Star Sword Command Center
New Belfast
Tamar March, Federated Commonwealth
27 June 3055
"Leftenant General Daisaku Hayakusora reporting with 2nd Regiment as ordered, sir." said Daisaku. Joshua nodded his acknowledgment and Daisaku immediately went to a more relaxed pose. Behind him, his staff officers did the same, including Kou Fairchild, whom Joshua had not seen in some time.
"The General’s aged. Most of us still look like recent NAIS grads, but Joshua's different." thought Kou to himself. "First the trouble with Lisa and now the loss of his son have taken their toll."
"We're almost to full launch status in two days time. I am impressed, gentlemen. I'm surprised the garrison transition with the Home Guard was so smooth."
“Well, this is not the first time we’ve had to leave New Belfast in the capable hands of others.” Said Mike Koren.
“True.” Joshua turned back to Daisaku. “What’s your status?”
“Fully operational.” Replied Daisaku. “Of course, you requested only our mech forces to accompany you, so we are down a battalion of support.”
“James Sebastian’s role as leader of the New Belfast militia is largely ceremonial, as you well know. The support battalions of our two regiments will bolster militia defenses on both worlds on the off chance the Falcons get ambitious while we’re gone.”
“The workout will do them all some good. So what are we expecting on Northwind when we arrive?”
“Well, Daisaku, I’m not privy to every last detail of Victor’s Operation: Guillotine, but I’ll tell you what I know. Victor is sending operatives to undermine the relationship between the Highlanders and the Conspiracy. I have sent Lisa and Gwen with them to do the same with our own Juan Miranda and the old 4th Battalion. In the best of all possible worlds, that leaves us fighting only the 1st Conspiracy and a few assorted rogue mercenary units with four top of the line regiments: the 10th Lyran Guard, the 1st Genyosha, and our 1st and 2nd Star Swords.”
“Two to one odds against. And if Victor’s operations fail?”
“Then we face all four Highlander regiments and a single battalion of Clan Omnimech equipped former Star Swords in addition.”
“I like those odds much less.”
“So do I.”
“Then let us hope Lisa and her compatriots are successful.” Daisaku paused. “In the all their missions.”
Joshua nodded. “Yeah, I sent them there for that too.”
Dropship Queen Victoria, Nadir Point
Fort Loudon
Tamar March, Federated Commonwealth
9 July 3055
"Welcome aboard," welcomed the dropship captain. "We will be departing for La Grave within 24 hours. I hope your journey aboard our vessel will be pleasant."
"Of course." said Gwen Laidir, floating past the man to embark on the dropship. Lisa stood behind her and smiled pleasantly to the captain, but said nothing. Without further ado, the captain moved on the next boarder with the same message.
"You know, you really could try to play the part a little better." whispered Gwen as the pair headed for their stateroom.
“You’re enjoying this a little too much I think. You could have made us sisters or something. We even look a bit alike. But no, you made us an alternative lifestyle couple?”
Gwen laughed heartily. “Can you see the look on Joshua’s face when he finds out? You know damn well his imagination is going to go wild with that one.”
“You’re a pervert.” Said Lisa as they entered their stateroom. “You’re only going to encourage those who know what this means.” She tapped the ring on her nose.
“If any aboard are well-traveled enough to know what that is, they would know better. The renkesu are not whores, whatever twisted version of their lifestyle might have been impressed upon you by those who know nothing of the truth. They are mistresses and concubines, consorts to wealthy men and women throughout Combine space. People of influence and power. People known for retaliating when their companions are ill-treated.” Gwen smiled and softened. “You are not a true renkesu, Lisa, regardless of Napineo’s delusions. I doubt you have received the years of training in the arts of pleasure that the real ones do.”
“Not quite. Just an attempt by Napineo to pretend he could claim all the privileges of a Kurita lord. Seems strange that he would do so on a world that so hates the Draconis Combine and House Kurita.”
“My memories of his file were those of a man rather disliked by most of the people of his world. Politics makes strange bedfellows. Duke Ryan needed somebody to legitimize his occupation of Northwind. Napineo fit the bill. That’s the only reason he ascended to the position he did.”
“Duke Ryan’s presence on Northwind isn’t exactly an occupation.”
“Isn’t it? Do the Clan Elders truly have control of their world or does Duke Ryan? I’m sure that’s the angle Bairn is going to use to subvert them.”
“Perhaps. And what angle are we to use to subvert Juan Miranda?”
“I do not know my predecessor. You do. What do you think?”
