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And now the final part of chapter 9. Sorry it took so long, had computer problems. Enjoy!

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Conal took his place among the many observers of the hastily arranged Trail of Grievance. True to his word Mikel Furey had challenged the new Loremaster for his verbal shots at the Crusade. Thankfully the Galaxy Commander’s flowery language avoided a dispute with the entire Clan Council. The fact that Kerensky chose augmented combat which played to both their strengths wasn’t a surprise to Ward. Such a ‘Mech duel avoided the physical complexities introduced by Tamar’s environment. The world’s heavy gravity and intense solar radiation would be mitigated by their war machines.

What took Conal and nearly everyone else by surprise was the speed with which the contest came together. Thanks to the eagerness of the combatants every aspect of preparation was expedited which reminding him of a sibko yard fight. The Wolf Clan training grounds some 20 kilometers north of Tamar City would serve as the site for the contest. Smitton had been a small village surrounded by dense forests before Operation Revival. During the invasion it was the site of a major battle between the Wolves and FedCom defenders.

The Clan had designated the area as a training ground following the battle for its historical significance and heavily wooded landscape. While Smitton was perhaps less than an ideal for ‘Mech combat it was the closest most ready zone for such a battle. Almost a Cluster of BattleMechs from all across the Wolf Touman formed a Circle of Equals. Conal and his Gargoyle were one of those given this honor probably because of his former status. Furey would also be utilizing the same Mech which the InnerSphere had dubbed a Man O’ War in the Trail.

Ward began to size up the competition as the combatants took their positions. While Galaxy Commander Furey had been wounded at Tukayyid he showed no sign of injury and was probably more prepared for this fight. Loremaster Kerensky had piloted a Linebacker until the same battle but it had been so badly damaged that Technicians chose to scrap it rather than repair it. He would instead be using an older Timber Wolf, or a Mad Cat as Spheroids were fond of calling it, that the ilKhan had assigned him. Both warriors were considered elite by the high standards maintained by the Clans.

Kerensky was a better pilot while Furey was a better gunner. Conal had to admit that the Warden possessed a natural flair as Mechwarrior that few could match. Despite his youth he had a reputation as a cerebral opponent whose methodical style was so far undefeated. Mikel was the more experienced Mechwarrior who had learned cunning from the Wolves which he paired with aggressive tactics from his birth Clan. The former Jaguar could have been forced to drop weight or choose a lesser Mech if this affair had been considered a Trail of Refusal.

As the warriors saluted each other and signaled their readiness Conal could not decide if the new Loremaster was foolish for not trying to recast the issue in his favor or honorable in the extreme. At the signal both Mechwarriors drove their war machines forward closing the nine hundred meters that lay between them. The thick vegetation slowed their speed and negated long range fire. Instead of an early exchange of weapons each opponent bounded toward the other dodging objects and trampling underbrush. The sound of branches snapping and trees crashing was not what Ward had been expecting.

By studying the visual and sensor data Conal could see that Furey had chose to configure his Gargoyle in the standard “C” with little variation. This short range arsenal gave him excellent firepower at close proximity something that the terrain favored. Six Extended Range Medium Lasers supported a massive 203 mm Ultra Autocannon which could deal tremendous amounts of damage in tight quarters. Mikel had replaced the Anti-Personnel Pods in the normal package with a double heat sink and an Extended Range Small Laser which were more appropriate to the situation.

As many configurations of the Timber Wolf featured long ranged weaponry Ward guessed correctly that the new Loremaster was using the “D” configuration. This pod mount was typically seen during a Bloodname Grand Melee or in the invasion against the inept armies of the Successor Lords. Redirecting all four Streak SRM 6s forward together with a single Extended Range Small Laser gave Kerensky extremely accurate close range firepower. The drawback of this variant were the t two Extended Range Particle Projection Cannons which were intended for long range destruction.

This meant that the Warden Heavy Mech might well be outmatched by the Crusader Assault Mech in this setting even though there was only a slight weight difference. To Conal’s surprise the first shots from Kerensky were not the weaponized lightning of PPCs he was expecting. Instead the unmistakable flashes of dual Large Pulse Lasers gleamed from the Tiber Wolf. While most missed the mark through the dense thicket some beams found the Gargoyle’s right torso. The Warden had chosen his arsenal better then Ward had expected.

As Furey was again peppered with laser beams at a distance he attempted to respond with his own weaponry but failed to connect. Mikel dispensed with most maneuvering charging directly at George in a desperate bid to close the range quickly. As he did Kerensky managed to lock on with some of his Streak SRMs. Clearly agitated by these hits the Galaxy Commander responded with a single massive strike against his Warden opponent. While a number of these weapons missed a huge autocannon shell found the torso of the Timber Wolf.

Staggered by the blow Kerensky steadied his machine and returned his own alpha strike. Beam after beam, missile after missile landed on the Gargoyle with tremendous force shattering armor and creating many holes. Clearly damaged under such withering fire Furey limped ahead trying to finish off his adversary. Unloading again with all his arsenal Mikel appeared to succeed if only for a moment. The Timber Wolf disappeared among the devastating blows and growing forest fire started by earlier misses. As the smoke cleared it was apparent that the Warden remained.

Despite the enormous jolt of such an attack George skillfully moved his machine with blinding speed to flank his crippled opponent. Mikel was now obviously dealing with a broken Mech hip and could barely keep the Timber Wolf in his line of sight. Kerensky fired again as he rushed by Furey now off to his right. As he did a volley of missiles struck the Gargoyle in the head sending it hurtling to the ground. The giant robot sat on its side completely motionless. As the hulk lay smoldering among a heap of fallen trees it was understood that the Trail was over and the matter resolved.

