OBT Forum

Fourteenth Whitting Conference, Whitting Conference Centre
Unity City, North America
Terra, Star League Protectorate
9th November 3101

   The leaders of the Star League had assembled once more to elect a new First Lord as the current leader, and host, Governor Bannister Cameron stood first looking around the other leader’s faces some had changed while others appeared as as youthful as they had been when they first came to this council while the Capellan Confederation’s chair still remained empty.  “Welcome to Terra” he began “we are assembled today to elect a new First Lord.  Each of you are eligible to become First Lord of this Star League.”  He said formally looking around the eight other leaders faces.  “During my time as First Lord I must say that I felt a great sense of pride I am the first member of my bloodline to hold this position since Richard Cameron II.”  He said pausing for a moment remembering the last member of his family who had held the position.  Bannister was a cousin to the ruling line and had disagreed with Richard’s views on Stephan Amaris resulting in his exile to the periphery he would never have been First Lord in the first Star League era a twist of fate, and the SLS Wasp’s adventure through time, had landed him here today with these lords.  “My time as First Lord has seen the Star League move from strength to strength and seen the support given to your member states increase to levels beyond those previously achieved.”  He said prodly “we’ve seen the Kittery Prefecture become a stabilizing element between the Federated Suns and Capellan Confederation and Commanding-General Victor Focht has another special announcement to make.”  He said stepping to one side as a younger man assumed the the podium for those who knew him there was an unmistakable facial resemblance to Anastasius Focht with piercing blue eyes and blonde hair.

   â€œLords of the Star League, I have worked tirelessly with the commanders of the Star League Defence Force to continue Archer Christifori’s work to strengthen our ground and naval forces.”  He said proudly “we have also worked on further fortifying and protecting the worlds of the Inner Sphere from all threats both foreign and domestic.”  The Commanding-General announced recently a spate of terrorist strikes had shaken Star League Protectorate holdings and Star League Defence Force held assets.  “I would like to inform you all that with Federated Suns leader First Prince Victor Steiner-Davion and with the cooperation of the Rasalhague Dominion engineers from all three states have begun to move the ruins of the Focht War College on Tukayyid to Kentares IV.  This facility will be built by the Star League and by the Federated Suns and once it is open it will be open to applicants from across the Inner Sphere and periphery.  As part of the agreement visitors from the Rasalhague Dominion will also be allowed to attend this facility under the escort and protection of the SLDF.”  He announced there was a rumble from around the room specifically from Warlord Minoru Kurita and his advisers at the Draconis Combine table recent border skirmishes between the Combine and the Rasalhague Dominion had begun to increase once more putting many in danger.  “In an effort to increase our security I have one last announcement to make today” he said from the five doors behind the succession lords stepped several officers all dressed in the uniform of the Northwind Highlanders Mercenary Brigade.  “As of the beginning of next year the Northwind Highlanders Brigade will no longer be a mercenary command instead they will form the core of the Northwind Division which will be fully headquartered on Northwind and by agreement will be commanded by officers of Northwind descent.  These units will maintain the highest traditions of the Northwind Highlanders and of the Star League Defence Force.”  He said publicly announcing that the Highlanders would remain in command of their armed forces.  This shock announcement rippled through the chamber at this announcement the Highlanders homeworld was well within the Star League Protectorate and had been for years but the regiments had stuck by their mercenary routes five regiments of hardened troops joining the Star League Defence Force added significant firepower to their already considerable arsenal.

   Around the table few others spoke instead Governor Bannister Cameron once again spoke “there are no further announcements from the Star League to be made at this council is there any further business any of you wish to discuss?”  He asked glancing around the room Prime Minister Allison Kanning of the Outer League Alliance and Captain-General Joseph Marik of the United Marik Worlds, the newest members of the council, remained silent not being around long enough to gain enemies at the council.  Of the other leaders Erik Martens Calderon, Protector of the Taurian Concordat, looked most interested in the proceedings despite having little to no chance of becoming First Lord.  “If there is nothing further then I will call for a vote.  I will nominate and vote for Warlord Minoru Kurita of the Draconis Combine as a founding member of this council and as a supporter of Star League Defence Force operations.”  He said nodding to Minoru Kurita out of respect.

   â€œI will accept thank you Governor Bannister Cameron-san.”  He said standing bowing slightly before retaking his seat.

   â€œThe Taurian Concordat will also support the Draconis Combine we share Clan enemies on our borders working together is out best chance at resisting their threat.”  Erik Martens-Calderon said standing briefly his hand stroking his beard briefly before he sat back down.

   â€œThe Outer League Alliance will support Captain-General Jonas Halas of the Oriente Protectorate to become First Lord.”  Allison Kanning said supporting the other former-Free Worlds League state.

   â€œI will accept this nomination” Captain-General Jonas Halas said standing briefly nodding his thanks to the Prime Minister.

