OBT Forum

The TC always had the ability, it just lacked the desire.  With the CC on the front foot, the option for invading is suddenly a good one.

 

Working on it.  March is shaping up to be interesting and April just as much...oh and then there is that surprise twist I have been planning as well.

Cassius stood and walked to the Mandrill Khan, reached into another pocket and withdrew eight cards, “Each has the sigil of one of the Clans to be bid on.  Please shuffle them and draw them one at a time for each round of bidding.”

The Mandrill Khan only nodded and Cassius returned to his seat.

Cassius pulled back his shoulders, looked across the assembled Khans and began; ”Each of us gathered here on this profound and critically important occasion in Clan history.  Each of the Homeworld Clans must now bid to determine who will be their target.  However, in order to minimise the losses and ensure that a Clan’s target for expulsion does not escape with valuable industry and resources, I must recommend, but cannot force you, to undertake bidding in a conservative manner.  Though this may be uncomfortable for some Clans, you must see the need to take as much as possible from the invaders, to ensure us all of a strong and stable place in the new order.” 

Somme Khans nodded, other shook their heads and other just watched.  Some of you will refuse to see the lesson I try to impart here and will drive yourselves, or others, into dangerous bids.  Now to begin. 

Before Cassius could begin, Khan McKenna spoke.  “I assume we will bid under the Circe Protocols?”

Dam you McKenna! Thought Cassius.  “They are centuries old and out of date, I do not think they are appropriate”

Khan McKenna’s smug smile was enough to make Cassius want to cross the chamber and slap her.  “The Circe protocols were used during the Annihilation of the Not Named and the Absorption of both the Widowmakers and Mongoose Clans.  They were set up for just such occasions and should be used here.”

This will allow the larger Clans to abuse the bidding process and potentially split targets you stupid fool, in contravention of all we planned for.  The lowest bid after three rounds, or two if other Clans concede, wins the bid, with drawn bids resulting in split targets.  You will undermine our unity from the beginning.

“Very well Khan Snow Raven, but we should vote on such a proposal.”

McKenna shook her head.  “WE need not vote, it is part of the Martial Code.”

Cassius shrugged, “Have it as you will then, Khan McKenna.”  You will pay for this. 

Cassius looked to the Fire Mandrill Khan, “Khan Ravenwater, please draw the first Clan.”

The dignified Khan of the Mandrills first shuffled the cards, then he lifted the first from the top of the deck.  He flipped the card and it showed the red arrows, shark and diamond insignia of Clan Diamond Shark, much too several Clan’s dismay.  The Diamond Sharks were the strongest militarily in the Homeworlds of those to be ejected and the third most valuable in terms of resources and industry.  No Clan but the Star Adders could match the Diamond Sharks on the field of battle and make any profit from it.  Cassius knew that the opportunity to lead by example was upon him and he planned accordingly. 

He pressed a second button on his control and next to the Diamond Shark icon the figures 5148/2748 – 19/4 appeared.  “Clan Diamond Shark controls thirty oversized Clusters and approximately twenty WarShips.  Based on the Circe protocols, any Clan can declare a special right to face an opponent, and if not opposed by the other bidding Clans, gain the right to face the target Clan.  In order to not have a smaller Clan tasked with such an undertaking, Clan Star Adder will forego the right to bid on better targets and claim the right under the Circe Protocols to face Clan Diamond Shark.”  That should take the edge of some of your idiocy Khan McKenna.

“A noble choice Khan N’Butu, but the Protocols also require a bid, a bid no more than 20% greater than the target in order to claim the right.”  McKenna’s response was hard.

“I bid 6,050 Points to the defending 5,148, forty-five Adder Clusters against thirty large Shark Clusters, 17.5% over the cutdown.  Do any challenge this?”  Cassius’s voice was hard and he stared at the Raven Khan, daring her to speak.  None responded.

“Very well, Clan Star Adder will face Clan Diamond Shark.”  Cassius’s voice rang out and the graphic in front of the Khans updated to show the forces bid by the Adders and placed them opposite the Diamond Sharks.

“Khan N’Buta, your actions set a noble example for us all to follow.”  This from the Cloud Cobra Khan.

“Thank you, Khan Steiner, we must think of the unity here today and not our own needs.  Khan Ravenwater, if you would draw again.”

Khan Ravenwater lifted the second card and it showed the pale crest of Clan Ice Hellion, poor in resources, but with a strong military, by Homeworlds standards, to deal with. “My fellow Khans, I now open the floor to bids, and according to the Protocols, this will be by Clan Blood Spirit first and in alphabetical order from then on, unless any call for special rights against the Ice Hellions?” 

When no one spoke, Cassius continued, “Clan Blood Spirit, your bid please.”

Karianna Schmitt grinned, glad to be starting the process of the bid, “Clan Blood Spirit bids 2,880 Points.”

