OBT Forum

Dare I hope the Taurians dropped the white elephant of a corvette and are cranking out Concordats again?

  Nice update!  Looking forward to see how the Star Colonel Diana Pryde and how she runs the units she has against what the Clan Ghost Bears have! 

I have no intention of doing so.

Quote from: Blacknova on May 27, 2014, 04:01:25 PM

I have no intention of doing so.

Guess that just mean's there dead then  oh well    I'll still look forward to more

Well if you have any attractive relatives you are willing to trade for them, I might let them survive.  That's how I got Andrea, her family were Terran supports, hence the KU.

Overview maps for last chapter.

Hmmm.... I am looking forward to see what you will come up with regarding the reaction of Clan Ghost Bear to these attacks.

Ciao
Hessian

P.S.: Will the Diamond Sharks discover a Harjel analogue on Wolcott in this setting?

Edgar Halas, elder son of Christopher Halas, Duke of Oriente, took in the vast swells of the ocean as the Sirius, a rather well appointed pleasure cruiser, ploughed through the sub-tropical seas of the planet Dieron.  The fresh breeze coolly blowed across the small private deck, which was situated towards the stern and was protected from the wind generated by the vessel’s ten knot forward momentum.  Edgar was present to represent the Free Worlds League in a somewhat clandestine fashion.  As the second child of the Duke of Oriente, he was not particularly high in the League’s power structure.  That said, Edgar was no fool and was, as far as the League intelligence agency SAFE knew, an agent of their own who had not as yet been uncovered by either the LIC or MIIO.  This, along with his father’s connections to the Captain-General, made him the perfect person to meet with the “high ranking Combine official” to discuss the future plans of the League and how they might mesh with those of the Draconis Combine.

The sliding door onto the deck, which was opposite Edgar, opened and a man began to move from the shadows into the sun, as Edgar stood he began to welcome his guest, “Welcome, it I my honour to…”

Edgar’s voice trailed off as the man turned to face him and Edgar looked into the face of the heir to the throne of the Draconis Combine, Hohiro Kurita.

“Sir Halas,” began Hohiro, “I see my appearance has caught you off guard.  Please, in our meeting I am merely a high official of the Combine, my other ranks and titles are not important.”

Like hell they’re not.  You would not be here if it were not for your titles.  With his mind racing, Edgar’s thoughts changed track, You being here means you may well have guessed at our plans and you either plan to support them far more readily than we hoped, or plan to scuttle them entirely.

In order to cover his surprise as best he could, Edgar bowed, and held it as long as was due the Coordinator’s heir, no matter what the man said.  Hohiro returned the bow and indicated for Edgar to sit in his large, high backed cane chair, which he did after Hohiro, who flowed into his own cane chair with the grace of a finely trained warrior.

Hohiro looked hard at Edgar, across the selection of fine foods on the low table between them, which were quite forgotten and now superfluous to proceedings.  “You have come many light years to speak with me Sir Halas,” Hohiro began, “please, share with me the reason for your visit and the interests of the Captain-General in our future.”

Edgar collected his thoughts, No point in beating around the bush. “Lord Kurita,” he began, but was interrupted.

“If you are to use titles, my rank of Tai-sa will suffice.”

Edgar nodded once, staring into the dark eyes of the Kurita, which seemed wise beyond his years. “Certainly Tai-sa.”  There was a short pause.  “I am not aware of what information on the plans of the Free Worlds League you may already possess, however, I would like to take some time to provide you with some background to our plans before presenting the actual details.”

Hohiro gestured with his right hand, “By all means Sir Halas, use whatever time you deem necessary.”  Hohiro then plucked a small piece of fruit from one of the platters and looked towards Halas, “If you have not sampled Dieron star fruit before, I would not miss the opportunity now.”  Hohiro placed the fruit in his mouth and his dark eyes lit up, obviously enjoying the flavour.

“Of course Tai-sa.” Said Halas, who took his own piece.  On placing the star fruit in his mouth, he was struck by the soothing coolness and gentle sweetness of the fruit and immediately relaxed, if only a little.

“The simplest pleasures can help in relaxing the mind I find.”

“Something often forgotten Tai-sa.” Edgar said after swallowing. 

Following a pause, where Hohiro made no move to speak, Edgar began his pitch.  “No doubt you are aware of the success that the Free Worlds League and the Capellan Confederation have enjoyed at the hands of the Federated Commonwealth over the last five years.” An almost imperceptible nod was returned.  “We took thirty-one worlds from the former Sarna March and the regions near Bolan, whilst the Capellan Confederation took a further twenty-nine in the former Sarna Commonality.  These gains came close to sealing off the Terran Corridor, but the actions of Prince Davion were enough to prevent a total collapse of those regions.”