“There are a couple of angles we could use….” Lisa suddenly staggered and nearly fell over.
“Lisa!” said Gwen in surprise. “Are you…”
“I’m fine. All these travels in zero-G with jump transit has been playing hell with my system. I’ve been getting these bouts of vertigo and dizziness. I’ll be glad when we’re back in a gravity well again.” She held her stomach as if trying to soothe nausea.
“Next leg of the journey, I pick the cover story.” Said Lisa, trying to change the subject. “I’m still not comfortable with this little game of being your lover.”
Gwen shrugged. “Fair enough.”
Lisa looked down at her boarding pass. It was labeled with the name "Julie Valdez."
“I’m picking the names next time too. Why Julie?" asked Lisa. "For that matter, it was Jennifer last trip. Then it was Janice. I sense a trend."
"Same first letter as 'Justice,' my dear."
“Oh.”
“That is why you’re wearing the ring again. Napineo’s delusion or no, it’s part of that character.”
Lisa nodded. “Yes. And Justice is a part of me, for better or worse.”
Jumpship Refueling Station
Garrison
Donegal March, Federated Commonwealth
1 August 3055
"I hate this planet.” Said Daisaku bitterly. “I remember these stars."
"We committed our most precious blood to them not so long ago." answered Joshua. "Come, we need not dwell on that. Nothing we can do can bring them back."
"It just seems to me that our pasts continue to haunt us.” mused Daisaku grimly.
Joshua paused, sensing his friend’s desire to reminisce and reflect. “Maybe. I’ve spent the better part of the last three years wrestling with mine certainly. But perhaps that’s our fate, to be anchored and held back by the legacy of what came before.”
“This isn’t our fight.” Said Daisaku, coming to the point. “We shed our blood on Garrison below against our true enemies. But Dieron, Oliver, the battle we’re traveling to now, we’re being drawn away from that legacy, Joshua. I understand your loyalty to Prince Victor, your friendship with him. But his battles are not ours.”
“You do us a service by keeping us focused on what it means to be Wolverine, but you misunderstand my intentions, Daisaku.” Explained Joshua. “This isn’t just about personal loyalty to a friend who happens to rule the greatest nation the Inner Sphere has seen since the Star League. It was the dream of our founders not just to stand against the other Clans, but also to inspire the Inner Sphere to reform what was lost. I believe Victor shares that dream. The Federated Commonwealth, the coming together of the realms of Steiner and Davion, is a part of that. So too is this Star Alliance with House Kurita. And this dream is threatened not just by the Clans, but also by hidebound traditionalists and bigots like Duke Ryan.”
“These things are happening in spite of our participation, not because of it.” Retorted Daisaku.
“Perhaps it is better that way. The other Clans also wish to recreate the Star League, but one on their terms. At least this way, the dream comes from the people of the Inner Sphere themselves, and is not imposed from outside.”
“Perhaps. But this is more than simply an academic exercise of one interested in history and its judgments. It’s also the concern of a senior officer who commands two battalions of BattleMechs and their mechwarriors. If Agent Bairn’s gambit fails, this battle will make Garrison look like a picnic. If our part in this dream, as you so poetically put it, ends on Northwind, what then?”
“We must entrust it to those of like mind, like Prince Victor.” Said Joshua. “You worry too much.” Joshua gave Daisaku a friendly pat on the back.
"Well, here comes company." said Daisaku switching to a lighter subject as he glanced ahead. Outside the station's tavern were some familiar faces.
"Good to see you again, Logan." said Joshua. "I just wish it was under better circumstances."
"Come on, General, warriors like us should find battle to be the best time for us to meet......just as long as we're on the same side."
"Hello, Doc. How went your mission in the Combine?" asked Daisaku.
"Did you see my report?" said the Dark Ranger tech.
Joshua nodded. "You uncovered some sort of alliance between the Jaguars and the Falcons?
“Uncovered and disrupted, hopefully.” said Rohan. "The last thing we need is for the Clans to start giving us trouble again."
“They will not be idle long, of that I’m sure. With Dal Pryde dead, New Belfast has seen a year of peace.” Said Joshua.
“They’re rebuilding their army with frightening new machines.” Said Doc. “Same as the ones we encountered on Alyina. Most of them are now ready for full production.”
“Then that only increases the urgency for us to do this job right, doesn’t it?” said Joshua. “We don’t want to be fighting a two-front war."
"How is your wife?" asked Logan.
"On her way ahead of us, with Kommandant Laidir."
“To rescue your son?” asked Logan. “We heard O’Malley abducted him.”
