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Main Meeting Hall, Whitting Conference Centre
Unity City, North America
Terra, Star League Protectorate
3rd November 3110

   Victor Steiner-Davion remembered that Whitting Conferences were shorter as he sat behind his Burton and Sterling with his wife Danai Centrella-Davion they were the oldest two people in the room by a margin.  In the early days the conferences had been simple the lords had discussed the SLDF’s capabilities, its funding and the ever present Clan threat and then they had voted for a new First Lord.  Now however with the growing size and economic strength of the Star League Protectorate trade was just as strong a factor with trade going through the Protectorate from different nations to avoid conflict zones which made the Protectorate worlds more prosperous each day.  Many within the conference hall wished to see the trade tariffs reduced and instead more money sent to the member states.

   Victor paid little attention to their bickering as he looked around the hall he had been surprised to see Archon Jessica Steiner her embattled Lyran Commonwealth was still under heavy threat from the Clans with reports of renewed fighting along their borders.  She was his niece but they barely knew each other their families long separated since Peter’s assumption of the Archonship it bothered him that he did not know his brother’s children better.

Sitting next around the table was Warlord Akira Tormark the representative of the Coordinator Akira Kurita.  Tormark was older than his son and tried to look confident but he was out of place and knew his plans were tied.  Earlier in the day Burton had offered to end the conflict with the Combine and return the systems of Hagiwawa, Umijiri and Kitalpha in the exchange.  The deal was more than Victor would have been ready to return but Akira Tormark was not in the position to agree to the deal and so it had fallen through.

At the next table sat Duke Bannister Cameron the leader of the Star League Protectorate and the next most likely person to become First Lord.  The former Star League Defence Force General was aging well but Victor could see that the stress of leadership was getting to him as was the bickering between leaders.  His attention was brought to his left as Protector Erik Martens-Calderon said something towards Burton and McKenna immediately he moved to stand but Danai’s hand ended up on his arm bringing him back down into his seat he looked at her “old habits” he whispered but Danai was already indicating towards their son who was already acting.  Burton activated several commands on the keypad which was built into the desk which activated the hall’s main projector screen.  Suddenly several red dots appeared displaying the positions of AFFS ground force units and then several more green dots displayed mercenary commands.  Victor had no idea if they were completely accurate but it made of an impressive display especially when the blue dots representing AFFS WarShips appeared peppering the Federated Suns/Taurian Concordat border.  Finally Burton activated another command which displayed a smaller number of yellow dots inside Taurian borders.

“Simple mathematics I have more forces I can deploy would you like to test my resolve?”  The First Prince of the Federated Suns asked beside the Taurian leader the Capellan Confederation ambassador began to laugh.  Although not members of the Star League Council still being a promenant family in the Inner Sphere the Liao family ambassador was regularly invited but rarely attended the votes.

“And still the Davion family attempts to boss these meetings around there is a reason that House Liao stands apart from this council” Ambassador Ming Liao taunted looking around the other members of the council.

“At least we still benefit from the advantages of membership” Magestix Ilsa Centrella of the Magistracy of Canopus said taunting the Succession State.  Victor shook his head this was not the best way to do business instead it was a good way to go around in circles.

As the Star League member states exchanged insults and fought for dominance in the Whitting Conference Hall across the stars a different type of fight had broken out.  During the night as the Star League met the Jade Falcon WarShips Jade Arrow and Emerald Talon supported by several assault DropShips and nearly a full galaxy of ground forces had jumped into the Donegal system obliterating the LCS Morgan Kell and crippling the LCS Flygia within days Jade Falcon troops would march on the Provincial Capital.

FSS Black Prince (Mercury-class Battleship)
Nadir Point, Furillo
Halfway Province, Lyran Commonwealth
24th November 3110

   Having used one of the “ready JumpShips” in the Terra system Victor Steiner-Davion had finally rendezvoused with the FSS Black Prince, the FSS Lucian Davion II and the FSS Adam Davion in the Furillo system.  On board the ships was McKinnon’s Regiment (Fox’s Teeth), a special detachment of the DMI and the Wild Geese mercenary regiment.

