Star Swords Forged Portrait Project Part 3

The Villains

Star Colonel Dal Pryde of the 2nd Jade Falcon Jaegers

Robert O'Malley.

David

Richard O'Malley

Khan Wilhelm Messer, father of Joshua

Star Swords Forged Portrait Project Part 2

Residents of New Belfast

Duke Jameson MacLeod

Lady Lianna MacLeod, wife of Duke Jameson, stepmother to Miranda, Lisa, and Chris, and mother of Marian.

Lisa MacLeod, Star Sword battalion commander and Joshua Messer's wife.

Miranda MacLeod-Sanchez, eldest daughter of Duke Jameson. Star Swords mechwarrior and (later) romantic interest of Daisaku Hayakusora.

Marian MacLeod

Christopher MacLeod, heir to the ducal throne.

Baron Patrick O'Brian, now-retired commander of the New Belfast militia.

Daniel O'Brian, Lisa's late fiance.

Donald O'Brian, eldest son of Baron Patrick.

Duncan O'Brian

Malcolm O'Brian, youngest son of Baron Patrick and member of the New Belfast resistance.

Dr. Adam Jefferson, personal physician to the MacLeod family

James Sebastian, crime-lord turned partisan

Kacey, Sebastian's consort and fellow rebel.

Star Sword Forged Portrait Project Part One

As I did with my VbN/PbN characters, I made (a long time ago) Sims portraits of each of the major (and more than a few of the minor) characters in the Star Swords stories. I'll post these in a series of portrait galleries like I did there.

Note, these are not quite going to be the quality of the ones I've done with the vampire stories. YMMV.

The Wolverine Exiles

Our hero, Joshua Messer.

Daisaku Hayakusora

Erik Iolair

 Gwen Laidir

Isaac Mizar

Matthew Jiwe

Ryan Smith

Chapter Twenty Seven - The Trial

Second Jaegers Staging Area
New Belfast
Jade Falcon Occupation Zone
9 April 3052 (Day 9 of the New Belfast Invasion)

"I am sorry, Galaxy Commander, but things are in such a haphazard shape here. It will take us several days to organize everything."

"Star Colonel, I know you are stalling. You will obey....."

"I am sorry, but that’s the way of things" said Dal, turning off the communicator.

"She’s not going to be happy." said Robert.

"Enough. You know the plan."

"It is almost dawn."

"Any reports?"

"Neg. The instant his mech approaches, we will blast him."

"Neg, Star Colonel, you will allow him to come to me." said Robert defiantly.

"He deserves no honor. He is Not-Named."

"Whether he deserves it or not, I wish to give him that honor. I want to kill him with my own two hands."

"It is not your decision, Star Captain." Said Dal forcefully. “Learn your place, freeborn.”

A whistle came from the communications console. “Enemy mech approaches. It is a Grendel.” Said David’s voice on the other end.

“Messer pilots a Stormcrow.” Said Robert. “What trick is this?”

“The pilot requests safcon. His name is Mechlanthon.”

“So, the coward of New Vision reveals himself at last.” Said Dal. “I had wondered at his fate after the capture of the Emerald Hawk. Seems he lacked the courage to take his life in dishonor. How fitting.”

“This is a trick.” Said Robert.

“Messer sends another in his place.” Said Pryde. “It seems we have been outsmarted again. Grant Mechlanthon safcon to our camp and order the others to battle readiness.”

“Yes, sir, Star Colonel.” Said David.

“Let us see what Mechlanthon offers us from the man who holds his leash.”

---

Robert returned to his tent. He walked inside. Lisa, still wearing the near-transparent silk nightgown, looked up at him in fear.

"The coward sends another in his place. One named Mechlanthon." he said with a disgusted tone.

“You seem disappointed?” said Richard.

“It is a trick. Messer is up to something.”

“Scared, Robert?” taunted Lisa. A quick backhanded slap silenced her.

“Whatever trick he is pulling, know this. I will kill Joshua Messer. There is no rescue for you, Lisa MacLeod. You are mine.”

“That’s enough, Robert.” Said Richard. “Shouting at her won’t change anything. We’d best make ready for whatever Messer might be planning.”

“You know something I don’t, dear brother?”

“Only to expect something underhanded. Such as a commando raid on this camp. Joshua surely knows its location.”

“Good thinking.” Robert yanked his belt off the tent post and tied it about his waist. On it, his claymore clattered in its scabbard. "Come to see things my way, quiaff?"

“I can’t help you if you’re dead, Robert.”

“Still the coward.” Said Robert. “I’d see the whole world burn and you’d not lift a finger to stop me. All because of some misplaced sense of family loyalty. So be it. If you’ll not fight against me, fight with me.” Robert tossed a pistol holster to his brother. Richard drew the laser from its holster to check its charge.

“A fully charged laser!” thought Lisa as she watched Richard. “You could end this right now. One shot is all it would take. But no, Robert is right, you’d stand by while he’d rape and pillage the whole universe.”

Richard slid the laser into its holster and then pulled it around his waist. Robert smiled. “Messer will rue the day he dared to challenge the both of us.”

---

150 kilometers north of MacLeod City
New Belfast
Jade Falcon Occupation Zone
9 April 3052 (Day 9 of the New Belfast Invasion)

"Special operations team dispatched. Good luck." said Ryan Smith. Behind him marched an intact Uller, nearly repaired and given to Daisaku to replace his old one.

"This had better work." said Amanda from her nearby Loki.

"You’re telling me. We’re under strength after our losses yesterday and now we’ve reduced our forces further by sending off an elite strike team. Daisaku, you’d better know what you’re doing. Never would have thought a plan as crazy as this would come from him."

"Where to now, fearless leader?" taunted Amanda at Ryan.

"Nowhere. We sit and wait for them to come to us."

"Probably the hardest thing you can do when some of your best friends are out there, probably on their way to die."

---

Connacht Shore
New Belfast
Jade Falcon Occupation Zone
9 April 3052 (Day 9 of the New Belfast Invasion)

Star Captain David crested the rolling hill to see a single Omnimech moving its way towards him from the southeast. He lowed the crosshairs of his mech’s left arm onto the mech and triggered the zoom feature on his targeting system. The image of a battered Grendel appeared before him, painted in the dark green, royal blue, and burgundy paint scheme of the Star Swords.

"Scout Commander to base, our guest has arrived." he reported via his communicator.

"Good, David. Escort our new arrival to the camp." responded Dal Pryde.

"Aff, Star Colonel. Scout star, fall into formation."

The five mechs of David’s star pulled into line behind him. The Grendel paused when it spotted them, and then changed course to meet them. Wary, David kept a bead on the enemy mech with his left arm, but the Grendel’s approach was casual. It was not the fast-paced run of an intercept. Still, it would pay to be cautious.

"Falcon star commander, what are you intentions?" said Mechlanthon.

"We have been ordered to escort you to Star Colonel Pryde. You are granted safcon."

"Very well." said Mechlanthon.

"Fall into formation behind me." said David.

Mechlanthon’s mech did so. The four other Falcon mechs formed a echelon formation to the aft of the Grendel. David watched the Grendel through his rear camera, constantly suspicious of treachery.

He would be disappointed. The five minute journey to the Falcon camp was uneventful, except for the occasional roll of distant thunder. A dark menacing storm was forming over the Dividing Sea. David did not much like the looks of it.

Dal marched out into the center of the Clan encampment. Mechlanthon’s Grendel cleared a nearby hill and closed with the camp, followed by the scout star. The guard force over the camp moved to intercept, but Dal waved them off. "Stand down, Gamma star. He is not a threat."

"As you wish, Star Colonel."

Robert walked up to Pryde. "So, what does this Mechlanthon bring to us?”

"Stay. See for yourself.”

Mechlanthon’s mech marched up to the center of the camp then stopped. Mechlanthon himself climbed down from the cockpit and walked forward to stand before Dal and Robert.

“It has been a long time, Star Colonel.” Said Dal. “How goes the command of the 7^th Reserve Cluster?” he taunted.

“I am here to negotiate the release of the prisoner Lisa MacLeod.”

“Messer should come himself if he wants his woman back.” Said Pryde. “I am not in the mood to parley with his attack dog.”

“He has, Pryde!” called a voice. Joshua stood up from his hiding place inside the hand of Mechlanthon’s Grendel.

“Kill him.” Ordered Dal without hesitation.

“No!” cried Robert. “He is mine. I call for a Trial of Grievance against him. In this solemn affair, let none interfere.”

“He is dezgra! He is Not-Named. He dies now!” said Pryde. Dal paused when he heard the sound of a laser charging up.

“I suggest, Star Colonel,” said Richard. “that you give my brother his wish.”

“You dare draw a weapon against me.” Snarled Pryde as Richard came out of his hiding place. “I will have you all shot.”

From his mech, David could see the whole scene. He tapped into his communications relay and shot a tightbeam message straight to Pryde’s headset. “Give the freebirths what they want. What is there to lose? If Messer wins, you can simply shoot him once it’s done and you are rid of Robert and his brother. If Robert wins, you will have your proof and you can shoot Richard and even Robert at your leisure.”

Pryde said nothing in response to this. He turned to Robert. “So be it. You can have your trial.”

“I am glad, Star Colonel, that you see things our way.” Said Robert. Richard moved up and holstered his pistol.

Joshua climbed down from the mech, carrying his sword, Anduril. The crowd of Clanners moved around and encircled the scene, with Mechlanthon’s Grendel at one end and Pryde and O’Malley at the other.

“I want to see her.” Demanded Joshua.

“You are in no position to make demands, Not-Named. You are only alive because of the insistence of my subordinate.”

“No, let him see. Richard, go fetch her.” Said Robert. Richard moved away and returned shortly with Lisa under one arm. She locked eyes with Joshua, but they said nothing to one another.

"A battle to the death then, blade versus blade." said O’Malley, drawing his claymore and tossing the scabbard aside. "You know that you will never leave this Circle of Equals alive." 

"You cannot defeat my brother, Joshua. I know this." called Richard. "He will destroy you."

"I need no counsel from you, backstabber." retorted Joshua. "I should never have trusted you, no matter what Juan said."

Richard smiled smugly but said nothing.

"Richard values his family, Joshua." said Robert, walking into the circle. "More so than any vow or pledge he might have made to you."