Slightly less than two-thirds of your Touman and more than thirty percent more than the cutdown, a good opening bid.  Thought Cassius before continuing, “Clan Burrock?”

Khan Holiday flicked her head as she bid, “Clan Burrock bids 2,640 Points.”

Interesting, though Cassius, you drive down to 20% over cutdown with two thirds of your Touman. “Clan Cloud Cobra?”

“We bid 3,840 Points, Khan N’Buta.” 

Ah, you don’t wish to face the Ice Hellions it would seem, or you leave yourself a strong second bid.  I would assume the former based on your bid though.  “Clan Coyote?”

Khan Kufal answered for the Coyotes, “4,800.” Succinct as always and even higher than the Cobras.  Better prizes await your strength it would seem.

“Clan Fire Mandrill?”

“We bid 3,720 Khan Star Adder.”  Intoned Khan Ravenwater. 

You might yet make a play for the Hellions.  Was Cassius’s thought.  “Clan Goliath Scorpion?”

The slight Khan Suvovrov’s voice was loud as she answered, “Our Clan bids with 2,604 Points.”

Your total strength.  Your second bid will need to be carefully managed, but you hold the advantage under the Protocols.  “Clan Snow Raven?”

Khan McKenna answered without expression, “4,128 Points.”

You wish no part in fighting the Hellions it would seem.

Cassius stood once he had the final bid and opened his arms, “My Khans, under the Circe Protocols, the Clan with the highest bid must bid first in each of the following two rounds or declare its withdrawal.  Therefore, Clan Coyote, your second bid please.”

Khan Kufal answered curtly again, “4,200 Points.”

You insult us, thought Cassius, you should have withdrawn.  “Clan Snow Raven?”

“3,600 Points of our Clan’s Touman.”  Bryn Cooper answered this time.
 
Somewhat more respectable.  “Clan Cloud Cobra?”

“Khan N’Buta,” answered Khan Steiner, “We bid 3,600 Points.”

“Clan Fire Mandrill?”  Asked Cassius.

“Clan Fire Mandrill bids 3,000 Points.”

Ah, a real bid at last, you look to compete.  “Clan Blood Spirit?”

“The Blood Spirits bid 2,400 Points.”  Khan Schmitt smiled as she halved the distance to the cutdown.

Now we get to interesting territory, Cassius thought as murmurs followed the Spirit bid.  “Clan Burrock?”

Khan Holliday answered, “We too bid 2,400 Points.”

Nicely done.  “Clan Goliath Scorpion?”

“2,400 as well.” Answered Khan Suvorov.

Cassius, now that all bids of the second round were in and no remaining Clan had withdrawn, began the cycle again.  “This is now the final round of bidding.  Should any Clans have matched bids at the conclusion of this round, the target will be divided amongst them.  Clan Coyote?”

The Coyote Khan, Sullivan Koga, gestured to Cassius, “We withdraw.”

You really could have done that sooner, thought Cassius.

“Clan Cloud Cobra?”

“Withdraw.”

“Clan Snow Raven?”

“We withdraw from the bidding.”

“Clan Fire Mandrill?”

“We regretfully withdraw Khan N’Buta.”

None of you intended to play for keeps here, you were all just testing the water.  “Clan Blood Spirit.”

“We maintain our bid at 2,400.”  This from Khan Schmitt.

You don’t want this target but you don’t want to appear weak either.  “Clan Burrock.”

Khan Holliday smiled, “Why, 2,400 Points of troops of course.”

Scowls from the Blood Spirits met Holliday’s response, You just can’t help yourself where the Spirits are concerned.  Cassius looked to the Scorpion, Please see reason here, as you saw it before.  “Clan Goliath Scorpion, how do you bid.”

Ariel Suvorov smiled at Cassius, “Clan Goliath Scorpion bids 2,106 points, in effect twenty of our clusters to face the Ice Hellions seventeen.  We see where some of our fellow Khan intend to push bidding in future rounds and the Goliath Scorpions lack the numbers to engage in lop sided bidding wars.”

“Bargained well and done.”  Said Cassius.  Your insight gives you strength and perception beyond that of most of your fellows.  Other Khans appears either smug, relieved or slightly dismayed, depending on their positions within the order of power as the import of the Scorpion’s words hit home.

“My Khans,” continued Cassius, “we now need to bid for the third Clan.  Khan Ravenwater, if you would be so kind.”

“Of course.” Answered the Mandrill Khan as he flipped up the next card.  The sigil of Clan Ghost Bear was shown to the Khans.

Two Clusters defending two worlds bereft of industry or real value.  Thought Cassius.  No one will want this target, which means by default it will go to the Fire Mandrills.  Dam you McKenna, but there is a way out of this, though it force me to weaken my own Clan.

The bidding proceeded as Cassius expected it would, with most Clans bidding high, leaving the Fire Mandrills bid of their own entire Touman, 3,720 Points worth, well below even the nearest bid.  Every other Clan withdrew in the second round, leaving the Fire Mandrills the Ghost Bears by default.

