The Other Option KFS Book 1
Transcript of The Other Option KFS Book 1
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THE OTHEROPTION
KAPTEYNS FIRST STRIKEBOOK 1
Plans within plans
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WritersNote:Thisisanalternatetimelinestorysetin3022,whichrewritestheleaduptoo,
andoutbreakofthe4th
SuccessionWar. Itisbasedfirstlyonthesidebaronpage57ofthe
original House Marik Sourcebook, but quickly diverges into an alternate reaction by
ComStarandtheKapteynpowers. Theresultsofthe invasionswillbegamedoutandthe
storyof
the
alternate
war
slowly
written
as
Iprogress
the
results
of
the
war,
using
my
own
highly detailed version of SuccessionWars/Inner Sphere in Flames. Dont think ImVSD
hateroranythinglikethat,IamastaunchLyranandknowtheywillhaveeventualmastery
overknownspace. ItsjustthatIwantedtoseewhatwouldhappeniftheKapteynpowers
hadmannedupalittle.
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Book1
PlansWithinPlans
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Chapter1
Elmau,Bavaria,Terra.
15September,3022.
TheoldestSuccessorLordintheInnerSphereseemedbowedoverbytheweight
of his bitter experience, bowed by Civil War, the betrayal of siblings and the loss of
children. Althoughapparentlystillstrong,hisevergrowingburdenswerereadilyapparent
to the other man in the room, a man whose bolt straight stature and strong physique
bespokeofamaninhisprime,whobelievedinnotonlyinhiscurrentself,buthispersonal
visionofhisowndestiny.
TakashiKuritaextendedhishandtograspthatoftheother,thetiredone,andfor
amoment,twoofthemostpowerfulmen inexistencestoodtoetotoe,one intherose
pleated,longsleevejacket,withbuffstripedwhitestirruppants,ofamemberoftheFree
WorldsGuards,
whilst
the
stronger
of
the
two
wore
agarb
consisting
of
ahigh
collared
white tunic with orange stripes down its arms and centre, set against red striped black
pantsandhighleatherboots.
CaptainGeneral Marik, it is a good to meet you at last. We have much of
importancetodiscuss.
Theman inpurple,CapitanGeneralJanosMarik, thought foramomentbefore
breaking their grip and replying. Yes Coordinator, we have much to discuss and many
problemstoresolve,althoughIamsureourmeetingswillbeproductiveandbeneficial.
Takashiturnedhishead,showingthegreythatwasslowlyencroachinguponhis
jet
black
temples
and
looked
out
across
the
vista
that
the
spartan
and
little
furnished
room
provided. I trust your journey here was as pleasant as the vistas our destination
provides.
YesLordKurita,amost pleasantjourney. Ithasbeenmanyyears since I last
visitedmyancestralhomeland. Imustthankyouforchoosingthisregionforourmeeting;I
havemanypleasantmemoriesofitfrommyyouth. Willyoubevisitingyourownpeoples
landwhilsthere?
Takashi paused before answering. Should I visit the Land of the Rising Sun, I
wouldbecompelledbyhonourandduty topaymy respects to theEmperor,something
that Iamsurewouldbecomepublicknowledge inasmallamountoftime. Idonotwish
eitherthe
Steiners
or
Davions
to
learn
of
our
meeting
so
easily.
Abruptly, Kurita turned, and, fixing the Marikwith an expression that was half
wryhumourandhalfsadisticamusement,said,"Itisprobablytimethatwewelcomedour
third partner." Before Janos Marik could reply, the pair of oak doors at the rear of the
room swung wide, and Maximilian Liao walked into the room, his perfectly tailored
uniformablazewithmilitaryribbonsanddecorations,someofthemclearlyfromthelong
warbetweentheCapellansandtheFreeWorldsLeague.
MarikglaredatKurita,thenatLiao,thenbackatKurita."Whatishedoinghere?"
hefinallyasked.
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"Heisheretonegotiatepeace,ofcourse,"Kuritareplied,extendingahandtothe
small Capellan. "He is here because he is an enemy of our enemy, Hanse Davion." He
droppedLiao'shandandturnedtofaceMarikoncemore."Heisalsoaloadedgun,friend
Janos.Itisbettertotakesuchweaponsinhandandpointthemawayfromonesself,then
toleave
them
for
an
enemy
to
pick
up.
I'm
sure
you
agree."
Liao
flinched
at
the
metaphor,
butsmiled,showingarowofperfectteeth.
"Youwouldmakethisanecessaryconditionofourownalliance?"Marikasked.
"Iwould."
"AndifIdonotchoosetonegotiatewithsuchashim?"
Thenyourrealmwillbearthebruntofthecomingwarandtherewillbe littleI
candotosaveyouoryourpeoplesaidanewvoicebehindJanos.
The Marik spun around to see the red robes of a ComStar Precentor and the
visageherecognisedasthatofMyndoWaterly,PrecentorDieron,hergoldhairframingher
facelikeaniridescenthalo,aneffecthewassureshehadtakenmuchtimetocreate.
Savemy
realm?
How
do
you
propose
to
undertake
such
an
action
and
more
importantly still, what makes you think my realm will bear the brunt of any attack
Precentor?
Shouldournoblefriendsheretoday,negotiateanalliancebetweeneachother,
ourmutualenemy,HanseDavionwillbehemmedinandhiscoursesofactionlimited. He
wouldthenbeforcedtocompeltheLyranstoconsummatetheirnewalliancewithastrike
into,andthrough,yourTerranholdingsinanefforttounitetheLyranCommonwealthand
Federated Suns. I am also most sure, that given such a tempting situation and with no
treatyasabreakonhisactions,ChancellorLiaowouldhavelittlecompunctioninfinishing
you
off.
ThePrecentorsmiledbenignlyattheCaptainGeneralandthepredatorysmileon
thefaceofMaximillianLiaoonlyemphasisedherpoint. That littleLiaobastardwoulddo
anything to reclaim what we have takenfrom his realm over the centuries. Precentor
Dieroniscorrectanddammherforbeingso.
JanossmiledandbowedhisheadinMyndosdirection.Asalways,ComStarsees
totheheartof thematterathandwithclarity that iseveromniscient.Pleaseexcusemy
rudeness,Ididnotexpectsomanytobepartofourdiscussion.
MyndobowedinreturnPleaseCaptainGeneral,youhavecommittednowrong,
my vehemence is fuelled only by the great threat that confronts us all. Should Hanse
Davionand
Katrina
Steiner
pull
their
alliance
together,
we
are
all
in
grave
danger,
hence
whythePrimushasdirectedmetoseethatthesenegotiationsareasfruitfulaspossible.
ThePrecentorextendedahand to take inthestuffedcouches thatsurrounded
the low table in theroomscentrePleasegentlemen,makeyourselvescomfortable,we
havemuchtodiscussandonlysomuchtimetodoso.
The foursat themselvesat thecardinalpointsof the table,nonewishing tobe
tooclosetoaneighbour. MarikandLiaosatfacingeachother,somethingtobeexpected
giventhecircumstances.
Myndobeganspeakingonceall fourweresettled,slowlymovinghergazefrom
one
Successor
Lord
to
the
next.
I
wish
to
take
some
time
to
explain
the
course
of
action
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whichmustbefollowedbyallheretoensureoursurvivalinthecomingyears. Shouldwe
falteronthispath,ourendsatthehandsofthenascentFederatedCommonwealthwillbe
swiftindeed.
TakashiKuritarespondedastheothertwoLordsnoddedPleasePrecentor,take
allthe
time
necessary.
ThankyouLordKurita. AsyouareallawareHanseDavionandKatrinaSteiner
have concluded an alliance between the Federated Suns and the Lyran Commonwealth,
whichhasbeendubbedtheFederatedCommonwealthAlliance. Eachofyouwillalready
haveseensomeresultsofthisalliancethroughthetradeandintelligenceexchangeswhich
havestrengthenedbothrealms?Allthreenoddedinagreement.
Whatyoumaynotbeawareofarecertainsecretclauseswithinthe
FC Alliance document that could spell the end of the balance of power in the Inner
Sphere. Thethreemen,despitethemselves,allleanedforward,eventhestoicKurita.
WhentheAlliancewassigned inMay,itprovidedformorethanjusttradeand
intelligence.
Secretclauses
provide
for
the
merger
of
the
two
realms
into
asingle
super
statethatwillbecementedbythemarriageofHanseDavionandMelissaSteineruponher
reachinghereighteenthbirthday.
Thiswouldmeandisaster!ExclaimedLiao.Wewouldbeexterminatedoneby
one.WhyhasComStarwaitedthislongtotelltheotherpowersoftheseprovisions? Have
youtakensidesagainstus?
ComStar still has not told you of this. I have told you of this, and at great
personalrisk. ThePrimusdoesnotbelieveyouyetneedtoknow.
Silence fell across the table. You mean to tell us that your organisation has
allowed
the
greatest
threat
to
the
Inner
Spheres
future
to
come
to
fruition
and
then
decidedtotakenoactiontocounterit?Kuritaaskedleaningacrossthetableaskewering
Myndowitha lookthatshewassurepresagedthedeathofanyother itcouldhavebeen
directedat.
Myndopaused,tosteadyherself.Yesandatthesametimeno.
Isensetherearedeepfactionalpoliticsatwork inyourorganisation,arethere
notPrecentorDieron?askedJanos.
Yes CaptainGeneral, there are. There are many, like myself, who believe
Primus Tiepolo has lost site of Blakes blessed vision and is leading us down a path to
disaster. Thisfactionhasappointedmetobetheirheadandensurethatyourstatesare
informedof
events
and
provided
with
the
means
and
methods
to
counter
this
coming
storm.
That isall welland good Precentor, buthow doyou propose to livepast this
meeting?IamsurethePrimuswillviewyouractionsandthoseofyouralliesdimly?said
TheMarik.
Iwillsurvivebecausehewillnothereofit. ROMisloyaltoPrecentorROMand
PrecentorROMisloyaltome.
Iseeyouensuredyourpathwassecurebeforetakingit,andifyourintelligence
apparatusisloyaltoyouthroughPrecentorROM,thenyoucanreportwhatyoulikeofour
meetings.
I
feel
some
confidence
in
what
we
plan
here
now.
Said
the
Liao.