"Then he can be the one to bury you." said Joshua, slowly drawing Anduril and letting the scabbard fall at his side. He gripped the broad sword with both hands.

"Let it begin." said Robert, charging at Joshua. "For Lisa."

"For Lisa." said Joshua, rushing at Robert. The two met in the middle of the circle, their weapons striking one another with a loud clash. Joshua brought his weapon under and up, only to meet O’Malley’s parry.

"You have improved since our last battle. Too bad it will not help you."

"Overconfidence is foolishness." said Joshua, letting go of the hilt of his weapon with his left hand and smashing his fist into Robert’s nose. Surprised, Robert staggered backward.

Joshua brought his sword up and smashed it down against Robert’s almost futile parry. Robert had now lost the initiative. Joshua swung, right, left, right again, each time Robert barely managed to fend off the blows.

Richard let out a gasp of his own, surprised at Joshua’s skill and tenacity. Lisa watched silently, praying for Joshua’s success.

Joshua came at O’Malley again, swinging Anduril again from below in an effort to penetrate Robert’s barely functional defense. Once, twice, he got through, slicing into Robert’s skin on his arms and legs. Robert, knowing he would have to regain the offensive, lashed out with his left leg. His kick connected with Joshua’s right knee.

Joshua stumbled and dropped his guard. Seizing his chance, Robert slashed downward, his blade biting into Joshua’s right shoulder. Blood sprayed up from the wound and splattered on Robert’s face.

"Yeah!" cried Richard, letting out a yell of encouragement. In doing so, he released his grip on Lisa.

"I have to do something." thought Lisa. She was about to step forward, to impose herself between the two combatants, but something held her back. "I can’t move. I’m too scared to move." She remembered the fear, the same fear that had gripped her after Robert’s first violation of her all those months before. “I’ve lost my courage!”

Joshua staggered back to his feet, gripping his wound and putting some distance between him and Robert. Robert had regained the initiative. 

Robert pressed his advantage. He slashed across Joshua’s chest, hoping to deliver the killing blow, but Joshua brought his broadsword up just in time. The parry was weak and the blow knocked Anduril from his hands. The sword spun away and landed at Dal Pryde’s feet.

Joshua dashed after his sword. Robert intercepted him and bowled him off of his feet. Robert chuckled and the Clanners in the crowd cheered him on.

"Oh, God, please don’t let him die." prayed Lisa quietly.

Joshua picked himself and started towards his sword. Blood loss was starting to get to him and he staggered and nearly fell over again.

Robert walked behind him, his claymore resting on one shoulder. After a couple of paces, he brought it down and slashed it across Joshua’s back. The crowd went wild with cheering and applause. The razor sharp blade turned crimson as it cut through Joshua’s unprotected back. Joshua fell forward and lay on his face for a few seconds. Robert merely stood over him, grinning demonically.

“A bit deeper and I sever your spine. You’ve lost, Messer, but I’m going to have a bit of fun first.” Taunted Robert.

Joshua got up and started to walk forward again.

“Still trying to win?” Robert followed him for a few more paces and slashed Joshua’s back again. The crowd roared again and Joshua fell forward.

"Get up!" taunted Robert. "I’m not done with you yet."

Joshua tried to stand again, but Robert planted his boot in Joshua's side and knocked him over again. The pain was becoming unbearable. He started to crawl forward, dragging himself forward with his hands. Robert stepped in front of him.

Without a word, Robert brought his blade down and impaled Joshua’s right hand to the ground. Joshua cried out in pain and he tried to wrench the blade out. Robert, who standing over him gloating, kicked again, smashing his boot into Joshua’s face. Joshua’s head whipped back and fell forward, blood dripping from his broken nose and cut lip.

Robert smashed another kick into the side of Joshua’s head as he pulled the claymore out. Joshua collapsed on his side and stopped moving except for his breathing.

Robert turned and raised his arms in triumph. The crowd was ecstatic and Lisa, her eyes now filled with tears, looked at Dal Pryde. Pryde had a look of smug triumph on his face. She then looked at Robert, and her heart burned with anger.

With Robert otherwise occupied, Joshua gathered up what little strength he had left and finished crawling the three short meters to his weapon. He reached out for it with his left hand, only to have Pryde plant his boot on Joshua’s left elbow. Joshua screamed in pain and Pryde stepped back. Robert turned and moved beside Joshua. He rolled him over with his boot and knelt down next to him.

“Finish him.” Ordered Pryde. “I grow bored with this pathetic spectacle.”

"As you wish, Star Colonel.” Robert stood up and raised his weapon to land the killing blow.

In that instant, Lisa dashed forward, running as fast as her nightgown-hindered feet could carry her. Robert saw her coming and checked his swing. Richard let out a cry of surprise behind her and began to chase. She snatched up Anduril from the ground and swung it at Robert.

Robert shifted his claymore to defend himself. Surprised by her attack, his parry was half-hearted and weak. Lisa swung again, cutting low. The still shaken Robert was not fast enough this time, and Anduril slashed across his gut. The cut was deep, slicing through Robert’s abdomen and disemboweling him. Before Robert knew the grave wound he’d been dealt, he swung downward. His blow bit deeply into Lisa's shoulder. Lisa pitched forward, landing on Joshua, as Robert dropped his blade.

In the brief second after their strikes, Robert dropped to his knees. Blood vomited up from his mouth and he pitched forward into the grass. Robert O’Malley was dead.

“No!” cried Richard. “No, it can’t be.”

Rain began to fall. "What a shame." said Pryde, walking over to the unmoving pair. "All are dead. You fought for nothing, Not-Named." He drew his pistol and turned to Richard. “Now, there is the matter of you drawing a weapon on me a minute ago…”

Before he could even finish his sentence, a Subutai fighter roared over the horizon, flying less than 20 meters above the surface of the planet at nearly Mach 3. The wake of air behind the ship kicked up water from the grass and sprayed it over the already wet crowd.

An aide ran up to Pryde. "Sir, perimeter sensors just went wild. There’s an enemy unit closing on this position rapidly."

"Get the mechwarriors to their mechs." said Dal. "Leave the dead for later.” He then looked at Richard. “There will be another time, freebirth. That I promise you.”

Dal ran towards his Masakari, trying not to slip on the muddy ground. Mechlanthon stepped forward as the Clanners ran to their machines. With great effort, he hoisted Joshua and Lisa over his back and carried them back to his mech.

---

Near the Second Jaegers Staging Area
New Belfast
Jade Falcon Occupation Zone
9 April 3052 (Day 9 of the New Belfast Invasion)

"Here they come." screamed Ryan Smith. "Hit them hard and fast."

Star Sword mechs and aerospace fighters roared into the fray as the final battle for New Belfast’s freedom began. Ryan rained 40 LRMs onto a Clan Loki, shredding its thin armor. He followed that up with a blast from his twin large lasers. The Loki spun off, a flaming ruin as its ammunition stores exploded.

Daisaku unloaded into a pair of Jaeger Koshi’s, blasting both mechs to kingdom come. As the battle progressed, it seemed that the Star Swords were winning.

Dal Pryde’s massive Masakari waded into the fray. It locked onto a Swords Grendel and blew it apart with its heavy PPCs. Pryde then turned and blasted a pair of Ullers.

Pryde’s arrival turned the tide back against the Swords. He opened a broadcast channel to his opponents. “Your leader lies dead, as does the daughter of the Duke. Now I come to finish the rest of your pathetic band.”

“Not if I can help it, Pryde.” Said Ryan. He moved his Mad Cat on an intercept course. “We still owe you for New Vision.”

“Another Not-Named yet lives? Good, there will be some sport today.” He dropped his reticule for this PPCs onto the charging Mad Cat.

Ryan rushed forward with his Mad Cat, letting slip a pair of barrages from his LRM launchers. Forty missiles rained down on the Masakari, putting tiny potholes in its armor, but little more.

Dal fired his PPCs. His accuracy was uncanny even without the huge mech’s advanced targeting system. The blasts flayed two tons of armor from Ryan’s mech. Ryan’s Mad Cat was no wimp, but against Pryde he stood little chance.

Ryan fired again, drawing two ugly scars with his lasers up the torsos of Pryde’s mech. Pryde let loose a pack of his own LRMs, smashing Ryan’s Mad Cat about. He followed that up with another PPC barrage. Another hit like that and Ryan’s mech would be taking serious damage. Its armor was almost gone in several places.

Ryan knew Pryde had to be taking incredible heat, but the Clansman continued firing without regard to the consequences of overheating. Ryan knew that was his weakness. The power of the Masakari had a big drawback. If not fired in a way to avoid heat buildup, the Masakari would cook itself into shutdown in less than a minute. If Ryan withdrew like he knew should, that would give Pryde time to correct his mistake.

"If you’re going to cook, let’s really make you cook. Come and get me." Ryan dashed up to near point blank range, trying to use his speed to make himself a harder target.

It was a nice attempt, but when Pryde took the bait he hit hard. Two of the PPCs connected solidly with his already damaged leg, blowing it off at the thigh. His Mad Cat crashed into the soil, helpless.

“Now you die.” Said Pryde in triumph. At that moment, a warning alarm sounded in his cockpit. “No!” he exclaimed as his mech’s automatic safety measures turned off his engine and weapons to let the freezers vent his excess heat. Pryde tried desperately to get his engine started again as he saw Amanda’s Loki close the gap.

A volley of SRMs from the Loki slammed into his mech’s left shoulder, tipping the 85-ton mech. With its engine shutdown, Pryde could not regain his balance and his mech toppled into the mud. Amanda pulled up to the crippled mech at point blank range and pointed its right arm at Pryde’s cockpit. She squeezed the trigger.

The head exploded a half second before Amanda’s PPC shot fired. Pryde’s ejection pod hurled skyward. The PPC bolt ripped through the mech’s head, disintegrating its entire cockpit.

“Damn! Half second too late.” She swore.

“Move on to another target. Let’s finish this.” Said Ryan. He propped up his own crippled mech and let loose with an LRM volley at another Jade Falcon mech.

Amanda marched forward, blasting away with her PPCs at a Clan Vulture. But the destruction of Pryde’s Masakari had taken the fight out of the Falcons. They had begun to withdraw.

“Enemy forces withdrawing.” Amanda reported. “Request further orders.”

Daisaku’s voice came in reply. "All Star Swords mech, withdraw and regroup. We’ve got them on the run. Let them go. We’ve won. New Belfast is ours!"

