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The message from the LIC was laconic in the extreme.

The 6th Tamar is dead

Peter bowed his head for a second.

"Strike the 6th from the rolls. They will not be reconstituted until their standard is repatriated."

Old Connaught, Arc Royal
Lyran Commonwealth
May 19, 3069


There was something off about this world. Field Marshall Ardan Sortek knew what the problem was: the legal actions against Morgan Kell and the Kell Hounds. It robbed this world of its soul.

The people looked distraught as if there was no longer any point to the universe. It was if God had decided that it was a good time to go on vacation. The English during the Civil War between King Stephen and Empress Matilda called it "The Time When the Saints Slept." Other more modern people called it malaise. 

But after meeting with Leftenant General Burium Jashir of the only surviving part of the 15th Deneb Light Cavalry, Ardan Sortek knew that it was not only the people of Arc Royal who had problems. The AFFS contigent of the Star League Defense Forces had fought for almost seven years. General May of the 42nd Avalon Hussars was on the verge of insanity after the loss of the RCT's infantry. The latest psyche report said that he was probably on the verge of suicide or a breakdown.

But it didn't matter at the moment, he was apparently fighting for his life on Morges. If the Ice Hellions, don't attack him with orbital bombardment; he may pull off a victory. But Sortek's eyes strained as he looked over the map and reports. Victor's defense line was failing apart. And for the moment, Sortek wished that someone would take the reigns of the SLDF. It was all failing apart.

Getting up from his desk, Sortek looked over the city from his window. It felt Lyran. However, the world would probably fall under attack in the next two months. And if he had his way, he would defend it to the last man. "So Hanse, what do you think?" There was no answer as the old man turned to look at a picture of himself years younger with the thirty year old Hanse at a party. There was also a woman in Hanse's arms. They were all smiling.

"I wonder if you and Dana are back together, or is it you and Melissa still? I'll probably find out soon," said the old man. He straightened his jacket, and he picked up his cane. Opening the door, he left his office. Walking down the hall, he quickly walked to the Star League Mech Bays.

There standing was a gift from Yvonne. It was a Templar to replace his aging Victor. It was an omnimech built at Talon. But with the Dark coming in, he wondered if the Templar would be rarer soon.

Shaking his head, he made a pledge just as he had done seven years ago on the Covenant. "With this sword, I shall defend this world for the Lyran Commonwealth. For the Federated Suns and the Star League. " And then Sortek looked at the mech's head. "And for you old friend. I do this for you, Hanse. I shall look after Yvonne as long as I have strength in this old body."

And then Sortek walked away. It was if a book end to that event years earlier, but he would fight to prove these young Clanners that they are not the ultimate warriors. For a warrior without a soul was nothing more than a mechanical drone.  And he would prove that the Saints were still alive.

"Excuse me, Archon, but I was not informed of the Invincible's departure."

Peter didn't look up from the report he was reading. "No reason you should have. No orders were cut to them."

"Sir?"

"No explicit orders were given to the Invincible or any of the Tamar Cavaliers. The commanders are acting under their own initiative. I hear we try to promote that around here."

"But they..."

"Took about a thousand newly assembled front line fighters with them? I figured that if one is dead set on running a fool's errand, then one ought to do so under friendly air cover."

Lohengrin Clandestine Prison Facility
Location Unknown
7 July 3069

Crack! Crack!

Daphne Rowe listened impassively distant sound of gunshots, not quite muffled by the concrete walls of her isolation cell. The deposed duchess had long since stopped fearing her own death; now, she found herself feeling a sense of relief. If Lohengrin was finally liquidating the Republican prisoners they had been holding here since Peter's purge, at least the seemingly-endless months of total isolation - interrupted only by occasional brutal interrogation sessions - would be over.

She heard heavy footsteps on the far side of the cell door, and mentally steeled herself for the end. Will they do it right here, she morbidly wondered, or will they go through the motions of marching outside and putting me in front of a wall?

The door opened with a whine of creaking metal.

Daphne Rowe examined her executioner cooly. The man was wearing Lyran military fatigues without any insignia or sign of rank, his face obscured by a black wool balaclava. She was not surprised to see the submachinegun in his hands, but the words he spoke into his radio headset confused her somewhat.

"Delta one, this is delta six-two. HELEN is secure, repeat HELEN is alive and secure."

The next thing he said put things into context... but did not lessen her surprise.

"Madame president, we're here to rescue you. Come with me please."

Boojum orbit, Kowloon system, third orbital plane, Coast Guard training flight 2...

Lt JG Giao Pham floated between the ships, and relaxed.  Most of the damage from her "Therapy" was never going to go away-but out here, it didn't matter.

"Oversight crew is in place, let's get this over with." she announced.

The airlock on Three opened, and three trainees were shoved out, setting the clock in motion.  Coast guard training included a short period of vacuum exposure-not long enough to do permanent damage, but long enough to build confidence in survival skills.

Five bodies tumbled in the vanishing cloud of airlock release, and stabilized, kicking off toward Four's hull.

"Six..." she muttered, watching the range-safeties readying "Beachballs" in case someone didn't make it within the seven second timeframe.

"Standby medics." she ordered.  One of the students was having a hard time finding the control panel, "Safety Two, move into position on the Charlie airlock of vessel four, I think Greer's having problems."

Old Connaught
Planet Arc-Royal
Lyran Commonwealth
5 July 3069

The Ritter Sir Paul Morgan massaged the sides of his stein. The fidgeting was a habit he had picked up after his rather dramatic fall from grace within the diplomatic corp, a subtle reminder of how he had come a hair's breadth from a nervous breakdown after the Kerensky Province project fell apart.

Sitting across from him was an older man dressed in fashionable but not excessively flashy business attire. Gunther Dächer had, not that long ago, been an important retainer for Grand Duke Morgan Kell, and much like his drinking companion recent changes in government had seen him plummet from his prior station.

"Herr Morgan, how are you enjoying your visit to Arc-Royal?" asked the older man somewhat cautiously.

"It is... certainly not how I remember it. I can't put my finger on it, but its like... the soul of this world has been taken out."

"Aye," acknowledged Dächer, "That's about the right of it. Ever since the Hounds left, things just haven't been the same. Not just the merc trade either - sure, that's more or less dried up, but the Großherzog... the poor man is broken, and not just financially."

"But surely," protested Morgan, "here on Arc-Royal, the seat of his duchy..."

Dächer shook his head, "No, the spirit's left the old man. Even if he wasn't bankrupt, even if Landgräfin Mulcahy wasn't running the Cordon in all but name, he's got nothing left... I don't think he has much time left either."

Morgan raised an eyebrow, "So where do I factor into this?"

"Herr Morgan," Dächer had shaken off his melancholy voice and was speaking directly now, "Mulcahy may be a fine banker, but she can't administer a duchy out of a wet paper bag. This whole region is three steps from fracturing. If the SLDF were to pull out, I can't see Mulcahy holding it together and I know the Old Man doesn't have it in him to do the job."

"And the rumors are that the SLDF is talking about pulling out..." said Morgan absent-mindedly.

"Exactly. If the Cordon falls into civil disorder, we'll have a new flag by Christmas - and it'll be far too green for my taste."

Morgan scowled at the thought but drove on, "I still don't understand what you need me for."

"Herr Morgan, you have contacts with the Exiles,"

"Now wait, no no, I do not have any contacts with the Exiles, not any more. Not since Daphne Vickers tore up the treaty. Not since that crazy bitch ruined my career."

"Don't lie to yourself, Morgan, you're probably one of only a dozen Lyrans who can talk to the Exiles - really talk to them. And we need a keystone to hold together this area."

"You want the Exiles to take over the Cordon? Do you understand how crazy that sounds? Do you remember how bad things got when they left last time?"

"No, no herr Morgan I don't want the Exiles to take over the Cordon, though that might well be inevitable. I want the one thing that can hold this region together if the Old Man passes on - an orderly succession within the Kell house. I need you to get Alaric Kerensky-Kell back here. I suppose you could say, I need you to create the Kerensky Province, right here in the Cordon."

Paul Morgan felt faint.

KCGS Magritte Ngo (Tramp Class), entering Arluna space...

Debbie watched out the forward ports like a kid, straining to see her homeworld.  She'd been away from home for just slightly less than a year.

It was a relief to finally be 'shut' of the Archon's business-'specially th' business with Kell...  she thought bitterly about the hours spent-wasted, really, dealing with His Grace Morgan Kell in the aftermath of the Kell Hounds' brief rebellion.

It's never easy, seeing a hero fall, and Kell had fallen from a height few could aspire to.

It was also a relief, being shut of that mess, being able to come home...

home.

"Milady, the Council's sent ahead some documents for you to review." Kapitan Bianh Dao intruded into Deb's thoughts, passing her the read-outs.

"Ah thank'ee." Bianh said, "Y'all didn' have t'drahve th' Bus, Represnt'tive." she added.

Dao, Kowloon's recently former 'elected representative' to the Estates General, shrugged, "After the last censure?" she said, "I'm glad they found a replacement, honestly, those painted peacocks on Tharkad get on my nerves almost as much as yours.  Sandra can handle the job better, and by now, my resignation should be sitting on Chuck Vanh's desk."  the old spacer sighed, "I really thought I could make a difference there, but..."

Debbie nodded.  "Ah know.  Much as Miz Doons tried t'help me aout, Ah'm glad t'be goin' home where Ah don' have t' put up wi' heels oah those silly hair-styles..."

"You did some work for the Archon." Bianh pointed out, "Even picked up some status..."

"Fo' shit status, Cap'n." Debbie said, "Ah'm not deaf, Ah know what th' othah Nobles were sayin' behin' my back..." her voice shifted to a fairly passable Tharkad accent, tinged with 'Gossipy bitch' tones, "Oh, Poor Dear, she's only a NOBLE because there was NOBODY LEFT, Gold-digging Periphery Tart, Archon's Whore..."  and stopped with a look of disgust.  "Ah'd soon's let a pack of dogs nibble me in an empty street, than go back to dealin' wi' those..."  words failed her.

Arluna...

Debbie MacAulliffe found herself in an office-her office, with a row of terminal displays, a polished Kaumberg Bluewood desk, and a by-god staff.

A staff that included, among others, an old friend.

"...Captain, good for YOU!"  Deb complimented her old friend, the former 'Military governor' Dao Thanh.

"Yeah, I was home long enough to get pinned, then the Assembly sent me back to serve as the Naval Attache." Dao said, "From there, it was a matter of the Assembly making an agreement with your Council, now I'm running an office that coordinates Militia activities from Jerangle to Jessenice, down to Inarcs and all points in-between for the LCAF."

"That's a big job, I'm surprised they stuck you with it-usually those billets go to officers in the Regulars." Deb commented.

"Yeah...well, it would seem that with Coast Guard personnel spread all over the old Plague zone, someone on Tharkad thought it might be a good idea to move the job down a rung on the ladder and they didn't want it too closely observed by the Kowloon Assembly." Dao told her, "So the Liason office is Here, separated from our training facilities-I guess I was lucky and they didn't move me to Inarcs with the rest of the Theater command structure."

"Would you like some tea?" Deb asked.

"Business, Your Grace." Dao told her, "I've got reports of a massive bandit force hitting Jessenice, we've lost contact with the Relief group there, and the HPG isn't answering."

"Clans maybe?" Deb asked.

"Well, the Adder Consulate's been pretty quiet lately, but if it was them we'd have a count of casualties and they'd at least tell us what happened." Dao told her, "So, we don't think it's the Adders.  Might be another Clan, but the Adders don't seem real keen to let anyone play in their patch out here, not since the deal with the Scorpions, and they haven't made any real serious noises about breaking the tacit post-plague peace out here."

"So...what can I do for the Coast Guard, Captain?" Deb asked.

"Well...I'm informing you of that.  there's some concern that there might be a problem with the innoculations sent to Jessenice, and we might be moving refugees into Briarook over the next few months-as soon as an investigative team can be sent out to Jessenice to determine what, if anything, has happened.  In the mean time, you're going to need to call in the Reserves and start drilling for defense operations in case the Bandit story checks out, and they're angling inward-we're keeping this on the down-low in case it's just a fuck-up with the comms, but the KCGS Amber Chuan is three weeks overdue..."

"I'll take that under advisement, I guess it's time to schedule a meeting with the Adder Diplomats and find out what they know." Deb said.

"I'd appreciate that-you've got standing to set up that kind of meeting, I, under the current rules as an activated member of the LCAF, don't." Dao told her.

Floor of the Estates-General
Planet Tharkad
Lyran Commonwealth
24 July 3069
10:48 AM local time

Gräfin Cecilia von Carstairs sneered in derision as she listened to the proposal being read on the floor, "Perhaps if you hadn't left them sitting on the front line with a target painted on their chests, Ibrahimović would have shown a little more loyalty. Believe it or not, I hear in some parts of the Sphere there is a crazy concept called earning respect."

The Markgraf of Bolan responded in a tone of disgust, "Cecilia, you are hardly one to talk about earning respect. Eight years, was it? Eight years you were padding your accounts as Consul to Grumium while handing the Rassies trade deals that set back our expansion efforts by a decade; and that's without even getting into the whole Pocket WarShip business. Even Rowe vetoed that deal, and yet as soon as she was gone, it was suddenly back on the table."

"What Bolan means," interjected Freiherr von Greenlaw, "Is that just because you were sleeping with one Ibrahimović doesn't excuse treason on the part of th-"

Unexpectedly, the chamber shuddered - silencing the nobles' recriminations at least momentarily. A guard at the door spoke quietly into his lapel mike and apparently received a response shortly thereafter.

"Ladies and gentlemen," said the Sergeant, "there is nothing to be alarmed of. Seismic sensors have registered a large earthquike, but there are no reports of dama-- excuse me, please stand by."

The sergeant's concerned expression deepend as he listened to his earpiece.

"I apologize, but I have new information. Radiological sensors are now detecting a probable nuclear explosion in the vicinity of Mount Wotan. Please proceed in an orderly way to the shelters in the basement until we can find out mo-"

The building shook again, but this time it did not immediately subside. Gripping an adjacent pillar, the sergeant reached for his lapel mike again but never completed the motion, as the enormous fireball engulfed the center of Lyran government.

Kowloon NEF, Departure Point Zenith, Tharkad System...

Kapitan Denh Nguyen sat on the muted bridge of transport 112 and brooded.  The news from the groundside was sporadic, in spite of deploying all the shuttles and men in the NEF's command-there was only one certainty.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, we have no high command."  The words from Hauptmann-Kapitan Michael Collins of the LCS Kowloon-the senior LCN officer in the system now, still echoed.

"What's the status of relief efforts?" Denh asked, when his Yeoman prodded his elbow.

"Tens of thousands of burn cases, radiation sickness, we've got every SAR qualified pilot out supporting operations, Sir...it's bad." the young man wasn't Kowloonese, or even Arlunan-he was from a place called 'Coheed' on Coventry.

"And the Archon's private residence?" Denh asked.

"Empty, sir. His calender shows he was scheduled to make a personal appearance to the Estates General about thirty minutes before...he was probably in the palace, sir."  the Yeoman told him.

"How are the troops handling it?" Denh asked.

the youngster shrugged, "I know the crew are...are on edge, sir.  I can't speak for the troops deployed ground-side, but it is in these reports..."

"Fine.  go get some rack-time, someone has to sleep."  Denh kept staring out across the AU.  Tens of thousands immediately, but there will be more-maybe millions more, when the fallout starts coming down in the rain...

Denh grew up on the stories of Dinh Diep, he'd actually hiked the site when he was in his teens.  There would be heavy rains, which poisoned the land with microscopic bits of radioactive debris for years after the initial blast, they would also poison part of the oceans, and land hundereds of kilometers away.  Cancer, Leukemia, disease, and famine would travel those trade-winds around the globe.

Eventually, of course, there would be  a recovery-of sorts.  Even the best decontamination gear and methods would only shave off a decade or so from the groaning horror that the people of Tharkad would be under.

The images showed fires still burning in the suburbs,  a city like a donut, wrapped around a blazing radioactive hole.

Of course, closer imagery showed that the buildings in those outskirts were just as unliveable as the ones close to the blast site itself-shock tremors from the treacherous strike at Mt. Wotan/Asgard had prepared the civilian structures like a pre-demolition blast preps a structure for hte final charge.

Sanitation's going to be a serious problem.

Presidential Palace
New Apollo
Somewhere in the Periphery

Kommandant Leonidas put a comforting hand on Daphne Rowe's shoulder as she read the report, "I wish I could soften the punch a little, but its important for you to know what's happened since Somerset."

Rowe shook her head slowly, "We were so close... if it hadn't been for Peter, the Alliance would have been on the path to regaining its old glory. Instead... this. How could we have misstepped so badly?"

"We were naive," Leonidas said softly, "we were in denial about how much hatred there still is for the Rim Worlds... we told ourselves that if we explained we were different from the Amaris Empire that people would accept us. We were wrong."

"Yes, I suppose we were. But what about the rest? The plague? Liz?"

"You can't blame yourself for those things, Daphne. The plague was never supposed to impact Lyran soil, and Elizabeth Ngo died of natural causes. None of that was your fault."

Daphne Rowe looked unconvinced, but she banished the grief from her face before responding, "You're right, after a fashion. There will be time despair over what could have been later. With Tharkad at least partially out of the picture," now the 'old' Daphne Rowe was back in full force, "we need to act quickly - this may be our last chance for real independence, and our last chance for survival."

She paused for a moment, then added, "Thank you, Adam, I'd be lost without you."

NEF 111-14, Tharkad upper atmosphere...

Bia Lu Smith nosed over and started her pass into the massive cloud, towing a modified 'seeder' set to collect particulates.

Her radar was already fritzing like a holovid player in a lightning storm as she passed through it.

THUMP!thumpthumprattlethumpBANGrattlethumpthumpthump!!!  the stick jerked spasmotically in her hands, and the eight-ball tried to roll crazy.

And then, she was through it.  weird...  the fighter tried to jerk and jink on its own in the clear.  she hit the retractor on the sampling pod, and was rewarded with a 'doors jammed' light.


Half an hour later, she finally found an airfield that wasn't overcrowded.  the landing gear deployed, at least, and she was able to get out and inspect the damage.

There was a lump of slag-mudl embedded in the bay-door mechanism.  Her rad-detectors showed it was 'hot', and the Tharkad Navy Militia team that arrived half an hour after that confirmed that the cloud of fallout included raw heavy metals in quantity-along with repowderized ferrocrete, nearly pure silica, vast amounts of carbon-14, and unburned bits of city that had not yet lost enough velocity to fall back down.

SHE was taken straight to decontamination, the fighter was packaged as radioactive waste and sent to a containment/disposal facility.

Assembly Hall, Kowloon...

"Order, god-dammit!"  Speaker of the House Charles Vanh bellowed out across the crowd.  The shouting and arguing died down.  "That's better."

"Admiral, the floor is yours."

Admiral Alicia Li stood up.  "OCB doesn't agree with the LIC's public position that the nuclear attacks on Tharkad were the work of the Clans-analysis branch has three reasons for this, and after discussion with my tactical staff and about a thousand HPG messages back and forth to Relief units on-site and along the border, I'm forced to agree with that assessment."

"Do you have hard proof?"  Dineh Longwalk, the rep from Pastorville on the Ia Drang Plateau, asked.

"Well, isotope analysis indicates the main columnular generated at Tharkad didn't contain the right isotopes-lots of carbon 14 and other alpha emitters, very little in the way of beta or Gamma-that's not normal for the type of warheads used by military forces."  Li said, "It is normal for a massive fission-pile detonation like Dinh Diep-Clan warheads are expected to be related to Neutron or laser-triggered fusion devices-these don't leave long-term fallout, they burn too efficiently, and don't have the kind of incomplete fissionable combustion the NEF found using atmospheric sampling-lots of U-238 and PLU-240, more of a fission detonation than a fusion one-it's rather unlikely the Clans would deploy dirty-bombs, since they're bulky and easy to detect.  Contacts in Free Skye indicate that they also don't build dirty-bombs, they're too damned expensive and better warhead configurations are easier to get parts for."

"So...who does that leave?" Gwen Giap of the 11th District New Saigon (Social Democrat) asked.

"Well..."  Li looked uncomfortable, "we built a few prototypes back in the late fifties on the logic that the Falcons would come knocking after Serpent left-but those are accounted for in LCAF storage at Coventry, and the yeilds we tested in '58 would have been too high, and the fallout too low.  The ground sample at the subsurface detonation of Mount Wotan,however, gives a different story from the open-air detonation in the Triad..."

"What kind of story?" Giap pressed.

"Fast-burning laser trigger, Americium wrapped in Tritium wrapped in Deuterium." Li recited, "Yeild was in the mid 500 kiloton range, probably the warhead from a Peacekeeper.  Rad counts and isotope levels in the ground at the site match up text-book, as does the EMP damage and range generated, temperature range and cooling...that was an SLDF bomb, but since the outside of the mountain is mostly intact, it would have had to have gone off inside the base."

looks were exchanged.

