Birth of a Hero Part Four

WorkMech Union Hall, Capital

Itrom

Aurigan Reach, Outward Periphery

6 December 3120

Max spent less than 5 minutes at his home, grabbing his Winchester rifle and an overnight bag of clothes. There were a few other items he still needed at his office at the Union Hall, so he headed there next, praying he was still one step ahead of his pursuers.

When he marched inside, he was surprised to find the place was packed. As he rushed in, every single face in the hall turned to look at him.

“What’s going on?” asked Max tepidly.

“You don’t know? You were there.” said one.

“It’s all over the tele. Look.” said another.

Max’s eyes moved up above the bar to the vidscreen there. Playing on a loop was video from the mayor’s office, showing the attack on the teen and Max’s intervention. It showed the guards attacking the crowd, shooting several. Someone had been recording the whole thing and had managed to get the recording to the local news.

Max sighed in defeat. If that was running on all the news stations now, he’d never get off planet with his face seen by everyone on Itrom.

“If they can do that to a group of peaceful protesters, they can do that to anyone.” said another WorkMech pilot. “Mayor Madeira has gone too far.”

“She’ll be gunning for me.” said Max. “No sense all of you getting in the middle of this.”

“You think so?” said Zhang, one of the pilots who was also a native Capellan. “No way the Duke won’t get involved now. She’s going to go out with a bang. Send her goons to do as much damage to my people as she can before the Duke removes her from office. We have to stop her.”

“How?” asked Max. “Her goons will have mechs. WorkMechs for sure and maybe even armed SecurityMechs. They’ll just walk right through us. Hand weapons are no good against mechs.”

“Then we go after her.” said Zhang. “Place her under arrest in the Duke’s name and demand her thugs stand down.”

The crowd roared with enthusiasm at the idea. Several raised weapons in the air, showing that they had come prepared for a fight. Max felt queasy at the whole idea. This was going to get ugly. He’d already killed one person and seen several others get wounded because of him. That was more than enough.

“I’ve seen enough death for a thousand lifetimes.” he pleaded to no one in particular and everyone all at the same time. “I’ve already shed blood once today. Don’t do this.”

“How did you think this was going to end?” said Zhang.

“I won’t have others die for me.” retorted Max.

“It’s not about you, Max.” said Zhang. “It never really was. It’s about Madeira and her blind hatred of my people. A hatred that you knew would not stop with a few stolen homes. A hatred that’s not going to stop with the handful of people her guards shot this afternoon. A hatred that’s not going to be scared off by you killing that man or by the Duke and his authority. There’s only one way this ends: In blood. It’s not the way I’d want it either, but we have no choice now. We fight.”

With that bold declaration, the ground shook. “I know what that is.” said Max. They all did: The footfalls of a mech. “Looks like the fight has come to us.” He dashed to the door and looked outside.

Closing on the Union Hall was a large Carbine-class ConstructionMech. At its feet were several of Ashley’s personal security force, all bearing assault rifles. Max glanced up at the mech. As he’d feared, the mech had been modified with what appeared to be a machine gun array.

“We are way outgunned.” he mused.

“We die fighting or we die running. Not much choice now.” said Zhang grimly.

“No!” said Max. “Go out the back. Half go left, the other half go right. Use the back alleys. Climb to the roof tops. Stay out of the open and snipe at them as best you can. I’ve seen infantry fight BattleMechs before. A stand-up fight never works, but if you go where they can’t, we can win this.”

“We’ll do it your way, Max.” said Zhang. “After all, you were a mechwarrior once. You know more about this kind of fight than any of us.” He turned to the group of men and women behind him. “You heard him. Out the back. Take to the alleys and rooftops. Go!”

The WorkMech pilots poured out the back door as the ConstructionMech opened fire with its machine guns. The heavy .50 caliber rounds, still popular over a millennia after their introduction, tore through the building’s exterior with ease. The mech’s pilot, however, had thankfully aimed too high and the bullets shredded through the upper part of the ground floor and the lower part of the upstairs, well over the heads of everyone trying to exit the building. Max doubted the pilot would make the same mistake twice. He followed his allies out the back door.

The Union Hall was surrounded by a number of brick and stone buildings, none of which would stand up to much pounding from that machine gun array. Nor would they last long if that 30-ton mech decided to simply walk into one. Regardless, the WorkMech pilots of his union had taken his commands and were scattering about, some going high, others hunkering down behind dumpsters and other detritus in the alleyways. Max pulled out his Winchester and headed towards the nearby Catholic church, an imposing stone edifice with a slanted tin roof.

The air filled with the crack of rifles and the booms of shotguns as the union members opened fire on Ashley’s militiamen. This was answered with the rat-a-tat of automatic rifle fire. Max tried not to think about his friends dying in the exchange and he reached the church. He slung his rifle over his back and began to climb. The ornate stone walls were easily scaled.

The sounds of battle continued, joined periodically by the roar of the mech’s machine gun array. Max made it up to the bottom of the tin roof and brought his rifle around. He looked through the oil lens at the battle below.

Several of the militiamen were down; the rest had taken cover themselves behind parked cars and whatever concealment they could find on the street. Many were shooting upward at the roofs of nearby buildings, trying to keep the union members who were sniping them from above pinned down. The Carbine swung one of its massive arms across the roof of an adjacent building, knocking two of Max’s friends off. He watched them fall to the pavement below. They landed with a crunch and did not get up again. Max zoomed in on them. One of them was Zhang.

“You son of a bitch. Time to even the odds.” He brought the Winchester around to aim at the big glass cab on the ConstructionMech. Unlike the glass on Ashley’s office or that of combat- capable BattleMech cockpits, Max knew this glass was not armored. It was thick; thick enough that it would take more than one shot from his puny rifle to penetrate, but he had to try.

Max squeezed the trigger and saw the cockpit glass spiderweb under his sights. The pilot suddenly realized his danger and made to turn, but Max cocked the lever-action weapon and fired again. A second spiderweb appeared next to the first, but he still hadn’t penetrated. Through the oil lens, he could see the pilot looking frantically for the sniper, but for whatever reason, he didn’t seem to be able to find Max. Max cocked his gun again and lined up the sights with the first spiderweb. If he hit the same spot, he could get through.

He fired a third time. The round struck very close to the first, close enough that the glass came apart. Max cocked and fired a fourth time. This time, the round sailed clean through the broken glass and struck the pilot in the chest. Max watched the pilot slump over and the mech came to a halt.

It took about five seconds for the militia commander to realize what had happened. Pinned down by sniper fire and harassed from the alleyways, she wisely decided to withdraw. As Max slid down the rain spout to the ground, he could see the commander barking orders and Ashley’s thugs retreating. At this distance, he couldn’t be sure, but he was pretty confident the commander was Bobbie.

Max headed towards the street and came out in front of the bullet-riddled Union Hall. A dozen or so of Ashley’s private army lay dead or dying on the pavement before him. Another dozen or so of his fellow WorkMech pilots emerged from their hiding places. Some were wounded, but most looked okay.

“How many did we lose?” asked Max.

“Ten or so. Maybe more.” said the first pilot to reach his side. “I didn’t count. They got Zhang though.”

Max nodded. “I saw. Alright. If any of your cars are still intact, get in them. We need to get to Ashley before her goons regroup.”

“Roger that.”

Mayoral Office, Capital

Itrom

Aurigan Reach, Outward Periphery

6 December 3120

The sun had begun to set when Max and his fellow WorkMech pilots arrived at the Mayor’s Office. To their surprise, the office was abandoned, empty.

“Shit.” Max mused. “I figured she’d use her office as a base to coordinate her militia. It’s pretty damn secure.” As if to demonstrate, Max drew his pistol and fired a round into the glass. The bullet flattened against the armored glass and bounced back, barely leaving a mark.

“She could be anywhere.”

Max sighed and rubbed his forehead. The ground began to shake again. He looked about and groaned. “Or she could be coming straight for us. And this time, I doubt it’ll be a tricked out WorkMech.”

“Nope.” said a union member, pointing down the street.

At the far end of the street, about five or six blocks distant, a COM-2D Commando, a BattleMech, came around the bend. Bearing colors similar to the militia uniforms, everyone knew immediately who it was and who it was coming for.

“There’s Lady Madeira.”

“No,” corrected Max. “That’s my sister. Ash pilots a Caesar, a heavy mech. That’s a light, like the Valkyrie Bobbie used to pilot in the war.”

“Light mech or not, it’s still more than we can handle.”

“Agreed. Take cover!!!” The WorkMech pilots scattered and ran.

A volley of short range missiles launched from the Commando and rained down on the street around the union trucks and cars. The civilian vehicles, never designed to take hits from military grade weapons, exploded spectacularly.

Max was thrown off his feet and landed hard on the pavement of a nearby alleyway, but managed somehow to have avoided the worst of the blast. Many of his fellow pilots were not so lucky.

“This is a massacre.” he lamented. “Exactly what I feared.”

A bloodied, but still mobile, pilot moved up near him. “Can we shoot the cockpit? Like you did with the Carbine?”

“No, you saw me hit the office window. That’s the same sort of glass on that mech’s head. Our guns are useless.”

The air filled with the sound of autocannon fire. Max perked up at that. “Wait a minute. A Commando doesn’t carry an autocannon.” He picked himself up and moved cautiously to the end of the alley.

A second mech had entered the fray. Max recognized it immediately: An HCT-5DD Hatchetman, the roar coming from its torso-mounted Rotary Class Two autocannon. Max knew the mech. It was Roger.

“It’s the Duke. He’s sent in his personal guard.” said Max.

Bobbie’s Commando came about and launched another volley of SRMs into the Hatchetman. The heavier mech weathered the attack and advanced on the Commando, lancing the light design with its laser.

“Come on, Bobbie.” mused Max aloud. “You’re way outgunned. Stand down.”

Bobbie began to backpedal away from the Hatchetman. Her design, while lighter in armaments and armor, was much faster. Or at least it was faster when it was going forward.

Roger advanced, trying to bridge the gap between the two of them to bring his mech’s infamous hatchet to bear and end the fight quickly. Two BattleMechs in combat in the middle of a populated city like the Capital was just asking for serious collateral damage and casualties. Even given the lateness of the hour, there were still people out and about on the streets.

Bobbie kept her distance and fired another missile volley. This one went wide and slammed into a nearby office building. Max let his out breath in thanksgiving that this battle was taking place after business hours were over. The Commando moved right next to where Max was hiding and fired again.