A chorus of cheers greeted his ears as the Star Swords watched the Clanners began a full retreat.

“Mechlanthon, this is Kommandant Hayakusora. The Jaegers are withdrawing. Report. Did you get Lisa?”

“I have them, Kommandant.” Came the reply. “Both are badly wounded and need medical attention. I am rushing them to aid as fast as my mech can carry them.”

“Dear God,” said Daisaku. “Ryan, mop up here. I’m heading back to meet up with Mechlanthon. Join me when you can.”

“Yes, sir.” Came the reluctant reply.

---

MacLeod City Medical Center
New Belfast
Tamar March, Federated Commonwealth
10 April 3052

Mechlanthon had rushed the wounded Joshua and Lisa back to the Swords base camp, where a medical team stabilized them and then a medical helicopter airlifted them back to MacLeod City. Shortly thereafter, the entire senior staff of the Star Swords, Daisaku, Ryan, Amanda, Erik, Michelle, Mechlanthon, and several others arrived and kept vigil. Already exhausted by the battle, none of them even considered sleep, lest their vigil end.

Dr. Adam Jefferson emerged from the operating theatre. He was tired and dirty, having been patching injured from the battles for days. The awaiting Star Swords jumped to their feet, eager for any news.

"They're going to be fine." said Jefferson. A wave of relief came over all assembled. "They both lost a lot of blood, but their wounds did not damage any major organs. Joshua's going to need some serious therapy before he can use that right arm again. Lisa too, but they're going to live."

"Can we see them?" asked Erik.

"Later. Let them rest." With that, Jefferson turned and returned to his work.

---

"Isn’t this convenient? How’d your beds get moved closer together?" complained Daisaku. Hours had passed since they had gotten the good news of Joshua and Lisa's survival. Rested from the battle, it was all Daisaku could do to keep from bursting at seeing his friends alive and awake.

Joshua, who’d been holding Lisa’s hand, chuckled. "When you get in my position, Daisaku, you’ll have influence."

"How are you feeling?" asked Erik, who followed Daisaku in.

"Like shit." said Joshua bluntly. His arm was in a sling, but he otherwise looked to be recovering nicely.

"You look it." said Daisaku. "We were rather worried."

"Sorry." said Joshua. He looked at Mechlanthon. “I owe you one, Star Colonel. Without you, I would not have made it into the camp, nor would either of us be alive if you hadn’t pulled us out.”

“I am pleased you were not more badly injured. What you did took immense courage.”

Joshua looked at Lisa. “And I owe you one also.”

“We’re in this together. You said it yourself.”

“I told you that you’d find your courage again.” Joshua kissed her hand.

A few minutes later, even more visitors arrived.

"Miranda!" said Lisa. "What are you doing here?"

"James Sebastian and I just flew in from Edinburgh. It’s a mess up there."

"I hear Dublin’s pretty bad too." said Joshua. "It’s going to take a lot of work to put this planet back together."

"It will. But let's not worry about that now. We've won." said Miranda.

"So what now?" asked Erik.

"You say that as if I could get up and walk out of here to go celebrate." responded Joshua. "If you hadn’t noticed...."

"I meant after you recovered."

"Duke Jameson's already called for a celebration banquet to honor the warriors who freed this world." said Daisaku. "But it won't be until most of you are back on your feet."

"You'll need a date." said Miranda flatly.

"Is that a hint?" said Daisaku slyly.

---

New Belfast
Tamar March, Federated Commonwealth
29 April 3052

Lisa looked out from the east tower over the crimson waters of the Dividing Sea. The setting sun had cast a red hue on the otherwise grey water. She felt at peace for the first time since her rescue from the Clan encampment. She sucked in a deep breath and savored it fill her lungs. Despite its gaseous composition, which was somewhat harsh to one not accustomed to breathing it, she enjoyed its somewhat acrid flavor.

"I’m home. My home is free."

"I kept my promise." said Joshua, moving to her side.

“In every way you could.” She replied. He came up behind her to embrace her and a surge of panic overtook her. She screamed and backed away from him. Joshua, startled by her reaction, backed up.

Lisa gripped herself tightly, trying to control her shaking. Joshua took a hesitant step forward. "I’m sorry. I didn’t mean...."

“No, it’s not you.” She stood up and took a couple of deep breaths. After about a minute, she regained her composure. "It’s not you.”

“I’m sorry. After all you’ve been through, I should know better. I keep forgetting about what horrors must have been done to you."

“I wish I could forget.”

Joshua offered her his hand. "I know. We’ve been through tough times before. We’ll make it through this."

"Will we? Joshua, I’m not sure the person you love exists anymore. I’m barely a shadow of the woman I once was."

“You found courage enough to strike Robert down. You’ll find courage enough to make your way back to me.”

"This will get worse before it gets better." warned Lisa. She seemed suddenly distant, as if thinking about something else.

"I have faith in you. We’re still looking in the mirror dimly, but the day is coming when that will no longer be so."

"Joshua...." Lisa began. “I have to tell you something.”

“And that is?”

Lisa began to cry. “They found out when I was in the hospital. Only Dr. Jefferson knows at this time. It might be yours, but I don’t know, and if it’s his...”

"You’re pregnant?"

Lisa nodded through her tears. "The demon is inside me."

"We don’t know that. As you say, it might be mine.”

"I’ll never escape. Robert was right. Even from the grave, he curses me."

"Stop that." said Joshua firmly. But it was no use. Lisa broke down and wept, not hearing anything Joshua was saying.

---

The next morning, Joshua met with his officers at the military base in MacLeod City.

"You look like hell." said John flatly.

"So I feel." responded Joshua.

"Lisa?"

Joshua nodded. "I have accepted her resignation. She’s a civilian now."

“That bad, huh?” asked Ryan.

“Between her family, her doctor, and myself, we all thought it best. She’s a very traumatized human being. Doc Jefferson sees what he considers to be the beginnings of a severe case of PTSD. She’s going to need a lot of therapy before her mind and her heart are ready for the rigors of combat again. Add to that her physical needs of recovering from her wounds…”

"I see. You think she’ll ever be back?" asked Erik.

"Someday.” Joshua paused, wondering how he should share his next bit of news. “She’s also pregnant.”

“Oh, my God…” exclaimed Amanda. “With his?”

“We don’t know.”

“If it is…”

“If it is, then it is innocent of its father’s crimes. If it isn’t, then it is my son or daughter. Either way, it is the beginning of my family.”

“Hardly how you imagined that ever happening, I’m sure.” Said Daisaku.

“No. Lisa said it herself. This is going to get worse before it gets better. I will need your help, my friends. This planet may be ours, but my battle is really just beginning.”

End of Star Swords : Forged

Chapter Twenty-Six - Homecoming

Fifth Battle cluster dropship landing zone
New Belfast
Jade Falcon Occupation Zone
5 April 3052 (Day 5 of the Invasion of New Belfast)

"Viper incoming, Star Commander." said the deck officer on the Clan dropship Black Barracks.

"I wonder why Star Colonel Anu has sent an envoy in person rather than simply contacted us via radio." said the Star Commander. "The rebellion must be going poorly if she can afford to dispatch a mech to deliver this message to us. I will be greeting our guest. You have the bridge."

"Aye, Commander."

The Star Commander took the elevator down to the cargo bay of the dropship, where the newly arrived mechwarrior had just arrived.

"Star Captain, what brings you out to the dropships?"

"Rebels have captured several of our communications stations. I have come to code new encryption into the dropship’s communicators."

"Our communications have been breached. Then, the uprising goes against the Star Colonel?"

“Neg, these rebel scum are tenacious, crafty, and clever. But we are winning. Do not fear for that."

"That is good news. This way."

---

James Sebastian pulled his parka tighter to his neck. His lover, Kacey, slid up beside him and slid a clip into her heavy Zeus rifle. "This is insane."

"You said that about the raid on the munitions too as I recall. We didn’t lose a single rebel in that endeavor."

"The Clans’ll spot an infiltrator instantly. They’re too alien for us to mimic them. He’ll never even get close to the dropships’ communications arrays to knock them out."

"Miranda’s spend a great deal of time with Clanners. He knows how they behave. If this works, we’re cutting the 5^th Battle Cluster’s hamstrings. No way they can be an effective fighting force with our rebellion and the Star Swords on them, with no means of escape."

Daisaku Hayakusora moved up with the pair. "Or means to reinforce their friends elsewhere on world." Daisaku looked out across the snow plain at the massive dropships nearly a kilometer away. "If we pull this off, we remove one cluster from the game."

"Well, looks like he pulled off the first dropship, now he’s going to the other." said Sebastian.

"This might actually work."

"Oh, ye of little faith." said Daisaku. "We didn’t become the premier anti-Clan fighting force without a little skill. Just give Juan a few minutes."

After those few minutes, Juan switched to the third and last dropship. A few minutes after that, he came out and headed for his mech.

"Wait until he gets in and then attack." said Sebastian. "Now!"

A force of nearly 100 rebels erupted from the snow and rushed towards the dropship. The rebels spread out into small 6 man squads, making it nearly impossible for the surprised dropship gunners to target them.

It took the rebels nearly four minutes to reach the dropships. Juan charged the rebels in the Dragonfly, pretending to intercept them, but just before he reached them, he fired his jump jets and rocketed back within the dropships. He opened fire, blasting holes in the dropships’ armor and drawing attention to himself. That bought time for the rebels as the gunners retrained on the easier-to-hit mech.

The rebels rushed the dropships, opening up with their hand weapons on the handful of dropship personnel outside in the cold. The defenseless Clanners were cut down almost immediately, leaving the access ramps in place and hatches open. Five squads stormed each dropship.

Juan rocketed his nearly destroyed mech against the surface of one of the Overlords. He ejected clear as the mech smashed alongside the huge dropship and exploded. Daisaku, who was about to enter the Union class, swore.

"Damnit, I stole that for him and he has to go destroy it."

"Quit complaining and fight." said Kacey, letting off a burst from her rifle into a Clan guard.

"Fine. Watch me." Daisaku twisted around with his Rouynex submachine gun and held down the trigger as he ran up the corridor. Every time a Clanner popped out to open fire, Daisaku cut them down. Kacey sat there dumbfounded.

“You are insane…and damn good.”

“I’ll take lucky over good any day.” Daisaku tossed the gun across his shoulder.