Hohiro spoke, accentuating the name and title of his former companion, “Archon-Prince Victor Steiner-Davion, as he expects to be called now, is a formidable warrior, one who has grown into his position in ways none of us could have foreseen.  He combines the most admirable, or dangerous, qualities of his mother, father and grandmother, making him the greatest threat to the Dragon there is, or would be if not for the Clan threat.”

Edgar folded his hands in his lap, across the plain white pants he wore, before answering “The Captain-General is of exactly the same mind Tai-sa.  The Archon-Prince’s newfound strength and resolve and his ability to be both dynamic and calculating as needed, is viewed by the League as a potentially devastating combination for the other great houses.  Were it not for the Clans, one of us would already be fighting for their very survival.”

“Very true.”  Hohiro nodded, almost to himself and seemed to be reflecting on something deep within.

Your friendship with Victor causes you much pain as your duty to the Combine weighs upon the connection you have with the Archon-Prince. “Tai-sa, the LCCC and the Captain-General do not believe that with one war we could bring the Federated Commonwealth to its knees.  The realm is two large and has too many resources to fall quickly, or even be forced to negotiate, except in one place: The Terran Corridor.”

Hohiro focused on Edgar in a way that made Edgar grateful that he would never face this man in anger.  “You seek to close the corridor?”

“We do, but it is not as simple as it sounds.”

Hohiro smiled, “Wars never are Sir Halas.  How do you propose to close such a vital link between the Steiners and Davions?”

Edgar sat a little straighter and maintained ridged control of his hands, which years of oratory had taught him to use to accentuate his speech, something that was not done in formal Combine conversation.  “The success of Operations GUERRO and SPARTACUS, allied to the flanking moves of the Capellan Confederation were more than the AFFC was able to cope with, due to the Lyran succession and the chaos it caused, though we cannot expect such luck again.  However, conversations between the Captain-General and Chancellor Liao have seen a plan develop for a third series of offensives into the Terran March, however, we require a surprise to again destabilise the AFFC, to allow the success of our endeavour.”

Hohiro face had become void of emotion or expression, “You seek the Combine’s aid in closing the corridor, which would take the AFFC by surprise, based on the ongoing semi-détente on our shared border?”

“Yes Tai-sa, we do.  We see no other viable way to close the corridor.”

Hohiro seemed to swell a little before answering, “You understand that the Draconis Combine cannot be party to such an offensive at this time?”

The curt dismissal caught Edgar by surprise.  “Forgive me Tai-sa, I do not.”

Hohiro raised a hand and gestured, another man, dressed in the uniform of a DCMS Chu-sa, walked onto the deck and handed a folder to Hohiro, then bowed and withdrew.  Hohiro opened the folder, withdrew a sheet from it and handed it to Edgar.

Edgar looked at the sheet, which appeared to be a brief summary of after action reports.  Four worlds lost to the Nova Cats and the Smoke Jaguars massing near the Truce Line. Dam it! We don’t need a Clan invasion into the Combine now.  That would mean throwing everything at them I am authorised to give, unless of course the Vipers strike the Federated Commonwealth, which could ease our burden and not require the DCMS.  “Tai-sa, this would seem to indicate the Clans are on the advance again?”

“Not entirely Sir Halas, they have been bickering with each other and the Combine for some months now, and the Wolves and Bears are fighting as well, so we do not expect any trouble from those two.  We do not expect a resumption of a general invasion of the Inner Sphere, as apparently a vote was held to do so and failed.”

Its passage would have been useful; nevertheless it may be time to empty the cupboard. “Tai-sa, you feel that by engaging in the Terran Corridor, you would drain resources from the Clan front?”

“Correct, but not the full story.” Replied Hohiro.  “The Federated Commonwealth and Draconis Combine continue to act in concert against the Clans, if not in other matters.  Were the corridor to close, it would drastically affect the ability of the AFFC to hold the Clans on their border, leading to a general collapse of the defence against the Clans and the subjugation of us all.”

Edgar thought for a moment.  It’s possible the Captain-General would go for it, he would see the necessity and it may well increase the strength of the bargaining chip we would hold. “What of the FWLM agreed to allow the passage of all goods and forces for the Clan front to pass through the corridor?  After inspection that is?”

Hohiro seemed to be somewhat uncomfortable with the path the conversation was taking, despite seeing the simple necessity of it for future stability in the Inner Sphere.   â€œIt would be difficult for you to administer, but would be broadly acceptable to the Combine.  You seek to close the corridor and use it as a bargaining chip to prevent the Federated Commonwealth from dominating the Inner Sphere once the Clan threat diminishes?” 

“We do Tai-sa.  Holding such a position would force the Archon-Prince to negotiate or drive into worlds we plan to heavily fortify, wasting his strength, something he cannot do in the face of the Clans.  If he accepts the new status quo, which he would be a fool not to, then we have time to make those worlds into fortresses the SLDF would decline to assault.  The Federated Commonwealth’s existence would hinge on the cooperation of our realms and the super-state would be somewhat neutered.”

