Skye
Skye March, Federated Commonwealth
23 November 3050
The Ferret light transport helicopter landed on the tarmac at the 11th's base. Juan was already there along with the watch commander and General Harrington. Joshua disembarked, with Erik and Lisa close behind. Harrington appeared to have just arrived himself.
Harrington walked over to the watch commander. "What's happened?"
"Sir, they attacked their guards and escaped. They've stormed the command center and have taken control of it, demanding to speak to the commander of our facility. They won't speak to me."
"Hostages?" asked Harrington.
“No, sir. All the staff that was in the building was forced out. No one was kept behind.”
“Not in their nature to take hostages.” Said Joshua. “There’s no honor in hiding behind an innocent, something this particular Clan commander holds in high regard.” He turned to the watch commander. "Give me your megaphone."
"What are you doing? You're not the commander here." demanded Harrington.
"Sit down and shut up, General." Snarled Joshua. "These are my prisoners not yours."
Harrington growled to himself and backed down.
"What are you planning?" asked Lisa.
“Trust me.” He said, removing his belt where his pistol and sword hung.
“Unarmed?” exclaimed Lisa.
“They won’t shoot an unarmed man.” He walked forward towards the building.
He raised the megaphone and walked towards the milling crowd. "Attention, members of Clan Jade Falcon, I am General Joshua Messer. It was I who captured you aboard your warship. Who among you would speak for you?"
"I will." said a young blond-haired man, moving the edge of the crowd. Joshua recognized him as the man from New Vision.
“We have met twice before, Star Colonel, but I have not yet had the pleasure of your name.”
"I am Star Colonel Mechlanthon of Clan Jade Falcon, of the bloodline of Buhallin. I served as Falconer in the Gyrfalcon Eyrie cluster, then commanded the 7th Emerald Fusiliers. I welcome your offer to negotiate."
"I recognize thee and greet thee, Star Colonel." At that, Mechlanthon walked forward. Joshua did not notice Erik wince at the use of the Wolverine greeting. To Erik, it seemed Joshua was playing far too loosely with the First Edict.
Of course, what Erik didn’t know is that Mechlanthon already knew who and what Joshua was.
“What is it that you want?” asked Joshua.
“Honor. You have taken us prisoner and treated us like bandits and scum. We are warriors. We deserve better.”
“And how shall I grant you this honor?” asked Joshua. He already knew the answer, but he suspected certain protocol was in place.
“You understand our people well, Not-Named. We seek either our own glorious death or yours.” Behind Joshua, Erik stiffened at the mention of the phrase “Not-Named.” The game was up. Erik now knew that Mechlanthon knew
“Because I am Not-Named?” continued Joshua.
“You know our law, handed down for generations.”
“So be it. Let there be a circle of equals.”
“What is he doing?” asked Harrington, watching from afar.
“Playing the game by their rules.” Said Juan. “Joshua must have something in mind.”
Joshua signaled back to his friends and motioned them to come forward. At the same time, a group of Clanners came out of the building and formed a half circle behind Mechlanthon.
“Line up as they have behind me. Form a half circle.” He instructed.
“Joshua, what are you doing?” asked Lisa.
“Trust me.” He repeated.
“In this solemn affair, let no one intervene.” Said Mechlanthon formally. At that, he rushed towards Joshua.
Joshua’s warrior training had included not just swordplay and mech combat, but also many unarmed techniques. Mechlanthon’s charge was reckless; he left himself no defense. Joshua sidestepped and brought his knee up into the Clanner’s gut. Mechlanthon staggered and Joshua gave him a solid shove to knock him off his feet.
“Please, Star Colonel. At least make it interesting.” Joshua taunted. “If you want me dead, you’re going to have to do better than that.”
Mechlanthon came to his feet swinging. Joshua dodged right and left, avoiding Mechlanthon’s frenzied punches, but also unable to find an opening of his own. Mechlanthon soon tired and threw a wild punch that took him too far. Joshua had his opening.
With a powerful thrust, Joshua planted his fist into Mechlanthon’s midsection, sending the Clanner’s breath whistling through his teeth. With a kick, he hooked his foot behind Mechlanthon’s shin and yanked his leg out from under him. Mechlanthon dropped on his back. Joshua dropped on top of him, planting his knee in Mechlanthon’s sternum and pinning him to the ground.
“Finish me.” Said Mechlanthon in an almost desperate tone. “You promised to kill me.”
“I made no such promise, Star Colonel. Besides, why should I? You are more valuable alive.”
“To who? You, a Not-Named, took me prisoner. I failed in my duties to genocide your people on your planet and for that I was cursed to lead a reserve unit of washed-up old men and virgin boys in our invasion. I have no honor left. None of us do.”
“To the Falcons, perhaps.” Joshua stood up. “You were ‘cursed,’ you say? For what? Sparing innocents? They call that cowardice? They call that dishonor?” Joshua offered his hand to bring Mechlanthon to his feet. Mechlanthon took it and stood.
“You made a choice. You knew it was barbaric to fire on unarmed and defenseless civilians and you knew there would be consequences for it. But not all of them are negative.”
Joshua stepped back to address all of them. “It is said that you have no honor. Why? Because others have placed this judgment upon you. They say I have no honor, but I have now bested your commander in a Circle of Equals. We, all of us, are accused of dishonor, but I say that those who make this accusation are liars. They lie to cover their own shame. The shame that they have dumped upon all of you. They have called you cowards, incompetent, past your prime. They lie. You are none of these things. You know this, in your warrior hearts. I say we avenge ourselves upon these liars, upon those who would deceive to cover their own dishonor. What say you, warriors of Clan Jade Falcon? Will you join with us? Join with the Star Swords? What say you?”