   Entering the Black Prince’s main briefing room he saw Admiral Kristos Leroux, the commander of the Black Prince, and Colonel Canin McKinnon, the commander of the Fox’s Teeth.  Immediately Victor recoignized Canin McKinnon, the son of Ross McKinnon, “it has been many years Colonel”

   â€œToo many, sire” McKinnon replied bowing his head slightly Victor nodded he reminded Victor of his father in his prime compact, muscled and with a very serious look.  From Canin he turned to the commander of the Black Prince.  Admiral Kristos Leroux was unique in the upper echelon of the FSN in that he had not been born in the Federated Suns instead Leroux had been born a member of Clan Nova Cat and captured in battle several years before.  As with many former Clansmen Leroux had adopted their new state as their own and he had excelled in WarShip command and combat showing loyalty to the Davion family that verged on fanatical rising through the ranks at a pace that few others could match.  Before Victor had left to become First Lord he had been serving as executive officer of the Black Prince.

   â€œAdmiral, what’s our status?”

   â€œWe have begun to recharge our drives, sire; it will take us another twenty-one days before we are ready to jump again.”  He said giving details on the Black Prince “Commanding-General Focht and elements of the First Royal Regiemental Brigade have arrived in the Tharkad system while the SLS Wasp, the Cavalier and Vanguard along with two Tatsumaki II-class Destroyers and ground force elements including the Ninth Illician Lancers and the 241st Battle Combat Group are in the Canonbie system.”

   â€œAdmiral have our communications team send a message to Focht he needs to know that we are joining him and that we should attack together.  What about on Donegal?”  Victor asked taking a seat at the table beside him Danai took her seat with Leroux sitting opposite them and Colonel McKinnon remaining at the briefing screen.

   â€œSire, at 0842 this morning Clan Jade Falcon hit the Second Royal Guards RCT on Donegal with six clusters.”  McKinnon explained as the screen showed a graphic of Jade Falcon icons landing on Donegal.  “Lyran Intelligence has identified two of these units the Jade Falcon Guards and the Delta Solahma Clusters.”  He said the Jade Falcon Guards were famous, or imfamous, while the Solahma would be used as a sacrifice to weaken the Falcon’s target.  “The other appear to be Eyrie Clusters but none have been seen in combat with Inner Sphere forces…”

   â€œThat crazy bitch!” Victor suddenly exclaimed bringing a surprised look from everyone around “Jana Pryde, she’s done a Marthe Pryde” he said looking around “she’s graduated their trainee warriors early and sent them to Donegal to become warriors.”

   â€œUnproven warriors given such a task of seizing Donegal?”  Leroux questioned his face showing disgust for the strategy.

   â€œIt’s almost like they don’t want to cleam it” Danai Centrella-Davion said quietly

   â€œOr they are after another target” Victor suggested

   â€œThere is no other movement along the Falcon lines” McKinnon reported

   â€œMaybe she he no intention on capturing Donegal” Victor said quietly “maybe this is just Coventry a big public attack intended on taking attention away from a weak Falcon Touman?”  He said thinking out aloud.  “Colonel, continue please” he said looking at McKinnon.

   â€œYes, sire, it appears that the attack on the Second Royal Guards was intended on inflicting as much damage as possible to the RCT.  The Falcon BattleMechs carried inferno rounds for their short range missile launchers and almost exclusively cluster rounds for their autocannons when they handed they concentrated on the House Steiner armoured vehicles, infantry and battle armour forces.  Fortunately for the Lyrans several of their units were outfitted with vehicle fire extinguishers which reduced the damage done by the fire” he said as the display screen showed a demonstration vehicle firing its fire extinguishers when struck by fire the vehicle was still damaged but survived the attack.  “Unfortunately their infantry was not as fortunate.”  He said neither McKinnon nor the displays needed to show the effect inferno explosions would have had on the conventional and battle armoured infantry.  “The Royal Guards were able to destroy approximately two clusters worth of forces of the Falcons but have been severely weakened…”

   â€œWhat a waste of resources…” Leroux noted looking at the data they had on what had happened on Donegal so far.  “I apologise Lord Davion” he said “I did not mean to interrupt.”

   â€œNonesense, Admiral, you background was a contributing factor to you gaining this post” he said Kristos Leroux looked at him with a strange look.  “You had the skills and temperment to command a WarShip of the Federated Suns Navy but your unique heritage only added to the argument that allowed you to gain the command of this vessel.  Admiral Leroux your opinion is always welcome especially on Clan matters.”