Khan Ravenwater looked livid by the end of the bidding, “You test our loyalty with such insults!”  He roared at the other Khans.

“Your insult will be healed Khan Ravenwater.”  Said Cassius.

“How!”  The Mandrill barked back.

Cassius smiled, “I have bidded forty-five Clusters, I am sure I can find room for twenty of your own small Clusters in my overall force strength.  You gain honour, do not break your bid and assist in the most difficult campaign of all.  I would thank my fellow Khans if I were you, should my offer be satisfactory.”

Ravenwater looked hard at N’Buta, “We would keep what we take?”

“Yes,” answered Cassius, “a fair share of targets will be yours.”

Ravenwater stood and walked across to Cassius, grasping his arm, “You show us much honour today, in addition to your wisdom and leadership.  Bargained well and done and may your example guide our fellow Khans.  My Mandrills will fight close beside you.”

Not if I bloody well have anything to do with it, though Cassius, those quarrelling idiots you unified can’t even fight together properly, let alone next to another Clan.  You will have your own worlds to assault.  “The honour is mine Khan Ravenwater.”  Said Cassius, hiding his real thoughts.

Cassius then cast a gaze across the assembled Khans where some, like the Cloud Cobras, seemed pleased with his actions, whilst others, notably the Ravens and Coyotes, seemed less than enthused with his generous gesture to the Fire Mandrills.  He could not be sure if their lack of joy stemmed from his ability to again show his leadership credentials, or that they realised his Clan would still profit, yet suffer less for its work due to Mandrill assistance.

Once the muttering quietened and the Mandrill Khan had returned to his seat, Cassius nodded to him and he withdrew the next card.  Holding it up revealed the Clan to be bid on was to be the Nova Cats.  This will be interesting he thought, moderately placed both industrially and militarily within the Homeworlds as they are. A good target with good opportunities for glory and gain.

In the bidding for the right to face the Nova Cats, Clan Blood Spirit set the early mark, bidding 3,120 Points, with other bids closer to 3,600, which gave room to bid down, as the Cats possessed a little less than 1,600 Points of troops in the Homeworlds.  However, through canny bidding and eventually reducing their bid to twenty-four Clusters, with 2,400 points, the Blood Spirits gained the honour of facing the Nova Cats.  Most bids stayed high due to the need to retain forces to fight through the Cats heavy WarShip presence, however the Blood Spirits Aerospace Clusters would give them a strong edge there and they bid accordingly.  The Burrocks, Cobras and Coyotes pushed you hard Khan Schmitt, but you showed that for all your bluster, you are not fools.  Yours will be an interesting campaign.

Clan Steel Viper was drawn fifth and with a relatively poor industrial base compared to the Wolves and Jaguars to come, none of the remaining Clans wished to fight the Vipers if they could.  Bidding was agonizingly slow, as each Clan considered its position very carefully and cut small pieces from their Touman, however, it was a simple error on the part of the Snow Ravens that saw them earn the dubious honour of facing their old foe.
Following the Coyote bid of 3,942 Points, Khan McKenna was about to bid when a snide remark was made by the Burrock saKhan, not his first during the tense session either,  set her off.“Watch the cowards cut a Point from their bid…”

“I BID 3,312!”  She yelled at the Burrock.

Everyone stopped, as her bid dropped her well below the other Clans.  The bid was entered before she realised her mistake.  Then she erupted.

“I recall my bid, it should stand at 3,412!  Khan Star Adder correct it.”

Cassius smiled the devil’s smile at Khan McKenna before answering in a cold voice, “Khan McKenna, the Circe Protocols do not allow for a withdrawal of bid.  You know this as well as I.  Your Snow Ravens will face the six Steel Viper Clusters remaining in the Homeworlds and find there what honour you can.”

McKenna was out of her seat in a flash a pointed at N’Buta, “You cannot do this.  Withdraw the bid!”

“SIT DOWN!”  The roar from the Snow Raven saKhan stopped everyone in the room cold.  “You will sit and be silent and once this Council is finished you will die in a circle of equals for the Grievance you have caused to our whole Clan.  I will see your Bloodright Reaved you short sighted fool.”

Silence descended as the import of the saKhan’s words seeped into McKenna’s mind.  Suddenly she looked small and weak, almost withering before the assembled Khans, before returning to her seat, a look of dawning horror spreading across her face.

“If we could continue, with your assent of course saKhan Cooper?”  Cassius asked.

The furious Raven saKhan merely nodded, whilst staring at his soon to be dead Khan.  “Very well then.  Khan Ravenwater, if you would be so kind to draw the next Clan.”

The prize of Clan Wolf was drawn and all eyes focused on the three Clans remaining: Clans Burrock; Coyote; and Cloud Cobra.

All three remaining three Clans will bid hard for this honour, thought Cassius.