“This has to end.” said Max. He ran out into the street, right in front of the Commando.

“Stop!” he screamed as loud as he could. “Bobbie, stop this now!”

The mech paused and looked down. By some miracle, she’d heard him.

“It’s over, Bobbie. Ashley is finished. Don’t throw your life away for her.” he yelled. Behind him, he could feel the ground shaking as the Hatchetman continued to slowly advance. But Roger wasn’t firing. He too had seen Max run out into the street and was now waiting to see what would happen.

“Stand down. Please.” Max pleaded. “For God’s sake, stand down.”

The Commando moved its right arm to aim at Max. “Don’t do it.” Max said. “Roger’s in reach. You shoot and he’ll crush you like a grape. Enough have died. Stand down.”

There was a pause that seemed an eternity. Max and Roger waited. Then came a loud hum, the sound of a mech fusion engine shutting down. Bobbie had surrendered.

“It’s over.” said Max, sighing with relief.

Ducal Palace, Capital

Itrom

Aurigan Reach, Outward Periphery

7 December 3120

Max sat in the lounge of the Duke’s palace. Roger had taken Bobbie into custody but also demanded that Max accompany him back to the Duke. He was brought to the palace and left alone in a room with an armed guard. He felt a prisoner, but he was too tired to protest. As time wore on, Max fell asleep.

When he awoke, it was the next morning. Roger was there, dressed in his field uniform. “I let you sleep.” he admitted. “It seems you needed it.”

“Last night was more intense than anything I experienced on Laconis.” admitted Max. “What’s going on?”

“Good news first. Ashley’s been arrested and stripped of all authority and position here on Itrom. She’ll be on the first dropship back to Guldra.”

“Typical. As a noble-born, she gets a slap on the wrist.”

“Can’t say the same for her militia. They’re facing some pretty heafy prison sentences for their part in this.”

“You said ‘good news.’ What’s the bad?”

Roger sat down. “Ashley’s little vendetta against the Capellan refugees caught the Duke flat footed. He never suspected a thing. This whole incident has made him look the fool in front of his fellow Aurigan nobles and he’s not happy.”

“That’s his own damn fault.”

“I won’t disagree with you on that. But he’s looking for someone to blame besides Ashley and her people and he’s picked you.”

“Hence the armed guards outside this room.”

Roger nodded.

“And I’m just a peon commoner with no power, authority, or anything else to protect me from his wrath. So what happens now? Prison? Or worse?”

“You’ve been formally charged with insurrection for causing a riot.”

“I didn’t shoot first.”

“Technically, you did when you gunned down Ashley’s thug at her office. The Duke has seen the footage. He says that’s what set all this off. That’s why he blames you.”

“What was I supposed to do instead?”

“Come to him. Alert him to the problem.”

“And that boy would have died. And again, I’m a peon commoner with no power or authority. Why would he listen?”

“Don’t go looking for fairness in this, Max. There isn’t any. The Duke’s expectations are completely unreasonable. You did what you had to do, but sometimes, even doing the right thing has consequences.”

“Fuck me.” Max swore in frustration.

“There is an out.”

“And that is?”

“There’s a dropship at the spaceport, headed for the frontier. It’s next destination is Heroditus and then Detroit after that. If you get on it, the Duke nor his people won’t stop you.”

“Exile.”

“You’re a trained WorkMech pilot with a single tour in the Aurigan military. Mercenary units could use you. Or if you want to continue in civilian life, a good WorkMech pilot is an asset. Your call, but if you stay, you’ll go to trial. And no jury is going to defy the Duke on this.”

There was silence as Max considered his options. Then Roger spoke again. “This may be your opportunity, Max. After what we talked about the other day. You want to change the universe. You won’t do it as a ‘peon commoner,’ as you call it. But as a mercenary mechwarrior, especially if you can work your way up to command your own unit, the possibilities are endless. Your heroes: Morgan Kell, Jaime Wolf, Grayson Carlyle, that’s what they did and each of them changed the face of the Inner Sphere in their own way. You could do the same.”

“Doesn’t seem I have a lot of choice.”

“Greatness isn’t born in people, Max. It’s thrust upon them. This is your moment. I suggest you take it.”

Max stood up. “Can I presume I have time to pack my things?”

“I believe you already did that. You were planning to flee off-world when Ashley launched her attack. I think you’ll find I fetched everything from your union hall last night. It’s in the corner behind you. Go. Find your destiny in the stars.”

“You never struck me as a poet or a philosopher, Roger.”

“I’m not. But we all spend our lives trying to find who we’re meant to be. I suspect you’re about to find out. Go.”

Max stood up, gathered up his rifle and gear, and he and Roger walked out of the room.

The Edicts

The Edicts of Clan Wolverine

As documented by Khan Rebecca Laidir and saKhan Michael Messer.
15 June 2828

Edict One : Masquerade

Reveal not your true heritage to those not of our Clan. We are Clan Wolverine. We are the hated and most despised of all the Clans. Our fellow Clans lack our vision and their jealousy would drive them to destroy us. The Inner Sphere, ignorant and greedy, would fear our technology and would come to pillage and loot. These must never know of us.

Edict Two : Condemnation

The spawn of Nicholas Kerensky are our enemies. Crush them wherever they are found. We are Clan Wolverine. Only we have the true vision of Alexander Kerensky. All others are blind and weak. The other Clans will one day return to claim the Inner Sphere as their own. On this day, we must stand against them, for they do not truly represent the revered Star League.

Edict Three : Honor

Do not waste the resources of the Clan. We are Clan Wolverine. Our exile has come at great price. Our population is small and our military reduced to nothing. Do not war unless victory is certain. Retreat when the day is lost. Do not mindlessly throw away lives and equipment for personal honor. You cannot serve the Clan after death.

Edict Four : Growth

Make the Clan prosper once more. We are Clan Wolverine. Our numbers have been reduced to mere thousands. Restrictions on marriage and reproduction are banned, save for the warrior caste. Warriors may marry within their own caste without restriction. Technology must be tantamount. We must make worlds inhabitable so that our numbers may one day exceed those of all the Clans combined. Only then can we crush our foolish brethren and bring peace and order to all humanity.

Edict Five : Ancestry

Civilians are granted the right to claim a surname. We are Clan Wolverine. The practice of removing a Clansman from his ethic heritage is unnatural and against the culture we live to preserve. Only warriors must earn their second name, but may claim either the Bloodheritage of their father or mother, but not both.

Edict Six : Culture

Never forget that for which we are exiles. We are Clan Wolverine. We had vision when the other Clans did not. The Star League was the ultimate creation of mans’ beauty and culture, not an act of politics or military might. Culture must be preserved through the centuries. The Clans have sacrificed it for military greatness, the highest hypocrisy. The Inner Sphere will crush it upon the altar of their own selfishness and greed. It is our duty and honor to preserve it, so that one day, the Star League may rise again.

Seyla.

Chapter Twenty-six - Libereux Retribution

New Belfast
Tamar March, Federated Commonwealth
16 July 3054

Joshua walked calmly into the rocky glen as the early morning light filtered through the mountains. He thought the venue unusual for a “staff meeting,” but he knew better. This was some sort of Wolverine only gathering, called in secret from those Swords officers who did not hail from New Vision.

“Do we truly have need for such secrecy in this day?” asked Joshua loudly. He knew the others could hear from wherever they perched and waited.

“The First Edict so states the importance of secrecy. The Masquerade must be maintained.” said Daisaku, stepping out onto the edge of a rock outcropping, nearly 10 meters above Joshua.

It was then that Joshua looked about the glen. It was a “U” shaped crevasse in the mountains near MacLeod City, part of the same MacLeod Pass that held the final days of their futile defense of the planet four years before. The outcropping on which Daisaku stood was not the only one lining the walls of the cliffs. There were a number, nearly all several meters over Joshua’s head. It gave him the sense that he was being looked down upon by his peers.

“You and I both know there are limits to which we can still apply those old laws. During the Clan War, I deigned to reveal much of our origins to the command staff of the Star Swords. I see no purpose to this private meeting that cannot be conducted with their presence.”

“Do you not trust us, quineg?” asked Erik, appearing on his perch. “You should have more faith in us.”

“Then why do I stand down here below you? Is this some sort of game or is there some purpose to all of you sitting up there?”

“Game, Joshua?” said Javier, coming forward and making himself visible on the highest perch. “This is no game. You are here to answer for your violation of the Edicts, which you yourself just confessed to Daisaku.” Seeing Javier confirmed most of what Joshua believed might be going on. This was his doing, another blow in their on-going and seemingly never-ending conflict.

“What the hell is going on?” roared Joshua, glaring balefully at Javier. “What are you up to?”

“Up to?” replied Javier. “I called this meeting, as is my right as a Bloodnamed member of this Clan. You admit openly that you revealed our origins to the Swords command staff, a violation of the First Edict.”

“A reasonable act. No different than what our grandparents did when the Dragoon jumpships appeared at New Vision zenith point.”

“But what of Pryde, Joshua?”

“What are you talking about?”

“You admitted yourself that Pryde knows of our origins.”

“He was on New Vision. He knew who we were.”

“But how did he connect New Vision to the Star Swords?” snarled Javier. “Could it be that you told him?”

“I did not such thing.”

“Did you not? On 18 June 3050, did you not respond to a challenge of zellbringen from Dal Pryde in the Clan manner?”

“That was during the initial invasion of New Belfast? Yes, I suppose I did.”

“An act did not go unforgotten. On 15 August 3051, you engaged Clan Jade Falcon forces, Dal’s Pryde specifically, here on New Belfast again. According to your battle ROMs, you received a transmission from one Robert O’Malley that exclaimed ‘Star Colonel, the one you seek pilots the Stormcrow.’ That’s your mech, is it not? Why would Pryde seek you if he did not remember how you bested him the first time you came to New Belfast?”

“Was I simply to fall over and die when Pryde challenged?”

“The samurai of Japan would fall on their swords for failure of this magnitude. For revealing yourself to Pryde, you could have had the good grace to get yourself killed in that first battle.”

“It was impulsive. It was also four years ago. I know better now.”

“So you admit it.” Exclaimed Javier. “Your own words now condemn you. You admit that your challenge is what revealed your origins to Dal Pryde of Clan Jade Falcon. An impulsive act, you say? Well, as I said, it did not go unforgotten. On Garrison, 19 November 3051, Pryde sought to find proof of what you had told him. In doing so, he slew two of this august gathering: Isaac Mizar and Matthew Jiwe. Or I should say slew one. You killed Matthew yourself to prevent him from falling into Pryde’s hands.”