Hohiro sat back, deep in thought.  You see the necessity of this plan; however, you just don’t want to fight a friend and someone who saved your command and possibly your life.  Thought Edgar, However, the Federated Commonwealth, despite its usefulness in facing the Clans is a long term threat that the Combine cannot allow to exist.  You know this and you hate the simple truth of it.

Hohiro suddenly focused on Edgar again.  “The Draconis Combine sees the merits of your argument; however, there are issues that must be addressed before we could agree to such a plan.”

The Combine does, but you do not wish to be part of it more than you have to. Edgar knew he was close now, “Please Tai-sa, if I can assist in addressing those issues, I will.”

“Sir Halas,” began Hohiro, “With Clans Nova Cat and Smoke Jaguar aggressive against us or likely soon to be, we will require additional regiments and the means to support them should action in the Terran Corridor be contemplated.  We would also need to know what worlds you and the Capellans plan to assault and what would be required of the Combine.”

You know more than you are letting on Tai-sa.  The ISF is good, but if you can lead me to what you want so easily, what does the FedCom’s Intelligence Secretariat know?  “Tai-sa, I have been authorised to offer supplies and materials to the DCMS, enough to keep thirty regiments in the field for a considerable period of time.”

Hohiro shook his head once.  “Insufficient Sir Halas, we need troops, not just guns.”

“We have no troops to spare Tai-sa.”

“But you have money, much of it, and that can be turned into troops on Outreach rather rapidly.”

Edgar was out of his depth now, but knew he had to get an agreement today or loose the chance of gaining the Combines involvement. Hohiro was here at the behest of the Coordinator and snubbing him would end the negotiations here and now.  Father and Thomas will be annoyed, but we need the Combine and need it now.  “What would you suggest Tai-sa?”

“There are approximately sixty free mercenary regimens on Outreach, Galatea and other mercenary stars at the current time.  We wish to hire between a fifth and a third of those.”

TWENTY REGIMENTS! Thought Edgar, You don’t plan on messing around.  “Tai-sa, the League could hire some of these for you and return them to League service after the war.”

“No.  They would be used to secure the border with the AFFC and relieve troops facing the Clans after any joint action with the FWLM.  This is not a negotiable point Sir Halas, we require those troops and your material support or you can fight the Federated Commonwealth with only the Confederation to assist.”

Edgar thought for a moment.  What choice do I, or the League for that matter, have?  We need them and they need or materials.  It will cause issues at home but we can recover such monetary and material outlays given time.  “I can agree in principle Tai-sa, but must gain the Captain-General’s final approval.  Such outlays of funds are significant.”  And with that I may well be headed for the Captain-General’s displeasure.

“Of course Sir Halas, but do remember that neither point will be considered negotiable, nor the requirement that supplies for the Clan front be allowed to pass freely through.”  He paused, “Now, please explain your general plans.”

“Certainly Tai-sa.  The FWLM military will focus on the worlds of Keid, Bryant, New Home, Thorin, Chara, Zavijava and Rigil Kentarus, leaving Zollikofen, Muphrid, Caph and New Earth to the DCMS.  At the same time as both ground and naval forces secure the systems targeted by the FWLM, we will be attacking into the Terran March towards Nanking as the CCAF drives towards Liao.  With the DCMS striking as well, chaos should reign in the region, which may also open up the Lyons area to further DCMS attacks.”

“A simple yet audacious plan Sir Halas.” Answered Hohiro. “With what forces do you intend to prosecute such actions?”

Edgar smiled, “With over thirty BattleMech regiments, supporting forces, additional mercenaries and more than thirty WarShips.”

“A not insignificant force.  The Capellans, what do they add to the fight?”

“Another dozen and a half regiments and three WarShips, plus support.”

Hohiro paused, thinking, before speaking again.  “With the League’s financial support we could add another twenty to the total, though we require all our WarShips on the Clan front.  That would leave us with seventy BattleMech regiments facing approximately thirty to fifty AFFC regiments, depending on what reinforcements are dispatched to the fighting.  Not a perfect correlation of forces, but with surprise and naval superiority, an achievable set of goals, especially near Terra, where I would expect your main force to be concentrated?”

“Correct Tai-sa.”

"When do the Captain-General and the Chancellor plan on launching this assault?"

"February of next year, though we would see the DCMS striking in March, once the AFFC was focused on our assaults."

“I will need to take this to the Coordinator for approval immediately, as you will need to do in the case of the Captain-General.”  Hohiro stood, quickly followed by Edgar.  “Until we meet again Sir Halas.”  Hohiro bowed, which Edgar immediately responded to, but by the time he raised his head and moved to respond, Hohiro was already passing through the doorway.

That was sudden.  What does he know and why the ready agreement?  That should have been harder?  Still, we have what we need, though the cost will certainly raise some eyebrows on Atreus.  Time to get moving.