"Come on, the bridge can’t be far."

---

Dublin
New Belfast
Jade Falcon Occupation Zone
5 April 3052 (Day 5 of the Invasion of New Belfast)

"Sir, they appear to be continuing their retreat into the city." said Leftenant Fredericks. "Two trinaies."

"The 305^th has lost its will to fight us in open ground." commented Kou Fairchild. "Mike, what do you suppose our chances are if we fight them in the streets?"

"Not good. They’ll even the odds somewhat." answered Mike Koren.

"Then we hit them now when they are on the move. Go!"

"Alpha One, I’ve got a Black Hawk coming in close." said one of Mike’s lancemates.

"I see him," said Mike. "Team up on him and we’ll take him. He should have a hard time fighting one-on-two."

"Roger."

Mike’s company, leading the attack of 3^rd Battalion on the city of Dublin, advanced on the retreating Clan mechs. The small buildings and roads of the suburbs hampered their mobility, making the fleeing enemy an easy target.

Mike cut loose with twenty LRMs on the Black Hawk. Twin lasers from Alpha Two’s Ryoken burned across the armor of the Falcon mech. Alpha Three joined in, firing a lethal Class 20 autocannon at it as well. The Ryoken blew apart from the withering barrages of three Swords mechs.

"Good shooting, boys. Keep that intimidation factor up." said Kou.

The rest of the Black Hawk’s star moved to cover their trinary’s retreat. Alpha Three’s Ryoken C fired its heavy autocannon again, shredding through the light armor of a Falcon Dragonfly. Mike’s LRM launcher lobbed another volley, not aimed at any mech in particular. The Swarm rounds it carried showered the enemy star with submunitions, sanding armor off of every mech there. Alpha Two’s Ryoken Prime fired its lasers at a Falcon Grendel, almost cutting the mech in half.

Seeing their holding action on the verge of collapse, the three surviving mechs of that star began to pull back, a Fenris,  the Grendel mauled by Alpha Two, and a second Grendel that was still intact.

"They’re getting closer to the city proper." warned Kou. "Stop them!"

"We’re trying." responded Mike. "This isn’t that easy, you know."

Shoring up their fighting withdrawal, a star of assault mechs moved up to replace the medium star Mike had hit. "We’ve got problems." reported Mike, as he cleared the corner around a gasoline filling station to see a Daishi bearing down on him.

A stray laser detonated the tanks in the station, showering Mike’s Black Hawk with burning gasoline and shrapnel. Blinded, Mike backpedaled to get away from the Daishi. He used his radar to identify his foes. Aside from the Daishi, the assault star included two Masakari, a Man O’War, and one of the lethal new Kingfisher fire support mechs. At 90 tons, it normally carried four LRM-20 launchers, making it brutally effective in long range combat. In the close quarters of this suburban neighborhood, Mike was only slightly less concerned about it.

The Daishi lined up his right arm with Alpha Three and fired every weapon on it. The withering barrage of lasers and autocannon tore into the unsuspecting Ryoken. It tipped precariously for a second, then crashed into a nearby residence.

"Kou, I’ve got an assault star bearing down on me." called Mike. "Lost Gail. Lost Ian. I need to withdraw or we’ll be destroyed to the man."

"Pull back. I can’t get to you."

"Damn. They’re going to get into the city."

"Don’t worry about it, Mike. We’ll think of something. Just get out of there."

"No argument here." Said Mike, bringing his mech up to a run.

---

Castle MacLeod
New Belfast
Jade Falcon Occupation Zone
5 April 3052 (Day 5 of the Invasion of New Belfast)

"You mean Edinburgh’s been cleared?" Joshua asked Sebastian.

"My good Colonel, we’ve had control of most of the city for nearly 48 hours. Just a few places where their mechs refuse to budge. Now with your forces here, we’ve got them on the run. We should have the 5^th Battle out of your hair by dinner time here."

Ryan tapped Joshua on the shoulder. "This just came in. Looks like Edinburgh’s going to get uglier."

Joshua nodded. "Sebastian. The First Falcon Strikers are based a few thousand klicks south of Edinburgh in Glasgow. I just got a report that indicates the 5^th Battle’s been communicating with them. It appears they are packing up to reinforce them."

"Thanks for the tip. Hopefully by morning we’ll have the 5^th Battle in irons." Someone tapped Sebastian on the shoulder. He turned. "Oh, hello. Would you like to talk to the General?"

Sebastian stood up and Daisaku sat down in his place.

"Daisaku! You’re alive."

Daisaku appeared to wipe the grit off his fingers. "You seem surprised, sir." he said casually.

"How did it go? I know Sebastian pulled you out."

"We got them. Blew the whole wad to kingdom come."

"I know. I’ve seen the crater. What are you guys planning?"

"Well, we’re hoping to capture the rest of the 5^th Battle and use their mechs to replenish our forces. Sadly, they’re aren’t that many of them left."

"It’s risky for less than a binary of machines."

"Everything’s in place. There’s no turning back now."

"Good luck then. MacLeod City out."

---

Edinburgh
New Belfast
Jade Falcon Occupation Zone
5 April 3052 (Day 5 of the New Belfast Invasion)

"What the hell am I doing out here?" said Marcus in indignation. "I can’t pilot this piece of junk." He marched Miranda’s beaten and battered Ryoken behind the rest of Fourth Battalion.

"Cool it, Marcus." said Daisaku. "You wanted to pilot a mech. You got your chance."

"This isn’t what I had in mind."

There were some flashes out the window. "Looks like we’ve found the bad guys."

"Don’t see any baddies."

"We’re in the rear ranks. Our mechs are scrap and we’ve got mostly inexperienced pilots driving them. If we’re lucky, we won’t see any fighting."

"I hope not." said Marcus. "I feel like a nudist walking through the Black Quarter in this mech."

"I won’t argue with you there." said Daisaku. A bewildered look crossed his face. "By the way, where’s the Black Quarter?"

"Crime ridden section of Dublin. It’s where I grew up. It’s the kind of place where people would just as soon shoot you as shake your hand."

"Sounds like fun." said Daisaky sardonically.

"Oh yeah, a whole lot of fun."

---

"They’ve moved too quickly. We can’t hold our positions against their forces and the rebels." said Diane Anu’s aide.

"Then we flee to the dropships and wait for the Strikers." said the frustrated Star Colonel. "Transmit the order."

"Yes, Star Colonel."

Diane Anu marched her Thor to the lead of the cluster. Over 12 hours of non-stop fighting the Star Swords had only worsened the fatigue of the 5^th Battle’s warriors and the damage of their equipment. Badly outnumbered by fresh troops, she knew her unit had been beaten. Anger filled her when she saw Dal Pryde’s smirking face in her head. She’d seen it after her unit was defeated on Garrison and she hated him for it. More and more she was becoming convinced fate was against her. Of all the cities the rebels could have tried to take, hers would be the one.

"ETA to dropships 20 minutes."

"Are the Swords following?"

"Neg. Looks like they’re satisfied with just the city."

"The city can be retaken once we get some help." she said. Asking for help was humiliating, but at least she knew the commander of the 1^st Striker hated Dal Pryde nearly as much as she. He would not let the Second Jaegers win the day again.

Diane’s thoughts wandered as her mechs trudged the 20 minute trek to their dropships. A light snow was falling and one of the things Anu reflected on was how much she hated the weather on this planet. "I pray the glory of victory does not grant me a station of garrison on this planet at any time. I would sooner become dispossessed that live here."

"Dropships ahead."

"Fifth Battle dropships, prepare to receive mech forces for repair."

"Roger that, Star Colonel." said the dropship skipper. "We’re ready for you."

It took several minutes to load the mechs aboard the dropships. Diane herself was the last to load. She parked her mech inside a repair center. Techs swarmed her mech to lock it in place. She opened the hatch. A hand reached in to help her out. She took it and climbed out, only to face the barrel of a submachine gun.

"What the....."

"Allow me to introduce myself, Star Colonel. I am Kommandant Juan Miranda, Fourth Battalion, First Star Swords. If you will please come with me....."

Diane looked around and noticed none of the techs aboard the dropship looked familiar. Most where unshaven and dirty; Rebels.

Exhausted by days of fighting and the humiliation of defeat, Diane Anu surrendered.

---

Dublin
New Belfast
Jade Falcon Occupation Zone
5 April 3052 (Day 5 of the Invasion of New Belfast)

"Looks like they don’t intend to hold the city. They’re regrouping on the southern limit of the city for a march towards their dropships here." said Mike.

"Joshua’s not considered much the possibility of what happens after we win this battle." said Kou.

"What do you mean by that?" asked Mike, curious.

"We take this planet and they’ll just come back again. I want to give the Falcons a whipping they’ll not soon forget. Make them think twice about ever coming back here again."

"So how do we do that?

"I want the 305^th Assault cluster completely combat ineffective. I want them to retreat off-world with barely an elemental functioning."

“Isn’t that a bit extreme?”

"Perhaps. But the 305^th is a full scale assault unit. Crush them, and it’ll send a message."

"So how do we do that without them making mince-meat of us? They’ve got the initiative for the time being."

"This forest." said Kou, pointing at a patch of green on the map in front of them. "It’s a redwood forest."

"Can we make it in time?"

"Aye." said Kou with a wink. "But we’d best be moving if we’re going to catch them. Mount up. I’ll figure out the details en route."

"Roger."

---

Mike Koren brought his engine up to full power from stand-by mode as two Clan Ullers entered the edge of the woods. He dropped the targeting sight onto the first Uller and opened fire with his lasers. Six ER Medium Lasers burned what appeared to be black claw marks up the mech’s left torso, blowing off its arm and causing the machine to cartwheel into a nearby oak tree. The second, sensing the new threat, fired its pulse laser at him. Mike fired a volley of Streak missiles at and hit his jump jets. The missiles smacked hard into the center torso of the enemy mech.

"I’ve got contact. They’re here." said Mike. He dropped the sight for his lasers onto the center torso of the mech, waiting for his Black Hawk’s advanced targeting computer to register a lock. When it did, he fired, boring through the light mech and scrapping its gyro. A Thor came forward, knocking the crippled mech out of the way in a mad scramble to get at Mike.

