Chapter Seventeen - Battle Wounds
Skye
Skye March, Federated Commonwealth
22 November 3053
Victor Davion, ruler of the Federated Commonwealth, watched as the dropships of the 10th Skye Rangers launched into the sky. He stood at the feet of his massive Daishi Omnimech and scowled in anger.
“What the hell was he thinking?” said Victor to his aide, Galen Cox.
“I can’t answer that. General Messer did however leave Duke Ryan 1st Conspiracy regiment in shambles. Certainly a morale blow to the rebels at least.”
“I need more than morale blows if I’m to bring this insurrection to heel.”
“On that note, I just received word that the Accrington Militia hit Zebebelgenubi yesterday and that the 2nd Regiment of Narhal’s Raiders will touch down on Syrma tomorrow morning.”
“And the 1st Regiment? What of them?”
“Next week, they strike Blue Diamond. Our counter-offensive is rolling full steam. Morale victory or no on Oliver, the Conspiracy has lost its momentum.”
“And what are we to do with the Star Swords?” Mused Victor bitterly. “Rightly accuse them of cowardice in the face of the enemy? You talk of morale issues. What of their heroic reputation and what such an accusation would do to our other forces?”
“This is something best dealt with quietly. Either return them to New Belfast or order to them to garrison a reserve world. Use them to free up another more reliable regiment for our counter-offensive.”
“Use one of the AFFC’s most elite and lauded units for garrison duty?”
“Your other option is to make a scandal of this. A public accusation, an inquiry, a court-martial. All of which you seem eager to avoid. Joshua is not the man he once was. His personal problems are clearly affecting his judgment. You cannot rely on him any longer.”
“Order the Swords to Hesperus. They are to repair, refit, and garrison the factory world until I see fit to return them to New Belfast. I will give Joshua another chance, but if he fails me again I will remove him from command.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll see to it.” Said Galen.
“And what of the Swords’ allies, the mercenary Dark Rangers? How are they faring since the coup d’etat the Conspiracy tried to pull?” asked Victor.
“They are doing fine. Logan is a bit impulsive. The Swords have had to reign him in a number of times since I had them conducting raids along the Tamarind March border to Duke Ryan’s independent worlds. Logan wants a piece of Steiner something bad.”
“He’s undisciplined and insubordinate. But there are times when the best solution is a blunt object.”
“Agreed. Logan’s bloodlust will be sated soon enough. Once his current raid is complete, I have orders to station him back on Tikonov, for preparation for a raid into the other side of Conspiracy space. The ISF hammered the Highlanders pretty good, which has slowed Duke Ryan’s advance into the Draconis and Sarna Marches. We’re no closer to retaking those worlds however. Ryan left his Lyran border undermanned for his assault on Oliver. Not so with the Northwind theatre.”
“Probing raids, then?”
“Yes. And the Rangers are perfectly suited for that.” Said Galen, picking up a printed form with a Comstar emblem on its letterhead. “There is another matter.”
“Yes?” asked Victor.
“We have received word that the Kurita High Command wants to meet to discuss our plans for after the war.”
“For once, they’re not fusing about how Duke Ryan still controls Al Na’ir. When do they want to meet?”
“Sometime next month. It’s up to us to name the date and time.”
“Then make it here on Skye. Consider it salt in Ryan’s wounds. Schedule it for the 1st.”
“Rather sudden, don’t you think?”
“Both Theodore and Takashi are monitoring the progress of the war from worlds close to the action. Last I heard, they were on New Samarkand, overseeing the reorganization of the ISF, with intent to move on to Dieron by Christmas. If so, then the journey will not take them long.”
“Understood. I’ll send word immediately.”
“Good. Hell, if all goes well, I might be able to give Theodore back his world as a Christmas present.” Victor paused. “But there still remains the question of what to do with the Star Swords. Prepare my shuttle. I’m going to take a quick trip to Hesperus. I want to meet them there and decide at that time what to do with this cowardly hero called Joshua.”
ISF Headquarters
New Samarkand
Galedon Military District, Draconis Combine
5 December 3053
Yuri Noriko knelt in humility before the former desk of Director Subhash Indrahar. Some months ago, she had carried out a mission in this very room to assassinate the Director for his treachery to the Combine. Then she led a regiment of battlemechs on a suicide mission to Northwind. Had it not been for Javier Libereux and his stun baton, she would have died there with her unit. Instead she was spared and she returned to the Combine aboard a smuggler’s transport. Now she bowed before the man who now oversaw the revamp of the Combine’s own treacherous intelligence community.