“He did, but Lisa will also help Agent Bairn keep the Highlanders out of this fight.”
“So Vicky isn’t sending us into a death trap then?”
“No, I think the Prince is doing everything in his power to ensure our battle against the rebels is as much in our favor as possible.”
“Well, let us hope.” Said Logan. “Hope for your son’s return and for the end of this accursed rebellion.”
Georgia
Northwind
Conspiracy Occupation Zone, Draconis March
13 August 3055
Lisa felt a shudder run through her as she submitted her belongings to the Security men at the airport. The last time she had been here, she had come to this world to escape the demons that haunted her. Now, Lisa feared some of them might still be on the jungle world of Northwind and among its denizens.
"All clear, Justine Patricks. Just in from off-world, I see. Welcome to Northwind." said the security guard.
Lisa nodded and moved on through. She had separated from Gwen at their last stop, but had arranged to meet her in three days, after both had hopefully made contact with their respective allies.
Outside the airport terminal, she hailed a cab. There was a thunderstorm on, which only dampened Lisa spirits more. She hated this place. It represented so much to her that she wanted to forget. But here she was, searching the one thing in her life that meant more than words could say.
“Where to, lass?” asked the cabbie.
“Exiletown.”
The cabbie gave her an unusual look. Lisa frowned. “No questions.” She said sharply, handing forward a wad of C-bills.
“Sure thing, lass.”
To that, the cabbie turned around and began to drive. The cab took her to her old haunts, the decrepit old city from which the rebellion hailed and back to Kyle's bar. To her surprise it was open. She paid the cabbie, who seemed more than happy to get out of the neighborhood. She took in a deep breath and walked inside.
It was as dark and dismal as she remembered it. The man behind the bar was not someone she'd seen before, but she approached him none the less.
“You have a problem with bums around here?” asked Lisa.
“One in particular.” Said the bartender. “He’s in the back.”
Lisa followed where the bartender motioned with a nod. She knew the way. In many ways, this all felt the same.
“…need to move fast on this, since the Prince…” said Nathan as Lisa walked in the door. He looked up from papers with a look of pleasant surprise.
“You’re not even upset that I just barged in here.” Said Lisa. The men at the table in front of Nathan turned to face her. Lisa did not recognize most of them, although she smiled at seeing Kyle among them.
“John was told to expect you and he’d have not let anyone come through that door unless he was with us.” said a voice from the wall beside the door, behind Lisa. Lisa turned to see Gwen.
“Am I the last to arrive?”
“You are, but don’t let that bother you. Friends, this is Justice, who once worked with us in the previous operation. She is, as is Agent Laidir, here at my request.”
Lisa twitched at hearing her referred to by the name “Justice.” It had not bothered her in all the planning for this trip and in all the time with Gwen aboard ship, but now the reality of where she was and what she was doing was coming home for her. She took a seat as Nathan resumed his briefing.
“As I was saying, we don’t have a whole lot of time to initiate our plans. I’ve already initiated some contacts among those sympathetic to our cause in the planetary leadership here. I hope those to bear fruit very quickly. With luck, I’ll be in meetings with the Clan Elders by next week.”
“If direct negotiations fail, then what?” asked one of the strangers.
“That’s where you come in. We need to ratchet up the tension between the Highlanders and the Conspiracy loyalists, things you have already initiated with flyers, interweb postings on message boards and blogs, and the rest. If the negotiations fall apart, we need a few very public incidents to bring the Highlanders back to the table.”
“Fights?”
“Riots even. I’d love to see a Conspiracy loyal mech unit open fire on Northwind natives.”
Kyle shook his head in disgust. “Those are innocent people you are proposing we manipulate, people who might be killed.”
“The bloodshed is regrettable, but if the Clan Elders will not listen, then the blood of their people must make them.” Said Nathan. “If there is nothing else, let us adjourn. We know our jobs. Let’s get to it. Victor will be here within a month.”
The meeting began to disperse, leaving only Kyle, Nathan, and the two women. “Agent Laidir has filled me in on your own personal missions.”
“I need to know where to find Juan Miranda.” Said Lisa.
“And O’Malley?”
“What did Gwen tell you?” asked Lisa sternly.
“Simply that O'Malley has your son. Abducted him a couple of months ago. Justice, you know I'd do anything for you." said Nathan. "But I doubt I could convince the others to go against O’Malley. They’d not see any profit in it.”
“What do you mean?”