Mike pulled back, his provisional lance in position. "Fire lance, fire at will." he ordered. With Mike were three other Omnimechs, a Vulture, a Mad Cat, and a Ryoken. All sported LRM launchers, which whistled past Mike and into the front line of the enemy mechs. Two enemy stars were caught completely unawares as LRMs sanded the armor from their bodies.

Mike laid down suppressing fire with his sextet of lasers. Elementals began to pour into the woods, released presumably by back-line mechs. Mike became unnerved to see dozens of the armored soldiers moving on him.

‘This is Mike. I need artillery cover-fire in zone 4514. Kou, can you help me?"

"Roger. It’ll be 30 seconds to get the Arrow IV’s aligned. One minute flight time."

"I don’t have that long."

"Man, how many times are you going to whine at me today?"

Mike ignored him. "Fire lance, fall back. We’re going to be overwhelmed." He stabbed laser fire at the elementals, but for everyone he killed, two more seemed to take its place.

Mike’s computer accepted the data feed from the Arrow IV carrying Masakari’s in the back line. "Kou, we’ll be behind the fire line in thirty seconds. Fire at will."

"Roger."

Mike took the risk of turning his back on the elementals to put his mech into a full run. The air filled with the horrid whistle of Arrow IV rockets. Mike winced, hoping that none of the powerful artillery missiles were coming down on him.

It was only six volleys, but confined to a narrow passage. The shells blasted the soil to vapor and many of the enemy mechs and elementals as well as they struck. Mike looked back to see at least two of the massive 50 meter tall trees begin to topple. Those trees were large enough to crush a light mech under them, and Mike had no doubt that they would get at least one.

---

"Star Colonel, we have been cut off." said a dismayed and demoralized mechwarrior.

Star Colonel Evelyn Buhallin snarled in anger. "Do they mean to trap us here? I thought they wanted us to leave." Deep down, she knew what this meant. "What they want is to destroy us utterly."

"What are your orders, Star Colonel?"

"Dispatch our Grendels to burn the woods. We have no choice. We must break through."

Three Grendel mechs advanced, firing their plasma flamers at the needle covered forest floor. Immediately, flames spread like wild. Marching forward behind the Rats were the remaining 12 mechs of the 305^th Assault cluster.

"We’ve got a wildfire on our hands here, Kou." said Mike apprehensively. "It’ll make fighting in these woods unpleasant."

"Hold the line! Take Alpha company and flank them. I want to trap them between me, the flames, and you."

"Roger that."

Kou, holding the back line with three Masakari’s refitted for artillery and his own Vulture in its primary configuration, scanned as the flames moved closer to his position. Sure enough, just beyond the flames, actually in the thick of them, were Clan mechs. A Daishi turned the corner and raised one of its ugly multi-barreled arms at Kou. Kou, undeterred, let loose with his pulse lasers. They tore ugly scars along the arm of the Daishi as its autocannon fired.

Kou switched to his LRMs as he and the Masakari began to back up. Forty LRMs rained down on the machine as a volley of Arrow IV missiles struck it from point blank range. Not designed to be fired directly, Arrow IV were nearly impossible to use in a close combat like this. Still it worked, and the Daishi was nearly crippled as a result.

Kou fired his pulse lasers again, as a warning went off. "Heat level critical." The fire had reached the feet of his mech and was rapidly taxing the already overworked heat sinks of the Vulture.

"This is not going to be easy." thought Kou.

"Kou, we’ve got them cornered." It was Mike.

"Just what I wanted to hear." said Kou with relief and joy. He switched his radio to widebeam. "Jade Falcon commander, you are defeated and surrounded. Further resistance would be suicide. I offer you hegira according to you custom."

"You are Not-Named. We will not honor your offer."

"Alright, Kou. How would a Clansman argue his way out of this one?" Kou thought. "Negative, Star Colonel. I am Kou Fairchild, son of Tan Fairchild of Mallory’s World. I am freeborn of House Davion. I am not of the Not-Named, as you so claim." He paused. "Look at your situation. If you will not accept hegira, then I ask for surrender. Deny both, and I will destroy you to the last mech."

"You are Not-Named, by adoption if not by birth. We will not honor your hegira. But we ask for your terms. We will surrender."

---

Edinburgh
New Belfast
Jade Falcon Occupation Zone
6 April 3052 (Day 6 of the Invasion of New Belfast)

"You’re letting them go?" said James Sebastian in disbelief.

"Yes, what good are they as prisoners." said Juan. "They fought and were defeated. All we want is their mechs. We can let the warriors go."

"They’re Clanners. If you don’t want to deal with POWs, then just shoot them. No one will care."

"I’m not a murderer and despite your reputation as a criminal and scoundrel, I don’t think you are either. Do you want their blood on your hands?"

Sebastian looked down at the floor. "Alright. We let them go. Right now, I think we have other matters to worry about. The First Strikers are on their way in as we speak."

"I know. I have a plan to deal with them too. But I want the members of the 5^th Battle gone before I implement it."

"We don’t have enough time."

"Star Colonel Anu is on her way here now. I will inform her of my decision and then we move on."

"Alright." A knock came at the door.

"Enter." said Juan curtly.

Star Colonel Anu was there with two armed guards. All three attempted to enter the room at the same time. One guard stumbled and Diane seized her chance. She grabbed his auto-pistol and slammed the heavy weapon back into his stomach. The guard catapulted backwards into the hallway.

Juan and Sebastian reached for their guns, but Anu grabbed the other guard and placed the gun against his head. "Drop it. I know your type, Kommandant Miranda. You do not have the stomach to let me hurt this pitiful excuse for a guard. Drop your weapon."

Juan did as she said and watched as Sebastian did so.

"Alright, Star Colonel. You have us. Now what?"

"I will not be dishonored. You have beaten me at every turn. You, pitiful freebirths. Most of you are not even warriors. I will not go back with this defeat over my head." With that, she moved the gun to her own chin and pulled the trigger.

Juan winced as Diane’s lifeless body slumped to the floor. The shaken guard passed out. Sebastian shook his head in disgust.

"What a pitiful excuse. She didn’t have to die for that."

"Get a team in here to clean this up." said Juan emotionlessly. "Honor is everything to them, Sebastian. I don’t understand what just happened any more than you."

"I wonder if the rest will do the same."

"Maybe, maybe not. Get them aboard their ships."

"Okay, Major."

"The latest reports indicate that the 1^st Striker has abandoned Glasgow and is marching northward to engage us here. They should be here by this time tomorrow." said Daisaku, walking in and stepping over the corpse of Diane Anu without looking. He did not seem surprised at her demise. "Time to set up your trap." he said to Juan.

---

MacLeod City
New Belfast
Jade Falcon Occupation Zone
6 April 3052 (Day 6 of the New Belfast Invasion)

The sleek Stingray fighter rolled to a stop at MacLeod City Spaceport. Erik Iolair opened the canopy as tech crews moved in to begin refueling the ship. Mike Koren ran up to greet Erik. Mike had arrived that afternoon with several mechs from 3rd Battalion to shore up the capital in preparation for the assault on the Jaegers, now scheduled for that evening.

A large black limousine with the paired flags of the Federated Commonwealth and the MacLeod duchy pulled away from the spaceport not far from Erik’s fighter.

"They didn’t?" said Mike with disbelief. 

Erik nodded. "Austin couldn’t keep them in check. Rather than throw them in the brig, he let them come down. I think the news about Lisa prompted this."

---

"Your grace, I really must protest this action." complained Joshua. “We are in the process of preparing an attack against the 2^nd Jaeger positions north of here. This visit has cost us time.”

"You said you’d contact me the instant the Clanners were gone. I had heard no word."

"So you bring your family down here in the midst of a battle zone." said Joshua, frustration burying his manners. "We’ve cleared out the Clan from one city. Only one. That’s all."

“Three. Edinburgh, MacLeod City, and Dublin all fly the Lyran flag once again. This battle is nearly over.”

"Not yet, it isn’t. Your station entitles you to a great deal. But it also my sworn duty to protect you, your grace. How can I do that if you keep making it impossible? I cannot guarantee your safety once my forces begin their march northward…" He checked his watch. “Which is scheduled to begin in less than an hour.”

"The castle should be quite safe.”

“You do realize that we are going north, in part, to rescue my wife. Your daughter.”

“That is why I am here.” He said grimly. “She will need her family, once you set her free.”

“You take great risks.” As if on cue, there was a muffled explosion and the room shook. “What was that?" said Joshua.

"Sounded like a missile impact." said Ryan.

"Contact the military base and the port. Find out if either are under attack."

"Yes, sir."

"Sergeant, please show his grace and his family to their chambers. They are confined there until we sort all this out."

The sergeant took the Duke and his family down the corridors they knew so well. He realized that they could go without his presence, but with a possible crisis going on outside, it was better that he was along. He reached down and patted the barrel of his sawed off shotgun.

Up ahead, the wall of the castle crashed inward, filling the corridor with dust. The sergeant drew his shotgun and recoiled with horror as he saw a massive Elemental in battle armor. Its emerald green paint scheme told him it wasn’t friendly.

"Run! Run now!" he screamed at the royals. They turned and bolted. He was about to follow them, but Marian stumbled. on the debris and fell. The elemental advanced on her.

"Oh no you don’t." said the sergeant, filled with new found courage. He leaped at the armored trooper, ramming his shotgun into its viewport. He fired and was horrified when the blast did nothing. He realized too late that buckshot didn’t have enough power to penetrate the armored glass.

The elemental grabbed him with its pincer and slammed him against the wall. It raised its other arm, mounted there was a wicked looking anti-mech machine gun.

"Run, Lady Marian."

The elemental fired, blowing his body apart as dozens of heavy depleted uranium slugs roared out of that machine gun. Gore sprayed everywhere, all over the elemental and all over Marian. Terrified beyond reason, Marian fled. The elemental, blood making it even more horrific to look at, charged after her.

---

Mike Koren’s heavy gyroslug rifle made short work of the one elemental in the courtyard. "Headhunter team." he spat.

"They’ve bagged another on the west tower." called his driver.

"That leaves three left. They’re inside. Along with everyone else."

---

Duke Jameson charged into the command center. Joshua turned, his face showing how cross he was, at least until he saw the look of abject terror on the Duke’s face.

"Your grace! What happened?"

"Big robot-like thing......It came after us. It came through the walls like they were baby blocks."

"Elementals." said Ryan, reaching for a gun.