Joshua felt the skin on the back of his neck grow hot as his anger boiled up. “A necessary act. Matthew was my friend and I always regret what I was forced to do that day.” Said Joshua through clenched teeth.

“But you could have avoided it, Joshua! Your negligence, your ‘impulsive act’ on New Belfast, was what forced your hand. And even now, four years after your duel with Pryde not more than 300 kilometers north of where we stand right now, your actions haunt us. Pryde threatens us still. He fought to control this world when the Star Swords attacked it during Operation: Counterstrike. He personally led a raid here roughly six months later only to be stopped by the Dark Ranger mercenaries. And now according your own briefing of just a few days ago, you anticipate an invasion force led by Pryde to attack this world. Your one error could cost us everything. Your one impulsive act could destroy this Clan.”

“Pryde is one man, obsessed, mad with his vendetta. The threat ends when I kill him.” Retorted Joshua.

“You’ve had numerous times to do that already and have failed to do so. Eventually, he will convince others and we’ll have the entirety of the Clans bearing down on us with their accursed Bloodrite. They will scourge this planet clean to kill us. Is that what you want for your wife and her family, for her people? The same holocaust that we underwent on New Vision?

“Assembled warriors of Clan Wolverine, you’ve heard this debate. Heard my evidence and I can produce the battle ROMs and data that back my claims. But I don’t think I need to do that, since many of you were there. I accuse Joshua Messer of violations of the First and Third Edicts. I submit he is unfit for command and should be stripped of his Khanship.”

“I am not through.” Said Joshua. “I too have a voice here. I admit I acted impulsively. I admit that had long reaching consequences. But what you expect of me is beyond any human. That I could discern the future, that Pryde would prove so lethal and tenacious a foe….”

“It could have been any Clanner who might have taken up the evidence you offered. That changes nothing. If that is the best defense you can offer, that you could not have guessed what might happen, then my accusation stands.”

“Then let us hear the judgment of the conclave.”

“We have heard the positions, the evidence, on both sides.” said Daisaku, who had apparently appointed himself Clan Loremaster for this proceeding. “May the Blooded warriors now pronounce their judgment. All who side with the accuser, so answer.”

“Seyla!” said Javier. He was the only one to speak.

“And those with the accused.” Said Daisaku.

“I once pledged never to draw steel or stand against Joshua.” Said Erik. “He is my brother. Seyla!”

“I made that same pledge.” Said Ryan. “Seyla!”

“As did I.” said Daisaku. “Seyla! It falls now to Gwen Laidir.”

 “Seyla!” she said. “Joshua is innocent.” Javier glared at her in anger.

“Judgment is pronounced.” Said Daisaku. “The charges are renounced. Khan Messer has done no wrong.”

“This is a conclave of sheep.” said Javier loudly. “The evidence is irrefutable, even from Joshua’s own lips you have heard him admit to his crime. I challenge this ruling by Trial.”

“Damn him.” said Joshua to himself. “I was so worried about Pryde’s vendetta against me, that I never considered that Javier would make a move. My real folly was trusting him.”

“You would contest this ruling by combat?” asked Daisaku, his demeanor calm and even. Joshua guessed that Javier’s reaction did not surprise the Hayakusora Loremaster at all. “We number five votes to your one. These are long odds.”

“It’s not the melee he seeks.” thought Joshua. “He wants a rematch of my Trial of Position. As Khan, I could suspend the normal Trial and give him what he wants. But what is the wisdom in that?”

Javier drew his sword from its scabbard, a Chinese broadsword with two long colorful ribbons tied to the crosspiece. “So, he seeks the melee after all?” thought Joshua, surprised.

“I challenge by blade in the custom of our people.” By that, the battles would not be fought to the death. Doing otherwise bordered on ridiculous; to win Javier would have had to kill them all and with them the last remnant of the Wolverine Clan save himself.

Closest in proximity to Javier was Ryan, who drew his own Norman broadsword in answer to the challenge. He turned and ran up the precipice on which he stood to the ledge between his perch and Javier’s. Javier met him halfway and their blades struck together as the Trial began.

Joshua had a rather significant handicap in this; He bore no sword. Anduril, the sword he had born since his warrior trial on New Vision, had been lost on Oliver and he had yet to forge himself a replacement. But that did not keep from the fight. He ran towards the nearest cliff face, near to the perch on which stood Daisaku.

Ryan was no swordsman and was quickly disarmed by Javier. He yielded the victory to the Libereux warrior and began to climb down. Javier now found himself pinned between Erik and Gwen, each bearing blades of Celtic ancestry: Gwen, a 17th century claymore, Erik, a longsword with distinctive curved crosspiece of Irish origin.

Javier turned to face Erik first, putting his back to Gwen. He spun his blade about in a flashy spectacle. Such displays were considered foolish bravado in most trials, but for Javier, they served an important purpose. Like the ancient Buddhist monks who developed his blade’s design, Javier hoped the spinning blade and the twirling colorful ribbons attached to it would disorient Erik. Erik, with his pilot’s eyes, would prove harder to distract that Javier had hoped.

Erik struck hard and fast, cutting through a ribbon but missing Javier himself. Javier retreated and stumbled on a loose stone. He fell backwards, just as Gwen reached the dueling pair. Erik was about to strike Javier’s sword from his hand when Javier reached behind him and grabbed the bottom of Gwen’s jacket. He yanked with all his strength, pulling her over him and into Erik’s swing.

Erik turned his blade at the last second, striking Gwen hard with the flat of his sword. Off balance herself, Gwen slid and became entangled in Erik’s feet. As she struggled to free herself, she tripped Erik. He fell, going over the side and nearly to his death, if not for a quick grab with his free hand on the ledge.

“Erik!” cried Gwen, frightened.

“I am alright. Fight on!” He cried. The fall would not have been a long one, only dangerous had he landed head-first, a possibility cut short by his grabbing the ledge. He let go and dropped down, and in doing so, also conceded defeat.

Gwen stood up and faced Javier. She had spend a great deal of time training with Mechlanthon in swordplay for her therapy and that practice had increased her skill. Javier knew that, but pressed his attack.

Joshua halted in mid-climb to watch, concerned for his friend and curious as to what Javier would do. Would he check his strikes against her or would he attack with all the fury he had shown against the others?

If Javier was still in love with Gwen, he made no show of it here. He gave no quarter and did not give up his initiative once. Gwen was giving ground against his furious assault of strikes and slashes. Once he struck her across the sword arm, cutting an ugly wound near her shoulder. It must have hurt, because Joshua heard her cry out, and grab the bleeding arm with her free hand. She backed further, this time onto the precipice once occupied by Ryan.

Javier ceased his berserker attack against her, but held the end of the precipice from her. There were only three ways off the perilous edge: defeat Javier (which now seemed unlikely with a wounded sword arm,) fall and face serious injury or death from that, or yield.

Gwen was never one to surrender; She attacked! Javier twirled his sword as he had with Erik and Gwen struck for the blade. She missed, catching a ribbon instead. Javier took advantage of her mistake and swung hard himself. Another gash, this time to her left arm. Either by rage or pain, Gwen now fought desperately and foolishly. She overextended herself in a viscous chop that might have cloven Javier in two had it hit. Javier shoved against her and knocked her over. Balanced as she was, she began to pitch over the side.

Rather than let her fall, Javier grabbed for her. He caught the collar of her coat and yanked her back up. “Will you yield before you kill yourself?” He asked her angrily.

“I do.” she panted.

Javier turned to fight Daisaku, who alone save Joshua remained to face him. Joshua, still halfway up his climb, saw a strategy in Javier’s actions. By answering his seemingly impulsive on-the-spot challenge, they had given Javier a venue by which he could easily win. The cliff face, with its ledges and precipices, gave him the ability to fight his opponents one-by-one. Even if several came at him at once, only one and maybe two could reach him at one time due to the narrow ledges. It also made dodging and parrying more difficult with the restricted space, and the potential for a nasty fall kept his opponents more reserved.

Daisaku had not seen this and chased after him with katana drawn. This would be an interesting duel. Katana swords were normally banned from Wolverine trials, because they were so much faster than European swords. Javier was within his right to call “foul” on this, but Joshua was pleased to see that he was not going to. The ban might be practical in Trials of Position, but this was a far more serious matter and the sword of Daisaku’s ancestors should be the one with which he defended his vote for Joshua’s innocence.

Joshua was upset to see that Gwen had collapsed. He worried that her wounds were more serious than he had believed. Ryan, who was still on the cliff, had moved over to her and was checking on her.

“How is she?” asked Joshua.

“Attend to your duel. She’ll be fine.” scolded and assured Ryan. He then noticed Joshua was unarmed.

“Have you no weapon, Joshua?”

“You know the fate of my sword.”

“Take this one.” said Ryan, tossing to Joshua Gwen’s claymore. “You may need it.”

Joshua hoped he would not. Javier and Daisaku traded blows back and forth. After a viscous but futile flurry of strikes from Javier, the pair separated to catch their breath and consider their next moves. It was not a long break, because Daisaku was quick to recover and quick to strike. He thrust at Javier, who quickly parried. Daisaku, in mid thrust, twisted his blade and swung it quickly upward. The tip of the sword caught Javier under his right shoulder and sliced through. He staggered back as Daisaku took up a defensive posture, pleased that his strike proved true.

“Keep this up and we’ll be replacing the other arm too.” Taunted Daisaku. “That was for Gwen.”

Javier gave no answer, but merely switched his sword to his other hand. His right arm fell limply to his side, turning red from the bleeding cut.

“Not always a good thing to be ambidextrous. You should have been defeated by my last blow. Do you yield?” asked Daisaku, not expecting the wounded Javier to continue fighting.

“No.” said Javier. Still somewhat unaccustomed to his artificial arm, he could no longer make use of his sword’s distracting ribbons. But his left arm’s myomer muscles made that arm stronger than his right and that was what he was counting on.

Daisaku thrust forward again. Javier sidestepped past the blow rather than parry. Daisaku quickly tried to pull back from his missed strike, but the loose rock at his feet crumbled. Either not realizing what was happening or not caring, Javier brought his knee up into Daisaku’s side. The blow unbalanced him further and he fell. His right arm wounded, Javier was unable to grab him as he had Gwen, although he tried. Daisaku fell the 8 meters to the ground blow and struck back first against the hard ground.