“As the Conspiracy weakens, O’Malley is increasingly marginalized. His position as director of ConsInt is largely irrelevant now. Before, we might have gone for him directly and let him use his thugs to do what I just proposed to Duggan, stir up trouble against the populace. But our focus now needs to be on Duke Ryan’s rogue mercenaries and loyalists. ConsInt is virtually dead. How else do you think we were given free rein enough to meet in our old headquarters? They aren’t even bothering anymore.”
“Has O’Malley given up then?”
“It would seem so. Perhaps that’s why he went after your son. A bargaining chip for his life.”
“Perhaps, but unlikely. This is the same man who sprung his madman brother from prison for no other reason than their blood ties.” Interjected Gwen. “Daniel’s no hostage. He’s been taken to become what Richard wants him to be, a scion of the house.”
“Then you likely haven’t much time.” Said Nathan. “If O’Malley doesn’t plan to bargain with Daniel, he knows he’ll find no refuge here on Northwind once this world is in Federated Suns hands again.”
“He’ll flee off-world.” Said Gwen.
“No, he won’t.” said Lisa. “He might ship his whole family to the far reaches of space, but he’ll stay. He’ll stay for me and for Joshua. O’Malley still has his brother to avenge and he’ll not pass up the opportunity that the Star Swords coming here will provide.”
“We still need to subvert the Swords 4th Battalion and I can’t do that without you, Lisa.” Said Gwen.
“I know,” she answered. “As Nathan said in his briefing, we haven’t a lot of time. Can you get us into the Swords garrison?”
Nathan nodded. “Easily done. Can Miranda be trusted to turn on Duke Ryan?"
"I think so. He's Conspiracy not out of love for O'Malley, who was an old comrade, or of Duke Steiner. Like so many, he simply hated House Kurita enough to betray his friends and lover. A lover killed on Oliver.”
“And that’s your leverage?” asked Kyle.
“Yes.” Said Lisa. “Among other things. Juan’s principled enough that the abduction of my son will not sit well with him either.”
"Risky." Said Kyle.
“These are not educated guesses based on a photo and a DMI file. I know Juan. Fought with him, bled with him. He’ll listen to me.”
“Then we’d best get started. But Justice, there’s one more thing. I understand your need to find your son, but things aren’t as they were before. Kyle and I may still lead, but this is not the well-meaning and dedicated rabble we once commanded here. Duggan is Loki, a Lyran assassin with no qualms about killing anyone or anything that threatens his mission. And he’ll not hesitate if you screw things up for the rest of us.”
“You should have more faith in me, Nathan.”
Star Sword, 4th Battalion Temporary Headquarters, Georgia
Northwind
Conspiracy Occupation Zone, Federated Commonwealth
14 August 3055
Juan came in the door without bothering with the lights. His temporary office here on Northwind might be new to him, but it was small and easily navigated even in the darkness. A late night e-mail from O’Malley had brought him out.
“Alright, Richard, you call me out here at 2300 and you’re late.” He grumbled aloud as he sat down.
“Or not coming.” Said a woman’s voice in the dark.
Fast as lightning, Juan yanked a pistol from the hidden holster under the desk. He aimed the weapon towards the door where the voice had come and turned on the lights.
“Not quite fast enough. If I’d wanted you dead, you would be.” Said Lisa.
“Nothing stopping me.” He squeezed the trigger. There was a click and nothing more.
“Even if I didn’t know where you kept your gun,” Said Lisa, holding up the magazine from his pistol. “I doubt she’d let you get away with that. And I’d keep your hands away from that alarm switch also.”
Juan ventured a slow glance over his shoulder out the window. “Very good, Lisa. A sniper perched directly outside my window.”
“Not just any sniper. Your successor.”
“And that is?”
“Another Wolverine exile, my husband’s former lover. Gwen Laidir.”
“The ISF operative?”
“The same.”
“So why are you here?”
“To deliver a message.”
“Oh?”
“We both know why you’re here, Juan. Your history with DMI, what happened to your family…”
“You’ve read a file. You know nothing about what it means.”
“Don’t give me that bullshit. I buried a fiance, remember? Your subordinate for a time. Hell, it was under your command that he died. If I followed your logic, Juan, perhaps I should have Gwen shoot you after all. It was your fault that Daniel O’Brian died.”
“You know better. He was Loki, black ops. Or didn’t you know that about him? I doubt he told you. He died as he lived, serving his nation. He chose that life. My family was never given a choice.”