   â€œI understand” he said “these warriors represented the next generation of Jade Falcons to throw them into combat without completing their training or their final trials is a waste it is exactly what the Clans strive to avoid.”

   â€œYet history repeats itself they did this at Coventry and now here” Danai said “you’re not the only one reviving old habits.”  She said turning to her husband.


   Across the light years on Incukalns Khan Jana Pryde read the report from Donegal and beyond.  “Two clusters essentially lost in battle both Jade Arrow and Emerald Talon are damaged and the Flygia escaped?”  She said looking at Loremaster Taman Malthus

      â€œAff, Khan Pryde, the ship's crew was able to force off our boarding teams and jump to Coventry.  We believe Flygia will be crippled for years to come.”

   â€œDo you think they have a chance?”  She asked indicating back to the Warriors on Donegal.

   â€œOur forces can overwhelm the defences on Donegal” the Loremaster said “and if they fail our WarShips can sterilize the surface” he said smiling she wasn’t completely convinced that he was not serious.

   â€œThat will not accomplish the goals we need to accomplish” Pryde said “Donegal needs to serve a purpose, and not be wasteful to our Clan.  Is our next stage ready?”

   â€œThey await you Khan Pryde”

Victor Davion’s quarters, FSDS Davion’s Heart
Pirate Point, Donegal
Donegal Province, Lyran Commonwealth
23rd December 3110

   In the week that it took Victor Steiner-Davion to make it to the jump point the two Jade Falcon WarShips had significantly closed on the Inner Sphere formation to the point that it would be close for them to escape without a conflict.  The door for Victor’s quarters rang as Victor heard alarms through the ship signalling that the Black Prince was planning to use its transit drive.  Victor made his way to the door to find Admiral Kristos Leroux standing waiting for him “Admiral?”

   â€œSire, the Falcons have increased their speed and will be here before we are able to jump.  We must delay them.”

   â€œThe Falcons will not be able to stop in time for the jump point.”  Victor said thinking through the actions of the Clan.

   â€œNo, they will not” Leroux agreed “sire, the DropShips carrying the McKinnon’s Raiders and the Wild Geese are being prepared to detach from their collars and await JumpShip retrieval.”

   â€œWhat?” Victor demanded he did not like the sound of what Leroux was saying.

   â€œIt is an old tradition, sire, the WarShip remains behind to cover the retreat.  Black Prince has the capabilities to hold off those ships.”

   â€œNot alone!”  Victor snapped he didn’t like the plan at all “no Admiral I will not allow you to sacrifice this Battleship and her crew so far from home, you may be able to damage those ships but they will surely destroy the Black Prince.”  He said pausing thinking things through; there was only one other option. “Now with the Adam Davion and Lucian Davion in support you would have more chance of survival correct?”  Leroux nodded “then I release both to support your operations.”

   â€œSire, you cannot go to Odessa without WarShip support”

   â€œI will not be the Wasp and her support will be on the border within a few days.  I am not rushing into another Falcon trick.”  He said looking back into the room at his wife “give them hell Admiral.”


   The next day JumpShips began to escape the system carrying the Federated Suns and SLDF ground forces clear of the system.  On board one of the Lyran Commonwealth Monolith-class JumpShips which had been sent to collect them Victor Steiner-Davion stood like a statue watching the holotank as the WarShip icons closed to engagement range.

   â€œHerr Steiner-Davion, we must leave this system” the ship’s master said approaching from the side.  He was young perhaps in his early thirties his tone was polite but lacked the respect due someone of Victor’s Steiner heritage.  Given his history with the Lyran Commonwealth Victor would not hold it against him.

   â€œNegative Kaptin Kerner, those are my people out there I will do them the justice of seeing them engage in our defence.”  He said he saw the young man’s reaction to his words.  “I am sorry Kaptin Kerner while I grew up in this nation and served on many of its worlds I gave up the right to call your people my own a long time ago.”  He said looking back at the screens “the men and women on board those ships grew up when I was First Prince I am connected to them and will be until my last breath.”

   â€œYes, sire” Kerner said changing his tone towards Victor “the past is the past and it cannot be changed even if that is what we desired.”

