Faction roleplaying thread
Koryo
Planet Mars
Terran Star System
28 February 3069
Precentor Apollyon watched the footage from the Taurian Concordat with silent, seething rage.
"Dominus," he said in a measured tone, "how shall we respond to this outrage?"
From the shadow-draped throne, a quiet voice replied: "Leave this matter to the Frails for the moment. Other matters demand our attention this hour. The next phase of the prophecy has begun."
Apollyon bowed, "It shall be as you command, Dominus."
Location Unknown
Planet Earth
Terran Star System
1 March 3069
Victor Ian Steiner-Davion lay on the operating table, surrounded by pristine staineless steel and spotless white plastic. Despite the blood transfusions, his body had a deathly pallor and the monitoring devices indicated his vital signs were barely detectable.
Separated by a transparisteel window, a robed figure shook his head slowly, "Precentor," he said, "Victor must live. He is critical to the Prophecy, and if he is lost so are we all."
"Dominus," replied the doctor in a hushed voice, "All of my staff pray for Victor hourly, but whether he lives or dies is beyond us now. We have repaired his mortal shell, but we cannot repair the spirit. On time will te-"
Whipping around, the robed man pinned the doctor to the wall with his forearm in a single violent motion, "Precentor," he said coolly, "If Victor dies, you and your staff will answer to the Master. You will be lucky if you escape with your lives. If my brother dies, you and your staff will answer to me. In that case, you will be lucky if you die with a minimum of agony. Am I understood?"
He released the doctor, who fell to the ground choking. In a weak voice, he managed: "Ye... yes, Dominus."
Federated Suns Embassy
London, Terra
4 March, 3069
Aristotle Felsner shook his head as he slammed the phone down. "Darn Terrans, giving me the ring a round," he fummed. "All I need to know is where Victor is, so that I can get these flowers transported there."
Looking across the room, the embassy was swimming in flowers especially the Ambassador to the Terrran Hegemony's office. And Aristotle was glad as Foreign Minister that he was only borrowing it. And that was when a red head in a AFFS Marshall's uniform walked into the room.
"First Prince Yvonne, . . . I suspect you heard the news." Her face told the story that she had. The eyes holding back the tears plus the frown on her face said as much. "Aristotle, first Peter and now Victor. Why does it seem fate hates my sibling and I?"
Aristotle comforted the princess of the Federated Suns as he noticed that her guards were armed heavily at the moment. Felsner would usually approve of the touch of a nimble young woman's bosom to his own aging body, but let go as Yvonne turned to pull out a hankerchielf to blow her nose. "First Prince, I've made inquires on the location and possibly condition of Victor, but we have no details on either from the Terrans. All I know is that he is in good hands. At the moment, I'd rather be back on New Avalon even if the Foreign Ministry can be a bit of a maze at times."
The First Prince then picked up the phone to start to dial the Terran government in hopes of seeing her brother. She did not use the KF drive on her jumpship not to see her brother.
Several hours after the First Prince's initial inquiry with the Terran government, a diplomatic note is received at the embassy.
First Prince Steiner-Davion, please accept my apologies for the lack of information
provided to you by my subordinates. I am certain you understand the delicate security
situation surrounding your brother's medical care, but nevertheless it reflects poorly
on the Terran state that you were kept uninformed.
I have made arrangements for you to visit the high-security medical facility at Rabat,
where the Commanding General is being treated. If you would be so kind as to transmit
a list of personnel you intend to be accompanied by, I will arrange for private jet to collect
your party at Heathrow tomorrow morning at 0730 local.
Sincerely,
General Mary Durant
Director of Terran Security
Aristotle Felsner looked at the First Prince as she looked over the note. "So, I'm guessing you are going to ask to Avalon One instead of the private jet."
Yvonne shook her head. "No, I don't want anyone to try and capture the conquistador dropship, so I'll take up the offer." Felsner shook his head. "I guess this means that you will not be takening the whole Fox Team with you either?"
Yvonne shook her head. "Though it would probably be wise considering that probably even ROM is having problems with these mysterious assinations, I want to show that I still have faith in the Terrans. Plus, I'll be bringing Mr. White with us along with my personal doctor, Dr. Keith Facilier."
Aristotle rolled his eyes. "Oh Dr. Facilier, I honestly don't see what you see in him. Seems to me that he talks to the shadows to much," said the Foreign Minister. Yvonne laughed. "He did graduate from the New Avalon Instittue of Science at the top of his class, and he has been my doctor since I was a girl. Plus, he is also a priest in the New Avalon Catholic Church. He is perfectly trust worthy. Remember he has friends on the other side."
Felsner finally relented as Yvonne smiled. He knew that it would mean the world to know that her brother was in the best of hands. So, he wrote a letter on behalf of Yvonne that was sent by courrier immediately to General Durant's office even if he didn't trust that strange man from Okefenokee.
General Durant, Director of Terran Security,
The Federated Suns appreciates the offer and accepts. We will have a
party of six individuals: three bodyguards for the First Prince, Dr. Keith
Facilier- the First Prince's doctor, and myself the Foreign Minister Aritotle
Felsner.
We will be promptly at the terminal at Heathrow at the appointed time.
Sincerely,
Aristotle Midas Felsner, Foreign Minister of the Federated Suns
[Affixed to the message is Yvonne's personal seal as well]
Blessed Father Medical Center
High Security Zone
5 KM East of Rabat
Terra
No sooner had the private jet spun down its turbines and disembarked its passengers did a white jeep approach. Hopping from the passenger side was a young woman - perhaps in her late 20's or early 30's - dressed in the uniform of a THAF General.