Lisa paused. “And I’m sure they’d be so proud of your new allies. So proud that your people murdered Melissa Steiner and how many dozens of others. Not people from the Combine, not Kurita, not the people who murdered your family. No, Lyran citizens every one. What choice were they given, Juan?”
Juan was clearly unsettled by where this was going. Lisa knew she’s found a point of vulnerability. “And the Archon herself?” She continued. “She was everyone’s sweetheart, beloved by billions. There’s always been a certain sanctity to Archon Melissa. A sanctity your people violated by murdering her. What was her crime, Juan? What policy? What directive did she die for?”
Juan looked down at his desk. “It’s not something I’m proud of.”
“That had best be an understatement.” Said Lisa haughtily. “But we’re not done. I’ve only begun to list the notable deeds of your confederates. There’s plenty more. Take O’Malley for instance. We already know what manner of person he is.”
“That’s old news…”
Lisa slammed her fist down on his desk and drew in close. “Old news? He stood by and watched as his brother ravaged me time after time and did nothing. You do know that my son was born of that time, that little Daniel is Robert’s son. Well, guess what? Richard knows too and guess who has him? Guess who took him from New Belfast?”
“Excuse me?”
“Haven’t you wondered where you Director of Intelligence has been these past few months? Or is your whole operation in such pieces that you didn’t even know he was gone?” snarled Lisa, trying to keep her temper in check. “He came to New Belfast and kidnapped my son! What was his crime to be taken from Joshua and me? Your associates are monsters, Juan. Face it.”
Lisa leaned back to let Juan absorb what she had been saying.
“It wasn’t meant to be like this.” Said Juan. “We came to fight House Kurita, not assassinate people, not abduct children. This news you bring troubles me.”
“You are a poorer judge of character than we ever guessed if you didn’t think your allies were the sort of people who would resort to this. Duke Ryan doesn’t care about what happened to your family, but he’s more than willing to exploit it to trick you into helping his ultimately futile grab for power. O’Malley, likewise. This was always about revenge for his brother, not about some loftier cause. You’ve been played the fool. You betrayed us for nothing.”
“Maybe so, but what choice do I have now?” said Juan. “The die has been cast. Yeah, maybe my allies weren’t what I had hoped they’d be. But what remains for me on the other side? A court martial? A firing squad? Are you here to offer me a pardon in exchange for my switching back? Do you bring me Kelly’s forgiveness for abandoning her?”
“A pardon I can offer.” Said Lisa, letting out her breath. “That was the message I was to bring. Joshua will extend his protection to you; You will not face court martial, merely a reduction in rank and pay. All you have to do is stand down 4th Battalion when the time comes.”
Juan chuckled. “Are you serious? Never in a million years did I think that you’d offer such a thing.”
“It’s hardly an offer you can refuse. You and I both know that this world will not stand when Prince Victor comes. If you say no, a court martial and firing squad is all you have to look forward to, assuming you even survive the battle.”
“I suppose I shouldn’t hope you’d bring a message from Kelly also.”
“That I cannot do.” Lisa paused. “Kelly Perrens was killed in action on Oliver, Juan, fighting Duke Ryan’s First Conspiracy regiment. I’m sorry.”
Juan closed his eyes, trying to contain the pain of that news. “Obviously, she and I didn't exactly agree on my doing all this. I wanted there to be a future for us. But I was certain that a military alliance with the Combine would have been disastrous to the Commonwealth. I believed it so passionately that I felt I had no choice. I had to leave. I never really got the chance to fully explain to her why I did what I did or to find out how she felt. I’d always hoped that after this sorry affair was over, I chance upon her, find out if she could forgive me and maybe even, I hoped, come to love me again.” Juan slumped forward, cradling his head in his hands.
“I should have known better.” He mused after a few seconds. "People in my profession rarely have the opportunity to find love. We don't have serious relationships normally; we don't get married. That’s the sort of thing normal people do. Not us spies.” He let out his breath, still fighting to maintain composure. “How did she die?”
"I wasn't on Oliver, so I don't know first hand. I did read the debriefs. She was with First Battalion in the Erics Canyon. Steiner had the dam destroyed. Most of First Battalion survived. Kelly did not.”
Juan said nothing for several minutes. Lisa leaned forward and placed a note card on the desk in front of him. “You have a decision to make, Kommandant. When you’ve made it, contact me.”
With that, Lisa walked out the door.
O’Malley Manor, Georgia
Northwind
Conspiracy Occupation Zone, Federated Commonwealth
14 August 3055
“Look, gentlemen, you have to face reality…” said Nathan.