“So what am I to do with you, Sho-sa Noriko?” asked Theodore Kurita.
“My life is for the Dragon.”
“You were ordered to take Northwind as the commander of the 1st DEST regiment. They were annihilated, but you are here before me.”
“If you wish my life, you have but to ask.”
“You were but a pawn in the Director’s game. I have read your file. Disloyalty is not in your character.”
“But I was disloyal nonetheless.”
“Ie!” said Theodore forcefully. “I remember your work on Dieron. When the deception was uncovered, your loyalty to House Kurita trumped your loyalty to the Director. You worked with the Star Swords and the Davion bodyguards to root out the traitors from our midst. You have vision where the Director did not.” Theodore’s head slumped sadly. In his youth, Theodore had found Director Indrahar to be a fast friend. His betrayal clearly weighed on him. His head snapped up.
“Rise, Sho-sa. I have need of people of vision.” He stood up and moved away from the chair. “In fact, I believe this chair is better suited for you. Will you serve the Dragon as the new Director of the ISF?”
“You honor me, sir. I am unworthy.”
“But it is offered nonetheless. No others can I trust in these uncertain times. Rise, Director. You have a lot of work to do.”
Georgia
Northwind
Conspiracy Occupation Zone, Federated Commonwealth
12 December 3053
Thoroughly disgusted, the barmaid walked away from the catcalls of the hooting mercenary soldiers. The bartender, Kyle, just shook his head.
“Don’t let ‘em get to you, Lisa.” he muttered to her as she came up to get another order of drinks. “Damned Kuritans. Force us to take on this rabble to protect the planet.”
“They’re drunk.” said Lisa matter-of-factly. “All soldiers are obnoxious when drunk.” With that, she turned and returned to her work.
Northwind had become transformed. Now the unofficial capital world of the Conspiracy, it had turned it into an armed camp. Most of that was due to the ISF’s brutal, but ultimately unsuccessful, attack on the planet two months earlier. Two of the Northwind Highlander regiments remained after their counterattack. Adding to them as the garrison force was a number of smaller more ignoble units, mostly small mercenary units.
Most of the Conspiracy government and military was based in Georgia, occupying the old planetary government buildings north of Tara. The planetary government itself had moved into the fortress with the Highlander military command.
The disorder of the government transition had allowed other forces to fill in the vacuum. Particularly strong were the Yakuza, the Japanese Mafia. Strong on worlds bordering the Draconis Combine, these criminals had been having a field day amidst the chaos. Lately, it had been getting worse. Alliance insurgents had begun to stir up a number of protest movements. The Yakuza, with their ties to the Draconis Combine, had been in support of these partisans. Against the Yakuza criminal empire however had arisen a new “gang,” an organization known as the Bin Fiacial. Despite their criminal activity, this mafia-like organization was seen in a “Robin Hood” fashion against the “evil” Oriental Yakuza. Northwind natives equated anything Oriental with either House Liao (the Highlander’s old employer, who failed to keep promises to reclaim Northwind for them) or the hated House Kurita.
Few people of Northwind would forget what the forces of the Draconis Combine had done on Northwind decades before. During the Fourth War, the Federated Suns planted an elaborate ruse here, hoping to lure the new Genyosha regiments into a trap with the newly returning Northwind Highlanders. Hanse Davion had convinced the Highlanders to abandon the Capellan Confederation to return to their ancestral homeworld. As the Highlanders sped for home, a number of merc units arrived on Northwind, posing as the legendary Kell Hounds. This drew not only the Genyosha to Northwind, but also the dreaded 5th Sword of Light. The Sword of Light poisoned the water supply around the city of Cominty, killing thousands and nearly destroying the mercenary units stationed there. Driving the Kurita forces off-world did not rid the people of the planet of the presence. Throughout the Fourth War, the planet was plagued with ISF “terrorist” attacks, which killed hundreds of people. Many of the people of Northwind have held hatred for the Combine ever since. The ISF invasion and the brutal murder of the 500 or so soldiers occupying Tara had done little to heal those wounds.