“By Kerensky, no!” cried Ryan. Joshua and Erik ran to Daisaku’s side. He was badly hurt.

“Is he alive?” asked Javier, his voice sincerely worried.

“Yes, for now.” said Erik. “I’m calling for a medical team.”

Joshua was furious. “You started this folly, Libereux. Come down and finish it.” He walked into the center of the glen and waited.

Javier climbed down a ways and then dropped down the rest. He stopped to check on Daisaku himself, then turned to face Joshua.

“So help me, if he dies....” said Joshua, pointing his sword at his wounded friend.

“This is a Trial. These things happen.”

“You chose the cliff face because you knew it might defeat you opponents for you.” retorted Joshua, pointing his blade menacingly at Javier.

“Are you going to talk or fight, Messer?” said Javier angrily. He swung hard at Joshua, who darted aside.

“In the open, I have the advantage.” boasted Joshua. He attacked, swinging fast in short strokes about Javier’s head. Javier parried all of them, but was sorely pressed. If Joshua landed one of those blows, he could easily kill Javier. But Javier could not rely upon the rules of the Trial to shield him. He had to parry. That was the nature of these duels: Fight not to kill, but also to not let your opponent believe you are holding back.

It was a battle of opposites in almost every way. Joshua was tall and thin, the intellect. He was the artist, the historian, the strategist, the thinker. He was fast and well-trained in swordplay. Javier was stocky and strong. He was not stupid, but he was certainly Joshua’s superior in most every physical attribute. Although slower and less skilled, his blows landed harder and strained Joshua more.

And despite his injury, that was exactly what Javier was doing to Joshua. Like his opponent, Javier tried to feint lethal blows, but unlike him, he merely tried to crush his opponent, while Joshua tried to find openings to vital areas. Avoiding Javier’s attacks required either fast dodging or jarring parries; Both began to wear Joshua out.

Joshua gave ground to consider his options. Javier had gained the initiative in the fight and was keeping it. His endurance was incredible and Joshua admitted that he’d underestimated his old foe’s stamina.

“Enough of this.” Joshua cut low, hoping to take Javier’s legs out from under him. Rather than parry, Javier slammed his fist forward, smashing it into Joshua’s nose. The quick punch staggered Joshua and threw off his swing.

Javier spun and struck Joshua’s midsection with a powerful kick. Joshua staggered backwards, unable to get any air.

Dazed, but not finished yet, Joshua slashed across with his sword as Javier moved in again. The blow connected with Javier’s artificial arm. Feeling no pain from the blow to his myomer arm, Javier swung a hard punch at Joshua’s jaw. It connected and Joshua went sprawling. The sword slipped from both Joshua’s hand and Javier’s arm and clattered to the ground.

“Had enough, Messer?” asked Javier. He grabbed Joshua by the shirt collar and hoisted him into the air.

“This is madness, Javier.”

“Is it? You arrogant little whelp! You took everything from me, EVERYTHING!” he screamed into Joshua’s face. “Your father promised me his title. You killed him. Killed him mere days before the Jade Falcons burned our world into ash! And then there’s Gwen. She was mine! Mine, I tell you.”

“Her heart was never yours, Javier, and you know it.” Said Joshua, struggling against Javier’s iron grip.

“All the more reason to hate you. And now, years after all that, you come along expecting me to forgive and forget, act like nothing every happened. Well, Joshua, every morning I wake up and look at THIS FACE and I remember all that you’ve done for me.”

“The Swords will never follow you.”

“They will when your officers acknowledge me as Khan.” Javier tossed Joshua to the earth. “I stand victorious. The verdict is reinstated. Joshua Messer is unfit to rule this Clan. I, Javier Libereux, claim the title of Khan, with all the rights, responsibilities, and privileges thereof.” He rushed forward and slammed a vicious kick into Joshua’s face. His head snapped back and Joshua went limp.

“You can’t do that.” Said Erik with rage, running forward. Gwen picked herself up from where she had fallen and went over to Joshua.

“Is that a challenge, Iolair?” snarled Javier, bringing his sword around and pointing it at Erik. “I bested you once. Care to try again?”

Erik paused, as if considering his options. After a moment, he asked with clenched teeth. “What are your orders, Khan Libereux?”

“Good. You’ve learned your place quickly.” Said Javier with satisfaction. “See to the injured, Daisaku especially.”

Gwen sat down next to Joshua and began to wipe the blood from his face.

“Don’t bother. He is dezgra.” Said Javier.

“I am following your orders, my Khan.” Said Gwen defiantly. “You did not specify who to tend to and who to ignore.”

“I said, leave him.”

“I’m sorry, sir. I’m too delirious from my own wounds to understand you right now.”

Javier grabbed her and yanked her to her feet. He put his face up to hers. “I’ll soon break you of this insubordinate habit of yours, Gwen.” He raised his voice to address the entire group. “I invoke Khan’s privilege. I take Gwen to be my wife.”

“You wouldn’t dare!” snarled Gwen.

“You have no say in the matter.”

“I can challenge this ruling by trial. I am a warrior of this clan!”

He shoved her back and drew his sword. “Then challenge it.”

Gwen reached down to take up her claymore from where it had fallen near Joshua. As she bent down, Javier moved in and swung a savage uppercut with his fist. He caught Gwen under the chin and send her flying. She landed on top of Joshua and did not stir again.

“I win the challenge. My privilege stands.” He marched away as the medical team arrived to tend to their injuries.

Castle MacLeod
New Belfast
Tamar March, Federated Commonwealth
16 July 3054

“Sweet Jesus, what the hell?” cried Lisa as Gwen staggered into the courtyard. Gwen was carrying a bruised and bloody Joshua over her shoulder. She ran to the pair and grabbed Joshua under his other arm.

“What happened?”

“Javier challenged Joshua for the Khanship and won. You see the results.”

“Dear God, Gwen, you’re bleeding like a stuck pig.”

“Don’t worry about me. Help me get Joshua inside.” The two women half dragged the delirious Joshua inside the castle.

Christopher ran up and called for some of the servants to help. “My room is near. Take him there.” He told his sister.

Lisa carried Joshua to Christopher’s bed and laid him down. His injuries did not seem as severe as Gwen’s, yet it was he who was barely conscious.

Gwen slumped into a nearby chair. “Javier practically beat him senseless.” She explained.

Lisa leaned over her former rival. “You look at lot worse than he does.”

“I’m cut and bruised, but awake, if a little dizzy from blood loss. Joshua’s been largely unresponsive since we left the trial site. I fear one of those blows to his head did something horrible.”

Lisa turned back to Joshua. She wiped the blood away to reveal the bruised and swollen face of her husband. “Why didn’t you take him to the hospital?”

“Javier wouldn’t allow it. And none of us were in any shape to challenge him.”

“Let me take a look at that arm.” Said Christopher, squatting down next to Gwen. “Dear God.” He said wiping the blood away.

Lisa watched as her brother tended to Gwen. “And you call us barbarians.”

“It is our way.” Said Gwen defensively. “Although this is a bit much even for us. Javier chose his forum well.”

“What precisely happened?”

Gwen told Lisa of Javier’s accusations, of the vote, and then of the Trial of Refusal. “Javier argued for that site as it was secluded and remote, away from curious eyes and ears; Non-Wolverine eyes and ears. But his real reason was so he could use the terrain to his advantage in the battle. Most of us would not have been as badly hurt otherwise.”

“Daisaku hospitalized. You and Joshua like this….” She did not complete her thought as all three of their personal communicators went off at once.

“Recall signal.” Said Gwen. “An alert at the base.”

“Pryde.” Snarled Lisa. “I’ll investigate. Chris, keep an eye on them and call me if anything changes.”

Star Swords Command Center
New Belfast
Tamar March, Federated Commonwealth
16 July 3054

Javier marched into the command center’s main room with an arrogant sway. “What is the cause of the alarm?”

“Two contacts, sir.” said one tech. “Warship class. One of them is the Frost Falcon. We’ve sent out recall signals to all off-duty personnel, but we’ve been unable to raise General Messer or General Hayakusora.”

“Never mind that.” Said Javier.

“You said one of the vessels was the Frost Falcon. What’s the other one?” asked Erik as he walked in.

“The larger ship is a McKenna class warship. 1.9 million tons displacement. IFF code unknown.”

“Dal Pryde and the 2nd Jaegers are back for a rematch.” said Erik. “But who are the McKenna?”

“Database says the other ship is Wolf Clan. Designation Werewolf.”

“That’s the Wolf saKhan’s flagship.” said Mechlanthon. “Phelan Ward, I believe, is his name.”

“Why are they here?” asked Erik.

“Come to finish the job.” Said Javier. “This is what I was talking about. Damn Joshua and his folly.”

“They will not fight together against us.” Reminded Mechlanthon. “They will either bid or Trial for the right to land and face the Star Swords.”

Lisa stormed inside. “Lisa, there you are.” Said Erik.

“I know what happened. What’s the alarm?”

“Pryde, as Joshua suspected.” He answered. “The Jaegers are back and spoiling for a rematch.”

“Wonderful timing, Hauptmann Libereux.” Snarled Lisa sardonically.

“It is not my fault your husband is so unfit to command.” Javier said boldly, as Ryan, Amanda, and several other Swords officers entered the command center.

“The very accusation you level against him now comes back to haunt you.” Snarled Lisa under her breath, too low for any but those officers to hear. “You claim Joshua’s killing of Khan William led your Clan to destruction. Now you rob us of our leader within hours of Pryde’s arrival here.”

“You are not one of us. You forget your place.”

“My husband was beaten within an inch of his life. I don’t give a damn about my place.” Said Lisa, her voice rising.

“Your duty is your concern now. As you were, Lisa.” Said Javier defiantly. He stepped towards Lisa menacingly.

Lisa’s claymore flashed from its scabbard. “It was a dangerous thing for me to remember all that I had forgotten. You see, I remember so much. I remember what I did the last time someone tried to harm my husband. I cut down Robert O’Malley for that. And I also remember why I fell into the hands of his brother on Northwind. We were the last to extract, you and I. You were ahead of me, you turned and rammed a stun stick into my belly. I fell and you left me behind. Did you hope I hadn’t remembered that?”

“Guards, General MacLeod is unhinged. Restrain her.” Called Javier. The guards hesitated.

“They are loyal to me and to Joshua, not you, Javier. I could run you through and they’d not stop me.”

