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Working on the final part of Chapter 10 now and Field Report FC 3052. 

More it is Christmas

It's a whole new year now....

Well finally done with the third and final part of chapter 10. Finishing late here so I hope it makes sense. Let me know what you think and as always enjoy!

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As the First Prince was wheeled into his office in the Royal Palace he realized just how tired he really was. Instead of complaining about this damnable chair or being pushed about the Fox was grateful his son Victor was there to move him about. If not for his “near death experience” the patriarch of the Steiner-Davion family might have expected such compassion from his daughter Katherine but now he knew better. Maybe some of Hanse’s appreciation was caused by the fact he didn’t want to do this but action had to be taken and of this he was certain.

Gingerly his eldest son placed him behind the same desk where just a few weeks ago Hanse had his stroke. Victor must have sensed his father’s growing discomfort with the difficult task that lay ahead. “It has been a long day pop and we’ve accomplished a lot” the young Prince suggested “you don’t have to do this, at least right now - it can wait.” Shaking off his malaise the Fox straightened up “No son this has got to be done and now is the time to do it.” He smiled to reassure his heir “Besides the sooner we get this over with the sooner I can get some rest. Please show her in.”

With the slightest of grins Victor dutifully nodded and made his way to the room’s entrance. Opening the door he motioned for the visitor who quickly barreled into the Prince’s office. Before the young Prince could shut the door Olivia Fenlon roared “What the hell is going on Hanse?” The Fox knew that the Chairperson of the Political Formation Committee would be upset by all his sudden maneuverings but she could barely control her rage. Trying to soothe things over Victor playfully asked “How are you Auntie Olivia?”

   Fenlon was not amused and did not respond in the slightest to Victor’s attempt to divert her anger. While not a blood relative the Duchess of Chesterton was truly part of the royal family. Her intimate relationship with the Steiner-Davions had begun long ago as a trusted companion of the Fox. Some in the Royal Court once believed that the pair would one day wed but that was before Melissa entered the picture. Hanse sighed “Recent events have bought greater clarity to my vision of a united Federated Commonwealth.”

   Glaring at the wheelchair bound sovereign of the realm she placed her hands on the desk she and leaned down towards him. “Perhaps you should have consulted your chief director of such affairs before you implemented all of these sudden changes?” In spite of Fenlon’s sarcasm her statement rang true. The Political Formation Committee was established after the 4th Succession War to guide the integration of the Federated Suns and the Lyran Commonwealth into a single national entity. Olivia was placed in charge of this 9 person body, whose members represented each March of the Federated Commonwealth, following the War of 3039.

   Returning her angry stare with a quizzical look Hanse moved his head to one side “I wasn’t aware that the First Prince was under any obligation to clear policies with you first Duchess?” For the first time since the meeting began Fenlon seemed to cool noticeably “Well when your new plans are in direct contraction to the previously established agenda I became concerned Highness.” The Fox leaned forward in his seat “Nothing I have done is contrary to the ultimate goal of establishing a new super state that spans the Human Sphere.”

   When Hanse motioned to the chairs in front of his desk both Fenlon and Victor sat down. While the Chairperson was still clearly agitated she was clearly more relaxed “While I question your stated reforms to the AFFC that is not my area of concern.” Leaning back in his wheel chair the First Prince nodded understandingly “Then what is Olivia?” The familiar use of her name sparked a slight smile “May I inquire as to any further political developments that could have consequences to our previously discussed strategies?”

   Anxious to start with a topic that would not be so controversial Hanse thought through his recent policy changes. “In the Lyran State we will be disbanding the Periphery March.” Olivia earnestly agreed “Good Highness, it was never a true March in the Davion sense anyway just a temporary way to placate Alarion and Coventry who feared a loss of authority during the FedCom transition.” Even Victor felt confident enough to concur “It is probably for the best to avoid any problems with this territory which includes much of the former Rim Worlds and could be linked negatively to the old Outworlds March which historically betrayed House Davion.”

   The Fox looked down at his personal computer to refresh his thoughts “The region never had a planetary capital or political ruler just a single military commander.” Victor cleared his throat “Still Duke Serfass and Bradford will wish to be compensated for any perceived loss in status.” Hanse shook his head “That leads me to the new peerage system of the Federated Commonwealth under which they will be elevated to Marquess of their Provinces.” Fenlon asked “These new Marquess would be elevated above Dukes but not as high as March Lords?”