“One thing humanity has not conquered” he said as the icons continued to close “time.”


“We will take them down the port side” Leroux said from his command chair watching the screens “have the Adam remain in our wake they are to follow on our hits that will allow them to hit harder for their size.”  He said “Lucian is to manoeuvre as they see fit and continue the barrage of missiles.  We need to tax their heat dispensation systems.”  He said as the first extreme range shots were exchanged mostly capital missiles but also some laser hits from both sides Leroux watched as the smallest of his ships the Adam Davion slid behind the Black Prince while the Lucian Davion II accelerated ahead, the Avalon II had the armour to take a couple of hits before having its combat capabilities degraded.

Ahead of the Federated Suns WarShips the two Jade Falcon vessels also manoeuvred with the smaller Nightlord-class Battleship moving ahead of the larger Mississippi-class the two ships moving to maintain their lock on the Lucian Davion II.  “All hands get ready for some chop” Leroux warned “communications make sure our C3 net is up, assault DropShips and aerospace fighters hold position and get ready.”  He said as another barrage was exchanged between the two sides this time the Black Prince’s heavy naval gauss rifles and forward particle cannons were added to the mix of fire from the Federated Suns WarShips.  There was a reason that the Mercury-class was feared and now it was displayed as its weapons guided by the sensor data of the Lucian Davion ripped across the front of the Nightlord causing heavy damage even as the WarShip’s own weapons and those of the Mississippi behind opened fire on the Lucian Davion, the Jade Falcons had done the same as the Federated Suns vessels and concentrated on one vessel.  As capital missiles from the Lucian Davion and Adam Davion joined the Black Prince’s fire the return fire from the two Battleships blew through the Lucian Davion’s port side breaching the Avalon’s armour.

“Lucian’s hull has been breached!  Crew reports emergency bulkheads have closed, no news on casualties.”

“Have her break formation turn to starboard and clear the path we will take the hits.”  Leroux commanded the concentrated fire from the two Battleships had been too much for the Cruiser. “Message to Adam Davion they need to cover Lucian’s damaged arc both ships are to continue missile bombardment of Nightord.”  He said a moment later the Avalon II slipped out of formation even as the Mississippi fired on her again hitting the vessel’s port side again this time causing heavy damage midway along the vessel’s hull as the ship tried to clear the area the Congress II Adam Davion accelerating to join the wounded ship.  “Status on the Nightlord?”

“Operational but no longer firing, possible fire control damage.”  The sensor officer reported together the two Battleships would rip open the Black Prince, if the missiles from the Black Prince’s support ships had weakened them enough to take them out of the fight they might have a chance.

“Let’s make them pay for that damage concentrate our fire on the Nightlord, defensive measures against the Mississippi, release all aerospace squadrons to strike missions on the Mississippi.”  He commanded the Air Boss who looked surprised “we can take a couple of strafing runs if the Falcons are brave enough.”  He said around the Black Prince aerospace fighters accelerated towards the mighty Jade Falcon Battleship as the Mercury’s guns continued to pound the Nightlord into scrap.  The display was a very clear message to the Jade Falcons and anyone else who may be watching to compete against a vessel like the Mercury you needed to spend as much time on defences as on firepower.  The Battleship’s fire seemed to intensify as it closed on the Nightlord which rotated as it closed on the Black Prince turning onto it’s back as the Black Prince’s fire continued to damage the vessel hatches on the underside of the ship opened releasing its cargo of Elementals and ProtoMechs to attack the Mercury even as the other Jade Falcon Battleship continued to pound the Federated Suns capital vessel.

“All crew prepare to repel boarders.”  Leroux transmitted throughout the ship “point defence, thin them out.”  He ordered moments later seeing that the vessel’s conventional autocannons and lasers were already acting cutting down several of the incoming Falcons.  “Weapon control main guns on the Mississippi make them count.”  He commanded as the second Jade Falcon WarShip came into view “Adam and Lucian to continue to fall back we’ve delayed them enough both vessels are to continue to trade fire with the Nightlord.”  He said as the damaged Nightlord regained some weapon control and engaged the Adam Davion ripping the smaller Congress II almost in half as the Nightlord’s weapons tore through the armour and into the ship’s superstructure Leroux was surprised to see the Congress return fire on the larger ship despite the damage it had taken.  “Stavag” Leroux cursed watching the battle unfold as much as he concentrated on the second Battleship.  Between them the two ships had enough capital missiles, autocannons and lasers to stop the damaged Nightlord but the bigger ship could break either of them with the weapons it had left.