With lightning speed, Javier knocked her sword aside and then landed a solid punch across her face. Lisa was stunned and staggered back. “Take her!” barked Javier. This time the guards came forward, one at each side of Lisa, but they made no move to restrain her.

“Sir, what is going on?” asked one of the guards of Erik.

“Do as he says. We will sort this out.” Said Erik. He looked at Lisa as she stood up straight, rubbing her jaw. “Trust us.” Her eyes locked with his. “See to Joshua. We’ll handle this.”

“There is no time for this. Pryde is at our doorstep.” Reminded Javier.

“What are your orders, Javier?” asked Ryan Smith.

“Whoever lands, we destroy.” said Javier flatly. “Ready 3rd Battalion. I will face the enemy with our Omnimechs. In Kommandant Laidir’s absence, I will assume command of her battalion.”

“Third alone, sir?” asked Ryan.

“Keep the others in reserve. They cannot commit more than a cluster against us. Third holds our most seasoned troops and best equipment. Erik!”

Erik snapped to attention comically, overemphasizing his motions and salute. His mockery was deliberate and Javier knew it. “Yes, sir, General sir.”

“Ready your fighters to intercept enemy air support.”

“Should I arm for anti-dropship operations or ground attack?”

“Negative. Allow the winning Clan to land unopposed. We will face them on the surface.”

“May I ask why?”

Javier smiled, as if impressed with himself. “Because pilot attrition will be lower in atmosphere. I am not a commander who will throw away lives for a small advantage. Is that understood?”

“Yes, sir.” said Erik with a frown. He hated to admit it, but Javier’s orders made sense.

---

Lisa was calmly escorted back to the castle. During the trip, she did her best to answer the questions of the confused guards. When she arrived, she dashed inside to Christopher’s room.

“Well, it is as you said.” Said Lisa to Gwen as she entered the room. “And Pryde is indeed here, but the Wolf Clan appears to be willing and able to challenge his right to destroy us.”

“Perfect timing, Javier, you fool.” Said Gwen through clenched teeth. Christopher was stitching closed the gash in her arm.

“If not for this crisis, we could remove him from power.” Said Lisa. “I have grounds and evidence of my own.”

“Excuse me?”

Lisa told Gwen of how Javier ensured her capture by O’Malley.

“That son-of-a-bitch. He really did have something to do with it. He knew who you were. He knew you were one of us. Hell, if Javier can accuse Joshua for a mistake made four years ago and call it a gross violation of our First Edict, I can use this to accuse Javier of a violation of the Third. Wasteful use of a Wolverine asset.”

“Nice to know I’m an asset to the Clan.” Said Lisa sardonically. “But we can’t do that with the other Clans bearing down on us.”

“That bastard was planning this all along.” said Gwen. “His gracious attitude towards Joshua on Dieron, all a feint, a lie. This was what he wanted all along. Joshua’s honesty and trust gave him the opportunity. Now he has the Khanship….and me.”

“Excuse me?”

“Javier’s invoked the Khan’s Privilege.” said Gwen bitterly.

“What is that?” asked Lisa.

“The Khan of the Wolverines has the right to choose his mate, regardless of that person’s caste, status, or anything else. He can literally take her away from a husband and family and they can do nothing about it.”

“That’s cruel. That’s a law?”

“Most consider it a great honor,” said Gwen. “but few, if any, have been kidnapped from established house and home. Most Khans are already married and content by the time they claim the title, so it was rarely used. It is a law that could be easily abused, but, to my knowledge, never had been…until now.”

“Isn’t there a way to challenge it?”

“The Trial of Refusal, the same trial Javier invoked to overturn our vote. And I did just that…and lost.”

“Javier probably cheated at that too.”

“One could interpret my defeat that way certainly. Still, there’s always been one way out of every marriage.”

“Kill your spouse?”

“Til death do us part.” Said Gwen in a sing-song voice. “Never been more tempting.”

“Hard to do with us in here and him out there. We are prisoners in our own home.”

“Pryde will do that for us.” Said a voice. Joshua stirred in the bed.

“Josh, you’re awake!” said Lisa with delight. She moved to his side.

“And I’ve got one hell of a headache.” Joshua sat up, rubbing his head and taking stock of his physical state. “Damn, I took quite a beating.”

“Javier wasn’t simply content to defeat you.” Said Gwen.

“I was a fool to trust him.”

“He fooled us all.” Said Gwen. “Even me. I thought he was sincere when he said he’d left all those past rivalries behind him.”

“Regardless, he will not last long in command. The soldiers do not know him, and do not trust him.”

“We saw that in the command center.” said Lisa. “Javier was barking orders, but they only got followed if Erik repeated them.”

“He hasn’t proven himself to them.” Said Gwen. “This is the next part of his plan.”

“Why he needed Pryde to do what he did. His timing was not coincidental. Defeat our oldest enemy and he’ll gain the laud and trust of the Swords.” Said Joshua. “He hopes to make himself a hero, but he knows nothing of this foe. Pryde will eat him alive.”

“Javier might be an asshole, but he’s no fool at tactics.” said Gwen.

“It’s not brains or experience that make Dal Pryde so fierce an enemy. He has those things, yes, but it’s his fanaticism that Javier cannot stand against.”

“And what of the Wolves? What if it is they who win the bid to fight us?”

“We all know that won’t happen, because of that same fanaticism.” Said Joshua. “Even if Pryde loses the bid, he’ll still land and we’ll be facing them both. Probably let the Wolves chew us up a bit first before he strikes. That’s what he did to us on Garrison.” Joshua gave Lisa a gentle nudge, and as she stood, he swung his legs around to get up.

“What are you doing?”

“Standing on my own two feet. Prerequisite for walking.” Said Joshua mirthfully.

“And where do you plan to walk?”

“To the mech hanger.”

“In your condition?”

“I don’t give a rat’s ass about my condition or about Javier’s delusions of grandeur. Pryde is coming for us and I’m not about to let my troops be slaughtered out there.” He came to his feet, but his knees buckled. Lisa grabbed him.

“You took one nasty hit on the head.” Said Gwen moving to help hold him up.

“I’ll manage.” Said Joshua, looking at each woman in turn as they held him up. “And with the two of you behind me, I’ll do more than that. Every man should be this lucky.”

North of MacLeod Pass
New Belfast
Tamar March, Federated Commonwealth
6 August 3054

Dal Pryde ran his foot through the tall grass, wondering if there might be some mark that remained of what happened on that spot two years before. He had chosen to land his forces at the site of the former Jaegers base camp during the last days of the Clan War. Here, he watched Joshua Messer defeat and kill Robert O’Malley. Not far away, his cluster faced its defeat at the hands of the Star Swords.

“This place is jinxed.” Said David.

“You are not one for superstition, David. This place once served our purposes nicely. It will do so again.”

“Superstition, quiaff?” said David. He pointed further down the plain. “The duel took place over there.” He said with a smirk.

Pryde scowled at his son. He looked where David was pointing and dismissed it. He was certain he was standing on the exact spot. Still, David’s barb had done its work.

“I had the chance to kill him then.” Lamented Pryde.

“A mistake soon to be corrected.” Encouraged David. “Scouts report the Wolf landing is twenty kilometers due west from here.”

“They intend to challenge our claim to attack the Swords.” Said Pryde. “They are 200 years too late for that.”

“We cannot hope to defeat Messer and his Not-Named army unless we are at full strength. A Trial over who is more fit to slaughter the Not-Named will prove costly. It will deplete our numbers.”

“There are other ways to conduct trials, David. I, for one, intend to use them to put this Wolf freebirth in his place. Order the warriors to mount up.”

Chapter Twenty-five - A Family Healed

Inbound
New Belfast system
Tamar March, Federated Commonwealth
3 July 3054

“How are you feeling?” asked Joshua of Justice as he walked into the infirmary. He was holding Daniel.

“Confused mostly. Javier keeps asking me about things I don’t remember. He’s so disappointed. I feel so empty, like whole portions of my life are gone.”

“I’m certain it’s quite frightening for you.”

“I’m curious. Why the Star Swords? Why are you helping the Northwind Rebellion?”

“Well, the truth is, you asked us to.”

“I did?”

“Yes, you contacted us. There was a munitions dump you feared was the prelude to a new offensive. You contacted us personally to deal with it. That’s why we sent the Dark Rangers to Northwind.”

“Who are they?”

“They were the mercenaries you were trying to free from the prison when you were captured.”

Justice shook her head. “It’s like looking at a jigsaw puzzle. There are parts of what people tell me that I recognize and understand. But not others. There are holes in everything. Mercenaries that fought at my side that I don’t remember. A personal plea to a unit I know no one in.”

“Dr. Jefferson says the pieces will come with time.”

“What’s your interest in me, General?”

“Well, call me a concerned friend.” Said Joshua casually. He was reluctant to go into it. Justice smiled slyly.

“If you aren’t careful, Gwen will be angry with you.” She got a quirky look. “Not that I’d mind.”

“What makes you think there’s anything between Gwen and I?”

“She’s always with you. She takes care of your son.”

“Well, she is my intelligence liaison…and a very old and dear friend.”

“I don’t like Gwen. Something about her. I can’t help but wonder if it’s something from my past that I don’t remember clearly.”

“Maybe.” Said Joshua. “She can take some getting used to. She speaks her mind and doesn’t take much crap from anyone. Her boldness can put people off sometimes. But I can’t imagine you’ve seen much of that side of her.”

“She does try to be nice to me, but it seems artificial. I’m not sure she’s happy that I’m here.”

“Oh, I don’t think that at all.” He answered. Justice gave Joshua a sharp look, as if she didn’t believe a word of it.

“I call bullshit. She’s jealous. I may not have all my marbles. But I can see it.” She paused. “And you don’t help matters with her with your constant visits. Surely a Hauptmann General has more important things. And then there’s the way you look at me.”

Joshua looked away, embarrassed. He had hoped his feelings would not be so obvious, as he feared that might scare Lisa into a retreat.

“Javier tells me you have some sort of vendetta against the man who captured me.” She said, changing the subject.

“We share a common enemy. O’Malley has sworn undying vengeance upon me.”

“Why?”

“Because of his brother. He was killed…in sword duel to reclaim the woman I loved from his captivity.”

“You didn’t kill him?”

“No, she did. But O’Malley blamed us both.”

“Gwen?” asked Justice.

“No. Someone else.”