"Prince Yvonne, welcome to the Maghreb. I'm General Durant with TerraSec. If you'll follow me, the Commanding General is recuperating inside."
Ten minutes later
Other than a weathered leather edition of The Word of Blake resting next to one of the monitors, Victor's suite was spotless, consructed of gleaming metal and polished white plastic. The Commanding General himself was unconscious, plugged into half a dozen machines, breathing with a quiet regularity.
"I wish I had better news," said Durant, "but right now the prognosis is unclear. The assassin damaged your brother's heart and one of his lungs, and there was significant blood loss before we could place implement emergency stabilization."
Durant paused for a moment, fixing her gaze for the briefest moment on the large mirror on the far side of the room, then continued, "I can assure you, however, your brother will received the best medical care possible anywhere in the Sphere."
Yvonne touched her brother's frail hand at the moment. And for a moment, she looked at the mirror. There was something about it. Yvonne figured it was a two way mirror and probably she was being watched now. But she paid it no mind as she went back to Victor. "Brother, why did you have to get hurt so badly again." A tear fell from her right eye. It plopped down next to Victor on his sheets. As Yvonne gripped his hand.
"First it was our parents who died and then brother Arthur," Yvonne lingered on as she wailed up a bit. "Arthur never even get a proper investigation into his death because Katherine was too busy with the plannings of her accursed war with the Falcons." Yvonne shook her head. "Victor, the Inner Sphere would be so much better if you had been able to keep the Federated Commonwealth together."
But Yvonne smiled. "But Peter is doing better, Victor." But the joy that had been in her voice seemed to darken. "Though there is something off and darker about him now that he has come out of his coma."
"Victor, I pray that when you come back again that you are the same person that you were when are parents were alive." That was when Dr. Facilier placed his ebony hand on Yvonne's shoulder. "Don't worry, child. Your brother has fine friends on the other side." The man smiled as he eyes slyly looked at the mirror. "And looking over the medical data from the doctors here, I do confirm that he is receiving some of the finest medical treatments in the Sphere."
Foreign Minister Felsner rolled his eyes. He keep his mouth shut since as any old ambassador knew never walk into a super secret facility- it was probably bugged.
FWL Embassy, Bavarian Alps
Terra, Terran Hegemony
Greetings,
"I'm glad we kind finally find the time to arrange this meeting."
"I feel that with the last few months of posturing it's time we got down to brass tacks."
"Your Terran Hegemony interdicted the Free Worlds League for invading the Lyran Commonwealth. An action I neither sanctioned, lead nor allowed to continue once I was free of the coup perpetrated against my person. A war settled before your interdiction began by my negotiations with the Archon."
"You further were considering us suspects on the matter that struck the Hegemony Advisory Council. By now this has proven false to even the most conspiracy minded of your order. In all honesty you have always known they were. Sir our nations have fought three wars and in every conflict we have never targeted civilian governance. I'm sure realize that if I did wish war on the Hegemony I would not engage in such a cowardly first strike. No had I the means to defeat your Space Defense system I would have dropped the entire Free Worlds Legionnaires on Terra."
"I say this specifically to you sir because we have NOT been friends, not for quite some time.
"And to be blunt what has it gotten either of us?"
"Your Hegemony struck at Sudeten without ...ahh what were the words your Admiral used? Insufficient fighter support. Mind you the last such conflagration of such scale against the Clans saw the addition of the FWLN and her Thera's at Butler. I'm sure in light of Sudeten it is clear that the absence of my fleet made all the difference.""
"As for the Free Worlds League, every redress of grievances we have attempted to make towards our neighbors has resulted in your intervention."
"It's been almost a decade this constant fighting between your Hegemony and my League and I say...enough it's time for us to end our enmity. REALLY end our enmity. Not another temporary ceasefire, or treaty where one side or the other feels slighted. Let us go ahead and get it right this time and create a peace that can last."
"You are no longer Comstar say what you will about respecting the true Faith I must say I hardly recognize what it is you practice but I respect your right to practice it. You are not neutral, therefore you must give up your complete stranglehold on our communications."
"The way I see it we need to come to an agreement not merely on interdiction but on the manner HPG Service shall be conducted as we move forward."
"After Scorpion where other states took control of their HPG's the FWL placed theirs under the stewardship of the Word of Blake."
"I think the following Broad points succinctly sum up the basis of our Negotiation."
1 - An end to the Interdiction. It is unjust and was wholly done for political gain.
2 - the Free Worlds League wish's to begin operating the C&D HPG Stations ourselves per our agreement. Quarterly calibration to be handled by Hegemony HPG Staff.
3 - The Free Worlds League wish's that as we are able to take over operation of existing A&B stations. 3 RP per station to be provided to the Hegemony as they are turned over to Free Worlds League personnel.
4 - The Hegemony will reinstate their previous pairing and package inspection agreement with the Wolves in Exile for Free Worlds League HPG Traffic.
In compensation for the above to the Hegemony we are prepared to offer.
5 - The Free Worlds League will continue to pay the Hegemony for operation of our HPG stations as if the Hegemony were staffing the stations themselves. Included in this agreement will be a pairing agreement allowing our HPG's traffic to all Hegemony connected Networks.
6 - The Free Worlds League will double their forces operating under Star League Defense Force mandate on the Clan Front.