"Headhunter unit. Damn!" said Joshua. "Where’s Marian?"

"Sir, we’ve got enemy mechs in sector 17. It’s the 2^nd Jaegers."

“They’ve taken the initiative to advance on us.” Joshua looked at Ryan. "I seemed to have misjudged the good Colonel. Sound general quarters. I think, however, he’s going to find us a bit more ready for battle than he anticipated."

"Marian?" asked Duke MacLeod. "You’ve got to save my daughter."

"Where is she?"

"She stumbled and fell behind. She’s with that sergeant."

"Ryan, toss me a gyro-rifle."

"You’re not going out there alone with elementals prowling about."

"I just told the Duke about my duty. That includes all the members of his family."

"I want to go too. I know how to shoot." said Christopher.

"Get a rifle then."

"You just preached to me about duty to protect the royals and you’re letting him go?"

"It’s his sister that’s in danger. I have one too, you know. So did you. You think either one of us would have been able to sit by if one of them was in danger?"

"I’m ready." said Christopher.

"Okay. Now you do exactly what I say. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, sir."

"Let’s go."

---

Mike approached the T-junction with caution. He knew he was only a few dozen meters from the ballroom where Joshua and the other had set up shop. That would be where the elementals would head, although they probably didn’t know where to look just yet. Unless someone led them to it.

Mike heard the sound of bare feet running on the cold stone coming from the left passage. He stepped out and saw Marian barreling down the hall as if the devil himself were after her. He grabbed her and tried to pull her aside. She was frantic and covered with blood. She struggled with him, trying to pull free from his grip. Before he could ask her anything, her pursuer came around the corner. The elemental raised its machine gun to fire.

Mike propelled himself backwards, taking the still struggling Marian with him, Mike closed his eyes as the stones around him exploded from the bullet impacts. Miraculously, neither he nor Marian were hit.

He hit the floor with a thud. Marian worked her way free and fled down the hall he had come in by. He knew it was safe that way.

Mike looked for his gyroslug rifle and saw it was lying against the wall opposite his position. He dove for it, only to feel the elemental’s pincer clamp down on his leg. He grabbed the rifle by its strap, just as the elemental picked him up and slammed him against the ceiling. That knocked the wind out of him, but he held on to the rifle.

The elemental dropped him onto the floor and tried to stomp his head flat. Mike rolled away and into a firing position. The elemental charged him, knocking the rifle aside and grabbing Mike by the neck with its pincer. It hoisted him up and pinned him to the wall.

Another elemental came up the hall behind the first. "Have you found the command center yet?"

"Negative. But I believe it may be down that hallway." The elemental pointed down the hall that led to the ballroom with its machine gun arm. "I will deal with this pest and join you momentarily."

"Yes, Point Commander." The second elemental marched down the hall.

Mike grew desperate. He still had hold of the gyrojet rifle. He spun it up to rest the barrel on the base of the elemental’s pincer and fired. The rocket propelled shell blasted through the metal pincer. Mike promptly fell to the floor as the surprised elemental drew back.

"You will pay for that, freebirth."

"Don’t bet on it." gasped Mike. He rushed after the second elemental, firing several shots from the rifle back at his opponent. The point commander charged after him. Mike darted down a side corridor as the elemental opened fire with its machine gun. Dust filled the hall as the stone walls were chipped and smashed to powder by the heavy slugs.

"You run too much, freebirth. Why not give in to the inevitable?" said the elemental as it approached the corner.

Mike, who was crouched just beyond that corner, opened up his belt pouch and pulled out his mini-grenade. Almost useless against the heavy armor, Mike knew that in order for his plan to work, he had to land it perfectly.

The elemental spun the corner and Mike threw. He dove for the floor as the elemental sprayed the hall with its machine gun. The grenade struck the elemental on the helmet and exploded, blinding the warrior inside. Mike seized his chance. He came up on one knee and held down the trigger. One by one, the finger-sized rockets in his rifle’s clip emptied out, striking the elemental around the face and shoulders. Finally the last rocket was emptied and Mike tossed the rifle away. The elemental crashed over backwards, destroyed.

Now weaponless, Mike didn’t know what he was going to do to stop the other one. He charged after it, hoping he would think of something before it was too late.

---

"I thought I heard gyrojet fire." said Joshua.

"This way. It was just down this hall, " said Christopher, entering the intersection. Joshua grabbed him and pulled back just microseconds before a hail of bullets came roaring past their position.

"Found one." said Joshua. "You go low. I’ll go high. Got it?"

"Got it." Christopher dropped to his knees and darted around the corner, opening fire with his rifle. Joshua stretched over him and opened up as well. The elemental took a few hits, and responded by launching its last SRM.

"Oh shit!" swore Joshua, grabbing Christopher and pulling him down. The missile exploded, shaking the whole castle and filling the corridor with debris. The ceiling caved in and buried Joshua and Christopher.

The elemental, satisfied that its opponents were eliminated, marched on past them to the defenseless command center. Once it was out of earshot, Mike came running up.

"My God."

"Mike, is that you?" said a voice from within the debris.

"General!" said Mike, looking down and seeing his commander half covered with rubble. "Are you alright?"

"I think. Just bruised and battered a bit. Here, take my rifle. Go get that bastard before he kills everyone."

Mike took the undamaged rifle and charged down the corridor after it.

---

"Seal the doors." ordered Ryan. "They’ll be here any minute." He pulled up a Rouynex submachine gun. He knew full well it couldn’t hurt an armored elemental, but it gave him some sense of security anyway.

"Hauptmann Smith, what was that we just heard?"

"That was a missile explosion, your grace. Probably from one of the elementals you encountered. It was awfully close."

"Christopher, my son....." said Duke Jameson, the full impact of impulsiveness finally hitting home. "I’ve killed my son."

A loud thump came from the door a second later. Ryan spun. Several of the Star Swords raised their weapons to open fire.

"Hold you fire!" ordered Ryan. Firing now would only weaken the door. "Wait until it’s in here."

Another thump as the elemental battered the door. The heavy doors shook from the impact. "Those doors are made of four inch thick oak. Even an elemental will have trouble bashing through." said Jameson.

“Not that much trouble.” Said Ryan grimly. He took aim at the door.

With another smash, the door snapped off its hinges and fell inward. The elemental stepped inside. As it did so, a hail of submachine gun fire roared from the troops assembled inside. The elemental returned fire, dicing the Star Swords infantry like they were paper. Ryan and several others dove for cover behind some computer equipment, which the elemental proceeded to shoot at after all other living targets were eliminated.

Ryan crawled across the floor over to where the Duke was cowering. Suddenly, the elemental stopped firing.

The cavalry had arrived.

---

Mike charged down the hall after the elemental. Its machine gun didn’t stop firing for the entire time he ran up to it from the last turn. Mike’s eyes were almost blind from the tears. He’d failed. Now everyone was dead.

"No!!" screamed Mike in rage. He raised the rifle and fired. The first shell ricocheted off the elemental’s helmet, but it got its attention. It turned, turning off its heavy machine gun for a moment. But only for a moment.

Mike dove for the floor when it raised its machine gun arm to fire on him. It fired a short burst over his head and then stopped. Mike was dumbfounded. The elemental was out of ammo.

That didn’t stop it. It rushed after him with murder in its eyes, reaching out with its battleclaw.

Mike fired shot after shot into the elemental, but he couldn’t place them right. Gyrojets could penetrate elemental armor, but only if they hit right. The elemental grabbed him and slammed the claw into his gut. Now with Mike impaled on it, the elemental raised him into the air in triumph.

Mike felt almost no pain; he knew he was going into shock and would pass out within seconds from the blood loss. He dropped the gyrojet rifle’s barrel onto the top of the elemental’s head and held down the trigger. The rifle jammed after the second shot, but no more shots were needed. The elemental fell over onto its back, tossing Mike off of its claw. He rolled across the floor for a few feet and lay still.

Ryan came rushing out into the hallway. "Get me a medical team here immediately." he ordered as knelt down beside Mike. "Thank God you showed up when you did."

---

MacLeod’s Pass
New Belfast
Jade Falcon Occupation Zone
6 April 3052 (Day 6 of the New Belfast Invasion)

"Face me, you cowards." screamed Mechlanthon.

The Second Jaegers looked like ghosts in their white camouflage. Unlike Edinburgh, where its northern latitudes placed it in a colder climate zone, MacLeod City had no snow on the ground. It was late summer, making the Clan mechs contrast sharply with the green earth. Mechlanthon locked onto an enemy Dragonfly and he let off a PPC blast. The shot peeled off most the mech’s center torso armor, which he blasted through a second later with a barrage of LRM fire. The Dragonfly spun on one heel and crashed into the soil.

Nearby, Amanda charged her Loki towards a nearby enemy Vulture. She had a 5 ton advantage on her opponent, but it was an even match. Mechlanthon, fearing for her safety despite that, charged after her. His Clansman sense of honor clashed with his sense of duty to his subordinates. He would not rob her of the kill, but he would move in to protect her if she found herself in over her head.

The first barrage showed that Amanda was anything but overpowered. She landed both PPC hits in the Vulture’s right torso. The shot disintegrated that section of the mech, destroying engine shielding and a heavy LRM launcher. Also lost was the mech’s right arm with its paired lasers.

With one well placed shot, Amanda had given herself the fight. The Vulture had but one flaw in its design: poor armor.

"You needn’t be so protective of my spouse, Star Colonel." said Ryan, his Mad Cat coming forward. "But I appreciate the gesture."

“Glad to see you, Hauptmann. I heard what transpired at the castle.” Said Mechlanthon.

"The others will soon catch up.”

A Ryoken moved up to their position.

"Joshua," said Mechlanthon. "Are you all right?"

"Still a bit sore from nearly getting buried alive. Mike's in pretty bad shape, but the doc thinks he'll recover." reported Joshua. His new Galileo III fired its gauss rifle and pounded armor off of a nearly Falcon Loki as Joshua joined the fight.

"That's good to know."

“Alright, everyone, this is what they pay us the big bucks for. Go to it and make the Jaegers regret their impulsiveness.” Said Joshua. He focused on the Loki, firing his lasers into its right leg. Aimed by Galileo III's targeting computer, the azure beams melted the armor to slag and then the skeleton beneath. The Loki pitched over, out of the fight.

"Good hunting." Mechlanthon marched his mech away as Joshua pulled up alongside Amanda’s Loki.