Still, everyone felt a reckoning was coming. The government versus the partisans overtly or covertly through their puppet criminal empires. Regardless of which, it was bound to be unpleasant.
It was nearly closing time and the drunken soldiers staggered home. Only a small group of men remained, quiet and brooding in a corner. Something about them set Lisa ill at ease. They kept watching her as she wiped down the last few tables.
“Perverts” thought Lisa as she checked her watch.
“Time to go, gents.” called out Kyle to the men in the corner. They grumbled, but got up and left. Lisa went over to clean their table. It was the last one to clean. After she finished, she walked over to the bar and leaned on it beside Kyle.
“Payday.” She reminded him. He opened the register and handed her several bills; Northwind script, virtually worthless.
“Best you can do?”
“You know my clientele.” Mused Kyle. “You ask me that every week.”
“You know how badly I want to get off this planet.”
“You and everyone else, my dear.”
Lisa MacLeod simply shook her head and headed for the door. Joshua had closed their joint account just before he and the Swords arrived on Oliver, hoping to trap her there. It hadn’t worked since Lisa had already left Oliver for Northwind. But now she had no means to move on beyond this planet, one of the worst places she could find herself stranded. Even beyond the Conspiracy’s insurrection, she knew exactly where she was and who else was on this planet with her. The possibility of being discovered by Richard O’Malley chilled her to the bone.
Just then, the door to the bar opened and in walked Gwen.
Lisa locked eyes with the new arrival and recognized her instantly. Her eyes narrowed in hatred, a gesture that did not go unnoticed. “I will see you tomorrow, Kyle.” she half-snarled to her employer.
“Take care of yourself out there.” Kyle watched as Lisa headed out the door.
“How has the hired help been doing?” asked Gwen, making small talk.
“Lisa? She’s okay. I get the sense though that she’s never worked a day in her life before.”
“She looks at me like she’d like to kill me if given half the chance.” Said Gwen. “Never seen her before, so I can’t think of what wrong I could have done to her.”
“You worked for House Kurita once. That’s probably all it is. A lot of people, not just on Northwind, hate the Snakes.”
“You don’t think she’s a native?”
“No, accent’s all wrong. Native of some other world settled by Scotsman in the last millennia. And clearly on the run. She’s terrified of being here on Northwind.”
“Who wouldn’t? This isn’t exactly a paradise, you know.”
“It used to be, before Duke Steiner decided to hire the Highlanders. There will be a reckoning for that.”
With Bin Fiacial’s muscling in on the Yakuza’s prostitution market lately, it’s likely to get worse.”
“What do you mean?”
“The rumors. I’m sure you’ve heard them. Of how they’ve been abducting women from Exiletown and basically selling them into sex slavery.”
“I wouldn’t believe everything you hear on the streets, my dear. But it’s sad that I don’t find this tale of yours to be that implausible anymore. By God, how far have we degraded ourselves.” Lamented Kyle. “So what’s this visit about?”
“Weapons. Bum wants to build an organized fighting force, something more than a bunch of students and housewives marching in the streets every other morning.”
“He’s crazy to try. Against the Highlanders?”
“And you think the Highlanders are going to fire on Northwind natives? They’d never and you know it. And the Highlanders aren’t our target. We need to frame this for what it is, an occupation by a foreign enemy. We’ll fight Duke Ryan’s thugs.”
“And they will hit back.”
“Let them. I’d like to see the Highlanders rethink their loyalties in this. After all, which is worse? Kurita out there among the stars or the barbarians you’ve welcomed into your own cities? A few hundred dead Northwinders at the hands of Duke Ryan’s trigger-happy allies might just do it.”
“You Kurita are all alike.” Snarled Kyle in disgust. “You care nothing for the lives of decent human beings.”
“And you think Duke Ryan and his army of hired thugs cares more?”
“What do you need me to do?” mumbled Kyle. His prejudices against Kurita had not abated much, even with the work he had to do with Gwen and Javier. Nathan Bairn clearly trusted them, but Kyle still found the two former ISF commandos disconcerting.
“Here is what we need. I’m sure you can dig this up for us.”
----
Lisa’s paranoia was paying off to some degree. The last group to leave the bar had kept watch on it as she left. As she walked towards Exiletown, they followed.