"I contacted the Coventry, Alarion, Skye, Bolan, and Arc Royal arsenals-the Alarion and Bolan arsenals are missing warheads."  she said quietly, "They didn't say as much, but they were evasive in their answers to queries, and my contact inside Lohengrin tells me that Alarion, at least, is missing one SW-91 five hundered KT warhead from storage-and may be missing more, since the records appear to have been altered."

"WHO does OCB think is most likely, then, if neither Free Skye, nor the Clans?" Giap asked.

"OCB believes the most likely culprit is the Rim Worlds Republic-they have means, motive, and have had inside-access all along." Li said, "Given the current strategic situation, they're the only group that could or would benefit strongly from decapitating the Lyran Commonwealth."

LCS Kowloon, 1500 Hours, Tharkad system, Nadir point...

"Two weeks ago, the problem was no government at all, now we've got messages from a half dozen claimants to legitimacy..."  Captain Michael Collins was born on skye, and had spent his time in prison for Free Skye activities in the forties and fifties.  His placement back in the Fleet, as a warship commander, had been a surprise to him-but not much of one.  "Now, your world's declared article nine."  He said, "Not just them, though-half a dozen worlds in that end.  I've got orders from Donegal and Coventry to move to crush it, and orders from Alarion and Bolan to hold position-they're all about as legitimate, coming from senior Admirals, Generals, Margraves, and little pocket-sized Estates Generals with their own claimants to the Archonship."

"What about Skye?" Eileen Cu'ong, the ship's XO, asked.

"Robert's put his hat in, but he's told me to follow my conscience on this." Collins said, "He's Free Skye to the bone, like me, an' frankly, I'm impressed-MacAulliffe walked out of the Archon's direct service and all the access it granted after getting a good strong taste of power, and word has it she's reluctant about accepting the leadership out there...besides, WE were an independence movement, and to be honest, Eileen, I can't command a ship with half a crew having to be watched or replaced."

Some nods were exchanged around the wardroom-the possibility of mutinies had reached critical point in the aftermath of the bombings and the rise of opportunistic claimants with just-strong-enough claims to the archonship.

"We're going to rotate people into homogenous units based on ethnic origin." he said, "That leaves enough 'loyalist' fleet units that we can still conduct operations, and it gets rid of the separatists without destroying valuable public property-a fleet that's fighting itself, isn't going to be able to fight external foes."

"You're going to just let them go home?" Adler Galland (LCS Solaris) asked, disbelieving.

"It's that, or sleep one-eye-open." Michael told him, "Losing a few ships now, without wrecking others in the process, is better than losing the whole fleet to internal squabbling."

Donegal, 30 July 3069.


  Kommandant General Daniel Russell rolled his shoulders and sighed. "Too much to do and so little time. Lowell, what do you have for me?"
Colonel Craig Lowell frowned. "Sir, Tharkad was nuked...Twice. LIC reports that the RWR is the main culprit but it's too early to be sure they still need to get results back from NEST. Asgard is just GONE along with the Triad. According to a communications poll you're the senior officer who was not present. You might want to get a hold of Robert Kelswa-Stiener if he has not done so already he's probably gonna make a play for the throne. He has the best claim. The Mardsens could also do the same. Logic dictates we need to try and hold as much of the LCAF together as possible while letting people go home. The situation is sticky to say the least."

  Daniel nodded and his face tightened. "Damn, fire off a message to Robert and all commands. Have them state readiness and operational strenght as well as intentions. I need to know what we've got so I can report to the the Archon(s) cantidates, preferably before they ask."

Batch Message* All LyrCom* Text only


  People of the Commonwealth a terrible tragedy has been visited upon our nation in this time of great adversity. An unknown party has taken it upon itself to decapitate our goverment. In doing so our Archon and the Estates General were vaporized in a cloud of nuclear fire. The LCAF high command was also elimiated in the same manner. In light of this event I am declaring myself as a cantidate for Archon and have pledged the resources at my disposal to the security of the Lyran Commonwealth as a whole. I call on all Lyrans for thier support during this time of crisis.
Overall Command of the LCAF will fall to the senior officer known to be alive at this time. I call on our neighbors and fellow Star League members to provide humanitarian aid as needed. At this time I also call for all member worlds of the Commonwealth to send new representitives to Donegal to convene an emergency session of the Estates General so that the Commonwealth may go on. I have decided that the interests of the Commonwealth and the welfare of it's people outweigh my own.


In service,

Robert Kelswa-Steiner
Duke of Skye
Duke of Tamar


*Message ends*

(OOC note...Trying to get a handle on the precise time in game bear with me.)


  Daniel Russell sat at his desk thinking. The Commonweath I have dedicated my life to is flying apart. Robert Kelswa Steiner has the best claim but this Charlemange character I hear rumors about also has a weaker yet valid one as well. There are worlds secceeding right and left. My choice is a tough one, but Robert has the best claim. Right or wrong I'm going to have to follow him. I just hope it turns out to be what is best for the Commonwealth in the long run.  He called for his deputy. "Lowell, we're backing Robert. Get recall orders out. I'll be damnned if we're going to lose more than we have to."

Aug 12,3069, LCAF provisional HQ, Donegal.


 General Order 3069-08-12-001



  1. All LCAF units are to report to their home garrison assignments/bases as soon as possible. Units engage in combat operations are to continue to do so. Naval Assets are instructed to report to Donegal for replenishment/refit operations for immediate deployment to the Region surrounding Arluna as it is now declared "in revolt". Units unable to comply with orders are to message LCAFPHQ on Donegal for further instructions/amendments to orders. Units curerently at home stations are to remain on alert for possible deployment to new stations.


Signature,

Kommandant General Daniel Russell
Geenral of the Armies (Pro-tem)

Transmitted by coded HPG and blackbox 13 AUG 3069...

TO: ALL LCAF COMMANDS
FROM: SPKRESTGEN

1. SURVIVING MEMBERS OF THE ESTATES-GENERAL ARE ASSEMBLING ON ARC ROYAL TO RE-ESTABLISH CIVIL GOVERNMENT.

2. THE ESTATES-GENERAL IS THE ONLY LAWFUL NATIONAL COMMAND AUTHORITY.

3. ALL LCAF COMMANDS ARE DIRECTED TO DISREGARD ORDERS FROM CLAIMANTS TO THE POST OF ARCHON AND FROM UNLAWFUL SEPARATIST GROUPS.

4. REPORTS OF THE REFORMATION OF THE ESTATES-GENERAL ON DONEGAL ARE INACCURATE AND ANY DIRECTIVES FROM SUCH A BODY MUST NOT/NOT BE REGARDED AS LAWFUL INSTRUCTIONS.

5. ALL UNITS ARE TO REPORT TO THEIR HOME GARRISON ASSIGNMENTS/BASES AT EARLIEST POSSIBLE OPPORTUNITY. NAVAL FORCES ARE INSTRUCTED TO REPORT TO ARC ROYAL FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS.

6. ADDITIONAL OPERATIONAL ORDERS TO FOLLOW.

QUOTE,
MULHANEY

Donegal, 13th Aug 3069


   General Russell looked at the message flimsy. "Send the following back to Arc Royal. Message recieved.  That's it. Have all units in Skye and Donegal do the same. Ensure they know that the standard ROE applies. I do not want a blood bath to start over this situation. Message Robert Kelswa Steiner as well give him readiness report."

Glenculloch Manor, Skye Aug,13 3069


   Robert Kelswa-Steiner was furious beneath the calm he outwardly showed to his advisors. How dare they declare themselves independence. That bitch will hang. "I want a press release condeming the formation of the UIW out immediately. Full embargo nothing goes in nothing goes out. I also want treason charges filled against all of thier leadership. Any unit that does go over is to be considered rogue. Ensure that this is transmitted throught the Commonwealth. I want this on all military and civil networks within the hour." He paced around his desk while his aide furiously took notes. "I also want orders cut regarding Kommandant General Russell as well. He is to continue what he is doing."

LCS Arluna, Tharkad system...

Madelaine Schrakenberg watched the announcement, then, she re-read the orders from both Arc Royal, and Robert Steiner.

"Which orders do we follow, ma'am?"  Jheri Dugan asked.

"Which indeed..." Madelaine mused, "If we go to Arc Royal, they'll replace the whole crew to keep the ship, and probably imprison Chief Trac and the rest of our marines.  If we go to Donegal, they'll probably strip the crew, arrest me because of my cousin's involvement in this secession, intern the lot of us for the duration, and then send a fleet to crush them.  If we stay here much longer, we'll be pretty much no use to anyone on any front, and the Rimjobs are still coming, and we'll have forces from both directions coming to put us down-and that's assuming that Coventry and Alarion don't decide THEY are the legit government..."

"Have you commo'ed Hauptmann-Kapitan Collins?" Dugan asked.

"Yeah." she said.

"What did he say?" Dugan pressed.

she looked at the executive officer, "In the absence of a legitimate legal authority, an officer has to make a choice." she mocked the Skye-born, former Free Skye officer's accent as she said it.  "I worked with Debbie when she was working for the Archon.  I'm sure Robert Kelswa would like to have that kind of insider info on her-what makes her tick, why she does things, what strategies she's likely to use...It's too bad he's not going to get it."  she folded her hands, "what's the Crew's take on this?"

"Officially, or unofficially?" Dugan asked.

"UN-Official take, please." Madelaine said, "We're not bugged here."

"Unofficially, there's a plan to throw Stevens, Jotun, and a few others in a lifeboat, without suits, and push for the UIW." Dugan said, "It's pretty widespread, and they're talking about tossing anyone else who might be a problem out an airlock with a P-suit and a beacon."

"Make certain we've got a full barn before you do that, Dugan, and keep it off the comms until the task-force gets the jump-out signal for Donegal." she told him, "They're going to hang us for this."

"Not if we make it, ma'am."

Headquarters, 4th Royal Guards RCT(LCAFprovisional HQ), Doengal Aug 15th 3069


*Results of JAG investigation RE: Adam Steiner/Daphne Rowe*


   Subjects are in violation of numerous civil legal codes but these viloations are not germane to this report so the focus will cover Adam Steiner's actions vis a vis Somerset (Now known as Addergrad).


Charges are as follows:

 Willful disobedience of Lawful Orders: The Somerset Operation was not approved by the National Command Authority. Subject followed orders from Rowe.


 Destruction of Military Property: Subject casued the loss of large amounts of LCAF assets. (Combat Loss) These assets were lost by failure to ensure adequate intellegence data. Subject did not make appreciable effort to disengage from offensive operations once disposition of OPFOR was known.




Conspiracy: Subject willfully conspired to cripple the LCAF To allow the reformation of the Rim Worlds Republic, in doing so caused  areas  to be threatened by invading clan troops. (The results of said actions are made clear in Colonel Craig Lowells report which is attached).



Espionage: Subject willfully passed data to hostile interests (Daphne Rowe/RWR).



Capital Murder: Subject caused the loss of life of LCAF Personnel with malice.



Conduct unbecoming: Subject performed actions detrimental to the performance of his duties. These  actions were not in the traditions of the LCAF.


See attached files for details of findings.

*End report *


"This is a very condensed summary of the report that was researched and prepared by my staff. I decided to hit on the high points. Feel free to add anything you deem appropriate General." Colonel Hasegawa-Russell took her seat."

HQ 4th Royal Guards, Donegal

  Daniel nodded. "I'm sure you could add Barratry and Regicide to those charges as well Colonel. Understandably the current situation is a direct result of Adam's actions despite the fact that Peter is a cloud of atoms now. It is also a fair bet that he may or may not declare for Archon. Since the Estates General has to ratify the cantidates for the job...Adam would probably not be selected. Regardless we MUST assume that he will probably make a play for power. Sallic Law allows him to."

  Hasegawa looked confused. "What do you mean sir?"
Daniel smiled thinly." Simon Davion shot his predecessor in court. He was found innocent of a regicide charge and assumed the throne. That is the precedent and I'm sure that the Supreme Court and Estates General would consider that if it was not for the fact that Robert's claim to the throne is as good or better than Adam's"

<<rerouted via SLDF HQ, xxxxxxx, to LCAF HQ, xxxxxxx>>

To:  Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces Headquarters.
CC:  Star League Defence Force Headquarters.

From:  Caldarium System HPG

Message Reads:  This is Major Yohana Cobo of the 302nd Hussars, on secondment to the SLDF.  The Caldarium system is once more a Lyran Commonwealth world, taken from Clan Spirit Cats.  Is the LCAF in a position to deploy a garrison unit to defend?

Alarion, Orbital 6, Ioto Interstellar Offices...

"Open up in the name of Charlemagne Steiner and the Lyran Commonwealth!"  Kelli Fitz looked over at her office-assistant. 

"Go ahead and unlock the door, Gloria.  I'll handle this." she said.

The Militia Troops very nearly knocked themselves out securing all one hundered and eight pounds of Gloria Marvitz, before turning their attention on her boss.

"Hi." Kelli said, "Can I do something for you gentlemen, and is there a reason you're roughing up my receptionist?"

one of the men, a Kaporal stepped forward, he hadn't lowered his pistol yet.

"We are nationalizing this facility.  You will cooperate."  He said.

"My, you're not very good at this...Corporal Jenks?" Kelli commented, "First off, you deliver such orders with a suit and Tie, not by beating the crap out of the people you want-and trust me, I built a damned good staff here, running this shipyard.  Second, you make sure you know the legalities surrounding the person you're pointing the gun at-especially given that you're aligned with Charlemagne Steiner, not Robert.  Robert would be quite in his rights to have me shot-your boss, well, that's not a smart move considering..."

"What do you mean?" he demanded.

"Kowloonese citizen." she said, "Smart people don't shoot their allies, Mister Jenks, really smart folks do not shoot the staff that they need to run a shipyard."

His pistol trembled a bit, and subconsciously, Kelli ran the calculations on whether she could take his pistol, drive his nose into his brain, and kill the other four troopers before they could panic-shoot Gloria.  She decided the long term problems weren't worth the short term satisfaction of being able to, Liz-like, kill someone for pissing her off.  He muttered something into his helmet-mic, and recieved an answer.

"I'm invoking right-of-return, Corporal." Kelli added, as the Miliz man holstered his sidearm.  "I will be shipping, along with some members of my staff loyal to me personally, for the Union of Independent Worlds."

Gloria looked scared.

"I will, of course, be taking my close staff with me-do you want to contest that?"  Kelli added, her legs tensing unconsciously-the geometry had changed, her office-staff wouldn't be in the way of bullets...

"No ma'am." Jenks said, "I din' know you was a secessh."

A Leutnant came through the door, he was a man known to Kelli-  Lt. Gerhardt Fisch, Lohengrin and now, apparently, one of Charlemagne's men.

"I know about Two-Thirteen, and I know you're also a director of Ngo Industries, we're not letting you board ship until we've assured there are no scuttle charges or active self-destruct systems." Fisch told her.

Kelli shrugged, "Liz is dead, I can't order a two-thirteen, but you're certainly welcome to verify for yourselves while my staff finishes boxing up their personal effects and papers." she told him, "I have been packed for days now.  I do wish you hadn't sent in the goon-squad before talking to me, though."

"Those personal staff-they include Hektor Jimenez and Sandra Post?" Gerhardt asked.

"Naturally." Kelli said, "I hired them from Boojum, they're Rockjacks, and we share certain...quirks about working in Nationalized industries-my taking them along will reduce problems for your people in the yards."

"Good, we had orders to break the Union." he said.

"Well, consider it...broken?" Kelli said, "Naturally they'll have folk who want to go with them.  It should not be a major issue filling those jobs."

Field Grade BOQ, Alistair Mardsen  Kazerne,Donegal.


  Kommandant Dieter Handlemann-Bitburg leaned back in his chair he was holding a bottle of Schnapps in one hand and a half full glass in the other.
"Ach, I hope my little flower Kelli is alright. Last I heard from her she was on Alarion." Craig Lowell chuckled. "Your little flower could break your neck with her pinky, Dieter. She's a freaking assassin who use to work for Ngo Industries." Dieter took a healthy swallow of his schnapps,
"I know." He smiled crookedly.  Lowell bit his tongue knowing that if he said anything more Dieter would just drink himself in to oblivion.

Mardsenville Drop-port, Donegal Aug 16th 3069.


Emile looked over at the portly gentleman beside her. "Thank you for helping me get here." Sergeant Major Donovan Schindler (LCAF,retired) smiled. "You're welcome liebchen. Can I take you to someone you know? Do you have any relatives here?" She shook her head. "Nein, just take me to the nearest military base for now. I'm sure they can connect me with the right people." Shindler flagged down a cab.

DBC Nightly News, 18th Aug 3069.


"In a statement released from the offices of Duke Robert Kelswa Steiner today...He strongly condemned the UIW for it's declaration of independence while slamming the Adder's candidate for Archon. He stated that 'Little Debbie' and her band of misfits and 'neer do wells will end up being Adder slaves and branded 'Charlie Adder' as a common criminal who should have been executed at birth." He went on to state that the Adder's push to put one of thier own was a desperate gambit to take the easy way to Terra and violate Clan Traditions as a whole.

 Sources report that his chosen General of the Armies Kommandant General Daniel Russell stated that the UIW's formation and the Adder's latest grab for Lyran worlds are a direct result of mismanagement by not only the previous Archon but the Traitorous actions of 'spinless syncophants and cowards'. Suprisingly in follow up interviews niether Duke Robert or General Russell had much to say about the succession of the Bolan region, commentary was summed up as "they made their bed now they have to sleep in it'. Robert reaffirmed that while he deplores the fact that the Commonwealth is fractured he did state that the Articles of Acceptance allow for worlds to leave the Commonwealth with the loss of all Lyran support.

 General Russell stated that the numerous worlds have answered his call for the election of representatives and they will be meeting on Donegal as soon as possible to select an new archon."

Hall of the Estates General, Arc Royal, 18th August 3069   

It took a minor act of will for Sharon Mulcahy to stop grinding her teeth as she surveyed the delegates of the Estates General now assembled on Arc Royal. It was not so much the men and women themselves but their formless chatter, an aggressive assertion of something worse than silence. Some laughed, joked, or lectured, betraying the dubious pedigree that many of them possessed; a few of those who were fortunate enough to not be present on Tharkad provided the core of the group, while the rest were a mixed lot. Social climbing dilettantes, armchair politicians who had seized upon the chance to finally display the wisdom they had accrued from cheap paperbacks, and more than one homeless refugee from the clan assault of sufficient standing that he could be called a delegate: what mattered was that the worlds of the Commonwealth were represented, and whatever the flaws of those who spoke in the name of its worlds, they were patriots. And that would have to be enough.

   Mulcahy forced herself to breathe as she unclenched her jaw, drawing in the cold air that the bare insulation could not keep out; she might have chosen a more inviting meeting place than a converted mech bay, but better that none find comfort in their present situation. Positioned behind the podium at the center, she turned her head momentarily to survey the Griffin battlemechs on either side of her and the banners displaying the red Commonwealth fist that hung between her and the mechs. May these signs not be for nothing. "My friends, assembled delegates of the estates general," she intoned with a studied voice, the cacophony dying out at the utterance, "I am pleased to see that you have arrived to Arc Royal safely. It would be foolish to drone on about a situation that we all know is so urgent as to defy words. We, like all the citizens of the Commonwealth face total catastrophe, yet firm roots may yet be set in upturned soil. It is our duty, to the citizens, to the nation, and to ourselves to see that the Commonwealth survives. The clans threaten; we will see them turned back. Traitors, secessionists and would be archons who serve only themselves stand to tear the nation apart; as the legitimate government of the Commonwealth, we shall see them earn the rewards of their treason. We will restore order, and we will prove ourselves worthy to bear the moral force that holds the Lyran Commonwealth together. Let this first meeting of the Estates General in the 694th year of the Commonwealth come to order."

As she yielded to the Speaker of the Assembly, Mulcahy said a short prayer, that her labors might yield anything but a joke.

PUBLIC STATEMENT OF THE ESTATES GENERAL
PRIORITY A/FOR DISTRIBUTION TO ALL THE PUBLIC

Citizens of the Lyran Commonwealth,

The Estates General of the Lyran Commonwealth, legally convened on Arc Royal in the wake of the tragic and cowardly attack on Tharkad that claimed the life of the archon, has issued this notice in order to appraise the residents of all Lyran worlds of the present situation and to summon them to their patriotic duty in these dark hours.

Firstly: With the death of Archon Peter Steiner-Davion and in the absence of any clear successor to the throne, SOVEREIGN AUTHORITY over the worlds of the Commonwealth falls to the ESTATES GENERAL until a new Archon is ratified by this body. NONE of those who have laid claim to the Archonate at present have been ratified, and ALL CALLING THEMSELVES ARCHON AT PRESENT ARE OPPORTUNISTS AND REBELS against the legal government of the Lyran Commonwealth.

Secondly: Due to the ongoing crisis that plagues the Lyran State, the Estates General has proclaimed a STATE OF EMERGENCY in order to ensure the protection and freedoms of all Lyran citizens. Please note that in order to ENSURE YOUR SAFETY and KEEP ORDER, local authorities may need to temporarily emend the law codes. Failure to comply with emergency measures may result in punitive action. It is the duty of all patriotic citizens to obey all authorities of the proper government of the Commonwealth on Arc Royal.