“And what of our cities? Our people?” asked Duke Stuart. “You want us to stand down, stand by, while Prince Victor marches an army in here to take on Duke Ryan.”
“That’s unavoidable and you know it.” Retorted Nathan. “Say you don’t stand down. Will you burn your own cities to stop him? Because I can assure you, Duke Ryan is not going to play fair. Already, he has moved his mercenaries and his allies into Georgia. The last stand will be here and the city will burn, regardless of what you do. The question before you is whether there will be Highlanders left once the Prince is done? That choice is up to you.”
“We should evacuate the city then. Attempt to get as many people out as we can.” Said Baron Ian O’Malley.
“Duke Ryan will try to stop us. If we move to evacuate the civilians, he will retaliate.” Snarled Colonel Cochraine. “And we’ll still have blood in the streets.”
“Duke Ryan may still hold the city hostage.” Said Baron Ian.
“He will if he can, your grace.” Said Nathan. “His back is against the wall. Only Northwind remains in Conspiracy hands and it too soon will fall. That’s no longer in question and we all know it. I’m giving you a chance, gentlemen. Prince Victor, as per the Arc Royal Agreement, to overlook your role in this. But that means you cannot oppose his landing. If you do, the Highlanders are finished. All your traditions, all your legacy gone. Duke Ryan isn’t worth it. You have a decision to make. I leave you to it.”
With that, Nathan stood up from the sofa. Baron Ian stood up. “I will have my steward show you out. You came in good faith and with a promise of safe conduct. You will not be molested by anyone while under my protection.”
“Thank, your grace.” He nodded to the others. “Gentlemen, I take my leave.”
Baron Ian followed him to the door. His chamberlain walked out with him to the waiting car.
“Are you going to arrest him?” asked the Baron into the darkness behind him.
“You gave him a promise of safe conduct. I would besmirch your good word, Father, by taking him. Besides,” said Richard, stepping out of the shadows. “It would be moot anyway. He’s right you know. The Conspiracy is finished, at least this part of it.”
“What are you talking about?”
“There’s more going on here than meets the eye. And then there’s Daniel.”
“Robert’s son, my grandson. He may be an O’Malley by blood, but his adoptive parents will not let that stop them. They will come for him.”
“I’m counting on it.” Said Richard. “I am certain the Star Swords will be among whatever force Prince Victor sends at us.” Richard’s look became grave. “Father, I’m dead no matter what. I hope to take Robert’s killers with me, but you must survive, for Daniel’s sake, for Celine, for the family name. I’ve arranged transport off-world. When the time comes, you need to leave.”
“Leave Northwind?”
“Our enemies will not stop with my death alone. If you stand in their way, they will destroy you also. Messer and his bitch will kill us all, just like they did Robert.”
“Your brother deserved what he got and we both know it.”
“He was my brother and your son!” snarled Richard. “Your sons will be dead within weeks, Father. That toddler upstairs is all that remains to carry on the family name. He must survive. It’s up to you now.”
Kyle’s Bar, Georgia
Northwind
Conspiracy Occupation Zone, Federated Commonwealth
15 August 3055
Lisa rubbed her head as she leaned back from the toilet. Her nausea symptoms had been continuing, despite the fact that she was no longer in space.
A rap came at the stall door. “Lisa, are you okay?”
“I will be, Gwen.” Lisa picked herself up and flushed her vomit away. “Just feeling a little under the weather.”
“You have a phone call. I think it’s Kommandant Miranda.”
“I’m coming.” Lisa opened the stall door and stepped out. She followed Gwen out of the rest room to the vid phone. She picked up the receiver, noting there was no video image of the person on the other side.
“This is MacLeod.” She said.
“If I stand down the Swords, I get amnesty. I go back to New Belfast and we forget this thing happened?”
“That’s the idea. Your punishment will be a reduction in rank and pay, nothing more.”
“And my men? The ones that came with me?”
“The same.”
“And those who signed on to replace the ones who didn’t come? What of them?”
“We’ll take them to New Belfast with us. They can sign on with the Swords or go their own way.”
“Good. Then it’s done. The Swords will not oppose Prince Victor’s attack.”
“Thank you, Juan.”
“And I will do one better.”
“Excuse me?”
“I’ll find your son.” With that, there was a click as Juan hung up.
“Good news?” asked Gwen.
Lisa stepped back and grabbed her stomach again. “Yes,” she whistled out as she fought off the nausea again.
“You don’t look well.”
“I’m fine. Just some stomach trouble. Probably stress.”