   â€œI will also support this nomination” Captain-General Joseph Marik said speaking up for the first time at the council surprising the other leaders since the United Marik Worlds held both Marik and Atreus the worlds that once controlled the Free Worlds League and supporting Oriente would elevate them to a position that would gain more attention that Marik would gain.

   â€œI will not support Oriente, unfortunately while we share borders with the Oriente Protectorate like your Marik Worlds” Ilsa Centrella said looking at Joseph Marik “our borders are not so peaceful.  Instead I will support Warlord Kurita and pray that he will support the Star League’s principle of peace.”  She said casting the Magistracy of Canopus’ vote.

   â€œThe vote stands at three to the Draconis Combine and Warlord Kurita and two to the Oriente Protectorate and Captain-General Jonas Halas.”  Governor Bannister Cameron said looking at Victor Steiner-Davion “with two votes remaining” he said glancing at Archon Jessica Steiner; Victor’s niece and leader of the Lyran Commonwealth.

   â€œI have held the position of First Lord four times” Victor Steiner-Davion said carefully as he rose to his feet.  “But today I cannot bring myself to vote I hold the Star League with high regard and will support it fully it in the future.”  He said retaking his chair.

   â€œThe Federated Suns abstains from voting” Bannister Cameron commented neutrally a null vote was not unheard of but as one of the strongest nations in the Star League Defence Force he would have preferred their support with a vote.

   â€œThe Lyran Commonwealth will also abstain from voting.  To vote would result in a deadlock which would not be good for this council we do not need a military officer of the Star League Defence Force dictating who becomes our next First Lord.”  Jessica Steiner said being the last to raise to her feet Bannister Cameron almost smiled her use of words supported the Star League Defence Force without casting a vote for either a Kurita or for a leader of the former-Free Worlds League.  For a young member of this council she had shown a lot of maturity.

   â€œWith three votes to two and with abstentions from the Federated Suns and Lyran Commonwealth Warlord Minoru Kurita is the fourteenth First Lord of this Star League Council.”  Bannister announced

   â€œI am honoured to accept this position I will serve this Star League and support it in anyway I can.  Without further business I bring this session to an end.”  Minoru Kurita said briefly before moving out the other members of the council quickly left the room as well ending the League conference.

Whitting Conference Centre, Davion Wing
Unity City, North America
Terra, Star League Protectorate
9th November 3101

   Leftenant Elle Cooper stepped up to First Prince Victor Steiner-Davion’s desk and saluted “sir the Lyran Archon sir” she reported.

   â€œThank you allow her in” Victor said moments later Archon Jessica Steiner entered the room and approached the desk Victor nodded towards Cooper dismissing her leaving him with the young Lyran leader “Archon” he greeted her.

   â€œUncle” she said far less formerly she was Peter’s daughter and it appeared that this was an informal visit “I wish to ask of you some advice.”  She explained

   â€œCareful” Victor said chuckling as he rose from his chair crossing to the side pouring a glass of dark liquid “drink?  Northwind Scotch, I believe our hosts wished to rub in their recent coup.”  He said she nodded and Victor poured a second glass.  “Please” Victor said stepping towards Jessica he handed her the glass and indicated to a pair of comfortable chairs one of which Jessica selected and sat down on.

   â€œWhy should I be careful?”  She asked Victor as he sat down opposite her.

   â€œAsking the advice of Davion has caused all sort of trouble for those sitting on the chair that you do.  Your father had the right idea ensure that you and your sister were Steiner’s first despite your heritage it cut you a little slack with the Lyran nobility.”  He explained

   â€œTrue” Jessica agreed “despite your Lyran education my people always did see you as my grandfather reborn” she said referring to Hanse Davion “but my father always respected your battle record especially your record against the Clans.”

   â€œFocus on the Clans cost me much in my younger days.” Victor admitted “they were a threat that I needed to see ended.  I don’t think I would have done much differently.”  He said glancing down for a moment then back to Jessica “how can I help?”

   â€œIt is related to the Clans” Jessica said making it clear where her inquiry landed “the Lyran Commonwealth is threatened from every direction by the Clan menace we have three full Clans and the remains of two others on our borders.”

   â€œWe all face the Clans” Victor said he had long ago given up trying to save everyone from the Clans his own nation had to watch for two of the quieter Clans in the Snow Ravens and Nova Cats but still they were a threat to his nation.  “My advice in dealing with the Clans is don’t become too focused on them or on one of them deal with them in a case by case basis but don’t let them take over your life.”  He said taking a sip from his glass feeling the liquid burning its way down his throat the Northwind Scotch was stronger then most other brands.  “Otherwise you’ve done well so far your father would be proud of you.”

   â€œThanks” she said quietly drinking some of her own drink “I miss them everyday” she admitted.

