The Longest Day

The Longest Day
Serialized novel by Jason Schmetzer
TheLongestDayCover.jpg
First Publication
Published30 August — 5 October 2014
PublisherBattleCorps
Illustrator(s)Tan Ho Sim (cover)
Pages
  • 14 (Part 1)
  • 16 (Part 2)
  • 16 (Part 3)
  • 15 (Part 4)
  • 16 (Part 5)
  • 16 (Part 6)
  • 93 (Total Serial)
  • 199 (Total POD)
ISBN1-63861-242-0, 978-1-63861-242-1
MSRP
  • $5.99 (EPUB)
  • $14.95 (POD)
PICCAT36088
Chronology
EraClan Invasion era
Timeline4 April 3050

The Longest Day is a serialized novel by Jason Schmetzer that was first published online on BattleCorps in six parts from 30 August to 5 October 2014. An omnibus edition with the same title was republished by Catalyst Game Labs on 24 July 2025 in EPUB and Print-on-Demand formats.

The novel was spun out of a brief three-sentence description of the conquest of Virentofta from the sourcebook Invading Clans, p. 64 and details the demise of the Seventh Hell's Brigade mercenary unit.

Plot Summary[edit]

Part 1[edit]

published on: 30 August 2014
“ In 3050, when the Smoke Jaguars were just beginning to slice into the Draconis Combine, no one was quite sure what they were facing. For the mercenary Seventh Hell's Brigade, their last day would be their longest. Part 1 of 6. ”

On 4 April 3050, the Seventh Hell's Brigade prepares to evacuate Virentofta in the Draconis Combine as rumors spread about mysterious invaders from the Periphery. Reports suggest that the First Alshain Regulars and Ninth Pesht Regulars were destroyed by an unknown foe. Captain Marten Tahir waits in his MAD-3D Marauder, remembering how Colonel John Lucifer ordered the unit to abandon its contract and flee. Major Louis Peters had refused and was arrested after accusing Lucifer of betraying the unit's honor. Only Marten and the infantry commander, Captain Erica Chowpatty opposed the withdrawal. As the unit loads its DropShips, Marten receives orders to meet Lucifer and the planetary chairman, Narimandar Drah.

During their meeting, Drah accuses Lucifer of cowardice and reveals that the invaders—calling themselves the Smoke Jaguars—have already entered orbit and know the mercenaries' location at Port Shianty. When Marten accesses the planetary defense network, he confirms dozens of DropShips descending on the spaceport. Drah calmly says the battle will take place there. Marten runs to his 'Mech and orders his company to form up near the main gate. The Seventh Hell's Brigade's DropShips cannot lift off in time, and Lucifer issues confused orders, alternating between retreat, embarkation, and defense. Marten chooses to hold position.

Meanwhile, Star Captain Christian of Clan Smoke Jaguar leads Trinary Assault of the 225th Jaguar Battle Cluster in the Trial of Possession for Virentofta. His Warhawk lands beside his Command Star. He hails the defenders, demanding they declare their forces. Colonel Lucifer answers from his BattleMaster, stating the Seventh Hell's Brigade's contract status. Christian ends the exchange and designates the spaceport as the Circle of Equals, announcing that combat will begin in two minutes. Marten positions his 'Mechs and warns his lance commanders to watch for flanking moves. Across the port, Lucifer's BattleMaster waits before the unit's DropShips. The Smoke Jaguars' forces descend rapidly, far faster than any Inner Sphere force. Their 'Mechs and weapons read as unknown.

When the battle starts, Christian's Warhawk fires a full ER PPC barrage that cripples Lucifer's assault 'Mech in seconds. The mercenaries return fire, but their weapons barely penetrate the Smoke Jaguars' armor. Marten learns that the invader's firepower is beyond known technology and that their 'Mechs do not overheat. The Clanners advance, tearing through the Brigade's line with disciplined fire. The mercenaries fall back toward the DropShips under continuous attack.

As the engagement spreads across Port Shianty, the Seventh Hell's Brigade fights to hold the field. Outmatched, they face the Smoke Jaguars' superior weapons and speed as the battle for Virentofta begins.

Part 2[edit]

published on: 5 September 2014
“ In 3050, when the Smoke Jaguars were just beginning to slice into the Draconis Combine, no one was quite sure what they were facing. For the mercenary Seventh Hell's Brigade, their last day would be their longest. Part 2 of 6. ”

Part 3[edit]

published on: 9 September 2014
“ In 3050, when the Smoke Jaguars were just beginning to slice into the Draconis Combine, no one was quite sure what they were facing. For the mercenary Seventh Hell's Brigade, their last day would be their longest. Part 3 of 6. ”

Part 4[edit]

published on: 17 September 2014
“ In 3050, when the Smoke Jaguars were just beginning to slice into the Draconis Combine, no one was quite sure what they were facing. For the mercenary Seventh Hell's Brigade, their last day would be their longest. Part 4 of 6. ”

Part 5[edit]

published on: 26 September 2014
“ In 3050, when the Smoke Jaguars were just beginning to slice into the Draconis Combine, no one was quite sure what they were facing. For the mercenary Seventh Hell's Brigade, their last day would be their longest. Part 5 of 6. ”

Part 6[edit]

published on: 5 October 2014
“ In 3050, when the Smoke Jaguars were just beginning to slice into the Draconis Combine, no one was quite sure what they were facing. For the mercenary Seventh Hell's Brigade, their last day would be their longest. Part 6 of 6. ”

EPUB/POD: From the Back Cover[edit]

published on: 24 July 2025
“ THEY'RE COMING...

Spring, 3050. Rumors fly throughout the Inner Sphere about some strange invading force. Unstoppable, these mysterious attackers carve through any military unit they face with ruthless efficiency. And they're driving deeper into humankind's domain with each passing day.

Virentofta, in the Draconis Combine, is guarded by the mercenary Seventh Hell's Brigade. When reports of these dreaded raiders reaches the planet, the Brigade's colonel wants to cut and run. But he called for the vote too late.

The invaders have arrived. Their ships are inbound this very minute. And soon, the men and women of the Brigade will be in the fight of their lives against an enemy they've never heard of, but which certainly sounds ominous... a force called the Smoke Jaguars...

”

Featured Characters[edit]

Featured Units[edit]

Featured Places[edit]

Featured BattleTech[edit]

BattleMechs[edit]

Battle Armor[edit]

Vehicles[edit]

Personal Equipment[edit]

DropShips[edit]

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