“Lisa, stop lying to yourself.” Said Gwen. “This isn’t stress. It obviously isn’t zero-gee sickness. Admit it. You’re pregnant. Again.”
ConsInt Headquarters, Georgia
Northwind
Conspiracy Occupation Zone, Federated Commonwealth
15 August 3055
Juan put down the phone transceiver and then turned to the computer on the desk before him. "Punch up the personnel and security data on Baron O'Malley's estate."
"This data is restricted. Input identification and access codes." responded the machine.
"Miranda, Juan. Clearance Delta Alpha. Access code: 32007."
"Accessing data." After a few seconds, the computer returned. "Data not available. Files have been erased."
"Damn. Should have known it wouldn’t be that easy. O'Malley's removed all records of his family from ConsInt Headquarters." Juan said to himself.
Juan stood up. "I wonder how far back he's covered his tracks. The old DMI archives will contain older data on the estate security measures and there should be a copy of those in the archives...I wonder if he's tampered with those."
Juan quickly logged off of the computer and turned it off. He grabbed up his notebook and headed out the door for the archive room, located down in the sub-basements, not far from the dungeon.
On his way down the stairs to the musty basement area, he ran into someone he'd rather not have seen: Richard O'Malley. O'Malley was surprised to see Juan and fear crossed his eyes for a brief second. He quickly tucked a dossier under his arm.
“Well, this is a surprise, although I had heard you were on Northwind. What brings you to ConsInt Headquarters, Juan?”
“Trying to get some information. See if we know anything about what Prince Victor might throw at us.” Lied Juan. “If I’m going into battle, it might help if I knew against who.”
“Unfortunately, our operations have become a bit more limited. Most have given up already.”
“Have you?”
“There’s more going on than you know, Juan. The Conspiracy is finished. Your best bet is to get your people off-world while there’s still time.”
“I can’t believe I’m hearing this from you. I thought you’d go down with the ship.”
“I will. Nothing can stop that now. Either your former boss will kill me or they will.”
“They?”
“That’s a question you’re better off not knowing the answer to.”
O'Malley Manor, Georgia
Northwind
Conspiracy Occupation Zone, Federated Commonwealth
21 August 3055
"They're up to something." whispered Gwen to Lisa. "Look, most of the battalion is on the grounds."
“This was not in Juan’s information.” Said Lisa, dropping back down behind the automobile they’d parked across from the front gate. “Something has changed.”
“They’ve gotten paranoid.” Said Gwen. “They know you’re coming.”
“Juan wouldn’t have.”
“I wasn’t suggesting that.” Said Gwen. “I meant in general. The Star Swords are coming for Daniel and Baron Ian has rallied his entire battalion of Highlanders to protect him.”
“But Nathan’s gotten word the Highlanders will stand down.”
“This is personal, between you, Joshua, and the O’Malleys. You think that agreement is going to stop Joshua or you.”
“It could unravel everything. This is what Nathan feared.”
“Then we’d best not fail tonight.”
Lisa nodded. She slid back up to look around again. "I can't see the manor house clearly from here. There are too many Battlemechs in the way. We need to get closer."
"We get any closer and those technicians are going to see us."
"Not unless I look like one of them."
"Now, wait just a minute....." responded Gwen, but Lisa was already most of the way across the street.
Surrounding the manor grounds was a stone wall. Lisa scaled it with ease, dropping down behind a large Captivator Battlemech. Gwen dropped down beside her.
“We are in this together.” Reminded Gwen.
“I knew you’d follow.”
“Now I know why he married you.” Said Gwen with a smile. “You’re even more fearless than me.”
Lisa raised her hand to silence Gwen. A technician was moving towards the Captivator.
Gwen ducked behind the leg of the mech and jumped the tech as he walked around. A quick smack with the butt of her SMG and the tech was dreaming. Lisa stripped him down to his underwear and tossed on the uniform over her commando uniform.
"That has to be hot." said Gwen.
“No time to strip.”
“You look ridiculous. Anyone inspects you closely, they’ll know.” Said Gwen, taking something from Lisa's belt.
"What's that?"
"Master activation key. Let's these techs activate these mechs to move them around without knowing each and every pilot's personal access code."
"ISF training?"
"Did you honestly think they wouldn't teach us how to steal mechs?"
"Is that what you have in mind?”
“You get Daniel and the alarm will go up. I’d rather try to escape in one of these,” she slapped the leg of the Captivator for effect, “than that sedan we brought.”
“Caps are slow, if our intelligence is to be believed.”