The crowd cheered at Joshua’s words, but the man to his side looked downcast.
“What you ask, I cannot do.”
“Why not? Is what I said any less true for you, Mechlanthon? Have they not shamed you with false accusations of cowardice and incompetence?”
“No, because I know who and what you are.” He whispered.
“And why is that still an issue? Do you truly think that those who accused you and lied about you would be honest about me and my people? All we wanted was the freedom to choose our own destiny and for the audacity to desire that, we were hunted down. Of what crime were the people of New Vision guilty, Mechlanthon, that your Jade Falcons would firebomb us and gun us down in the streets?”
“Of being born Not-Named.”
“And what sort of crime is that? Those who would make it so are the ones without honor. You no longer owe them anything. Join us.” Joshua extended his hand.
Mechlanthon hesitated, still uncertain, but then took Joshua in hand. “So be it. I am a Star Sword now. May I die as a Star Sword, slaying the Star Sword’s enemies.”
Star Swords Staging Area
Skye
Skye March, Federated Commonwealth
30 November 3050
Star Colonel Mechlanthon marched over to Joshua from across the hanger floor. Joshua smiled as he saw the Clanner move towards him with military precision. "You may have once been my enemy, Mechlanthon, but I will admit that I much prefer you in uniform than in prisoner garb."
"Report, Star Colonel."
"The mechs you have selected for tomorrow’s wargame are prepped and ready to go. I do have a concern however, one that has been bothering me for some days.”
“And that is?”
“It is clear to me that whatever magnanimity you and the Star Swords have shown us as former Jade Falcons, it is not shared by those who serve under General Harrington. There have been…incidents.”
“It’s not just with your Jade Falcons.” Said Joshua. “Although they make an obvious target. Harrington’s been doing everything in his power to provoke and embarrass us. He’s been using his influence to subtly turn the populace against us as well. The general appears to have some friends in the local media.”
Joshua rubbed his head, trying to work his headache out. He continued. “Bad enough we’re on Skye, a world already somewhat infamous for its rebellious character. Worse that we are a unit created under orders from a Davion prince. Worst still, we have invited our Jade Falcon prisoners to serve with us as instructors, allowing them freedom of movement. I won’t compromise the latter, but it would probably be prudent for all of us, Jade Falcons especially, to remain on base.”
“Were he Clan, I would have already called a Trial of Grievance against him.”
“Don’t tempt me.” Said Joshua, half-serious.
“I await further orders."
"Yes, Mechlanthon, I do have something else for you. The roster of my command company contains only 11 mechwarriors. I would appreciate your guidance and therefore would like for you to be the twelfth."
"Thank you, sir. I will assume that role with honor."
"Go back, get some rest, report here tomorrow dressed for battle."
"Yes, sir. I will see you then."
Lisa walked up behind Joshua as Mechlanthon walked away. "His personality's just a bit flat, don't you think?"
"He is a Clanner, Lisa.”
“So are you, but you’re not like that.”
"My Clan was exiled long ago and we developed our society very differently. I understand how he came to be the way he is because of our common origin, but my people and his are not very much alike." Joshua paused. "As a favor, I’d like it if you’d not speak so casually of my origins. Our people prized their secrecy. In fact, it was our highest law. I’d rather everyone just thought I was just like everyone else. At worst, I’m some sort of Periphery refugee. But, to anyone, do not mention my Clan origins."
Lisa nodded. "I’m sorry."
"Don’t be. I should have spoken of this sooner. It’s what we call the First Edict."
“You told Juan the other day.”
“I had been somewhat remiss there as well, something I then moved to remedy. The command staff should know, but our troops, they have enough on their mind. They might misconstrue our origins and question our loyalty to the
"Are you ready? For everything?"
“Tonight, birthday party. Check. Tomorrow, war games.” He glanced down at his personal data assistant, listing the “mission” and the troop assignments. “Check. Next weekend, my wedding.”
“You’d better be ready for that.”
“This is insane. To put all this so close together.”
“We had little choice. The reception hall was only available on the 7th at such short notice.”
“When are we leaving for tonight?”
"An hour and a half from now. I suggest you get back and get showered up. It's bad form to be late for your birthday celebration."
“Yes, dear.” He said teasingly. “At least, it’s not a surprise party this time.” He groaned.
"Stop looking at this as work. You’re turning 20, you little runt. This is a celebration, a party, a time to relax. And you need a break."
"Who's coming?"
"All the NAMA folks: You, me, Ryan, Erik, Matthew, Isaac, Kou, and Mike. Plus Ryan and Erik are bringing their girlfriends. Just a little cozy get together. Alright. I'll see you in a few minutes."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joshua was trying to relax, but he was also keenly aware that this place was a hang out for troops from the 11th FedCom. He didn’t want to be on edge, but what Mechlanthon had reported rang true. Harrington and his troops were spoiling for a fight, any reason to embarrass the Star Swords and vindicate his arrogant and dangerous request of command to disband them.
He picked up his drink, his third, in an effort to calm his anxious nerves. It wasn’t just Harrington. It was everything. The stress of his life, including his excitement over his wedding day, was nearly overwhelming. All around him the club buzzed with life and energy.