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Takashiimmediatelyretorted,DonotbesoquicktogloatMaximillian,shortofa
couporthePrimussteppingdownforsomereason,thiswillcometoaheadandwhenthat
happens,shouldPrecentorDieronsfactioncomeouttheworseforit,wewillbeleftoutin
thecold.
Youare
correct
Lord
Kurita,
that
what
you
speak
of
is
apossibility.
However,
measures are being taken and can be enacted that will assure you will receive the full
supportofourorderinyourendeavours.
Very well, I will accept your word for now. However, should at any time I
believeyouhavebeencompromised, Iwillensure that theCombinewill takeno further
partinyourefforts. So,whatofyourplan?WhatdoyouproposethatwillhaltthisSteiner
Daviondemon?askedKurita.
Myndo smiled gracefully and looked up In January of 3025, twentyseven
months fromnow,withassistance inthe formoftransport, intelligenceandmercenaries
fromComStar,yourthreerealmswill launchacoordinated invasionoftheTerranregions
ofthe
Federated
Suns
and
Lyran
Commonwealth,
ensuring
that
they
have
no
chance
of
everphysicallyunitingtheirrealmsandshowingtheirallianceforthefictionitis.
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Chapter2
Elmau,Bavaria,Terra.
16September,3022.
JanosMarikstaredoutoverthepristinevistaoftheBavarianAlpsasheawaited
theotherstojoinhimforthedaysmeetings. Heenjoyedthetimeherebyhimself,soaking
inTerrasfundamentalbeauty. Therewassomethingabouthumanitiesmotherworldthat
broughtpeacetohimwhenhevisited. Othershadspokenofthesamephenomena,with
doctorscomingtotheconsensusthatdespitehumanshavingbeensettledonotherstars
fornearly1000yearstheirbodies,controlledbytheirgeneticcodeandshapedbyabillion
yearsofevolutiononTerra,knewwhentheywerehome.ThePeaceofTerrawasthename
forthephenomenon. Itwasagreatironyindeed,thatwhilstfeelingthisinnerpeaceJanos
andtheotherSuccessorLordspresent,wereplanningforwar.
PrecentorDierons
announcement
the
day
before
had
effectively
ended
the
meetingassherequestedeachofthemtothinkontheproposalofpreemptivewar. Janos
wasagainst it,against ituntilhisownsonThomas,stillpartofComStarandhissecretly
designated heir, visitedhim and convinced him of the necessity for the war and certain
measures thatcouldbe taken toensure theFreeWorldsLeagues future safetyand the
Marik families hold upon power in the League. Thomass plan was not only bold, but
would force the ever bickering League Provinces to fully support the CaptainGeneral in
their own enfeeblement. That still left Liao, that scheming monster who had turned
JanossownbrotherAntonagainsthim in3015, tearing theLeagueapart inyetanother
Civil
War.
Unless
Precentor
Dieron
could
hobble
the
little
wretch,
Janos
had
resolved
that
theLeaguewouldtakenopartinthewar.
The oak doors opened behind Janos and he turned to see Maximillian and
Takashienter. Greetingswereexchanged, forciblywithLiao, formallywithKuritaandall
three bowed as Precentor Waterly entered the room. All four sat quickly and the
SuccessorLordslookedtoMyndotostartproceedings.
I trustyouhaveallhad time todigestwhat Ipresentedyesterdayandagain I
apologise for startling you with the boldness of my plan, but again I must stress that
dangeroustimescallfordangerousmethods.
Marik spokeIam sureweallagreewithyouPrecentor,but Imustmakeone
thingplainly
clear.
If
Iam
to
launch
awar
of
aggression
Imust
ensure
certain
conditions
aremet.
Myndonodded,causingthehoodofherrobeto fall fromherheadPlease fell
freetoairyourconcerns.
Thankyou Janos began The Free Worlds League is, as you well know,
technically ruled by a Parliament composed of Representatives of the multitude of
Provinces of the League. I must either neutralise Parliament in some fashion, or gain
sufficientadditionalforcesandsuppliestomaketheirsupportirrelevant. MysonThomas
hasaplan,oneIcanenactquicklyonmyreturn,butIwillstillrequireadditionalsourcesof
supply
and
quite
possibly
additional
mercenary
troops
to
either
support
a
full
scale
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invasion of Steiner space or protect League worlds whose garrisons are at the front.
Secondly,duetosevencenturiesofmutualdistrust,Ineedmorethanapaperagreement
withtheCapellanConfederationtoprotectmyback. IdonottrusttheChancellorandIam
suretheChancellordoesnottrustme.
Thehalf
smile,
half
sneer
on
Maximillians
face
was
enough
to
conform
Janoss
theory. Perhaps you should crush your Parliament and behave like a true Successor
Lord?snappedLiao.
Andgiveyouanexcuse to takeadvantageof thechaos thatwouldensuemy
Lord?Notlikely!Marikshotback.
Enough bickering declared Kurita I am sure the esteemed Precentor Dieron
hasthoughtaheadtosuchmattersandcanexplainherthoughtstous?
ThankyouLordKurita, Ican. ComStarwillensurethat,shouldallthreerealms
launch a coordinated strike, supplies be furnished in a timely fashion that will allow for
extended combat operations. Eyebrows around the table were raised at this.
Additionally,ComStar
will
provide
mercenary
troops
to
garrison
vacated
worlds
on
the
Capellan/Leaguebordertomaintainthestatusquo. Anyaltercation,startedbyeitherside
on the border, will see both realms suffer the effects of a border long communication
interdiction,effectivelyplacing theregion in limbo. Wewillencourage thesmallermore
belligerentPeripherypowerstostepuptheirownraidsandassaultsand lastly,butmost
importantly, ComStar will provide the means for all three realms to raiseadditional line
regimentstosupportanyassault.
WhatdoyoumeanbyComStarprovidingforcesandsupplies? Wherewillthese
comefrom?Weallknowyouhaveasmallmilitaryarm,butnothingthatcanconceivably
support
what
you
plan.
What
dark
secrets
do
you
hide
here
on
Terra?
Growled
Takashi.
Myndocentredherself.Nowforthegreatlie. Althoughlikeanylieitisbasedon
a truth. As you know, when General Kerensky took Terra, many Rim Worlds troops
surrenderedweretheystood. Itwasnevermadepublicexactlyhowmanysurrenderedor
whatequipmentwastaken fromthem. KerenskyhadtheRimWorldsmaterialplaced in
storage, a storage that was left behind in favour of more modern equipment when he
departedontheExodus. Seventyfiveyearsago,thiscacheofequipmentwasdiscovered
in Antarctica by ComStar science teams and it formed the basis for equipping our small
forceofComGuards. However,thesizeofthecachewas,andis,beyondanythingComStar
requires. Iproposetousethisunderutilisedresourcetoequipyourarmiestoalevelthat
willenable
you
to
conduct
effective
offensive
operations.
The
equipment
is
roughly
analogoustowhatyourtroopspossessnow,Kerenskyhavingstrippedanyhightechnology
items from thecache,and the limitedsupport facilitieshereonTerra,suchasmunitions
factoriesandthelike,thatsurvivedtheUsurperswarwillbeusedtosupplyyourforces.
A bold plan Precentor muttered Liao and what will your Primus, not to
mentiontherestofyourordersaywhenyoudropthatbombshellonthem?Youexpectus
tobelievethatyoucanarrangefortheFirstCircuittoswallowthisnonsense.
Theywillbecauseyouwillenablemeto.ShotMyndo
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Andhowso,littlePrecentor? Byfirst invadingtheTerransystemperhaps? Or
wouldyoulikeustoassassinatethePrimusforyou?Ifyouhavebroughtusheretotellus
fairytalesIwillreturntoSiantonight!ShoutedLiao.
Myndosvoicedroppedtoawhisper.DonotmockmeChancellor. ThePrimus
andthe
First
Circuit
will
join
us
one
way
or
the
other,
Iwill
see
to
that.
The
information
Iaskedyoutoprovidemewillensuremyplanforthiswarwillbefollowed. WithPrecentor
Sianeliminatedasarival itwillbeeasytodiscreditPrecentorsTharkadandNewAvalon.
MyvisionprotectsComStarbyfollowingthebasictenantsofBlakesblessedvision;thisis
apparenttoany inourorderwhofollowhisword. WhenPrecentorSianfalls,thePrimus
willhavenochoicebuttobackme,orhetoowillfall.
WhatisthisinformationofwhichyouspeakPrecentor?AskedJanos.
Precentor Sian has been using his access to the HPG network to dabble in
insidertradingontheSianstockexchangesothathecanenjoythecomfortstowhichhe
believeshimselfentitled. IaskedtheChancellortousehiscontroloftheexchangetobring
informationregarding
Precentor
Sians
activities
to
this
meeting
in
exchange
for
ComStars
help. AsPrecentorSianwasappointedbyPrimusTiepoloandhasbeenastaunchbackerof
him recently, the Primus must distance himself or fall with his man. I will inform the
Primus inadvanceofmy intentionsandensurethatnotonlydoesheallowmynominee
therightfulplaceofPrecentorSian,butthatheprovidesawholeheartedbackingofour
plan.
YouseemsmuglyconfidantthatthePrimuswillbackyourplay. Hecanmerely
washhishandsofPrecentorSianandchoosetoblockyourplanshouldhewish.
No Lord Kurita, he cannot, for he has been the recipient of several rare and
precious
gifts
from
Precentor
Sian,
all
acquired
through
his
elicit
dealings.
The
Primuss
handsaredirtyandhewillknow it. Hewillhaveonlytwooptions:backme;orgodown
withPrecentorSian.
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Chapter3
HiltonHeadIsland,NorthAmerica,Terra.
20September,3022.
Primus JulianTiepolo lookedacrosshisdesk,hisduncolouredrobeseeming to
mergewiththewood.YouhavebeenplayinggamesMyndo,haveyounot?Myndofroze.
Whatdoesheknow? Howappropriatethatyoumake itappearthatyoucanmergewith
theverysceneryitself.
IdonotplaygamesPrimus,mytimeisfartoovaluableforthat.