7 - The Free Worlds League will open up a portion of our National Ship Building Industry to contracts originating in the Terran Hegemony. '
"I suggest you take it sir. You began this interdiction expecting our Neighbors to prey upon us as they did in Charles time. This has not happened. Our efforts are best directed against the Clans. But I am disinclined to once more turn my hand to the Clan front without removing your dagger from Leagues neck."
"Mind you this is not a dictation. I see the above as the beginning of our conversation should there be points you seek to elucidate. We stand ready to listen.
Precentor Tunrida leaned back in the conference room chair, pressing her hands together absent-mindedly, digesting the Captain-General's remarks."
"I'm pleased to hear that your list of demands isn't a dictation, because I think any reasonable person would have concluded it was just that - especially considering the position of weakness you are negotiating from."
"The simple fact is, a state of war exists between the Free Worlds League and the Terran Hegemony. This was not an act of fiat by the Director-General," she added cooly, "but the will of the people. Your government has made no effort to seek arbitration from the Star League or - until now - to negotiate bilaterally with the Hegemony government."
"Before I discuss any counter-proposal, let me be clear: Our Blessed Order categorically refuses any demand to hand over HPG infrastructure to the Free Worlds League or any other government. Such a request is in violation of the Star League charter and is a gross act of blasphemy against the Word of Blake's duty to control and preserve intestellar communication."
"Our Blessed Order is willing to lift the communications interdiction against the Free Worlds League, and any third party providing supplementary services to the League, under the following conditions:"
"First, that you increase your SLDF contributions in accord with your proposal, and that those forces be deployed to the front lines against the Clans."
"Second, that a 100 light year (ooc: 3 hex deep) demilitarized zone be established on the Lyran border and monitored by SLDF observers, in order to prevent a repeat of the recent agression against your norther neighbors."
"Third, that the Free Worlds League aprehend and hand over to the Terran Hegemony the terrorist group known as Black Wolf Incorporated."
"Fourth, that the Free Worlds League fully abide by all of the provisions of the St. Ives Accords, including providing the Terran Hegemony Space Force with access to League naval production."
"Formal resumption of diplomatic relations will require ratification by the Terran Council, but as an independent organization the Word of Blake is in a position to immediately lift the interdiction if an acceptable settlement can be reached."
(OOC background - Treaty of St. Ives http://www.classicbattletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,45855.msg1123795.html#msg1123795 )
"Well you must admit it's had its desired effect of getting both sides to clearly stated what their agendas in this negotiation are. I would note that your declaration of war was in support of the Lyran Commonwealth. Whom I might add has made a Star League approved peace agreement with the Free Worlds League."
"Your request of an demilitarized zone is far in above past our agreement with the Lyrans so I would suggest that the Lyran agreement take precedence over your own desire's. As to renegotiate a demilitarized zone there would require Lyran inclusion in these talks."
As to the turning over of HPG infrastructure. Provided you return to the traditions of neutrality the order once held. I can accept this. Please sir let us not begin accusing each other heresy such language does nothing to further our talks or end our disagreements. Further I would like a pairing agreement between the Free Worlds League and the Terran Hegemony as well as third parties as we should seek. Since the Free Worlds League is currently a tertiary provider of HPG communications, such a pairing agreement to include as we bring up HPG's on worlds with Hegemony Stations to be included in the current existing network and the Hegemony stations to be removed. It may be the work of centuries but I think it worth the effort.
The Free Worlds League has not now nor has it ever supported terrorists. V.I.N.H. stands ready to cooperate if you provide evidence and intelligence on these "Black Wolf Incorporated" we will infact go further as you note they are a corporation if you provide the evidence we will also seize whatever assets they possess in League space. However I would note this is best served in a bilateral agreement, where by both parties agree to prosecute terrorists and seize assets of terrorist organizations upon the receipt of intelligence by the other should this prove acceptable to you I believe we can come accord on this point.
So In Summary (on your Points)
On Point 1: We are in accord.
On Point 2: This matter has been resolved by treaty with the Lyrans. I see no point in negotiating it between our two states especially without Lyran involvement, as they would have to reciprocate the Demilitarized Zone. To simplify matters I suggest we merely state that the demilitarized zone be carried out as stipulated by the FWL/Lyran Treaty.
On Point 3: Agreed provided it is part of a bilateral agreement on the arrest, trial and seizure of terrorists, their assets.
On Point 4: Agreed to the letter of the treaty (OOC : I don't have to start providing shipyard space for your ship until Victor Steiner-Davion comes out of his coma and specifies the ship right?).
On Point 5: Agreed
OOC: A couple of quick questions. Does Comstar still operate HPG's separately from the Word of Blake? Since they are both part of the Hegemony can one choose to contract with Comstar for HPG service instead of the Word of Blake.
Does Comstar or the Word of Blake control all Great Houses HPG networks? I thought after Scorpion only the Free Worlds League didn't seize the HPG facilities.
OOC: ComStar and WOB are still separate organizations, but they run a unified network and are more or less in cahoots. They run basically all the IS HPG systems; any that got taken during Scorpion eventually ended up under CS/WOB administration again because the houses couldn't keep them running on a long-term basis. As soon as they got them back, CS/WOB wired them all with failsafe devices to ensure no repeat of those events - something the FRR learned to their dismay when they tried to seize control of the HPGs in their space.
Tunrida sighed as if mildly annoyed, "I cannot escape the conclusion, Captain-General, that you feel you are negotiating with Our Blessed Order on equal standing."