“I didn’t say this one in particular.” Gwen pointed towards another mech. "That Assassin ought to do nicely."
"Good. Now let’s get moving." Gwen dashed away, indirectly heading for the Assassin.
Lisa headed inside the manor house, casually walking past technicians and mechwarriors as they lounged around the grounds. A couple glanced at her funny when she walked inside, but her stance of "I'm supposed to do this" kept them from stopping her.
The O'Malley manor was impressive, not quite as nice as her father's castle as home, but almost as large. Lost, she had no idea where to begin, or how long she would have before Gwen was found or that unconscious tech was discovered.
Then she heard a woman's voice, speaking as if to a small child. She homed in on it and followed it down a hallway to the west wing of the house. Ahead of her in the corridor was a woman about 10 years older than herself, probably Celine, Richard's sister.
With her was Daniel. Seeing her son ripped at Lisa's heart. She took a step forward to move into the room.
Celine suddenly turned. "You're not allowed within the house." snapped Celine. "Get back outside!" she ordered. Lisa hesitated for barely a second, but it was long enough for Daniel to see her.
"Mommy?"
In a flash, Lisa stormed into the room and body checked Celine into the wall. Celine slammed against the wall and cried out for help.
“Gwen!” barked Lisa into her communicator. “I’m going to need that ride out of here now.”
“On my way.” Came the reply. Lisa could hear the sound a BattleMech powering up in the background.
Lisa grabbed Daniel and headed for the door. Outside, she could hear the commotion caused by Gwen’s mech power-up. The guards, thankfully, were not looking at what was going on inside the house.
As she reached the front foyer, she stopped. Directly in her path was Richard O’Malley. He turned and saw her and his eyes grew wide.
He reached for his weapon, but Lisa was faster. She fired her laser, a crimson beam of light slicing through the woodwork at shoulder level and striking Richard in the shoulder. He lurched back before the laser cut any deeper.
Lisa dashed for the door, but Richard was on his feet again. He dove for her legs and brought her down. Daniel landed with a thump on the hardwood and let out a wail of fear and pain.
“You’ll not take him!” snarled Richard, picking himself up and heading for the toddler.
“He is not yours!” retorted Lisa, grabbing his ankle.
Richard let out a fierce kick into Lisa’s face, shaking her off. He snatched up Daniel just the front door of the house exploded inward from the impact of a BattleMech fist. It enclosed around Lisa and picked her up off the floor.
"No!" screamed Lisa in desperation as she watched Richard carry Daniel away from the mech and out of danger. She slumped in the mech’s hand as Gwen pulled the mech’s arm back.
“I’m sorry, Lisa. But we’ve got other things to worry about. Hang on.” Said Gwen. Behind her, three of the Highlander's mechs were now powering up. She triggered the Assassin's jump jets. The 40 ton mech rocketed into the air, clearing the stone wall and landing on the road that led to the city. She hit the ground running and was out of sight before their pursuit left the grounds.
Celine came down the steps rubbing her head. She took Daniel from Richard’s arms. “Are you hurt?”
“No,” he said flatly. “But we must accelerate our plans. The Star Swords will be here soon.”
Rebel Hideout, Georgia
Northwind
Conspiracy Occupation Zone, Federated Commonwealth
22 August 3055
Gwen fumed silently as she looked over the makeshift model of the Georgia communications relay. Nathan stood across from her.
“How is she?”
“She’ll live. You know her strength.”
“To be that close. To have him in hand and then lose him.” Nathan shook his head.
“They’ll be another time. Lisa knows this. Right now, we need to ensure that things are in place for Victor’s arrival.”
“This will be the key. When we give the signal, the Northwind authorities will shut down the comm relay. That will blind and deafen the Conspiracy forces temporarily and should allow Victor’s attack force to land.”
“It will also tip off the Conspiracy forces that the Highlanders have betrayed them.”
“They’ll be too busy with Victor’s attack force to retaliate.”
“And if the Highlanders don’t follow through?”
“That’s where I come in.” said Duggan as he walked inside. “I’ll teams in place to disable the relays if they’re not shut down by the Highlanders.”
“Victor’s ships are inbound as we speak, disguised as cargo transports. He’ll be in orbit in three days.” He paused. “Everyone knows their jobs. At this point, we separate and go to ground. Richard is probably going to be looking for us.” With that comment, Duggan bored a baleful stare at Gwen, but she ignored him. She simply nodded to Nathan.
“Our work is done.” Said Gwen. “Now it’s the Prince’s turn.”
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