OhbutyoudoMyndoandyoualwayshave. Youareamasterofthegamesof
politicsandpoweranditwasforthatveryreasonthatItookyouasmyprotge. Itseems
oflatehowever,thatyouhavebeguntoplaydirectlyagainstme. Ialwaysexpectedyouto
gettothispoint;infactIwouldhavedisposedofyoueventuallyifyouhadnot. Ihadnot
expectedyou
to
be
so
bold
so
quickly,
but
of
course,
you
have
never
been
one
for
toleratingthatwhichyoudisagreewith. ThePrimusplacedhiselbowsonthedeskand
interlaced his fingers, resting his chin upon them as he stared over the top of his old
fashionedglasses,hisbaldheadshininginthehalflightofhisspaciousoffice.
Ifmyactionsare likegamestoyouPrimusthenweare ingraverdangerthanI
believed!Myndosnarled.HowmanytimeshaveItriedtowarnyouofthedangerofthe
Federated Commonwealth Alliance? You continue to try andjustify your actions as a
balancingact,butyouhaveoverbalancedthescalesandtheyrequireComStarsfirmhand
tobringthembackintoorder.
The
Primus
immediately
retorted,
his
own
voice
growing
in
volume
Precentor,
your tirades on this subject are beginning to grate. Your vision of ComStar is one I am
beginningtobelieveisdangerousandonethatgoesagainstthewordsoftheBlessedBlake
himself.
Myndo steadied herself. I go against Blakes teachings? How can you even
insinuate that? I am not the one who has allowed the two most powerful states in the
InnerSphere tounite. Thesame twostateswhoviewourorderwithmoredisdain than
anyothers.
ThePrimusstood, fixingMyndowithaharshstare.Itooktheaction Ideemed
necessary as Primus to ensure the continued survival of our order. This alliance would
havehappened
regardless
of
our
actions.
Isaw
it
in
our
interest
to
have
ahand
in
its
formation so thatwe were fully informedof theSteinersandDavions intentions. What
wouldyouhavepreferredmetodo?WouldyouhavepreferredthatComStarstoodidlyby
whilstthissuperstatecameintoexistence?
Myndo spoke witha forcedandmeasured calmas shepointeda fingerat the
Primus.IwouldhavepreferredyoutoactlikethePrimusofourBlessedOrder,insteadof
HanseDavionslapdog!
ThePrimussfacegrewredasheansweredIamnomanslapdog!Hepaused.
Igrowtiredofyouaccusations. DoyouwishfacemedownintheFirstCircuit? Isthetime
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of our confrontation at hand Myndo? If it has then I think your ambition has finally
overreacheditself.
Soyouforcemyhandoldfool. Hownarrowyourviewofmycapabilities.Myndo
smiledIthinkitistimewediscussthegamesIhavebeenplaying.
Isee
no
need
now
Precentor.
Iknow
you
have
informed
Marik,
Liao
and
Kurita
ofthemarriageclause. Nodoubtitgalvanisedtheirsupportforthealliancewewishthem
toform. Ofcourse,theneedtousethis informationsosoonshowsmethatyouarenot
thenegotiatoryouwouldhaveusallbelieveyouare. ThePrimussat,obviouslyplanning
togoon.Myndohoweverspokebeforehecouldcontinue.
Thatwasmerelyoneaction I took,and theoneof leastconcern toyou. The
actionItookregardingPrecentorSianisoffarmoreimportance.
ThePrimusseyesnarrowed.WhatofPrecentorSian. ItrustVilliustoundertake
hisdutiesinthecorrectmannerashealwayshas. Iappointedhimtohispositionbasedon
hisstandingandhissupportforthetruepathwemustalltake.
ThankyouPrimus.
You
have
made
my
task
so
much
easier.
I
have
Primus,
in
my
possession, certified records from the Capellan Confederation that prove, beyond a
shadow of doubt, that, as you put it, your most trustworthy Man in Sian, has been
interferingintheCapellanstockmarketforhisownpersonaladvantage.
ThePrimusquicklystoodagainWhat itthisoutrageyouhavefabricated? You
have never liked Precentor Sian for his support of my polices, support that has often
hinderedyourownplansoflate.
Myndo took great pleasure in the course the conversation had taken for she
knewsheheldall thecards in this littlegameThis isno fabricationonmypartPrimus.
These
documents
come
from
the
Chancellor
himself.
We
are
lucky
that
the
Chancellor
is
more circumscribed than Villius Tejh, as this outrage could stain the credibility of our
Blessed Order for years. A Precentor interfering with the working of a sovereign stock
exchange. WhatwouldtheotherGreatHousesmakeofthis?
The Primus moved to the ceiling length windows of his office and looked out
acrosstheviewtowardsthesunset,contemplatinghisreply.Itseems,ifthisinformation
iscorrect,thatwemustcutPrecentorSianloose.Quietlyofcourse.Myndonodded.How
quickly you move to cover yourself Primus As Primus I will have to find a suitable
replacementforhim.WhatdoesChancellorLiaowantinreturn?
Myndosmiled inwardlyassheprepared topull therugout fromunderherold
mentorPrimus,
the
Chancellor
simply
wants
that
which
Iwant.
The
Primus
turned
to
facehisPrecentorChancellorLiaoishappyforComStartodealwithPrecentorSianinany
waywewish,aslongasyoudotwothings.
The Primus nodded to Myndo And pray Precentor Dieron; what might his
requestsbe?
Myndo crossed her arms into the sleeves of her long robe before answering.
Firstly,thenewPrecentorSianwillbesomeonehecan trust,someoneselectedbyme
Myndo held up a hand as the Primusprepared to interjectAnd secondly; ComStar will
support Houses Liao, Kurita and Marik in their impending preemptive strike upon the
Lyran
Commonwealth
and
Federated
Suns
in
any
way
we
can.
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ThePrimusseyeswidenedashedrewadeepbreathAreyoumadPrecentor?
YouthinkthatyoucandictateComStarpolicytome? YouwillfacemeintheFirstCircuit
tonight and I will see that you are stripped of your rank and excommunicated for
encouragingsuchoutrageousdemandsfromHouseLords!
Myndoapproached
the
Primus
until
she
stood
within
inches
of
him,
lowering
her
voice toawhisper.Youwilldonosuch thingPrimus. Unlessofcourseyouwish to fall
withPrecentorSian?
Sweat broke out on the Primuss forehead before he spoke What do you
insinuatenowPrecentor?
MyndosmiledathersuperiorIalsohaveinformationandevidencethatclearly
points to you being a direct beneficiary of Precentor Sians actions. I merely have to
mentionthisintheFirstCircuitandyourreignasPrimuswillbefinished. Iwillbehailedas
a saviour who stood up to ensure our orders purity when our own Primus had sold his
soul.
ThePrimus
lowered
his
head.
So
you
wish
to
be
Primus
and
see
the
end
of
me?
MyndostoodbackastepIwishnosuchthingoldfriend.
Thenwhatisityouwant?
You willbackmy candidate for the positionofPrecentor Sian, Alethea Lynch,
andyouwillpresenttheplanthatIandthethreeHouseLordshavecomeupwith. Youwill
receiveoursupportandyoucandeclarethatthisisjustanotherstepinyourplantokeep
theHousesatwarand inbalanceuntilweare ready to leadmankindback to salvation.
There will beopposition, probably fromEversonandVandel,butyouwillmaintain your
dignity
as
Primus
as
they
will
believe
you
ordered
this
and
have
the
support
of
my
faction.
Additionally,youwillplacemeinchargeoforganisingthesupportforthethreeHousesand
subordinatePrecentorsSianandAtreusdirectlytomeinregardstothis.
ThePrimusmovedtohisdeskAndifIdonotagree?
YourreignasPrimuswillendtonight.
The Primus sat back, his shoulders sagging slightly as he massaged his left
shoulderwith his righthandVerywellMyndo, youwillhaveyourway. But remember
this:WestandapartnowandIwillnolongertakeactiontoprotectyoufromyourpeers.
MyndosneeredIneednoprotection. IamprotectedbytheWordofBlake!
With thatMyndoturnedand left theroomstridingdown thehallway fromthe
Primussoffice.
Dont
worry
old
fool
she
thought
to
herself
Istill
need
you
for
now
as
my
baseofpowerisnotsufficienttowinthePrimacyshouldyoufall. However,whicheverway
thiswarturnsoutitwillbethelastactofyourtermtoseeitsconclusion. AnysuccessIwill
makemyownandanyfailurewillbethatofyourofficealone.
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Chapter4
HiltonHeadIsland,NorthAmerica,Terra.
20September,3022.
PrimusJulianTiepolo lookedacrosstheFirstCircuitchamberwhereeachmemberofthe
First Circuit stoodbehind their crystal podiums, resplendent in their red robes of office.
Resplendent,apartfromthelooksofopenshockonmostoftheirfaces.
ThePrimusspokeIaskyouagainPrecentorSian. Canyoudenythechargesof
corruptionIhavelaidbeforetheFirstCircuitheretoday,regardingyourillegalinterference
inthestockexchangeofasovereignpowerforyourownmaterialbenefit?
PrecentorSian,VilliusTejh lookedstricken. PartofthePrimusfeltsorryforhis
old friend. Anotherpartheldnothingbut contempt. Contempt for hisactions,andyet
morecontempt forbeing stupidenough togetcaughtand place theofficeofPrimus in
suchdanger.
Old
friend,
you
are
finished.
Please
go
with
dignity,
at
least
that
way
we
can
belenient.
Precentor Tejh looked the Primus in the face and spoke as though from a
thousandmilesawayNoPrimus Icannot.Therewasnotasound inthechamberashe
continued,Iwouldtendermyresignationimmediatelyandthrowmyselfuponthemercy
ofmypeersinjudgingme.
Before the Primus could reply Precentor Dieron spoke Excuse me Primus for
interrupting,butthisnewsisdeeplyshockingandgoesagainstallthatBlaketeachesus. I
foroneacceptPrecentorSiansresignation,ashehasdemonstratedthatheinnowayfitto
any
longer
hold
his
office.
However,
Precentor
Sian
was
long
a
dedicated
servant
of
ComStarbeforehiswaywardactionsandIbelievethatthatserviceshouldberecognised. I
wouldsuggest,andofcourse theFirstCircuitmaynotagreewithme,that in lightofhis
previousserviceandbackground,thatVilliusbepermanentlyexiledtotheExplorerCorps
toserveout the remainderofhisdays inusefulserviceexpandingourknowledgeof the
knownuniverse.
