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Pleiades Cluster Liberation Force
Hasek Spaceport, New Syrtis
Capellan March, Federated Suns
8th March 3067

   Tired of the inaction of the First Prince Field Marshal Baron George Hasek gathers together seven mercenary regiments, under contract with the Federated Suns, on New Syrtis and order the to liberate the Pleiades Cluster from Taurian Concordat forces.  Supporting these forces is the FSS Reynard Davion, a Davion Block III-class Destroyer, which is assigned to secure the systems of the Pleiades Cluster and annihilate Taurian forces attempting to reinforce or retreat from the Pleiades worlds.  This show of force shows House Davion’s determination to hold onto the Cluster from the Periphery realm and the lengths Field Marshal Hasek will go to.

Nyna system, 37.28 ly from Tortuga
New Circe Colony
Nova Cat’s Den
27th March 3067

   Finding New Circe had been pure chance a Nova Cat JumpShip assigned to Yvonne Nova Cat (Rosse)’s unit, the New Colony Cluster, had broken down in the system, situated between the Nova Cat’s Den and the Fiefdom of Randis.  On Inner Sphere maps it was a system marked as Nyna with a small world with a temperate world in it, once considered to be colonisable but with massive reptiles and snakes on the world that made Mechs seem like toys it had long been considered unsuitable.  As they waited for repair crews to arrive the crew explored the system and found that the moon of the system’s fourth planet, a Gas Giant the size of Sol System’s Jupiter, could support life and had large radioactive mineral deposits.

   Landing on the planet the Nova Cats had found something else the planet, that would become known as New Circe, they found the planet had a small but definite streak of Germanium the mineral required for JumpShip and WarShip construction.  Taking charge of the colony Yvonne (Nova Cat) began setting up a small colony on the planet and called in a Nova Cat military defence force.

   Sitting behind her desk in her command DropShip, a Lion-class Military transport vessel originally mothballed from military service and turned into a civilian merchant vessel, Yvonne sat feeding Grayson as Kamesota, the former bondsmen of Galaxy Commander Kelly Hardo, led in Star Captain Travis of the Nova Cat Irregulars Cluster, Rho Provisional Galaxy, marched in Travis was old by Clan Standards now pushing his late forties soon he would be beaten by another younger warrior and his life in service of the Nova Cats would be all but over.  “I am here to accept governance of this world and serve in the defence of it in the names of Clan Nova Cat and the Nova Cat‘s Den.”  He said glancing at Yvonne’s breast as she fed Grayson a disgusted look crossed his face “Freebirths” he muttered quietly.

   â€œI think not Star Captain.”  Yvonne said looking up at Travis for a moment then back at the baby.

   â€œWhat was that freebirth?”  He said taking a step forward astonished at her defiance.  Yvonne stopped feeding the baby and calmly took Grayson to the crib standing against the left wall placing the him in the bed before turning back to Travis, her impertinence in front of him was beginning to show his face was going bright red.  “This is not your Stavag Inner Sphere now!  This is the Clans, a warrior leads freebirths follow.”  He said the way he said freebirth made it clear it was an epitaph something dirty and unwanted.

   â€œI think not, Travis” Yvonne said purposefully omitting his rank “the Khan and saKhan placed me in charge here not you.  I will remain here and in charge for another three months and ensure that New Circe is fully established before we leave.”

   â€œAnd what will stop me taking command?  The Khan is in the Homeworlds and your precious saKhan is on New Barcella and…” he feigned surprise “the HPG Array has not been assembled yet.  What is to stop my techs not building it until some freeborn slut does what she is told.  Surrender command to me now!”  He said shouting he had enough of Yvonne and her ways accepting a member of an Inner Sphere noble house in had been the first of many mistakes the Nova Cats had made and Travis planned on righting at least this one before he was retired from service by someone younger.  He noticed Kamesota move to protect the child, if Yvonne caused him any more trouble Travis would eliminate the abomination as well.

   â€œI think not.”  Yvonne said mater of fact “Star Captain Travis I challenge you to a Trial of Refusal of command of your unit.”

   â€œWHAT?!”  Travis screamed “you cannot challenge me!  You are freeborn bitch, you are lucky I do not kill you where you stand for your impertinence!”  He shouted stepping forward to grab Yvonne by the throat Yvonne deftly dodged his grab and pinned his hand against the table her eyes never leaving his.

   â€œWrong Travis, I have every right.  You see I qualified as a MechWarrior before DECIDING to serve our Clan as a civilian administrator.  Because it was my choice the Khan allowed me to retain my BattleMech and the right to use it in my defence and in my child’s defence.  You will meet me in a Trail of Refusal or I will kill you where you stand” she said withdrawing a dagger from a back sheaf “do you agree.”  She said playing the blade on his hand, Travis nodded and Yvonne released him.  “This afternoon beyond the trees, make sure you take your Mech and don’t forget to close the door behind you.”  Yvonne said Travis looked like he would explode as he spoke very quietly.

   â€œOnce you are dead I am going to kill you son as well.  Until this afternoon milady.”  He said bowing his head a wicked smile playing his mouth as he walked out.

   â€œWas that a good idea?”  Kamesota asked obviously worried as she quietly stepping in front of the table, Yvonne smiled finding it strange that a woman from the Draconis Combine would be so worried by a woman who had spent most of her life in the Federated Suns.  There had been a little tension between them when they first met but that had subsided as they both agreed their life in Clan Nova Cat was completely different from their past.  Yvonne found Kamesota very easy to get along with and found her a very competent administrator.

   â€œMaybe, maybe not.”  Yvonne said it had been months since she even stepped into her Mech, a Star League-era Striker that had been extensively modified by the Nova Cats.  “How are things with the mining operation?”  She said switching back to the here-and-now as if nothing had happened.  Kamesota looked at her for a moment surprised then began outlining the problems the Nova Cats had been experiencing.

   That afternoon Yvonne’s Striker walked out onto the ground selected for the trial opposite her Mech stood Star Captain Travis and his Guillotine IIC.  Yvonne noticed the comm. was active and keyed in the channel, it was Travis.  “This is your last chance Yvonne, you made this challenge you could stand back, I will not be offended and would not need much to remain quiet about this little insubordination.  I’m sure a woman like you could fit what I want.”  He said Yvonne could almost see the smile on his face as he licked his lips with the prospect of getting what he wanted.

   â€œShut up, Travis, I will not be stepping down from this challenge.”  Yvonne said feeling sick at the thought of what he was suggesting.  Switching frequencies so everyone could hear she spoke again before he could answer.  “This is Yvonne Nova Cat, I called for this Trial to end any claim against my authority on this world.  This is a Trial of Equals may no other enter.”  She said it wasn’t totally right but close enough.

   â€œI am Star Captain Travis of the Nova Cat Irregulars.  We are Nova Cats and a warrior should command.  This freebirth thinks she is equal to a trueborn, it is time she was showed the true way of the Clans.”  Yvonne noticed the comm. was active again and keyed in Travis again “Yvonne, I will try not to mess up your pretty face too much, at least the saKhan will know it is you who lies in the coffin.”  He said cutting the frequency back to the general bandwidth “may no other enter.”  And with that his Guillotine IIC began to move.  His Mech weighed seventy tons hers weighed eighty so she had the advantage in size and her Mech could match the other Mech for movement profile and had heavier armour.  Travis’ only advantage was he was a warrior and she was not.  That was something Yvonne would not let beat her.  Moving with the Guillotine Yvonne fired her Mech’s Ultra-class autocannon mounted in the left arm the shells cut into the Guillotine’s left leg.  As Travis attempted to return fire with lasers and Short Range Missiles Yvonne sent her Striker skyward landing to the Guillotine’s far left.  Twisting his Mech’s torso to track her Travis opened fire with a PPC and a pair of large pulse lasers devastating the Striker’s left arm and leg destroying the autocannon mounted there.  Yvonne’s cool running weapon was gone which hurt but it wasn’t a major loss twisting her Striker’s own torso to match the Guillotine Yvonne triggered both the Extended-Range PPC and the Extended-Range Large Lasers mounted in the torso of the Striker.  When the Nova Cats had upgraded this Mech they had upgraded the weapons as well the clan-tech PPC and laser tore into the Guillotine’s right and centre torso sections devastating the lighter Mech’s armour.  Turning her Mech on the spot Yvonne triggered both right arm medium lasers causing her Mech’s heat to spike but not uncontrollable while keeping the Guillotine under fire.

   Weathering the fire Travis launched his Mech skyward on the Guillotine’s own Jump Jets jumping behind Yvonne attempting to get out of her fire.  Instead of trying to track the flying Mech Yvonne sent her own Mech flying again.  Travis landed his Mech and immediately spun his Mech’s torso and triggered his weapons again at the spot Yvonne’s Mech had been standing lasers, PPCs and SRMs filled the area where the Striker had been standing but Yvonne’s Mech was nowhere to be seen.  Travis looked at his sensors and saw the Striker facing him but in a completely different position than what he had expected.  Yvonne triggered the PPC again this time tearing a nasty hole in the leg armour of the Guillotine.  Walking her Striker right she twisted the Mech’s torso to keep track of the Guillotine while firing her weapons in sequence PPC, Large Lasers, Paired Medium Lasers, repeat.  Her Mech was constantly running the red light on the heat scale and her weapons fire was becoming more erratic as the targeting system failed to cope with the heat however the shots that hit the Guillotine was devastating.  First thing to go was the right leg as the knee armour failed and the leg crumpled under heavy fire.  Then the pulse laser right arm was disabled as Travis stumbled to the ground smashing the laser’s focussing crystals.  Travis attempted to return fire with a PPC blast of his own and a pair of Medium lasers causing some telling damage to the Striker however this was not enough to stop Yvonne who was like a woman possessed.  Now not bothering to manoeuvre Yvonne’s Striker was standing there less than one hundred metres from the Guillotine firing a constant barrage of weapons into the seventy ton Mech.  Even once it was obvious Travis was dead and the Mech disabled Yvonne kept firing until her own Mech could not deal with the heat and collapsed in a heap.