“Khan Cloud Cobra, your first bid.” he asked.

“Clan Cloud Cobra bids 3,408, against the Wolf defence of 1,848.”  Said Khan Steiner

All fear the Wolf and will bid conservatively.  “Khan Coyote?”

“5,040.” Said the laconic Coyote saKhan, again bidding on his Khan’s behalf.

“Clan Burrock?”

Holliday stroked her chin before answering, “We bid 3,960.”

Cassius looked back the Coyote Khans, “Your bid was highest and most conservative, and therefore, the Coyotes must withdraw or bid again.”

The Coyote Khan lent over and whispered to his saKhan, before saKhan Kufal answered, ”Our bid is not conservative when one understands the Wolf as well as we do.  We bid 4,800 Points.”

You want the Jaguars is more the point, thought Cassius.  He looked to the Burrocks, “Khan Holliday?”

She grinned as she answered, “2,400, Khan N’Buta.”

Thirty percent over cutdown, now things get interesting.  “Khan Steiner, your Cobras?”  Asked Cassius.

“We bid 2,640.”

Cassius turned to the Coyotes again, “Your final bid?”

The two Coyote Khans looked at each other before Khan Koga answered, “We withdraw.”

“Very well,” Cassius nodded and folded his arms, “Khan Cloud Cobra, your final bid please.”

Khan Steiner paused, took a breath and then said, “2,280 Points we bid.”

Before Cassius could say anything, the Burrock Khan stood, “And we bid 2,160!  Sixteen of our Clusters will drive off the fifteen Wolf Clusters.  Bargained well and done!”

Cassius smiled inwardly at the drive of the new Burrock Clan, “Well bidded Khan Holliday, beware though of the Wolf, its fifteen may well appear as thirty.”

Holliday lifted her head triumphantly, “We have fought the Wolf before and know his ways.  After our recent troubles, it will be refreshing to face a true foe.”

Cassius cocked and eyebrow and shrugged, “We will see.”  He looked to the Mandrill Khan again, “The last two Clans, if you would.”

Khan Ravenwater raised the card of the Hell’s Horses first, followed by the Smoke Jaguars second.  The Jaguars being the real prize of the two, with nearly their entire industrial base in the Homeworlds and most of their Touman in the Inner Sphere.  The Cobras have no chance here, thought Cassius glumly, and there is nothing I can do.

Clan Coyote was able to keep it bids above those of the Cloud Cobras, forcing the Aerospace minded Clan into the campaign against the conventionally minded Horses.  Your bidding practices Khan Koga, which were similar to those of the Ravens, will do little to endear you to many of the other Clans.  More so, the Cloud Cobras will go in facing numerical inferiority, though their strong fleet should be of great assistance.  Nevertheless, the unity I sought has been sorely tested by the bitter feud between you and the Cloud Cobras, the Spirits and Burrocks and those infernal Ravens.

Finally, with an exceptionally conservative bid of seventeen Clusters, the Coyotes would face the eight defending Smoke Jaguar Clusters, which protected the strong holdings of that Clan and the prize of the highly industrialised world of Huntress.  Once the bidding was finished, Cassius raised both arms, palms out and addressed all of the Khans present.

“So be the will of the eight true Clans of Kerensky, from here on in called the Core Clans, for we form the core of all that is good and true of the original intent of ilKhan Nicholas Kerensky, the great founder of our peoples and our guiding light.  May our decisions and the bidding conducted here allow us to usher in a new era for the Clans of Kerensky, return us all to the honour road, and eject those fallen Clans not worthy of their place amongst us.”

Fifteen voices answered Cassius as one “SEYLA.”

He looked sharply around the semi-circle, “Go now Trothkin, send your first orders, for every hour will count when we declare our truth to the other clans.  We have but twenty-eight days by Clan law to prepare our campaign from tomorrow, every moment will count.”

With that, all stood and began to make their way from the hall to issue the orders that would bring war to the clan Homeworlds of a scale never before seen.

wow!  very nice update! 

That was a nice thrill to see the bidding process! Well done, Blacknova. I will watch these proceedings with more interest than I thought I would be able to.

Khan Phelan Kell of Clan Wolf looked slightly down, below the section of the screen that flashed a “Waiting” signal, as the various assembled Khans of the Invading Clans awaited the connection to the Homeworlds to be established along the various HPG way stations of the Exodus Road.  Visible in their own sections of the screen for this virtual Kurultai were the Khans of seven of the eight Clans that possessed holdings within the Inner Sphere.  Only the Diamond Shark Khans were present in the Homeworlds.  Below the flashing waiting signal was the space where he and his saKhan, Marthe Pryde, could type messages to each other without allowing the other Khans to see what they were doing, as only their heads would be visible, just like the Khans of the other Invading Clans.  It was something Phelan had the Wolf Clan technicians install, as he valued the ability to communicate with his saKhan in such situations.