PrecentorSianwasnottheonlyoneto lookatPrecentorDieroninsurprise. All
knewherdislikeofthemanbutonlythePrimusknewthetruereasonforheraction.You
seektomakeyourselfappearamoderateheretonightandyouractionsjustnowwillgive
youspacetomanoeuvreinthedebatetocomeoveryourplans.Myplansnow. Imustfind
someway,
some
hole
in
your
plan,
through
which
Ican
undo
you
and
remove
your
new
powerfrombehindmythrone.
Precentor Tharkad, Ulthan Everson spoke next If Precentor Dieron wishes to
makeherstatementamotionIwillsecondit. VilliuswaslongafaithfulservantofComStar
andshouldbegiventhechancetoserveouthisdaysatoningforhismisdemeanours.
MyndospokeupIdosomakeitamotion.
AndthereforeIdosecondit.
ThePrimuslookedaroundthechamberArethereanydissentingvoices?When
no one spoke he continued. Villius Tejh, for your action in interfering with a sovereign
power
for
your
own
material
ends
you
are
striped
of
your
rank
as
Precentor
and
demoted
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toAdept. Theusualsentence forsuchactionwouldnormallybedeath,butdue toyour
previoussterlingrecordofservicewithinourBlessedOrder,youarehearbyexiledtothe
Explorer Corps Exploration Arm for active service beginning immediately. Villius merely
noddedhishead,hisfiguredrainedofallitsoncepowerfulpresence. Guards,escortthe
Adeptto
his
quarters
and
assist
him
in
preparing
for
his
journey.
NothingwassaidastheformerPrecentorwasleadfromtheroom. Eachperson
thererealisinghowcloseeachstoodtooblivionshouldtheirpeersturnonthem.
OncethedoorsclosedthePrimuslookedacrosstheroomNowforthenextfarce
IwouldthrowopentheroomtonominationsforPrecentorSian.
Tiepolo had hardly finished when Myndo spoke up. I would first like to place
intonomination thenameofAletheaLynch,currentlymydeputyonDieron. Herrecord
andacumenspeakforthemselvesandIcanthinkofnobettercandidatefortheposition.
There was a pause before Precentor New Avalon, Huthrin Vandel spoke up. I
wouldplacethenameofArkadySimonivich,deputyofNewAvaloninnomination. Hetoo
isof
remarkable
character
and
unimpeachable
integrity.
He
would
bring
honour
and
dignitytothepostofPrecentorSian.
Myndosmiled toherself.Alreadyyouseek tocementwhatyoubelieveasyour
rightfulplaceasheirapparenttothethrone. Youalwayshavebeenalittletooenamoured
ofyourselfHuthrin. Yourhumiliationshouldbemostenjoyabletowatch.
After a minute the Primus spoke again. As there are no more nominations I
wouldplacethenamesofAletheaLynchandArkadySimonivichtoyoualltovote. Those
supportingLynchneedraisetheirrighthand,thosesupportingSimonivichtheirleft.
As the Primus looked at the raised arms of those before him he saw his
nightmare
scenario
come
to
light.
A
drawn
vote.
HuthrinVandel,anunholygrinspreadingacrosshisfeatureslookedtothePrimus
YouhavethecastingvotePrimus. Whodoyoubelievewillbethebestinthisrole.
DammyouWaterly!Ihaveeliminatedonesupportertonightandnowyouforce
metoalienateanother.Ibelievethat,havingknownbothcandidatesforsometimethat
theonemostsuitedtothepositionofPrecentorSianisAletheaLynch.
ItwasallMyndocoulddotonotlaughatthelookthatcontortedVandalsface. I
willrememberthisnightforever,ithasbeensuchapleasure.
ThePrimusstoodtohisfullheight. Ihavehadenoughofthis.Wewilladjourn
untilthemorningwhenPrecentorSiancanjoinus. Mattersfordiscussionthenwillrequire
theentire
First
Circuit.
The
Peace
of
Blake
be
with
you
all.
ThePrimushardlyheardtheirreturnIneedtorest,tothink. Imustgaincontrol
ofthisdisaster.
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Chapter5
HiltonHeadIsland,NorthAmerica,Terra.
21September,3022.
You plan to do WHAT!? shouted Precentor New Avalon. Primus, have you
gonecompletelymad? YouseektoembroilourorderdirectlyintheSuccessionWars. This
goesagainsteverythingBlaketeachesus.
Myndo lookedacrossatthered faceofHuthrinVandelThePrimus istheonly
oneherenotmadPrecentorNewAvalon. Thinkonthis:Wherehaveouractionsgotusin
the last100years? Weare further fromourgoalnow thanwewereat theendof the
SecondSuccessionWar. ThePrimusseeksawayinwhichtocompletelyhobbletheGreat
Housesandputthem insuchapositionofdebttousand insuchastateofdisarraythat
theywillneedallourhelpjusttosurvive. Doyounotseethebrillianceofhisplan? The
GreatHouses
will
hammer
each
other
into
the
ground,
each
alliance
too
strong
to
fall
but
toweaktoconquer.
Vandel answered I see no such thing. Others in the room nodded.
Youseektoopenlysupportonefaction. Ourcredibilitywillbegoneandwewillbeopen
toassaultfromallsides.
MyndospokewithscorninhervoiceYoufoolishblindoldman. Ifwedonotact
soon theSteinerDavionAlliancewillbecomeadirect threat tous. Already theydonot
trust us despite their use of Terra for their negotiations. Davions NAIS is the greatest
threat I can imagine and we have allowed to become allied with the mercantile
pragmatism
of
the
Lyrans.
We
must
take
action
or
we
will
fall!
The Primus thought to himself quietly as the debate went back and forth for
what seemed like hours This is just going in circles now, time to end this nightmare
sequence. As he massaged his now ever sore left arm with his right under his robe he
began tospeak. Youhavealldebated thisplan longenoughand Iplace itasamotion
beforetheFirstCircuit. Wewillvoteon itnowandaccepttheverdict.Hebegangoing
aroundthechamberoneatatime,askingeachPrecentorfortheirvote.
Eventually he came around to Precentor Sian with the nays being one vote
ahead.NowweseehowloyalyouaretoyoursponsorPrecentorSian,howdoyouvote?
IvoteforthemotionPrimusWeareallgoingtohellbecauseofyourmistress
girl.Ihope
you
find
it
warm
there.
The Primus paused as the last act in his humiliation by his protg reached
fruition.HowdoyouvotePrecentorDieron?
Ivoteforthemotion.
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Chapter6
Elmau,Bavaria,Terra.
23September,3022.
Janoscouldnothelpbutcontinuetobeamazedandnota littletakenabackby
thespeedatwhichmattershaddeveloped. ThemorehecametoknowPrecentorDieron
themoreherespectedherandthelesssurehewasofevertrustingher. Thiswomanisthe
mostaccomplishedpoliticianIhaveevermet. IcantevertrustherandImustmakesureI
never crossher. Unlessof course Ihaveheraloneand Ihavea loadedgun. Averybig
loadedgun.
He looked across the table at Precentor Waterly and Takashi Kurita who sat
oppositeMaximillianLiaoandthenewPrecentorSian,AletheaLynch. PrecentorSianwas
theantithesisofLiao. WereLiaowasthinandpossessedalookofcunningandguile,Lynch
was,to
put
it
politely,
portly
and
somewhat
dull
looking.
She
had
however,
proved
herself
to be anything but dull in the ongoing conversations regarding the coming war and its
organisation. HertruetestwouldnodoubtbethatofkeepingMaximillianLiaoonaleash
and it was for this reason that Janos has sought to cultivate her acquaintance and
friendshipasmuchaswaspossible,muchasMaxwastryingwithPrecentorAtreus,who
satatJanossright.
PrecentorAtreus,BernardWoolley,wasaplainlookingmanwithapleasantface
thatbespokeofafriendlyattitudewhichwastoppedbyshortdarkhair. Hisapparentgood
natured and somewhat bumbling manner hid a razor sharp intellect and instinct for
intrigue
that
had
done
great
service
for
ComStar
during
his
time
dealing
with
Free
Worlds
politicsonAtreus.
PrecentorDieronbegantosummarisetheirbasicplansofarbeforethemeeting
brokeup.Soweareagreedthen? TheDCMSwilllaunchaninitialassaultagainstboththe
GaltorandMoresbyThumbs todrawFC forcesaway fromtheTerranregion. Following
this, FWLM and CCAF forces will launch feints against the outer half of the Lyran
Commonwealth and Federated Suns respectively to draw off further forces. Once the
alliedforceshavereactedtotheseattacks,astrikeenmasseagainsttheTerranregionsof
bothrealmswillbeundertakenutilisingtheremaining forcesoftheDCMS,supportedby
ComStar hired mercenaries and newly raised troops and by the FWLM and CCAF using
forcesstripped
from
their
mutual
border.
TakashinoddedThat isthebasicplanyes,but itremains tobeseenwhatour
highcommandswillmakeofitandhowreadilyimplementabletheplanwillbe.
Maximillian continued Of course the plan can only be successful if ComStar
provides the promised supplies, Mechs and transport assets as well as additional
intelligence on our targets. And what of the Periphery realms? You have spoken of
involvingthembeforePrecentor,butyouhaveaddedlittletothatoverthelastweek.
MyndonoddedherheadatbothmenIdonotthinkitprudenttoencouragethe
Peripheryrealmsuntilwearereadytomove. Theirintelligencenetworksarenotassecure
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asoursandapreemptivestrikebytheFCAllianceisthe lastthingwewouldwishforas
yourtroopsareintransit.
JanoslookedatPrecentorDieronIagreewithyourassessmentofthePeriphery.
However,Istilldonotbelievewewillgaincompletesurprise. TheLIC,DMIandMIIOwill
determinesomething
is
amiss
and
both
realms
will
reinforce
to
some
degree.
Although
my
esteemedcolleaguesbelievethatwecantakemostoftheFederationofSkyeanddrivethe
FederatedSunsbacktoMarlette,Istillthinkwearebeingoverlyambitious. Weshouldset
ourselves more limited goals that can be exploited later if we are successful, instead of
overreachingandopeningourselvestoadangerouscounterattack.
MaximillianLiao lookedoverat JanosandmutteredIfyouhadbehavedmore
boldlybefore3015,perhapsyourbrothermightstillhaveremainedloyal.