Lisa was sitting at his side. Everyone else was out on the dance floor, contributing to the giant amoebic mass of people enjoying themselves. "You want to join the others?" asked Lisa.
Joshua shook his head. As if on cue, Ryan Smith and Amanda returned to the table. Amanda was wearing a skin-tight mini-skirt and tank-top, which made the unattached males at the party drool profusely and made Joshua and Erik suffer discretely. Lisa and Michelle were both quite attractive, but their beauty was different. Amanda, on the other hand, seemed to project her sexuality like an aura.
"How do you do it, Ryan?" thought Joshua with a smile. He looked over at Lisa, who turned to stare him in the eyes. She smiled. "Then again, how do I do it? First Gwen and now Lisa. I don’t do so badly myself."
"You know who we should have brought along tonight?" said Ryan to Joshua. "Hauptmann Miranda. That man knows how to party. When we were on Here, he took us out one night to this club."
Ryan shook his head as if shaking off the effects of his drinks. "That's the last time I had this much fun." He exclaimed.
Kou sat down with his "date," actually just some club-goer that he'd picked up. "I remember that night. You were so plastered."
"Ryan? Never!" said Joshua in feinted surprise.
Ryan laughed. "Oh, yeah."
"He started hitting on every female in the place. He finally found one that was as drunk and as horny as he was. I won't tell you what she looked like."
"Amanda, are you sure you want to hear about this one?" said Joshua.
“Just as long as he doesn’t get any ideas tonight.” She said with a nudge to Ryan’s gut.
“Oh, I don’t think so.” He said, his eyes taking her in.
"Anyway...." continued Kou, "Like I was saying, Ryan was about to take this girl somewhere were they could do it. Matt and I had to intervene, of course, so that our dear friend and comrade-at-arms didn’t do something that he was going to regret for a very long time. I've never seen Ryan so upset in all my life. He was so drunk he was either propositioning me and Matthew on the way back to base or threatening to kill us."
"Ryan, you didn't?" said Amanda.
"I wasn't exactly in control of myself." said Ryan calmly. His cheeks were red from embarrassment.
“Perhaps, it is best if you stop drinking then, lest you repeat said story.” Said Amanda.
“Yeah, she’s a keeper alright.” Said Joshua to his friend. “Anyone who can keep you out of trouble is a plus in my book.”
To that, Ryan chuckled. Erik Iolair walked up to the table and sat down. "What's so funny?"
"I was just telling Joshua about the night Juan took us out on Here." said Kou. "You missed the story."
"When Ryan got drunk?" said Erik. "You’ve told it to me before."
“Do all my friends know all these embarrassing things about me?” said Ryan with feigned exasperation. “None of you are going to let me forget that.”
“What are friends for?” asked Joshua. Ok, now he was enjoying himself.
"Yeah, we should have invited Juan." said Erik. "I didn't think of that."
"Juan's got a head full of stories he can tell about the parties he's been to." said Ryan, trying to distract the group from the embarrassing story about him.
“Oh, you’re not weaseling out of this one so easily.” Said Erik.
“Well, if it isn’t the kiddy brigade?” interrupted a voice. A drunken soldier from the 11th FedCom stood over them.
“As you were, Corporal.” Said Joshua sternly.
“No uniform, no orders.” Slurred the drunken soldier. He opened his mouth to speak again, but Joshua cut him off.
“Friend, you do not want this go where you’re pushing it. My friends and I are enjoying a nice evening out. I suggest you do the same...elsewhere.”
“Fucking traitor.” Snarled the soldier staggering into the center of the group. With a shove, he knocked Amanda off balance. Ryan made to catch her as Joshua bolted to his feet. With lightning fast reflexes, he landed a solid punch in the drunken man’s gut.
“No uniform, no consequences.” Said Joshua snidely as the man slumped against him and then dropped to the floor.
“I think that’s our cue.” Said Ryan, helping Amanda to her feet.
“Yeah, best go fetch the others before this guy’s friends come looking for him…and us.”
Skye
Skye March, Federated Commonwealth
7 December 3050
Joshua twitched in his dress uniform, nervous quite literally as a bridegroom. Next to him stood Daisaku, Erik, and Ryan as they awaited the procession of the bridal party.
“You know, she’ll never look more beautiful to you than she will when you see her walk down that aisle.” Whispered Erik in Joshua’s ear.
Joshua gave his friend a playful shove and tried to keep the surge of emotions within him under control. He wasn’t certain he could. He felt so naked and vulnerable up there, in front of the entire regiment of the Star Swords, as well as Lisa’s family.
“Stop twitching, Joshua. What are you afraid of?” whispered Daisaku.
Always the voice of wisdom, Daisaku’s question allowed Joshua to focus. What was he afraid of? Did he genuinely think Lisa wasn’t going to be there?
The music began and the bridal attendants began to march in. First, Lisa’s sister Marian, then Amanda, and lastly Michelle. The priest entered and took his place to Joshua’s left.
Joshua let out his breath, trying to expel his growing excitement and nerves as the music changed and the ancient Wedding March from Wagner began. Lisa entered and began to process up the aisle as the entire gathered assembly stood.
Joshua forgot to breathe as he saw her. Erik’s comment had proven true and he was enraptured. Erik gave him a playful nudge of his own. “Breathe, Joshua.”
Joshua sucked in a nervous breath as Lisa reached his side. She smiled at him and took him in hand. Together, they turned to the priest.
