Editor's note: Many of you have written to us in concern for Ian Fraser. A staff member who is a personal friend of this gallant soldier was offered the chance to print here some of the offers which have been coming in for his services. One of the most critical things in a MechWarrior's life is the decision when and where to sell his contract. Most of you are still "making your reps"; you might enjoy seeing the offers a warrior of experience can choose between. Fraser may choose any or none of these. Our regular letters to the Editor Column will return next issue. Keep those letters coming. It's important to us to know what you think. Death's Shadows Battalion Halfway, Lyran Commonwealth July 19, 3028 TO: Captain Ian S Fraser FROM: Lieutenant Colonel Joshua Deth SUBJECT: Employment No MechWarrior of your caliber should be among the ranks of the Dispossessed. If you have yet to accept an offer of employment, then the Death's Shadows Battalion offers you a home within our ranks. My Battalion has need of someone with your skills and mindset. I have an opening for someone with command experience, who has seen combat, and has dealt with personnel not used to co-operating. The position I refer to is for a Company Commander, with the rank of Captain, with all the benefits (such as they are), privileges and responsibilities that go with the job. I'm forming a training company with new personnel. Your job will be to shape this new company into an Elite, honorable fighting force. I would very much like to form this new company around you, Captain, and make use of your experience. Don't let the title, "training company" put you off. It's a title I give to each of my "new" companies. After a suitable period of time (much more than just a week) and not before you're ready, the compay will become an active part of my battalion. I can't have any of my company commanders 'Mechless, therefore you will have your choice of the following 'Mechs: Wolverine-M, Centurion, Whitworth, or the lesser 'Mechs at my disposal. My personal recommendation is the Wolverine-M. Its comm package makes it an ideal command 'Mech. As an added incentive, after a honorable service period of five years with my battalion, I will transfer whichever 'Mech you choose into your family's holdings. Once the unit has been trained, you will be given the option of remaining its commander or of training another company as material and personnel become available. The Death's Shadows Battalion is currently in the employ of House Steiner, so no worries on the subject of Liao. What was done to you is an outrage. It should never have happened. I give you my assurance that nothing of the sort will happen within my battalion. I have learned to value and listen to what my people have to say, especially to my command officers. If you choose to join in our family, you have one week to get your personal affairs taken care of. l apologize for the inconvenience of such a short time for your decision making. Awaiting you at Wrightport Starport are three first class tickets for you and your family or comrades who may wish to join you. In your cabin you will find uniforms of the proper fit and rank, as well as all the necessary forms for employment. Adjacent to your cabin will be that of Lt Patterson. He will brief you on your duties and answer any questions you may have. One last item before closing. Any past responsibilities or obligations you may have would become those of the Death's Shadows as well, once you have become a member of our family. Embracing those who hold chaos at bay. Respectfully yours, Lt Col Joshua Deth CO, Death's Shadows Battalion P.S. Regardless of your decision, luck follow your path. Our door is always open to you and yours. MORGAN'S HIGHLANDERS June 27, 3028 Dear Mr Fraser, I command a company-sized mercenary unit called Morgan's Highlanders. Several of our best men are former House Liao troops from other units who have been poorly used by the Capellans). Though I was not there, I can understand any anger or resentment you may feel toward House Liao or your former unit for the treatment you received. In regard to your first ad, I am looking for a person of your qualities and experience for a position as Captain of the 2nd Light Strike Company. Capt. Jeff Morgan Back to BattleTechnology 7 Table of Contents Back to BattleTechnology List of Issues Back to MagWeb Magazine List © Copyright 1988 by Pacific Rim Publishing. This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com