   The next thing Yvonne remembered was waking up lying on a bed in some room devoid of colour just white.  For a moment Yvonne wondered if she had died fighting Travis and this was some sort of afterlife however she heard a baby laughing and giggling playing with something that was rattling and looked up there was Kamesota with Grayson on the floor playing with some toys the civilian workers had created for him.  Yvonne looked down at them and almost smiled, she had done it.  Seeing a glass of water on the side she reached up to it but missed the glass knocking it to the ground Kamesota looked up and saw her “Grayson look it’s mommy!  She’s awake - finally” she said scooping him up in her arms “come on let’s see mum.”  She said carrying him to the bed lowering him into Yvonne’s arms on the bed then pouring Yvonne another drink handing it to Yvonne who found her hands were shaking almost uncontrollably as she drank the water.

   â€œWhat happened?”  She asked her throat was like sandpaper even with the water.

   â€œYou happened and a stupid arrogant Clanner Star Captain paid the price.”

   â€œSpeak plainly it is our custom.”  Yvonne said weakly smiling that she was repeating the very words Canin had said so many times as she finished the glass, Kamesota immediately poured another drink “I don’t want more.”  She said but Kamesota refused to take the glass.

   â€œYou need it, your body has lost nearly eighty percent of its fluids, you’ve been in a coma for the last four days.”  Kamesota said as Yvonne realised she was thirsty and began to drink the water.

   â€œWhat happened to Travis?”  She asked if she had been in a coma then she could not have won the Trial, she should really stick to civilian matters.

   â€œHe’s dead.”  Kamesota said luckily there were no trueborns around to scold their lower-speech patterns “he was probably dead after your second or third full volley of weapons but he was certainly dead when you had finished.  Eight full volleys of weapons at less than a hundred metres!  Yvonne, I am not a MechWarrior and even I know that was a little bit overkill.”

   â€œI guess I lost it a little.”  She said thinking back to the fight Travis had made her sick so she had cleaned up.

   â€œWell you certainly did that.  His Mech is good for scrap and nothing much else.  Since you were incapacitated I took charge and looked after this little guy.”  Kamesota said stroking Grayson’s head as he lay there not moving as he slept.

   â€œThanks” she said looking down at Grayson “I hope he wasn’t too much of a problem.”

   â€œNo problem at all, a little darling.”  Yvonne gave her a sceptical look then looked down at Grayson “that is after he decided a bottle was good enough.”  Kamesota said Yvonne shot her a glance then looked back at her sleeping son.

   â€œHe never take’s a bottle from me.”

   â€œI guess he was hungry and realised mum couldn’t feed him so he compromised to survive, very Clan-like.”  She said smiling Yvonne nodded stroking her son’s head even at this young age Yvonne could see that her son would look quite a bit like his father, the Rosse bloodline showing strong in him even though he had been born naturally, it would do him good in the future.

   â€œI guess the military is in charge.”  She said since she was unconscious they had no-one to stand up to them.

   â€œYou’d guess wrong.” Kamesota said “since you were out of it they wanted the job, but I told them you had been successful and Travis was dead, the rest of the colonists agreed and so you were in charge.  Being your aide I took temporary charge.”

   â€œNo challenges?”  Yvonne wondered since she was out of it technically they could say Kamesota needed to defend her right to lead.

   â€œNope.  Not to us anyway.  With Travis gone they started challenging each other to command.  I think Star Commander Michaela won out in the end, which is good for us because she is freeborn and I think she has a little hero-ship for you.”  She said as Yvonne rolled her eyes as she finished her second glass, last thing she needed was hero worship for something she was not proud of - combat was not for her never had been, Kamesota poured another glass which Yvonne did not complain about.

   â€œSo what’s our status?”

   â€œStatus Quo for the most part only big change is the HPG is up and running.”

   â€œNo-one has told Canin about what happened have they?”

   â€œI ordered everyone to keep tight-lipped about it and mention none of this in their reports to the saKhan.  Thought it was your job to tell the husband how crazy you were feeling on this trip.”  Kamesota said smiling Yvonne couldn’t help herself but smile only to feel her lips crack due to the lack of moisture in her body.

   â€œThanks” she said “this may be a little hard to explain” she said raising her arms.

   â€œOh one thing that is done is your Mech if fully repaired so if you want to beat up some more warriors go right ahead.”  Kamesota said giggling as she walked towards the door.

   â€œGreat” Yvonne whispered as Kamesota walked from the room, Yvonne didn’t even know if she wanted to see the Mech again let alone pilot the stupid thing.

Clan Fire Mandrill Territory
Atreus, Kerensky Cluster
Clan Space, Clan Homeworlds
3rd May 3067

   On a Clan world, that shares the name of the former Free Worlds League Capital, Clan Fire Mandrill undergoes another political revolution as Kindraa Mick-Kreese and Kindraa Kline merge to form Kindraa Mick-Kreese-Kline.  This is not an alliance of equal standing however Kindraa Kline, formerly one of the Fire Mandrill’s strongest factions, has taken heavy damage fighting the Star Adders and is defiantly a junior-partner of this alliance.
 
Fifteen Kilometres outside Memoria
Martial Olympiad
Tukayyid, Free Rasalhague Republic
5th May 3067

   On fields that had once been blood-baths for the ComGuards and the Clans during the Battle of Tukayyid a different type of battle took place, the Martial Olympiad.  The Martial Olympiad had been an event originally sponsored by the first Star League and this time sponsored by the reborn Star League and ComStar, although in a limited fashion from the former due to the continuance of Operation Case White.  This Martial Olympiad marked the return of the competition after an absence for 331 years originally held on Outreach the Wolf’s Dragoons refused to allow so many armed foreign troops on their soil so Tukayyid was chosen with the main events taking place at the Focht War College training grounds and on ground fifteen kilometres north of the ComStar capital city Memoria.

   The idea of the Martial Olympiad was for each faction of the Star League and beyond to send a group of troopers that would represent the best that nation could offer and they would compete against members of other nations over five months and the winner would be declared at the end of the competition in October.

   All of the Succession Lords each sent a Battalion’s worth of troops to compete while the Periphery realms and the Clans even also sent troops to mark such an event of the return of the Martial Olympiad and prove their warriors were the best in the Inner Sphere.  ComStar and the Word of Blake both sent a force of troops and despite the continuing fighting in the Terran system both agreed to fight within the rules.  With so much armed troops from so many factions present the Star League Defence Force was out in force to ensure things did not get out of hand.

   Although the Martial Olympiad is supposed to be a political free zone it becomes quite obvious this from the opening ceremony this will not be the case when Capellan Chancellor Sun-Tzu Liao refuses to allow his MechWarriors to take place instead allowing the Magistracy of Canopus to represent the Capellan Confederation as well as their own realm.  In a strange turn of events the Rubinsky’s Light Horse, a Mercenary regiment, arrive as the representative unit of the St Ives Compact.  Colonel Marko Rubinsky tells the assembled house troops that the Rubinsky’s Light Horse regiment have separated from the Korsakov’s Cossacks, their sister regiment, and become house troops of the St Ives Compact.  Korsakov’s Cossacks leave the St Ives Compact for a contract with the Federated Suns.

First Prince’s Office, Fox’s Den
Mount Davion Mountain Range, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
14th May 3067

   As the Martial Olympiad competition continued on Tukayyid, the fighting in the Terran system continued and the mercenary force assembled by Baron George Hasek began wiping out the last of the Taurians in the Pleiades Cluster there was little for Victor Steiner-Davion to do in his office deep inside the command complex of the Fox’s Den deep under the Davion mountains however he liked going down into the mountains for a couple hours ever day just to keep up to date with the goings on of the AFFS active operations and to rub shoulders with the people commanding these operations, ensuring everyone knew he was interested in what was happening.  In the far side of the mountain range, in a specially hardened area, was the Mechbay and his Dire Wolf, Prometheus, Victor wished he could strap into the Mech and go fight someone but that was not necessary so he resisted the urge and got to work.

   There was a knock on the door Victor looked up, he hadn’t expected any visitors, rarely did anyone bother the First Prince when he was working unless it was something important.  “Come in” he called placing down the notepaper he had been working with looking up at the door.  As the door swung open Victor realised that it was not one of his officers that was coming in, not unless flowing white dresses had become the uniform of the AFFS, instead Danai Centrella-Davion entered the room a smile crossing her face.  Dressed in a white dress with a dark blue belt, which had a Federated Suns-styled Sword-and-Sunburst belt buckle, Danai wore her long brown hair up making her look taller.  Closing the door behind her Danai rounded the table pushing Victor’s chair back on its casters and sitting on his knee.  “Well hello” Victor said, Danai said nothing and leaned in kissing him lightly as they broke Victor just sat looking at her “what is it?”  He whispered, not that anyone could hear them anyway.

   â€œSomething has happened…”  She said beginning Victor almost immediately broke in.

   â€œNot to Burton?”  He asked worried about his son, he never expected himself to be such close to a son or daughter but he was close to Burton and loved every minute he was with him and with Danai if anything happened to them he didn‘t know if he could continue.

   â€œNot that I know of, last I saw he was happily annoying the guards in the Palace.”  she said smiling as she thought about it the members of the First Davion Guards assigned to the defence of the palace were beginning to find out what it was like to look after children and from what she had seen they were enjoying their assignment more by the day with Burton playing as many tricks on them as he wanted and getting away with it.  Not only was the Royal Palace the most prestigious assignment in the AFFS but it was also becoming one of the most enjoyable, something Victor saw no problems with in every command he had taken a relaxed atmosphere always seemed to keep people more focused, why not have this atmosphere at home as well?