The priest began the wedding ceremony with a welcome and the customary prayers. Joshua was not a religious man, few Clansmen of any stripe were, but Lisa was Roman Catholic from birth and it was her decision to have a religious ceremony.
Joshua mimicked Lisa as she responded appropriately to the prayers. The priest smiled at the couple and opened his Bible. “I would like to read a passage from Paul first letter to the ancient of
If I speak in the tongues of humans and of angels,
but lack love, I am nothing more than a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have the power of
prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have such
faith as to move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all that I have,
and if I surrender my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
Love
is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on
its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in
the truth. It bears
all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love
never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues,
they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. We know only in
part, and we prophesy only in part; but when that which is complete comes, that which is
partial will end. When
I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a
child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. For now we see as in a mirror
darkly,* but then we will see face to face. Now
I know only in part; but then I will know fully, even as I have been fully
known. But for now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest
of these is love.
“Now we come to the fun part.” Declared the priest playfully. “If you would turn to each other and repeat, each in turn, after me. Joshua, you go first.”
Joshua nodded and repeated the words of the vow as the priest recited them. In his anxiety, there was no way he was going to memorize or remember anything. “In the presence of God and of this community, I, Joshua, take you, Lisa, to be my wife to have and to hold from this day forward, in joy and in sorrow, in plenty and in want, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, as long as we both shall live. This is my solemn vow.”
Lisa then did likewise as the priest recited her vow for her. Joshua then reached behind him as Erik handed him Lisa’s ring.
“Lisa, I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow.” Began Joshua, again repeating the lines the priest fed him. He slid the ring on her finger. “With all that I am and all that I have, I honor you.”
Lisa placed his ring on his finger and repeated the words similarly.
“Joshua and Lisa, by their promises before God and in the presence of
these witnesses, have joined themselves to one another as husband and wife.
Those whom God has brought together, let no one put asunder.”
Jade Falcon Occupation Zone, Federated Commonwealth
7 December 3050
“This insurrection will no longer be tolerated.” Snarled Star Captain David.
Robert O’Malley let out his breath in anger as the young man, barely out of his teens, chastised him. Dal Pryde and his 2nd Jaegers had since left New Belfast in the hands of a second line garrison under David’s command. They had left Robert in charge as military governor, ruling over the people and acting as liaison between them and the Jade Falcons. It was a thankless job. Its power was illusory and there was no prestige in being seen as a collaborator with the enemy.
“What would you have me do? I know the man behind all this.” He said, sweeping his hands over the photographs on the table. They showed images of a burning ammunition depot, destroyed by a well placed homemade bomb. “Never would have thought him a patriot or a partisan, but it seems that he is. And his criminal network is vast and efficient. He smuggles arms from place to place under our very noses. We have long tried to shut him down, long before you Falcons showed up. We were never successful.”
“James Sebastian will be found and killed in due time.” Said David. “The failure of your law enforcement to bring him to heel is no doubt due to some antiquated sense of due process. Bandits like this understand only one thing. It is time we reminded them. Come with me.”
Robert got up from his desk and followed the young Clan officer out of the building to the mech hanger. “You will serve to punish those who harbored these terrorists. And this will be your weapon.” David pointed to a BattleMaster battlemech, one of many salvaged from the militia.
“Star Colonel Pryde forbade me from piloting a mech. He said I had not earned the right of warriors.”
“Star Colonel Pryde is not here. I am. And I say you will fight.”
Night of a Thousand Stars Ballroom, Skye City
Skye March, Federated Commonwealth
7 December 3050
The reception hall was decorated in white and silver and was now filled with the sound of fun and lively conversation. Joshua, while festive in mood as the bridegroom at his own wedding celebration, was presently distracted, flipping through the pages of a borrowed Bible.
“You never struck me as interested in religion before.” Said Isaac, taking the seat next to Joshua.
“I wasn’t, but that text the priest read at the ceremony might make me. Who we are is not who we will be and love makes us who we will become.”
“Interesting interpretation.” Said Isaac. “But this is no place for a theological discussion. You should be out there dancing and celebrating with the rest of us.”
“Lisa and I have our first dance in a few minutes.” Said Joshua, looking up from the book and checking his pocketwatch. “I suppose you’re right. Best get ready.” He closed the Bible and stood up.
“Ok, everyone!” said Erik into a microphone. The murmur of the room died down as the best man called for everyone’s attention. “Ok, Josh and Lisa are about to have their first dance. Each one of them has chosen a song that best describes how they feel for one another.”
Joshua watched as Lisa moved to his side from where she had been greeting wedding guests. Erik continued. “Joshua, being the relic from ancient times as he is so often wont to be,” The joke garnered a few chuckles from Joshua’s close friends, “has chosen a song from the late 20th century.”
Joshua took Lisa in hand and moved to the ballroom floor. As they danced, the lyrics of the ancient pop song filled the room.”
“…You are starlight, and I’m Galileo. Even on the darkest night, I
will find the shining light of our love...”
“You’re one to talk.” Teased Joshua.
The music to Galileo faded and Erik continued again. “Lisa, for her part, we now see that Joshua is a bad influence on her. She has chosen a good bit more recent song, but only now do we discover that this is, in fact, a cover of a song from the same era as the one Joshua chose.” With that, the new song began.