Lisa also headed home swiftly, trying to outpace her pursuers. Granted, her tiny run-down apartment was hardly any sanctuary, save for the still serviceable autopistol and her sword which she kept there. So armed, she had less to fear.
Lisa had arrived on Northwind over two months ago now. Like the other refugees, she had been swallowed up into Exiletown. Near penniless, she was forced to find work. Kyle had taken a liking to her. Despite the less than luxurious conditions, she had settled in here quite nicely, except for one thing. By running away those ten long months ago, she had hoped to find a place where she could hide from the life she left behind. Northwind, home of the O’Malleys, could never be such an escape.
And now she was here too: Gwen Laidir. Lisa had stared at her picture for years as Joshua had kept her memory alive in his precious personal photo gallery. Obviously, he’d kept more than just the memory alive, for she remembered well the place she’d seen her face, seducing her husband on the video she’s received on Carlisle all those months ago.
Her flight had not brought her peace, only more torment. Lisa felt more lost now than ever before. The old nightmares had stopped. The necessities of life on the run had driven Robert O’Malley’s haunting visage from her dreams. But new torments had taken their place. She dreamt of her son, of Daniel, and wondered if he would ever forgive his mother for abandoning him. She dreamt of Joshua, dreamt of her anger at his calloused betrayal, of how he did nothing to come look for her.
“He cared more about the money in the bank account than he did me.” Thought Lisa angrily, allowing herself a brief moment of distraction. Her military training was now at work, keeping her watchful, mindful of her pursuers. She did not know what their intent was. Rape, abduction, robbery, murder, any of them was a possibility in these dark times in this ramshackle neighborhood of Northwind.
Just before passing the border between what constituted the civilized neighborhood of Easttown and the makeshift community of Exiletown, she spotted a closed electronics store, where the television sets in the window still ran. There was a newscast on the screen, telling of the great Conspiracy victory at Oliver. Battle footage told Lisa the rest.
“He took the Swords to Oliver?” she wondered.
Suddenly a strong pair of arms grabbed her from behind. Her momentary lapse into sentimentality had caused her to drop her guard. She tried to cry out but another hand covered her mouth. A third man walked into her field of view.
“Yes, I think we have a good one here.” said the man in Japanese.
“I wonder if Duncan and Bill did as well?” said one. “This one and that other are as pretty as those we grabbed last week.”
“You nearly cost us a valuable sale by deciding to have fun with one of them before hand. Don’t let me catch you doing that again, Yatsura-san, or I’ll have your whole hand his time.”
Yatsura tightened his grip and Lisa could tell that at least one digit on his left hand was missing: the usual method of punishing Yakuza who had failed.
“Come on. Let’s meet up with the others. We have a big sale next week. I think this one may be our prize attraction.”
But Lisa was not about to just be taken. Even with her weapons far away in her apartment, she still had other resources at hand. She stomped down hard on her abductor’s left foot. The man, Yatsura, yelped in pain and let go. Lisa took the opportunity and ran.
“Kuso! Catch her!” swore the other Yakuza.
Lisa put all her focus into running as fast and as hard as she could. If she could reach her apartment, her gun, her sword, she might have a chance. She knew now their intent: abduction. She would be taken, sold,to some corrupt businessman, nobleman, or criminal leader. Sold to sate his desires for the flesh. It would be O’Malley’s tent all over again. The nightmare of rape would begin again.
Yatsura and his companion were fast and kept to her heels. They were also prepared for this possibility. Yatsura drew out a weapon from under his coat, a sonic stunner.
Lisa heard the weapon discharge, once, twice. At least he was a lousy shot. She turned a corner, less than a block from home. But then, she felt the impact of a stunner bolt. Her body shook from the intense sonic vibrations, her nerves went numb, and her feet ceased to work as they should. She pitched into the street, limp as a boned fish. All the while, her mind screaming “NO!!!!”
---
Gwen moved quickly through the dark streets. Although there was technically a curfew in effect over all of Northwind, the Yakuza and the Bin Fiacial had the liberty of ignoring it by bribing off all the law enforcement. Still the streets were empty, save for the occasional bum or prostitute.
Two men came out of an alley in front of Gwen, startling her. She slid to a stop.