   â€œThen what?”  He asked he hadn’t heard about anything happening in the Magistracy although he knew Danai kept close tabs on her home realm and the family she had there.  “It isn’t something back home is it?”  he asked quietly although he did not care much for the Magistracy due to their alliance with the Capellans he knew Danai did care so he listened to what she thought about them and their problems.

   â€œNot that I know of, only that Sun-Tzu allowed them to lead the Capellan delegation on Tukayyid.  But I guess you know about that?”  Victor nodded Andrew Redburn leading the Federated Suns delegation on Tukayyid had informed him of that development with Sun-Tzu allowing the Magistracy‘s MechWarriors to represent the Capellan Confederation at the opening ceremony of the Martial Olympiad making news across the Inner Sphere.  “No this is far more personal.”  She said quietly “I want this to stay between us for a while.”  She said Victor nodded if that is what she wanted he would do it.  “I need your promise.”

   â€œDanai, you have my word that anything you say with stay between us for as long as possible.”  Victor said now completely captivated wondering what exactly she was on about.

   â€œI’m pregnant.”  She said smiling Victor’s face went from surprise to shock to delirious happiness in less than thirty seconds as the words reached him, they were having another baby, a broad smile crossed his lips it hadn‘t been planned but Victor thought things like this should never be planned.  “Now you promised this would be our secret.”  She warned remembering his reaction when Victor learned of Burton being on the way.

   â€œI promise not a word will leave my lips about this wonderful, wonderful news.”

   â€œWonderful, that’s one way to describe it” Dania said sounding slightly resigned.

   â€œSomething wrong?”  He wondered if she even wanted more children.

   â€œNo, not really” she said “it’s just you don’t have to carry it!”  She said bursting into laughter Victor joined her with a deep booming laugh together they sat there for more than an hour talking, laughing and cuddling as the work around them continued in the Fox’s Den.  Occasionally the people working in the Fox’s Den would look up as Victor or Danai burst into laughter at something the other had said however these were not annoyed glances from the workers who returned to their jobs with smiles on their faces, whatever had happened the First Prince was pleased which could only be good for them and the Federated Suns.

Grand Council of the Clans
Clan Council Chambers, Clan Hall
Strana Mechty, Kerensky Cluster
Clan Space, Clan Homeworlds
21st June 3067

   For once every Khan of the Clans was present in the Council Chambers and every saKhan was either with them or watching via communication’s link, the saKhan of the Jade Falcons Samantha Clees among them watching from the Jade Falcon Occupation Zone.  Khan Marthe Pryde smiled it was justice that all the Khans were here, even the ever missing Nova Cat and Ghost Bear Khans were present, to witness this evidence being presented and the betrayal the Jade Falcons had uncovered.

   â€œMy fellow Khans” she said addressing the warriors of equal rank assembled, she cared little for the saKhans beside them “Several months ago the Jade Falcons challenged the Diamond Shark Clan over its practices in the Inner Sphere and informed them that we believed they were trading Clan technology to the Inner Sphere realms today we can prove this.”  She said trying to make her statement sound as shocking and surprising as possible, to her own surprise she noticed few of the Khans even cared “In the Inner Sphere the Diamond Sharks have claimed three worlds one within Clan Jade Falcon territory, one within the Ghost Bear Dominion and one within the Draconis Combine.  At these worlds they have set up trade outposts in which they trade technology to the realms and powers all around.  The Jade Falcon WarShips patrolling our Occupation Zone, which the Diamond Shark world is part of, have detected three Lyran Alliance transports enter and exit the Twycross system without challenge.  We have also discovered several Ha Otoko and Mad Cat Mk. II BattleMechs operating with the Lyran Alliance, ComStar and the Draconis Combine.  These Mechs are built with Clan technology and give the Inner Sphere powers a sizeable boost in combating us when the invasion resumes.  I call for the Diamond Sharks to answer this charge and for this council to censer the Diamond Sharks if these charges come true.”

   â€œThe Khan of Clan Diamond Shark Barbara Sennet is asked to answer this charge.”  Loremaster Kael Pershaw said.  The Diamond Shark Khan stood nearly immediately.

   â€œFirstly I would like to correct the Jade Falcon Khan on her mistake of our territory held.  We control four Inner Sphere worlds after recently claiming a Lyran Alliance world, Hamilton, as another trade world.  As well as holding several periphery worlds to be used as trade worlds.”  She said glancing at Khan Santin West of Clan Nova Cat and Khan Lynn McKenna of Clan Snow Raven, soon the Snow Ravens would join them in handing over a world, or so was the hope. “As for her charge that we are trading Clan BattleMech technology to the Inner Sphere with fully operation weapons I ask what if we are.”  There was stunned silence at the question as if no-one had expected such defiance.  “Of all the Clans the Jade Falcons are most tradition bound of our brethren.”  Barbara said her voice full of praise and just a little mocking, the Jade Falcons were one step from being as ridged as the Smoke Jaguars were and everyone knew what happened to them.  “The Jade Falcons have always said that their warriors are superior to any other so what difference does it make if we are trading standard Ha Otoko and Mad Cat Mk. II designs to the Inner Sphere.  The mighty Jade Falcons should have nothing to fear.”  Now her voice was full of mocking and Marthe Pryde had picked up on it.

   â€œYou do not deny you are trading technology to the Inner Sphere, Quineg?”  As a fellow Khan Barbara had no need to answer the interrogative question but the Diamond Shark Khan looked right at Marthe Pryde.

   â€œNeg” she said “and we will defend our rights to sell to the highest bidder in a Trial if need be. After all it is only technology, the warrior makes the battle.”

   â€œThere is need I challenge the Diamond Sharks to their rights to trade technology to the Inner Sphere.  The merchant Clan has gone too far.”

   â€œFine with us, name your place and time.  We will defend it with the second-line Mechs you are so worried about us trading to the Inner Sphere and show the Jade Falcons that it is the warrior not the technology that makes superior warriors, just like Twycross.”  Barbara said rubbing the loss of the world in the Jade Falcons nose just a little bit.

   â€œThen your warriors will meet the Jade Falcons on the plains south of here tomorrow.”  Marthe Pryde said, it wasn’t a question.  “And to prove we are not afraid at the technology you speak of we will also field a second-line unit for the battle.  If the Diamond Sharks loose then they will cease trading to the Inner Sphere.  Agree?”

   â€œAgreed” Barbara Sennet said, it was dangerous but she believed her warriors were more than capable.

   â€œSeyla!” every Clansmen in the room said ending the ritual now they would wait until tomorrow and settle the dispute.  The rest of the clan council went as planned then the council broke up with various Khans leaving for other duties or long journeys to the Inner Sphere.  Outside the Council chambers Marthe Pryde was met by Galaxy Commander Timur Malthus, the former saKhan of the Jade Falcon Clan.

   â€œTimur it has been a long time.”

   â€œAff” Timur said Samantha Clees had defeated him and Timur had returned to commanding the Jade Falcons primary Homeworlds Galaxy.

   â€œWalk with me.”  Marthe said she would not just stand, there were things to do.  “And how are the warriors of Sigma Galaxy?”

   â€œReady to win this trial.”  Timur said quietly.

   â€œGood, I am glad.  Galaxy Commander, I have another job for you.”  Marthe said stopping in the corridor “in one hour I am climbing aboard a DropShip and then rendezvousing with the Emerald Talon which had moved in system.  I need someone to oversee this trial.”

   â€œThe Loremaster is next in line.”

   â€œThe Loremaster is also Loremaster of the Grand Council.  I need a Jade Falcon not swayed by popular opinion.”  Marthe said looking at Timur “I need you Galaxy Commander.”

   â€œI can do this.”  Timur said smiling “I assume Samantha Clees will be returning?”

   â€œNeg, the saKhan is needed in the Inner Sphere.  I am making you my official Proxy in the Clan Council.  You will have all my powers and be able to speak on my behalf in the Clan Council.  Effectively the Jade Falcons will have two saKhans, the other Clans will not approve but I care little for what they think.”  Marthe said looking at Timur who did not look happy, obviously not happy about the fact he would have to share a post he once held exclusively.  “Do you accept this duty for the Jade Falcons, Quiaff?”

   â€œAff, I accept.”  Timur said quietly, she knew that he would, he could use this to rebuild his power and if Samantha Clees ever was killed then he could attempt to regain his position as saKhan, something Marthe would never allow, Timur was too smart for his own good and Marthe would not allow him to regain such a position, this was as far as he would get.

   â€œI am glad.  Now away and win that trial” she said Timur nodded and walked off Marthe watched him for a moment then disappeared herself heading for the DropShip, the Inner Sphere beckoned her more and more nowadays, the politics that brought her back to the Homeworlds were such a bore and waste of precious time.

   At the other side of the Clan Council Chambers Barbara Sennet caught up with Khan Santin West walking back towards the Nova Cat Hall “Khan West, a moment of your time?”

   â€œAff, a moment.”  West said not slowing his pace he cared little for the Diamond Sharks selling technology to the Inner Sphere as he himself had done so with the Federated Suns.  As long as the Diamond Sharks maintained the secret surrounding the Nova Cat’s new home for a few more months that was enough for him.

   â€œHow would the Nova Cats like to secure another forty percent of Barcella?”  That stopped Santin who turned and looked at the Diamond Shark Khan.  A MechWarrior by birth Barbara was shorter than Santin and far more fragile looking, although Santin knew appearances could be deceiving and that she was nothing of the sort a fragile person, she was now pushing forty-two years old and among most Clans she would be considered past her best.  Fortunately for her the Nova Cats and Diamond Sharks, to a lesser degree, respected age.

   â€œThat is all of the Diamond Shark territory on Barcella, Quiaff?”  Gaining that much territory would be quite a gain for the Nova Cats.

   â€œAff” she said.

   â€œWhat would the Diamond Sharks want for such territory?”