“BOARDERS ON HULL, BOARDERS ON HULL, BOARDERS ON HULL.”  The automated warning system activated as sensors detected battle armour and ProtoMechs landing on the hull.

“SHUT THAT DAMNED THING OFF!”  Leroux shouted as more fire from the Mississippi slammed into the Black Prince.  “Helm maintain course and rotate the hull to starboard, full rotation, weapons control pass to all stations prepare for immediate rotation!  Air Boss, our fighters need to do more against that damned Battleship I want her hull breached!”  He commanded as the massive Mercury-class Battleship began to roll along its axis the ship’s weapons targeting the Mississippi as the ship turned.  The sudden movement of the Black Prince had the same effect as a BattleMech dropping to its knees when boarded by Elementals during combat the rapid movement making some of the Elementals and ProtoMechs lose their footing on the hull falling into space.

As the Mercury rotated in space the Mississippi slid past the ship while continuing to be buzzed by aerospace fighters.  “Sir, aerospace squadron commanders reporting they are approaching bingo fuel, the Mississippi is moving out of their engagement ranges.”

“Recall fighters.  Helm end rotation, bring us about and begin deceleration.  Forward weapons continue to engage primary target.”  He said looking at the holotank seeing that Lord Victor Steiner-Davion’s Monolith still remained in system.  “Communications send message to the First Prince” he said smiling as he used Victor’s old title, the one so many members of the crew still used to describe him. “Inform him we did what we could and will continue to engage but he needs to leave now” he commanded.

   In space the FSS Black Prince turned in space flipping end over end its main engines engaging nearly as soon as the rotation was complete beginning to counter the ship’s momentum as aerospace fighters retreated to their mothership.  The Black Prince’s forward weapons continued to target the Mississippi as it began its own rotation to decelerate before the jump point the Battleship’s guns were not on the Black Prince however instead the Jade Falcon vessel targeted and finished off the Adam Davion which had struggled to retreat any further since the Nightlord opened fire on the vessel.  “Have Lucian cease fire and take survivors from Adam” Leroux said watching as the Lucian Davion continued to engage the two Jade Falcon Battleships causing yet more damage to both with their forward capital missile batteries it took a lot to destroy a Battleship.  At the jump point the Monolith which carried Victor Steiner-Davion finally left the system.  “Broadcast to all Falcon troops on board it is time for them to surrender this battle is over.”

   The Elementals and ProtoMechs which had boarded the Black Prince continued to fight on for several hours after Kristos Leroux’s command with each of them agreeing to turn over their weapons and become bondsmen to the Federated Suns.  As a further blow to the Jade Falcons two days later on the Christmas Day the Nightlord-class Battleship Emerald Talon attempted to jump from the system only for its KF Drive to fail and shut down stranding the vessel in the Donegal system.  With the FSS Black Prince and FSS Lucian Davion II closing on the vessel and the Mississippi already jumping away and the vessel facing insurmountable odds the crew of the Nightlord had no choice but to surrender to Lyran authorities.  As Isorla from the battle the Federated Suns WarShips claimed all of the Emerald Talon’s remaining aerospace fighters and an Ordun-class DropShip filled with salvaged parts taken from the battlefields of Donegal several members of the Emerald Talon’s crew and aerospace pilots demanded to be taken as bondsmen to the Federated Suns as it was the AFFS and not the Lyrans who had defeated them in battle.

I'll be honest the final to "Old Habits" went several ways.  This one works best for my overall AU I'm not entirely sure if it works best for this character... but it does set things on a familiar if different path.  There are many more changes ahead that may be familiar in some ways but also different.

Anyway for everyone who has read this story and my regular AU please enjoy the ending to Old Habits

Medical Ward, New Bealton
Odessa, Donegal Province
Lyran Commonwealth
14th May 3111

   In a sterile room in the main medical facility on Odessa Victor Steiner-Davion, the former First Prince of the Federated Suns, lay comatose where he had laid since his battle with Khan Jana Pryde only a few kilometres from where he now was.  When he had been found Victor was close to bleeding out his chest penetrated by branches in two places and with several broken bones.  The medics had rushed him to a medical facility but with a lung, kidney and heart damage all they could do was link him to several medical machines to keep him alive in a medically induced coma.