Janos shot to his feet You wretched cur! How dare you call my reason into
disrepute with your poisoned barbs. One day you will receive the reckoning that you
deserveforthedamageyouhavedonetomyrealm!
PrecentorWoolley
stood
as
well
Please
Captain
General,
you
must
remain
calm.
Heseekstoangeryou. Donotstooptohislevel.
Liao looked at Woolley Never forget yourplacePrecentor. I am the Celestial
Paragon of theCapellanEmpire. Noonecan lower themselves tomy level asnoneare
aboveme!
MyndostoodandraisedhervoiceabovethedinENOUGH! Thisbickeringserves
but one purpose That of the SteinerDavion alliance. Unless you can see reason and
decencyinyourconversationsandinourplanning,thereislittlehopeforthefutureofany
ofyourrealms.
Takashi,
impassive
throughout
the
exchange,
spoke
up
Perhaps,
Precentor
Dieron,itistimewerecessedfortheday?
PerhapsyouarerightCoordinator. Myndo lookedtotheotherswhonodded
their assent. Until tomorrow then gentlemen. Pleasantries were exchanged as the
Successor Lords and Precentor Atreus departed. Myndo looked at Precentor Lynch
Alethea,wouldyoupleasesendinColonelHamiltonwhenyouleave?
Precentor Sian bowed as she answered Yes Precentor. She paused Do you
really believe these bickering children will cooperate long enough to make this plan
succeed?
TheplanhasonlytopartiallysucceedAlethea. Thefightingwillbogdownand
allfive
realms
will
exhaust
each
other.
Liao
will
eventually
turn
on
Marik
and
in
the
end
we
willbethatmuchclosertooureventualgoalofunitingmankindunderourbanner.
AsyousayMyndo. IwillsendinColonelHamilton. MaythePeaceofBlakebe
withyou.
And with you Precentor Sian. Myndo mulled over the myriad outcomes the
coming war would produce and most placed ComStar in an unassailable position of
strength.Andnowtoensurewecanbackupthatstrengthwithforce.
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Chapter7
Elmau,Bavaria,Terra.
23September,3022.
Colonel Hamilton, the technical commander of the ComGuards and Terran
Defence Force, was an impressive looking man of 55, whose twenty years of service in
various mercenary commands had given him a weathered look that suited his role as a
commander admirably. He was tall, well over six feet in height and built strong, like
someone who worked himself hard on a daily basis. His bearing was reserved and
composed, but there seemed to be a slight hint of mischief in his eyes, something that
caughtPrecentorWaterlybysurprise.
GoodeveningColonel.BeganMyndoIamgladyoucouldmake thejourney
overfromSandhursttomeetwithme.
Itis
apleasure
Precentor.
The
current
class
of
cadets
graduated
yesterday
and
theyarestillcelebrating. MuchasIwouldliketojointhemImustadmittonotbeingable
toenjoymyselfintheirmannerthewayIoncecould.
Precentor Dieron smiled in return I understand entirely Colonel. I myself am
takenwithmoreleisurelypursuitsasIaccumulateyears. Myndostoodbeforecontinuing
andcrossed to theColonel, takinghishand.Imustconfess toonepieceof information
thatintriguesmeaboutyou,ColonelHamilton. WhydoyoucallyourselfColonelandnot
Precentor?
ColonelHamiltonlaughed,aratherloudbutaltogetherunforcedsound
That
was
not
entirely
of
my
doing.
For
many
years
my
Executive
Officer
Pat
Millray
and
I
jokedaboutbecomingColonelsofourownmercenaryregiments. Afterwesignedonwith
ComStarandwereeventuallyaccepted intotheComGuards, itseemedthatdreamwould
never happen. When I was promoted to Precentor last year, Pat gave a speech at the
ceremony a said that since Precentor was about as good as a Colonel and that I had
reachedthatrankfirst,hewouldjusthavetocallmeColoneltofulfilourdream. Hekept
callingmethatandthetroopsseemtohavecaughton. Before Iknew iteveryone,even
thePrimus,wasaddressingmeasColonelandnomatterwhatIsaid,itstuck.
Myndosmiledwarmlyinreturnandretookherseat,indicatingfortheColonelto
dothesame. Itmustbequiteamarkofrespectforyourmentoembraceyourinformal
titlein
such
away.
She
suddenly
turned
serious
Do
you
believe
you
are
deserving
of
such
respect?
The Colonel though for a moment As I have not been tested in my new
command as yet I cannot answer that question. However, I would like to think the
experienceIhavegainedovertheyearswillstandme ingoodsteadwhenthetimetobe
testedcomes.
Myndo looked the Colonel directly in the eyes Well then General
Hamilton,letsseehowyoufacethattestnowshallwe?
ColonelHamiltonlookedatMyndoquizzicallyTest?Whattestdoyou
speak
of?
And
also
Precentor,
my
rank
is
Colonel,
General
is
dream
beyond
my
scope.
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ThetestIspeakistheformationofanewComGuardsArmy,onethat
can effectivelyprotect Terraand strike out preemptively in force should the need ever
arise. Ihavebeenappointedby thePrimus tocoordinatethisrebirthoftheComGuards
andyouwillassistmedirectlyinimplementingit. IalsoassureyouGeneralHamiltonthatI
willhave
no
mere
Colonel
in
command
of
such
an
organisation.
Ihad
selected
the
title
of
PrecentorMartialforyou,andofcoursethiswillbeyourofficialtitle,butIhavelittledoubt
afterhearingyour story that theComGuardswill start referring toyouasGeneralwhen
wordofyourpromotiongetsout.
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Chapter8
AtreusCity,Atreus,
MarikCommonwealth,FreeWorldsLeague
28October,
3022.
CaptainGeneralJanosMarikwalkedquicklydownthelongcorridorsoftheFree
WorldsLeagueMilitariesmainadministrationbuilding. Hewouldhave tomove fast,as
Thomaswas introducing thenewActs ina littleovertwohours. Walkingahead, Janoss
aideopenedadoorlabelledCorpsandRegimentalAdministrationColonelJamesHudson.
JanosenteredtheroomwhereaColonelandthreesergeantsstoodatattention,
saluting. Thegreyhairedman,whowasobviouslyColonel Hudson spoke firstCaptain
General,itisanhonourtomeetyousir.
JanossalutedandtooktheColonelshandThankyouColonel,doyouhavethe
paperworkIrequested
ready?
Yessir,allthatremainsisforsignature inseveralplacesforeachdocumentand
theregimentalgroupsbecomeactive.
ThankyouColonel,youhavedonetheLeagueagreatservicetoday. Whereare
thedocuments?
Inhere, inmyofficesir. Theyarearranged inorderandready foryou. Please
takeas longasyouneed,youwillnotbedisturbed. TheColonelpointedtheway intoa
smallofficethathadobviouslyseenaveryrecentandverythoroughclean.
ThankyouColonel, Iwontbe long. Marikenteredtheoffice,closedthedoor
and
sat
at
the
small
utilitarian,
pressboard
desk.
Staring
up
from
a
pile
was
the
first
folder
with its title emblazoned above the Marik Eagle: Commissioning/Recommissioning
Instructionsfor the 4th
FreeWorldsGuards. Marik smiled to himself. Thefirst step in
humblingParliamentandensuringthesurvivaloftheLeagueandmyfamily. Thankyoufor
thinkingofthisThomas,youhavereaffirmedwhyIchoseyouasmysuccessor.
Janosopenedthedocumentatthefirsttagandsignedhisnameandtitletothe
document. He did so at seven other places. Continuing on to the next folder labelled:
Commissioning/Recommissioning Instructionsfor the 5th
Free Worlds Guards he smiled
again.
Hecontinuedonthroughthetwelve folders:6th
Guards,3rd
,7th
,11th
,12th
,14th
,
and16th
Marik
Militias,
2nd,
3rd
and
4th
Atrean
Dragoons
and
the
2nd
Atrean
Hussars.
Ashesignedthefinalplacefortheactivationofthe2nd
Hussarshelaughedand
stood,drawinganenvelopefromhisbreastpocket. Hewalkedtothedoorandopenedit.
Colonel,pleasehaveoneofyourmenhavethesefiledandinputtedintotheLCCCsystem
immediately.
YesCaptainGeneral. SergeantCho,seeto itstraightaway. Oneof
thesergeantssalutedandquicklymovedpastJanostocollectthefoldersbeforehurrying
outof theofficeandoffdownthecorridor. Theyshouldbe in thesystemwithin thirty
minutessir.SaidHudson.
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Janos lookedat theclock.Withanhour to spare.Now it isup toyouThomas.
Colonel Hudson, you were once a line officer before being shunted into your current
position. IbelieveyoutoldasuperiorofficerwhatyouthoughofhisplanataGeneralStaff
meetingandeffectivelyendedyouractivecommandcareer?
TheColonel
looked
somewhat
glum
as
he
replied.
Yes
sir,
Iwas
alittle
too
opinionatedandcostmyselfthechancetoeffectivelyleadaregimentoftheLeague.
Janos smiledandhanded theenvelopehewasholding to the Colonel.I think
youhaveservedasufficientpenanceinthisofficeandyourrecordpriortothateventwas
exemplary. The Colonel took the envelope. Contained in that set of orders is your
transfertoanactivecommand. Additionalorderswillarrivetomorrowandthenweshall
seejusthowgoodyoureallyare?
The Colonel looked stunned Reactivation Sir? To what unit? The
currentpromotionscycleisonlyhalfwaycomplete?
JanosstaredattheColonelhardForyourservicesinstrengtheningtheLeague,
ColonelHudson,
you
are
to
be
the
first
commander
of
the
newly
commissioned
2nd
Atrean
Hussars. Currentlytheyhaveastrengthofoneman You. Thatwillchangequicklyandwill
bethefirstchallengeofyournewcommand.
**** **** **** **** **** **** **** ****
**** ****
Anhour laterThomasstoodbefore the fullyassembledParliamentof theFree
Worlds League to speak on behalf of his father. The myriad costumes of the various
Provinces
were
like
a
wild
rainbow
gone
mad.