Thirdly: Despite the ongoing military crisis and clan threat, there are those who place their own private gain before the safety of the Lyran Commonwealth and its people. These TREASONOUS SECESSIONISTS are to be opposed at every turn; they would reduce the proud might of the LCAF to a sequence of disparate morsels that our ENEMIES might DEVOUR US one piece at a time. We shall OPPOSE ALL THREATS to the integrity of the Lyran State, INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL.

Fourthly: While we place our faith in the skills of the LCAF to defend our world, our mechs, fighters and vehicles cannot do their job if the HOMEFRONT is not SECURE. Throughout the Commonwealth, there are those who would sell YOUR SAFETY for their own gain. Not all of them are nobles or pretenders to the archonate. BE VIGILANT: IF YOU SEE SUBVERSIVE ACTIVITIES REPORT THEM.

Fifthly: The government of the Lyran Commonwealth CONTINUES TO SUPPORT the STAR LEAGUE. All citizens should be prepared to aid the SLDF in any way practical IN ORDER TO DEFEAT THE CLAN MENACE. Remember: EVERY VICTORY FOR THE CLANS IS ANOTHER WORLD ENSLAVED.

Sixthly: The secessionists are a PLAGUE upon the Commonwealth, but such is an understatement when it comes to those who call themselves after the RIM WORLDS REPUBLIC, HOME OF ARAMIS THE USURPER. Would you consent to be ruled by those who CHOOSE THIS NAME IN ADMIRATION OF A GENOCIDAL TYRANT? Daphne Rowe is more than a traitor, she is a MADWOMAN. To protect the citizens of the territories that she has already SEIZED AT THE COST OF LYRAN LIVES, the Lyran Commonwealth offers a BOUNTY of (c-bills equal to 5 RP) for her capture, DEAD OR ALIVE.

For your consideration: Some misguided citizens of the Commonwealth have been taken in by a vile clansman who calls himself Charlemagne Steiner and claims the archonate. What has henceforth been left out of the discussion of his laughable claim is Clan breeding practices – this is a VATBORN MONSTER WITH THIRTY-NINE twin siblings. If one is prepared to accept the claims of this PRETENDER, why not those of his brother PHIL THE LABORER which are EQUALLY AS VALID? Even for those fools who desire clan rule, THERE IS NO CLEAR CHOICE AMONGST THE CLAN "STEINERS." Do we want to make the Commonwealth a PATHETIC CLAN STOMPING GROUND? These clanners have NO INVESTMENT IN THE COMMONWEALTH beyond the COINCIDENCE OF A NAME.

This direct communication from the government is for the benefit of all citizens of the Commonwealth. REMAIN VIGILANT and know that the COMMONWEALTH REMAINS STRONG IN TIMES OF TRIBULATION.

Decree of the Estates General
20 August 3069

Glenculloch, Skye, 21,Aug 3069.


  "Did you see the proclamation of the 'banker's' puppet Estates General? She thinks by having the representaives from Arc-Royal alone are going to call the tune of the rest of the Alliance? She's even more misguided than 'Little Debbie'. I'm sure that we'll come to an understanding eventually. Her failure to even ask me what my intentions are is insulting." Robert sipped his coffee and thought for a moment as he looked at the holodisply showing the areas that had seceeded out right or declared for the other cantidates. "Something has to give and it's not going to be me. I WILL NOT see the Commonwealth go the way of the old Star League." He motioned to his aide. "Erik call DBC and tell them I need to make a broadcast."

DBC, COmmonwealth Tonight, Aug 21,3069

"This is Gretchen Sundberg with Tonight in the Commonwealth with Duke Robert Kelswa Steiner of Skye. Robert I'm sure our audience would like to hear what you have to say regarding the current state political state of the Commonwealth. So to begin what is your stance on the UIW?" Robert sips his water.

"Well I view the UIW as misguided. Their reason for pulling out of the Commonwealth is valid, but in essence is a knee jerk reaction to the atrocity committed on Tharkad. While I am against their secession in principle there is no legal recourse save to wait for them to come home so to speak. The articles of acceptance allow for worlds to leave the Commonwealth . While losing the benefits of membership they are technically not in revolt."

"I see your point Robert. Now what about Bolan? They have declared for another state do you have an opinion regarding them?"
 
"Indeed I do. Bolan's Duke Umayr has garnered a lot of popular support in his province his worlds FOLLOWED him when he switched sides so to speak. Misguided? Very much so but he has made his bed and will now sleep in it. I'm sure our Clanner neighbors with their 'Rawr me smash' approach will take great pleasure in gutting the re-born Rim Worlds. Better them than me. On a another subject as long as the RWR stays on their side of the fence I will concentrate on liberating Lyran worlds from the evil clans. Should Adam Steiner or his WIFE think of trying to take Commonwealth worlds by force I will be forced to destroy them."
 
"So you recognize the Rim Worlds Republic Robert?"

"A good question Gretchen...I do not like the idea of an RWR and Daphne Rowe is not Stefan Amaris if I am correct she is descended of one Hector Rowe who founded the Rim Worlds Republic . Her actions while she was in the Commonwealth do prevent both herself and Adam Steiner from ever returning. Arc-Royal announced a bounty on her head and it is quite substantial.
 
"Speaking of Arc Royal, Robert... Do you have an opinion of their actions besides the bounty?"

"Arc-Royal's heart is in the right place but their actions are not rational. The Estates General needs to be reformed and an Archon selected as soon as possible but they made no effort to allow myself or the other nobles to make allowances to get delegates lawfully elected and TO Arc Royal. This speaker character  whatever her name is is trying to order the LCAF to do her bidding? It is my opinion that she is trying to bend the Commonwealth to the will of Arc-Royal and the rest of us be damned.  If she was receptive to allowing delegates from Skye and Donegal time to arrive before proclaiming herself Speaker I would be far more receptive to her desires. To top it off she has no legal authority over the LCAF and by bypassing the legitimate military authorities is setting herself up for failure."

"So you have declared yourself a candidate for Archon Robert. What are your goals should you ascend to the throne?
 
"My goals are simple. First is to rid the Commonwealth of the Clan threat. Second is to ensure all treaty obligations are met . In doing so it is my goal to bring the Commonwealth back to a semblance of normalcy preferably without a civil war. I want the Lyran People to be prosperous and not have to live in constant fear of invasion from one foreign power or another. My late cousin Katrina did try her best to accomplish this with her peace accord of 3020 and only the Federated Suns accepted. Unfortunately, my Uncle put his goals over the survival of the nation. Instead of compromising with the Archon and her husband he allowed himself to be manipulated by forces that would see the Commonwealth a mere façade of what it was in 3028."


"So you believe that Free Skye is wrong in their actions over the last 40 years?"

"In principle no in execution yes... The Commonwealth has since its founding been a coalition of states working together to benefit the whole not a monolithic super-state. Free Skye failed to see this until I took the reins and became the Duke. It will take time but Free Skye is changing."

"Thank you Robert for allowing us this interview. " She turns to the camera. "Thank you for watching."

*The following message is posted ad nauseum in the Lyran Territories of Arc Royal and anywhere else where a sympathetic contributor can be found*

Citizens of the Lyran Commonwealth, in the face of the persisting emergency that threatens the core of our great nation, it may seem that there is little for the common man to do but wait and fall victim to those enemies both internal and external who seek our destruction. It is not so! The Lyran Commonwealth has never stood on the whims of its "great nobles," nor ever alone upon its military might – it is from the strength of our people and their spirit that our prosperity has been drawn. If the state were to fall, it would not be from the craven actions of the Tharkad attackers, nor the Clan menace. It would be because the everyday citizen failed to declare for the Commonwealth in its darkest hour!

It is the patriotic duty of all citizens to work with the government now seated on Arc Royal to work to restore the freedoms and security of all Lyran worlds!

This has been obvious to all loyal citizens since the attack that claimed the life of our beloved Archon, but until now, what one is to do and how to coordinate have been vexing questions. In order to aid with the mobilization of our citizen-patriots, the Estates General has approved the creation of a civilian association that will work for the benefit of all Lyrans. As of August 3069, the Association of the Tharkad Martyrs is active on your world! Delivering food and necessary supplies to those whose livelihoods have been disrupted, rooting out subversives, educating citizens on the nature of the crisis, and keeping our industry the most productive in the Inner Sphere, the Association is the backbone of the Lyran people. Our enemies think us weak and the fruits of our labors for the taking – they have not begun to see what the will of the Lyran people is capable of!

Take a stand for the Lyran Commonwealth, for your world, and for your local community – join or found your local chapter of the Association of the Tharkad Martyrs today!

Jürgen Tanuyama
Delegate Timkovichi to the Estates General
Oberst, Association of the Tharkad Martyrs

THE ABOVE TEXT IS AN OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION OF THE LYRAN GOVERNMENT ON ARC ROYAL. TAMPERING OR REMOVAL OF THIS MESSAGE IS A CRMINAL OFFENSE UNDER ITEM 4/B OF THE EMERGENCY LAWS.

LCAF Provionional HQ, Donegal, Aug 22 3069.

  Kommandant General Daniel Russell looked at the transcript of Robert's interview and nodded. Brilliant move on the part of the Duke. He placed the transcript on a top of a stack of documents on his desk. He called for his Chief of Staff. "Dieter, have we heard anything from Tharkad?" Dieter frowned.
  "Nein, Herr Generalkommandant, nothing official as of yet. Our relief supplies have arrived along with HazMat teams. They have been in place for several weeks but from the limited communications we have recieved there has been no fighting as of yet. I do recommend that we keep an eye on things." He shrugged. " I did recieve a missive from my sister. She says that my parents are unhurt but that things are a mess."
 
  Daniel nodded. "I see...I want reports twice a week and we'll prepare to move to cover our relief personnel. I'm sure that Robert will probably have orders for us vis a vis Tharkad. If he tells us to move we'll be ready."

Newswire Arc Royal, 22 August 3069

"Good evening Newswire viewers, this is Gottfried Fichte with continuing coverage of our ongoing series, Commonwealth in Crisis. Tonight, we are proud to announce the first interview with a delegate to the Estates General gathered on our proud world of Arc Royal. The delegates have emerged from what has been the second eighteen hour marathon session in four days just a half hour ago, and we're happy to offer our viewers insight into what lies behind the decrees that have emerged from this body. We have with us Werner Dergens, the delegate from Great X. Delegate Dergens, thank you for being with us."

The camera shows a man in his fifties who looks as if he hasn't changed his suit in several days. Dark rings have accrued under his eyes and his unwashed hair has been awkwardly combed into a semblance of presentability.

"Thank you Gottfried. It is my pleasure to be with Newswire and with the people of the Commonwealth. I want to make it clear from the outset though that I am not speaking officially on behalf of the Estates General – I'm just speaking from my own observations and my commitment to keeping the citizens informed."

"We understand delegate, and are happy with whatever information you can provide. The first question is the one that doubtless has been on everyone's lips since the initial public statement was released – how has the Estates General come to gather on Arc Royal and what are its goals?"

"Well, I don't need to tell you that the attack on the capital claimed the lives of many of the delegates of the Estates General and reduced our traditional meeting place to an irradiated ruin. We have Landsgräfin Sharon Mulcahy to thank for providing the space and material support that we needed to reconvene the Estates General here on Arc Royal. It has proved fortunate that attendance at individual sessions is never one hundred percent, so many of those who were not present on Tharkad are here, keeping the Lyran Government alive. Many of the local worlds have furnished replacement delegates, and for those worlds removed from Arc Royal, we have located qualified and capable natives of those worlds to serve in emergency capacity. The LCAF garrison here has gone above and beyond – a number of soldiers are pulling double duty in order that the voice of the people of their homeworld might not go unheard. Obviously it's something of an awkward solution to the problem, but the crisis demands that we act quickly and decisively. Once the Commonwealth is back on its feet, we will see that permenant delegates are appointed according to the usual channels."

"And what are the goals of the Estates General? Many of our viewers have expressed a certain unease with these temporary appointments and the State of Emergency that has been declared. What about appointing an Archon?"

"Let me start by saying that it was the wisdom of Archon Robert Marsden to allow only Barons and those without noble title to sit on the Estates General – we're the voice of the people in the Lyran government. We're closer to the common man and woman than any Duke or Marquessa, and accordingly it's our duty to stand up for the safety and freedoms of the average citizen. We take that task seriously – the motivation behind our entire agenda is the protection of the people. I understand that the emergency laws have people worried, but there is no freedom without sacrifice. And in hours of utmost crisis, we have to sacrifice even our freedom, out of our love for it, in order to ensure it. There's a philosophical term for it – Aufhebung – we become more free by giving up the insubstantial appearance of freedom. And as for appointing an Archon – make no mistake, we will. But the protection of the people comes first. We don't get that by entertaining the deluded, self-serving notions of a couple spoiled nobles who want to drag the Commonwealth into civil war.

"Delegate, have you seen the statement released by Duke Robert Steiner two days ago?"

"I haven't – the demands of my duties here have left me precious little time for sleep, let alone keeping up with minor news stories."

"Ah. Well, in summary, he criticized the Estates General here for not entertaining his candidacy for the Archonate, nor any other. And as I am sure that you have heard, he is convening another body claiming to be the Estates General on Donegal."

"Hm. Let me put it this way – the Estates General has received word of some seventeen claimants to the throne in the past few days, and I'm sure that that's only the tip of the iceberg. They range from Duke Robert, to that patently absurd Clan claim, all the way down to that schizophrenic who's been outside the Estates Hall every day since we've met, shouting that we appoint him. Not one of them has submitted an official claim to us for review, each has just decided that he or she gets to be King of the Commonwealth. If they were in it for anyone other than themselves, they would show proper respect to the representatives of the people. We will ratify a new archon, when one who presents himself or herself as willing to work for the benefit of all Lyran peoples appears; I should add that a Steiner name isn't qualification enough, and if there aren't any Steiners who fit the bill, we may have to look elsewhere. But lest chaos consume this nation, the Estates General – this Estates General, Archon Peter's Estates General reconvened through the patriotic efforts of  Landsgräfin Mulcahy, has assumed sovereign power for the time being. Unlike this fictional Donegal Estates General, we are loyal only to the memory of Archon Peter and the Commonwealth itself, not to some noble who fancies himself Archon and assembles a gathering of toadies to confirm his decision. That being said, if Duke Robert were to dissolve his fantastic Estates General and submit his claim to us, we would be happy to investigate his claims to the archonate and ratify him, if such proves the appropriate course of action. A show of humility on his part would go a long way in motivating such an outcome."

"I see, Delegate. One last question before we break – you look quite tired, and I wouldn't want to stand in the way of the defense of the Commonwealth. Any word on the situation on Tharkad?"

"Unfortunately, Gottfried, we're as in the dark as anyone at the moment. We're rushing aid convoys, food and clean water, and we'll do our best to evacuate anyone in immediate danger, but we have to play it by ear for the moment. But I do want to assure any citizens of Tharkad that receive this transmission that your safety and well-being are on the minds of everyone on Arc Royal, Delegates and private citizens alike. We will do everything within our power to rebuild the capital and to bring those who have defiled it to justice."

"Thank you Delegate. From Newswire Arc Royal, this is Gottfried Fichte, wishing the best for all Lyran citizens in these dark times."

  DBC, At the Frontline, Aug 22 3069.


 "This is Kurt Jurgens live with Colonel Maria Hasegawa-Russell. Colonel Russell is a member of the JAG Corps. We asked her about the political situation in the wake of the Tharkad disaster." He turns to the Colonel. "Colonel what are your thoughts from a leagal standpoint?"

"Kurt, you'll have to bear with me as we are on an emergency footing, but I can give you a quick overview of the situation as I see it. Whomever committed this blatant act of terrorism has done what no one in the history of the Commonwealth has managed to be done. Effectively there is no central government. The Landgrafin has managed to alienate Duke Kelswa-Steiner but I'm sure that the Duke is willing to make concessions to the benefit of the Commonwealth as a whole. The Estates General on Donegal under the guise of "Emergency Powers' has appointed delegated from worlds outside the Arc-Royal region and with thier backing has declared martial law. In essence she has turned Arc-Royal into a police state." She sips her canteen.

 "Arc-Royal is NOT the entire Commonwealth. The only things that have been done by Duke Robert are that he has called for valid elections in Donegal and Skye as well as sent relief supplies to Tharkad. His declaration of cantidacy for the Archon is legal but means very little outside of Donegal and Skye. He knows this and is playing it for all the PR mileage he can get. As for the supposed orders to LCAF units the Landgrafin is trying to grab power. Sadly might makes right in this case. The proper thing to do with LCAF units is assume a defensive posture and ensure the security of Commonwealth. This does not mean that you undermine the Chain of Command. It falls to the regional commanders to deal with military matters and advise the Estates General.

 The Estates General rules at the consent of the people not the other way around. The Delegates would be wise to remember that. Legally that body has no control of LCAF forces and if they continue on the route they are pursuing the Commonwealth will be a memory. As far as the Archonship is concerned the forces here will serve whomever is eleceted LEGALLY. Until then their charter as well as orders are to ensure the security of the Commonwealth."

 Glenculloch, Skye Aug 22nd 3069.


 Robert reviewd the transcrpits of all the various statements issued by the various broadcasts. Brilliant moves on the part of that Colonel. No wonder she's in the post that she holds. He looked over at his aide. "Erik have you been keeping track of relief efforts on Tharkad?" He waited for an answer.

"Yes your grace...they are ongoing. General Russell has been keeping us informed as well."

LCAF Provisional HQ, Donegal.

 Colonel Craig Lowell looked over at Kommandant Dieter Handlemann Bitburg. "Dieter do we have any thing solid on troop strength for the region? I'm sure the boss would love to know." Dieter shrugged and sighed.
 "Sadly I can only give an estimate. Reports are still coming in and if this is what we actually have things don't look good." Craig grimaced.
"And? Are you going to give me the benefit of your administrative wisdom oh master of paper shuffling?"
Dieter caught the sarcasm in Lowell's vioce and stifled a chuckle. He had cleaned Lowell's clock in the last ten sessions in the sim tanks. "Prelimary counts indicate that we will have between 30 and 50 percent of pre split LCAF total strength but as I said previously mister spook reports are still coming in. I have sent a progress report to Herr General so his is aware that a final report will take time."

LCS Arluna, Deep Space, Aug 24th 3069.


 *Flash*

To: LCN Fleet Assets

From: RADM Jessca Doenitz. CinC Donegal Province.

1.All units signal 1FLTHQDONEGAL for further orders upon receipt of this message. ROE: Lima One, Self Defense only.


Signature,

Doenitz

Estates General Press Conference, Arc-Royal
24 August, 3069

Delegate Khartoum Tainya Algeburg, Director of Communications for the Estates General: I have called this press conference in order to address several concerns that the loyal citizenry of the Commonwealth may have, in light of the crisis and the media response. I will be taking questions, but I would first like to respond to some of the slanderous statements emerging from the Donegal media regarding the Estates General and the role of our host, Landsgräfin Sharon Mulcahy. It has been alleged by less than reputable members of the JAG Corps that the meeting of the Estates General on Arc-Royal represents a "power grab" on the part of the  Landsgräfin – I would like to take this opportunity to state that these sentiments are entirely untrue. The  Landsgräfin has undertaken her patriotic duty in getting the Estates General back on its feet in the wake of the destruction on Tharkad, but she is not involved in the setting of its agenda. She opened the emergency session in place of our murdered Archon and has been present on the observation deck through much of the legislative process, but has neither set the agenda nor participated in debate. To impugn her loyalties to the Lyran State and to its people is more than just slander, it is sedition. The Estates General expects a public apology and retraction on the part of the JAG corps, as well as the dismissal of Colonel Hasegawa-Russell. I would like to reiterate that the sole loyalties of the Estates General are to the people of the Lyran Commonwealth and to the memory of our beloved Archon, Peter Steiner. It is truly unfortunate that much of the nobility has refused to cooperate with the government when their support is most needed to ensure the safety of all citizens and to oppose the clan and secessionist threats. I call upon Duke Robert Steiner to enforce the anti-sedition laws within his landhold and the territories that have declared for him in lieu of the legitimate government, in order to ensure that the people are protected.

That being said, I am briefly able to field your questions.

Ursula Tymars, Dukambia News 5: Madame Delegate, can you offer comment on the police raid on the Arc-Royal Observer and the paper's subsequent closing?

Algeburg: As you are no doubt aware, in their 23 August edition, the Observer published an editorial in which it was asserted that the fraudulent claims of the Clan Pretender Charlemagne Steiner should be entertained by the government. In effect, it asserted that the Lyran people should seriously consider handing the state over to the Clan menace without firing a shot; even were the Emergency Laws not in place, publishing these sentiments would constitute treason. The author of the piece as well as the editorial board of the Observer will face trial for treason and conspiracy to commit treason, respectively. Until the Estates General and the Arc Royal police are convinced of the loyalty of the Observer's staff, the paper will remain closed. In essence, this is a routine criminal prosecution and in no way reflects a wider policy towards the press.

Reginald Odula, Alma Alta Free Inquirer: Madame Delegate, has the Estates General contacted the Star League? Will they be involved in the relief of Tharkad and the continuing fight against the Clan Threat?