   â€œThe technical readouts of a few Nova Cat vehicles and of the new Nova Cat ProtoMech design.”

   â€œIs that all?”  Santin asked surprised they would be willing to trade their technology for so little.

   â€œNeg” Barbara said smiling  stepping closer to West lowering her voice “we would like access to the Nova Cat naval facilities.”

   â€œWhat facilities would that be?”  Santin said playing the stupid Elemental so many of his opponents had taken him for and paid the price.

   â€œThe facility in the Varnay system, where you built the Severn Leroux and her sister ships.”

   â€œWe modified vessels to the Anna Rosse-configuration.”  Santin said

   â€œWe have vessels we wish to modify.  We have the design specifications and the materials we just need facilities close to or in the Inner Sphere.  Facilities we can trust completely.”

   â€œThe Nova Cats and Diamond Sharks have always been close.”  Santin said “forward your needs to me and I will see how we can accommodate you.  If everything works out the Nova Cats will take control of Barcella.  Agreed?”  Santin asked Barbara stood there for several moments thinking then nodded her agreement.  “Good then I wish you luck with your trial.”

   â€œWe have already won.”  Barbara said confidently walking off.  The Diamond Shark Khan had rights to be confident the next day a second-line Diamond Shark Cluster handed the Jade Falcon Second-Line unit a stinging defeat after nearly sixteen hours battling on the plains of Strana Mechty.  Khan Santin West confirmed the Diamond Shark request to use the Nova Cat Varnay system shipyards then sent word to the Nova Cat’s Den and saKhan Canin Rosse that he needed more troops and he needed his saKhan in the Homeworlds by march the following year, the Nova Cats were ready to tell the rest of the Clans where they had made their new Homeworlds.

Jezersko
Ghost Bear Dominion
4th July 3067

   Contracted by House Kurita to raid the Ghost Bear Dominion under the guise of other Clans the Black Thorns, a unit of fifteen Battle and OmniMechs many of Clan origin, are ambushed by a hidden force of Ghost Bears well aware of the who the Black Thorns are and their intensions.  The Black Thorns commanded by a brother and sister team from Northwind are known throughout the Inner Sphere for getting out of tough situations however in the opening engagement Rianna Rose, the unit’s executive officer and sister to the unit’s commander Jeremiah Rose, is critically injured.

   With Rianna unable to move and Jeremiah unwilling to abandon his sister it looks to be the end of the Black Thorns until one of the newest recruits, Sgt Dan Jackson, proposes Hegira to the Clan Commander.  Hegira the honourable retreat of an enemy force without further bloodshed or loss of honour is accepted by the Ghost Bears.  Following a short debate the Ghost Bears agree and the surviving Black Thorns, including Rianna, are able to leave.  Jeremiah enacts an exit clause in the Black Thorns contract and they begin heading for Northwind.

   On Northwind Rianna and Jeremiah’s father Cornelius Rose suffers a stroke when hearing that his daughter will never be able to use her limbs again unless she accepts myomer implants, something she has refuse.  Towards the end of July Cornelius recovers mostly from the effects of his stroke and with the Black Thorns arriving back on planet he begins lobbying the other Clan Elders and the Regiment Commanders to allow the Black Thorns to recruit off Northwind and become part of the Northwind Highlanders.

Van Dieman IV
Former Free Worlds League
12th July 3067

   The Rousset-Marik Alliance continues to expand by landing forces on the world of Van Dieman IV an independent Duchy under the control of the Oriente Protectorate.  A similar sight unfolds as Captain-General Jonas Rousset-Marik lands his Krushers’ regiment on planet attempting to negotiate first then launching a full assault on the defending Third Oriente Hussars Regiment.  In a particularly blood-thirsty move the Krushers target the Oriente DropShips first destroying them before going after and destroying the Oriente Hussars unit almost to the man with the survivors, nearly all badly injured sent to prisoner camps deeper in the Rousset-Marik Alliance.

Antallos, Pirate Holding
Periphery Near Outworlds Alliance
18th July 3067

   Clan Snow Raven decides to being to take its revenge on the Draconis Combine because of the Kazanka Incident but first they decide to eliminate a thorn in the side of the Outworlds Alliance and the Inner Sphere, Antallos, a known pirate haven.  Landing nearly two Clusters on the world they are surprised to find, according to local opinion, Vance Razek’s Band of the Damned and Vinston’s Vigilantes have both been destroyed by a Clan force of unknown identity or origin.

   Although the Snow Ravens do encounter a full Division of Word of Blake forces, three small pirate bands, including a group of the Clan’s Dark Caste Faction and a regimental strength unit named Spade’s Brigade the elite Snow Raven troops with full WarShip and Aerospace support eliminate all opposing forces taking Antallos as a Snow Raven holding.  Armed with the knowledge of a Clan force in the nearby periphery the Snow Ravens begin to watch their backs as well as continuing to prepare to strike the Draconis Combine.

Second Babylon Diet
Babylon, Kerensky Cluster
Clan Space, Clan Homeworlds
15th September 3067

   The beginning of the Second Babylon Diet goes off without a hitch with the Cloud Cobras and the Diamond Sharks significantly upgrading the defences of the Diet this time, with each Clan deploying two WarShips and a galaxy each to the defence of the Diet, in case there is a repetition of the troubles that plagued the first Diet.  Because there are so many Inner Sphere delegates present the SLDF are also allowed to send a Battalion of troops from Huntress to support and protect the defensive forces.

   Notably the Cloud Cobras and the Nova Cats are very frosty towards each other due to the Rossei Cloister’s actions in almost completely joining the Nova Cats.  Although the Cloud Cobras accept the Nova Cats had little directly to do with the Rossei Cloister’s decision to join their Clan the Cloud Cobras are angry the Nova Cats accepted them so easily as if it wasn’t a big deal.

Clan Wolf/Jade Falcon/Lyran Alliance Border
18th September 3067

   On the Clan borders Clan Wolf and Clan Jade Falcon continue their advance on Coventry, Donegal and Tharkad and the heart of the Lyran Alliance.  Already the worlds of Grundwald, Summit and Kandersteg had fallen to the Wolves while the Jade Falcons had taken Dustball, A Place and Bountiful Harvest.

   In the Kandersteg system the Lyran Alliance WarShips LAS Yggdrasil, a Mjolinir-class Battle-cruiser and the LAS Robert Marsden, a Fox-class Corvette had engaged two Clan Wolf WarShips destroying the WarShip Blood Drinker, a Black Lion-class Battle-cruiser.  While in the Bountiful Harvest system the Clan Wolf (in-Exile) WarShip Ulric Kerensky, a Cameron-class Battle-cruiser had been destroyed when it engaged the Jade Falcons Sovetskii Soyuz-class Heavy Cruiser Hawker, the two ships died in a massive fireball as they collided in space, in a titanic ramming maneover by the Hawker.  Even these losses had not stopped the Clans however and people were streaming off Lyran worlds attempting to escape the Clan advance.

   Further up the borderline the Sixth Alliance Guards supported by a Wolf (in-Exile) Cluster attack and liberate the world of Clermont from the Jade Falcons a success which is quickly followed by Kikuyu another world that had been lost in previous raids by the Jade Falcons.  Driven on by these raids on the eighteenth the SLDF’s 151st Light Horse and two ComGuard Divisions, not yet included in Operation Case White, all supported by the SLS Sparta newly out of the shipyards at Alarion attempt a raid into the Jade Falcon Occupation Zone in an attempt to force the Jade Falcons to defend their captured territory.  Attacking the Butler system deep in the Jade Falcon OZ unfortunately as the enter the system they are confronted by the Falcon’s Nest, a Texas-class Battleship.

   The Falcon’s Nest with a full broadside worth of Naval-class lasers destroys the Seventy-Seventh Division of the ComGuard’s Second Army before the Sparta even has time to react.  Although no match for the Falcon’s Nest the Sparta engages the massive Battleship for a total on one minute and fifty-eight seconds before being destroyed.  Although this is a tiny amount of time it does allow the ground forces enough of a head-start to head for the planet.  Five days later the two surviving unit’s the 151st and the 211th Division hit the Jade Falcon ground forces with everything they have and destroy the Seventh Provisional Garrison Cluster of the Jade Falcon’s Rho Galaxy and the Fifty-first Garrison Cluster of Iota Galaxy securing most of the planet believing the Jade Falcons will not resort to orbital bombardment.

   They are wrong.  The Falcon’s Nest moves into orbit two days later and lets loose with three barrages destroying all three major military bases and the only HPG on the planet.  Then it drops two Clusters of troops to eliminate or capture the remaining SLDF and ComGuard personnel.  It is believed roughly a Battalions worth of troops is captured by the Jade Falcons marking a very black day for the SLDF.  The Clan WarShip’s willingness to use orbital bombardment is even more scary for the Inner Sphere and shows the Clan’s changing attitude to their relations and combat against the Inner Sphere.

Bradford Family Residence
Port St. William, Coventry
Coventry Province, Lyran Alliance
21st September 3067

   Choosing to remain close to Tharkad and away from the Clan borders Peter Steiner-Davion and Isis Steiner had taken refuge on the important industrial world of Coventry.  Not only was Coventry close to Tharkad but the world's leader, Duke Thomas Fredrick Bradford, was a close ally to Morgan Kell and Victor Steiner-Davion and a major opponent of Katherine in the Lyran Alliance.  Duke Bradford turned all intelligence assets over to Peter and treated him like an Archon during his stay.  The population of Coventry followed their Duke’s example and made Peter very welcome, to the surprise of everyone they even welcomed Isis with open arms accepting her despite her Marik heritage.  Peter and Isis stayed at the Bradford Residence and had been given almost the entire guest wing for their stay.

   â€œAre you coming to bed?”  Isis asked stretched out over the bed, Peter was sitting at a desk near the patio windows.

