state, and offered her an arm which she took.

They mingled, speaking to generals, men and women of power. People she recognized from broadcasts, something good, sometimes sultry.

Ann gathered information, but no one spoke anything truly interesting of Lo-Cat, just that this was their first showcase.

Finally a well dressed man with a dashing little mustache, salt and pepper above his lips walked to the large armored windows.

“Greetings! Welcome to todays showcase of Lo-Cat industries first open market piece of equipment. Something we’re very proud of.” He called out, his tenor pleasant, and Ann wanted to roll her eyes.

Of course he was proud, he wouldn’t have gathered so many people if he wasn’t.

“But allow me to introduce myself before I get any further ahead of myself. I am Arnold Kruger, Lo-Cat Industries Chief Operating Officer.” Ann blinked. Wait, he wasn’t the CEO?

She wanted to dig through her paperwork, she remembered Arnold Kruger, but… Never anything on the CEO.

Things settled down as the man continued talking, presenting his newest weapon system.

And out rolled…

“An LRM Carrier?” Carl spoke aloud, as he started peering out the window. Which was exactly why she stuck to the military man.

What did an LRM carrier have to do with a Rocket Launcher?

“I’m sure you’re all a little confused when I brought you out here for mech weapon systems. Have no fear, this was simply the easiest way to present all of our new product. Those with canny eyes will notice the Carrier’s three Missile pods are non-standard.” Arnold called out waving at the window, and yeah that was the case. The three boxes were different sizes.

It didn’t mean anything to her, but Carl chuffed.

“It really is just Rocket Launchers. How… Quaint.”

“What’s going on?” She asked him, playing the unknowing woman… Okay less playing, but still.

“Most carriers have three LRM tubes, but that carrier has three differently sized systems. Obviously to show off the three sizes. Rocket Launcher’s tend to come in three sizes. Ten, fifteen, and twenty. That is how many rockets they fire.”

“Right.”

“Although.”

“The numbers are off.” A general spoke up at their side, his large form might make him look like a joke, but the massive scar across one eye and the grizzled look on his face spoke of actual experience.

“Correct! First, allow me to activate the targets.” Arnold Kruger called out, and actual holograms popped up at the end of the firing range. That… That wasn’t normal.“Let us introduce you to the newest Commonwealth weapon system. The Medium-Range Missile system.” He waved a hand, and suddenly missiles started flying. A lot of missiles.

Every military man perked up as the first ‘box’ of the carrier fired and fired, and kept firing, a stream of missiles that impacted through the hologram targets, and it was obvious to Ann that something about it was getting attention, and then the Carrier shifted and ‘sprayed’ missiles across multiple targets.

Then when the first box finished firing and opened up. Less missiles, but…

Then a third.

“The MRM fourty, thirty, and twenty on display. Unlike LRM’s they are dumb fire, but unlike SRM’s you get more bang for your buck. Missing half a volley of SRM’s will drastically limit your firepower, but MRM’s make up for that in numbers.” Then once all three had fired, Arnold grinned brightly and waved a hand.

Only for the Carrier to fire again.

“Wait. Rocket Launchers are single shot.” She couldn’t help but state, and she wasn’t the only one.

“The Medium-Range Missile system has two modes, single shot, like periphery rocket systems, or fully autoload capable. These aren’t just periphery boondoggles, but Lyran made weapon systems!”

Instantly the room was full of military questions, weight, ammo load, and more all of which flew over her head.

“Of course, a rule of thumb that we’ve come up with. The MRM 20 system easily replaces an LRM 15 on any mech or weapon system. The MRM 30 does the same for an LRM 20, and the LRM 40, is a little steeper, but I am sure many of you know the benefit of laying down a suppressive fire.”

“They’re heavy. If even the smallest can only replace an LRM 15.” The general standing next to Ann called out, and Arnold smiled as he gave a bow.

“Quite correct, and of course as all of you know, the truest benefits of Rocket Launcher systems is their light weight for a quick extra burst of damage when needed. All MRM systems can act as normal one shot Rocketlaunchers, drastically reducing weight, but General, I’m afraid we’ve still kept another instance for last.”

Out from the same warehouse that the Carrier walked out, came…

“What is that?”

“Locust?”

“No, look at the arms… It’s… A baby Marauder?”

“Allow me to show off the MRM system attached to a Light Mech. The MRM 10, is equivalent in weight to an SRM 6 system.” Arnold called out, and the… Weird Locust suddenly rushed forward, on its shoulder two missile pods opening up and firing missiles down range, most of them seemed to pass through the holographic targets, but what earned some muttered words was when it just kept firing.

Ann reached into her satchel, and pulled out a pen and paper. She was a journalist, and this place might limit photography just yet, but she had a good memory and was a sketch artist.

She went to work.

—--

Donegal
3022

“Why is every news article talking about the Lo-Cat and not the MRM’s we are actually selling!?” I shouted slapping the newspaper onto the desk loudly which made me feel a little better. No wonder people in movies always slapped newspapers around when it had bad news.

“Unfortunately, the image of a new mech overrode most of the ‘hype’ for the MRM’s.” Arnold offered once more putting tea in front of me.

“It’s just a Locust… Mostly.”

“Your Lo-Cat design is more… Complete looking than most Frankenmechs. I believe that there is likely a belief that it is a full system.”

“I know! It’s so dumb! It’s not even the mech I’m actually trying to make! The Lo-Cat is just a Frankenmech!”

“Indeed. Perhaps we should ride on the attention high and unveil it? The first new mech design in the Inner Sphere in centuries would help mitigate our less positive MRM reception.” I looked up the question of what about the Hatchetman right on the tip of my tongue before realizing it wasn’t even out yet.

“The Praetorian isn’t anywhere… I mean, sure I could unveil a stripped down model… Which would probably be smart.”

“Very smart.” Arnold agreed, and so I fizzled out realizing… I was going to have to reveal my baby.