   Beside his bed his wife Duchess Danai Centrella-Davion sat in the same chair she had for the last since his injuries waiting for him to come back to her.  During time here she’d been reminded almost daily about how much she loved him and needed him, how much he had changed her life.  Born a Canopian Princess she had become a respected warrior, fought the Clans found love and created her own life.

   As one of the medical technicians checked the medical equipment Danai shifted in her chair enough to bump the bed.  “Careful dear” a weak voice said a moment or two as Victor’s eyes flicked open.

   â€œVictor!” She said leaning in to kiss him “Victor!” She said again kissing him again.

   â€œEasy, I still hurt a lot” he said as she leaned back he glanced up at the medical tech “wonders of medical technology eh Doc?”

   â€œYou certainly are OvKhan” the man said nodding downwards slightly the man wore Lyran medical briefs but wore a Clan Wolf insignia.  It took him several moments to think about what he had said remembering the words meant ‘honoured superior’ and that there were still Wolves in the Lyran Commonwealth.

   â€œWhat happened?”  He asked as the tech raised the headboard of the chair so Victor could sit up which was agony for him but better than being unable to see her.  It felt strange for Victor to feel so tired but he guessed that was what happened when you were so badly hurt.

   â€œYou have been in a medically induced coma for the last four months since your fight with Jana Pryde.”  Danai said quietly “you had severe injuries following your ejection.”  She explained as he tried to move “stay still” she commanded “the only way for you to recover was for the doctors to put you into a coma.  Archon Steiner contacted the remaining Wolves on Gallery who agreed to attend and assist.”

   â€œAnd the rest is history?”

   â€œYou’ve had a few close calls OvKhan Steiner-Davion” the technician said “your new heart has caused the most problems” he explained “it took us some time to get it to to work with your body.”

   â€œWhat happened with the Falcons?”

   â€œVictor Focht joined his forces with the Lyrans and assisted in liberating Alma Alta and Cameron from the Jade Falcons.”  Danai said “unfortunately the Falcons have reinforced their position by capturing several clusters from the Hell’s Horses.”  She said glancing down “and you received a message from Bannister Cameron.”  She said handing a remote to him “there’s a Tri-vid player in the corner I’ve seen it, I’ll come back in when you are ready.”  She said rising from her chair she ushered the technician out.  Victor reached for the play button and pressed it.

   The message began as a hologram of Bannister Cameron appeared in the corner of the room he looked much like he had when Victor had last seen him on Terra.  “This message is for Victor Ian Steiner-Davion if he has past then please destroy this message as it will be of no concern to you.”  He said a moment later the message flicked slightly and then Bannister continued “Victor, I hope that this message finds you well, if you are seeing this message then I am dead and I have yet to appoint a successor.”  He said if this was a joke it was the worst one that Victor had ever seen “I am recording this message on the 12th November 3110.”  He said pausing to smile “I know you are probably thinking that you have not long left Terra and that I mentioned none of this.”  He said “Victor, the reason that I did not mention this is because it was your choice to go against your instincts and take the mission against the Falcons.”  He said glancing away from the tri-vid camera.

   â€œYou have told me many times over the last couple of years that your old habits were going to get you killed I think that it is your old habits that are keeping you alive.”  He said “and I need you to keep something else alive, the Star League Protectorate and the Star League Defence Force.” He said “the Protectorate needs strong leadership and I want that leadership to be yours.”  He said Victor paused the message and glanced at Bannister and then the door before playing the message “I know your argument you’ve retired, you wish to enjoy life, but I also know you also still feel a sense of duty I saw that when you served as First Lord and feel you still have much to give.”