He
would
soon
bring
order
to
this
chaos
and
havethemalldancingtohistune. HelookedacrossattheDukeofOriente,theonlyother
manwhoknewhisplanandnoddedonce.Herewego
Thomas began Esteemed Members of Parliament, I have been asked by my
Father,JanosMarik,CaptainGeneraloftheFreeWorldsLeague,ashisactingdeputyinthis
matter,tobringbeforeParliamenttwopiecesof legislationthat, it ishoped,willassist in
furtherhealingtherifts thathaveexistedbetween theofficeofCaptainGeneraland the
Parliamentinthepast. Speaker,ifImaypresentthefirstbilltothehouse?
The Speaker of Parliament, Hector Stewart, his long hair swaying as he spoke,
lookedquizzicallyatThomas.ThisishighlyirregularThomas.
Thomaslooked
to
the
speaker
But
not
unprecedented
Speaker
and
Iam
sure
theHousewillwelcometheBill.
Weavers small eyes narrowed as he thought Very well Thomas, but tread
cautiously.
ThomasbowedhisheadslightlyThankyouSpeaker. Esteemedmembersofthe
House,youwill find in thedocumentsbeinghanded toyouat themomentadocument
entitledAffirmationoftheHomeDefenceAct. Thisdocumentseekstoendthestrifethat
hasexistedbetweenParliamentandtheCaptainGeneralovertheuseofProvincialforces.
Basically it states that all Provincial forces, barring the Fusiliers of Oriente, he nodded
again
to
Duke
Halas
will
be
allowed
to
return
home
over
the
coming
twenty
four
month
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periodandtobereplacedontheborderswithFederaltroops. AnyProvincethatcannot
meetitsdefenceneedswillbeprovidedwithFederaltroopstoassistinthedefenceofthe
border. Thomass announcement was greeted by silence and then a moment later by
uproar,mainly fromtheMarikbenchesastheybegantoshoutthattheMarikshadsold
outtheir
office.
AsthespeakershoutedforsilenceThomascontinuedPleaseallowmetofinish
andallyyourfears.HesaidashefacedhissupportersbenchesWedonotseektosellout
the League. The second bill before you is entitled the Temporary Diversion of War
MaterialsBill.ThisBillstatesthatoverthecomingtwentyfourmonths,astheprovisionsof
theAffirmationoftheHomeDefenceActcomeintoeffect,warmaterialswillbedivertedto
bring existing Federal forces up to full strength as they will be required to shoulder a
greaterburdenofthedefenceoftheLeague. Thisbillonlyhasalifeoftwentyfourmonths
anditsprovisionswillendthen,restoringthestandardLCCCresupplymethods.
Dame Catherine Humphries of Andurien stood and was recognised by the
speaker.The
old
dame
skewered
Thomas
with
her
piercing
gaze
So
boy
What
stops
you
andyour father from raisingadditional regimentsandcreatinganarmy todominate the
Provinces?
TheActDuchess,specificallyforbidstheraisingofnewregimentsbytheFederal
Government during thatperiod,unless theunitwasdestroyed ordisbandedduring that
time. Theonlyactions theLCCCcan takeare those tobringexistingFederalunitsup to
strength.
CatherinecontinuedSoyouwant togive theProvinces their armiesback and
takeontheburdenofdefencethroughtheFederalforces?Why?
Because
that
was
the
intention
of
the
original
FWLM,
something
we
have
all
forgottenovertheyears. Myfatherand IseethecomingallianceoftheFederatedSuns
andLyranCommonwealthasagrave threat. We wish to ensure thatwhen thealliance
moves, it isagainstaunitedandpeacefulLeaguethat ispreparedtomeetthethreaton
bothaProvincialandFederallevel.
Catherinenoddedandsat. ThomassataswellandParliamentbegandebating
theprosandConsofthebills. Itbecamereadilyapparentthatselfinterestwouldwinthe
day, as the Provinces believed they would gain more autonomy. With Thomas and
ChristopherHalasbackingthebillandReguluseagertohavegreatercontroloverittroops,
thebillsweresuretopass.
Threehours
later
both
bills
did
pass
with
an
overwhelming
majority,
in
time
for
theMembersofParliamenttoseetheeveningnewsbriefsthatannouncedtherestoration
orformationoftwelveFederalBattleMechregimentsthatverymorning.
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Chapter9
ImperialCity,Luthien,
PeshtMilitaryDistrict,DraconisCombine
1November,
3022.
CoordinatorTheodoreKuritastaredatthedoorsattheendofthethroneroom,
waitingforthemtoopenandadmithisguests,allthewhilemullingoverthemadseriesof
eventsthathadbroughthimtothisexultedposition. Hisfatherwasdead,deadasaresult
ofthecatastrophic impactaspeedingchunkofspacerockhadcausedwhen itstruckhis
Dropshipwithincredibleforce. Thepowerfulimpactwasstrongenoughtosetofachainof
sympatheticdetonationsthattoretheCoordinatorsDropshipapartshortlyafteritsarrival
intheLuthiensystem. Therewasnothingthatanyonecoulddobutstandhelplesslybyas
theshipblewitselftopiecesandendedthereignofTakashiKurita.
Wellfather,
we
never
have
to
clash
again.
Iinstead,
will
have
to
clash
with
your
legacyasIseektoestablishmyown. Uponhearingofhisfathersdeath,andinaneffortto
stymieanyeffortshistreacherousrelativeMiesKuritamightmakeinapushforthethrone,
TheodoreusedhisYakuzacontactswithintheLegionsofVegatoensurethatacommand
circuitofmerchantDropShipswas inplacewithindaysofhis fathersdeathtospeedhis
journeytoLuthienandtoarrivebeforeanyonecouldhaverealisticallyexpectedhim. Two
days later, a little over three weeks ago, he had been confirmed as Coordinator of the
DraconisCombine. Thatwaswhenthesurpriseshadreallybegun.
Thevisit fromMyndoWaterly,ComStarsPrecentorDieron,wasconfronting to
say
the
least.
His
fathers
actions
had
committed
the
Combine
to
a
bold
move,
one
he
agreed was necessary. His fathers initial planning was, however, far too conservative,
stuck in outmoded methods, incorrect assumptions and outdated planning techniques.
Changeswillneedtobemadeandtheystartheretoday. TheWarlordsoftheDragonhad
arrivedonLuthienquicklyafterhesummonedthem,ashadhisotherguests,andallwere
nowabouttobegintoappreciatehisvisionfortheDragon.
The large doors at the end of the room swung open, pushed aside by two
membersoftheOtomo,thehouseholdguards. Leadingtheprocessionintotheroomwere
the five Warlords of the Draconis Combine. Fat, abrasive and arrogant as ever, Vasily
Cherenkoff,WarlordofDieron, ledtheprocession,followedcloselybyIvanSorenson,the
balding
Warlord
of
Rasalhague.
Behind
these
two
was
Grieg
Samsonov,
Warlord
of
Galedon, his ever present sneer readily apparent as he glared at Cherenkoffs back.
EnteringtogetherweretheWarlordsofBenjaminandPesht;HirushiShotogamaandKester
HsiunChi,bothmencarryingthemselveswithfargreaterreservethanthethreeWarlords
infrontofthem.
Behind the Warlords came four others, the first two entering with a presence
that was awe inspiring. Yorinaga Kurita, Theodores second cousin, grave of visage as
alwaysanddressedinasimpleblackkimonoenteredatthesideofablackmanTheodore
recognised as Minobu Tetsuhara, the highly successful liaison officer assigned to Wolfs
Dragoons
who
had
begun
the
process
of
creating
the
Ryuken,
the
DCMSs
clone
of
the
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Dragoons. With these twomenwereGeneralsFydorMarkt andSotei Ganacheho,both
appearingoutofplaceinsuchagathering.
All nine men bowed to Theodore and he returned the gesture. Once all had
arrangedthemselvesbeforetheDragonThronehebeganspeaking. Asyouallnowaware,
myfather
has
committed
the
Combine
to
awar
against
the
FCAlliance.
The
planning
so
farconductedhasbeenoflittlevalueandismiredinthemisconceptionsofoldtheoriesof
war. IrequirethisplantobechangedsothatTheDragoncanunleashthefullpotentialof
itspower.
Warlord Cherenkoff sneered before speaking What do you know of strategy
Theodore. Youthinkthatbyremovingyourboyishlocksandmoustacheandsittingonthat
throne you have the right to disparage the plan your father and his best Warlords
created?
AhVasily,yourarrogancewillbeyourundoing. Youalwaysunderestimatedme
asyouthought IwasjustaPrincelyfop,butyouforgetyourhistory. OdaNobunagawas
seenas
afool
as
well,
yet
when
he
emerged
from
his
disguise
he
became
the
founder
of
a
newandpowerfulorder,muchas I intend.Theodoresatback into the throneandspoke
quietly IcanquestionwhateverIwish,forIamTheDragonandmywordislaw.Iexist
toprotecttheCombinefromthreatsbothwithinandwithout. Thisplan,thismockeryof
propermilitaryscienceisathreattothefuturesecurityoftheDragon. Youseektodivert
the Federated Suns and Lyran Commonwealth with direct assaults against the thumbs.
Anyplannerwithsensewouldsee thatattacking inamannerwhichseeks thecut these
salientsoffwouldelicitafargreaterresponsefromourenemies.
GriegSamsonovansweredYouwishus toslinkaroundbehind theenemy like
cowards.
True
Samurai
face
their
enemy
front
on,
with
honour;
they
do
not
hide
behind
shadowstrategies. Thisplanwasyourfathersplan,createdwiththeadviceofmyselfand
WarlordCherenkoffinthetruetraditionofTheDragon. Weservedhisvisionthenandwe
servehimnow. Wewillnotletsomepuffedupyoungwhelptellushowtocommandthe
armiesoftheDragon!
Youservemyfatherstill? TheodorelookedatCherenkoffandSamsonov.
BothstoodforwardWedo.
TheodoresmiledThenitisbestyoumoveonwardsoyoucanservehimallthe
moreclosely.
CherenkofffalteredMmoveon?
Theodorevoice
dropped
low
and
menacing
Yes
you
coward,
move
onwards.
RemoveyourselfandWarlordSamsonovandshowyourtrueloyaltytomyfather,anything
lessandyouwouldnotbetrueSamurai.
BothWarlordsstoodstunnedasTheodorelookedupandcalledtotheOtomoat
theendsoftheroom.Otomo,escorttheWarlordsofDieronandBenjamintothe Inner
Garden and provide them with all the necessary assistance to commit seppuku. They
intendtoshowthearmiesofTheDragonwhattrueloyaltyis.