Technicians scrambled to the cockpit of the Gargoyle to find what Conal Ward feared most. Mikel Furey was dead and with him the slim hope that the Crusaders would ever again lead the Wolf Clan. The Wardens were once more in charge and this time they would not relinquish the leadership of the Wolves. Conal felt completely defeated as the lifeless corpse of Galaxy Commander Furey was removed from his Mech. Disgraced by his past acts, forsaken by his allies outside the Clan, and betrayed by Crichell what was left of the Crusaders in his Clan were now lone wolves.

A bit too early for the Linebacker I think.

I remember this but "It is said the Crusader Wolves are less accepting of the mech because it was originally planned by Khans Natasha Kerensky and Phelan Ward; both of the Warden cause"

From whom?

Wow it has been a long time but I give you a new OBT exclusive.

- 10 -

Avalon City
New Avalon, Federated Commonwealth
5 July 3052

The Grand Dining Hall of the Royal Palace was an imposing place that frequently hosted distinguished nobles and foreign dignitaries. Even such illustrious occasions barely seemed able to fill the cavernous hall. For the first time in his life Hanse thought that today’s family breakfast filled the room beyond capacity. Maybe he was going soft, perhaps it was his recent brush with death, or visions of things to come that filled this vast space. There was much to be done the Fox thought to himself and only a finite amount of time to change things for the better.

Hanse wasn’t all that concerned with his own mortality as his family, friends, and medical attendants frequently pointed out. That fact bought a smile to his face as his children bantered about the table. His own seat at that table, a wheel chair, was another reminder of his present physical shortcomings. He was determined to make a difference in the future that he had foreseen and continued to haunt him. The stroke would not stop him, this was his second chance, and he would not fail. Still something scarred him about this day and as he looked across at his beloved wife he knew what it was.

Melissa had been obviously concerned since her arrival on New Avalon and with each passing day Hanse could see that this concern grew. He wanted to keep all of these dark events from her most of all but knew that would be impossible. If things were to be altered for the better the Archon would have to know the truth. The Fox couldn’t hide the grim look on his face as Katherine offered some suggestions to her mother on today’s public appearance. Hanse looked away as Melissa glimpsed his momentary discomfort. Not the first time it had happened but after today things will get better.

   â€œI’m still getting used to all these changes that we’re making to the AFFC” said Victor who had carefully been reviewing the new reforms. “You really think it is the best time for all of this dad?” Hanse took a breath “Son you’ll find out that there is no more ideal time then the present, no matter how chaotic it maybe, to change things for the better. Project Unity is necessary now more than ever especially if Operation White Knight is to succeed”. Victor sighed “Yeah pop, I understand life isn’t always going be perfect but this might be a bit much even if the Clan threat has receded”.

   Looking at his eldest child Hanse asked “Isn’t it obvious that the first AFFC ranking system was destined to be abandoned as it was over simplified to ease integration?” Victor reluctantly nodded in agreement “The new conventions are a more complex mix of old AFFS and LCAF ranks which will eliminate resentment about career stagnation as fewer ranks led to longer promotional intervals.” The Fox continued “Everything about Project Unity from organizational restructuring to personnel reassignments is aimed at fostering national pride while promoting the benefits of our continued alliance”.

   Suddenly Melissa’s voice cut across the family gathering “Alright everyone I need to talk to your father alone.” A collective “Awwh!” went up from Arthur and Yvonne who had played about during the meal. Hanse knew it was time “Common you guys, we have to plan Arthur’s birthday in secret”. With that playful slip the younger Steiner-Davions rejoiced quickly hugged their parents and ran out of the room. The servants accompanied them leaving Victor and Katherine to say there goodbyes. As the elder siblings left the giant hall only the sovereigns of the Federated Commonwealth remained behind.

   Sitting down next to Hanse the Archon began to lose her calm demeanor “Your son is right. Damn it Hanse you are going too fast.” Melissa grew increasingly upset “Ever since you woke up from that stroke you’ve been in overdrive. I’ve signed off on your reforms of the Federated Commonwealth because they were sound…” The Fox interrupted “That is what I want you to do.” Standing she demanded “Then what are you up to? You’ve got Sortek and Allard running around like crazy and we’ve invited the best warriors of the Federated Commonwealth here today”.

   Taking her hand the Prince said softly “I’m sorry my love. I should have told you from the beginning but I wanted to be sure”. Melissa fell to her knees at his side “Sure about what? You know you can tell me anything?” Hanse shook his head “Not this my dearest I had to be sure – what I saw was horrific beyond words.” Both House Lords were clearly upset and for a time consoled each other without so much as a word. Wiping the tears from his wife’s face Hanse asked “If I could call Ardan and Quintus in I think we can explain.” Melissa simply nodded as he pressed the button to alert his friends.

   Soon after Ardan Sortek and Quintus Allard entered the Grand Dining Hall carrying all they had compiled on their friend’s visions. Recounting the story to Melissa the pair revealed their initial skepticism. They went into detail on how every other angle from brain damage caused by the stroke to previously unknown effects of the Fox’s Doppleganger experience. Recounting certain events from Hanse’s visions that had been double and triple checked shocked the Archon. With DNA evidence in hand Melissa asked “So, Thomas Marik isn’t Thomas Marik?”

   â€œNo, my love he isn’t” Hanse said as he tried to marshal all his mental acumen to say most of all what he didn’t want to. “There is something far worse”. Melissa managed to blurt out a nervous laugh “Worse than a Federated Commonwealth Civil War, a Second Star League sundered, and a Blakist Holy War.” Quintus spoke gingerly “Perhaps you’d better sit down my lady.” As she sat words slowly came to the Fox “There is something I have to tell you about, Katherine.”

Woo hoo!  Finally an new update!   Glad to read it!  Please writing the storyline!

Finally more thank you