   â€œYou are not the only one” Victor said quietly he missed his sisters Yvonne and Katherine as well.  Victor was one of the elder statesmen of the Inner Sphere with many of his contemporaries having passed away.  He was glad to pass on some of what he learned to the new leaders of the Inner Sphere hoping that they might avoid some of the mistakes that he had made.  “Don’t let your past define you.”

   â€œWhat do you mean?”  She said more hostile.

   â€œYou were the youngest person in Lyran Commonwealth history to command a WarShip…”

   â€œAnd my name did not help” Jessica said interrupting

   â€œYou have fought enemies on all corners and have been victorious.”  He said continuing “you met someone and married them despite them not being of noble blood” he said the Lyran nation was known for holding social class and money over ability.  “And you were brave enough to have a child despite knowing…”

   â€œDon’t you dare do not say my son’s name do not even think about it!”  Jessica shouted standing up from her chair staring at Victor “if you were not the First Prince I’d…”

   â€œYou’d what!”  Victor snapped standing up looking at her Victor was not a tall man but he was level with her in height “I’m not talking to you as the First Prince, Jessica, you made it abundantly clear that you wished to talk to your uncle so do what you want to do there will be no political incident there is only us here.”  He challenged her Jessica stepped away towards the door she didn’t to fight him but she stopped short of the door “it is alright to be Archon, to love and to grieve all at the same time.”  He said stepping closer to her “you do not need to be the pillar that hold’s a brave face for everyone you’ve had losses to the Clans and in your own life, Jessica, you are allowed to grieve to remember those you have lost.  And it is alright for you to move forward with your life” he said Jessica shot him another angry look “and to plan for the future.”  He said calmly

   â€œWhat if I don’t know how?”  She asked he could see tears on her cheeks Victor took another step forward placing his hands on her shoulder slowly Jessica turned into his arms and cried quietly into his shoulder.

   â€œWe all know how to grieve” Victor said quietly “its how quickly we get back up that is unique to each of us.”  He continued “lean on your husband, lean on the family around you” he said the Steiner line was an extensive one it wouldn’t show weakness for her to call out for their support in fact it may even bring the nation together he though to himself.  Jessica slowly pulled away wiping her tears from her eyes “maybe I’ll just come to New Avalon and give you a house guest.”

   â€œYou and your husband would be more than welcome” Victor said chuckling.

   â€œThank you, uncle, thank you for listening and for your words” she said “I am sorry to have bothered you” she said motioning towards the door.

   â€œAnytime” Victor said finally as Jessica pulled open the door and left his office.  Victor crossed back across the room and picked up his glass before moving back to his desk sitting down continuing to look over his paperwork soon he would leave Terra and head home to the Federated Suns.

   Leaving the office Archon Jessica Steiner did not head back towards the Steiner Wing of the Conference Centre instead she headed towards the centre’s dedicated spaceport and landing strip.  There she boarded her personal Sternensturm OmniFighter and took to the skies over Unity City member state aircraft were only allowed to fly over certain areas of Unity City but that did not bother Jessica instead she ascended well above the planet below meeting up with a DropShip that waited for her.  From orbit the DropShip headed back towards the waiting LCS Iron Fist which was at the Nadir point.

Pirate Hunting
Periphery near Magistracy of Canopus
14th November 3101

   Following more than a year of investigations the Magistracy of Canopus’ Ebon Magistrate engage the pirate force that destroyed the Canopian Highlanders Regiment using a nuclear explosive.  During the final assaults the Magistracy force deploys the Amazon Battle Armour suit for the first time in live combat.  The suit is an improvement over almost every other medium battle suit deployed by the Inner Sphere and is able to keep pace with a Clan Elemental suit while also being able to take as much damage and deal significant damage against enemy targets with a configurable arm mounted weapons array and a lethal battle claw.

   Supported from orbit by the MSC Canopus, a Feng Huang II-class Cruiser/Carrier, and the ship’s aerospace fighters the Ebon Magistrate do not let up against the pirate force pushing them from one stronghold to the next.  Finally twelve hours after the pursuit had begun the Ebon Magistrate surround and destroy the pirate force the Canopian victors execute each of the surviving pirates leaving their bodies exposed to the elements on the planet as a message to anyone who would wrong the Magistracy.

Border Raid
Sherwood, Nova Cat’s Den
Periphery
24th November 3101

   After being deployed in the Filtvelt Coalition for more than three years and observing Clan Nova Cat’s raids and “trials” against the local people the Federated Suns’s Sixth New Avalon Guards RCT take matters into their own hands and launch a raid against the Nova Cat held system of Sherwood.  During their observations on the Clan raids the Sixth choose to follow the Clan’s bidding procedure during the attack winning nearly a company’s worth of Clan technology in the raid before leaving the system.