Ryan and Mechlanthon went to work. Joshua was amazed. Within a minute, the two had destroyed almost an entire star of light mechs between them.

"Going for the numbers. Lights are easy targets in this terrain."

"How about a harder target, Messer?" said a voice. Pryde!

Joshua scanned ahead of him for Dal’s Masakari as Pryde’s grinning face was projected onto his HUD. Two Star Sword mechs, a Ryoken and a Koshi, were blasted apart by PPC barrages. As their carcasses fell away and the smoke cleared, Joshua saw the lethal assault mech staring him in the face.

"Get clear, Amanda." warned Joshua. "This one’s mine."

"You’re seriously outmatched, Joshua. I can’t do that."

Joshua triggered a barrage of lasers at Pryde’s machine. They tore an ugly gash in the frost white paint on the huge 85 ton mech.

"We meet again on the field of battle." said Dal, his face filled with his overbearing self-superiority. "This time I will be the victor. You are no match for me when my mech is at full strength."

"Where’s Lisa, Pryde?" snarled Joshua. "I know you have her. You’re too much of a braggart not to be flaunting her corpse to me if you killed her."

"She is Robert’s concern. Not mine. She and his sibling."

"She is alive!" thought Joshua, finally receiving confirmation of both his greatest hope and his greatest fear.. "And in O’Malley’s hands." He launched a gauss slug at Pryde. The shot slammed into the Masakari’s left leg, smashing armor to powder.

Pryde adjusted his footing and let loose with the weapons of his right arm. Two pulse lasers flashed out from it, striking Galileo III in the shoulder. There was a flash of flame as Joshua saw his left arm, and its gauss rifle, go flying off.

"Forgot, he’s got the advanced targeting computer too." thought Joshua. "This could be painful."

"Give it up. She belongs to Robert now and your life is forfeit. As it should have been four years ago on New Vision."

"Today, we finish our vengeance for that day, Jade Falcon." said Joshua, forgetting himself and the stricture that prevented him from speaking of his origins. It didn't seem to matter anyway.

"Neg, Not-named." said Pryde, making no sign of delight at Joshua’s admission. "I still live, as does Marthe Pryde. It was we who ordered the attack. The murderers you seek live still." With that, Dal let loose with his PPCs. Both connected in a line across the Ryoken’s right arm and torso. Nearly three tons of armor evaporated in the plasma streams and Galileo III was tossed backwards by the impact.

"Watch as I take you apart piece by piece." Dal fired again, blasting armor off of the Galileo III’s left leg with a pulse laser.

“Damnit!” Joshua swore to himself. “I just got this new mech and he’s pounding it to scrap already!”

"It is too bad you have coupled with Lisa. If she has conceived another of your tainted kind, I will be forced to destroy her."

"What does he mean by that?" thought Joshua. "Could it be....." Fury tore through him as his first guess came to his mind: Lisa is with child, my child.

"Never!" swore Joshua in rage. He pressed down the triggers for all his weapons. Four lasers slammed into the frost white Masakari. Dal’s huge mech reeled from the impacts, but it was not enough. The Masakari was just too powerful.

Joshua backed Galileo III away. "The game ends now, Messer." Dal let loose with everything. Both PPCs and both large lasers smashed into the already badly damaged Ryoken. The other arm snapped off, right at the elbow. The lasers cut through what little torso armor was left and then proceeded to burn through Joshua’s engine shielding and gyroscopic balance system. With its sense of balance damaged, Galileo III teetered for a few seconds before crashing over on its side. Joshua’s cockpit went black.

Desperate, Joshua unstrapped himself and crawled over to the hatch. He forced it open and crawled out. As he stood up, he noticed the scene around him for the first time. Battered mechs from both sides were scattered about. The green grass of summer had been burnt black by the lethal weapons of the battlemechs still slugging it out outside of MacLeod City.

The ground shook and Joshua turned to see Pryde’s massive mech towering over him. As Joshua expected, the huge barrels of the mech’s four big guns lowered to point at him.. Joshua looked about. It was open ground. Nowhere to run.

"This ends here. It is too bad you are of the Not-Named, Joshua. You are one of the few worthy opponents I have had in this invasion. It is almost a shame to waste you like this." said Pryde over a loudspeaker.

Dal's Masakari shook as two blue-white PPC blasts tore into it. Joshua spun to see Amanda's Loki moving in for the attack. Behind her, he could see Mechlanthon's Grendel and Ryan's Mad Cat.

Dal swore in rage, knowing he was soon to be overrun. The Masakari began to move. "All Jaegers retreat. We have done enough for one day. The battle is ours. And soon so will the war."

---

Edinburgh
New Belfast
Jade Falcon Occupation Zone
6 April 3052 (Day 6 of the New Belfast Invasion)

"1^st Strikers are roughly 45 klicks south of the city." said Kacey. "They are closing rapidly and will be here within the hour."

"Is everything in place?" asked Daisaku..

"Yes, and they’ve undoubtedly seen the 5^th Battle’s dropship retreat." added Sebastian. "Just what are you up to anyway, Miranda? Your harebrained schemes have worked so far, but how long is that going to last?"

"Yes, one Overlord class dropship has left for orbit." said Juan in a matter-of-fact manner. "Who’s to say that wasn’t the Star Swords’ sole dropship? Once we are hailed, that’s what the Strikers are going to find out. We’ve pulled off one good hoax so far. I think we’re on a roll."

"Hard to believe you’re the voice of reason here, James." said Kacey to Sebastian.

"These Star Swords are crazier than I am. Okay, so the Strikers think that only Clanners are left in the city. What will that accomplish?"

"A false sense of security. We’ve set up a pseudo-camp on the southern perimeter of the city. All the Star Sword mechs are there, hidden. The 5^th Battle mechs that we’ve captured are all out in the open. The trick is to overwhelm them. It’s a perfect ambush and it’s only made worse by the fact that they are going to think that there are more of us than there are. Some the Star Sword mechs have rebels behind the controls. All they’re there for is show. The captured mechs all have Star Sword pilots."

"Now wait a minute." interrupted Sebastian. "You are putting my rebels, totally inexperienced in mech combat, on the front lines against Clan pilots. It’s virtual suicide for them."

"They aren’t going to fight, at least not for real, and all my men have standing orders to obliterate at all costs any Clanners who try to pick fights with the rebels."

"What do you mean ‘not for real?’"

"Their mechs have a preprogrammed fire sequence built in. It’ll just shoot off the weapons for show and convince any casual observer that they are in the thick of the fray."

"It’ll never work." said Sebastian.

"I hate to agree with the porno producer, Juan." said Daisaku. "But this one’s a stretch."

"I know. But it’s this or the city is destroyed. It can’t take another mech battle within its limits. The civilian casualties from the battle are already astronomical. I don’t want those numbers to get any larger."

"Better to kill rebels and Star Swords than innocents." agreed Sebastian. "Bloody ugly tradeoff."

"Hopefully, it won’t come to that. Let’s do it."

---

"The enemy has been driven off with high losses. Victory is ours, Star Colonel. We require assistance in quelling the remaining rebel forces within the city." said Juan into his radio, silently praying that the Clanners would buy it.

"Those rebels are still giving you trouble. These people are tenacious." said Star Colonel Rand Hoyt. "By the way, Star Captain, why is Star Colonel Anu unavailable?"

"She has received severe battle injuries and has placed me in command. We have made a temporary camp on the south perimeter of the city. Please have your mechs join us there. Fifth Battle out."

The 1^st Strikers commander pulled up the satellite data on the area around Edinburgh. It still showed sizable portions of the city ablaze. On the south border were a handful of mechs, no doubt the 5^th Battle’s handful of survivors.

"Stravag, we still bear the scars of Garrison. Gyrfalcon Galaxy will be little more than a single cluster if this war of attrition continues." Hoyt opened his channel for all his cluster to hear. "Star Colonel Anu’s victory is hard fought, especially considering that she may be on her deathbed. The Star Captain wants us to shore up his defenses, but I do not like the idea of massing all of our forces in one place. Star Captain Andrew."

"Yes, Star Colonel."

"Take your nova and scout the east perimeter. Take up position in Sector 14 and hold there until ordered otherwise."

"Sir, the Star Captain said....."

"He is just that, a Star Captain. I command this cluster, not him. Your unit will separate. The rest of us will move in." He lowered his voice. "This smells like a trap."

---

"Juan, some of the enemy mechs are breaking off. They appear to be flanking the main force." said Daisaku.

Sebastian’s voice piped in. "Get my men out of there. They’re on to you."

"Hold tight and shut up, Sebastian. War is often times an elaborate game of chicken. If we blink too soon, this whole operation is blown. Let’s sit tight and see what they’re doing."

"Wait a minute. The secondary force has broken off completely and is heading northeast."

"He’s spreading out, trying to weaken us by forcing us to divide our forces. Too obvious, I should have suspected he’d be cautious."

"What do we do now?"

"Stick with the plan. Breaking up may keep us from hitting him all at once, but it weakens the force he sends to rendezvous with us. A easier kill for us."

"Divide and conquer." added Sebastian. "He’s setting himself up for it."

"Exactly. This only prolongs the inevitable for them."

"Radio silence in thirty seconds. Enemy force ETA 5 minutes."

"You heard him. Shut up and sit tight."

Over the flat plains that surrounded Edinburgh, Juan could see the bulk of the enemy force closing with them. With one trinary gone, the cluster was reduced to roughly 15 mechs with comparable levels of aerospace and elemental support. The Star Swords and the rebels combined about 40 mechs, with no elementals or aerospace. It wasn’t as much of a margin as Juan would have liked, but he would take whatever he could get.

"Wait until the lead mechs are within 300 meters and then give the signal." thought Juan to himself. His hand hovered over the radio switch that would transmit the signal to his forces to begin the attack.

Largely oblivious to the trap they were marching into, the 1^st Falcon Strikers lumbered forward in the snow. "Star Captain, what is the overall condition of your unit?"

Surprised to be contacted again, Juan spoke up. "We are fairly beat up, sir. Our repair supplies are almost gone and we’ve dwindled our ammunition stores away." He paused. "Our forces remained weakened by Garrison. We did not have the power to defeat such an organized resistance."

"I did not request commentary, Star Captain. I am fully aware of what Garrison has done to our clusters. Your ammunition condition?"