"Make no mistake, the Word of Blake could simply interdict your realm indefinitely and suffer not a whit for it. We could leave the Free Worlds League in the dark until it fell apart into a dozen petty kingdoms, and no one would lift a finger to help you. Your realm's constant attempts to undermine the security of the Terran Hegemony, and of Our Blessed Order leave us somewhat disinclined to be understanding."
"However, the Council seems inclined to show leniency in this matter, and I am willing to act in that spirit. Your laughable claim of not supporting terrorists notwithstanding, Our Blessed Order accepts your willingness to abide by our conditions, and we find your stipulations to be acceptable. We are prepared to lift the interdiction of your realm on a provisional basis contingent on your compliance with our terms."
"I want to be absolutely clear, Captain-General: if the Free Worlds League crosses the Terran Hegemony again, you will not get off so easily. This is your third and last chance."
Lowering her voice to the point it took on an unnatural reverberation she added, "The Master is displeased with you, Pollux. If your defiance to his Will continues, you will be held to account and the reprecussions will be severe."
" I know how difficult this must be for your Precentor Tunrida, I know for a fact thirty years ago I would have found the idea unthinkable myself...but then much has changed since then. You see Precentor Tunrida...while you could have continued the interdiction it would not have served the needs of the Terran Hegemony. Now the Hegemony would fight if it had too. But the last thing that any sane military commander wants is a two front war. Further their goal more so then that is to get the FWL to engage the Clans."
"You see Precentor Tunrida it seems as if we are negotiating because that is precisely what we are doing...I know you are not a military man, I myself was forced to take it up by the responsibilities thrust upon me and often long for the days where I could focus myself on the mysteries of Blakes teaching seeking understanding in their truth."
"To put it succinctly, with the aid of the Free Worlds League Navy and our large aerospace arm the last multi-national naval engagement prior to Sudeten was a clear victory for the Star League. Without us and merely with Combine support despite the valiant efforts of its sailors the the Terran Hegemony was defeated in detail."
"Mind you with the strength of the Space Defense Systems in the Hegemony you could put up a strong defense there. But...without us as allies, but with an enemy bent on genocide who could wish to fight such a battle in the Hegemony itself? Even a Victory could lead to a planet scoured of life as the barbarians turn their weapons onto the planet. No, the Hegemony needs the FWL not merely neutral as has been the case the last few years, Not merely contributing to the ineffective SL Maginot plan, but actively opposing the Barbarians at your gates. However politics has tended to get in the way. Not so much even between the Hegemony and the Free Worlds League as Yvonne Davion's inability to convince anyone of her good intentions."
"Oh don't get me wrong the other House's try to field a proper navy, The Combine has managed to assemble a rather respectable if small fleet and the Lyrans have produced a one off or two of respectable cruisers...as for the Federated Suns...well the navy has always been an afterthought to the AFFS so we can hardly blame them for fielding such a forgettable force....can't even beat off a pack pirates its a shame that's what it is...an outright shame.
Shaking his head as he crosses the study to Precentor Tunrida.
"No without the League the genocide of many True Believers is an all but forgone conclusion. Something I think we both can agree should be prevented if at all possible. Today we have taken the first steps towards mending a long fractured relationship and the first steps towards true joint co-operation between the Terran Hegemony and the Free Worlds League. Though this is the beginning it is not the end. Though I may be walking it with another designee of your Director-General or another diplomat put forward by your ."
*leaning down to clasp hands with the Precentor in a gesture of comraderie he whispered*
"remind the Master, that the Free Worlds League can only be herded into assuming their role in the third transference, not ordered by me or anyonelse and despite ...difficulties events are largely where they need to be, though I might require some assistance from time to time. As always Precentor Blaine remains a good line of communication..to ensure all Blake's children are doing what they must to bring about what must be."
Federated Suns Embassy
London, Terra
April 17, 3069
Yvonne had just visited her brother again. But she was current in a chamber underneath the embassy. The hum of an device that killed listening devices as well as electronic ease-dropping kept her meeting from being monitored. A DMI7 officer stood and gave a report. "After coordinating with ROM and MIIO, we have confirmed that the girl Nathalie who stabbed your brother is a Dark agent."
Yvonne was growing more pissed, but she looked at the officer as she talked. "How in the name of the Unfinished Book, did she get to Terra without anyone realizing that she was a Smoke Jaguar?" The officer sighed. "Apparently, she was planted during one of the Dark's previous incursions into our territory. From the records of adoption, it was most likely during the Tortuga Invasion of Broken Wheel that she was inserted back in '64."
Yvonne shook her head. "Have we already got the records of adoption?" asked Yvonne as she got out of her chair. The DMI Officer nodded. "MIIO is already going through it now." Yvonne shook her head. "I want every one of those children investigated. There is no telling how many got through. But that is as good as place to start."
Then Yvonne sighed. "What have our looks into the death of Quintus shown?" The officer sighed. "From the trails here on Terra and on St. Ives, it was a ProCanadace faction that did the deed." For a moment, Yvonne considered ordering the assassination of whoever had killed Quintus Allard-Liao. But she shook her head even as thoughts of their dance back at the Tikonov Ball in her honor occurred to her.
"First Prince, do you wish to give an order?" asked the officer. She shook her head. "As much as I'd like to order the death of those who took Quintus away. . . It won't bring him back." The officer added. "Anyhow, the officer who gave the order left in the confusion after the death of Candiace."
Yvonne sighed. "Another Dancing Joker," she sighed. "Felsner."
Foreign Minister Aristotle Minias Felsner stood ready behind the First Prince. "What do you wish my Prince?"