“Javier said he captured her too. That’s why she limps. I thought maybe…”

“O’Malley is a monstrous man. And many of us have tangled with him. But it’s really just coincidence.”

Daniel at this time had crawled out of Joshua’s lap and over to Justice. She picked him up and held him, the action was almost automatic.

“You’ve met my son before. Be good, Daniel.”  said Joshua.  “Do you remember if you have any children?”

“Hello, Daniel.” Said Justice. Joshua noticed she was trembling. “I think I did.”

Joshua leaned forward, expecting an epiphany from her at any moment. “What do you remember about him?”

“A little boy. There were problems. I think maybe he died.”

“And his father?”

Justice shook her head. “If I had a son, then he had a father. Simple logic. But I remember nothing.”

Joshua began to wonder who it was that she might think of as Daniel’s father. He decided to retreat from this line of questioning, but the Justice perked up. “Wait! I think….maybe there’s something there after all.”

“And that is?”

“Yes, I remember him, sort of. I don’t remember what he looked like, but I remember he was brave and strong. Very talented and kind. A mechwarrior, I remember he was that. I failed him. Something happened and we started to fall apart. He thought I didn’t love him, so he went into the arms of another. I thought that was the end of it, so I left. I thought he didn’t want me any more.”

“That’s an amazing amount of information.” Complemented Joshua.

“But I don’t remember his name. I don’t remember what he looked like. He fathered my child and I remember nothing else about him.” Said Justice with frustration. “Just feelings, thoughts, impressions. But no hard facts.”

“Your brain won’t let you fill those in.”

“Why not?” said Justice with exasperation.

“Because there’s pain there and your mind is trying to protect you. It’s all very complicated.” Said Joshua. “Dr. Jefferson said this will take time. The holes will fill in eventually.” He looked down at his feet and was silent for a long time. “Sometimes, I envy you.” He mused.

“Why is that? Did I say something wrong?” asked Justice.

“No, no, you just reminded me of something. A mistake I made myself once and the pain I bear because of it. Some things in life would be nice to forget.”

“I’m sorry. This is supposed to be about me remembering things, not you.”

“Yeah,” said Joshua as he stood up. “I have a confession to make. I did the same thing once as your husband. Lost patience with the woman I loved, Daniel’s mother. So I found solace in the arms of another.”

“Gwen.” It was not a question.

“You suspected that from the very start, didn’t you? That’s why you asked me those questions.”

“She has a lot of affection for you.” Said Justice. “And you her. It’s obvious even to me. But you call her friend, not lover. Why? Does your guilt over this make you keep her at arms length?”

“It’s complicated. She was an old friend I thought I’d never see again. When we reunited, things got out of hand and I did some things I wish I hadn’t. Those things cost me my wife. Like you, she left.”

“Do you want her back?”

“Do you want to go back to your own husband?” asked Joshua, evading her question. “I suppose they’re both silly questions. We can wish and long for all we want. Reality brings cold comfort.”

“I don’t know if I want him back.” Said Justice. “It might help if I remembered more about him. If I knew who he was, what he was really like. If I knew he was sorry for what he’d done.”

“Yeah.”

There came a rapping at the observation window. “Dr. Jefferson is calling.” Said Joshua. “I guess our time is up.”

“I like that you visit me, General. Don’t let Gwen stop you.”

“She won’t.” Joshua picked up Daniel and headed for the door.

“Can you keep Daniel here? Can I watch him?”

Joshua paused. “I don’t see why not.”

“I want to remember what it was like. To be a mother, just for a little while.”

Joshua nodded. “You be good, kid.” he said to his son, setting him back down on Justice’s bed.

“Otay, Daddy.” Said Daniel with a grin.

Joshua walked outside. Dr. Jefferson pulled him aside. “Remarkable progress. Now that you’ve taken over for Javier, she’s making huge strides. You’re getting bolder in your conversations, as is she. She may not remember that you are the husband of which she speaks, but she trusts you. Bringing Daniel helps also.”

“There’s still a lot missing.” Said Joshua, looking in at her. “Doc, it’s one thing for her to remember all the good stuff…”

“…but she’s not remembering just that. She remembers your affair with Gwen, even if obliquely.”

“But that’s not what I’m worried about it. She’s still said nothing of what happened in Richard O’Malley’s torture chamber. Nor have any of us dared approach the events at the Jade Falcon camp when she was prisoner of Robert O’Malley. Talking about the duel was as close as I even I dare risk.”

“You are worried that there’ll be some sort of reaction when she remembers either of those two events?”

“I am. As you say, we’ve made progress. She’s putting the pieces together. But what if she doesn’t like the whole picture? What if something I say or that she remembers causes her to withdraw back within herself again?”

“I’d worry about that when it happens. We’ll be on New Belfast in another day or so. Home ought to jog a lot of new memories.”

“Yeah.”

“There’s something else. Another strategy we might try. She may not remember you as her husband, but the feelings are there. The way she looks at you, the concern she has over Gwen, even her questions about you, imply that she is attracted to you.”

“What are you thinking?”

“Well, she’s an attractive young woman, who’s lost and alone on what will be both a familiar and unfamiliar world at the same time. And there you are, a young man who is also seemingly alone, one she trusts, one who appears interested in her. Do you see the possibility here?”

“Are you suggesting that I try to make her fall in love with me again? That it might make her realize who I am?”

“I don’t know, but it’s worth a shot.” Said Jefferson. “Of course, what will Gwen say if you try that?”

“Now you sound like her.” Said Joshua, nodding in Lisa’s direction.

“It’s no secret to any of us in the Star Swords that your heart is undecided in this matter. You did not answer Lisa’s direct question about whether you wanted your wife back or not. Your lack of any answer may not mean anything to her…yet, but it speaks volumes to me.”

“You forget your place, Doctor. You may have been my wife’s physician from the time she was in diapers, but don’t be so familiar with me.”

“You betrayed Lisa, General.” Said Jefferson, growing angry. “Whether I have the right or privilege to remind you of that doesn’t matter. You fear what remembering the rape of Robert or the tortures of Richard will do to her. Let me tell you what I fear. Her seeing you with Gwen. In some small way, she may interpret that for what it is, a rejection and it may set us back. She’ll withdraw back into herself. I can’t let that happen. So if you plan to pursue Gwen Laidir as your lover, then stay away from Lisa. Leave her healing to those of us who still care about her.”

“You dare accuse me of not caring for my wife?”

“You can talk all you want, Joshua. But your actions speak louder. You have a decision to make. She depends upon it.”

Rasalhague
Wolf Clan Occupation Zone, Free Rasalhague Republic
10 July 3054

Khan Phelan Ward of Clan Wolf brought his report to a close. “At latest estimates, it will be another month before the Jade Falcons can shift their garrisons around to allow Dal Pryde his strike. The Swords are soon to arrive on New Belfast, so the clock is now ticking.”

“Mobilize the 13th Wolf Guards. I want you on the move by the end of this week.” Said IlKhan Kerensky.

“You will, I presume, relay to me the information on Pryde’s departure the instant you discover it?”
“Of course. Good luck, Phelan.”

New Belfast
Tamar March, Federated Commonwealth
6 July 3054

“My God, it is good to be home.” Said Joshua with a loud cry. Around him was the hustle and bustle of the MacLeod City Spaceport as the Star Swords began their disembarking operations. Technicians dashed about as Battlemechs and other equipment were unloaded from the dropships.

“I agree.” Said Daisaku, more calmly. “I never thought I would miss this crappy CO2 tainted air. Or the constant smell of manure in the air.”

“We are home at last.” Said Joshua with excitement.

“As is she.” Said Daisaku with a nod. Joshua followed his gaze to see Justice coming across the tarmac with Dr. Jefferson close behind.

“Good to see you outside an infirmary, Justice.” Said Daisaku as they walked up.

“It’s good to be off of a dropship and on terra firma again.” She replied.

“Welcome to New Belfast.” Said Joshua. “This is our home, the Star Swords permanent duty station.”

“We are a long way from Northwind.” Said Justice.

“We are. It was a long journey and I agree. It’s good to be on real ground again.” Said Joshua. “So, doctor, is our patient free to go?”

“Her memory therapy continues, but obviously need not be done inside a hospital room. Physically, she’s fine. Her lacerations and burns have healed. There’s no reason for her to remain under my constant supervision.”

“Josh, I can oversee the disembarking.” Offer Daisaku. “Why don’t you enjoy your first day home?”

“Thank you, Daisaku. Justice, would you care to join me?”

“Sure.” She said eagerly. She walked over to Joshua and grabbed his arm.

“I know a great place. Let me get some things from my office here on base and I’ll take you there.”

“Wonderful.”

---

“The view from up here is incredible.” Mused Justice as she looked out over the sea. Far below them, the waves crashed rhythmically against the cliffs.

“Yes, this is one of my favorite places to go. Incredible view of the sea, of the city not so far away.”

“The castle.” Added Justice. “It adds a nice touch too.”

“Yes, Castle MacLeod, home to the ruling family of this planet.”

“I’m sure your wife loved this place.”

“Excuse me?”

“I can’t believe you only ever came here alone. That you kept it all to yourself.”

“Well, no. I did bring her here on occasion.”

“For a picnic lunch not unlike this one.” Said Justice with a sly grin. “And I suspect for more than just to eat. I’d be willing to bet that you conceived Daniel on this very spot.” She leaned in close. “You know, this is the first time we’ve truly been alone. No observing nurse or Dr. Jefferson. First time you can really do what’s been hiding behind your eyes all this time.”

“Am I truly that transparent?”

“Don’t think I haven’t been thinking about it either.” Said Justice with a playful squeeze at Joshua’s crotch. “There’s something about you, Joshua. I feel safe when I’m near you. The confusion in my mind doesn’t seem to matter anymore. There’s a part of me that doesn’t care if I ever remember, just so long as I can be with you.” She leaned in even closer and kissed him.

As she pulled away, Joshua smiled. “So, being the ever efficient military man that I am, are we having lunch first or….”

“I’m not waiting any longer.” Said Justice forcefully.

---

Joshua drove the jeep down from the cliff side picnic site back to the base. It was now mid-afternoon and most of the work of disembarking the mechs had been completed. There was still some activity on the tarmac as other equipment, such as ammunition and repair parts, continued to be unloaded.