“…To set free in me, the trust I never dared. I always thought the
risk too great, but suddenly I don’t hesitate. So take my hand. Don’t think of
complications. Now, right now, your love, it’s liberation…”
The combined songs came to an end and the crowd once more took to the dance floor. Joshua returned to his seat as Erik came back over to the head table.
“Nice touch with the announcements.”
“Hey, you know me. Your life would be much more boring if I wasn’t ribbing you about something.”
“Relic of ancient times, quiaff?”
“Aff.” Erik’s voice trailed off as his pilot’s eyes spotted something across the room.
“What is it?” asked Joshua, sensing the change in his friend’s mood.
“I don’t remember him on the guest list.”
“He wasn’t.” Joshua glared balefully as General Harrington came into the room and began to make his way towards the head table.
“Good evening, General.” Said Joshua cordially, “Please tell me there is no matter that requires my immediate attention back at the base. I’d like to enjoy my wedding night.”
“Then enjoy it.” Said Harrington with little sincerity. “You have my congratulations. This little stunt changes nothing.”
“Stunt?”
“Nothing.” Said Harrington dismissively and he moved off towards where his daughter Michelle, Erik’s girlfriend, was sitting.
“He’s up to something.”
“No doubt.” Joshua watched as Harrington spoke with Michelle. There was a stiffness to their interactions; clearly Michelle was not liking what she was hearing from her father.
"No love lost between those two." thought Joshua. "I wonder just what's happened between them?"
Joshua’s eyes turned from them as he saw his now father-in-law coming towards him. Duke Jameson was clearly in better spirits now than at any time since he’d arrived on Skye.
“Your grace,” said Joshua with a slight bow.
“Son,” said the Duke with a smile. “I suppose I should get used to calling you that.”
“I suppose so.” Joshua replied with a smile. “Are you enjoying yourself?”
“Very much so. There’s been so little to celebrate these past months…”
“Hopefully, this will be the first of many such celebrations.”
"So how goes the rebuilding of that special unit you've been put in charge of?"
"As I'm sure you are aware, your grace, my Star Swords are a mishmash of units defeated and destroyed during the Clan invasion of our worlds, including your own planetary militia. The same melancholy you’ve felt since leaving New Belfast is shared by the Star Swords. As you say, there’s been little to celebrate. Morale is poor, but I think things are finally starting to come together. I've taken some steps to erase the failures of the past and replace them with a new sense of purpose and unity."
“Waste of time, in my opinion.” Harrington had made his way back over and now interrupted Joshua’s conversation.
“General, with respect, you were not invited. You are overstaying your welcome.” Joshua felt his anger rising.
“Oh? Is the truth too much to bear?”
“You have made your opinions well known. This is neither the time nor the place. We are here to celebrate…“
“…not to argue.” Said the Duke, completing Joshua’s thought.
“Thank you, your grace.”
“Hiding behind your noble father-in-law changes nothing, Messer. You are a failure. Your unit will be a failure, and that priceless military technology you horde will belong to me soon enough.”
“Envy does not become you, General.” Joshua was losing patience. He gripped his sword hilt, but did not draw it. One more provocation from Harrington though, and he might.
Duke MacLeod looked towards Harrington with a stern look. "I am not a military man, nor will I ever claim to be. I am a businessman, first and foremost, and my weapons are protocol and diplomacy. I must say, sir, that you are by far one of the most rude people I have ever met. You dare to charge in here, uninvited, unwelcome ,at my daughter’s wedding reception, to trade insults with my son-in-law?"
“You daughter chooses poorly.”
That did it. Joshua came to his feet; with a flash, Anduril was in his hand. Harrington staggered back as Joshua’s blade came for his throat, but Joshua checked his swing and the sword stopped mere inches from Harrington’s neck.
“Another word from you and I will cut out your tongue.”
“You wouldn’t dare…” said Harrington. His voice had lost its former bravado.
“I would indeed, General.” Joshua put as much contempt into his voice as he could. “I faced defeat against a vastly superior enemy on three worlds and survived each time. You have questioned my competence from day one. Now you barge in on my wedding reception, insult my wife and my father-in-law. I will not stand for it.”
The entire room was silent; all eyes were on Joshua and Harrington.
“I will have you court-martialed. You dare to threaten me.”
“You choose a coward’s way, as is fitting for you.” Taunted Joshua. “I prefer another way. Your 11th versus my Star Swords. Let that be the test of who is right.”
"Your Clan technology gives you the advantage. That is hardly a fair proposal."
“But I am such a failure. Surely my technological might is vastly hindered by that.” Joshua goaded Harrington with his own insults. “Chose a battalion. I will face you with a single company, hand-picked, and four aerospace fighters. You will have twice my number and twice my skill. How can you lose?”
“You are a fool. What have I to gain from this?” Harrington’s bravado remained absent. He sensed the trap.
Joshua lowered his sword. “You call me a failure. Perhaps. But, at least, I am no coward.”
“You first threaten me and now dare to mock me. You will have your battle. One week from today.”
New Belfast
Jade Falcon Occupation Zone, Federated Commonwealth
7 December 3050
“We have traced the terrorists to this village.” Reported David marching his Rifleman IIC mech over the hill overlooking the small town below. “Defiance of Falcon rule will not be tolerated. Make an example of them, Robert.”
“You want me to fire on a defenseless village?”
“You have your orders, Robert. Kill them or I will kill you right here.”
Robert considered his options for a moment. His mech, a modified BattleMaster with Clan-technology weapons, outweighed the Rifleman by 20 tons. But David was not alone. Several points of elementals, the Clan battle armored infantry, had also come. Somehow, he doubted he could stand up to all of them.