Yvonne felt the weight of the universe. Reports were not good from the Outback; the Dark had not been seen for two months. That meant it was only a matter of time before they struck again. "I want to meet with whoever is in charge of the Terran Hegemony or at least someone who I can deal with before I leave." And then she added. "I wish to also meet with Captain-General Thomas Marik; it's time that we burrow the hatchet."
Then she shook her head. "I wish that you were here, Mom and Dad. You two always moved so well together." Then after sighing. "Even a message from Katherine or Arthur would help to reassure me that God has not fore shaken the Federated Suns."
Correction Facility 1132
Unknown, Terra
Terran Hegemony
April 18, 3068
The room was quite simple and for the past two months the prisoner had been everyday integrated. She smiled; they did not know how to break the pride of the hunter. Natalie smiled as she thought on the fact that even in defeat: the pride of Smoke Jaguar could not be destroyed. And once more fear of its prowess meant that the whimpering Inner Sphere traitors would fall to their military might.
Though restrained upright in constraint made of metal with her hands restrained behind her back in metallic cuffs, Natalie knew she was still a predator. But as a single light came on above her, she wondered where the typical integrators in their white robes were. Usually they entered before the light came on as she looked up at the single orb of light. She smiled as she thought on their various methods that they had tried to loosen her tongue only to discover her resolve. She often laughed about the fact that some of her integrators might be the Not Named Clan descendants. Yet, they were so weak in their ways to coerce information.
As she looked up at her integrator, she was shocked. Instead of a white robe or jumpsuit with some greek lettering, there stood a woman in an AFFS uniform. Baring any award or campaign ribbon, the young woman who wore it had a half breast plate that was in the shape of a sunburst. With her red hair bound in a ponytail, the woman was identified by a rank only worn by one person at a time: First Prince of the Federated Suns.
"Natalie of the Osis Bloodline, I'd say that it was a pleasure to meet you, . . .," she then looked at Natalie with her blue eyes. ". . .but from your expression, I can tell that you have no desire to lament your actions. The Dark trained you well considering that you've been cut off from them for at least five years." Natalie smiled with the smile of a predator.
"Aff, they trained me to be the pinnacle of human evolution, weak whelp of the Traitor Lords!" almost roared Natalie. Yvonne walked closely to Natalie. The teenage girl tried to bite at the First Prince of the Federated Suns. Yvonne looked at the girl's wrists trying to escape their bound state as she flung herself around her metal restraint that bound her. But as much as she struggled, she couldn't break the metal. So, she continued to try to bite at the woman's nose.
Yvonne laughed. "You know I love it when my father, mother, brothers, and I are called Traitor Lords. That implies something. Though in my case, I did end a Star League which I'm proud of in some ways since it ended a bit of corruption that crept quickly into the Second Star League." Natalie tried to move her head as Yvonne walked beside her restraint. "Get back here!" screamed the teenager.
"Did John Davion betray Aleksandr Kerensky? Or did Aleksandr Kerensky betray his friend John Davion? I don't know because like you I wasn't there. It amazes me that everyone is bound to this great sin when we founded a new Star League thrice and gave up all aspirations of being First Lord. Every so-called Successor State of the First Star League is cursed according to the Clans because we betrayed a man who was not elected, chosen, or given power." Natalie shot back. "The Great Father had the force of might on his side."
Yvonne then appeared on Natalie on other side. "Oh so now, Aleksandr Kerensky was a tyrant who had control over the remnants of the original Terran Hegemony." Natalie then tried to speak as Yvonne walked in front of her. "Release me, so I can kill you like I killed your brother." Yvonne laughed. Her head going back as she laughed deeply. Then she merely turned her head and looked at the prisoner. "So, they haven't told you?"
Natalie suddenly felt dread as Yvonne looked directly at her. "You failed. Victor still lives, and there is no way that you can complete your mission." Natalie the predator looked at her with fury. Pushing and pulling against her restraints, she wanted to at least kill this woman.
Yvonne shook her head. "You know I considered asking ROM to give you a chance at a normal life. You would have been taken and placed in a school somewhere in the Federated Suns." Natalie continued to struggle as her lungs gasped for air as she tried to break away from her bounds. "But I see now that would be a waste, there is no reasoning with you. No regret in your eyes for your actions. You are too well indoctrinated to see any perspective other than your own. Not even the love of your foster family changed you, Natalie."
Yvonne started to walk away. "Cowardly stravag! " screamed Natalie as her wrists redden from the strain against the metal. Yvonne turned her head towards Natalie. "You know you remind me of the woman who helped to bring down Clan Smoke Jaguar. Like you, Judith Faber was planted where she could get into a Clan to find her way to the homeworlds. And beyond all odds, she succeeded. Whereas you failed to complete a dishonorable murder that involved no form of combat that your so-called founder would recognize as honorable."
Natalie wanted to pounce and rip the daughter of Hanse Davion and Melissa Steiner-Davion down. "Release me, so I can show you my prowess." Yvonne looked at Natalie and returned close to the teenage girl but still out of range of her bite. "Before I go, let me relate you a tale." Yvonne then stood as the girl tried to bite at her nose.
"Most people have no idea why my father invaded the Capellan Confederation." Natalie answered back. "It was because they were weak, and he was strong. What more is there quaff?" Yvonne shook her head. "That is the assumption of tyrants and cruel liars. No, it was because of a single man." Yvonne frowned. "This man was just an ordinary Capellan who was changed into an exact double of my father down to even his memories. But he was a plant designed to weaken my father's realm, but that was not what offended my father so much."