   â€œIn a minute, just catching up.” Peter said reading the report from the front-line, both Wolf and Jade Falcon Clans were causing the Alliance more and more troubles by the hour.

   â€œPeter!”  Isis said sitting up the covers falling off her body, she was naked under the covers, she always slept naked she said it reminded her of everything she had lost “come to bed.”  She whispered, Peter looked over his shoulder and couldn’t help but smile at the sight, she was as beautiful as the first time they were together.  Putting down the reports he launched himself at the bed landing beside her immediately she was wrapped around his body.  “I think we need to lose this…”  She said indicating to his clothes however just as Peter began to lose his clothes the whole building was rocked by an explosion that knocked over the bed “what the hell was that?”  Isis screamed as they were knocked to the floor and covered by the bedding as the entire bed was thrown up onto its side.

   â€œGet dressed” Peter said reaching up to the bedside cabinet removing a Sternsnacht Pistol Isis looked at the weapon wide-eyed “stay here, I’ll be right back” he said raising to his feet.

   â€œI love you!” Isis called her head in a light green sweater as Peter made it to the door.

   â€œI know, I love you too” Peter said opening the door only to be tackled by Duke Thomas Bradford as he came barrelling through the door slamming Peter into the floor with a heavy thud.  Bradford rolled off and kicked the door closed.  “What is going on?”  Peter asked exasperated he noticed Bradford was also armed.

   â€œBuilding security has been breached and there is an assassin in looking for you.”  Bradford said Peter looked to Isis who was struggling into clothes.  “The communications are down so we blew the reactors hoping to gain the militia’s attention.

   â€œWho is it?”

   â€œUnknown, the guards reported they were engaging a pair of Infiltrator Battle Armour so probably someone from the Former FedCom States.”

   â€œVictor and Morgan supports us so I guess Katherine?”  Isis said dropping down beside them she was unarmed but at least she was now dressed Peter looked at her and wished they had been left for half an hour more.

   â€œKatherine.” Bradford and Peter both said together in agreement.

   â€œWe need to get you out of here.”  Bradford said “out the windows, both of you.”  Thomas said Peter and Isis headed for the patio while Bradford remained watching the doors.  Just as Peter was helping lower Isis to the ground the room door exploded inwards showering Thomas Bradford with splinters of wood from the door.  Peter began heading back towards the door but saw Bradford shaking his head as he began firing pistol blasts into the door Peter followed Isis down the balcony to the ground, just before he dropped down he saw Bradford being cut down by sub-machine gun fire as an Infiltrator Battle Armour suit walked into the room.

   â€œWe need to go.”  Peter said to Isis who nodded silently, she had heard the weapons fire and knew what had happened.  Running across the courtyard to the vehicle bay jumping into a small hovercraft and escape they were intercepted by a squad of four Standard Inner Sphere Battle Armour painted up in Coventry Militia colours.

   â€œSire, what is the problem?”  One of the troopers asked because of the suit’s distortion of the voice Peter couldn’t tell if the trooper was male or female.

   â€œInfiltrator Battle Armour arrived a little while ago.  The Duke was cut down by them and they are sweeping each room with weapons fire.”  He said as machine gun fire filled the air again.

   â€œRight.  Gonzalez!  Secure the Duke and his wife.”  The trooper said over loud speakers “the rest of you with me, we’re going in.”  He said running forward two suits immediately ran behind the lead trooper.  “You two, in the front door! I’m going in upstairs.”  the trooper ordered launching their suit skyward on jump jets as the other two troopers charged down the front door of the burning building.  From his position near the vehicle bay Peter could see the explosion of the generator had set the building ablaze, the wooden building was taking to flame quickly.  Upstairs the lead trooper encountered an Infiltrator Battle Armoured trooper standing over Duke Thomas Fredrick Bradford “You bastard!”  the trooper shouted charging forward at the trooper, the Infiltrator suit had been modified with a Battle Claw and anti-personnel weapons.  The Standard suit however had a support machine gun alongside the anti-personnel assault rifle, the two weapons opened fire together tearing into the Infiltrator suit already damaged by weapons fire.  The Infiltrator turned to one side to minimal the penetration of the machine gun and charged launching the Infiltrator’s left shoulder into the trooper’s chest winding the trooper then the Infiltrator trooper swung his claw into the Standard Battle Armour’s chest plates penetrating the armour and causing heavy damage to the troopers insides armour, bone and internal organs were smashed by the strike and the trooper crashed to the ground knocked off the Infiltrator’s claw.  The trooper then began heading out of the room charging forward smashing through the patio windows and leaping to the ground the suit controlled the impact far better than the suit was normally capable of.

   In front of the battered Infiltrator suit stood a single Standard Battle Armour suit, Peter and Isis were in the vehicle garage.  The Infiltrator trooper charged forward using the suit’s superior ground speed to knock the other trooper off his feet knocking the trooper out with the impact.  Walking forward he prepared to finish off the trooper raising the battle claw however Peter Steiner-Davion came running from the garage firing all twelve bullets from his Sternsnacht pistol driving the Infiltrator suit back although doing little damage.  Peter rolled forward and grabbed the Standard Suit’s anti-personnel machine gun, the trooper must have been vaguely aware of Peter’s presence because the weapon dropped away into his hands and Peter took full advantage of the weapon’s power opening fire into the Infiltrator’s chest with a long burst of ninety-two rounds into the suit’s chest armour.  The Infiltrator stood there for a second as if the armour had held under the weapons fire then it fell forwards just in front of Peter who fell to the floor landing on his behind looking at the dead assassin.  Inside the building there was still weapons fire however all around more militia troops were arriving securing the area.

   Hours later the area had been secured and the fire put out, the Bradford family home had been destroyed although Duke Thomas Bradford’s body had been recovered.  The assassins had also been identified Kommandant Konstantin Wolff-Ploetig, with Peter felling Konstantin outside the building.  Konstantin was a known operative of Katherine Steiner-Davion and Peter decided that enough was enough.  Dressed in a Lyran General of Armies uniform without any combat ribbons he was entitled to hold Peter Steiner-Davion addressed the nation.  “People of the Lyran Alliance I am Peter Steiner-Davion, third child of the departed Hanse Davion and Melissa Steiner.  In 3056 I left the politics of the Inner Sphere for a life of peace.  Persuaded to return I have served with my Brother in the Federated Suns for the last three years and would have been happy to remain in this position.  However fate would conspire against me and the Skye nation began to cause trouble.  Fortunately Duke Robert Ryan Kelswa-Steiner is a honourable, clever leader” he said giving the Skye people some acknowledgement was key to winning Katherine’s throne.  “with Duke Kelswa-Steiner I was able to end the Skye Crisis and decided to stay within the Lyran realm.  For the first time in ten years I travelled to Tharkad the world of my mother and grand-mother” he said playing up his heritage of the Steiner blood within him “however Katherine would not allow me or my wife Isis to remain on the capital world and we were forced to leave finding aid from Duke Bradford of Coventry.  My sister Katherine was obviously not happy with this arrangement and sent Kommandant Konstantin Wolff-Ploetig to kill me and the Duke of Coventry.  People of the Lyran Alliance it is my grave duty to inform you that the Archon’s assassin killed Duke Thomas Fredrick Bradford before being felled by Coventry Militia troops.  With this evidence against my sister and evidence my brother, First Prince of the Federated Suns Victor Steiner-Davion, holds that points to my sister’s involvement in the bombing that killed my mother I now call on Katherine to peacefully relinquish control of the Lyran Alliance.  She has until the end of this year to abdicate the throne or I will lead a force to Tharkad and remove her from office, I do not want to begin a civil war by taking this action but I will not leave Katherine in office to terrorise the people of the Lyran Alliance any longer.  Thank you.”  He said as the monitor ended already Morgan Kell and several regiments loyal to Morgan or Victor had promised to join Peter if he called on them Katherine’s time was numbered as Archon now the only question that remained was whether she would do it peacefully or force a conflict?  Unfortunately Peter felt that Katherine would not relinquish the throne without a fight.

Tharkad
Tharkad System
Donegal Province, Lyran Alliance
10th October 3067

   Following a fairly standard burn in procedure the WarShips Dire Wolf and Stealthy Kill moved into orbit of Tharkad seven days later followed by the Victoria Ward and the newly captured Athens a day later.  With all four of their WarShips in orbit the Wolf DropShips descended on Tharkad concentrating on the area outside Tharkad City as their Drop Point sixteen Wolf DropShips landed and Wolf Spirits (Alpha), the Shadow Wolves (Beta) and the Wolf Hussars (Gamma) Galaxies, roughly twelve Clusters, of the most elite troops of Clan Wolf disembarked.  Against them just inside the boundaries of Tharkad City were the First, Second and Third Royal Guards, the Donegal Jaegers, the Mobile Fire Mercenary unit (still rebuilding following their last thrashing on the Combine border) and Sixty-sixth Division of ComStar’s Tenth Army.

   Amazingly the Khan of Clan Wolf offered General of Armies a batchall before the battle willing to limit the damage caused by the fighting.  Simon Gallagher refused stating that every Lyran would get his chance to face and kill a Wolf Menace over an open channel revitalizing the Lyrans but also angering the Wolves. 

   At 12.03 Hours, (Tharkad Local Time - TLT) on the 10th the  Battle of Tharkad began one kilometre outside Tharkad City on the frozen tundra.  The Wolf Hussars leading the charge on the Wolf side while the Donegal Jaegers and under strength Third Royal Guards face them on the other side.  The Wolf Hussars had been held back by Khan Ward in other operations because they had just arrived from the Homeworlds and the warriors were ready to show they should never have been held back.  An hour later as the Wolf Spirits and Wolf Shadows arrive the remnants of Donegal Jaegers and the Third Royal Guards are in full retreat unable to hold against the Wolf fury.  Simon Gallagher orders his remaining troops to retreat within the city and folds the Donegal Jaegers and Third Royal into other units.  Khan Vladimir Ward orders the Wolf Hussars to defend the Wolf DropShips while the rest of the force ventures into Tharkad City.