Depleted. Energy only at this point."

"Our stores are still full, but we have not received any of the surplus stores we were supposed to from MacLeod City." Hoyt’s mech was now only 300 meters away from Juan.

"That’s because the Star Swords blasted them to kingdom come." He slammed his fist down on the switch and the snow around him seemed to explode as the 30 Star Sword mechs revealed themselves. Juan opened fire on the leader, throwing everything Diane Anu’s Thor could throw into the enemy Daishi.

The barrage of fire from the initial attack all but devastated most of the 1^st Strikers’ forces. Most light mechs were blown apart like firecrackers and many mediums were severely damaged. Only the handful of heavy and assault mechs present came through without too much trouble. Confused and in total disarray, the Clanners fell back.

"Press the attack! Charge!" Juan brought his mech up to a full run. He glanced to one side to see Daisaku in a stolen Black Hawk running alongside him.

"This one’s for Miranda." he heard Daisaku say with a grim anger to his voice. With that, he knew they would win the day.

---

Castle MacLeod
New Belfast
Jade Falcon Occupation Zone, Federated Commonwealth
7 April 3052 (Day 7 of the New Belfast Invasion)

Duke Jameson knocked on the door of Joshua’s quarters. "Enter" was the response. He stepped inside to see Joshua holding his old laser blaster in one hand and a photograph of Lisa in the other.

"I certainly hope you don’t intend to do anything drastic with that." said the Duke, pointing to the gun.

"No." said Joshua, setting down the photo. He reached over and began to disassemble the pistol. "I was about to clean my weapon when I noticed the photo."

"I know what you are going through, Joshua. She may be your wife, but she is also my daughter. I somehow get the sense though that you blame yourself for what happened to her. She knew....."

"She’s alive." Joshua retorted. "I know for sure now."

"You never doubted that." Said the Duke. “Is it as we feared?”

“Yes. Pryde told me. She’s alive and O’Malley has her."

"Dear God in heaven." said the Duke aghast.

"I am going after her." Joshua set down the pistol and picked up his sword. He swung the blade up to examine it closely. "You didn’t come here to talk about Lisa." he said without looking at the Duke.

"Actually I did." He held up the sheet of paper in his hand. "I was just using this as an excuse. It’s a report from Juan Miranda. It appears that he and the rebels have all been successful. Edinburgh is secure and firmly within the hands of the Star Swords. The 5^th Battle and the 1^st Falcon Strikers have been driven off-world."

"Only the 2^nd Jaegers remain." said Joshua, continuing his examination of Anduril. "Pryde won't leave, not until he has finished what he tried to do earlier. So much the better. He has what I want." Joshua stood up, holstering his gun and sliding Anduril into its scabbard. "The final battle is at hand."

“What are you proposing?”

“Trust me.” Said Joshua, giving the Duke an affectionate pat on the shoulder. He headed out the door without another word.

---

Second Jaegers Staging Area
New Belfast
Jade Falcon Occupation Zone, Federated Commonwealth
7 April 3052 (Day 7 of the New Belfast Invasion)

Galaxy Commander Marthe Pryde paced the floor in frustration. "I am losing patience quickly, Dal. I will not be handed the greatest defeat in Jade Falcon history because of some mad vendetta of yours."

"It is not over yet."

"Three clusters are defeated, plus a garrison unit nearly annihilated." snarled Marthe with indignation. "It all falls on you. Sometimes, I think you arrange things that way."

"Be careful what accusations you levy, Commander." said Pryde sternly.

"Without resupply, our forces are impotent against the Star Swords." said Marthe, changing the subject. "Like it or not, they are facing us on our terms and defeating us soundly."

"And they are wearing themselves out. Half of Edinburgh lies burning, civilian casualties in the thousands. From the sounds of it, Dublin will be no better off. They are winning, but at what cost? How much longer can a group of mostly New Belfast natives go on slaughtering their own people? Never mind the exhaustion they must be facing from seven full days of fighting and the battle damage they have sustained."

"You are mad. The Star Swords are drunk with victory, not wallowing in sorrow at the countless civilians their war of liberation has killed."

"Drunk men make fatal mistakes." said Dal, twisting her argument. "I have Messer right where I want him. If you do not have the stomach to deliver his head to the Khan, then you can leave and I will take that honor."

"If I leave, your cluster goes with me. I will make my decision by morning." With that Marthe stormed out, nearly knocking Robert O’Malley over as she did so.

"What was that all about?"

"She is right." said Pryde with dejection. "The Swords have won the day. New Belfast is theirs."

"We're not done yet." said O'Malley. "Messer lives."

"Oh, yes. We need him, or one of the others to prove the survival of the Not-Named. But I am not worried."

"Messer will come to us." said Robert, finishing Dal's thought.

"Exactly. We have his whore." said Pryde. "He will chase us to ends of the universe to free her, and when he does I will have him." Pryde stood up and looked at Robert. "Prepare the cluster for withdrawal. Once we have our proof, I can convince Marthe to authorize orbital strikes from our warships. The Swords may win, but they will suffer the fate of all those under the Bloodrite. They will die, all of them."

---

Lisa tried to stretch out, but the bindings that held her hands behind her prevented it. She looked at the clock and saw that it was nearly one in the afternoon. "I hate this. All I can do with these bonds is lie in bed and wait for Robert to get horny again." She shivered as the thought came to her mind. She then sensed the presence of someone else in the tent. It was Richard, coming around the bed into her field of view.

A conditioned response of complete terror took Lisa as she saw him move closer. He stopped short of the bed and stood there, watching Lisa’s panicked face. She forced away her fear and looked upon him with loathing.

"You're angry because I stopped you from killing him." He said flatly.

Lisa's hateful eyes spoke her affirmative. “You son-of-a-bitch. You watch him do what he does to me and yet you do nothing. Robert is right about one thing. You are a coward.”

“You mean nothing to me, Lady Lisa. My brother is all that matters.”

“You don’t have much time.” Warned Lisa. “My husband is coming. Your brother will die.”

“Have you so much faith in him? The entirety of a Clan galaxy stands against him.”

“A battered and beaten galaxy, led by a man obsessed who is advised by your mad brother. Yeah, I have faith. The Star Swords will win and your brother will die, and by God, I hope you as well.” Her voice broke. "You're as much a monster as he is." She began to cry.

Robert marched in and Lisa recoiled to the edge of the bed automatically. “Crying?” he said. “I see my discipline has been working."

“Hurry, Joshua. I can’t hold out much longer.” Lisa prayed silently.

"Come here, Lisa." Robert said sternly.

Lisa stood up. It was difficult, but not impossible with her hands tied behind her. She walked over to Robert. She looked down to the floor, avoiding his gaze. "We will soon have company. You cannot go about dressed like this. Turn around."

Lisa did so, and Robert released the shackles that kept her arms behind her. She rubbed her wrists and contemplated wrapping her hands about Robert’s neck, but in her weakened condition she knew she would not be fast enough before either Robert or Richard would restrain her again.

Robert looked at Richard. "In that chest, you shall find some of her things that I took from the castle. There is a nightgown among them. Bring it to me."

Richard turned and did as told. He brought the pale white nightgown over to his brother. Lisa recognized it. It was made of a silk-like material spun by the Giant Harvester Spiders of the Lyran world of Alarion. It was nearly transparent and Lisa remembered the day she’d gotten it. It had been the Christmas of 3047, the one time she’d managed to get home during her time at NAMA. She’d spent a great deal of time with Daniel, but at one point her sister Miranda pulled her aside and handed her a present. "Wear it for Dan." she told Lisa. She did, for the first time they’d made love. The brief thought of Daniel’s tender touch was immediately dashed by an violent memory of Robert, any of several, violating her. She recoiled at it.

“Damn you. That was a gift.” Said Lisa weakly.

"From Joshua?" queried Robert. "Or Daniel?" He smiled wickedly and whispered in her ear. "How does it feel to know my taint is everywhere now? Even within your memories, you will find me. There is no refuge. You are mine, and always will be."

The ripping sound of the tent door being pulled open interrupted Robert. He turned surprised. Dal Pryde and his lackey David entered with two giant elemental soldiers.

"Naked and helpless as a babe." said Dal in reference to Lisa.

"What do you want, Star Colonel?" said Robert indignantly.

"It is almost nightfall. There is no sign. I expect him to arrive then at dawn."

Lisa let out a sigh of relief.

"Your precious knight in shining armor comes.” said Robert in a taunting voice. "He is walking right into our trap."

Dal moved over to her. "She is a wreck. You have done well in breaking her spirit."

"A work of art." said David maliciously. "I knew you were capable of it. A work of pure genius." Richard glared balefully at both men.

Dal responded. "Come, David. Robert has preparations to make. So do we."

---

Castle MacLeod
New Belfast
Jade Falcon Occupation Zone, Federated Commonwealth
8 April 3052 (Day 8 of the New Belfast Invasion)

Joshua worked through his practice routine, wincing periodically as he strained a bruised muscle here and there. He stopped as he saw others approach. He walked over to get a drink of water. It wasn't exactly a graceful walk; more of a limp.

"Joshua, are you alright?" It was Mechlanthon.

"I'll be fine, Mechlanthon. I just had a few hundred pounds of brick and mortar land on top of me the other day. I'm pretty sore."

"You're going after her, quiaff?"

"I promised her I would protect her, and that bastard O'Malley has her."

“Pryde will kill you if you go.” Said Mechlanthon flatly. “And then he will know. He will have his proof. All that seeks. Is the life of your wife worth seeing every world between here and Terra burn?”

“I made a promise to her, Mechlanthon. A word of honor. That I would stand with her no matter what happens.”

"This is suicide."

"I don’t believe so."

“You are suspected rightly of being Not-Named. You are dezgra. Pryde will not honor any parley, any safcon you ask of him. He will kill you on sight.”

“O’Malley will not let him.”

“And you put your faith that your worst enemies will restrain one another enough for you to bid for Lisa’s freedom?” asked Mechlanthon. “It is an unwise gamble.”

“Then what should I do? Leave her to die? Pryde will kill her once her usefulness to him is ended, assuming O’Malley doesn’t do it himself.”

“No,” said Mechlanthon. “You must go. Honor demands it, as you say. But do not go alone. You will need an advocate. One who will speak for you. One that Pryde will listen to.”

“And you have someone in mind?”

“I do.”