Without a word, he stabbed down on the firing stud for his PPC. A bolt of lightning lashed out and struck the largest building in town, a tall two-story stone structure. The plasma energy of the PPC blasted through even the stone of the building, showering the street below with debris.
With that, the elementals flamed their jump jets and leaped into the town. Armed not with machine guns, but with flamethrowers, they soon set to work on the wooden homes on the outskirts of town. David himself marched forward and the large pulse lasers of his mech flashed out, destroying cars, homes, and people with deadly efficiency.
It was over in less than 20 minutes. There were few survivors.
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Robert wanted to punch the bratty teen, but restrained himself as an elemental came up behind David.
“This was excessive…and unnecessary.”
“Neg. Necessary is precisely what it is. Now Sebastian knows the price of his defiance and the people know the price of assisting him.”
“Star Captain, we have a prisoner, as you requested.” Said the elemental.
“A prisoner? I thought you ordered that all be killed.”
“All but one.”
Another elemental joined them, holding fast within its battle claw a young woman, perhaps mid-20s in age. She struggled vainly against the mechanical monstrosity that held her prisoner, her terror making her heedless of the injury her resistance caused to her pinned arm.
“Why spare her?”
“I am not. But I require of her two things first. One, a story of brutality that I can use to spread fear among the masses. And two, a test of loyalty from my military governor. For it will be you who will carry out this act of brutality.”
“What?”
“You heard me quite clearly, Robert. I want you to torture this woman to death. Use whatever means you see fit. But do not make it quick. If I am not satisfied with your cruelty, then I will know whose side you are truly on.”
“Do not ask this of me.” Said Robert fearful.
“I will make of you a monster, Robert.” Said David. “One that all on this planet will fear. But if you will not cooperate with my demands,” David drew his sidearm and leveled it at Robert’s head. “There is another way. You choose: Her or you.”
Star Swords Staging Area
Skye March, Federated Commonwealth
8 December 3050
The alarm clock rang loud and clear in Joshua's ears. He reached over to smack the clock which read a foreboding 0500 hours. He had forgotten to change it after the previous evening’s festivities.
The form next to him stirred. "Why, on earth, did you not change the alarm?” she mumbled with an annoyed tone.
“I had other things on my mind last night, my wife.” He enjoyed saying the last word.
Lisa rolled over. “I had hoped to be preparing for our honeymoon today.” Joshua could tell she was itching for a fight.
“We’ve been married less than 24 hours. Don’t. Just go back to sleep.”
“You challenged Harrington in front of the entire unit to a battle in one week’s time!” Lisa growled.” We were supposed to be on our way to Solaris tomorrow.”
“What was I supposed to do? He crashed the reception, insulted me, you, your father.”
“Did it never occur to you that was precisely what he wanted?”
Joshua sat up. “What does it matter? Harrington wanted a fight, and apparently so do you.” He stood up and wiped the sleep from his eyes. He walked over to the bathroom and turned on the light.
Lisa flopped back down on the bed with great drama and annoyance. “This was not how I intended to spend our first morning as husband and wife.” She complained. “Or our first week. Getting ready for yet another wargame.”
“Had you been in my shoes, would you have backed down?” said Joshua, looking at her intently.
“Hell, no.” she conceded. “Damn that son-of-a-bitch. Ruined everything.”
“Ah, see. It’s not me that you’re really mad at after all.” Joshua walked back over and sat down on the bed. He ran his fingers across her bare skin. Lisa smiled, closing her eyes and savoring his gentle touch.
“No, I guess not.”
“So, wife, now that we are both awake, got any ideas on what we can do?”
“A few.” She said, reaching up to embrace him.
New Belfast
Jade Falcon Occupation Zone
8 December 3050
With a loud scream, Robert O’Malley tore himself awake. The dream again. It had come back. He’d been at peace for months, but now it had returned.
“Sleep well?” asked a sardonic voice.
“Why are you here? In my personal chambers?”
David stood up. “Making sure the day’s activities are having the desired effect. Already, news of the atrocity at McHenry are spreading. They know the governor was involved; that he helped the Clans massacre the village and that he beat a woman to death with his own bare hands.”
“You’re a monster.”
“My monstrosity has a purpose, Robert. Now, no one on this planet will ever help you against us. They do not trust you anymore.”
“You have ruined the whole purpose for Star Colonel Pryde appointing me governor.”
“No, what I have ruined are your thoughts and plans of rebellion and insurrection.” Said David. “I am no fool, Robert. You do not like me, Star Colonel Pryde, nor the Jade Falcon Clan. You owe us no loyalty, therefore you have been a dangerous gamble. I have changed the odds, as it were, so that you can no longer afford betrayal.”
Robert glared at the young Clan officer balefully. “Please, enough of your righteous indignation. Life with us can be of great benefit to you.”
Robert gave no reply to that.
“You do not believe me? Oh, you can pretend otherwise, but I think you rather enjoyed our little outing yesterday. Particularly the part with the village woman.”
Robert jerked as if stung. Had it been that obvious? He was ashamed to admit it, but David was right. He had enjoyed torturing that woman. It made him feel strong again.
“There will be others, as long as you obey.” Offered David.
“Don’t…don’t offer me that.” Robert half begged.
“Ah, so now we find the true heart of a man.” Taunted David. “You escaped prison on a charge of rape. I was right about you.”
