Battlemechs had three types of basic sensors. Thermographs detected heat signatures, electromagnetic sensors were able to provide detailed information at close range and were the primary means of identifying enemy unit types from that information.

The final one was seismic. It didn't give a lot of information, but it at least let you know that there was a presence in the area, presumably hostile in a patrol situation. So when the call went up on comms from one of the lighter mechs, pushed forward, that there were contacts on seismic, the rule of thumb was, if approaching as a unit on patrol, to let the faster units hold for the heavier stuff to come up.

With the unit split between two three mech manuever elements, that meant that the jumpers got into a good overwatch.

As the contact developed, there would be orders given. Comms discipline internal to the lance was less strigent, a mash up of names and callsigns they used on a regular basis, more conversational. But in reporting enemy designations and so forth, language was standard.

"Rat 1-5," that being Mazigh, "we have contacts to our west in the vicinity of the sensor net station. Will update as we determine nature of contacts. Put the artillery support on standby, over."

Mattlov, in his Shadow Hawk, carefully navigated to maintain a degree of cover while observing from one of the wadis, with his autocannon poking out around the left side of the rock, "Rat 1-6, Mattlov, have visual on what looks like a dropship, spheroid type. Estimated range, 3 clicks. Confirming sensor contacts: multiple contacts, tonnage in the 20-55 range, could be a mix of vehicles and mechs, over."

It took a minute for Hart to get back, routing communication back to Steelton PLANCOM regarding any dropships that were missing or supposed to be operating in the AO, then he got back on the tactical comms.

"1-6 here, presumed hostile dropship in AO." we're going to advance in closer. 1-5, I want you to stand by with everything you can throw at the coordinates I am transmitting now and to position vehicles at these other coordinates," Hart's fingers could be heard tapping a console, "to block escape of this element. Engage only on my command or if engaged first. Be careful."

"Mattlov, von Wulfhart and Burns, marking a position for you to ascend to fire support position. The rest of you are advancing with me. Slow and steady, keep your eye on the terrain and check flanks. If we can see them on seismic, that means they're expecting us."