   At 15.15 (TLT) hours exactly the next stage of the Battle of Tharkad began with the Shadow Wolves led by saKhan Marialle Radick.  The Shadow Wolves caring little for Tharkad City or its population too their shots as they saw them and cared little for the devastation their weapons caused on the city killing hundreds in the opening hour alone.  During this battle a new Clan Wolf OmniMech the Lycurgus.  Weighing in at eighty-five tons this Assault OmniMech devastates every single Lyran Mech that faces it mainly because the Lyran defenders know nothing of what they are facing.  As the Shadow Wolves forge ahead the Mobile Fire Regiment attempts to cut them off from reinforcements and allow the Lyran units deeper in the city to hammer the Crusader Wolves however the Mobile Fire regiment is nearly immediately engaged by the forces of the Wolf Spirits led by Khan Vladimir Ward.  The three Clusters of the Wolf Spirits quickly and efficiently wipe out the mercenary regiment leaving nothing to be rebuilt this time.

   At 16.20 (TLT) hours a second counter-attack is launched against the Wolves this time by ComStar’s Sixty-sixth Division.  The 66th does not however try to defend Tharkad City or their HPG Station instead they travel outside the city outskirts launching an assault on the Wolf DropShips destroying three DropShips, an Overlord-C, a Sassanid and a Miraborg-class vessels, containing most of the Wolves aerospace assets, before the Wolf Hussars annihilate the ComStar force to the man.  The Wolves take no ComStar prisoners as bondsmen with Elementals going cockpit to cockpit killing any survivors the Wolves remember what a ComGuard Spy had in the destruction of Clan Smoke Jaguar and they are aware of the ComGuard‘s actions on Terra continuing even as this battle continues.

   At 17.45 (TLT) hours the Spirit Wolves and the lead elements of the Shadow Wolves reach the Lyran Royal Court decimating the Second Royal Guards which have been reinforced by several units of the First Royal Guards.  Six hours later at 23.52 (TLT) hours (local time) the Second Royal Guards RCT and its support along with almost all the Royal Court buildings lie in ruin along with thousands of Tharkad City’s population.  Making camp in the Royal Court over the night the Wolves fight off the occasional raid but overall very little Lyran opposition to their occupation of the Royal Court.  The next morning under a flag of truce Khan Vlad Ward takes his Golden Keshik to the Triad which hosts the Royal Palace amongst other buildings.

   Sitting on her throne flanked by two Hauptmann OmniMechs, with pilots who would rather be outside fighting than here protecting the Archon, Katherine Steiner-Davion sat watching as Khan Vladimir Ward walked proudly into the Royal Court of Tharkad.  As promised he had no weapons or guards as he walked to within a couple of feet of her and threw her a mock bow “Archon, it is good to see you again, I am so pleased to find you in good health.”  He said smiling ear-to-ear despite the scar that went straight through his left eye she had always found Vladimir Ward a very attractive man.

   â€œWhat are you doing here?”  Katherine said stepping down closer to Vlad her voice hushed so the MechWarriors could not hear if they were eves-dropping.

   â€œCollecting a debt owed.”  Vlad said not lowering his voice

   â€œYou said I had ten years, that is one more year away.”  Katherine said rapidly the bargain she had made around the time of the Battle of Coventry had been a good one.  The Wolves freed her from her bonds and in return she gave them the Inner Sphere.  If only she had captured the Federated Commonwealth when she had planned than she could give Vlad half the Inner Sphere, or at least make look like she was.

   â€œI have decided to collect early.”  Vlad said smiling Katherine was starting to not like his smile.  Vlad raised one hand to stroke her cheek.  To Katherine’s skin Vlad’s hand was warm despite just coming in from the cold and Katherine played along with Vlad’s little game pretending to enjoy his touch.  She remembered when she had first met him Vlad’s crude marks about her and her planned alliance with the Smoke Jaguars had cut deeper than any blade could.  “Anyway, I do not believe you would be in power much longer without my little raid.  And I wouldn‘t want you disappearing on me.”  Vlad said making it clear he was here only for her, Katherine wasn’t sure if she should be honoured or scared.

   â€œThat could change.” Katherine promised she had ideas on how to remain in power but Vlad’s attack had destroyed any hope of that soon her entire Royal Guard would be destroyed and with the Royal Court gone her core support was gone.

   â€œI doubt it.  Also I have need of your expertise.  Here is the new bargain.  You will surrender to me now, we will leave and then you will help me conqueror Terra.  If you agree you will be treated better than if you force me to come get you.”  Vlad said looking directly at her “and I will come for you.  Pristine or bashed and broken it means little difference to me.”  He said looking at her now Katherine was feeling scared.  “With the Wolves I can make you great.”

   â€œA freebirth in Clan Wolf.  I can never see that happening again, you wouldn’t want to risk another split.”  Katherine said smiling Vlad slapped her throwing Katherine to the ground both Hauptmann’s turned their weapons on Vlad but held fire at this range they would incinerate Katherine as well.  “I could order your death here and now.”  Katherine whispered Vlad looked at the Hauptmanns then at Katherine.

   â€œIf they kill me you die too.”

   â€œPerhaps not.”  Katherine said regaining her feet but keeping her distance from Vlad, she wouldn’t be slapped again.

   â€œAnd If I was to be killed here on this ground under a flag of truce the consequences for Tharkad could be grave.”  Vlad said raising his voice so the MechWarriors could hear.  “For a start this building would not survive and then Marialle would come looking for you.  Not to mention what would happen when our WarShips acted, and they would.”  He said lunging at Katherine grabbing the Lyran leader.  “Surrender to me now or I will turn you over to her whatever happens and you do not want see what she does to Freebirths.”  He whispered in her ear releasing her.  Katherine stood there silent for a moment then turned to the two Hauptmanns.

   â€œStand-down.  I am surrendering.”  She said “one of you contact Simon Gallagher and order him to stand-down all Lyran forces.”  She said after several moments turning back towards Vlad who slipped a thin black-and-white bondcord around her wrists.

   â€œWelcome to Clan Wolf.”  Vlad whispered kissing her full on the lips.  It was the first time she had been this close to a man in years, not since Galen Cox in 3055 had she been in a true relationship.  After a few seconds Katherine relaxed into the kiss which lasted several minutes much to the dismay of the two Hauptmann pilots looking on.

   â€œAllow me to say good-bye to my people.”  She said, it was not a request and Vlad would make sure that she learned the price of saying such things but not now instead he just nodded.  Katherine stepped back up to the throne and pressed a button she had never pressed before.  All across Tharkad receivers and transmitters activated waiting for her voice.  “People of Tharkad this is Katrina Steiner-Davion.”  She said shortening her name she always preferred her grand-mother’s name to her own and wanted to make sure she was remembered as such “Khan Vlad Ward of Clan Wolf has agreed to leave this world and all other recently captured Lyran worlds” she looked at Vlad who nodded his agreement “if I surrender to him.  I will not allow more of our world, our capital or our people to be destroyed to preserve my freedom so I have agreed to go with him.  You will always be near my heart and I thank you.”  She said switching it off.

   â€œTouching” Vlad said as Katrina picked up a fur coat then began to walk out Vlad glanced at the two silent Hauptmanns nodded once to them his face covered in a massive smirk then he followed Katherine as they left the Royal Palace and the Triad area.

   An hour and a half later the Wolves were almost ready to leave the world when three DropShips appeared in the air above them and over two Regiments of Mechs landed around them from their insignia Katherine could tell they were the Coventry Jaegers and Coventry Militia.  The air was filled with yet more DropShips as dozens of Clan Mechs bearing insignia very similar to Clan Wolf’s also appeared, it was the Exiles, Katrina looked at them and smiled, ‘better late than never.’ She thought silently.  Vlad was preparing his troops for more combat however Katrina grabbed the communication set from Vlad making him angry.  “Katrina Steiner-Davion to Archon Peter Steiner-Davion receive.”  She said on a broadband frequency so everyone could hear.  There was several seconds of silence and Vlad’s stare seemed to be getting worse.

   â€œThis is Peter Steiner-Davion, Katherine is that you?”

   â€œAffirmative, my little brother.”  She said smiling, for once it wasn’t a cruel smile she was happy Peter had returned home now, he could look after the Alliance.  “I need you to make me a promise.”

   â€œWhat?”  Peter said, she couldn’t work out if he was annoyed or confused.

   â€œLook after the Alliance, apologise to your wife for me and order your troops to let us leave unmolested.”

   â€œKatherine, we can save you.”  Peter promised looking at the forces Katrina did not doubt that it would be quite a fight but they would not save her Vlad would kill her before letting her go and Tharkad would be devastated in the fighting.  Although the she wanted many things destruction to her home was not one of those things.

   â€œNegative, Peter.”  Katrina said finally “I have surrendered myself to the Wolves and I think it is better for the Alliance now and in the long term if I just fade away.”  She had no intension in fading away but for now she would have to bide her time.

   â€œKatherine…”  Peter’s voice was cut up with emotion.

   â€œArchon Peter, permission to disembark.”

   â€œPermission granted, I’m sorry, Katrina.”  Peter said finally using her chosen name

   â€œThank you, and don’t be too cut-up, I sealed this fate years ago.  I knew what I was doing the cards just didn’t pan out this time.”  She said shutting up the communicator before Peter could get anymore mushy.  “Let’s get the hell off this frozen rock.”  She said looking at Vlad trying to force a strong face despite the turmoil she felt at being driven from her home and nation.