“How did you know?”
“The haste at which the previous management vacated the premises did not allow time to destroy all the records. I uncovered this little gem the other day. Goes a long way towards explaining why the populace took your appointment as governor so badly to begin with. Now they see, as the old saying goes, the leopard cannot change his spots. Well, Robert, if that is the part that fate has handed to you, why not play along?”
“It’s barbaric. I’m a better man than that.”
“Ah, but you aren’t. Yesterday proved that. A better man would have let me shoot him down than harm that innocent, but you gave in. You gave in, because it is what you truly wanted. Why pretend otherwise now?”
Sector 12-0083
Skye
Skye March, Federated Commonwealth
14 December 3050
"Well, well, what have we here?" said Joshua. He was feeding a weather satellite relay into his Ryoken's computer. "All mechs, punch up this relay on your tactical."
"Seismic disturbances in the
"Enemy mechs." said Mechlanthon flatly.
"Looks like all of them." said Daisaku Hayakusora. "They're dug in and waiting for us."
"Force your enemy to come to you. That way you will fight a spent enemy rested and well." said Joshua. "Simple logic."
"He outnumbers us three-to-one, and he's secure." said Ryan Smith. "How do we flush him?"
"I've got an idea. Erik, you there?"
"You bet. What do you need?" said Iolair's voice.
"Bogeys have been located in
"Can do. Let's go, guys." Erik's point of two fighters roared over the heads of the Star Sword mechs.
Joshua's force consisted of three lances, one medium, one heavy, and one assault. He commanded the medium lance in his Ryoken. Lisa in her Fenris, Mechlanthon in his Grendel, and Daisaku Hayakusora in his Uller rounded out the lance. All four of the ships had been common opponents in their battles on Here, New Belfast, and Chateau. The Fenris and Grendel were similar looking, and had been known as "Boxy" to Joshua and his friends. The Uller and Ryoken had been less common, and had not earned nicknames for themselves.
Ryan Smith commanded the heavy lance from his Mad Cat. Juan, Kelly Perrens, and Mike Koren were also in his lance, in their Thor, Loki, and Black Hawk respectively. Those were the "Warbolt," the pseudo-Warhammer, and "Squatter" mechs of their first encounters. Isaac commanded the assault lance from his Masakari. Matthew Jiwe, Kou, and Amanda finished his lance with a Daishi, a Vulture, and another Loki. The Daishi and Gladiator had not been seen prior to the capture of the Emerald Hawk.
"Yeah, they're all down there. They seem to be concentrating to the south or north. Uh, oh."
"What is it, Erik?"
"Enemy fighters. Got to go. See ya."
"Isaac," said Joshua to his friend. "take your lance to this position." Joshua registered the location on his tactical monitor with a light pen. "And wait there for my signal. Daisaku, you'll take your lance and swing around and hit them from the west flank here. My lance will come in from the east."
"Double envelopment with frontal assault." said Daisaku Hayakusora. "I like it."
"Alright, let's move."
Coming in on the flanks of a canyon was going to be a difficult task. Danue canyon was a very simple canyon, merely a large gorge in the land, straight and uninspired.
Joshua was not worried. It was for that reason that Joshua was making a flanking attack. No one would expect him to drive his mechs over the side of the canyon to hit the unsuspecting 11th F-C defenders.
"Enemy mechs in sight. They've seen us." said Daisaku.
"Fire at will." said Joshua, dropping his targeting sight on an unmoving Enforcer. He squeezed the trigger and watched as four computer generated lasers blew the right torso off of the Enforcer, detonating the ammo stored within.
"Good shot." said Lisa, firing her PPC at a Centurion. Virtual armor peeled back to expose virtual musculature. The heavy ten-shot missile launcher in that torso melted to slag as the PPC expended its last bit of energy.
Daisaku's tiny Uller darted between Joshua and Lisa, firing away at third enemy mech, a squat four-legged Scorpion. His heavy laser blasted armor from one leg while his light autocannon smashed away at another.
Mechlanthon rushed up to point-blank range with the largest mech on the field, a massive Stalker assault mech. Joshua was about to order Mechlanthon to withdraw when he realized exactly why the Clans had so easily taken so many worlds. It was not just their superior equipment, it was their warrior spirit. Mechlanthon fought like a madman, pummeling the massive mech with every weapon he could muster, darting to-and-fro to avoid its lethal counter-attacks.
Joshua, not to be too outdone, locked onto the next largest, a heavy Marauder. The ugly bird-like mech was just cresting the canyon wall to engage Joshua's force. Joshua locked his targeting computer on the mech's left leg and fired. All five shots, his heavy gauss cannon and the four lasers, connected. Although it did not blow the leg off, it did enough damage to cripple the lethal mech, causing it to crash into the soil.
"Great shot, Joshua." said Daisaku as he finished the Scorpion.
"I have not seen such gunnery except among Clansman. You are greatly skilled, General." said Mechlanthon, firing the killing blow into his massive foe. Mechlanthon had begun to play the part of someone who had never met Joshua before, let alone been beaten by him.
Lisa had dispatched her Centurion several seconds before and was working on her second, a fresh Rifleman. "Five enemy mechs defeated in less than thirty seconds. That must be a record." she thought.
"The enemy is in retreat." said Mechlanthon. "What are your orders?"
"Damage report. Enemy and our own."
"Minor armor damage for
"I am in similar condition." said Mechlanthon.
"Undamaged." said Daisaku.