//THEY ARE TAKING THEIR TIME TODAY// Typed Marthe.

//YES.  THE HELLION KHAN LOOKS READY TO RUN THE EXODUS ROAD TO TELL THEM TO GET MOVING//

Was Phelan’s reply.  Khan Rianna Montrose could not sit still it appeared and her head kept bobbing up, down and around.  The other Khans all seemed to be able to maintain their composure, though discerning their expressions was impossible, due to the ceremonial masks they all wore.

//SHE IS MORE SEDATE THAN THAT IDIOT TANEY, BUT...//

Marthe stopped typing as the central screen flickered and then settled on an image of the Grand Council chamber of the Clans on Strana Mechty.  The chamber was largely empty, with only eighteen Khans present and the Loremaster sitting before them, but the chamber seemed different somehow.

//THEY HAVE CHANGED THE SEATING ARRANGEMENTS!// 

Marthe’s quick typing brought the change into focus for Phelan.  The eight Clans with no possessions in the Homeworlds occupied the benches on one side of the chamber, the other side being empty, with the flags of the fallen and Invading Clans, bar that of the Not Named, on the other.  Before Phelan could say anything, Khan Brandon Howell of the Smoke Jaguars spoke.

“What is the meaning of the reorganisation of the chamber?  Who authorised the repositioning of the order imposed by our Founder?”  Murmurs and comments from many of the invaders accompanied the questions.

Khan Ian Hawker, Khan of Clan Diamond Shark, and one of only two Khans to sit on the near empty side of the chamber, the other being his saKhan, answered first.
“I am told it is a purely cosmetic measure to underscore an issue the Clans of the Homeworlds wish to bring to our combined attention.  They have assured me the hall will be returned to its former state after this Council.”

//SOMEONE IS PLAYING FOR HIGH STAKES TODAY// Phelan typed as Hawker spoke.

//SOMEONE WANTS TO BE ILKHAN…N’BUTA?...KOGA?// Marthe typed and deleted and misspelt words as she rapidly tapped out her thoughts.

//N’BUTA// Was all Phelan typed back.

“That may all be well and good Khan Hawker, but such actions have never been taken and cannot be taken without Council consent.”  Howells voice was rising in volume, but before he could continue, Khan Cassius N’Buta stood to address the Smoke Jaguar.

“Khan Howell, I apologise if the gesture has caused offense, but it has gained your attention.  Once we have completed the election of a new ilKhan, I will explain the reasoning behind what we have done.  You may not accept the reasoning, but at least you will understand it.”

The Jaguar Khan grunted his acknowledgement and waved a hand, “Your explanation had best be exemplary Khan N’Buta.”

“I assure you Khan Howell…that it will be.”  Cassius bowed his head slightly and sat.

//THE STAR ADDER SEEMS FULLER OF HIMSELF THAN USUAL// Phelan typed.

//YES// was all the response he got. 

Marthe must be as upset as Howell.  I don’t have the same attachment to the chamber as these Khans do.  Phelan thought, his own upbringing in the Inner Sphere had not conditioned him to react the same way as the other Khans.

Loremaster Clarissa Jerricho, in an effort to stem further discussion before the Council, banged her gavel once and addressed the Khans of the Clans.  “I am Clarissa Jerricho and have been chosen as Loremaster for this gathering of the Grand Council.  I hereby convene this conclave under the provisions of the Martial Code as laid down by Nicholas Kerensky.  Because we exist in a state of war, all matters shall be conducted according to its provisions."

"Seyla," responded all of the Khans, both present physically and via virtual link.

The Loremaster continued.  “A Clan Council has been called to elect an ilKhan to oversee the remaining five years of the Truce and prepare the Clans for renewed war.  All Khans present are fit to vote and I will now accept nominations from the floor.”

Khan Montrose of Clan Ice Hellion spoke almost on top of the last words of the Loremaster.  “I nominate Khan Howell of Clan Smoke Jaguar.  He has been victorious in his recent battles with two Clans and now stands closer to sacred Terra than any other Khan.  No other can claim such recent glory.”

//THE LITTLE KISS ARSE WANTS TO MAKE PRETTY WITH THE LEADING CRUSADERS IN THE SPHERE// Typed Phelan.

//WE SHOULD INVADE CHAINLAINE TO SHUT THE SURAT UP// Marthe responded, making Phelan smile behind his mask. Tempting thought.

“I second the nomination.”  This from Khan Zalman of the Steel Vipers, “The Jaguar has proven himself a most resourceful warrior.”

The Jaguar Khan bowed his head slightly, “I accept this nomination and will bring glory to the Clans when elected.”

//I WONDER WHO ELSE WILL GET A NOD?//  Typed Phelan.

“I nominate Khan Phelan Kell of Clan Wolf.”  Said Marthe

//YOU WHAT!!!//

“Khan Kell has not only risen from nothing to Khan, he has won the greatest war ever fought between two Clans, defeated the Bears and leads the largest and strongest Clan to ever exist.  No other Khan can command anything approaching the glory of Clan Wolf and no finer Warrior exists among us.”