Algeburg: Most of our communications with the Star League Council and its various bureaus were conducted through Tharkad, and accordingly there has been an interruption in dialog. A new ambassador to the High Council has been appointed, in order to assure them that the government survives and to facilitate coordination in the defense against the Clans, but at present we do not expect or desire direct Star League intervention in rebuilding the Commonwealth directly. We have heard some reports of SLDF action against the illegitimate separatist movement on Apollo, and applaud them provided that the worlds where fighting has occurred are recognized as part of the Commonwealth and collateral damage is minimized. Daphne Rowe is a traitor who has already stained her hands with the blood of countless Lyran citizens in pursuit of her laughable ambition. It is our hope that this despicable war criminal is brought to justice.

Edmund Woll, New Exford Broadcasting Corporation: What is the government's response to the declaration of the so-called Union of Independent Worlds that they will allow the Clanners to move through their territories unharmed in exchange for safety?

Algeburg: The secessionist region that calls itself by that name has committed treason against the Commonwealth, not out of courage, but out of utter cravenness. The safety that they thus purchase for themselves comes at the cost of the lives of countless others. If the junta that has taken control of these worlds is too self-interested to oppose the clans, we pray that the patriotic Lyran citizens under their thumb will not be as eager to bare their throats to an enemy who would enslave us all. Placing a bounty on the head of Archduchess MacAulliffe is on the docket for tomorrow's meeting of the Estates General, and I expect a unanimous vote in favor of the motion. One last question.

Paula Taris, Arc-Royal Newswire: Madame Delegate, there have been reports of the Estates General hiring large contingents of mercenaries. Is this in preparation for conflict with Duke Robert or the separatist regions?

Algeburg: No. There will be no internal military action in Commonwealth space. The government survives, and all military assets will be deployed against the clans. The curbing of the separatist regions will be accomplished via appropriate police action. The LCAF remains loyal to the government, and to the protection of the people. The whims of the nobles will not tear this country apart; those who would try do nothing but dig their own graves.

(edit: proofreading failed)

Aug 24, 3069


  *For Immedate Public Release*

  The governments of Skye and Donegal Provinces fully endorse the comments made during in the interview that DBC broadcast involving Colonel Maria Hasegawa-Russell the current JAG of the Donegal Province. It is not the place of the Arc-Royal Estates General to dictate policy when thier own house is not in order. While in principle Skye and Donegal agree with Arc Royal's desire to re-establish the Commonwealth central government we do not endorse the draconian polices in place to maitain order in that region.

  It our hope that the Arc-Royal Estates General and the Landgrafin see that martial law is not the solution and find that diplomacy rather than jack boots will be met with the co-operation they desire.
It is the policy of our proviosional government to cause as little disruption in local affairs as possible and thus far it is working. It is also the policy that we do NOT interfere with the smooth operation of LCAF forces in the region leaving matters of Discipline and policy to the local commander. As he has not requested that martial law be declared we have not done so.

  As for your efforts to establish a rapport with the Star League...we remind you that they consider the current situation a local affair and they WILL not interfere with the internal affairs of a member state. So regardless of who the late Archon's delegte to the Star League is currently loyal to they will not back any one faction. The Star League still sees the Commonwealth as a single entity and will remain to do so UNLESS you decide to go the route of Debra MacAuliffe and the UIW.


Signature,

Robert Kelswa-Steiner
Duke of Tamar
Duke of Skye

Nejama Beersheeba-Marsden
Duchess of Donegal

LCS Kowloon...

"They've arrested Maddy, Sir."  Sara Cu'ong said, "It's starting."

Kapitain Michael Collins sighed heavily.  "You're sure?" he asked.

"Yes sir..." the thready little rockjack bobbed her head in agreement.

"Transmit to all vessels, LCS Kowloon is proceeding one-alpha to rendezvous, all ships prepare for jump."

"Sir, you sure you don't want to...leave?" she asked.

"I'm sure without Maddy, you people don't have an experienced Flag, and maybe, if you've got the infamous Michael Collins in custody, Robert might consider a trade."  Collins told her, "We're all going to be damned, I'm at least going to do my best for the crews under me."

Brig, LCS Arluna

  "Kaptain von Schrackenberg, it is my duty to inform you that you are being charged with Barratry and will be held over for trial." Madaline shugged her shoulders.
  "I would expect nothing less than a trial. I will co-operate with my defense attorny and have no more to say to you." She turned her back to the Arluna's 2nd Officer.

Camp Aldo, Arc Royal
Lyran Commonwealth

Francisco de Argall looked up into Arc Royal's cloudless night sky.  Some of what looked like stars were obviously moving across the black background, which meant that the ships in the planet's orbit were probably suffering the same divisiveness that Arc Royal's ground garrison was.

Colonel Allister MacGregor, his armor brigade commander, stomped up next to him.  "Loading's complete.  Took a damn while, though."

De Argall nodded.  "We knew it would.  But loading at night without the use of vehicle headlights gives us stealth.  No one can know we're packing up."

"I don't know why we don't just stay here," MacGregor said.  "We can smash this flop of an Estates General --"

"No," de Argall said with an air of futility.  It was obvious they'd had this conversation before.  "We don't know who else here-abouts is rooting for whom.  I'd rather make my escape and then look to ops after we're safely away."

"Hmph."  MacGregor joined de Argall in watching the starry ballet for a moment.  "So you've got a plan, then."

"Me?  No."  He took a folded sheet of paper from his fatigues' breast pocket and handed it over.  "But Adam Steiner does."

MacGregor opened the page and read it.  "Well.  No shit.  Orders are orders, eh?"

Donegal, LCAFPHQ, Aug 24th 3069


 "We'll have to make do, Dieter. What we got is what we got we can always build and train more. Craig told me your report was coming..we'll pull back what we can as per the Orders I sent earlier this month. Right now Robert wants to consoldate what we have and keep military ops to defensive level at this point."
Dieter nodded.
 "I would assume we will be doing what we can to assist on Tharkad as well Herr general?"
Daniel smiled thinly.
"Indeed we will be doing just that."

LCS Simon Marsden, Tharkad, Nadir Jump-point Aug 26th 3069.

  Flag Kaptain Hendrik Lutjens checked the forces status for his "Squadron". "All units report that they have personnel on planet assisting with the relief effort. They also report that they are ready and awaiting further orders." His exec looked back down at his noteputer. "They also are ready to recall personnel at your command Kaptain. Their decon teams and medical staff are ready to recieve casualties. On a side note the CO of thewArluna is under arrest apparently the XO charged her with attempted barratry." Lutjens eyebrows went up.

  "Interesting developent there. Keep me posted and tell him I want a charge sheet sent to me and have our JA ready to head over there to look into it as well as send a message to Donegal. I'm sure they will be interested to know as wel also ensure that all ships are at condition one I don't want to be caught napping if this turns into a fight."

Donegal


* Message*

  CRITIC-TRAFFIC

TO:1LCNFLTDONEGAL
CC:LCAFPHQDONEGAL

From: TF SIMONMARSDEN (Provisional)


  ALL UNITS ARE AT CONDITION 1 ROE LIMA ONE ELEMENTS OF PERSONNEL ARE ASSISTING WITH RELIEF EFFORTS ON THARKAD REPORTS OF CASUALTIES ARE HIGH WILL CONINUE SAR/RELIEF UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE OR RECIEPT OF MOVEORD FROM CINC DONEGAL OR HIGHER AUTHORITY. CO ARLUNA UNDER ARREST FOR GROSS MISCONDUCT. WILL ADVISE ON INVESTIGATION.

LUTJENS

EOM
******

  Rear Admiral Jessica Doenitz ripped the message off the printer and headed next door she needed to inform General Russell what "His Navy" was up to.

Office of the Landsgrafin, Arc Royal

Sharon Mulcahy resisted the temptation to hurl her noteputer across the room; destroying it might have served as neat proxy for the person of the Archduchess MacAulliffe, whose words it displayed, but with the manufacturer on the other side of the Commonwealth, who knew if it could easily be replaced anymore? A litany of mental curses was neatly interrupted by a curt knock on the open door. Without waiting for a response, the door cracked and Agnes Esterhazi entered. Sharon bit back her displeasure – if anyone could be allowed such confidence before her, it was her assistant Agnes. Capable despite her relative youth, and to the best of her knowledge, utterly loyal if possessed of a worrisome ambition, she had been Mulcahy's one relief in the face of the crisis and the blubbering idiots of the Estates General who were her instrument of addressing it. "Landsgrafin," she intoned in a voice tempered with confidence, "I have the reports on the LCAF's readiness."

Sharon sighed. No doubt one bit of bad news after another. "Is it as bad as we expected?"

"Arguably worse. There have been defections amongst the Arc Royal garrison, and those units reporting to us are, how shall I say, in a less than ideal position. As we imagined, there is a disproportionate number of romantics in the LCAF – it is apparently preferable to listen to Robert's platitudes or to sign on to some brand of revolutionary fervor than to do their duty to the people." Agnes set a stack of papers onto the proud desk that had once belonged to Morgan Kell, not entirely succeeding in keeping the worry from her face.

Sharon briefly scanned the overview on top of the stack, finding a neat textual summary of a nightmare. "Perhaps that bitch from Arluna has a point... there has been no word from the Star League?"

"None, Your Grace. The Leaguers are presumably blocking our ambassador, and there's no word if the local commanders are going to respect our rights. There's been some grumbling from the Davion contingent, even after we released from prison those idiot mechwarriors of theirs who were praising Donegal."

"Agnes, stay here a moment. I need you to personally deliver a message to the Delegates. We may have to reappraise our strategy." Esterhazi's brown eyes flicked towards the wall, unable to train on her superior. She nodded without saying a word and retreated to the room outside, unease breaking through on her face.

LCS Simon Marsden, Nadir Jumppoint Aug 27th 3069.


"I have jump signatures...multiple jump signatures with no emergence waves. I repeat no emegence waves. Looks like someone just left." Flag Kaptain Lujtens looked over at the tech.
"Get me idents on what left if at all possible. Continue scanning. I want CAP up and a waring message sent to our teams on the surface." He turned to his Exec. "Commander get a message off to HQ let them know what has happened."

Donegal, Aug 27th 3069


  Colonel Lowell checked the flimsy. Hmm. Looks like I'll have to get with the bosas on this one. Looks like Maddy got caught and is probably something stupid. He walked right into General Russell's office.
"Daniel, I have teo items that might interest you. Madeline von Schrakenberg has been arrested and charged with barratry and some ships have jumped out of the Tharkad System. No Ident on those yet but the Marsden is working on doping that data out for us." Daniel sighed.
  "Craig, get Maria in here in 30 minutes I'll tell her what she needs to do."

Arc-Royal
Free Worlds Cantonment

Good afternoon Baroness Carlyle, I thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to meet with I assure I shall not waste your time."

"Your not going to waste my time, my son's a Royal Guard, my husband is the Baron Glengarry. What exactly makes you think the Grey Death will break contract and sign on with you?"

"One, if you were completely uninterested you wouldn't be here."

"Two, who are you going to work for if not the Free Worlds Baroness Carlye? Bobby K-S who's independence movement you've spent most of your recent career  slapping down? How about the so called Estates General who stripped Morgan Kell of his lands and title's for not signing back on without even making him a contract offer?"

"In short madam, what reputable options DO you have? Look we pay well, we pay on time and we uphold our contracts if that old bitty of a bean counter gives you a hard time we will sick more lawyers on her then she has men in uniform. You know we have the best offer on the table and that's why your here. "

"Oh and number four, we actually have our house in order unlike any of the Lyran claimants. Well I suppose you could of course go work for House Kurita but..."

"But we hate them more then you."

"Exactly, I'm glad you have decided to be reasonable about this and cheer up. Duke Robert is shaping up to be quite the friend of the Free Worlds interests in this Lyran unfortunateness."

"Assuming of course the Grey Death Legion were to take service with the Captain-General." said Carlye through gritted teeth.

"Yes, assuming that of course we can't very well burn up political capital and hard won good will on those who have not clearly...how shall I say chosen the right side?"

"...Well I won't say I'm entirely pleased with your negotiation tactics but...*sigh* you have just hired yourself the Grey Death Legion."

"Splendid I shall send word to Atreus immediately in the meantime report to General Sir De Sousa for briefing. A pleasure doing buisness with you Baroness"

PUBLIC STATEMENT OF THE ESTATES GENERAL
PRIORITY A/FOR DISTRIBUTION TO ALL THE PUBLIC

Citizens of the Lyran Commonwealth,

Destructive rumors have been circulating regarding the role of Free Worlds League troops serving under the banner of the Star League in the Commonwealth. In an effort to combat the lying tongues that would drag our threatened nation to the grave, it is imperative that all citizens know the unfiltered truth of the situation. As of August 3069, the Ambassador of the Free Worlds League to the legal government of the Estates General has been expelled, on account of the League's refusal to recognize Lyran sovereignty. The Marik traitors have extended recognition as well as material support to the separatist traitors and the avaricious nobles who extend absurd claims the archonate, an illegal action according to the treaties signed between our nation and theirs.

In short, they want to see the worlds of the Commonwealth burn, because it suits them. They watch with baited breath, the gaze of the perverted voyeur ready to draw pleasure from the needless death of the Lyran people before the clan juggernaut.

In response to the unfortunate but necessary expulsion of their ambassador, League troops under the banner of the Star League have abandoned their posts in the Arc-Royal region. They have put a pathetic power-grab on the part of House Marik before the defense of the Inner Sphere against the despotic clan menace; they were not ordered away, they abandoned the Lyran State when it refused to cave to their pathetic demands.

KNOW THIS:

The separatists as well as the Archon-pretenders are, in fact, League Puppets. They care only for themselves and would sell all that we have built to Marik that they might have their own private anthills rather than the mountain of Lyran strength.

The Free Worlds League is content to leave citizens of the Inner Sphere to die in order to enforce its own short-sighted gains. Expect them to capitulate to the clans when their forces next meet; they lack honor and the discretion necessary to serve the SLDF.

DEATH TO THE CLANS!
DEATH TO THE SEPARATISTS!
DEATH TO THE SELF-SERVING NOBLES!
DEATH TO THE FREE WORLDS LEAGUE!

Tainya Algeburg
Delegate Khartoum,
Director of Communications for the Estates General

THE ABOVE TEXT IS AN OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION OF THE LYRAN GOVERNMENT ON ARC ROYAL. TAMPERING OR REMOVAL OF THIS MESSAGE IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE UNDER ITEM 4/B OF THE EMERGENCY LAWS.

PUBLIC STATEMENT FROM SLDF HQ

Citizens of the Lyran Commonwealth,

During this trying time, the warriors of the SLDF still stand with you.  At this time, there has been no recognized Lyran Government by the Star League.  However, the Defense Force has not, in any part, abondoned its positions.  Governors on some worlds have requested certain SLDF forces to depart their system, by whatever means necessary.  SLDF HQ has not accepted any of these requests and all troops are under orders to remain in position.  This includes all FWL units.  Things throughout the Commonwealth are confusing now.  Old divisions have arisen.  New ones have been created.  A portion of worlds have chosen to follow a Star Colonel from Clan Star Adder.  None of this affects the position of the Star League Defense Force.  We will continue to defend your worlds, per our agreements with the Lyran government recognized by the Star League.  We will further work with the temporary governments in each region to most effectively defend your worlds.  You have not been forgotten by us and we will not be pushed aside by land grabbing clans or power grabbing nobles.

*For Immediate Release*


  The actions of the Arc-Royal Estates General are not endorsed by the Donegal and Skye Provinces. Free Worlds Forces as well all other SLDF Forces are allowed free passage through the Skye/Donegal region. SLDF Forces are authorized to set up a Field HQ on Summit effective immediately. It has been announced that Skye and Donegal support the SLDF treaties in place and will continue to do so. LCAF Forces are in the process of being redeployed to to provide defensive support to SLDF units at this time.

  We feel that the ejection of FWL troops under SLDF command or provided by treaty under local FWL command are integral to the defense of the Commonwealth as a whole and will continue to allow said troops to remain in the Commoneath as long as they are on offensive operations against Clan forces.
If the Commonwealth is to survive the Clan onslaught forces unity and co-ordination is the key. Trying to go it alone is not a wise choice.

  Skye and Donegal thank the SLDF and it's members for their contrutions to the defense of the Commonwealth and will continue to support their efforts. It is our intent to continue supporting SLDF Operations in the Commonwealth until the Clan threat is removed.

Alstair Marsden Military Drop-port, August 29th 3069.


  Dropships had been lifting off all week and were outbound. Where they were going was anyone's guessbut the last 'ship' slated to take off was a Mark IIV Landing craft still sitting on the tarmac. Several personnel were walking briskly to the rear ramp. The co-pilot took thier bags and led them inside. The Mark IIV would have to make a 3-G Burn all the way to the awaiting jumpships. Wherever theose ships were headed the hopes of the Commonwealth went with them.

Glenculloch, Skye August 29th 3069.


*For Public Release*


 The Federation of Skye and the Protectorate of Donegal in the name of the Lyran Commonwealth formally recognize the Union of Independent Worlds (UIW). A diplomatic envoy will be sent for accredation. An ambassador/envoy from the UIW is hereby requested. Further diplomatic endeavours will be explored upon accredation of envoy/ambassadors.

Signature,

Robert Kelswa-Steiner
Duke of Skye
Duke of Tamar

Nejama Bersheeba-Marsden
Duchess of Donegal

Brig, LCS Arluna, 27 August, 3069...

"...so when are we transferring to the Blackgate prison complex?"  Madelaine Schrakenberg von Howard Gap on Winter, asked.

"The orders are to hold you until you can be picked up."  the Marine's smile was nasty, as he set the tray on the table, "You're to be tried for Treason, probably. Conspiracy to Barratry at the very least."

she sighed and leaned back against the too-small corner of the booth-like cell.  Treason meant Spacing.  "I want my phone call." She enunciated, "You saw the news."

"What news?" he asked idly, munching on a carrot-stick.

"The UIW has been recognized.  I want my phone call." Madelaine said quietly.

Brig, LCS Arluna.

  Flag Kaptain Lutjens looked at Madelaine. "I have orders regarding you, Kaptain. You are to be bound over for trial. A 'phone call' will not be possible due to the fact that all non essential comms have been forbidden by the Naval High Command. Putting it bluntly EMCON is in effect."

She glared back at him. "Then I want to see my Lawyer. I DO have a lawyer correct?"

  "Yes Kaptain, your Lawyer is en route. Apparently someone on high has taken an interest in you getting the best defense possible."

Tharkad, Aug 30th 3069.

Hauptmann-Kommandant Avril Reis watched as a Zeus pushed over a broken lamp post. Mein Gott. The damage even 10 kilometers away is severe. Her people had been doing their best to treat victims bur the aid stations were overloaded and the medics over worked. Members of the Nagelring medical staff had joined in the effort as well as numerous civil agencies. It was bad very bad but things were looking up. Dropships of medical and relief supplies from Donegal and Skye were pouring in and the victims were getting treated.
We need more troops to keep order though even if it's just long enough to get basic services back online. Basic Services were spotty some areas in the blast zone were still without power and water but for the most part order was slowly being restored. She took a pull off of her canteen and leaned back against the leg of her Battlemaster.

Tharkad, September 1st 3069

  Avril sat against her Battlemaster's left foot and thought for a moment. Her reverie was interrupted by the NEST team leader. "Kommandant, I have a new BDA for you and you're not going to like it one bit. First the Kowloonese BDA was RIGHT." Avril looked up at him. "What are you trying to tell me Herr Docktor?" She stood up slowly. He took a sharp breath.
   "The Bomb that was detonated at Asgard was not of Lyran origin. The Isotope levels are all wrong. I have my people running additional checks but I figured you needed to hear this now. The Spectrographic tests support this data..." She cut him off.
"Doctor we need to keep the details under wraps which means HPG is not a secure way to inform our superiors. I want you to prepare a preliminary report on your findings now. I can have it sent by courier to Donegal and they can get it to who needs to see it. This is to be kept hush,hush as in black as night."

Battle Taxi F-2, Great X...

"General?" the adrenaline high was gone.  "General? General you're bleeding!"

"nothing i haven' felt before..." she looked down, "damn that's lot of blood...think i got hit...'sokay tho', got away...won' be a hostage."

The troopers rushed about the shuttle, looking for hte medikit, and she saw globules of red dancing in microgravity.

weird, they look like worlds.

shouting dimmed...

------------------------------

"Great X Control, Any LCAF Units, this is LCAF Shuttle Foxtrot Foxtrot Two, we have a wounded officer and we're out of fuel, request immediate assistance, SOS, I repeat, SOS!"

   LCDS Sigmund Rosenbaum, Great X System.


  "Battle Taxi F-2 this is the LSS Rosenbaum...,<static> Stand by for pick-up."  The Dropship fired it's maneuvering thrusters and began to close. "We have you on visual. Range 10 K meters and closing."
The Dropship maneuvered to match velocity.

Shuttle F-2...

"heard Schuyler tellin' them non-lethals, I think some dickhead wasn't listening."  Corpsman second-class Gertrude Lilly was muttering.