Natalie scoffed. "So, Hanse Davion was petty, quaff?" Yvonne lowered her head and shock it. "No, no, and no. It didn't matter to him that Maximilian Liao tried to replace him." Yvonne then looked directly at Natalie. "It was the fact that they took a human being and stole his identity his freedom away from him. It was monestrous to my father. Thus, he resolved to free the people of the Capellan Confederation."
Natalie scoffed. "It would be better if he did it for glory and honor. To crush his enemies and show his prowess as a warrior would have been a true reason for such a war." Yvonne sighed. "You don't understand, but from my meeting of you, I can see that you have a bent soul."
Natalie scoffed. "Souls are for the Cloud Cobras; I merely need the heart of a Jaguar." Yvonne began to walk away again. "Well then I wash my hands of your fate, Natalie of the Osis Bloodline. Like you ancestor Franklin Osis according to the sources that I have access to, your body is infested with cruelty, so I leave your fate to ROM."
But before leaving through the door, Yvonne turned her head back to Natalie. "But the reason that I mention my father's double to you is that there was always some suspicion that Comstar had something to do with the doppleganger. And even though I find it as repulsive as possible like my father, I hope to God that ROM commits such an act against you. Death is too good for you."
Natalie suddenly felt her heart skip a beat. Death was honorable, but to live but not be a Jaguar of the Dark would be horrible. "But who knows, they may give you a reprieve if you can tell them where the Dark operate out of. Then again, I don't care about you, Natalie. My sympathy for you ran dry when you didn't even think what this might do to your foster family. So, I wish you luck in your next life."
But as the First Prince walked away, she gave a blessing softly. "May you know and respect a father and mother's love, Natalie. Someday."
The door slipped up, and Yvonne exited. And as the door shut down again, the dark consumed the uncertain future of Natalie of the Osis Bloodline as the single light above her shut off. The dark consumed here.
Yvonne walked out of the cell. The door shut behind her: there was a strange air in the hallway. But as she walked away, a single red light grew from a darkened corridor behind her. A voice echoed out. "Your foreign minister told me that you wished to speak, First Prince Yvonne Steiner-Davion." It had a metallic tone to it with a strange accent. "I am Precentor Apollyon."
Free Worlds League Cantonement
Coventry, Pro-Charlemange Steiner LC Territory.
"This is the Coventry Militia to Free Worlds League Force, you will hand over the Comstar personnel to stand trial for their crimes under Clan Law. If you do not comply I will engage and destroy you."
"You? your going to destroy Steel Hussars? ...Your funny boy. You will be within weapons range of the Green Monster Assault Battalion in 15 seconds, if your mechs do not enter cold shutdown by then we will consider you to be in open opposition of our current mission parameters and we will respond with lethal force. Just so we're clear that means we will kill you boy. All of you."
"This is a Adder world you cannot..."
"You now have 9 seconds."
"Dammit Chicken-hawk I'm warning you I'll..."
"First aren't you supposed to be a clanner now? Better watch the contractions, Second Chicken-hawk? I am Regulan boy, I will make sure you die in fire for that. Also you now have four seconds."
"Regulan Force, Coventry Militia is now entering cold shutdown we are complying do not fire! I repeat do not fire! Do not fire Regulan force, we are entering cold shutdown."
With that the short company of militia mechs began powering down. A scowl crossed the Force Commander's face in the Cockpit of his Devastator. The first of the Regulan mechs shortly there after pealed off taking over-watch positions on the Lyran Company as the remainder of the Battalion escorted the convoy through.
" Precentor Bahroos, your dropship is at Droport Three within the Free Worlds League Cantonment."
"It is a most strange universe, Force Commander Kapur that the Free Worlds League is facilitating the withdrawal of Comstar personnel. I must say I was shocked when I received your commanders offer while I and my staff were prepared for martyrdom in furtherance of Blake's vision, I am happy that the children need not die here."
"Your thanks is not needed but is accepted, it is the will of my superiors that you be escorted off this world in safety and so you are. It is my poor fortune that these belly crawlers lacked the will to carry through on their intent to provide you and yours to the Star Adders as a 'gift'. These Lyran dog's have not the courage to fight the Clans so they kiss the feet of Charlemagne Steiner.
"I have very much wanted to kill a Lyran for the last two years, Even now they will not oblige me, though I suspect I shall soon find out if four hundred years of selective breeding and gene-engineering is enough to remove the cowardice from the Steiner line. I suspect is not but it shall be interesting to see."
Now you had best not dawdle, Once in the Air a squadron of FWLN Assault Dropships will cover you to the Jump Point, passage from there is your concern I highly recommend heading to Terra through Arc-Royal but this is a decision for you to make."
"Sir, Dropship is away protection of refugee's is hereby transferred from 1st Regulan Hussars to the FWLN 5077th Independent Squadron."
"Force Commander, what do we do with the Militia?"
"They are no longer inviolation of our mission, someone laser beam that lead Mech and let him know he has our permission to power up and leave. As for us Sergei now we report into the General and find out what the Prince would bid us do.
"What about the Captain-General?"
"You are right, let us tell him too."
Location Unknown
1 October 3069
The man, dressed in the white vestments of a Word of Blake precentor, knelt before his Master's throne, "Dominus," he intoned, "I have returned."
"Indeed you have," the voice replied slowly, "congratulations on your recent success. Events are proceeding in accord with the Prophecy. Soon, the Time of Unmasking will be upon us, and your services will be needed in new ways, my protégé. Soon indeed."