   â€œQuite correct Olivia although March Lords will be referred to as Margraves” answered the First Prince. The Chairperson of the Political Formation Committee frowned “Highness both noble titles have the same meaning historically the only difference is their origins and use until now. Not sure I like the Lyran version taking precedence over Davions but it is largely symbolic.” Well you certainly won’t like the next part my dear, Hanse thought to himself. “That brings me to the Regents who will head up the States of the Federated Commonwealth.”

   Prince Davion drew a breath “However, these Stewards of the Realm will no longer be Steiner-Davions.” As expected both of his guests were stunned by this announcement so he continued before objections could be aired. “Following Melissa and I select branches of the Steiner and Davion families will take up the thrones of Tharkad and New Avalon.” Fenlon in sheer disbelief simply uttered a single word “Why?” Hanse responded “Not only will it give the member nations of this grand alliance their own representatives but also an identity.”

   Standing in sheer frustration Olivia inquired “And just where will the Steiner-Davions rule?” Hanse smiled “From the new capital of the Federated Commonwealth and my new home, New Earth.” Fenlon turned away in disgusted “New Earth! I can’t believe you would choose that hell hole.” The Fox leaned forward “Not only is it centrally located but it was the site of our greatest battle ever with the Lyrans. Rebuilding this shattered world, humanity’s first extra-solar colony, will serve as a powerful symbol of unity between our two nations.”

   Facing Hanse and pointing to the scar on her face “Look at what those animals did to me on New Earth!” The Prince looked down “I remember Olivia what those bastards in the Brotherhood did.” She leaned in “I just can’t believe all of this Hanse! We had agreed that New Avalon would be the best choice at one time, remember?” The Fox nodded “Yes.” Victor was visibly shaken by the admission but Fenlon continued “We both agreed that the Lyrans were completely inept as leaders and bogged down by their foolish noble hierarchy.”

   The young heir to the Federated Commonwealth asked his father “Is this true?” Olivia scolded him “Of course it is! The most logical way to make this alliance successful was to assure Davion leadership. It is only proper.” Summoning all his strength a stern faced First Prince looked directly at his old friend “That is why I have to ask for your resignation”. Stunned she screamed “What! After all I have suffered for this alliance! My sons died in the 4th Succession War! My only family has been the Federated Commonwealth, I have given everything in its service and now you dismiss me?!”

   â€œYes” Hanse responded “I grieve for your sons and hold your service to the nation in the highest regard but you are no longer able to fulfill your duties.” Taken aback Olivia stammered “Unable to fulfill my duties?” The Fox narrowed his gaze “I have watched you become bitter towards our Lyran allies to the point where you are inflexible.” With a mock laugh she asked “Who will you find to replace me?” There was no hesitation from the Prince in his answer “Jason Eddies, the Ambassador to Rasalhague and son of your old counterpart Chancellor Cynthia Eddies, will succeed you as Chairman.”

   Shaking her head in continued disapproval Fenlon spoke “This is folly Hanse. Eddies doesn’t have the experience. Your making a terrible mistake. Please reconsider.” The Fox began to move his wheel chair out from behind his desk which immediately bought Victor to his side. Turning his attention to his old friend one last time “Olivia, I expect your resignation on my desk before you leave the room.” Speaking to his heir without giving anyone else a hint “I think it is time we got on to the next item on my agenda today.” Hanse was tired and looked forward to a welcome respite.

Ouch, she didn't see that comming, got to admit i like the idea of New Earth as the new capital of the FedCom, not sure about Davion's and Steiner's becoming the regents of the FedSuns and LyrCom though that could cause issues further down the line.

so is Clarion Call on hiatus?

I'd say it is underwater as I just put in an in the ground pool but in truth I got a small case of writers block. Got to confess that the Year of the Star League is a major distraction as revising Shattered Dawn is dancing in my head. Also Building for Victory by Drakensis altered my plans for Clarion Call. Prior to the release of his story I was working on Chapter 11 (ComStar/Word of Blake) where things really start getting exciting (action folks). After his excellent fanfic I decided to go in depth into the structure of the military of the Federated Commonwealth and its member-states (LCAF and the AFFS) as part of an expanded Chapter 10. I've got it extensively outlined but I just have to write the dialogue for the next four parts. Stalled there for now. Hopefully the ball will get moving on my muse very soon. Apologizes for the delay.