"...screwedup, not 'mportant..." the General was muttering.

"hang on, Ma'am..." Lilly tightened the tournequet, as she did so, she silently cursed doctors who get an MiD in play and don't know what they're doing. 

"We're getting a signal on the radio, looks like an LCAF heavy dropper picked up our signal."  Danahar announced from the flight deck, before keying the comms.

"This is Shuttle Foxtrot Two, thank god you guys are out here.  I've got Leutenant General Evelyn Mosovich aboard, she's hurt bad, Need trauma team and blood replacement, Over."

LCDS Rosenbaum


  "Recieved F-2, medics are standing by. Prepare to be reeled in." It took another five minutes but the shuttle was safely aboard and medics swarmed it there was a critically wounded person aboard and they needed to stablize her.

LCDS Sigmund Rosenbaum, en route back to jumpship.


  "Dammit, get her stablized so we can move her. Make a hole I'm gonna run a transfusion...bleeding stopped doctor." The trauma team worked franticly to stablize her wounds. "Okay on three lift. Let's get her in the preservation capsule and off to the medbay. "Three..."

Tamar, 3052...

"Alpha Two Six, this is Bravo Six Actual, fall back! Fall Back, they're through the perimeter and bearing down on our south Flank!"  Through her vision blocks, Evelyn could see the alien forms of battle armour bounding over the spaceport's south wall.

Somewhere north and west, along that perimeter, her Fiance was trying to stem the Clan tide from the driver's seat of an import model Shadowhawk.

"Alpha Six is down, repeat, Alpha Six Actual is down."

"Target, moving three zero kilometers high nine 'oclock, ballistic arc."

"Got it."  her gunner answered.

The Patton's killer-T shook the turret, as something thumped on the hull.

The Flash came through her vision blocks...


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Great X system, 3069
"Jesus, you sure she's even still alive?"  The medic asked.  General Mosovich groaned from the gurney as they pulled her through the lock into the dropship.

"Hells Yes, you know who this is? this is Iron Lady Mosovich-she fuckin' survived getting her face blown off by a Clan Elemental on Tamar in the fifties!"

RRS Fireant, Nadir Jump Point
Great X, Lyran Commonwealth


Raymond Schuyler slumped down against the wall opposite the boatbay door where "Granny" Mosovich had just escaped.  He probed gingerly at his chest; he didn't know if it was Mosovich or one of her loyalists who had put a beanbag into his torso, but he hurt like Hell.  He groaned in pain as one of his fingers moved a rib where a rib shouldn't be able to move.

"Son of a bitch, that stings," he muttered.

"Sir?" asked one of the Marines.

Schuyler waved him away.  "I'll survive.  Help me up, will. . . " He blinked, the sight of a splash of red on the floor catching his eye.  He looked up at the Marines, eyes searching for injuries.  "Is anyone hurt?"

The Marine squad's gunnery sergeant did a quick ACE check -- Ammo, Casualties, Equipment -- of his men and shook his head.  "No sir, everyone's good."

Schuyler pointed to the red stain at the foot of the door.  "Then tell me, Sergeant, what is that?"

The sergeant kneeled down and put a finger in the splatter.  "Blood, sir."

"No shit?" the brevet brigadier asked sarcastically as he pulled himself to his feet.  "Everyone empty your guns, right now."

"Sarge?" asked one of the Marines.

"You heard the man, Hereford.  Unload it.  All of you."  By way of example, the sergeant racked the action on his shotgun and caught each 12 gauge, bean-bag shell as they popped out.

But one of his soldiers -- a private, by his rank pins -- was racking not beanbag shells, but buckshot rounds.

"Bauer, you are some kind of moron," the sergeant said when he saw.  Schuyler nodded.  "Gunny, I'm going to leave immediate action to you, but I ordered non-lethal rounds only.  The idea was to not kill anyone; the last thing the Republic is going to want is us starting a war on their behalf.  In the next 24 hours, you and this kid are going to be standing tall at my desk."  He coughed, still spitting up blood.  "After I get done in sick bay."

The ship's intercom buzzed, then a voice turned tinny by the speakers rang out.  "General Schuyler, please call the bridge ASAP."

"If its not one thing, it's another," he muttered as he stumbled down the corridor to the nearest interphone station.  He picked it up, dialed in the bridge, and snapped, "Schuyler.  What?"

"Sir, its Captain Montcalm.  There are LCAF-flagged DropShips closing on the flotilla from planetside.  Should we launch fighters?"

Schuyler considered for a moment.  "Are they Skye-Lyran?  Arc-Royal Lyran?"

Montclam snorted.  "With all due respect sir -- how the frak should I know?"

"Point, Captain.  No, don't launch fighters.  Are our batteries full?"

"Yes, sir.  Sails were reeled in half an hour ago."

"Good.  Get us out of here.  We have a rendezvous with the rest of the Republic."

Bridge, LCDS Sigmund Rosenbaum.

  "Captain, I got jump signatures...they are outbound." Kaptain Allan MacGregor looked back at his sensor tech. "Good eye Petty Officer. We'll be out of here in around three hours. Signal our Jumper that we will be docking in ninety minutes or so and that we have a paitent who we need to transfer aboard."

Tharkad, Lyran Alliance.

  The sergeant looked over at Avril. "Kommandant, I'm picking up massive comm traffic. It's not local. It's from the naval units in system." She looked back at him. "Sergeant keep monitoring I know that itty-bitty radio of yours won't transmit but you can recieve... Just let me know if it's friendly or hostile." The sergeant listened to the channel as Avril coninued her log entry.

  "Kommandant, so far it's friendly. I don't have a positive ID but the incoming are talking to the Marsden."

Donegal, Nadir Jump point, Lyran Commonwealth.


  "Vampire flight to base. We have the Mark IIV in sight she's about to dock with the Winterhawk. Looks like a lot of outbound ships. IFF on all shows as friendly." Leutnant Donal Schuller looked to his port side his wingman was tucked in nice and neat. "Vixen break left and check our six. I'm waiting for clearance to follow that Mk IIV in I hope you packed an overnight bag." The Eisensturm flown by his wing man looped off and returned a short time later. Static washed over the channel "Lead we are clear." The flight circled on a patrol patter and waited for clearance.

"Chessboard to Vampire lead. Vampire Flight is clear to land aboard LCDS Tripitz. You will be ready-five upon arrival at destination. Chessboard out."

Nadir Jumpoint, Donegal September 1st 3069.



The computerized vioce of the countdown continued and as it hit six the lights went amber..."Five...four...three...two...one." Rear Admiral Jessica Doenitz looked over at the Winterhawk's Captain.  "Initiate Jump!"  The universe collapsed in on itself.

Tharkad, Nadir Jumpoint aboard the LCS Simon Marsden.


Flag Kaptain Lutjens was standing in the holotank watching his BARCAP fighters circle the fleet as he waited. His Weapons Officer shouted. "Emergence wave 50,000 kilometers off! It's a big one!" Lutjens smiled. "Launch the Alert fighters I want every bird off and ready for my orders before we get a count."
Lutjens chuckled and waited. The other ships of the fleet were doing the exact same thing.

LCS Robert Marsden
Nadir Jump Point, Tharkad
Lyran Commonwealth


"Commander on deck!" the bosun shouted, and the entirety of the Marsden's bridge crew shot to their feet.

"As you were," stated Captain Jackson Teller, commanding officer of the Fox-class WarShip.  He strode up to his command chair and settled into the crash-frame.  "Any new capital contacts, Ms. Kamarov?" he asked.

Commander Liv Kamarov, his XO, shook her head.  "No new contacts, Captain.  The Adam Steiner and Robert Marsden are both holding station."

"Good."  He checked his plot, watching as the pinpricks of light that represented dozens of fighters, DropShips, and small craft buzzed about the jump point.  Ever since the blast at Mount Wotan, Tharkad's local space had been a vertiable bee hive of activity.  Relief workers and support equipment came pouring in from across the Commonwealth -- from all of the Lyran Successor States -- and even Teller and his crew had sent in some ground teams to help with SAR and decon efforts in the Triad.  But new orders had come in, and his crew had a new mission.

"Any news from the Adam, Liv?" he asked.

"Just confirmation of final jump coordinates, sir," she replied.  "With Commodore Feeley's compliments."

Teller allowed himself a small smile.  He and Jessica Feeley had come up through the Nagelring together.  Their relationship had always been adversarial in every single aspect, from simulators to mid-terms to bed-time extracurriculars.  She'd breveted herself to Commodore almost as soon as she had declared to him her allegiance for the Rim Worlds.  He could have argued the point, but thought better of it.  It would all sort itself out in time.

"Please send the Commodore our go-code. Prep for jump. . . and don't forget to change our IFF transponder code."


*****

For a brief moment, less than three seconds between when its transponder code setting was changed and the Robert Marsden jumped out of the Tharkad system, the vessel and its crew announced its new alleigance to the gathered myriad forces of the broken Lyran nation.

With a flash, the Rim Republic Ships Adam Steiner and Daphne Rowe jumped away from Tharkad.

Kowloon, December 24, 3057...

The 'mechs sported Fedcom Militia markings, but the conduct of the 'mechwarriors, and their armoured vehicle riding conspirators, made a lie of that...

"Con trai của bitches sẽ không có được đi lần này. Bắt đầu bắn ra khi xe tăng đã tiến vào thứ ba thông qua, thu hút họ về phía trước Li,. Bạn đã sẵn sàng, khi đơn vị bắt đầu leo lên sườn núi, tôi muốn những chi phí này phá nổ để gây nổ .. không trước khi .. "  Evelyn lowered the glasses, and waited.

The Regent's militia would not make it through the pass...not of she had anything to say about it, not, at least, until Her Grace the Duchess and the portion of the Militia loyal to their homeworld had brought him low, brought him to Justice.

The lead 'mechs entered, followed by their tank support.  where did they get Ignis? she wondered briefly.

Vanh's team opened fire at a bend in the path-this pass was narrow, and crooked, and if not for the drop-port being already in loyal hands, they would have to use this pass, or pass through Hue.  and Neumann's not a particularly patient man...

The enemy did what she expected-they hedgehogged and the lead elements turned to break the ambush.

"Thiêu những sự tích nạp Bây giờ!!! Mọi sự tích nạp! Bây giờ!!" she ordered.

The mountanside shuddered, broke apart below her, and slumped inward, downward, an inexorable carpet two meters deep by more than a kilometer long slid, tumbled, and buried them.  Men, vehicles, and Battlemechs.

and then, the slide continued, and the ground went out from under her in a wave of fire...



translation:"the sons of bitches won't get away this time. begin firing when the third tank has entered the pass, draw them forward.  Li, you be ready, when the flank units start climbing the mountain, I want those blasting charges to detonate..not before.."

Medbay, LCDS Rosenbaum, Great X system, August, 3069...

"She's taching!  Get the Defib! DEFIB!!"  Paddles were passed,  "CLEAR!"


Notimenospacenodaynomonthnoyear...

"I expected you later."  Evelyn was sitting at a table, in Elizabeth Ngo's backyard.  The sky was a shade of black, but everything shone in daylight, "You're early-ahead of schedule even."

"Where am I?" Evelyn asked, and was startled-it wasn't the medical vox, it was her own voice-the voice lost on Tamar because of surgeons who weren't adequate in the middle of what could only be a rout, could only do so much...

"You're...well, there's Dead, and then, there's dead-dead." Elizabeth Ngo told her, "you're not dead-dead, at least, not yet."  the Late Duchess said, still looking at a stack of papers and a desk-top computer array that was...well, archaic would be kind.  "I think the phrase would be...'mostly dead'...but you'll get better, I think."

"Where are we?" Evelyn asked.

"Evvie, you know damn well where we are, and how we both got here, difference is, you might just get back.  We are in noplace, the day is no day, the time is no time.  I don't hurt here, and you..well, you look like you did when you knew my brother."  Liz finally looked at her, "Really, it's not so bad, being dead...but you don't get to get used to it yet.  It's not your time, and some private's screw-up crossed with a broken rib that didn't set right? not that place, either.  Give my best to our family, Evvie, and watch over them when you get back."

Agony lanced through her chest, and the backyard smells were gone...


Medbay, LCDS Rosenbaum...

She was alive.  Briefly, the ship's medic wondered if, waking up to that face every morning, those scars...the lack of sensations...he wondered if he'd really done General Mosovich a favour.

but death had been fought back today.

  LCJS Winterhawk, Nadir Jumpoint Tharkad.

The Commtech looked over at his captain. "We're ready to transmit K_F interference is now gone."
The Navigator barked out "Our CAP is off, I have fighters at 45,000 Kilometers IFF shows friendly and six large contacts also friendly IFF. Ident LCS Simon Marsden,Arluna,Peter Steiner Davion,Katrina Steiner,and the Sudeten. The REPO NEF is there as well all show friendly." Captain Andreas Shilling nodded.
  "Good, signal them that we will be joining them and then begin to close. Have Vampire Flight launch with the Mark VII our Fleet Commander needs to set her Flag. Once we Join we'll wait for further orders."

0927 Local
Summit System

With all the traffic in and out, between defections and other changes, a new arrival was a touchy thing.  Timings and waves indicated a smaller class vessel.  Once it broke through the clear, a SLDF ident was received.

"Summit Control, this is the SLDF transport Icarus.  We have an advance team for scouting potential locations for a Star League Defense Force base here.  Awaiting instructions and landing coordinates."

Summit, Lyran Commonwealth.

  "Icarus this is system control, you may proceed insystem, stand by for an escort to your landing site."
As if on cue a pair of Sabres appeared on sensors. "SLDF Icarus this is Gunsmoke Flight. Follow us in to Cynthia Aten Military Spaceport."

Glenculloch, Skye Sept 2nd 3069

  Robert sat back in the chair near the fire.I hope General Russell can tap dance on Tharkad. I need him to make Nondi see the light badly. He reread Russell's report on his arrival. I hope he can pull it off.

Glenculloch, Skye, Sept 11th 3069/i]

  The bears declared war on the Hegemony...I'm not going to allow the that fight in my borders. Am NOT! Robert was very concerned. "Prepare a message to Tharkad I want is sent Directly to Nondi Steiner. Nevermind get a secretary in here I'll dictate it personally."

HPG Message to Genral of the Armies Nondi Steiner.


To: General of the Armies Nondi Steiner, Archon (pro-tem)

From: Robert Kelswa-Steiner, Duke of Skye and Tamar.

RE: LCAF Chain of Command.


  Nondi,
  Your appearance solves a huge issue with the chain of command. I am relieved to hear that you are well. Kommandant General Daniel Russell took charge of the situation in Skye and Donegal at my request. He is a good officer and I offered him nothing. He would have refused me if I had. He has made it quite clear that his loyalty is not to me or Arc-Royal or any other subfaction of the Commonwealth but to the State as a whole. I'm sure he submitted you  your command as soon as he was informed of your presence on Tharkad. The units under him will obey his orders and yours. I would be foolish to challenge your right to command the LCAF so I will not. Regardless of who is eventually ratified as the new Archon the troops that are from Skye and Donegal will support them.

  Respectfully,

Robert Kelswa-Steiner
Duke of Skye and Tamar.

To: Duke Robert Kelswa-Steiner
From: GOTA Nondi Steiner

Your Grace,

Let me express my thanks to you for organizing the relief convoy that recently arrived at Tharkad. Regardless of the political situation within the Commonwealth, there is a dire need for assistance on the capital, and the supplies you have sent will help close the gap.

Unfortunately, General Russell may have been overly optimistic when he characterized me as "well." I will not bore you with the details, but I suspect my regency will not be a lengthy one. I have a teleconference with General Russel scheduled as soon as this message is transmitted, and I will brief him in more detail on the situation. Allow me to ask you, however, to be prepared to travel on short noticed if events transpire such as to require it.

I must admit, your Grace, that I feared you had chosen to put your personal power before the good of the Commonwealth. The evidence seems to suggest I was mistaken and I hope this is the case.

Be in good health, Duke Robert, I am afraid that our troubles have just begun.

NS

To: Nondi Steiner, General of the Armies, Duchess of Gallery.

From: Robert Kelswa-Steiner,Duke of Skye and Tamar.


  Nondi I can travel at 24 hours notice. I was waiting for word from General Russell that is was safe to come to Tharkad. Just give the world and I will meet with you in person.


Robert.

Brig LCS Arluna,High orbit, Tharkad. September 13th 3069.


  Kaptain Madaline von Schrackenberg stood up as the two Colonels walked in. Colonel Lowell spoke first. "Good morning Kaptain. I am sorry to see you here. I brought your defense counsel with me. I will join you in five minutes." He turned and stepped back out of the compartment.
  "I want my phone call" Colonel Maria Hasegawa Russell cut her off..
   "Kaptain, you'll be lucky to get through this alive. You are aware of the penaties for Barratry, conspiracy and treason? You need to talk to me and Colonel Lowell quickly. Nondi Steiner will probably request the death penalty for you and in the LCAF that is a firing squad. You have 30 seconds to decide Kaptain."

Office of the Landsgrafin, Arc Royal

Agnes strode the corridors of the makeshift headquarters on Arc-Royal, the way that her footsteps echoed already giving the place the aura of a tomb. Reaching the Landsgrafin's closed door, she paused for a moment and then uncharacteristically knocked. Wait for a response and then enter.

"Your grace, I have the most recent report on the Clan attacks on our worlds. Seven have been hit so far, and it is not likely that any of them will hold. The navy is still trapped behind enemy lines, and we're relying on whatever forces the locals can dredge up; the local LCAF garrisons have taken off for Rowe's circus tent. The clanners are refusing challenges, and seem determined to make slaughter their primary occupation. I... am sorry that I can't give any better news."

Sharon Mulcahy looked as if she hadn't slept in days. Her eyes repeatedly shifted back to her noteputer, looking for some update that might portend better news. "And the Delegates? How are they taking this?" Her tone took on the same sepulchral atmosphere, shadows having forgotten their proper place, consuming sound as well as sight,

"Some twenty five have already fled without so much as a word. I suspect that a significant number will follow. We haven't bothered to trace their movements. With the gravity of our situation, it hardly seems to matter."

"Agreed. None of our supposed allies appears to give a damn for us, and the Clanners have laughed off any attempt to negotiate a settlement.  Privately, we need to begin considering how to deal with the fact that this government has been written off as wholly illegitimate and come up with a plan B. We might not need to be representatives of the Lyran State, but I'll be damned if I live or die under clan guns."

The space above Arc Royal was always busy.  With all the multinational forces, it was to be expected.  However, what began to happen next had not been seen in some time.  Not since the Wolves had departed.

"Arc Royal control.  I am Star Admiral Leroux of Clan Wolf.  Our task force is here to ensure the security of the people and infrastructure of this world.  I request landing coordinates for our forces and patrol clearance for our naval arm.  Also, our ground commander requests immediate appointment with Sharon of the Mulcahy's."

With that, the fleet spread out and the ground transports prepped for transit.

LCS Arluna.


"Time's up Kaptain, regardless of your decision you are to be take to the surface to meet with Kommandant General Russell of the 4th Royal Guards. He has summoned you to formally serve you with charges for a General Courts Martial. Colonel Lowell is here to ensure your saftey. We will be accompaied by a squad of infantry from the surface." Madaline nodded her understanding. "Before we go Colonel I will need some time with Colonel Lowell. Your presence will not be required." Maria nodded.

 "Very well Kaptain. You have ten minutes then we are leaving."

Quote from: NVA on July 23, 2010, 08:22:48 PM
"Arc Royal control.  I am Star Admiral Leroux of Clan Wolf.  Our task force is here to ensure the security of the people and infrastructure of this world.  I request landing coordinates for our forces and patrol clearance for our naval arm.  Also, our ground commander requests immediate appointment with Sharon of the Mulcahy's."

"Roger, Star Admiral. Arc-Royal command clears your forces for landing, transmitting your coordinates now. And before I transmit your request to the Landsgrafin, I'll just want to confirm that you want to speak with her about business relative to the Duchy - if you want to talk to the Commonwealth proper, or about coordinating with the LCAF, you'll need a representative from the Estates. Forgive me for second-guessing, but Bobby K-S's propaganda has lead to more than one diplomatic blunder, and I'd spare you another if I can."

"The Loremaster is dealing with the Lyran government on Tharkad at this time.  Our concern is the safety of the people and the infrastructure on this world.  Beginning burn."

"Tch. Star Admiral, I've arranged an meeting for your envoy with the Landsgrafin's assistant, Agnes Eszterhazi. We request that, for the time being, only his or her dropship land. The self-styled government on Tharkad of "Regent" Nondi Steiner has not been ratified by the Estates General and is illegal. Forgive me if we're not eager to have any guns proclaiming an alliance with the separatists on our world. That is to say, if you want to work with us, work with us. Otherwise, well, a meeting with an untitled assistant is the best you're going to get."