   â€œI have sent to the Star League Protectorate’s Council that you are my nomination to replace me as leader of Liberty and of the Star League Protectorate.”  He said stunning Victor “my friend do me this one last favour serve as the Protectorate’s first Exarch and make the Protectorate and the Star League endure until the next generation can enjoy its successes.”  He said

The message then ended and Victor was treated with a news report that showed that Bannister Cameron had been assassinated on New Canton on the 26th February 3111.  A week later Victor had been nominated and confirmed as Bannister’s replacement despite his status of being in a coma.  In practice the day to day running of the Protectorate was run by the Council while Victor was a figurehead even House Liao supported it stating it was nice to see that Victor succeeded where his father failed even if the end result was the same.  With Bannister officially also holding the title of the First Lord as well the member states decided that until the Council decided on a leader the Protectorate Council would also hold the First Lordship which technically meant that Victor was once again also the First Lord.

Ignoring Bannister’s offer and the pain he was in he called for two doctors one from the Lyran Commonwealth and one from the Wolves of Gallery.  Both agreed that while he would live for many years to come the Commonwealth doctor was sure that he would be in pain and need further treatment for the rest of his days while the Wolf doctor was convinced that the newly grown organs that were now in his body would make him as healthy as he had been twenty years before.  While he preferred the Wolf’s prognosis the great unknown bothered him.  Instead of dwelling on their findings he then called for a hospital orderly and asked for transport to the Mechbay.

Nearly three hours later Victor was sat on a wheelchair looking up at the repaired Dire Wolf OmniMech Prometheus its Lyran Guard paint scheme had been reapplied to the replacement armour which had been fitted to the OmniMech.  “Couldn’t stay away from her?”  The voice of Danai Centrella-Davion said as she walked up to him.

   â€œI just wanted to see the thing that almost killed me, I thought it might help make sense of everything.”  He said trying to explain his motives on being here.

   â€œThat didn’t almost kill you, a crazy Clan ***** almost killed you.”  She said angrily he knew she was annoyed that he had come here before calling for her as well.

   â€œYes, but I was stupid enough to think I could still fight like I was thirty years younger.”  Victor admitted “it was like the first time I piloted her I thought that there was nothing I couldn’t do.”  He said looking from the OmniMech to Danai “I’ll never pilot her again.”

   â€œThe doctors said you will make a full recovery.”

   â€œYes, I know, and I’ll never pilot her again” he said being surer of the words this time “I will not put you through this again.”  He said raising his arms to his side despite the pain.  “I will keep that Mech I will keep up the appearance of being the warrior prince when I need to be but I won’t take her into battle that is for the past.”

   â€œYour future battlegrounds will be more up here” she said touching his forehead Victor closed his eyes enjoying her touch “Exarch Steiner-Davion.”

   â€œWhere on earth did Bannister come up with that?”

   â€œIt was the Council not Bannister and I believe they took it from Ancient Terra’s European District during the rule of one of the first major empires.” She explained when she’d heard the title she’d immediately began reading about it.  “Bannister Cameron turned his back on the title claiming that should a Cameron take on a fancy name for his role then many would see it as the first step towards reborn Hegemony.”

   â€œThe Protectorate is that in all but name already all it lacks is its own military wing separate from the Star League Defence Force and from what I’ve ready many believe that it is only time before that happens.”  Victor said looking up at Prometheus again “when people have weapons of war it is only a matter of time before they want the power that goes with them.  It was the same with the bow and arrow, the first firearm, main battle tank, BattleMech, WarShip it doesn’t matter the type of weapon each of them brings man closer to conflict over resource and power.”

   â€œWhich Bannister wants you to keep a lid on for a little longer” she said prodding him back to the important conversation instead of chasing the reasons man made war against other man.

   â€œI retired” he said looking back at her “and what’s to stop the member states beginning to treat the Protectorate as a new Terran March?  Linking the Federated Suns and Lyran Commonwealth this could start a new Succession War.”

   â€œOnly if you gave preferential treatment to those states and worked against the others you’ve shown in the past a fair hand while serving as First Lord.  It does mean you’ll have to be firm with Burton and the Federated Suns but if you are able to handily that then it shouldn’t be a problem?  The Star League is fragile it has been since the Capellans withdrew and now with the Combine lowering their support these are testing times but it is not over.  And if the Star League does fall the Protectorate worlds could use a leader who knows how to win a conflict at its helm.”

   â€œI retired” he repeated again looking back at Prometheus.

   â€œOld habits die hard, Exarch” she said leaning over him wrapping her arm around his shoulders showing her support for his new position.

Authour Note: before anyone worries my AU won't be becoming PeaceTech following these developments.