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Wow, its been awhile. Sorry bout that. This is an important chapter and I wanted to get it right. Hopefully I have cause this was very important to me. Fans of this alternate can look forward to more on the horizon including Field Report: AFFC 3052 which will detail all your FedCom changes and at least one other novel telling you about other Successor States. For now more of chapter 10 - part 2. Enjoy!

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   Rather than appear from “on high” atop Mount Davion the decision was reluctantly made to go to the Albion. Hanse was determined to make this announcement more than a simple tri-vid-op to ease any public health concerns. The silence that hung in the air through the ride to the military academy left the Fox thankful that it was a short trip. Melissa was as strong as she was beautiful but all the revelations he had unleashed upon her were enough to stun any person. While Victor was not privy to these visions yet he had reservations about the centerpiece of today’s message.
 
   As the leaders of the Federated Commonwealth approached the central parade grounds for the proclamation Hanse was hopeful. The idea he “borrowed” from Thomas “Marik” might help cement the FedCom Alliance for quite some time. The heroes gathered here today exemplified the Alliance at its very best. This new knightly order would highlight their achievements during the Clan invasion and the benefits of continued cooperation. His son however remained critical sighting the Knights of the Void and the infamous Mechwarrior Cabals that had haunted first the Terran then the Davion Royal Courts.

   Hanse remained confident that this neo-chivalric ideal would steal any thunder that separatist malcontents could muster. As the sovereigns appeared on the grand stage which overlooked the academy grounds wide spread acclamation rang out. The heart felt ovation was especially touching to the still recovering First Prince and seemed to improve the mood of his companions. A throng of media and security personnel weren’t the only ones to greet the royals. Over one hundred and fifty elite mechwarriors and aerojocks led by Ardan Sortek formed the heart of the gathering.

   Assembling such a notable group in a little over a month was an impressive feat. Many were veterans of the Clan War whose heroic actions were to be recognized on Tharkad and New Avalon. The jumpship command circuit reaching between the state capitals had expedited their movements. Hanse took heart that such rapid action was indeed possible. Even if most of their equipment was in transit well behind them the Knights could begin to advance the unity of the Federated Commonwealth. As they waited for the ovation to die down the Fox grinned all the wider.

   Few people were truly aware of the significance of what was about to transpire in the next few moments. Hanse glanced over at his wife and eldest son going over the script he had prepared for this special event. The past, present, and future he thought. He would speak first about what had already happened, Melissa would then talk about current circumstances while Victor concluded with their plans for tomorrow. The message which would be transmitted throughout the realm was short and to the point. Growing quiet the crowd anxiously awaited their sovereigns’ first words after all that had happened.

   â€œWe endure.” This simple two word affirmation drew an uproarious cheer from all gathered. From his wheelchair Hanse tempered the shouts of enthusiasm with a raised hand which allowed him to continue. “A little more than thirty years ago Katrina Steiner made a revolutionary proposal of peace to a Human Sphere that was plagued by more than two centuries of war. This courageous act led to our grand alliance that has enabled us to overcome unforeseen hardships like an invasion from beyond the Periphery. Some have started to whisper that our peoples would be better off apart than we are together.”

   Pausing briefly Hanse smiled as he looked over at his wife and eldest son “Yet we know this is false.” Again the crowd erupted as Melissa kissed his forehead and hugged him while Victor placed his hand on his shoulder. As the moment passed the Fox continued “The great benefits of the Federated Commonwealth are clearer to me than ever before. Our new nation has seen a technological renaissance like no other and we continue to prosper. Not just economically, militarily, but socially on a much more important goal. To be better people than what we were yesterday.”

   Seamlessly Melissa picked up where Hanse left off “Today is a day of thanksgiving as we gather here to honor those whose illustrious service allows us to thrive.” As the royals applauded and thanked the heroic assembly before them others in attendance did the same. In a more somber tone she continued “We also remember the sacrifices made by so many that may never be recognized.” A hushed silence quickly spread as most bowed their heads in a gesture of respect to the fallen. “What we have lost is daunting but we have to be grateful for what we have.”

   â€œThe Clans may have taken more than forty billion people on 67 worlds and laid waste to over twenty AFFC Mech regiments along with a host of conventional regiments but this is not the end. Our forces have given us time to prepare and we have learned valuable lessons. New volunteers and production will continue to bolster the efforts to free those now under the invaders yoke. Our commitment to resist any further assaults and to save those in the Occupation Zone will never waiver.” As more applause followed Melissa’s comments Hanse held her hand and awaited Victor.

   â€œThe continued unification of the Federated Commonwealth brings new challenges that require constant adaptation. Project Unity aims to finalize the structure of the AFFC clarifying national identity and organization in the future. Existing ranking conventions will be expanded, new departments will be created and certain units will now be declared Exclusive State Commands. These contingents staffed and equipped by their member-state will operate much as House Troops did during the Star League. The renewed LCAF and AFFS will safeguard their own state interests while advancing our alliance.”

   As Victor paused silence hung in the air. Hanse could tell his son was out of his element. Public speaking and hiding his feelings weren’t his forte. While his speech was very matter of fact it was still a tough sell. It was after all a reversal of policy which since the establishment of the AFFC called for complete integration. After his vision the Fox had changed his mind and successfully argued to alter it. Victor continued “Institutions like this academy, the Nagelring, and the Sanglamore will be maintain their AFFC roles while others will become State Academies.”

   â€œIntegrated Multinational Commands known as the FedCom Corps will include the Royal Guards, the Deneb Light Cavalry, as well as some others.” Victor smiled and nodded to his parents “Today we’d like to announce the creation of a new FedCom command.” Melissa took charge of the ceremony “Would the warriors assembled please kneel. We hereby award you all the Order of Steiner-Davion as you have earned through heroic deeds. Now arise the Exemplar Knights.”

Or more like the original SLDF with Royal & Regular regiments?

Well guys this will all be addressed. The new AFFC detailed in the Field Report I mentioned is meant to be the successor to the SLDF but Ice is right it has qualities that are more familiar to the FWLM. AFFC units will be composed of volunteers from both realms much like Star League Regulars or the FWLM and will be deployed throughout the realm. AFFS and LCAF units are natives of their respective states only and usually won't leave their territory just like SL House Troops or FWL Provincials although I see non natives in their ranks. Sadly their is no Royal/Hegemony unit as there is no single Patron of the AFFC but two joint realms however the AFFC is likely to receive higher equipment ratings. Other details will be fleshed out soon like the political aspect of this act which I don't want to spoil yet. 

Cool- looking forward to more!

Can you let slip which military the Tikonov Republican Guards will be in?

Sadly their is no Royal/Hegemony unit as there is no single Patron of the AFFC but two joint realms however the AFFC is likely to receive higher equipment ratings. Other details will be fleshed out soon like the political aspect of this act which I don't want to spoil yet. 

I thought these Knights could fit into this role.

All these changes will throw people for a loop. Oh What about General Nondi Steiner who wholeheartedly help murder countless Lyran and Fedsuns people before and during the civil war.