Statement of the Estates General of the Lyran Commonwealth on the War Crimes of the FWL And Donegal

Citizens of the Commonwealth and of all the Inner Sphere,

This statement finds our hearts in mournful unison with the all the citizens of the Commonwealth. The FWLM, together with allied forces loyal to the puppet pretender Robert Kelswa, former Duke of Donegal, have assaulted Hesperus II; unable to defeat the world's brave defenders on their own, this barbaric ensemble resorted to the evil of orbital bombardment. A great number of loyal LCAF soldiers were cruelly martyred by this criminal attack; the damage to the world's ecosystem is uncertain as of yet, but is bound to be lingering and significant. This atrocity visited upon the Lyran people demonstrates the true intentions of the Free Worlds League; they are not peacekeepers, they are brutal invaders who care nothing of the lives of the Lyran people. Perhaps this is to be expected of a foreign force. Kelswa's rebels are of another lot - Lyrans themselves, they slake themselves on the blood of their brothers and sisters so that they might have their leader "archon," all the better to serve his Marik masters. While worlds like Wroclaw and Great X fall before assault by the heartless clan invader, Robert has decided that his troops are better used spilling the blood of Lyran citizens. It is a crime that shall not be forgotten.

Were this the first atrocity endured by the Lyran people in recent months, it would be unforgivable. As it stands, it is part of a series of attacks unseen since the First Succession War. The Lyran people rose against the darkness then, and so shall we again. These atrocities shall not go unpunished, the murderers shall be brought to justice, and the invader broken upon the will of our stalwart defenders. The Commonwealth remains strong, for its strength is ever that of its citizens.

THE ABOVE TEXT IS AN OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION OF THE LYRAN GOVERNMENT ON ARC ROYAL. TAMPERING OR REMOVAL OF THIS MESSAGE IS A CRMINAL OFFENSE UNDER ITEM 4/B OF THE EMERGENCY LAWS.

DBC/SNN jount broadcast.


 In a Statement relased today Duke RObert Kelswa Steiner blasted Arc-Royal and Duke Daniel Brewer CEO of Defiance Industries.


 The Actions of Duke Daniel Brewer of Hesperus II show that he has no respect for the chain of command he usuped the authority of the LCAF and Regent Nondi Steiner and refused to surrender to loyal troops. The FWLM/LCAF joint force used restraint and prevented massive civilan casualties. Arc Royal's characterization of these actions as War Crimes is a ludicrous as their claim to be the legitimate seat of power. Furthermore they are more concerned about whining that the clans are attacking while ejecting forces that would and could save them from being wiped out. I say to Arc Royal..Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones. The actions taken by the onscene commander will be investigated to the fullest extent of LCAF regulations.

Response to Donegal's statement on War Crimes
Source: Newswire Arc-Royal

Newswire Arc-Royal was able to obtain brief comment from Tainya Algeburg, Delegate Khartoum, on the Estates General's position regarding Robert Kelswa's recent comments.

"It appears that Robert Kelswa's memory is as faulty as his loyalties. No troops were ordered out of Arc-Royal space; while it is true that the Free Worlds League predictably abandoned the clan front and a number of former LCAF units have chosen to side with separatists, abandoning the defense of the Lyran people, none, I repeat, none of these was ordered away. Kelswa's apparent complete lack of concern for the safety of the Lyran people, characterizing Arc-Royal's appeal for aid as "whining" only further reinforces what we know of his despicable character. If he didn't order the atrocities on Hesperus, his attitude here certainly shows that he's complicit with the spirit of the attacks. He can pretend all he likes, but the man who is already locally being called 'Bobby the Butcher' will stand trial for treason and war crimes. I assure all loyal citizens of the Commonwealth that."

SLDF Response to Attacks
Source: Terran News Agency

"SLDF command is still receiving information on the happenings on Hesperus II and has no comment.  However, we can confirm that we countermanded orders from the leadership of Arc Royal telling FWLM forces to depart Arc Royal.  Star League Defense Force units are under the command of the Star League and any requests for those units to vacate a world must go through Star League Defense Force command.  The leadership on Arc Royal, styling itself as the Estates General, continues to make the world a target for everyone.  They are playing a dangerous game and the SLDF cannot be dragged into a civil war.  If the government wishes to take such a course of action, then the SLDF will do what it can to protect the people and the infrastructure of Arc Royal from the clan onslaught."

Response to SLDF Comments by Delegate Algeburg

"The Estates General does not understand what sort of game that the SLDF is playing with their latest comments. I can state that it is *categorically* false that they have copies of any orders issued by the Estates or local LCAF commands ordering the FWL SLDF contingent off of Arc-Royal previous to the invasion. This is the case because no such orders were ever issued - the FWL ambassador was ordered off-world for demanding the effective capitulation of the Estates General to League interests (an offer that Skye-Donegal has accepted). In response, this ambassador promised to pull the local FWL military command. At no point did the Estates General attempt to issue orders directly to any command present under the SLDF banner. Simply put, the SLDF representative is grossly misinformed, or is knowingly lying. Given the more or less total lack of cooperation by local SLDF forces, I daresay that the latter may not be outside the realm of possibility."

DBC/SNN Exclusive, Tharkad.


  Press release: Statement from CINC Skye/Donegal Forces Command LCAF.


   People of the Commonwealth. A rebellion was broken on Hesperus II today. The methods used are less than civil but war is far from pretty. It is not the sanitzed version you all see in "Immortal Warrior" holovids or in the arenas on Solaris. Duke Daniel Brewer made a horrible choice and forced a fine General Officer to make a worse one. Leutnant General Cotzee used naked force to bring Hesperus back into the Commonwealth and is now doing his best to care for the citizens and the vanquished troops. The media in the Arc-Royal region villifies Duke Kelswa Steiner for his actions but forgets that Duke Brewer is a sublejct of the Duke of Skye. General Cotzee called for the military forces on planet to stand down multiple time before he fired a single shot. When he did finally attack he did so in a quick and decisive manner.

 There are those who call him and Robert Kelswa-Steiner "Butchers". It is their right to do so but they are dead wrong. The "Butcher" is Duke Brewer who in his short sightedness decided that his personal interests and his business were more important than safeguarding and stabilizing the Commonwealth. The events on Hesperus II will be investigated and any parties to the events who broke the conventions of war will be punished.

Skye/Donegal forces have submitted themselves to LCAF Command under General Nondi Steiner the legal regent for the Commonwealth until such time as  an Archon is elected. The current delegates from Skye Donegal appointed by Arc Royal, are not recognized as legitmate under Lyran Law. The Elected representatives from the region are recognized. The Delgates from Arc-Royal Worlds are welcome to join us in session on Tharkad once things has been stabilized.

Skye, Isle of Skye, Lyran Commonwealth...

The Messenger was from Monopole Passenger Lines' Cargo department.  The packages showed no explosives present.

The sender's name was listed simply as "Deb".

"Sir, I need you to sign for this."

Robert Kelswa Steiner looked at the seals with a puzzled expression, and signed the invoice.

He then tipped the courier, and thanked him.

After the rather nervous man left, he opened the box.

Inside was the Colours of the 4th Skye Rangers.  "They...sent them back?" He rummaged through and found the note...

Quote

Robert,

Skye is a long way from Australia.  So that there is no debate over the origin of the Unit, we have returned to you, and you personally, the colours of the 4th Skye Rangers, that you may, as they say, complete the set and deal with any hard feelings by retiring or reforming the formation as a Lyran unit, instead of carrying the Rangers and their proud history as traitors.

William Harrison Von Frisch,
1st Marine Division, Strike, Union of Independent Worlds.

P.S. I'm sorry it came to this.

Tharkad, roughly the same day, late evening...

The courier waited outside the 4th Royal Guards' Cantonment near Heidelberg.

"Package for General Russell." the Courier said simply.

There were several smaller boxes on the man's cart, the gate-security scanned each one for weapons and biologicals before Sgt. Dietrich Rohrs called to the CP for the duty-driver.

Loading the boxes did not take long.

"Did this come with a message?" Rohrs asked.

The Courier handed him a sealed envelope.

This, too, was scanned for NBC contamination as well as explosives.

One hour Later, the items sat on the Duty Officer's table, seals intact.

The D.O. broke the seals and opened the letter.

Quote
To the Acting Commanding General or Marshall of the Armies for the Lyran Commonwealth High Command.

From: The Congress of the Union of Independent Worlds

We return to you the Regimental Colours for the following former Lyran units:

20th Arcturan Guards RCT
Guataveta Covnetry Province Militia
Saravan Coventry Province Militia
LCS Kowloon
LCS Alarion
LCS Tiger
Kowloon Naval Expeditionary Force
Tiger Naval Expeditionary Force
LCN Reserve Command Kowloon
Lyran Counterinsurgency Warfare School, Kowloon

It is agreed among the Congress that it is inappropriate for UIW forces to serve under flags issued by a
foreign power.

For the Congress,
Elector Cindy Vanh, Ia Drang Kowloon

Message to the UIW:

To:Archduchess Deborah McAulliffe

CC: Admiral Alica Li,CINC UIW Forces

From: Kommandant General Daniel Russell, LCAF


 RE: Colors


 Deb,

 I thank you for the return of colors from the regiments that joined the UIW armed forces willingly. This action will engourage the possibility of rapproachment with in elements of what were LCAF units and thier comrades still remaining in Lyran Service. As you are probably aware I have family who reside in the UIW on Kowloon. It is my hope that I will meet them for the first time as their great uncle some day and also be able to see foriends who I cannot visit due to current geopolitcal realities.

 Please pass on my gratitute to all members of your armed forces who served under these colors as well as the 4th Skye Rangers (Duke Robert informed me of that delivery). With this note I am also enclosing the decoration awarded to Lt. Pol Nguyen for his heroic actions on Kwangchowwang in LCAF service. Alicia Li has a copy of the citation that you should have been made aware of. I will leave the final disposition of his award to you.

Warmest regards,

Danny

"We will be landing at old Wolf City.  We are coordinating our landing with the SLDF.  Our representative will make arrangements to meet with your assistant."

With that, the Wolf armada began its approach.

Relocated to: http://intelser.org/forums/index.php?topic=679.0

DBC,TBC,SNN Exclisive, Donegal.



In an improptu press conference Haupmann general Almida Zec, LCAF Mercenary relations released the suit filed in Donegal's High court today.

To: Mercenary review and Bonding  Commission.
From: Hauptmann-General Alamida Zec, Mercenary Liason, LCAF.
BCC: General of the Armies Nondi-Steiner, Kommandant-General Daniel Russell, Duke Robert Kelswa Steiner.



  RE:Writ of Grievance: Lyran Commonwealth vs. Blackstone Highlanders, Brion's Legion, Snord's Irregulars, Gray Death Legion, Kristen's Krusher's, Iron Fist Irregulars, Breskin's Pegasii (Breach of Contract).



   The Units listed in this document are accused of the following offences: Breach of Contract. Additional offences will be listed by unit.

   Black Stone Highlanders (All Elements):Failure to suppress a  rebellion.
Brion's Legion( All Elements): Terrorism, Failure to adhere to chain of command (unauthorized movement).
Snord's Irregulars (also known as Clan Snord): Failure to follow chain of Command.
Gray Death Legion: Failure to follow Chain of Command.
Kristen's Krushers: Failure to follow Chain of Command.
Iron Fist Irregulars: Failure to Follow the Chain of Command.


  Due to the situation it is unlikely any sanction more severe than a possible loss in rating will occur. The plaintiff requests forfeiture of bond for all units and in the case of Brion's Legion forfeiture of all monies due to the severity of the offences. Possible further sanctions may be levied by the MRBC obviously but the circumstance may preclude any sanctions levied. The Lyran Commonwealth does seek redress in the most expedient manner possible.

Castle Aten, Skye.

  Robert kissed his wife on the cheek. "Hermoine I Have to go. Nondi needs to meetwith me in person. I Know it's dangerous but if I am to have support from the LCAF I need to back Nondi." He turned and walked briskly out to the small hoverjeep that would ttake him to his awaiting Dropshuttle.

(Cross-posted with the Arc Royal thread)

PUBLIC STATEMENT OF THE ESTATES GENERAL
PRIORITY A/FOR DISTRIBUTION TO ALL THE PUBLIC

Citizens of the Arc-Royal territories and other Lyran Territories,

As all are doubtless aware, the Emergency Laws were put into place in order to defend the integrity of the Lyran Commonwealth in August 3069. Under the terms of these Laws, the Articles of Acceptance may be modified or suspended in order to ensure the protection of the State and its people. Lyran citizens across the Commonwealth have patriotically complied with the edicts of the Estates General, in order that our citizenry as a whole may continue to enjoy their high standard of living and fundamental freedoms. Unfortunately, the extent of the crisis was not fully known at the time; between the bickering of the great nobility that provides us with a host of Archon-Pretenders and the failure of our allies to rally to our defense as the Clans continue to advance, the Articles of Acceptance have proven more a hinderance than a guide in these dark times. It is only the gravity of our circumstances that the Estates General has been forced to issue an edict that fills us with regret towards our forebears, but which provides us greatest hopes for the future.

Effectively immediately, the Articles of Acceptance and the Lyran Commonwealth with it is dissolved. The esteemed Delegates of the Estates General are now meeting in order to craft a new constitution that will allow for our worlds to move forward before they are swallowed whole by the tides of darkness. The rights of all are guaranteed in for the interim period, and the document now being determined is being tailored to better serve the people, to provide them representation, protection, and the promise of happiness.

As always, our patriotic citizenry remains vigilant and aware of the threat of subversives who even now work to undermine the state.

THE ABOVE TEXT IS AN OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION OF THE LYRAN GOVERNMENT ON ARC ROYAL. TAMPERING OR REMOVAL OF THIS MESSAGE IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE UNDER ITEM 4/B OF THE EMERGENCY LAWS.

ACT OF THE ESTATES GENERAL OF THE ARC-ROYAL TERRITORIES AND THE OTHER LYRAN TERRITORIES 00001A

TITLE: DISSOLUTION ACT

Since the early days of human colonization of space and for nearly a millennium, feudalism has been the primary form of governance across nearly all governments. The effectiveness of this arrangement is not to be disputed with regard to the years of the first new settlements; lack of speedy communication and the paucity of interstellar transports required strong decentralized pockets of authority that could rapidly respond to local crises. The Age of War saw the birth of a warrior-aristocracy that has ruled the Inner Sphere for some seven hundred years, the product of a commitment to the status quo, repression of the masses of the people, and the endless wars of the past. Even though improved communications and the greater availability of jumpships might have aided in the obsolescence of the peerage, the fact of the Terran communications monopoly and noble control of nearly all resources ensured its concretion. The Succession Wars were the product of a nobility run rampant, vast wars fought for the benefit of few, and paid for with the blood of the many; the contemporary collapse of the Lyran Commonwealth is only a reprise of the worst failings of our feudal system.

Therefore, the Estates-General of the Arc-Royal Territories and the Other Lyran Territories, in keeping with the interests of our people and desire to ensure them peace has elected to put in place the following reforms:

1) The Duchy of Arc-Royal is hereby permanently dissolved. All powers formerly granted to the Landsgraef are transferred to the Estates-General, which reserves the right to delegate these powers to seated members of this body and officials appointed by it.

2) The peerage of nobles is hereby abolished. All former nobles are granted the same rights and responsibilities as citizens of the Arc-Royal Territories and other Lyran Territories. All Baronies will become private property of their current holders subject to the standard inheritance laws. The landholds of the great nobility shall become property of the state, to be redistributed among fair and amicable lines to the patriotic citizens of the Commonwealth. Those who formerly held these landholds will be receive compensation according to the judgment of the Committee for Just Assignment of Resources. The amount determined by the Committee will be determined on a case-by-case basis, but the place of primary residence is to be maintained to its current occupant.

3) The governing powers of the peerage are to be granted to local and planetary Provisional Popular Councils, consisting of local citizens that will govern fairly and in keeping with the will of the people. Without specific exemption granted by the Estates-General, no former member of the great nobility will sit on one of these councils. The initial membership of these Provisional Popular Councils will be appointed by the Estates General and its appointed officials no later than 5 November 3069. These councils are intended to operate for the interim period before the new constitution now being written by the Estates General comes into force.

These reforms are to be carried out with all haste in order to ensure the prosperity and safety of our peace-loving nation.

Ward 14, Alisdair Marsden Memorial Hospital, Marsdenville, Donegal, 29 September, 3069...

"...awake?  You were very seriously injured, Baroness."  the voice of the doctor came from her right, "we had to restrain you while you were unconscious, to keep you from scratching at the grafts."

where am i?

"You are in the reconstructive surgery ward, and I think we did a bang-up job on you."  He continued, "Of course, we'll know more, after the bandages come off."

reconstructive surgery? she moaned.

"Yes.  I'm really rather shocked you didn't show up here sooner...especially considering the nature of your...problem, and its source and origin."  he sounded smug.

the haze on her mind lifted a little more.  "rejection spectrum" she mumbled.

"I know.  It was a stone bitch finding tissue matches, but we're the finest facility of its kind this side of Terra.  I have to insist you don't touch the bandages, though-your face costs as much as a battlemaster."

"WHo's paying?" Evelyn Mosovich finally asked.

 "Why do you ask who's paying. Regardless the payee asked to remain anonymous and the LCAF requested the reconstructive surgery. You will be pleased when the bandages come off."

November 1, 3069...

"...and, we're almost there, please hold still, I don't want to give you a Nagelring duelling scar...there we go."  Dr. Croom fussed, as he cut the bandages off.

For the first time since a Clan small laser took her face apart through the vision blocks, Evelyn Mosovich could feel the cool air on her skin.

she gasped-for eighteen years she'd not had that sensation.

He held up a Mirror.  "I would say, I do fantastic work." he said rather arrogantly.

The face that stared back at her was almost unfamiliar-it was a face she had not had for TWENTY years.  the face of the twenty-year old girl who followed the Deneb Light Cavalry Armour Brigade into the fires of the Draconis Combine in 3039.

"The Holos weren't the best, I'm afraid...but damn do I do fine work."  Croom enthused.

Evelyn was speechless.

I look like a...kid.

 Riely Residence, Skye Nov 1 3069.


  Bobby will pay for turning his back on us. He will pay for all of his crimes. Matthew Riely was angry. He had grown up in state run homes and had worked at one point on New Earth for RM corporation as a buyer. He had lost his job when Robert backed the mutual defense treaty withthe Terran Hegmony. The straw that broke the proverbial camel's back was Robert's move to back the reformation of the shattered Commonwealth. Matthew's twisted mind did not factor in the Clans, RWR or anyone else. He felt betrayed and HE was going to make Robert Kelswa Steiner pay. His months of preparation were nearly destroyed when Robert left for an undisclosed location but he could still get to him. Hermoine Aten would die.

To:  Lyran Command, Attn:  Kommandant General Daniel Russell, LCAF

From:  General Kit DeSummersVille, Magistracy Armed Forces

Subject:  Current Situation, Lyran Periphery

General.  Forces under my command continue to hold Caldarium, however were recently rebuffed in engagements against the Snow Ravens for Timbuktu and at Lost against the Spirit Cats.  With no direction forthcoming from SLDF Headquarters, I would ask what you see as your priority for this region of the Commonwealth.

DeSummersVille.

Arc Royal Nadir Point
16 November 3069

The stillness of space was rent asunder from the arrival of a jumpship. A lone Hunter-Class Jumpship, the CSVS Recon sent out a signal.

"Arc-Royal Control, this is the CSVS Recon, requesting travel vectors and landing coordinates for a diplomatic envoy. Acknowledge."

Tharkad, Lyran Commonwealth.

Quote from: Parmenion on September 07, 2010, 12:54:36 PM
To:  Lyran Command, Attn:  Kommandant General Daniel Russell, LCAF

From:  General Kit DeSummersVille, Magistracy Armed Forces

Subject:  Current Situation, Lyran Periphery

General.  Forces under my command continue to hold Caldarium, however were recently rebuffed in engagements against the Snow Ravens for Timbuktu and at Lost against the Spirit Cats.  With no direction forthcoming from SLDF Headquarters, I would ask what you see as your priority for this region of the Commonwealth.

DeSummersVille.

  General Russell read the flimsy and looked at the commtech. "Therse people need guidance. Send them a message to stand by for further traffic I'll run this by the General Steiner."

Quote from: GreyJaeger on September 08, 2010, 02:42:09 PM
Arc Royal Nadir Point
16 November 3069

The stillness of space was rent asunder from the arrival of a jumpship. A lone Hunter-Class Jumpship, the CSVS Recon sent out a signal.

"Arc-Royal Control, this is the CSVS Recon, requesting travel vectors and landing coordinates for a diplomatic envoy. Acknowledge."

"CSVS Recon, this is Arc-Royal command. We're clearing a pad for your dropship as of this transmission, travel vectors accompanying. Starport authorities ask that you kindly excuse the mess; the departure of the SLDF wasn't exactly the most orderly of affairs."

Parliament chambers, Skye Nov 3,3069

  Duchess Hermoine Aten looked over the crowd. "The Province of Skye is part of Lyran COMMONWEALTH! No longer can we afford to support the terrorists of the Free Skye movement. If we do not unite in our support of the Commonwealth we will become vassals of another realm." She turned and stepped away from the podium, the chamber resounded with the cheers and scattered boos from the assembled members. Hermoine walked out of the chambers and joined her two security men. "Let's head back to Glenculloch. I do believe we have succeeded."