AstheOtomomoveddownthehallandemergedfrombehindthethrone,both
officersbeganprotestingbutwerecutoffbyTheodore. ComportyourselfaswarriorsorI
will
have
executed
as
traitors
and
your
heads
displayed
before
the
Imperial
Palace!
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Theguardsquicklymovedthetwostunnedmenfromtheroomasanotherman
moved frombehind a small alcove behind the throne. Subhash Indrahar, known as the
smilingone,theheadoftheInternalSecurityForce,wasdressedinasimpleredandgold
Kimonothathidhisphysiqueandmadehim looksomewhatmonkish. Acreativeoption
myLord.
You
surprised
me.
Ihad
believed
it
would
take
more
than
that
to
lead
those
two
totheendyourequired. IftheywerethatsimpletomanipulateitisofgreatbenefittoThe
Dragonthattheyaregone.
Theodore nodded, Yes Director, now we can deal with more serious matters.
WarlordSorenson.TheodorelookedatthenownervousWarlordofRasalhagueYouhad
a part in this plan. Do you wish to support it or are you willing to revise your input to
ensureitssuccess?
Sorenson bowed deeply to Theodore I live to serve The Dragons will
Coordinator.
TheodoresmiledatSorensonYourdedication isa fineexample toallSamurai
Ivan.
ThankyouCoordinator,IwilldowhatIcantoassistwiththenewplan.
TheodorethenlookedacrossathiscousinwhobowedasTheodorespokeIthas
beenalongtimesinceyouhavewalkeduponthesoiloftheBlackPearlcousin. Iapologise
fordisturbingyouinyourretreatonEchoandforbeingforcedtodenyyourrequesttotake
yourlife,butTheDragonisinneedofonesuchasyourself.
YorinagastraitenedandansweredTheDragonswillismyownCoordinator,but
youplacetoomuchfaithintheabilitiesofasimplehermit.
Too littlefaithhasbeenplaced inyoubyothers,tothegreatdetrimentofthe
Combine.
Your
action
on
Mallorys
World
should
have
been
used
as
an
example
to
all
in
the Combine that personal honor can be sacrificed for the greater good of The Dragon.
What was forgotten is that the Dragon must return that honour to the warrior for his
actionsandnotcasthimaside.
Yorinagabowed again You pay me too much respect Coordinator. My honor
waslostwhenKelldefeatedme;thereisnopathbackfromthatdisgrace.
TheodorestoodanddescendedthestepsbeforetheDragonThroneTheDragon
owesyouadebtofhonorYorinagasanthatcannotberepaidinsimpleways. Iwillrefuse
anyrequestforyoutocommitseppukuasIbelieveyouhavenothingtoatonefor. Willyou
acceptmydecisionastoyourfateandtothedutiesIwishforyoutoundertake?
Yorinagabowed
low
again
I
will
do
as
The
Dragon
directs.
Verywellthen. Thereisatitle,aposition,whichgoesbacktotheveryearliest
daysofournation. Thispositionwasheldbyonlyoneotherandisoneofgreathonorand
prestige. Its holder has the power to shape the Armies of The Dragon as he and the
Coordinatorseefit. Iwishforyou,KuritaYorinaga,toacceptthepositionasmydeputy,as
GunjinoKanrei. Youwillhelpmereshape theDCMS into theweapon itneeds tobe to
assurethesafetyofourpeople. Indoingso,youwillalsoformanewunit,drawnfromthe
bestoftheDCMStobethesymbolforallinourarmiestoaspireto.Eachwarrioristobe
moulded inyour imageand trained tobe likeyouyourself inbattle. Doyouaccept this
small
attempt
at
honouring
the
Dragons
debt
to
you?
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AnyhonortheDragonbestowsuponmeismorethanIdeserveCoordinator,but
Iwillaccept. Ihavehowever,butonequestion. WhatofKell?
TheodorethoughtforamomentOnceyourdutiesarecompleteandourarmies
reforged,shouldyoustillwishit,Iwillreleaseyoutofaceyourpast.
Thankyou
Coordinator.
Said
Yorinaga
as
he
bowed
again
and
Theodorereturnedthegesture.
Theodore turned slightly to his right and looked at Minobu Tetsuhara Your
actions regarding Wolfs Dragoons and your previous service have made you stand out
amongstyourpeers. However,theyseemnottohaverecognisedyourabilities.
Minobu bowed low My abilities are of little worth my lord, I have only ever
soughttoserveTheDragoninwhatsimplewaysIcould.
Theodore moved to the front of Minobu. Your attributes and abilities are
greaterthanyourealise. Youtoounderstandtheneedforgreaterthoughtinourmilitary
processesand theneed toconsiderplans thatothersmay thinkdonotgarnersufficient
honorin
the
traditional
way.
You
understand
the
need
to
respect
all
those
who
serve
The
Dragon. Mypeople,andthoseofDirectorIndrahar,havewatchedyouforsometimeand
greatlyrespectyourabilities.
Minobu,stilllookingdownstraightenedYouhonormeCoordinator.
IhaveadutyforyouaswellMinobu. YouwillreplaceSamsonovasWarlordof
Galedon.TheodorewavedawaytheprotestthatwasformingAndyouwillcontinueyour
work with Wolfs Dragoons. You will work with Kanrei Kurita to modify our plans and
ensurethatyourRyukenregimentsarereadyandabletotakepartinthecomingwar. You
mustalsoensurethatWolfsDragoonsremainhappyintheserviceoftheCombineaswe
will
need
their
expertise
when
the
time
comes.
Minoruwashardpressed toconcealhisshockYouask toomuchCoordinator.
PromotingamereChusatothisrankisunheardof. WhatoftheGenerals,whatwillthey
say?
Theodore lookedMinobustraight inthe faceTheywilldoas I,andyou,order
them. IamTheDragonandmywordislaw.
MinobuboweddeeplyagainYouhonourmemorethanyouknowCoordinator,I
willnotfailyou.
Theodore then looked at the two other Warlords Warlord Shotogama, your
serviceinBenjaminhasbeenamarkofhonourtoyou. Irequireyoutoremaininyourpost
andprepare
your
district
in
accordance
with
our
plans.
Shotogama
bowed
deeply
as
Theodore continued Warlord Hsiun Chi, you will move to Dieron to take up command
there. Itrustthiswillbeachallengefinallyworthyofyourabilities?
The old man bowed to Theodore You honor an old mans fading abilities my
lord,Iwillserveyouasbestmylimitedskillsallow.
TheodorethenfacedtheothertwomenGeneralMarkt,youwilltakecommand
of thedistrictofPeshtasWarlord,yourservice todatemerits this.GeneralGanacheho,
youwillbepersonalaidetotheKanrei. Youhavedisplayedapenchantforunconventional
thinkingthatwillbeofbenefittoourplanning.
Both
men
bowed
low
and
answered
together
The
Dragons
will
is
my
own.
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Theodore then cast his eyes across the entire group Let us eat together now
beforewebeginformingourplans. PlanstogiveourbelovedCombinethenewstrength
thatisworthyofitsgreatname.
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Chapter10
ForbiddenCity,Sian,
SianCommonality,CapellanConfederation
2November,
3022.
Yes father, I would be honoured to provide Senior Colonel Ridzik with the
operational room he requires to launch the strike against the Terran regions. Said
CandaceLiaoasshestoodbesideherfatherlookingoutacrossthePalacesvastgardensI
amnotsurewhatmysisterwillsaytothis. Shewillbelievesheisdeservingoftherightto
commandsuchforces.
MaximillianLiaolookedathiseldestdaughter,turningfromtheviewthebalcony
providedofthegardenssurroundingthepalace. YoursisterwillserveundertheSenior
Colonel,bothneedtobewatchedandtheycanwatcheachother. Iseenoreasonforher
tocomplain
of
your
independent
command.
You
will
lead
adiversionary
strike,
intended
towinwhatyoucanforSt.IvesandSian. Meanwhile,shewillbepartofourmaineffortto
crushDavionsforces.
Candace shrugged, in a lopsided way due to her damaged and scarred right
shoulder.Shewillnotsee itso. Sheseesslightswhere therearenoneandwilloppose
anythingshefeelsmakeshersubordinatetome.
Maximillian, his patience thin at the best of times regarding his daughters
bickeringsnappedbackShewilldoassheisorderedorshewilltakenopartinthisplan.
Very Well father. Candace knew she had pushed far enough. What of
Tormana,
will
he
have
any
part
to
play?
Candace
knew
she
was
pushing
another
button
butwishedtoknowherfathersplansforherbrother.
Hecandoashewishes,Inolongercare.Maximillianturnedbacktotheviewof
thegardens.
Candacepushedagain,as thebreezeblewupblowingherdarkhairabout ina
haphazardwayMayheserveonmystaff?
Ifyouthinkyoucanfindauseforthedisappointment,youcandoasyoulike.
Thankyoufather.Itwashightimetochangesubjects. Shechoseonesheknew
would humour her father What of McCarrons strike against the Federated Suns? How
doesheprogress?
Maximilliansface
changed
remarkably
as
it
lit
up
with
ahuge
grin
So
far
McCarronhas struck successfullyatMuskegon,Marlette,Kathil, Farwelland Tawas. His
lastmessagehashimheadingbackonhistrailforGoshenandBetenKaitos.Ifonlymyline
forceswoulddisplaysuchdaringandcommitmentasthesemercenaries.
Of course, the new regiments we raise with ComStars aid may be what you
seek?
Maximillian continued to smile Yes, perhaps you are right. We need fearless
soldierswhoholddaring in theirheart. McCarronwillnotbeback in time toundertake
theirtrainingthough.
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Candace leapedon theopportunityPerhaps Imightbeofassistance father. I
have studiedMcCarrons methods indetailand believe I cannot only instil them inour
newforcesbutalsoimproveuponthem. Iwouldcreateaforceloyalanddedicatedtoyour
vision,loyaltoyoufatherandtheavatarsofyourwillonthebattlefield.
Maximillianturned
with
alook
of
predatory
glee
on
his
face
that
unnerved
Candace.Takingherhandhesaid.Yesbeloveddaughter,thatwouldbeawonderfulgift
indeed. Youwillhavethesetroopsreadyformyneedswhenthetimecomes. Theyshall
betheChancellorsOwnGrenadiers,madeinmyhonorandinMcCarronsimage.