"And Victor?"
"His physicians say that he will live, though they cannot predict when he will awaken from his torpor. Until then, we will keep him safe."
His new body guards had wanted him to move into the Director General's residance at once, when Warner Mendoza was elected. They were doubtless a bit worried to lose a second leader on the job, and were eager to be protective, but Warner insisted on going back to his old apartment to get some personal effects. That ment a trip to Paris, which worried his security detail to no end.
But, he was the boss, and as he strolled under La Tour Eiffel, two mostly human looking guards were all that could be seen. He was not yet well known enough to cause too much trouble, they reasoned, and Warner was sure that they were cyborgs who could handle themselves, if need be, though he didn't ask. He figured he would sooner or later have to get over it, and so long as they assigned cyborgs who were outwardly human looking, he could probably make the best of it.
As they came to a courner, one of them abruptly stepped into the lead protectively, and as Warner caught up, he could see a fight starting. A man, clearly drunk, was trying to get a woman, perhaps his date, to come with him. "Come on, baby," he slurred, "it'll be great." She turned, but he grabbed her arm to stop her. Warner looked over at his escorts, who were standing ready, but taking no action. He nodded twards the couple, the woman's cries of "Get off of me" punctuating the moment.
"Not our concern," one replied, monotone.
"I think it is," Warner replied. "We serve all the people, not just some." Seeing no action, he decided to do it himself. He had some combat training, his grandfather having though it prudent for a noble to be able to take care of himself, but he'd never used it, and never untill now wanted to. But before he could, one of the cyborgs stepped in after all.
"Sir," his voice boomed out, "step away from the woman."
"You gonna make me," the man spat back, nearly falling over as he turned to face his new assailant. When the cyborg kept comming, the drunken man had the balls to try throwing a punch. Like lighting, the cyborg caught it, and simply squeezed, cushing bone and all. The man wailed in pain.
The other cyborg came up to the woman. "Don't worry," he told her, "I've already called a cab for you." Warner hadn't seen a phone, and shivered at the thought that he probably had a comline built in some how. "Thanks," she manged to reply as the other cyborg simply drop kicked her date into a trash can. Warner assumed the police had been called as well. "Have a nice night, ma'am," one of the cyborgs said as the carried on."
"Good work," Warner told them. "Perhaps this is a sign of things to come..."
The Royal Academy at Sandhurst, Terra.
Lieutenant General Sharon Gardbaum sat in the shade of an ancient Elm on the academy grounds. She was obstensibly supervising the bi-annual field maneuvers but technically she was in a sort of exile. She had been caugth in the fallout of a plot by her former Corps Commander. Fortunately he had been part of the debacle at Sudeten and was very much dead. Still she felt wronged. On the unpside her last fitness report has stated that she was 'fit for command at the highest levels and was a reliable subordinate'. The issue was that there were no command billets available so she had to wait and after six months she was beginning to get restless. Her newfound (3058) faith in the word did give her strength but that alone was not enough. Her performance in the maneuvers were the extra push she needed. she had planned the operation and cut the orders and the 'her' cadets had done well. She prayed that they would continue to do so for the rest of the training cycle. She would not be leading them but would be grading thier progress as the senior umpire if they did well it would reflect on her and that would be a tonic. It would justify her continued service and assure her superiors she was ready.
Undisclosed Location
Planet Mars
Terran Hegemony
31 October 3069
After what seemed like an eternity, the pain finally ended; with a rattled sigh, Precentor Alexander Durbin sunk into the interrogation chair and awaited what was to come.
"Alex," said a friendly voice, "don't you see the way the Primus has used you? All you need to do is tell us where the caches are, and all will be forgiven."
"Never," he managed - the Precentor's voice was feebled after the hours of harsh interrogation he had already endured, "You Heretics will never find the caches!"
"Alex, why do you harbor such hate for your brothers and sisters? All we want are the locations - we have no quarrel with you, and it would be easier for everyone if you just told us. You know you will break eventually... and even if you do not, can you be absolutely certain you did not tell your wife, or your children, where the caches are? We want to show you mercy, Alex, but if you force us we will do whatever is neccessary to uncover the truth."
"They know nothing of this, you bastard! Torture me all you want, but leave my family out of this!"
"Acolyte, another thirty seconds please."
Screams and the smell of ozone filled the chamber...
Several hours later
"Dominus," spoke the kneeling man, "Precentor Kernoff reports a breakthrough in his investigation. We now know the location of one of the Brian Caches."
"Excellent. For seven years you have been hidden from the Frail world - the time for your return has come, and you are ready. Take a detachment of forces to Robinson with all haste and crush the Heretics. Expose their abuse of your family's faith and prevent them from repeating the travesty of Filtvelt."
"It shall be done, Dominus."
"In that, I have faith. Bring the Light of the Word to Robinson, Precentor Lucifer."
Federated Suns Embassy
Planet Terra
Terran Hegemony
26 February 3070
The Embassy was busy with activity as Yvonne's retinue packed and filled out special travel forms. She had spent so much time here, the world was beautiful, the Star League itself seemed to be making progress with some key exceptions, the unpredictable Free Worlds League representatives who used to hound her weekly for Black Box technology to avoid Comstar interdictions went silent. Not merely avoiding the Fed Suns embassy, but the Star League council in general.
The decision to move Victor had been a hard one. His condition had the best chance to improve under the advanced technologies the Terran Hegemony had to offer, but after so much time, her people demanded her return. If the Word and Comstar butt heads in the middle of the Inner Sphere, what will happen? Comstar already proved willing to use dirty tactics, the Word has already shown they will go anywhere to face Comstar.