“You know it’s not safe to be out at this hour.” said one in heavily accented English. His lisp was the typical Scottish brogue of Northwind, to which Gwen was still unaccustomed.
The other one mumbled in Gaelic. “She’s a pretty one, Duncan. I wonder what she’s like under that skin-tight jumpsuit.”
“I don’t recommend you try to find out.” snarled Gwen back in her own fluent Gaelic.
“Grab her.” ordered the first. Both men leaped in.
Gwen spun into a roundhouse kick, connecting with the side of his head. The blow sent him flying into the building beside him, dazing him. The second tackled Gwen and forced her down to the ground. He smiled. “Such large breasts. They must be pretty.”
“Fucking pervert.” said Gwen, slamming her knee up into the man’s crotch. He winced in pain and loosened his grip. She reached under her belt and grabbed her belt knife. With a quick flick, she slashed it across the face of her attacker. He cried out in pain and fell off of her.
Gwen jumped to her feet just as the other fellow came around. “You’re a tough one. But you’re no match for me. For slashing Bill, I just might have to let him sample you before we put you on the market.” He reached back behind his belt and drew a small handgun.
“Barbarians.” snarled Gwen in Japanese.
“Leave her alone.” snapped a voice.
“Stay out of this, stranger.” said Duncan, turning to bring his weapon to bear on the new arrival. Before he could complete his turn, a gun discharged twice. Duncan twitched as two rounds slammed into his mass. He fell, blood pouring onto the sidewalk.
Bill picked himself up and tried to run, but the gun spoke once more. A single round smashed into the back of his head, sending him sprawling into the street.
“Javier! Thank God.” Said Gwen.
“You seemed to need some help.” Said her scarred companion. He gave Duncan’s corpse a swift kick and he spat. “Bin Fiacial thugs. You’re too trusting, Gwen. You knew about their little sex slavery ring and yet you still went out without escort.” He holstered his gun.
“I can take care of myself, Mr. Libereux.” Reminded Gwen.
“This is not time for jokes. This place is becoming more and more dangerous. These guys are trained in kidnapping and had I not shown up, they would have had you.”
“Let’s get going before these two’s friends show up.”
They walked quietly down the street towards their apartment. Jean spotted a police van ahead and grabbed Gwen. Together, they hid in an alley way.
“They’re actually going to enforce the curfew in Exiletown?” whispered Gwen in disbelief. “They really are cracking down.”
“This will work in our favor. The harder Duke Ryan rides the people of Northwind, the more appearing revolt becomes. Maybe even for the Highlanders themselves.”
“That is the plan.” Said Gwen. “The van’s gone. It’s clear.”
Location Unknown
13 December 3053
The Duchess scowled as she read the letter from her contact. “So, Victor plans to accelerate his counteroffensive against the Conspiracy. Too bad I’m going to ruin his plans.”
“Mi’lady, a Mr. Jones to see you.”
“Send him in.”
“So, what’s the job?”
“Ever quick to get down to business, Mr. Jones? New pseudonym, and not very original.”
“People in my line of work need to spend their creative energies elsewhere than in coming up with flashy names.”
“Yes, names aren’t important are they. My subordinates call me the Duchess. Not a name, but a title. Still, you are the same man who orchestrated the destruction of Kanthan bridge on Altair and at least a dozen other such terrorist attacks in the Draconis Combine over the last ten years, are you not?”
“You wouldn’t have contacted me if you didn’t know who I was or what I did.”
“Still trying to cut to the chase. Very well. Your hatred of the Combine is well known. You were once a mechwarrior in the 10th Lyran, weren’t you?”
“My past is irrelevant.”
“Watched your comrades die on a suicide mission into the Combine during the Fourth War. You never forgave Kurita for that defeat, even though it is well known that Theodore Kurita allowed most of the captives to return to the Commonwealth. You stayed, not as a prisoner, but waging your own one man war against Kurita. Now you’re here. And now you’ll do my bidding.”
“And that is?”
“There is to be a military conference on Skye. I want you to plant one of your surprises in the building where the conference is to be held.”
“There will be top level brass at that meeting, including the Archon Prince and his equals from the Combine.”
“Exactly.”
“You would kill him…your…”
“Say no more. Yes, I would. He’s been nothing but an impediment to me. Now, I don’t care how you do it, but make sure none leave that meeting alive.”
