Legion of Vega Leaves Alexandria

Alexandria, Virginia Shire, Lyran Commonwealth

The last elements of the Legion of Vega retreated off world three days ago. The 2nd Battalion of the 11th Legion of Vega landed in the company of three conventional regiments last April. After initial successes against the garrison forces, the Legion met a regiment of the 12th Star Guards which was sent in to reinforce Alexandria.

Faced with overwhelming odds, the Legion held on and waited for rein- forcements. Unfortunately, the Lyran Commonwealth launched a massive offen- sive in June on the world of Kessel. Combine forces were caught unprepared and could not spare any forces to reinforce or evacuate the Legion.

After eight months on the field, the remnants of the invasion force were finally evacuated off world. Less than a company of mechs and about a conven- tional regiment were left. The 2nd Battalion will not return to Marfik to rejoin their Legion comrades because Marfik is under attack by Commonwealth forces. Instead they will travel to an undisclosed planet for rest and recuperation.

Yoshimatsu Chemicals Unveils Chemical Laser

Biham, Al Na'ir Prefecture, Draconis Combine

Yoshimatsu Chemicals announced a breakthrough in laser technology with their unveiling of their prototype chemical oxygen iodine laser (COIL). The laser doesn't need a fusion power source or bulky power converters required for an internal combustion engine. Instead it uses chlorine gas and hydrogen peroxide to produce oxygen which is then mixed with iodine to leave the io- dine in an inverted population.

"We expect to start full production in three to five years," said President Marquis Yoshimatsu. "It has a higher power output than conventional lasers and produces less heat. Right now the laser requires a ton of fuel for each shot. We expect to refine the process so that it will be useful in combat vehicles."

Yoshimatsu Chemicals is the largest chemical concern in the Draconis Combine. It employs two thousand workers in five plants. YC has won several safety awards for its stringent safety procedures.

Combine Expeditionary Force Raids Butte Hold

Rodigo, Kirchbach Prefecture, Draconis Combine

A strike force formed by Duke Hassid Ricol of Rodigo returned from a raid on Butte Hold. The force traveled to Butte Hold, current base of the pirate Redjack Ryan. Redjack had provoked the raid by raiding several Combine worlds along the periphery border.

The strike force struck while Red Jack was on a raid. They routed the pirate garrison then waited for Red Jack's return. When the pirates landed, the strike force attacked and inflicted heavy damage on Red Jack's troops. Then they returned to their dropships and left Butte Hold.

Duke Ricol will hold a victory celebration for the brave and loyal Combine soldiers who undertook this dangerous mission.

Spotlight On: Kuritan Medals and Ribbons

• Order of the Dragon: The highest honor an officer can achieve. It is given by the Coordinator to those who have helped the Combine make significant territorial gains.
• Bushido Blade: Given to officers who have shown great courage or leadership in battle.
• Katana Cluster: One is given each year to the MechWarrior with the most BattleMech kills.
• Honor of Wakizashi: Given to an officer who demonstrates personal or familial honor at the expense of loyalty to House Kurita. The officer is then expected to commit seppuku for betraying House Kurita.
• White Starburst of Rasalhague: Awarded to a soldier who has saved the lives of fellow soldiers or Rasalhague civilians.
• Proserpina Bar: Awarded to any member of the Proserpina Hussars who demonstrates great skill or bravery against the enemy.
• Knight of New Samarkand Ribbon: Officers who prevail against imposing odds by use of superior strategy or tactics are inducted into the Knights of New Samarkand.
• Watcher of the Dragon's Eye: Given to a civilian who actively protects the Draconis Combine.
• Glory of the Fallen Samurai: Any great leader who falls in battle has his name etched on the Great Wall of Luthien.