The arrival of her own brother in their forces at Robinson had been a wake up call. She would discuss the ramifications with Jackson on the trip back, and the Fed Suns future partipation in the SLDF. Before the news she was ready to commit all of her remaining Avalon Hussar units to increasing the strength of the SLDF. Not as JCA units, but signing over her families own guard. It was a time to rething many things.
As her people moved her things out of the room, she handed over the diplomatic pouch to the courier with her own verisignature. One to the Combine embassy, one to the Taurian embassy and unbelievably, one to the Capellans...
May 1st 3070, Royal Academy at Sandhurst.
Sharon Gardbaum looked over the proposal sent to her. She read the cover sheet.
Proposal: Formation of THAF Training Division to enhance replacement flow to line units....
Sandhurst, Terra.
Sharon Gardbaum sipped her cup of tea as she read the provisional TO and E of her new command. It covered not only the training unit itself but all Terran Academies through out the Hegemony. Her plan was simple but possibly would be effective. If approved it would grant a higher margin of flexability to the THAF. She still had to wait.
Commanding General Marco Hall strode purposefully across the walkway. He received a few salutes, being in his uniform. Many may not have recognized him. While he was a more commanding presence physically than Victor was, he did not have the same recognition. However, when he entered the THAF HQ building, he was definitely recognized.
"I need to meet with your command staff."
Simple and too the point, you couldn't remove all the clan from him, after all.
White Sands Training Grounds, New Mexico, Terra, April 12th 3070.
General Sharon Guardbaum walked her Toyama across the dunes, behind her spread out in left echelon were the rest of her ad –hoc ' demi- Company' consisting of the three members of her Command Lance and Two other machines. "Stay sharp people. There is a Star of Nova Cats out here somewhere and they will not give us a break because you are all trainees." Her eyes flicked down to the range map on her knee board.
5 Kilometers away.
Colonel Dejavan Steiner looked at her HUD. "We have targets incoming. Range is 5000 meters, Zellbriggen is suspended for this engagement. We will be working as LYRAN Opponents with Omni-mechs query affirmative?" One by one her Star-mates acknowledged her instructions.
A few moments later...
A flurry of wepaons fire opened up the engagement. Three of the six mechs in Guardbaum's unit were dropped in the next two minutes then the range officers called everyone in for a debrief.
1st Training Div: 3268 BV remaining (from 11446 initially)
OPFOR: 0 BV remaining (from 12188 initially)
Survivors are:
Toyama TYM-1A (1st Training Div)
Pilot : Unnamed [4/5] ( 2 hit(s) )
Kills : 0
Victor VTR-9K (1st Training Div)
Pilot : Unnamed [4/5] ( 2 hit(s) )
Kills : 1
Hauptmann HA1-O (1st Training Div)
Pilot : Unnamed [4/5] ( 1 hit(s) )
Kills : 2
Graveyard contains:
Shadow Cat Prime (OPFOR)
Pilot : Unnamed [3/4] ( 4 hit(s) )
Kills : 0
Destroyed by Hauptmann HA1-O (1st Training Div)
Nova Cat Prime (OPFOR)
Pilot : Unnamed [3/4] ( 1 hit(s) )
Kills : 0
Destroyed by Victor VTR-9K (1st Training Div)
Warhammer WHM-9D (1st Training Div)
Pilot : Unnamed [4/5] ( 1 hit(s) )
Kills : 0
Destroyed by Stormcrow Prime (OPFOR)
Vanquisher VQR-2A (1st Training Div)
Pilot : Unnamed [4/5] ( 6 hit(s) <dead> )
Kills : 0
Destroyed by Stormcrow Prime (OPFOR)
Stormcrow Prime (OPFOR)
Pilot : Unnamed [3/4] ( 1 hit(s) )
Kills : 2
Destroyed by pilot error.
Guillotine GLT-5M (1st Training Div)
Pilot : Unnamed [4/5]
Kills : 0
Destroyed by Stormcrow Prime #2 (OPFOR)
Stormcrow Prime #2 (OPFOR)
Pilot : Unnamed [3/4] ( 1 hit(s) )
Kills : 1
Destroyed by Hauptmann HA1-O (1st Training Div)
Briefing room 401-C, White Sands, New Mexico.
The assembled mechwarriors reviewed the two minutes and thirty seconds of gun-camera footage. As the lights came up the briefer spoke up. "Well General it would appear you knocked off some of the rust. Save for the mechanical casualty to the Fifth member of Colonel Steiner's Star the OPFOR fared fairly well in spite of the loss of all members of the star. As for your unit General, your cadets did well save for a bad case of nerves. You had mechs falling because your warriors panicked. Some seasoning will cure that. File your paperwork and get some rest."
Director General's residence Palace of Mirrors, Versallies.
Appolyon turned on his secretary. "I hope you were not informed of the meating of the Advisory Council Jacques. If you failed to inform me I would have to terminate yor service."
"Non mons'eu. I was not informed. I can assure you that a closed meeting of the council is bad. According to reports there is great dissatisfaction to your actions regarding Orestes and Grummium. The griveous losses to the THAF have forces them to take action. I'm sure that they will allow you a chance to speak."
Appolyon chuckled. "I doubt anything I have to say will change their minds. The only thing that might is naked force applied in a vigorous manner. Alert the shadow divisions I will show them the folly of thier ways."