"Ditto for
"Confirmed 8 mechs crippled or destroyed."
"Two thirds of this flank. Not a bad piece of work. Now let's finish the job."
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"Sir, enemy mechs three klicks out and closing fast." Said one of his subordinates.
"When they enter range, fire at will, but leave General Messer's mech to me."
"Yes, sir."
"I'll teach that lucky little upstart a thing or two about battle experience." thought Harrington to himself.
Joshua's lance was barreling down the canyon towards Harrington's command lance. Behind them, Ryan Smith's lance was covering their rear, blasting the 11th F-C's 2nd company to powder as they did so. Behind the General, the assault mechs of Isaac's lance were pounding on the 11th F-C's 1st company.
Despite the Star Swords rapid advance, or perhaps because of it, the fight had consisted more of lightning strikes and routs, leaving the now-cornered 11th F-C a lot less damaged than Joshua had hoped. They currently numbered 24 strong and determined mechs versus Joshua's slightly battered but unshaken 12.
Joshua knew the General would come after him, which is what he hoped. Once his lance was within range of the retreating 3rd company mechs, he ordered them to cripple the enemy mechs as quickly as possible. It was a psychological trick, meant to give the General hope of reinforcements and then take it away from him in a most brutal fashion.
With their vulnerable backs exposed, the 3rd company's remaining 4 mechs were mincemeat before the Star Swords superior weaponry. General Harrington was enraged, and more than a little frightened as he watched his forces get slaughtered. To him, this was no wargame, it was personal.
Harrington marched his huge Banshee BattleMech to the front of the line. Formerly a maligned design with high speed and armor, but no weaponry, it had received a major overhaul in the early 3020s. A Banshee was no laughing matter now, carrying a heavy autocannon and twin PPCs.
Harrington sighted onto Joshua's Ryoken and fired away. Harrington was no shabby pilot, and struck home with all three of his heavy weapons. Joshua's mech shuddered as two tons of his armor was vaporized in one barrage.
Joshua stood firm. Harrington was moving about to much for Joshua to use his targeting computer, so he simply opened fire on his foe. His gauss shell smashed across the mech's left arm where it carried two medium lasers. Joshua's own lasers carved armor all across the Banshee in a haphazard pattern.
Joshua gave as good as he got, but his mech was smaller and lacked the endurance the Banshee had. He knew he couldn't handle and extended battle with his enemy. But he got an idea.
He moved towards the Banshee in a tactically idiotic maneuver. Harrington let him have it everything, blowing the remainder of Joshua's armor off and damaging some internal components. Joshua let the mech stagger and fall over.
Harrington punched his communicator. "Now I have you!" He proclaimed in triumph.
Joshua didn't bother responding. He made it look as if he was trying to stand. The Banshee moved closer with the intent of finishing Joshua off.
His bluff had worked. He activated his targeting computer onto the damaged right leg of the Banshee, and opened fire from his prone position. The gauss shell and four lasers all connected with the unsuspecting mech. Harrington let out some muffled sound of shock and surprise. The Banshee's leg flew off at the knee, sending the 95 ton mech into the sand. Joshua stood his mech and moved in to point-blank range of the fallen Banshee. Before Harrington could bring his weapons around to perform a similar maneuver on Joshua, Joshua had fired his gauss rifle into the Banshee's right shoulder, blowing that arm off and preventing the mech from getting up, as well as removing the mech's Class 10 autocannon. He also melted the twin PPCs with his four lasers.
"You son-of-a-bitch!" swore Harrington from his defeated mech. "You cheated."
"More insults? You let your guard down and now lie defeated. As I knew it would, your own arrogance and overconfidence beat you. Remember that."
“You dare to instruct me?”
“I grow weary of your temerity, General. Next time you face a Clan force, it will not be with simulated weapons. It will be real and you will fail, just as you did here.” Joshua fired his gauss rifle, blowing the head off of the mech. In the wargame simulation, that would shut the Banshee down completely, making Harrington blind to the rest of the battle.
"Enemy mechs are demanding to know our terms, General." said Mechlanthon. "They have surrendered."
"Patch me through."
"Greetings, Colonel Messer. This is Kommandant Brian Thompson of Alpha Battalion of the 11th
"Send your mechs home, Kommandant. You guys gave us an interesting challenge. I'd like to parley with you and General Harrington face-to-face."
"Very well." Thompson's mech, a Warhammer, marched forward to Joshua's Ryoken and stopped.
"Joshua, what are you orders for us?" said Lisa.
"Stand by. This won't take long."
Joshua dismounted from his mech. Kommandant Thompson looked like an officer to had seen far too few days in his mech. He was heavy set, but looked like a competent officer.
General Harrington was not in a good mood as he was fetched from his mech by Thompson. With his computers shut down, he could not even get Joshua's transmission. He would have to suffer through the humiliation of being fetched like a vagrant student.
"So, General?" Joshua said curtly to General Harrington.
Harrington was silent.
"No words for me, General. No mockery, subtle or otherwise. Have I perhaps beat some respect into you after all?"
“It was an unfair match.” Said Harrington, trying to save face.
“You have learned nothing. A real battlefield cares nothing for fairness. The Clans care nothing for fairness. To them, we are mere barbarians, worthy only to be crushed. The old ways will no longer work, General. The Clans have proven that to us. It is time for us to make a change, and it will be me and my generation who will make that change. You can either join us or get out of the way."
Next chapter
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