  Ten minutes later..

  The throng of screaming people were yelling both for and against the Commonwealth as they made the Duchess made her way to the waiting VTOL.  The ebb and flow of the crowd masked the movements of a lone gunman. He took aim and fired. With a single pistol shot Hermoine was dead. In the panic and confusion the assassin escaped. With in minutes the Capitol was sealed but it was too late. He had made good his escape.

Local message
FROM: Ronald Harminc, Delegate Pharkad, Economics Advisor to the Estates-General
TO: Agnes Eszterhazi

Ms. Eszterhazi,

I am writing to follow up on our conversation of August 28th. The loose estimates regarding the Dissolution Act and Redistribution seem to, for the most part, be confirmed; once seized land is granted to the populace outside of noble tax exemptions, overall government revenue will increase in the area of 15%. Unfortunately, the seizures of estates have proven a bit more complicated than a mere transfer. I have reports of numerous production sites for civilian goods being destroyed by their former owners across our territories, and more distressingly, the burning of a great deal of crops on Alma Alta and Hamilton. Suffice it to say, we are probably looking at a scant situation for the foreseeable present, until these facilities can be repaired. I recommend the opening of emergency stores in order to keep our people fed, and if necessary, government purchase of food and basic goods from one of our neighbors in order to stave off a counterrevolution. Foreign investment would be welcome, but given the political and military situation, is unlikely at this time. We can expect decreased tax revenues for at least six months.

In addition, official records show nothing of where the money for Tanuyama's people is coming from. It's none of my business, but can you at least confirm for me that it's not out of our coffers? I don't presume - we just need to make sure that there's enough money around to see the government through this.

Sincerely,
Harminc

  LIC Headquarters (Skye Province), Nov 4th 3069.

  "Evidence so far links the shooter to a militant fringe group of Free Skye. At this point no one has publicly claimed resposibility but Free Skye is condemning the act. A Loki team raided a residence in the Capitol today. They found some a pistol that may have been used by the shooter. A Serial number trace identified it as AFFC issue and the weapon was reported stolen in 3051 by a Hauptamann Doan." Leutant Ezra Chase sipped his water. "Furthermore, the residence was rented out to one Matthew Reily a former employee of RM corp. He was emplyed athteir New Earth Offices prior to the treaty but unforunately the trail goes cold after that. We may need to contact the FedSuns to findout if Doan is still alive for one and two someone needs to inform Duke Robert. I'm sure he will not take the loss of his wife well but he does need to know."

  Kommandant Lukas Mittern sucked in a breath. "Message Colonel Lowell, he'll inform General Russell and HE can tell the Duke. Robert respects him and Russell has far better people skills than I.

Heidelberg Kazerne, Tharkad.


 The non-descript K-1 landed with little fanfare save the armored car that rushed away arter picking up a single pasenger. Several AFV's joined forming a small convoy that immediately headed for the main HQ building.

Estates General Temporary Chambers, Heidelberg Kazerne,Tharkad.


 Duchess Maggie Doons looked over the assembled delegates. "We have a quorum. I see that Tharkad only elected one member but that is sufficent. I now call for a  2 hour recess so you all may decide nominations for speaker. Once a speaker has been elected I will no longer be needed to preside.


OOC:Note Maggie Doons is acting as speaker until one is elected. Under Lyran Law no Noble above the rank of Baron may sit on the Estates General.

Two hours later.


  Duchess Margaret "Maggie" Doons recalled the session to order. "Delegates I open the floor to nominations. All nomonations must be made and seconded. Keep your comments brief. I will recogonize you so you may have the floor." For the next two hours nominations were made and seconded until a list of cantidates had been made.

****

Later.

"Check your monitors there is a list of delgates below you will vote on all of them the top two will run off.


Charles Hunt, Odessa
Yevette Jurgens, Ryde
Nadia Dunleavy,Skye
Julius Rischer, Gacrux
Pawel Anders, Summit
Angela Morgan, Freedom

Estates General


Charles Hunt, Odessa  39
Yevette Jurgens, Ryde 38
Nadia Dunleavy,Skye 27
Julius Rischer, Gacrux 31
Pawel Anders, Summit 42
Angela Morgan, Freedom 41


  "The top two are delgates are Pawel Anders of Summit and Angela Morgan of freedom as runoff will be held to see who is you speaker." Duchess Doons made a few keystrokes and the runoff was on.

 

Tharkad


Pawel Anders, Summit 88 votes
Angela Morgan, Freedom 89 votes winner
Abstentions 31


"Delgate Angela Morgan of Freedom has been elected as Speaker of the Estates General. I yield the floor to her. Delgate the podium is yours and may you serve the Commonwealth as faithfully as your predecessors have."  Delgate Moprgan made her way to the Podium and was handed the gavel that represented her office."

Estates General, Tharkad


   Speaker Morgan faced the assembled delegates. "Fellow members I appreciate the responsibility bestowed upon me and ask that we attend to the business at hand. Arc-Royal has declared the Commonweath dissolved. I do not feel that Arc-Royal has the right to apply it's opinions upon us all and ask that a motion to dissolve or maintain the Commonwealth be put forward. This motion must be put forward and seconded for a vote. Do I have a motion?"  Delgate Pawel Anders of Summet stood and waited to be recognized. He was and then he spoke.
 
  "Madame Speaker I move that we affirm the existance of the Lyran Commonwealth as a state. Once we have done this we can move forward."  Delgate Marianna Bersheeba stood and waited to be heard. Speaker Morgan gave her the floor.
  "Madame Speaker I second this motion."

  Rebecca's gavel crashed to the podium. "Motion is made and seconded." She entered data in to her terminal and then sent the vote out to be tallied. "The members will vote on the affirmation of the Lyran Commonwealth."

Tharkad




  Does the Estates General Affirm the existance of the Lyran Commonwealth?


Aye- 125

Nay- 42

Abstentions- 41



   "The motion passes. We will no recess for 30 minutes before continuing."

Tharkad

Rebecca called the Estates General back to order. "Delgates if you look at your screens there is a provisional agenda posted of issues we need to discuss and possibly vote on. There is not much but these issues are very pertinent to our situation. There will be a hour granted to submit other items for consideration via your panels."




Re-ratifacation of the Treaty with the TH.

Re-ratifacation of the Star-League Treaty.

Recognition of the Union of Independent Worlds.

Recognition of canidates for Archon.

Re-ratifaction of the Treaty with the FWL.


These items will be discussed first for obviuos reasons my recommendation is the treaty ratifaction points. These have both long and short term impact on the Defense of the Commonwealth.

Tharkad


  The Delgate from Skye waited to be recocognized and spoke. " I would like to make a motion that the three treaties noted on the agenda be handled with one vote due to the fact that they all cover the same ground...The defense of the Commonwealth." The Delgate from Cameron quickly seconded.


  Rebecca rapped the podium. "A motion has been made and seconded please consult you panels for voting. A statement may be made for and one against."

Tharkad



  Delgate Ellie McQuiston of Gallery waited to be recognized she then spoke her piece. "Members, I feel that time is of the essence here the sooner we resolve thse issues the sooner we can communicate to our allies that we are a stable entity. These traties together form part of our defense knowing who we can depend on for assistance when not if the Clans come is a good thing. The FWL has show that they wish for us to remain even if as a hedge against clan incoursions in the FWL. The TH has provided some benefit to the Commonwealth and the SLDF has done much to shield us from clan predations."

Tharkad

  Theodora Chin the Delgate from Canobie was recognized. "I feel that these must be considered separately The TH has been lax with is contributions and the FWL has not proven that they have out interests at heart. I am not convinced that the FWL is serving anyone's interests but thier own."

Tharkad




Should the re-ratifaction of treaties with the TH,FWL and SL be hadled with one vote?

Aye- 147
Nay-38
Abstain-23



"The motion passes."

Tharkad

Rebecca rapped the podium again. " A motion needs ro be put forward for the re-ratifaction of all three treaties. Once the motion is made in consideration of time constraints a statement for the treaties and against will be allowed."

  Once again Ellie McQuiston was recognized. "I move that that a vote regarding the three treaties be put to a vote." The Delgate from Nekkar immediately seconded.

Tharkad


  The gavel slammed against the podium. "A motion for a vote had been made and seconded. The delgate from Chafee will speak for the Delegate from Nekkar will speak against."

Tharkad


Delgate Sarah Lutjens of Chaffee stood tall. "It was stated that the FWL does not have our interests at heart. I agree in principle but as a business woman I feel that that point is moot. Im my 30 years of experience I have yet to see a business that does not look at it's intersts first and remain viable. At this point the interests of the Commonwealth and the FWL run paralell and until they diverge it is in our best interest not to rock the boat so to speak. This also applies to the SL and TH to the same degree. It would be foolish to fall into the 'everyone is out to get me so why help them syndrome' it would force us to go it alone and I have seen the reports on military readiness and I am certain that we are far better off having help even for a short time then going it alone. We hang with our allies or die quickly and alone."

Tharkad


Delgate Abel Kinnol of Nekkar turned to his colleague from Chafee. "It would seem that my esteemed colleague from Chafee has lost focus as she prattles on about alliances and 'help'. What has the TH done for us lately? The FWL moves through our space and attacks the Clans but at the same time conquers LYRAN worlds. If I didn't know better they are planning on wrapping us an a curtain of FWL purple then they will come back and swallow us whole. The TH ands SL will just watch and laugh and use our worlds and military as a buffer to keep themselves from burning under clan assaults. I would rather see the LCAF defend us to the last man alone than see a single SLDF or TH trooper live at our expense."

Tharkad




Will the Estates General re-ratify the treaties with the SL,TH and FWL?

Aye-109
Nay-81
Abstain-18



  "The measure passes."

Tharkad


Rebecca rapped her gavel to get the attention of the delgates once more. "There is an addition to the agenda we will adress the recognition of the 'Adder Commonwealth' and the Rim Worlds in addition to the UIW. Each one of these will be addressed separeately."

Tharkad


   "The next item on the agenda is the the recognition of the Rim Worlds Republic. There is a rider to this motion. The Persons known as Daphne Rowe and Adam Steiner WILL not be allowed in Lyran Space due to the nature of crimes they were tried and convicted for in absentia. Any motion to alter thier status MUST be dealt with separately from this vote."

Tharkad


Delgate Theodora Chin was recognized "I move that the RWR be recognized as a soveriegn state." The delgate from Uhzgorod seconded. Rebecca rapped her gavel on the podium.

  "Does anyone wish to speak for or against?"

Tharkad


  The delgate from Eilenburg was recognized. " I will keep this short. The RWR has done nothing since it's formation against the Commonwealth as it now stands they moved their troops out peacable and what communication that has been recieved according to my sources has been amicable. I feel it is in the best interests of the Commonwealth to recognize them at this time in spite of the reputaion of their leaders and that nations past."

Tharkad.

  Delagate SImon McAllister of Furillo was recognized. "I recommend against the recognition of a realm lead by two of the greatest crimanals in Lyran History. In spite of thier recent communications and actions they palyed a large role in the collapse of the Commonwealth at it's recent height."

Tharkad




  Does the Lyran Commonwealth recognize the existance of the Rim Worlds Republic as a soveriegn nation?


Aye-99
Nay-55
Abstain-54



"The vote is passed. The Archon once appointed may veto this legislation if he or she chooses. If it is vetoed a second vote to override will be needed."

Tharkad


  Rebacca's gavel once again crashed to the podium. "Next is the recognition of the 'Adder Commonwealth'. Once the motion is made and seconded a statement for and against will be made if needed."  Delgate Vincenza Amici of Gladius made the motion and it was quicky seconded by Klaus Handlemann-Bitburg of Tharkad.


"Delgate Baron Kenneth Russell of Hesperus will speak for the measure. Delgate Mikhal Nabakov of Uhzgarod will speak against."

Tharkad


Kenneth Russell stood up cleared his throat and took a sip of his water. "Delegates, I cannot make it more clear that failure to recognize the Adder Commonwealth as a soveriegn state is a clear danger to our freedom. Charlemange Steiner of the Adders has stated his claim to the Lyran throne. If we continue to consider that region of the Commonwealth as 'occupied territory' he could possibly press his claim and gain control over all of the Commonwealth. I have fought the Clans and have seen what they do to those who resist them. If we do not recognize them we are fooling ourselves into a corner. This is a corner that could plunge us in to a civil war." He scanned the assembled Delgates. "The Clans have one goal. Terra and they will use any method they can think of to get there and don't care how many innocents get in the way."

Tharkad.


  Mikhial Nabakov looked over the delgates. " I cannot with a clear concience speak against this measure. I move that we pass this vote and do so by aclimation. I do not see why we should allow the clans legal ground to claim the Archon's throne." Delgate Theodora Chin seconded the motion and the assembled Delgates cheered. The vote was a fomality to get the recognition of the 'Adder Commonwealth' on to the record.



Does the Lyran Commonwealth recognize the 'Adder Commonwealth'?

Aye-208
Nay-0
Abstain-0



"The vote passes "

Tharkad


  "The final measure on Today's agenda is the recognition of the UIW. Do a hear a motion and second for a vote?" Rebecca waited for a Delegate to be stand. Abel Kinnol was recognized.

  "Madame speaker I do not feel that a vote on the UIW is warranted at this time. Why should this body recognize a goverment formed by the Satan Spawned protoge of the Dispicable Elizabeth Ngo. Deborah MacAuliffe is a leader of a bunch of backwards hillbillies and rebels. The UIW will do us little if no good since we cannot reach them for trade and or mutual defense." He took a breath. "We would be forced to spend too many resources to insure their suurvival and they could stab us in the back with their frequent dealings with the FWL."

Pawel Anders seconded the motion which killed the vote dead in it's tracks. Rebecca's Gavel crashed onto the podium. "The vote is tabled and this session will recess for 72 hours."

Tharkad, Speaker's "Office".

  Kommandant-General Daniel Russell strode into the small space Rebecca used as her  office. He snapped to attention and bowed slightly. "Madame Speaker, I need a block of time to speak to the assembled Delegates if it is possible. The subject is what we are up against." She looked thoughtfully at the ceiling then back at General Russell.

  "I think we can fit you in. Session begins in about ten minutes. I'll buzz you in you may wait here General."

Estates General, Tharkad.


  Speaker Morgan rapped the Podium. "Delegates I was asked to allow an Officer of the LCAF to speak here today and have granted him the time to do so. Kommandant General Daniel Russell is a decorated officer with a disinguished record against the Clans. I will no grant him the floor." On cue, Daniel stepped up onto the dias and up to the podium. He set his McKensey Hammer on the podium before him.

    "Esteemed Delegates, I'm here not as just a soldier or a noble I am here as a citizen of the Commonwealth. Four months ago a nuclear weapon was detonated at Asgard nearly wiping out the LCAF High Command...at the same time a conventional device was detonated in the basement of the Triad while the Estates General was in session killing Archon Peter Steiner-Davion and thousands more innocent civilians and military personnel. The person or persons responsible for this act have not been identified but the investigation is moving forward. As a result of this act the Commonwealth is a mere shadow of what it was four short months ago. Our enemies have taken advantage of this and have nearly conquered the former Arc-Royal theater and putting are homes in even greater danger. The Speaker has briefed me on your activities that would be considered vital to National Defense within the purview allowed by Commonwealth Law.
  I am here at the behest of Robert Kelswa-Steiner to present a holo-recording he made before he came here. He will be releasing it throughout the Commonwealth as soon as I have released to you and returned to him. I am hoping that you will have an opinion. For him to hear as he considers the opinion of this body a vital part of his vision."

  A tech cues and plays the holo.







   "You claim to be the inheritors of Kerensky, You claim to be the decedents of the Star League.
   Yet you attack the one nation that supported Aleksandr Kerensky during his fight against the Rim Worlds Republic and the devil Amaris. Yes you have succeeded in shattering the Commonwealth in your crusade to rid the Inner Sphere of the Blood. Yet you let the cancer known as the Rim Worlds return. At our expense. You continue your crusade against the blood over the destruction of a single city in spite of the fact that the Rim Worlds used a bio weapon meant for you against us and killed ten billion people.

  Is this the legacy you wish? Do you want the people of the Inner sphere to revile you as they do the butcher Amaris? I pray that this is not the case.  You want to rid us of the Blood yet you fail to see the forest around you. You would rather look at a single tree. I have a suspicion that even your revered founders would be appalled at what you have accomplished in your Grand Crusade.
  I will remind you again of the fact that the Lyran Commonwealth supported Aleksandr Kerensky and the SLDF during the campaign to liberate Terra. It is unfortunate that he did not allow the Archon at the time to finish off the Rim Worlds. Now we are in the unfortunate position of having to wage war against not only the Clans and their short sightedness but the realm that YOUR actions cause to return.
  Will you continue your present course of action or will you destroy the cancer that threatens us all? The choice is yours. I will fight to defend my realm against ALL enemies be they Clan or Rim Worlders.
  I await your response."

Tharkad

  The holo ends and Daniel looks over the Delegates. "Robert intends to send this message to the clans directly and to all SL treaty signatories unless you object. As a soldier I am aware of the difficulties that particular treaties have caused the Commonwealth. The FWL and Draconis Combine have done much to help us in our time of need and it is Robert's desire to show our neighbors and the Clans that he means business. I thank you for your time and await your opinion." General Russell walked to the back of the ad-hoc chamber and took a seat and began to wait.

Tharkad.


  Daniel sat back and watched the session with interest as they debated the contents of Robert's missive to the Clans. It didn't take long a stenographer took furious notes. After an hour a vote was held.



Do we endorse Robert's message?

Aye-191
Nay- 1
Abstain- 16



Tharkad.

 The next vote was a complete suprise the debate was fierce. Delgate Kinnol attepted a fillibuster but that was quashed. Speaker Morgan used her gavel and restored order. "We need to move on this so the Commonwealth may get back to the business of being a nation. We have one candidate and a simple majority will elect him. This body is not a rubber stamp for the LCAF. The Commonealth needs an Archon of the three known claimants two are not elegible. Charlemange Stiener is not a citizen and we have heard noth from the claimant from Arc-Royal that leaves us with one. Robert Kelswa-Steiner he may not be what some of you want for an Archon but he is the best hope we have to lead us out of the darkness that covers our great nation." Delgate Chinn made the motion to elect and Delegate Anders quickly seconded. The vote was made and tallied.




Robert Kelswa-Steiner for Archon?

Aye-171
Nay-37





 Speaker Morgan's Gavel crashed against the podium. "I call this seesion to recess until Robert is available to speak. He may assume his duties at once."

Tharkad

  Daniel looked over the assembled Delgates then leaned back and lapesed into thought. Thirty minutes later Speaker Morgan walked up to him with a writ of acceptance in her hand. "General I do believe we need to see the Archon. I assume you have a field grade bench certfied JAG officer available to swear him in?"

Tharkad System, Zenith Jump Point
Merchant-class Jumpship, ICWS Dancing Mad

The Dancing Mad had a very eclectic color scheme: it was flying the flag of each of the Clans that supported it's host group, along with it's own group's symbol, the Daggerstar. A message was tight-beamed to Tharkad System Defense Command:

"Tharkad Defense Command, this is ICWS Dancing Mad. We are transporting a diplomatic envoy from ilKhan Diana Pryde, in response to Archon Robert's broadcast. We are requesting an anchor point, and clearance for an unarmed shuttle craft to transport the envoy to the surface."

Tharkad.

  "This is system control, stand by for escort. Follow all instructions given by escort lead and Tharkad Ground control. Avoid airspace over the Bremen Continent. Welcome to Tharkad. Stand buy for escort."

Tharkad System.


  "Clan Shuttle this is Hauptmann Renyard Piett Commanding the 541st ASF Patrol Squadron we are coming in on your port side match speed and bearing we will bring you in."

A single unarmed craft disengages from the Merchant-class. It follows the Lyran escort course and speed.

Tharkad

Private Message to Robert Kelswa-Steiner

Archon Kelswa-Steiner,

Forgive my impertinence in writing you directly, but I must request a private audience with you as soon as possible. I dare not say much in this communication, but there is an issue relating to the fate of Donegal that you need to be made aware of.

Yours humbly,
Delegate Numens

Preamble to the Constitution of the Collective of Lyran Peoples,

Poor is the pheonix who rises from the ashes only to again become himself; with this document the assembled nations of the Lyran people come together to give rise to a new nation, that all might be provided with safety, prosperity, and freedom from tyrrany. For too long have the Lyran men and women labored under the iron fist of a avaricious nobility that sought only to extract the work of our blood from the people. Though beaten down by those who falsely considered themselves their betters, the dignity and honor of the people yet survived. With a new birth of the Lyran State, these traits may yet come to the fore, that all might work to their full flowering. No longer masquerading as a Commonwealth, where that which was for all was directed to the benefit of a few, the Lyran nations announce themselves a Collective where all might be equal before the law. The wealth of our great people is now and henceforth, in keeping with the highest principles of justice, to be directed towards the betterment and happiness of each man, woman, and child who claims to themself the great monicker of Lyran.