“As you wish, Duchess.”
“My own personal assassin. Let us see how Victor deals with this, assuming he survives.”
Hesperus II
Tamarind March, Federated Commonwealth
14 December 3053
“My God, it has seen better days, hasn’t it?” joked Ryan. His mirth hid his concern. The Mad Cat battlemech he had piloted successfully in nearly a dozen campaigns was in very bad shape. Its battered form was being lowered out of the dropship onto a flatbed truck.
“It will be hard to say if we can repair it. Our stocks of workable Clan ferro-fibrous armor are growing more limited. We can replace it with standard armor, but with a 20% loss of protection.” Said the nearby tech, peaking up only momentarily from his clipboard.
“And if you can’t? Am I to be condemned to fight in a Zeus?”
“Quit your whining.” Said Joshua, coming up behind him.
“My pilots are going to be displeased by being reassigned to Inner Sphere mechs.”
“It was bound to happen sooner or later. Once our stockpiles of stolen Clan parts ran out, our Omnimechs were going to have to be replaced.” Joshua smiled. “And as for you, you should be worrying about more important things than your Battlemech…Dad.”
“There are times when the husband is wanted and there are times when he is not.” Joked Ryan. “This is the latter.”
“You, at least, have the option.” Said Joshua grimly. “How is the baby, anyway?”
“Doing well. Amanda’s a little disappointed she got born en route.”
“Look at it this way, little Christina can claim she was born in space. Now how many people do you know like that?”
“No one.”
“Everyone has some unique trait about them. That will be hers. No doubt among others. I’ll see you later.”
In the month it had taken the Swords to journey between Oliver and Hesperus, many things had happened. Joshua and many of the wounded had recovered from their injuries. Amanda had given birth to her and Ryan’s second daughter, Christina.
As depressed and confused as everyone had been upon leaving Oliver, the Swords spirits had risen since their arrival on Hesperus. Hesperus had the reputation of hosting the largest mech factory in the Inner Sphere. While the planet was not much prettier than Oliver, it was likely that the Swords would be back on their feet stronger than ever.
But Joshua could read between the lines. Their orders were to hold Hesperus against an attack that was not likely to come. Duke Ryan’s Skye March front had almost completely collapsed against Victor’s counter-offensive. Now the Conspiracy was dug in on the worlds they held near Northwind, nearly 75 light years distant from Hesperus.
Add to that the simple fact that their sojourn on this planet kept them away from their home of New Belfast. Joshua had recently received word that Evcilier had fallen to the Jade Falcons, leaving Carlisle increasingly isolated and vulnerable.
And third, as Joshua anticipated, Prince Victor was coming to Hesperus, a brief visit before returning to Skye for the next Star Alliance conference. His dropship was inbound and due to arrive within the hour.
Joshua headed back to his office to make ready. He showered, shaved, and put on his dress uniform to meet with Victor. He then headed to the spaceport.
The dropshuttle landed with little affair. Victor had requested that this visit be low key. The Prince marched down the gantry with his bodyguards as it hit the ground.
“Your Highness, this is unexpected.” Said Joshua.
“You’re lying. You knew I’d be coming the moment you left Oliver.” Said Victor sternly. “Come. Let us discuss this privately.”
“Yes, sir.” Said Joshua, falling into pace behind the Prince.
The two men got into a jeep and headed to a nearby building to find a private room. Nearby, the Star Swords continued to unload their machines from the dropships, having arrived only 24 hours before.
“I am baffled as to your reasons for withdrawing from Oliver on the verge of victory.” Said Victor.
“Explain.”
“There is no answer that I would give that would satisfy you, Victor.” Said Joshua flatly. “Let us simply say that this was not a battle we should have become involved in.”
“You requested a posting on the Conspiracy front. You volunteered the Swords to help in the war effort.”
“Both a mistake on my part.”
“I built a whole strategy around bringing your unit into the war.”
“A strategy that continues unabated by our actions. You took Skye two weeks ago and have launched counter-attacks on nearly a half dozen rebellious worlds since then. Duke Ryan is now isolated to what now? Ten worlds at most, with barely a dozen regiments under flag, most of them mercenaries. Losing Oliver was a minor blow.”