//I AM HONOURED YOU THINK SO MARTHE//

//THINKING HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH IT.  FACT IS FACT.//

As they typed, Khan Malavai Fletcher raised his hand, “The Hell’s Horses support such a nomination.  Though we stand opposed philosophically, the power and vigour of the Wolf Clan cannot be ignored.”

Phelan paused, I don’t need this, but Marthe and Katya can lead the Wolves, and I might be able to accomplish what Ulric could not.  He paused before responding, “I humbly accept the praise of my peers and accept the nomination.  I will serve the Clans as I have served Clan Wolf if elected ilKhan, with honour and integrity.”

None spoke for a full twenty seconds and the Loremaster looked ready to speak when Khan Ian Hawker of Clan Diamond Shark stood.  “I place the name of Khan Cassius N’Buta into the ballot.  Khan N’Buta leads the strongest Clan within our Homeworlds and he has, at all times, held a vision for all the Clans glory and growth.  I feel none other would be appropriate in bringing all true Clansmen together in unity for a better future.”

“I second the nomination.”  Called out Khan Nathan Ravenwater, Khan of the Fire Mandrills.  “The Adder has great honour and foresight.  Our future rests on no better shoulders then his.  To vote for any other is to forget the future we all must hold true.”
Murmurs, nods and comments from the Homeworlds Clans met Ravenwater’s words.

//THEY ARE PLANNING TO VOTE AS A BLOCK.  N’BUTA HAS STITCHED THEM UP SOMEHOW// Phelan typed quickly.

//PERHAPS, BUT WE STILL HAVE FRIENDS THERE.  THE COYOTES, COBRAS AND SCORPIONS ARE OURS, AS ARE THE WOLF, HORSE AND PERHAPS EVEN BEAR AND CAT VOTES.  THAT IS 14 OF 32.  THIS IS NOT BEYOND THE REALM OF POSSIBILITY//  Marthe’s hands were flying across the keyboard.

//DON’T COUNT YOUR KAHNS BEFORE THEY HAVE VOTED// Was all Phelan typed.

N’Buta stood, “I accept your nomination,” he bowed to the Shark Khan and again to the Mandrill Khan, “I will serve this Council to the utmost of my abilities.”  He sat and folded his arms and silence descended across the chamber.

Moments passed slowly until the Coyote Loremaster spoke again.  “If there are no more nominations,” she paused, none answered, “we will begin the voting for the position of ilKhan.  Clan Blood Spirit?”

“Clan Blood Spirit abstains.”

There was much shifting in seats from some Homeworlds Clans and muttering.

//I DO BELIEVE THE SPIRITS HAVE CASUED N’BUTA ISSUES ALREADY// Marthe typed.

//PERHAPS//

“Clan Burrock.”  Continued the Loremaster

“Two votes for Khan N’Buta.”

“Clan Cloud Cobra.”

“We both vote for Khan N’Buta.”

//DAM THEM// Typed Marthe.

//THEY HAVE LONG RESPECTED THE ADDERS MARTHE, THAT WAS NOT UNEXPECTD//

“Clan Coyote.”

“Both votes for Khan N’Buta.”

//WHAT ARE THEY THINKING?// Marthe moved slightly beside him.

//TOO MANY FALCONS PERHAPS?// You really want to see me as ilKhan.  I am quite flattered by your respect Marthe.

“Clan Diamond Shark.”

“Clan Diamond Shark votes for Khan N’Buta.”

“Clan Fire Mandrill.”

“Two more votes for Khan N’Buta.”

“Clan Ghost Bear.”

“We cast two votes for Khan Kell.”

//THERE’S ONE FOR THE BOOKS AFTER OUR RECENT SPAT// Type Phelan wryly.

“Clan Goliath Scorpion.”

 â€œOur votes are for Khan N’Buta.”

//INGRATES// This from Marthe.

 â€œClan Hell’s Horses.”

“We cast our votes for Khan Kell.”

“Clan Ice Hellion.”

“Our votes for Khan Howell.”

“Clan Nova Cat.”

“Clan Nova Cate votes for Khan Kell.”

“Clan Smoke Jaguar.”

“Two for our Khan.”  Said the Jaguar saKhan.

“Clan Snow Raven.”

“We votes for Khan N’Buta.”

“Clan Star Adder.”

“For Khan N’Buta.”  Said saKhan Paik.

“Clan Steel Viper.”

“Two Votes for Khan Howell.”

“Clan Wolf.”

“Our Votes for Khan Kell.”  Said Marthe in a strong voice.

The Loremaster looked down to check the tally.  “I have sixteen votes for Khan Cassius N’Buta, eight for Khan Phelan Kell, six for Khan Brandon Howell and two abstaining.  No Khan has a majority.  Are there any who would withdraw to allow Khans to vote for another?”