   Waiting to be loaded up onto her DropShip saKhan Marialle Radick could see the insignia of the Wolf Clan’s saKhan on another Mech, a fifty ton Nova.  Moving her Warhawk off the firing line she opened her comm. Frequency “attention Dezgra Exile Force.”  She said “this is out with the truce declared.  I declare a Trial of Grievance against saKhan Marko Hall, there can be only one saKhan of the Wolves and I am that person.”  She said not waiting for Marko’s reply or any other interference she triggered all four of her Mech’s Extended-Range PPCs overheating her Mech badly but also causing extreme damage on the far lighter Nova.  Not waiting for her Mech to cool Marialle fired a second grouping of four PPC blasts, guided by her Mech’s targeting computer, into the Nova.  One of the blasts was a little higher than the others and struck the stunned Nova’s cockpit window incinerating Marko Hall instantly.  “This trial is at an end anyone else want a fight?”  There were no takers as her Mech rapidly cooled in the Tharkad tundra winds.  “I am shocked.”  Marialle said only half seriously turning her Mech and returning to the DropShips she noticed the Khan’s private channel was active.  “What?”

   â€œWhy did you do that?”

   â€œYou got what you wanted, I wanted something.”  Marialle said looking in her rear screens “and I got it.”  She said smiling as her Mech entered the DropShip.  An hour later the DropShips were loading up to the WarShips watched by Lyran and Clan Wolf (in-Exile) WarShips.

   Hours and days later Peter Steiner-Davion was confirmed as the new Lyran Archon by what little remained of the Royal Court and the rebuilding process began, with a half of Tharkad City devastated and several units lying dead on the tundra of the planet it would be a long process for the Lyran people to mend these wounds.  To make matters worse Nondi Steiner is found dead in her ancestral home apparently of natural causes although the records are sealed as soon as the coroner is finished with them.  Also Simon Gallagher is no where to be seen.

   Without a General of Armies or a prominent General he trusts Archon Peter Steiner Davion recalled General Keane Sortek from Hesperus II to Tharkad and two weeks later Keane Sortek became General of Armies of the rebuilding Lyran Alliance Armed Forces much to the surprise of the Lyran people.  For his first orders of business the new General of Armies orders the First, Second and Third Royal Guards rebuilt and begins to put in motion plans to upgrade all regular regiments to the RCT model begun under the Federated Commonwealth.  Sortek finds opposition to his plans from the Lyran commanders because of the links to the past and the fact he if from the Federated Suns.

Free Capella Camp, Spica
Capellan March, Federated Suns
16th October 3067

   Field Marshal Baron George Hasek arrives on Spica with the Fifth Syrtis Fusiliers RCT the border worlds shared with the St Ives Compact to meet with the leaders of the Free Capella Organisation.  After a very brief discussion George Hasek informs Mandrinn Treyhang Liao and Senior Colonel Warner Doles that he wants the Blackwind Lancers and the Jie Fang Legion off Federated Suns soil by the 25th October.  This is in direct opposition to George’s previous feelings for the Free Capella Organisation.  Why this switch occurs is unknown.

Harlech City
Outreach, Chaos March
18th October 3067

   In the early hours of the 18th two stolen Wolf’s Dragoon Vandal OmniFighters flying low over Outreach’s capital launch a strike against the Wolf’s Dragoons Home Guard buildings dropping a pair of fuel-air bombs on the barracks killing hundreds of Dragoons and all but wiping out the Home Guard.  This act begins a massive riot that involves dozens of factions across the planet so fighting for the Dragoons some against.  At the centre of the enemy force is the Waco’s Rangers led by a century old Wayne Waco who finally takes his hatred of the Dragoons to the final level by attacking the Dragoons in their own home killing hundreds in Harlech fighting.

   The Dragoons are not the only targets any mercenary force allied with the Dragoons are also targeted and the following units are wiped out in the opening hours of the fighting: Ace Darwin’s Whip-its, a company strength unit gathers another company around them and fights with the Dragoons only to be wiped out Ace himself dying when his infamous Pink Panther is destroyed by a Waco’s Rangers Warhammer.  Battle Magic Mercenary Command, a long term ally of the Dragoons are wiped out with the Home Guard of the Dragoons robbing many Dragoon friendly units of much needed technical support.

   For almost eighteen hours the rebel mercenaries attack the Dragoons with the Dragoons trying to contain fighting this continues until the Dragoon’s Supreme Commander Jamie Wolf is killed while destroying the remains of Waco’s Rangers including Wayne Waco.  Upon hearing of Jamie’s death the newly recovered Maeve Wolf, injured during a bomb attack months before, contacted all Dragoons on planet initiating ‘Condition Feral.’

   Condition Feral is an order that has originated since the founding of the Dragoons and an order no-one thought would ever be given.  Akin to a Clan Trial of Annihilation the Dragoons destroy any Mercenary force not allied with them.  Under Condition Feral conditions even allies are destroyed if they do not stand down when facing the Dragoons.  During this battle the Broadsword Legion, a unit made up of former ComGuard troops, turn on the Dragoon’s Wolf Spider Battalion annihilating them before being destroyed themselves.  Also destroyed during the period of Condition Feral are the Fifty-first Dark Panzer Jaegers, a Battalion sized unit, Smithson’s Chinese Bandits, another Battalion sized unit, the Tiger Sharks, a mercenary regiment, and the Stealthy Tigers, a Mercenary Battalion.

   During this fighting the Wolf’s Dragoons Gamma Regiment is folded into other units of the Dragoons.  General Maeve Wolf orders all foreign mercenaries off Outreach any vehicle, Mech or trooper on Outreach after this order are taken under Dragoon control.  Following all this fighting Harlech City is all destroyed with millions of civilians made homeless.  Instead of looking for someone to blame Maeve orders the Dragoons to begin rebuilding their destroyed world.

   With the MRBC Hiring Halls and Towers in the centre of Harlech one of the first targets of the Waco Ranger and their allies and the Wolf Dragoons kicking all foreign nationals off Outreach all MRBC surviving personnel move off planet moving all official operations to the Galatean City Offices.  Mysteriously the Lone Wolves an Independent Mercenary Regiment that had been looking to be hired by the MRBC before the troubles on Outreach and disappeared before the trouble erupted reappear at the MRBC’s doors this time on Galatea offering their services as a permanent security force.  With the MRBC Hiring Council Temporarily disbanded, due to several deaths on Outreach the MRBC make no immediate decision so the Galatean Lyran Duke hires the Lone Wolves on a temporary basis until the MRBC can sort itself out and make a decision.

Fourth Whitting Conference, Focht War College
Orestes, Free Rasalhague Republic
9th November 3067

   In all Sun-Tzu Liao’s scheming and planning he had not considered Morgan Hasek-Davion the Commanding-General of the SLDF and a member of House Davion’s nobility.  As they all entered he noticed that Morgan entered with the Federated Suns party Morgan making a point to smile in Sun-Tzu’s direction to ensure he got the message that he wasn’t going to win.  Naomi Centrella sitting beside him must have seen something because she leaned in and whispered “are you all right?”  Before everyone else sat down.

   â€œYes” Sun-Tzu whispered back but he wasn’t.  If ComStar and the Free Rasalhague Republic voted for Victor that would equal Sun-Tzu’s support and Morgan Hasek-Davion would have the deciding vote which he would never give to Sun-Tzu, whatever happened Sun-Tzu would not be First Lord with Morgan Hasek-Davion as Commanding-General.  “It was nice while it lasted.”  Sun-Tzu whispered more to himself than anyone else.

   â€œWhat?”  Grover Sharplen asked sitting down beside them.

   â€œNothing.”  Sun-Tzu snapped the Protector of the Taurian Concordat was becoming quite a bore and a drain on Capellan resources, another thorn in the Capellan Confederation’s side, one he may need to remove soon.

   â€œThis session of the Star League Council is in progress” Christian Mansdotter said “the vote for a new First Lord.  Either Capellan Chancellor Sun-Tzu Liao or Federated Suns First Prince Victor Steiner-Davion may be voted into the position of First Lord.  The majority carries ties will be broken by the Commanding-General Morgan Hasek-Davion.  We will being with Lyran Archon Peter Steiner-Davion.”  Christian said sitting down as Peter stood at the Lyran table.

   â€œWe will vote for the Federated Suns.”  Peter said plainly to the point sitting down the room order now went clockwise with Kai Allard-Liao of the St Ives Compact.

   â€œThe St Ives Compact will also vote for the Federated Suns.”  Kai said smirking at Sun-Tzu before sitting down.  Next in line was Draconis Combine leader Hohiro Kurita.

   â€œThe Draconis Combine will lay its support behind the Capellan Confederation.  Giving the power of the Star League to a Davion is not the best course of action.”  Hohiro said sitting down he looked at neither Sun-Tzu or Victor but Sun-Tzu could see that Victor was shocked by the news, ‘so much for that friendship’ Sun-Tzu thought silently.  Because the Federated Suns could not vote for itself and would not vote against their own leader the next to stand was the Precentor-Martial Cameron St. Jamis of the Word of Blake.

   â€œBlake’s Word points to the Capellan Confederation as the greatest way to support the Star League.”  Cameron said in an eerie tone “the Word of Blake will support his Celestial Wisdom and the Capellan Confederation.”  He said sitting back down brining the vote back into Sun-Tzu’s favour at two each.  Christian Mansdotter stood next.

   â€œOriginally I was to abstain to this vote.” He said Sun-Tzu’s heart jumped with Rasalhague out of the vote he could win.  “However, House Liao will not hold the title of First Lord today.  I vote for the Federated Suns.”  Sun-Tzu was furious looking at Christian, they had voted directly to stop him!  There was little he could do even after this conference the Free Rasalhague Republic was far from the Capellan Confederation’s borders.  Next to stand was Grover Sharplen whom Sun-Tzu had said to keep it short.

   â€œCapellan Confederation.”  he said and sat down Sun-Tzu smiled that was certainly short enough.  On Sun-Tzu’s other side Naomi stood.