“It was not. Duke Ryan has no infrastructure, no means to revenue or taxation established on his occupied worlds. His primary means of paying for all those mercenaries is in material. And he now controls 4 mech production facilities: Northwind, Al Na’ir, Epsilon Eridani, and Oliver. I could buy off the Highlanders and his other mercenaries, but he can promise them new Battlemechs of Star League level technology.”
“You and you father might have considered the consequences of throwing mercenaries literally to the Wolves and to the Falcons without the equipment to properly fight them.”
“You forget your place.” Said Victor angrily.
“You were never one to stand on ceremony and privilege, Victor. The truth is the truth and you know it.”
“And on that note, what you did on Oliver was cowardice, plain and simple. Both of us can play at this game, Joshua. You fled from an enemy you had beaten and for what? After Garrison, I might have understood your timidity, but this is after Donegal and New Belfast. It makes no sense and our enemy is the stronger for it.”
“He commands a dozen regiments and ten worlds. Hardly a real threat to one who rules over 300 worlds and 150 regiments of Battlemechs.”
“It’s not what he can do to our nation that concerns me. I have to meet with Kurita in two weeks to try to talk him out of taking unilateral action against the Conspiracy. My arguments grow weaker and weaker with each day the Conspiracy threatens Combine worlds or holds Al Na’ir. Already, they’ve sent black ops teams into FedCom space.”
“I heard about Northwind.”
“All the more reason why your actions have complicated things significantly.” Said Victor. “You take advantage, Joshua. The Star Swords were never meant to be your personal plaything, no matter how much independence my father might have granted you.”
“And that is precisely why I did what I did. I didn’t go to Oliver for you or for your war, Victor. And it is for that, that I owe you the apology. My troops deserve better than to die for my stupidity. And I misled you to my purposes.”
“Whatever your personal reasons were, it doesn’t change my position or the reality of what we now face. What am I to do with you, Joshua?”
“You’ve already condemned us to garrison a world, however important, that is unlikely to see attack. You keep us from New Belfast, from our home.”
“Snord Irregulars and the Dragoons were more than willing to post garrison on New Belfast in your absence. It seems they know something of your origins and were willing to make a deal with my government too sweet to pass up. They I can rely upon. You, I don’t know anymore. So on Hesperus you remain. Repair, refit, until I can think of something else for you to do, something I can count on.”
“I remain in command?”
“You would only go rogue if I were to tamper with that. Those troops you think so highly of did not pledge themselves to me or to the FedCom. They are loyal to you personally. With one of your battalions already committed to the Conspiracy cause, I can ill afford another revolt, even if all you did was pack up and return to New Belfast. You remain in command. But don’t fail me again, Joshua. I regard you as a friend and forcing my hand like this is something I do not wish to do with you again.”
O’Malley Estate
Northwind
Conspiracy Occupation Zone, Federated Commonwealth
14 December 3053
“This situation has grown intolerable.” Snarled Baron Ian O’Malley, looking out the window upon the city of Georgia to the south. “What were you thinking, inviting the Conspiracy here?”
“And here I was hoping that you had simply invited me back home to enjoy a bit of holiday cheer.”
Said Richard O’Malley with mild annoyance. “I was not expecting a dressing down from my father.”
“You are deserving of one, Richard.” The elder O’Malley spun on his feel to turn and face his son. “We Highlanders have prided ourselves on our principles. We are mercenaries, yes, and yes, we fight for money. But we are not murderers. We are not thieves. And this rabble that makes up Duke Ryan’s army is nothing but.” He glared at his son with rage in his eyes. “And look what has become of our capital city. Rape gangs, turf wars between the Yakuza and Bin Fiacial, shantytowns filled with desperate and despondent people. This is not Northwind. It is a travesty what has become of our homeworld.”
“Don’t be such a hypocrite, Father. When have you ever cared for the people? How many of them did Robert hurt that you bought off or otherwise covered up? At least I found a way to get Robert off-world before his scandals truly ruined this family.”
“And dumped our problems on someone else. If you had kept him here, your brother might still be alive. In prison, perhaps, but alive.”
“You have the Star Swords to thank for his death, as you well know.”
“We are as much responsible for his death as they. It was we who unleashed him upon the Inner Sphere. The scandal would perhaps have been better.”