Joshua was largely quiet as he drove Justice back. While he had certainly hoped things might progress romantically between them, even he was surprised that she had been so eager to make love on their first “date.” Surprised for a lot of reasons. He remembered well her frigidity after Robert’s rape, and with all the other mental difficulties she was now undergoing he thought surely she would still retain that one. But there was no hesitancy, no fearful drawing back, no nightmarish flashback. Instead there was passion, there was tenderness. There was no fear.

She looked at him playfully as he drove. “Penny for your thoughts?”

“I’m just a bit surprised. Thinking about what happened back there. What we did.”

“Was I a bit too forward?”

“No.”

She tapped the ring on the bridge of her nose. Joshua had, as had everyone else, noticed it when she was returned to them on Hesperus. But he’d always assumed it was just a simple affectation. Some worlds had a thriving subculture of bodyart: tattoos, artistic scarring, piercings, and the like. Having never visited Northwind, he simply assumed that world was among them. “I should have something to show for this.” She said in reference to the ring.

“That’s not just decoration? It means something?”

“I think so. Javier says this is the mark of the renkesu, a caste of concubines in Kurita culture. Apparently, somewhere along the way, in the midst of all of those lost memories, I was someone’s mistress and trained accordingly.”

“But you don’t remember?”

“No. That’s another lost memory.” She answered. “And maybe that one can stay lost. I’m not sure I’m comfortable with the idea that I was someone’s pet.”

“I can imagine.” He drove the jeep into the hanger and pulled it to a stop. He looked at her. “You’ve had quite an adventuresome life, Justice. Even what few pieces we know of it show that you’ve done and been involved in a lot of remarkable things.”

“Seems that way. Wife, mother, mistress, rebel.” She looked up at the giant Battlemechs that now surrounded them, each in its own repair bay. “You brought me here for a reason.”

“I did. There’s another chapter in the story. One I wondered if you might remember.”

“You’ve known all along who I really am.”

“Of course, I have. We all know who you really are. But telling you outright won’t bring back your memories. Those have to come on their own. So I brought you here thinking this might trigger a few.”

“My husband was a mechwarrior.” Said Justice. “I remember that. He was one of yours, wasn’t he?”

“He was a Star Sword, yes. But you could have guessed that on your own.”

“Was? What became of him?”

“What do you think is the answer to that question?” said Joshua, getting out and walking over to the foot of a PHX-3S Phoenix Hawk.

Justice followed quietly, clearing trying to put the pieces together in her head. Joshua knew there was only one logical conclusion she could now draw, but would it be enough to unlock those memories?

“This is his machine?” she asked. Her mind had found an out.

“No, that one is.” Joshua pointed behind him at the SHD-2D Shadow Hawk that was Galileo.

Justice looked up at Galileo, as if inspecting every inch of the massive machine. She looked intently at the emblem of the astronomer on the left breast of the mech. She then glanced next to it, to the Ryoken Galileo III in the next repair bay over.

“Then whose is this one?” she said, turning back to the Phoenix Hawk.

“You know the answer.”

“It’s mine, isn’t it? It’s not just that my husband was one of yours. So was I.”

Joshua nodded.

“That’s why I called you for help on Northwind.”

“It is. You knew we’d do something. You knew we’d find a way to help.”

“So, I don’t remember this machine.  But let’s see if it remembers me.” Said Justice.

“Indeed.”

Joshua joined her on the elevator as it took them both up to the mech’s head and cockpit. Justice walked over and slid inside. She reached behind her to find the locker with her cooling vest.

“You’re going to watch me undress, aren’t you?”

“We spent the afternoon making love and you’re worried about modesty now?” he teased.

Justice pulled off her shirt and pulled the cooling vest down over her bra. She worked off her pants and playfully tossed them at Joshua. He tossed them back and she stuffed them with her shirt into the locker.

Justice pulled on her neurohelment and then worked the controls. A rapid combination of switches and buttons unlocked the console. The machine’s engine hummed to life.

“I don’t know how I remembered the unlock sequence, but I did.”

“Just go with it. Your subconscious mind does remember, even if your conscious one doesn’t.”

Justice worked the foot pedals and the Phoenix Hawk stepped forward. Joshua held on as the machine lurched out of its repair bay. “Sorry.” Justice called up. “I think I’m a little rusty.”

“You’ll remember. Care to take me over to my machine? Maybe a little wargame will help you remember?”

Justice brought the Phoenix Hawk’s hand up to its shoulder. Joshua stepped into the grip of the hand and the fingers closed about him. Gently, she took him off the Phoenix Hawk’s shoulder and carried him over to Galileo III.

“You remembered which machine was mine.” Yelled Joshua back at her as he stepped over to his own cockpit. He was disappointed however. He had hoped she might deliver him to the older Shadow Hawk instead of his Ryoken. It was clear to him now that her mind was fighting the obvious conclusions. Lisa was clearly capable of making logical deductions and there was no way she couldn’t have deduced that he was her husband. Yet somehow, she avoided it.

“Maybe I’m pushing her too hard. But after our picnic, after her touch, being with her, I’m tired of waiting. I want her back. I want all of her back.” He thought to himself as he slid into his cockpit. His machine hummed to life.

“Ok, Justice,” he said into his headset. “I do hope you remember how to set your weapons for practice mode.”

“Already done.”

“Good, because this has been a really good day and I don’t feel like ending it by dying.” Joshua then hailed the command center. “Command Center, Messer here. Taking out Galileo III and Gil-Galad for exercises.”

“Roger, General.” Came back Daisaku’s voice. “Enjoy.”

---

The two found a suitable area north of the city, uninhabited, free and clear of any distractions. It was the southern end of the mountain range that ran north-south near MacLeod City; a small valley away from the heavily traveled central corridor of that mountain range. They took up positions on opposite sides of that valley. Joshua proceeded cautiously, uncertain of how hard to push Justice.

Justice blasted her mech skyward on its jumpjets, coming to rest at the bottom of a gully about half a kilometer from Joshua. “So much for taking it easy,” thought Joshua, “She remembers plenty.”

Justice ran across the floor of the gully, rapidly closing the distance to Joshua’s machine. Joshua turned the corner, keeping the hillside between himself and Justice and preventing her from getting any early potshots on his machine. He then headed for the high ground, just as Justice blasted out of the gully to take the peak.

“King of the hill, is it?” he taunted her. He twisted and brought his gauss rifle reticule onto her machine. He squeezed the trigger, but he shot went wide. Justice lashed out with her lasers, one slashing across Joshua’s machine to strike his right arm.

“I draw first blood, General.”

“So you do.” He said. He pulled his mech into a nearby patch of trees.  “But your alpha strike has spiked your heat.”

“It’ll be worth it.” She replied, rocketing into the air again. She was a lot more aggressive than he thought she’d be, fighting like the Lisa he remembered. She came down right behind him.

Joshua twisted his mech again, bringing the quartet of lasers on his right arm around on her. This time, he did not miss. One laser scorched across her right side before Joshua adjusted his aim, bringing the other three together into her left arm. Had the weapons fire been real, the volley would have shorn the arm from her machine. As it was, the computers running the practice battle merely shut it down, leaving it limp at her mech’s side.

But Justice gave as good as she got, unleashing her own firepower into Joshua’s vulnerable backside. Joshua watched as his rear torso armor vanished in a hail of pulse laser fire.

The devastating double volley was enough for both machines to simulate a fall. In a real combat, the landing would be much rougher, but Joshua’s machine tipped over and thumped gently to the earth. The computer then calculated the damage the fall inflicted. Behind him, Justice’s machine did the same.

Justice brought her machine back to its feet and ran down the hill, trying to put distance between her and Joshua. Although the double volley was a rough one, it was clear that Joshua came out the better of the two of them. Joshua brought his machine up and charged after her. Now it was his turn for an alpha strike. Firing all weapons, he tore into her machine, but managed only to savage her armor. Nothing critical. Her machine twisted and put two laser shots into him.

Joshua turned off to the left and headed down the hill, expecting at any second for Justice to vault behind him again with her jump jets. At close quarters, her Phoenix Hawk held the advantage in mobility because of those jump jets. But to his surprise, she didn’t take the opening he gave her, launching herself instead back down to the floor of the canyon behind him.

Joshua turned to exploit this, but she merely waited a few seconds for her jets to cool before rocketing back up to the top of the hill. “This really is king of the hill.” Laughed Joshua. He turned and closed.

But it was clearly the move Justice was waiting for. Her pulse laser flashed as Joshua climbed up to her, cutting right across his cockpit. In real combat, it would have vaporized the armor on his mech’s head and in all likelihood killed him. The shot threw off Joshua’s aim, and despite being point blank with her machine, was able to land only a single laser hit.

“Ouch!” said Joshua. “Remind me not to underestimate you again.”

“I’m remembering fast.”

“No shit.” Said Joshua. “I outmatch you in every way but mobility, but I think you’re winning.”

“I hope.” She said, firing her jets yet again and blasting away from him.

Rather than chase, Joshua chose retreat, heading back to the canyon floor. Justice jumped after him, but Joshua kept terrain between them preventing another exchange of fire.

“No fair playing keep away.” She taunted.

“Oh?” He cut loose with his weapons again, but he was moving too fast to keep his aim. He missed.

“Nice try.” She dropped her pulse laser reticule onto his machine and cut loose with a blast as he passed between rocks. It struck home.

“Damn. Nice shooting.”

“Thank you.” She replied as Joshua ran on ahead down the canyon. The chase was on. Justice pulled in behind him.

Joshua ran up another hill and put his back to a large boulder. Justice cut wide and came around. Again, her mobility fouled his arm and he missed.

“How did you get to be General if you shoot this badly?” she teased.

Joshua was getting frustrated. It had been a while for him inside a mech as well, and it really showed. He should have beaten Justice handily. His mech was stronger, especially so since half of Justice’s firepower lay limp at her side after he’d “shot off” her arm. But she kept one step ahead of him.

“Alright, come and get me.” He thought to himself. He held his mech still and waited for Justice to close. Not taking the bait, she rocketed behind him.

Joshua headed out towards another copse of woods as Justice took up position to his rear once more. All this maneuver had allowed Joshua to do one very important thing however: widen the distance between them.

Justice leaped into the woods on her jump jets, cutting him off. But the heavy trees prevented either of them from drawing a bead on the other. Joshua then backpedaled out of the woods, bringing his machine against a cliff side.

Justice took a step back and came right into Joshua’s sights. “Now, time to show you what I can do.” He squeezed the trigger and lasers lanced out, followed by a simulated gauss shell. The gauss missed, but the lasers struck home, ravaging her armor.