This renaissance is not merely a turn - we return to the oldest principles of the Lyran State; no longer shall we labor under the crushing grasp of the tyrant. We return to the ideal of the Lyre, in which each string, carefully tended, contributes to the harmony that is greater that each of its parts. The internal divisions of the past, the cause of so much strife, shall be turned to a mutually complementary relation, each part in sacred tandem with the rest that transforms the individual parts so that they might accomplish more than any might alone. And as with the lyre, should a single string be out of tune, so the instrument as a whole is the worse, so our people. The ill-fortune of one is that of the whole and so we endeavor to provide for the needs of all to the greatest extent. This writing marks the asset of all the nations to labor towards the well-being of all.

As the expression of the spirit of our people and the spirit of history, we tender this Constitution not as a finality, but as the opening of a new age of peace, prosperity and justice for all Lyrans.

Tharkad

A trembling of the hands, a weakness of the stomach. Colonel Taks surveyed Tharkad city from on high; it occured to him that scar tissue shouldn't grow upon the same, but nonetheless such was the fact. The last time he had been to the capital, sullen hope and defiance against tragedy had been the watchwords. He had overseen the feeding of the hungry, the clearing of rubble piles, and the reconstruction of what had been crassly been destroyed by a force unknown. He had cursed the fates with every breath scarcely two months ago - now those same fates had chosen them as agent for an uninspired repeat performance. His humanitarianism had been the purchase price of the foundation for this - whatever the event had been, he dared not name it.

Push back the nausea, unclamp the throat. You have to speak, not because you want to, but because this will be interminable unless you do. Give voice, lie dissemble, push back this horrible nothing. The ruins attest quietly, speak them into silence.

Taks turned slowly to the young soldier who stood behind him on the rooftop. His eyes bore his suffering outward; he was distraught to see the same lacking in the other. This, for him, in his youth, in his naivité, contravened nothing for lack of an established path - Taks wanted to shake him to cast him from the rooftop, let the blighted generation fall upon the stones that they had shaken up. Better that this honorless youth, too young to know his lack of honor and now entrenched in a position whereby he would never attain it, not bear this stain beyond the temporal reach of those who new better. He sighed.

A simple sentence: "Put up the flag." Compliance. The Iron Fist drawn down and cast into the flames. The Lyre goes up - promise of a better era, put forward in a corrupt birth. Lord, let it not be ever stillborn.

Tharkad

Two martyrs conversing. The dialogue opens in the wake of the hissing sound of energy dischange. Moaning in the distance. The landscape is that of an emptied farmhouse, far from Tharkad's beaten paths.

"How many today?"

"That's, I reckon, the twenty-first today. Ten apiece. You can do the math.

"The usual lot?"

"Yep. Nobles, whatever members of Robbie's Estates whom we didn't get at Heidelberg, counterrevolutionaries, those idiots who blew up the cafe where Gamm and his boys were drinking."

"No hitches so far?"

"None. We ran all the locals out of here without difficulty. Enforced paid vacation, we call it."

"And the disposal?"

"All of it's being shipped off-world. World ain't secure enough that we can count on there not being any prying eyes."

"The farmer got anything good here? I could use a drink."

"There's some brandy in the kitchen. Pour me a glass."

Another hiss.

"Twenty-two, twenty-two..."

Tharkad, Archives of the Lyran Commonwealth

The building above is a ruin, its life carried off by the flame that bore with it the Commonwealth itself and its luminaries. Hundreds of meters below the earth, however, the most valued documents of the state have remained secure. It is in their sanctuary that we now find ourselves; hollowed out from the earth, hidden from the light so that the light of the past may continue to shine, an elevator opens upon this latter-day mithraeum. The man at the fore hestitates. He is thrown forward, his body sprawling across the stone floor, limp. He moans softly as two red figures, bearing demonic visages that are barely distinct emerge behind him. A command is barked. The archivist cringes, and once more as a boot slams into the left side of his ribcage. The click of a gun yielding its safety.

He scurries to his feet, tremors bearing his body away from itself. It is a decided effort to fit the key into the case. A password on a hidden terminal is given correctly on the third attempt; its terrified buttons flee the approach of his fingers. His face melts. Would that he could melt into the earth and not have to bear witness. They come to the opened case. The Articles of Acceptance stand exposed, nude. One of the figures advances, a witness to the foreclosure of witnessing. He lifts the document, lights a match. The hope of the Lyran Commonwealth gives light in its extinguishing; the martyr lights a cigar with the burning of history.

Accomplishment, but of what?

Provisional Government HQ, Tharkad

"Peace of Blake be Upon You, Colonel Taks," said Precentor Tharkad with a thin smile, "and... congratulations on your conquest."

The Blakist's eyes glanced briefly towards the nearby window and the smoke-obscured vista of the planetary capital, "Today I am afraid I am not here as Blake's representative on this world, but as the Ambassador of the Terran Hegemony. Your seizure of Tharkad may well have shifted the balance of power in this sector, and I must ask of your government two questions.

"First: do you stand with the Inner Sphere, or with the Clans? I do not imagine that your leader... Archon? Generalissimo? Führer? Indeed I am not even certain of the proper form of address for Mister Tanuyama. In any event, I do not believe that your leader is naive enough to believe that neutrality can be maintained at the center of the storm as the Collective is.

"Second: what are your intentions towards the Robert Kelswa-Steiner's authorities on Donegal and Skye? Is this battle the first step in a civil war?

"If Arc Royal is to be a friend to the Sphere, then Terra can be a friend to Arc Royal. On the other hand... well, regardless, I imagine that both our states would benefit from knowing where we stand with regard to one another."

"Ah, Precentor Tharkad, Peace of Blake be upon you." After his reaming by the Arc-Royal diplomatic corps, Taks could at best stutter and stumble through the statement. Dim suspicion that the Terran Ambassador had heard of this and had approached him for precisely that reason became apparent. "Er, you must know that I've been understandably ushered from my position as a diplomatic officer... but still, for the sake of the Lyran people, I'll answer as I can. Delegate Tanuyama, is well, only a delegate as far as I'm concerned, not head of state. He might head those bloodthirsty fanatics who have been running rampant. Goddamn savages, the lot of them... I'm an LCAF man, you understand - I take my orders from the Estates General, and them alone. Whatever carnival sideshows make me operating... well, it's best not to know. Speaking of not knowing, have you heard anything about Mulcahy? After the SLDF came, not a word... well, maybe that's a bad question. I should answer yours before throwing out any of my own."

"Who do we stand with? We stand with our people, and whatever's best for them. Which, as far as I am concerned, and as far as I think that the Estates is concerned, is not making them the victims of other people's wars. Not that some interested others don't specifically have that in mind. We want our people to be free of the Clans, the Terrans, and whomever else might have an eye on our planets. Our friends are our friends and then there are our friends, you know?"

Taks looked out over the twice-ruined city, and paused for more than a moment. Inscrutable sentiment imposed.

"As for Robbie, well, the fact that the Falcons made off with him here screwed us but good. We don't want civil war - there's no Lyran Commonwealth left to go to one. Skye-Donegal was making noise about just that, so they had to be dealt with, or so the leadership tells me. I served in 3039, you know? Invading the capital is well... let's just say it's hard to justify to myself, but I'm of the old guard. Robbie was a war criminal - that's at least assured. We don't need a man like that pretending to be Archon. I don't want to have to invade any more Lyran worlds, and I don't think our leadership does either, but Robbie had to go. Hopefully the Falcons shoot him, though thanks be to god if we're so lucky."

"I hardly believe it. Tough to believe anything these days, no? Tell me, how does that saying of Blake go? The one I always liked, about the spirit of man?"

From the Desk of Kommodore Alrans, acting Governor, Tharkad
For Public Distribution.

The authorities of the Collective of Lyran Peoples on Tharkad are seeking any information on the whereabouts of the following individuals. In compliance with the patriotic duty of all Lyran citizens, those who may have knowledge are expected to give a report to local officials posthaste. Rewards will be granted relative to the utility of any leads proffered.

Daniel Russel, Former General, LCAF
Rebecca Morgan, Native of Freedom, Speaker of the Illegal Estates General of Donegal
Tutuola, Loremaster, Clan Wolf

Quote from: august on October 27, 2010, 06:32:23 AM
"Ah, Precentor Tharkad, Peace of Blake be upon you." After his reaming by the Arc-Royal diplomatic corps, Taks could at best stutter and stumble through the statement. Dim suspicion that the Terran Ambassador had heard of this and had approached him for precisely that reason became apparent. "Er, you must know that I've been understandably ushered from my position as a diplomatic officer... but still, for the sake of the Lyran people, I'll answer as I can. Delegate Tanuyama, is well, only a delegate as far as I'm concerned, not head of state. He might head those bloodthirsty fanatics who have been running rampant. Goddamn savages, the lot of them... I'm an LCAF man, you understand - I take my orders from the Estates General, and them alone. Whatever carnival sideshows make me operating... well, it's best not to know. Speaking of not knowing, have you heard anything about Mulcahy? After the SLDF came, not a word... well, maybe that's a bad question. I should answer yours before throwing out any of my own."

"Who do we stand with? We stand with our people, and whatever's best for them. Which, as far as I am concerned, and as far as I think that the Estates is concerned, is not making them the victims of other people's wars. Not that some interested others don't specifically have that in mind. We want our people to be free of the Clans, the Terrans, and whomever else might have an eye on our planets. Our friends are our friends and then there are our friends, you know?"

Taks looked out over the twice-ruined city, and paused for more than a moment. Inscrutable sentiment imposed.

"As for Robbie, well, the fact that the Falcons made off with him here screwed us but good. We don't want civil war - there's no Lyran Commonwealth left to go to one. Skye-Donegal was making noise about just that, so they had to be dealt with, or so the leadership tells me. I served in 3039, you know? Invading the capital is well... let's just say it's hard to justify to myself, but I'm of the old guard. Robbie was a war criminal - that's at least assured. We don't need a man like that pretending to be Archon. I don't want to have to invade any more Lyran worlds, and I don't think our leadership does either, but Robbie had to go. Hopefully the Falcons shoot him, though thanks be to god if we're so lucky."

"I hardly believe it. Tough to believe anything these days, no? Tell me, how does that saying of Blake go? The one I always liked, about the spirit of man?"

"The spirit of man is more important than mere physical strength, and the spiritual fiber of a nation than its wealth," said the Precentor quietly, adding a moment later with a sad smile, "though I suspect you might have been thinking of the one about needing a miracle."

"As to friends and friends though... I fear that your nation's location may make it difficult to simply ask the Clans - and the Hegemony for that matter - to take their little war and have it somewhere else. Our latest intelligence reports suggest that the Ghost Bears are massing troops in the old FRR worlds and the territory Kelswa ceded to them, so it is probably only a matter of time until war breaks out in the Arcturus region."

"Speaking for the Terran Hegemony, we are not asking you to enter the conflict as a belligerent on the Terran side; we understand what the consequences of such a move would be for Arc Royal. We would, however, like to secure a pledge that the Delegates will not aid the Clans either. If the Estates General remain neutral, Terra has many resources at its disposal that could assist with repairing the damage the last few months have wrought," he said this as he gestured out towards the fractured skyline.

"Do you think your government would be amenable to such an arrangement?"

Taks nodded solemly as the Precentor recited the verse. His shoulders sagged a bit as he spoke - too much, too much for him.

"Well, Precentor, as you rightly said, Arc-Royal continues at the clans' whim. Our treaty with them marks our position as neutral - I'm not at liberties to reveal all the terms to you, or anyone, really. You'd have to ask someone cleared for that, though I suspect that they'd be tight-lipped. And I'm sure you know that this assault went as well as it did because we led some of Bobby's boys into a trap that the vatborns, er, sorry, an old soldier who remembers the fifties speaking, helped lay. They got paid though, so it's not like we're in for it long term."

"Regarding the Hegemony, the Estates is aware that, if you so chose, you'd be as much a threat as the clans. So I imagine that they'd be open to talking. Can't promise anything, that you'd get anything from them with the clans one jump from the capital, but I can put you in touch. That being said, we have our own commitments as well - the SLDF ain't about to treat us well after that stunt a couple months back, and the Wolves are pretty clearly enemies at the moment. Who knows how things stand with the League, for that matter?"

Taks paused a moment, and sighed deeply. "I'm sorry that I can't be more useful to you - putting you in touch with those who do matter is all I can offer. The government will be open to listening, I'm sure, but an ear might be all you get. Let's hope for more, however."

"All right, Colonel, I understand the limitations you are under," said the Precentor with a touch of sympathy in his voice, "We'll reach out directly to the Estates General on the matters were discussed in the days ahead."

"Until our mission reaches Arc Royal, though, could you advise your government that - should the region choose to align with them - we would appreciate it if they did not interfere in any of our troop movements in the Freedom region. As much as we harbor no hostile intent towards the Collective, if local forces were to impede Star League operations, we would have no choice but to deploy garrisons to stabilize the region - a step we would like to avoid."

"Precentor, I can tell you that there's a standing order for all... er, what are we today, the CLPAF... terrible acronym... yes, well, Arc-Royal's military forces not to antagonize any SLDF or Inner Sphere forces attempting to move through our territory. We have enough enemies, and probably made a slew more this week. So at least as our orders stand, you've nothing to fear. Landings, I believe, are off-limits without prior permission, however."

Three are gathered in the directorate council hall in the former duchal residence on Arc-Royal. The room is modestly furnished, all Lyran fittings - they are new and speak little ostentation. Agnes Eszterhazi sits in a brown leather chair, her gaze focused on the door, tapping her fingers lightly. Franz-Georg Numen paces the length of the rectangular table, back and forth, his gaze passing to one of the others, and the next and back again. In contrast to Esterhazi's stoic countenance, his features are mastered by a light scowl, his brown eyes bearing an unvoiced question. The third, newly appointed General of the Armies of the CLP, is Paul Kloesterig. He stands, his posture immaculate, facing opposite Agnes, surveying the snow drifts gradually building on the landscape outside.

Numens speaks first, as he must. "What is going on with Donegal? Did Tanuyama bring this on somehow?"

Esterhazi: "I spoke with him this morning. He claimed ignorance."

Numens, sharply: "And you believe him? I strain to believe that his agenda is entirely our own."

Kloesterig: "Numens, he is likely listening to us right now."

Numens stops pacing. "And what of it? He is already too confident. It's not as if we don't have assets other than his bloodthirsty rabble. If he really were as surprised as we, he would be here with us now."

Kloesterig: "Would you really grant him the priviledge of attending Directorate Council meetings? He has his place, and has conveyed what he knows. Let it rest. There is nothing to be gained by speculating into the void."

E: "In any case, his input is necessary. If the Donegal force has declared its allegiance to the Martyrs, we cannot hope to negotate without his presence being felt."

N: "Even so, he cannot be allowed to lead whatever talks we can initiate. If we can initiate them."

K: "Agreed. We remain in control by presenting ourselves as in control."

"Then it will be you who asks the Donegal leadership what their intentions are?"

"Yes."

"And our approach?"

"We must be open with them - show them that we can afford to grant allowances in the interest of reunification, if that is their aim. We cannot risk rejection; it could easily cause a schism amongst our own."

"Easier said than done, perhaps. They will be bold."

"And we have no right to be? Did we not just rout the nobles?"

"Did we? Tharkad is Tharkad and will continue to be so. Don't forget that there are still holdouts even here."

"Why are you standing by the window then?"

"Why not? They will fear to shoot me if I show that I do not fear to be shot."

"Your popular psychologizing borders on foolishess."

"Gentlemen..."

"And you know nothing of the empty gesture that says everything that needs be said?"

"Nihilistic prattle."

"Gentlemen, enough."

"Who shall we send?"

"Not one of us. Someone disposable. One of the Delegates - the woman from Wroclaw. After our address, they should feel like they're being honored."

"If they read it. If anyone did. Sometimes I think we overestimate the effectiveness of the noise machine."

"Is there anything else?"

"This debate is going nowhere."

"Very well then. We send Wroclaw with a delegation of Martyr officers, and one or two of our own people. And Tanuyama stays in the loop. If he hadn't already decided something else, that is."

"If Tanuyama decides anything, it is likely not our concern. Are we prepared? I need to attend to the matter of the land redistribution. And Numens, will you see to the Delegates? Make sure that they know their tasks for the moment."

Planetary Governor's Residence
Caldarium

Lyran Commonwealth

As Kit deSummersVille strode in through the opened doors of the planetary governor he shrugged off his coat and passed the wet clothing over to a waiting aide.   'A miserable day for a miserable day," he thought to himself.  Allowing to be escorted through by a earnest young aide-de-camp, he was ushered into the Governor's presence.

"Good morning General.  I see you got caught in it," the Governor stated as Kit approached.

"Indeed Governor Verzeletti.  And from the weather sats, it is only going to get worse.  Local flooding down along the Tiberius.  Or so they say."

"True General.  If it's one place that floods, it's the Tiberius.  Half a bucket of water, and you have evacuations.  However, the wet weather is obviously not what brought you hear today."

"No it is not Governor.  To be blunt, with what is coming out of Donegal and even Tharkad, in which direction do you intend to lead your people and this planet?"

Arc-Royal

CLP-ESTATES TERMINAL #00046 WARNING: UNAUTHORIZED ATTEMPTS TO ACCESS THIS TERMINAL CONSTITUTE A FELONY AND WILL BE PROSECUTED TO THE FURTHEST EXTENT OF THE LAW.

ENTER PASSWORD

>********

WELCOME, NUMENS01. FULL DIRECTORATE COUNCIL ACCESS ENABLED.

> open security/prisons/prisoner_records

PRISONER RECORDS: CURRENTLY HOLDING 2,900,721 ACTIVE RECORDS, AND INACTIVE RECORDS

> search active records

SEARCH PRISONER RECORDS BY NAME, NUMBER OR FACILITY

> Mulcahy, Sharon

ACCESS DENIED - DIRECTORATE COUNCIL PERMISSION REQUIRED.

Planetary Governor's Residence
Caldarium

Lyran Commonwealth

March 3071

With General Kit de SummersVille rotating home to command the 149th Battlemech, William Sangrey, now General William Sangrey, had the enviable task of commanding the Magistracy Expenditionary Force garrisoning the world, but at the same time, the unenviable task of juggling the whole box and dice that came with it.  Pirate raids and the occasional Clan probe notwithstanding, the revolving door of Archons controlling the various rump parts of the old Lyran Commonwealth made determining who was actually in charge of the state, a forlorn hope.   

He knew that Kit had fired off more than one message to Daniel Russell however the silence eminating from Tharkad, Skye or even Donegal, was deafening.  But with the momentum with the forces loyal to the Kelswa-Steiner, perhaps it was time to try again, as he jotted his name down alongside that of Maria Verzeletti, Governor and Planetary Leader of Caldarium on a message to Skye and it's leader.

Message Source:
Old Connaught, Arc Royal, class-A HPG

[/open]
From: Marcus Steiner, Senior Ambassador of Archon Robert Kelswa-Steiner
To: Govorner Maria Verzeletti, Genereal William Sangrey

Govorner Verzeletti, Genereal Sangrey,

I have been informed that a missive was recieved from your HPG station, although I have not personally seen it. We are still in the process of organizing ourselves now that Arc Royal has fallen. I am glad to know that certin worlds of the Commonwealth have yet to be snapped up by dissidents or the Clans.

I understand that there are questions concerning the state of the Lyran Commonwealth, especially given the considerablly weakened state we now find ourselves in. However, the Archon himself has vowed that all worlds of the Commonwealth willing to be a part of his new Alliance will be welcomed with open arms, and that only militant bodies shall meet the same fate as the CLP. Currently we will be making our headquarters within the city limits of Old Connaught. There is the business of the War Crimes Tribunal to attend to, and he has remained firm that he will not move on Tharkad untill the core of the CLP has stood trial for their crimes. He hopes that seeing the fate of the Association of Tharkad Martyrs, the forces currently holding Tharkad hostage will think twice about attempting to keep him from the planet. He hopes for a peaceful surrender, so that more Lyran blood will not be spilled.

If you have specific querries for me, I will attempt to answer them as efficently and quickly as possible. Please direct all inquires to me personally, and I will ensure they are handled promptly. As we currently do not have any offical standing within the Star Leauge, for some unknowable reason, we have not had any offical contact with outside nations, aside from the Union of Independant Worlds, and the Clans. It is the Archon's wish, and mine, that the Lyran Commonwealth regain contact with the other nations, especially the other Great Houses.

For the time being,

From: Governor Maria Verzeletti, Caldarium
To: Marcus Steiner, Senior Ambassador of Archon Robert Kelswa-Steiner

Your Grace.  As you would understand from Caldarium's location, we are surrounded by Clan occupation zones, namely the Spirit Cats and Star Adders.  So far, the defending Magistracy forces have successfully fended off Clan style Trials of Possessions for my world, however as they say, the Clans only have to win once, to win.

I need acknowledgement from the Lyran central authorities as to whether or not LCAF regular forces are able to garrison my world in strength, as I cannot expect General Sangrey and his periphery troops to remain indefinitely.  Failing that, should I make the best deal I possibly can for my people and treat with one of the bordering Clans about the fate of my world?

I wish you the joy of the day.

Maria Verzeletti, Governor