Candace watched as her father turned and left the balcony. Yesfather, Iwill
create a counterweight against Rizdiks loyal Tikonov forces and my sisters Thuggee
followers. With thesenew regimentsandmyownforces inSt. Ivessoclose toSian,any
developmentintheheartofourrealminthefuturewillbedeterminedbyme.
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Chapter11
SandhurstMilitaryAcademy,
England,Terra
5November,
3022.
NicebirthdayjokeColonelImsorry,ImeantGeneralHamilton! PatMillrays
brightfacelitupliketheglossinessofhisbaldheadashesmiledathisoldfriend. Where
inthislittlejokedoesComStarhideallthesefancifultoysyousaytheyhave?
General (Precentor Martial) Hamilton kept his face passive, even though he
wanted tosmileathisold friend,anaction thatwouldmakePat think itreallywasalla
joke. ItsforrealPat. ComStarreallydoeshaveallthishardwarelyingabout.
Patstaredattheinformationinhishands,hishalfopenmouthshowingthehole
where the front toothhe lost fightingonLoriconcewas. This isawholebloodyarmy.
Mechs,Fighters,
Tanks
and
enough
infantry
gear
to
start
afair
sized
revolution.
Where
did
allthiscomefrom?
TheGeneralsatbackinhishighbackedchairandsmiledasherememberedhow
his own reaction was almost identical. You ever hear the tales of the lost Divisions?
ThoseSLDFunitsthathistorianslosttrackofduringtheExodusera?
Pat looked up Yeah, I think so. Arent they the ones that a lot of historians
reckon were actually lost taking Terra from the Usurper, but were hushed up to make
Kerenskylookbetter?
Yeah,thoseones. WelltheysurvivedanddecidedtonotfollowtheGeneralout
of
known
space.
They
stayed
to
help
protect
Terra
and
over
the
years
were
demobilised
andtheirequipmentmothballed. Thecurrentunitswecommandcomefrompartofthat
haul,butasyoucanseetheyareonlyamerefraction.
Pat stood up and walked across to the wall map of Terra and began marking
depotswithpins. Sowhyare they tellingus thisnow? Theywantustobuildtheman
armyorsomesuch?
TheGeneralsmiledagainPrettymuch.
Pat stopped putting pins in the map and leant his head against the wall. Got
anythingtodrink?
Youknowwhereeverythingiskept.
Patwalked
across
the
small
office
and
rummaged
around
in
the
small
bar
fridge
tuckedawayinsideacabinetandcameoutwithtwobottlesofTerrasownChimayRouge
fineBelgianbeer.Patlookedatthebottle,Ialwayslikedyourtasteinales. Sowhatare
wemeanttodo?
Angusstoodupandtooktheofferedbeerfromhisfriendandtookaswigofthe
strongdarkbeer.Godthisstuffisgood.PrecentorDieron istooverseeusundertakethe
supply of Kurita, Marik and Liao forces to the tune of approximately twenty plus
BattleMechregimentsbetweenthem,alongwithadditionalsupportingassets. Wealso,at
thesametime,havetobeginarapidexpansionofComStarsownmilitaryarm.
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Pats dark face crinkled as he frowned Expand their military arm? By how
much?
Totheequivalentoftwentysevenregiments.
Youreoffyourhead.
Intwo
years.
Haveyoubeendrinkingheavilylately?
PrecentorDieronwantedfortyeightregimentsinthesametimeframe.
Sheshouldbecommitted.
Imanagedtoconvinceherthattwentysevenwasmorerealistic.
Arentyouasaint?
TheGeneralssmilebroadenedCmonPat,itsnotimpossible. Besides,itsnot
myproblem;itsyours.
Pat floppedhimself intothechairoppositehisold friend.Myproblem? What
areyoutalkingabout? PatseyetookonashrewdlookashestaredhardattheGeneral.
GeneralHamilton
stood
to
his
full
height
at
attention.
As
of
this
moment,
Demi
PrecentorIVPatrickNathanMillray,youarepromotedtofullPrecentorasaidedecampto
thePrecentorMartialandgivencommandofSandhurstRoyalMilitaryAcademyinorderto
begintherecruitmentandtrainingofthenewComGuards.HappyBirthday.
Pat stared long at his friend, his face expressionless. You complete and utter
bastard!
Angus sat, taking great pleasure in his friends shock. You always wanted
command Pat. Now its time to see if you can put your money where that enormous
mouthofyoursis.
Pat
took
a
long
swig
from
his
beer
before
responding.
Im
not
going
to
forgive
you for putting me through this andjust so we are clear, ifyou try and interfere in my
trainingschemeIlltellyourwifeaboutthattimewewereonSirius.
Angus sat back and nodded, Alright you have a deal. But Ill need you have
somethingreadytopresenttomyselfandPrecentorDieroninthreeweekswhenshevisits
Sandhurst.
Patlookedathisfriendwithsomethingakintovenomousmalice.Itjustdoesnt
stopwithyoudoesit? MaybeIlljusttellyourmissusaboutSiriusanyway.
TheGeneralputhislonglegsup,restinghisdarkbootsonthedesktop.Playnice
Pat.
Why?Your
not.
He
suddenly
turned
serious.
Why
us?
There
have
to
be
other,
moreindoctrinated,soldiersabouttogivethisto.
Angusputhisbeerdown. IaskedPrecentorWaterlythesamething. Shesaid
becausewewerethebestComStarhas. Shesaidshewascomfortablewithusbecausewe
werebornonTerraandbothreturnedhome. ComStarknowsofouropendistasteforthe
Successor States from our time as mercenaries and there is no one else with the
experience the two of us have. She did say she would prefer us to have a little more
obviousfaithinComStarsvision,butunderstandsthatthirtyyearsassoldiershasprobably
causedustobecomesomewhatcynical.
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PatsnortedCynical isjust thehalfof it. Youand Ibestmakesure that these
technopriestsdontgettoouppitywhenwestartwhippingthisarmyintoshape. Theypay
well,ImbackhomeandIlikethework,butIhaveneverreallyfeltcomfortablearoundthe
higherups.
TheGeneral
picked
up
his
beer
again.
Oh
come
on
Pat,
youve
never
been
happy
aroundthehigherupsofanystripe.
Pat looked thoughtful forasecond.Probablyexplainswhy Inevercouldstand
you.Bothmenlaughed.
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Chapter12
Triad,Tharkad,
DistrictofDonegal,LyranCommonwealth
12November,
3022.
SimonJohnson lookedacrossthedeskatArchonKatrinaSteinerasherepeated
himselfYesArchon, itwouldappear that theFreeWorldsLeague is in somewhatofan
uproar. Janos Marik and his son Thomas have pulled off somethingof acoup. Acoup
incidentally, thatcould threatenusdirectlyonce the effectsof theiractionsbegin tobe
felt.Additionally,TheodorehasrearrangedthepowerstructureoftheCombine inaway
thatismostalarmingtooutGenerals
Katrina,radiantasalwaysanddressed inheruniformasaGeneraloftheLCAF,
flickedthroughthe intelligencedocumentsbeforeher.Janos isgoingtohavesomething
akinto
aCivil
War
on
his
hands
again
if
he
is
not
careful.
SimonJohnsonfrownedWecanonlyhope,butIthinkthatiswishfulthinkingon
ourpart.
Explain.
My experts on the League, and the intelligence we are getting from there,
indicatethatthereisnothingParliamentcanrealisticallydo. TheGeneralpopulationhave
respondedwell,tooboththeirownunitscominghomeandanoverallstrengtheningofthe
FederalforcesfordutyagainsttheLeaguesfoes. JanosandThomaswerealsoveryclever
withhow theyplayed thisone. They followedprocedureproperly,albeit ina truncated
form,
but
that
is
not
unprecedented.
Parliament
voted
unanimously
to
support
their
effortsandcannottryandoverturntheruling,astheyhavelongcriedoutfortheCaptain
Generals to be more dedicated to following the dictates of Parliament. Even if Janoss
opposition did try and strike down the bill with new legislation, he has enough support
from Marik, Oriente and many of the smaller Provinces to ensure it does not happen.
AndurienandReguluscanscreamall they like,buthehasgiventhemwhattheywanted
andtheyarejustgoingtohavetoswallowit. Itsquitemasterful.
Katrina tossed the folder down on her desk. Im glad you approve. How long
untilthenewregimentsareallonline?
Johnsonthoughtforamomentashisamazingmindsiftedthroughthemyriadof
memorisedreports
that
were
held
in
there.
His
ability
to
commit
material
to
memory
and
recall itatwill isfrightening.ThoughtKatrina.Iwouldguess,with theLeaguescurrent
production levels,and iftheir lossesremainconstant,that itwouldtakeat leastsixyears
for these regiments tocomeon line. That isofcourseavariablenumberdependingon
circumstance. Itdoespresentuswithanopportunity. TheProvincialforceswillbewithin
theirhometerritoriesintwoyears,givingusavaluabletwoyearwindowtoexploitbefore
allthenewregimentsareactive.
Katrinafoldedherhands inher lap.True.ButwhywouldJanosexposehimself
likethat? Hemustknowwewilltakeadvantageofthis?
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Perhapshe feels the freedomhegains fromParliament isworth the lossofa
fewworlds. Orworse,hehasnewproductionfacilitiesorstorehouseswearenotaware
of.
Katrinamadeadecision.FindoutSimon.Eitherwayweneedtoensurewecan
keepthe
League
in
check.
The
Combine
is
still
the
greater
threat,
especially
now
with
their
newcommandarrangements.
Simonlookedgraveasheanswered.ItismoreseriousthanthatArchon.
Itmustbetogiveyoupause.
Johnson put another folder on the table. The rearrangement of the High
CommandoftheDCMS isseriousenough. Themennow inchargeareallnotedfortheir
ability to thinkoutside theSamuraibox. All,apart fromperhaps IvanSorensen,havean
aptitudefordetailedandinnovativeplanningandarenowinpositionsthatwillallowthat
skill to permeate the DCMS. But that is not all. The Coordinator has authorised the
formationofeightnewregiments. One inhonourofhisfatherandbasedonhisfathers
oldguard.
They
are
to
be
known
as
the
Dragons
Claws.
Another,
perhaps