“You have grown soft in your old age, Father. Do I hear regrets in your voice?”
“Do not mock me, Richard. Even as my son, my patience with you has its limits.”
“Either we make our bed with Duke Ryan or with a Prince who likely makes his with the daughter of Lord Kurita. Our enemies side with that Prince. My brother’s murderers side with that Prince. The decision should be easy for us.”
“But at what cost, Richard? Will we even recognize our home once this is done? With Duke Ryan here, it is only a matter of time before Prince Victor comes. And Northwind will burn.”
“Do not be so pessimistic, Father. There are things going on that you do not know that can buy us victory.”
“And that may be the worse path. With Duke Ryan’s rabble, and the Yakuza, and Baron Napineo reveling in the power such victory would bring. Look at our cities now when defeat is imminent. What will they do once the spoils of victory are theirs?” He let the question hang in the air. “Northwind will burn…in victory or defeat. And it is you who set the fire.”
Yakuza hideout, Georgia
Northwind
Conspiracy Occupation Zone, Federated Commonwealth
14 December 3053
Baron Miguel Napineo marched inside with his two bodyguards. He and his family were minor nobles of Northwind who had turned to criminal activities over the last three decades. Napineo had been stripped of lands and title for his criminal empire by the Clan Elders, the rulers of the planet. But when Napineo pledged loyalty to Duke Ryan, the Duke overrode the Clan Elders and restored his name and his house.
“A simple exchange. A pledge of loyalty for the freedom to pick up where we left off. Bin Fiacial lives again, and it’s only a matter of time before we rule the streets of this city. And those old fools who thought to jail me, they now bow before Duke Ryan.” He smiled at the thought and turned to the matter at hand.
“The deal is simple.” He said firmly to the assembled group. “You acknowledge your new master or join your old one.”
Oyabun Takiuchi of the Northwind Yakuza stared lifelessly into the air. An ugly gash in his throat indicated how he’d met his fate. At his back was a young Japanese man bearing the instrument of his demise, the new Oyabun, Kenichi Morashi.
Morashi had been in Napineo’s pay for several months now. Only recently had he been able to make a move to take over the Yakuza. Now Napineo had stepped in to ensure his ascension.
“There will be profit for all, I assure you. Bin Fiacial will be our ally.” Said Morashi. “They will leave us alone and we will leave them alone.”
One by one, the Yakuza kobun who were assembled nodded to Morashi. “This war has been expensive. What do we owe to the Combine? The ISF has failed, Duke Ryan rules Northwind now. We must be practical.” said one.
“Then it is settled.”
The kobuns sat down to discuss the change in power. Morashi motioned to a back door. Napineo went ahead, followed by his bodyguards.
“We have received word of attempts by the insurrectionists to obtain military weapons.” Said Napineo.
“As you suspect, they have contacted us.”
“What will you do?”
“What would you like me to do?”
“You are a perfect puppet, Kenichi.” Said Napineo.
“You hold my family hostage against me. Would I dare defy you now?”
“Has it not been profitable for you, however?”
“It has.” Mused the Yakuza officer bitterly. “Profit at the expense of my family’s safety.”
“Oh, they are quite safe. As long as you obey me.” Said Napineo. “Arrange the sale and inform me of the details of the meeting. Planetary Security will do the rest.”
“So I am to sell out the rebels?”
“That you are.” Said Napineo. He glanced about the room and noticed the women chained near one wall. “Your latest catch, I see.”
“The vagrants of Exiletown are a fertile crop. I have initiated abduction gangs similar to your own. After only two weeks we have increased our quantity and quality of our prostitution houses significantly.”
“Duke Ryan’s soldiers no doubt appreciate that.” Said Napineo mockingly. “Who is that one?”
“What name would you like her to have?” said Moroshi, walking over and pulling the woman to her feet by her chains.
“She is older. Not a teenager like the rest.”
“We get all kinds.” Said Moroshi. “The lost and the desperate. Some were already selling themselves for a pittance on the streets in order to survive. This one I believe was a cocktail waitress at an Exiletown bar. We caught her just two nights ago. She is beautiful, ne?” said Moroshi.
“Too beautiful for some back alley brothel. Make her one of your renkesu and send her to me.”
“As you wish, Baron Napineo.”
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