   â€œThe Magistracy of Canopus also vote for the Capellan Confederation.”  she said sitting down, Sun-Tzu nodded his thanks to her as she sat but noticed she was not looking at him but instead over at the Federated Suns table.  For this session the heavily pregnant Danai Centrella-Davion had joined Victor Steiner-Davion with their son Burton Davion in her arms parading the baby for the whole Inner Sphere to see.  From Naomi’s face he could tell she wanted the same, although neither had talked about it, Sun-Tzu suddenly realised that winning the First Lord had not been what he had gained from this conference, it was greater understanding of the woman he loved.  Last to stand was Anastasius Focht, Precentor-Martial of ComStar.

   â€œThe Hero of the Clan War and the Slayer of Clan Smoke Jaguar will gain our vote.”  Anastasius Focht said “ComStar vote for the Federated Suns.”  He said nodding to Victor who returned the nod as he took Burton from Danai and cradled the baby in his arms, Burton seemed very taken with Victor’s campaign ribbons and medals and began pulling at them, Sun-Tzu decided if he ever had children no child of his would ever do such a thing to him.

   â€œThe vote is tied at four votes each.  The Commanding-General will complete this voting session.”  Christian Mansdotter said standing,  Morgan Hasek-Davion stood.

   â€œI believe the Star League needs stable leadership to continue to be a force in the Inner Sphere so I must favour the Federated Suns leader Victor Steiner-Davion over the Capellan Chancellor.”  He said Victor rose to his feet with Burton still in his arms, the three year-old had taken this as an opportunity to walk over the Federated Suns desk much to the amusement of many around the room.

   â€œVictor Steiner-Davion do you accept the office and responsibilities of the office of the First Lord of the Star League Defence Force.”

   â€œI do and I will make sure that the Star League has the support it needs to continue to render aid to the Inner Sphere and help defend us from the Clan threat.”  He said as Danai also stood scooping Burton up into her arms.

   â€œThis session is at an end.  Tomorrow will be closing remarks and a final vote before the end of this council.”  Christian said now acting as host of the conference instead of the First Lord of the Star League.

Fourth Whitting Conference, Focht War College
Orestes, Free Rasalhague Republic
10th November 3067

   The next day’s conference opened with the usual polite introductions.  Although technically no longer in charge Elected-Prince (Regent) Christian Mansdotter opened the conference’s third day and acted as spokes person as the host of conference.  First to stand and present their case for the vote was Precentor-Martial Cameron St. Jamis of the Word of Blake.  “Lords of the great states of the Inner Sphere and most prominent of the Periphery states I come to you to plead for Star League Defence Force Peacekeepers to be deployed in the Terran system.”  Cameron said there was a murmur around the room for the SLDF to re-enter the Terran system would go a long way to legitimising the league in the eyes of the Clans who still refused to recognise the reborn Star League Defence Force because they, the descendants of the original league, had not formed it.  “The destruction be caused by the ComGuard forces on Terra, Mars and to the Titan Shipyards is costing thousands of lives by the day.  Already two cities and three of the Castle Brian fortifications on Terra have been destroyed by ComStar’s use of Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) Warheads.  I ask you to stop this madness thank you.”  He said sitting down ComStar Precentor-Martial Anastasius Focht stood next.

   â€œThe Word of Blake is a danger to us all.  ComStar has evidence that the forces of the Word of Blake could be as much as eight times stronger than they ever led us to believe and it was they not ComStar who nuked Hong Kong and Riga.  We would welcome humanitarian aid and NBC-clean up teams however anyone who stands between ComStar and the Word of Blake’s destruction will be fired upon.”  He said warning everyone of the risks, if the SLDF went to Terra there was no guarantee they would be leaving in one piece.  All eyes turned to Victor Steiner-Davion who was all business today in his full Marshal of Armies uniform with a Cameron Star attached below his combat medals.  Today Danai and Burton Davion were not with him Victor stood slowly.

   â€œAlthough I would want to help the people of Terra anyway possible we cannot leave the Clan borders completely unprotected.  The Leaders of the Inner Sphere must think of their own people as well.  The decision on whether SLDF troops will be deployed to Terra will go before this council.  Could the Lyran Alliance please start the voting.”  Victor said sitting back down.

   â€œNo” Peter Steiner-Davion said after a few moments of thought.

   â€œYes” Kai Allard-Liao of the St Ives Compact said shocking several members of the council most apparent was the shock on Anastasius Focht’s fact.

   â€œNo” Hohiro Kurtia said not moving, he knew the damage a Clan attack could do and would not give away support to a forgone place like Terra, as far as he was concerned the world could burn.

   â€œNo” Victor Steiner-Davion said, if the First Lord did not support this then there was little chance of the motion being passed Cameron St. Jamis looked furious.

   â€œNo” Christian Mansdotter representing the Free Rasalhague Republic said, not a real shock since ComStar had been all that was protecting the remaining worlds of the Republic until recently, that burden now fell on the SLDF.

   â€œYes” Grover Sharplen said.

   â€œYes” Sun-Tzu Liao said for once the two Capellan peoples were united in decision he looked at Kai Allard-Liao briefly amazingly Kai offered him a smile and a shrug of the shoulders.

   â€œYes” Naomi Centrella said confirming the Capellan block’s standing.

   â€œNo” Commanding-General Morgan Hasek-Davion said.  “The Star League Defence Force is no-where near strong enough to be a shield between the ComGuard and the Word of Blake.  We can offer Humanitarian aid and nuclear clean-up but I will not recall the SLDF and leave the Clan borders unprotected not now the Truce of Tukayyid has passed.”  He said explaining his decision.  The motion needed more than fifty percent to pass so it failed Victor turned to Cameron St. Jamis.

   â€œAll we can offer is what the Commanding-General offered.”

   â€œThen you can all burn in hell!”  Cameron St. Jamis screamed the two Royal Black Watch guards stepped into the room “with the Third Transfer completed you have abandoned Blake’s plan!  This was not how it should be!  Your people will all burn!”  He shouted leaving the conference screaming pushing the two guards out of the way as he charged out.

   Less than an hour later everyone would hear of the use of more nuclear weapons in the Terran system as the Word of Blake vented its anger destroying the ComGuard forces on Terra driving them back to their foothold on Titan and Mars by destroying Cape Town and the Holy City of Baghdad with Nuclear Weapons.  Although the act wipes out five Divisions of ComStar forces it also wipes out four Divisions of Word of Blake troops including the Thirteenth Marik Militia which had gone AWOL from the degenerated Free Worlds League three years before.

   â€œThis meeting of the Star League is at a close.  I hope to see you all in three years on New Avalon and that you all have a safe journey home.”  Victor said breaking up the conference.  He was surprised to look up only a few seconds to see Kai Allard-Liao standing there in front of him.  “I didn’t expect that.”  Victor said quietly, “not like you to vote with the Capellans.”

   â€œNot my first choice however the Word of Blake offered us three BattleMech designs and the design parameters for C3 and C3i Computers as well as all the data they had on the Capellan’s Stealth Armour.”

   â€œThey were desperate.  Still you could have come to me or Anastasius if you needed help or information.”  Victor said as Focht appeared at Kai’s side.

   â€œVictor, your help and your father’s help have kept the St Ives Compact alive since its formation as have ComStar’s financial backing however you will not always be here and I cannot trust my nation’s security to others.  We needed to do this our own way.  I did the vote in my head and knew it would come down to Morgan’s vote and he would never vote against you with the Capellans so I was safe.  I’m surprised the Word didn’t see it as well.”

   â€œThey did” Anastasius said quietly “they just chose to ignore it believing they would get their own way.  Like spoilt children, all they do is want.  It is time they got the smack they deserve.  ComStar does not hold this against the Compact.  Again my congratulations on your ascension First Lord, Excuse me.”  He said nodding to Victor before leaving the room.  Victor watched him leave then turned back to Kai.

   â€œI understand why you did that Kai, you made the tough call, your mother would be proud.”

   â€œThank you First Lord.  I was wondering if you’d be interested in the Stealth Armour schematics?”

   â€œWhat do you want in return?”

   â€œOh nothing much a WarShip, maybe, or at least rights to buy one.”  Kai said Victor was completely floored by the request, the St Ives Compact really was arming itself.  He looked at Jackson Davion who was standing beside him remaining silent covering his surprise remarkably well nodding his agreement to the idea.

   â€œWe could sell you a Davion III-class Destroyer?”  Victor said again glancing at Jackson “it would have to be built to order, I won’t send you one already in service.”

   â€œOf course, we can wait.”

   â€œI will have costs and schedules drawn up as soon as I get home.”  Victor promised selling a WarShip would be a nice piece of income for the Federated Suns.

   â€œI will have the Stealth Armour sent to you before you leave.”  Kai said extending his hand Victor shook it strongly.  “Congratulations on your attaining your new position and I will see you soon.”  Kai said nodding then leaving the room.  Victor watched his friend leave then turned to Jackson.

   â€œAre you as surprised as me?”  Victor asked unsure if what had just happened had actually happened.

   â€œNo, the St Ives Compact is very vulnerable at present we only have two under strength regiments based there.”  Jackson said laying it straight with the Capellans concentrating on other fronts the Federated Suns had routed forces to other problems.

   â€œRotate the Davion Light Guards in from New Syrtis to replace one of the other units and have George Hasek route one of the WarShips assigned to the Capellan March through the St Ives Compact show the flag, just make sure we clear it first.”

   â€œOf course.”  Jackson said quietly “what now?”

   â€œHome.”  Victor said thinking of Danai and Burton in the DropShip already waiting for his return, the sooner he was back in the Federated Suns the safer he’d feel.

   â€œWe will have the Black Watch and the Unity City with us, shouldn‘t be any trouble.”

   â€œWe’re in trouble.”  Victor said as they moved from the room the pair of Black Watch guards dropped into step behind them.  Jackson took several moments to catch his meaning then burst into laughter, as if anything would happen just because he said so.