There are no real options here and Cassius is no madman.  There will be tension and fighting, but the Adders are a Clan that can lead.  //I THANK YOU FOR THE HONOUR YOU HAVE SHOWN ME MARTHE.  I WILL NEVER FORGET IT, BUT WE MUST THINK OF ALL THE CLANS AND NOT ONLY THE WOLVES//.  “Loremaster, I withdraw my acceptance of my nomination and ask all those who voted for me to vote for Khan N’Buta, he is a man of vision who can bring a new era for us all.”

//YOUR WILL BE DONE MY KHAN, THOUGH I WISH IT OTHERWISE// Typed Marthe.

Loremaster Jerricho addressed the Khans, “Are there any Khans who voted for Khan Kell who would not otherwise vote for Khan N’Buta now Khan Kell has withdrawn?”

There was no response and the Loremaster continued, “Therefore Khan N’Buta is elected ilKhan with twenty-four votes.” 

Applause for the new ilKhan came from both ends of the Exodus Road, however, the Clans of the Homeworlds were obviously more than pleased with N’Buta’s election, as their ovation was loud and prolonged.  Once the applause died down, Cassius N’Buta stood and walked to the centre of the room, where he shook the proffered hand of the Loremaster.  The Loremaster then squared his shoulders and addressed Cassius.
“Khan N’Buta, Do you swear upon the words of the Great Kerensky that you will follow the ordained trail through the black firmament of space, the trail that will ultimately lead us back to Terra to restore all that was good and pure in the Star League?”

Cassius removed his ceremonial adder mask before answering, “I do Loremaster.”

Jerricho motioned with his right arm to the ilKhan’s place, “Then take your place at our head and lead the Clans, always guided by the ideals of our founders.”

ilKhan Cassius N’Buta slowly walked to the ilKhan’s dais and ascended step by step, placing a hand upon the bench and bowing his head slightly, before suddenly turning and seating himself.  He raised his head, placed his ceremonial helm to one side, and looked directly to the camera that would carry his words to the Inner Sphere.

“Khan’s of the Clans of the Inner Sphere, those who call us brothers, but treat us like unwanted guests, hear my words, for they will echo in time and Rememberances.”

Phelan felt a chill run up his spine.  This feels wrong, the Home Khans are all leaning forward, whispering.  What have they planned?

“When you made your decisions in that fateful meeting to determine who would invade the Inner Sphere, when you heeded not my counsel and when you rejected reason for gain, at the expense of your fellows, you started us all on a path to ruin.”

//WHY DOES EVERY NEW ILKHAN FEEL HE HAS THE RIGHT TO LECTURE EVERY CLAN IN EXISTENCE ON ITS PERCIEVED MISTAKES THE MOMENT THEY ASCEND TO THE POSITION.  I HONESTLY HOPED CASSIUS WAS BETTER THAN THIS// Marthe typed.

//THERE IS MORE TO THIS.  I THINK HE MEANS TO ACTIVATE THE HOMEWORLDS CLANS AND HE HAS THE NUMBERS TO DO IT//

N’Buta continued speaking.  “Had you listened to wiser councils then, had we all cooperated as we had under Nicholas Kerensky in the Pentagon campaign, our unity, the unity that has bound us for so long would not have been severed.  That, most unfortunately, was only the beginning of your drift from honour and faithfulness.  You were consumed by the your own arrogance and hubris and it’s physical expression on the bloody fields of Tukayyid and the resulting Truce, one that even then you did not stop to properly consider.  You used the Truce to tear at each other for nearly a decade, forgetting the mission you were appointed to accomplish.  Hundreds of systems remained unconquered and that was the time to call us, to recognise your folly and call us forward to take the remaining systems in league with you.  This was not to be, as instead you fought amongst yourselves, working together only to keep us out, unless we were lap dogs like the Sharks and Horses, or independent hotheads like the Hellions.  Your arrogance and lack of vision has cost the Clans three wasted generations and yet still you bicker like petulant and greedy children on Terra’s very doorstep.”

Cassius stood and gestured to the Khans clustered on the right of the chamber, “These Khans here, these Khans who represent those you ignored, sidelined, ridiculed and abandoned have met and we have spoken.  Our councils have led us to but one conclusion.  That conclusion is that you are no longer worthy of the positions you hold or the council we give you.”

Khan Perigard Zalman started clapping sardonically, slapping his hands slowly and he laughed, “ilKhan N’Buta,” he began, “You can decry us all you like, but you speak from a place of weakness, as do all those in the Homeworlds.  If your Clans were worthy of the place you say they are, they would have risen up and taken it as their right.”

Cassius smiled, “You are right Khan Zalman and we will.”  Cassius paused.
 
//HERE IT COMES…GET READY TO START SHARING CLUTTERED CORRIDORS// Typed Phelan

//OVER MY STEAMING CORPSE// Was Marthe’s reply.

Cassius sat again, and rested his arms upon the chair of the ilKhan, “Khan Zalman, your point is well founded and you will be glad to know we have acted, as you claim we should.  We have all acted, as one, we Clans of the Homeworlds, we Core Clans, the beating heart of the Way of the Clans.  We have acted for months and acted last night and will again twenty-eight days from now.  We the Core Clans of Kerensky have met and declared those clans in the Inner Sphere to be no longer Clan, to be DEZGRA!"  Cassius shouted the last word and the Khans of the Core Clans lept to their feet clapping and cheering.

Phelan turned to Marthe and removed his mask, as every other Khan in the Inner Sphere started howling at N’Buta.  “What the hell just happened?”

Marthe removed her own mask and a predatory look came into her eyes as she sized the ilKhan up, seeing him as he truly was for the first time, “War my Khan, war the likes of which we have not seen in our history.”

Before Phelan could speak again, the voice of Bjorn Jorgensson, Khan of Clan Ghost Bear cut across the din.  “WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS N’BUTA!  YOU CAN CALL NO CLAN DEZGRA, LET ALONE EIGHT CLANS, WITHOUT THE VOTE OF THE ENTIRE COUNCIL!”

The shouting and noise from Khans on both ends of the Exodus Road settled as the ilKhan looked to the camera again.

“Ah but we can my dear Ghost Bear,” he held up a hand forestalling more shouts from infuriated Khans, “We can because we are all that remains of the true spirit of our Founders.  You call yourself Clan but you are no longer.  You either debase yourself through unfettered intermingling or crush those underfoot that you should be shepherding.  We are CLAN and you have forgotten that.  We are one and we should always be one in such endeavours, ruling with strength and taking in those who prove themselves, never exploiting or crushing those we seek to improve, never debasing ourselves by reducing ourselves to their level.  We are Clan and you have forgotten that as you fight for petty gain in the greatest endeavour we have ever undertaken, casting honour aside to carve notches in your grips.  We are Clan as you have not been in years and as such, we need no right given by those who chose to cast their brothers aside.  You have left, you have left the Homeworlds, you have left your trothkin, you have left your honour and you have left the Clans.” 

Cassius’s voice continued to rise.  “We have voted to cast you out of the Unity and bring about a new era of the Clans.  We have taken your vote for my position as your ascent in our decision and we will clean your stain from the worlds of our forefathers.  You are hear by cast out into the darkness to find what path you may and in time, when our plans are laid and our arms ready, we will bring RECKONIGN TO YOU AND THE INNER SPHERE AS WE DO NOW HERE IN THE HOMEWORLDS."

Pandemonium broke out again, as Khans yelled and screamed, or cheered and praised, depending on what side of the divide they were on.  Cassius smiled and held his arms out, palms up and smiled upon those who supported him.  For five minutes, the cacophony continued until he waved the Core Clans into silence.  Another two minutes passed until the Invaders quietened, and the entire time Phelan just watched.  Well played Cassius, you have played for stakes, higher than I could ever have imagined a Star Adder playing for and you seem to have succeeded.  Not only that, you have inspired and that makes you a more deadly foe by an order of magnitude.  Phelan looked directly at the ilKhan and nodded his salute, a nod that, surprisingly, was returned.  We, or our successors will face each other and in that battle will the final fate of the Clans be written.

Once a semblance of quiet had returned, after the Invaders had shouted themselves hoarse, little good that it did them so far from the Homeworlds as they were, Cassius spoke once more.  “Lest you think us callous or less then what we profess to be, we offer you four weeks, twenty-eight days, to remove yourself from the Homeworlds.  After that date, the 2nd of April, all materials, holdings and lower castes still remaining in the Homeworlds will be forfeit and will be taken by force, your troops destroyed or driven off and your marks erased from these hallowed places for all time.”

With his last words, ilKhan Cassius N’Buta gestured to the Loremaster and the transmission was cut off, also killing the feed from the Khans of the other Invading Clans.

Phelan looked to Marthe, “Get in contact with Katya now.  Tell her to move and move quickly, get everything she can, assemble the home fleet and leave.”

“We cannot abandon the Homeworlds without a fight.”  Growled Marthe.

“Oh there will be fighting, but we can’t win, not against eight Clans working in unison.  Katya needs to salvage what she can and hold for as long as possible, so that as many as possible can join us here.  We need everything we can get our hands on, as our mad ilKhan will be coming here one day, and we will need every Warrior and Mech we can produce in order to throw him back into the void.”

Marthe’s shoulders slumped, “We will lose much.”

“Not as much as others and we have moved much already.  Now go, contact Katya and get her moving.  I need to contact the other Khans here in the Inner Sphere and see what can be done.”

This gets better with every post of yours Blacknova!
I look forward to see how this develops further.

Ciao
Hessian