“You can’t have much left.” He said aloud.

“I’m not dead yet.” She replied, taking her machine out of the woods and out of sight of Joshua. Joshua looked down at his tactical monitor. It showed her just around the corner, nursing her wounds. They held position for several seconds.

Joshua brought his machine around, heading around the cliff towards an incline he could climb. He dipped down just as Justice rocketed up and came down behind him again. A quick snap shot from both of them scorched away more armor, but neither could land the killing blow.

Joshua brought his machine up to full speed and dashed away. A quick glance at his chronometer showed the battle had been going on for nearly three minutes. “As if I needed another reason to remember why I married her. She’s my equal!”

Justice held back as Joshua further widened the distance between them. But Justice did not stir from her the little gully she had found for herself. “Now who’s the one playing keep away?” taunted Joshua. He turned and brought his mech back to the canyon floor, now heading back towards her to flush her. It worked. She dashed out of her position back up to the top of the cliff side that Joshua had just abandoned.

Joshua continued down the canyon, keeping his eyes above for Justice and her mech. As he maneuvered around the terrain, he saw her jump back down. Although in a full run, Joshua brought up his reticule and fired. This time, his weapons pounded her machine to scrap.

“Finally!” he declared as the computer registered the kill.

“I thought I could get to cover faster.” Lamented Justice. “With the way you’ve been shooting, I thought I was in the clear.”

“Well, I’ve been in a dropship for almost two months also.” Replied Joshua. “It seems I’m in need of some practice as well. In truth, it’s been a long time since I’ve fought an opponent in single combat for nearly five minutes without one of us going down.” He brought his machine over to hers and stopped. He disembarked and climbed down to greet her.

Both of them were covered in sweat. Even though simulated, the intensity of the battle showed on their bodies. Joshua looked her up and down. With her wearing nothing more than a cooling vest, a bra, and panties, he felt a bit of stirring below. She looked at him.

“Ok, not only am I a mechwarrior, but apparently, I’m a damn good one too.”

“You are.” Said Joshua, stepping over to her. She looked up at him.

“In an equal machine, you would have lost.” She said.

“I would have.” Admitted Joshua. “That’s the best battle I’ve fought in a long time.”

She leaned in and kissed him. Joshua held her close and let the kiss linger. She pulled back after a few seconds. “So, where are we?”

“Why do you ask?”

“Something feels familiar about this place.”

Taking that as a good sign, Joshua checked the noteputer attached to his cooling vest to double check their position. It was a wireless terminal for the computer on board his mech and confirmed that they had been fighting about five kilometers northwest of the O’Brian manor.

“It may. Care to take a side trip?”

“This has been a good day so far for remembering things. I feel like I’m close, but there’s something there blocking me from knowing the rest.” She said to no one in particular. Her eyes focused on Joshua. “If I was a Star Sword, then I’ve been stationed here also. If there’s something nearby that can help me remember, take me there. I want to know who I am. I want to know all of it and I’m tired of waiting for things to run their course.”

“Ok, get aboard and follow me.”

---

The two mechs pulled to a stop in front of O’Brian manor. Joshua disembarked, zipping up his jumpsuit. The O’Brian’s chamberlain, Phillipe, came outside hurriedly as Justice disembarked herself. “Lady Li…” he began excitedly before Joshua raised his hand to silence him.

“She’s not herself. She doesn’t remember a lot about her life.” Explained Joshua hurriedly. “I thought bringing her here might help jog a few older memories. But she will likely regard you and the others as strangers.”

“How horrid.” Exclaimed Phillipe.  “This must be hard on you, mi’lord.”

“You have no idea.” Said Joshua. “Alert the Baron of our arrival, if you would.”

“Yes, mi’lord.”

“I know this place. I’ve been here.” Said Justice.

“You have. This is Manor O’Brian, home to one of the prominent families of this planet. We are not far from the base, maybe 5 kilometers. Baron O’Brian once commanded the militia of this world, before the Star Swords came and took up residence here. Come. Let’s enjoy a bit of the Baron’s hospitality.”

Marian had told Joshua that few outside of the Star Swords or the MacLeod inner circle knew the truth of why Lisa fled New Belfast all those years ago. Thus, Joshua anticipated a reasonably warm welcome from the O’Brians, who knew nothing of his affair with Gwen. He was not disappointed.

“Welcome, General.” Said Baron O’Brian as they stepped inside. “And it is good to see you as well, miss.”

“I am called Justice. At least, that’s the name I know for myself.” She admitted. “General Messer thinks it good to bring me here. Thinks it may help me remember.”

“It may indeed. General, I give you the hospitality of my home. Stay as long as you need. Phillipe can provide you with anything you require.”

“Thank you, your grace.”

“I have matters to attend to, but if you would like, you may remain for dinner as my guests.”

“That would be wonderful, your grace. Thank you.”

“Then I take my leave.” He turned to Justice and smiled. “I am hopefully that find some part of your past here. This house holds many memories.”

“I remember him…vaguely.” She said to Joshua as the Baron walked away. “He’s not my father, but he makes me think my father might be someone like him.”

Joshua chuckled at her observation. “How true.”

“He’s a friend of my father. That’s why you laughed.”

“For whatever lack of memory you may have, Justice, you logic does not fail you.”

“Then I am a native of this world. My parents are here? Siblings? Brothers and sisters? Here?” Justice began to get visibly upset.

“Yes, all of them.” Said Joshua, trying to calm her. “You have already seen some of them and not known it. Two of them journeyed with us back from Hesperus. Your sisters.”

“I want to see them.”

“In time.”

“Now!” said Justice, insistent.

“You can’t force this, Justice. We’re here with the O’Brians. This house holds secrets for you. Why don’t you let it tell you its tale before we go running off to see people you will not remember. You said a little while ago that you feel like something is blocking you from learning more. You’re right. Your mind is at war with itself. You’ve practically had answers to some of your questions handed to you and you’ve said nothing about drawing the right conclusions from that. My suspicion is encountering your parents and siblings won’t help you at this time. Your mind won’t let you remember them….just like it won’t let you remember me.”

“You? Then who are you to me then?”

“I could probably tell you and it would no longer shock you. But at the same time, I don’t think it would help you. I’m being patient, hoping you’ll remember on your own.”

“Then why are we here?”

“Well, Dr. Jefferson may think this analogy nuts, but it’s a bit like military strategy. We’re doing end runs around your mind. Trying to find a way to reach the real you. Bringing you here is one of those end runs. You don’t remember this yet, but you have a lot of history with this place.”

Justice nodded. “I’m just so tired of this not remembering. I’m frustrated, and I’m scared. Scared of what I might learn when the truth does become clear.”

“Why is that?”

“Because things are going to change. Changes that might take you away from me. I’ll go back to my life. You’ll go back to yours.”

“Don’t worry about that now. Focus on this place. As I said, let it tell its tale. Come, let me show you something.”

Joshua led her through the house to the garden. There was Daniel’s gravestone, just as it had always been. Justice walked over. “Daniel O’Brian. January 25, 3024 to May 17, 3049. He died five years ago. The Baron’s son?”

“Yes.”

“Did I know him?”

“You already know the answer to that.”

“You knew him. He was a friend, a close friend to you.”

“What makes you say that?”

“You named your son after him.”

“My wife did, yes. Come back inside. There’s more.” Joshua motioned for her to follow.

They headed inside and Joshua stopped in the hallway at a painted portrait. “This is Daniel.” He said. Below the painting was a small table, filled with old photographs of Daniel; as a baby, as a child, as teenager, and as an adult. “This is a little shrine they dedicated to him.”

Justice picked up one of the photographs. Joshua’s eyes widened. “I forgot about that one. I don’t remember it ever being here before. Clever Philippe. He must have added it while we were outside.”

“That’s us.” She said, pointing to the three figures in the picture. “It’s you and me and him. He’s in a hospital bed.”

“Yes it is.”

“When was this?”

“Six years ago, on New Avalon.”

“I’ve known you that long and I remember none of it. I knew him and I remember nothing of him.” She burst into tears. “Why can’t I remember?” she cried. Joshua pulled her close and just let the tears flow.

Dr. Jefferson’s Office, Star Sword Headquarters
New Belfast
Tamar March, Federated Commonwealth
7 July 3054

“You probably pushed her too hard.” Said Dr. Jefferson. It was now the next morning, and Joshua was giving a report of all that had transpired the day before.

“I was afraid of that. She wants to be pushed thought.” Said Joshua. “Each she piece she comes to realize is missing makes her all the more frustrated and upset. She cried herself to sleep last night.”

“And you slept next to her?”

“You told me to pursue her romantically.”

“I know.” Said the Doctor. “The problem with pushing her right now is that her mind is pushing back. It doesn’t want to remember. She’s at war with herself. No person with a halfway decent intelligence would not have deduced that you are her husband from all that you’ve told her, and yet she didn’t make the connection.”

“She wants to see her family.”

“Bad idea. It was unwise of you to reveal their existence to her.”

“She’s going to figure these things out, Doc. That’s what we want to happen. Eventually, the evidence is going to overwhelm her.”

“That’s the problem. She’s going to remember everything all at once, all the nightmares. Daniel’s death, Robert’s rape, Richard’s tortures, and your betrayal. Can you imagine what it would be like to have those four things hit you at once? We need to consider a new strategy or she’ll just withdraw into catatonia again.”

“No, I think it’s too late for that. She’s self-aware enough that she’ll know we’re pulling back. Whatever damage may have been done has been done. I think we should proceed. I think she’s strong enough.”

“Your faith may be misplaced.”

“I have to believe in her, Doc. She’s my wife and I love her.”

Dr. Jefferson’s features softened. “It is good to hear you say that. Three days ago, you weren’t so sure of that. Well, the old fairy tales say ‘love conquers all.’ Maybe they were right. No medical journal will ever say this was sound practice, but she does trust you. Don’t lead her astray.”

“I won’t.”

---

“I downloaded the battle ROMs from your fight with Joshua.” Said Gwen to Justice as they walked through the corridors of the headquarters. “My God, you kicked his ass.”

“Yeah, and to think thirty minutes before that I didn’t even realize I was a mechwarrior.”

“You’re learning fast. Remembering fast.”

“Not everything.” Said Justice sadly. “Certain things are just beyond my reach.”

“Ah, there you are.” Said Joshua from down the hallway.

“So where have you been?” asked Justice.

“Talking with the doctor.”

“Giving him a progress report?”

“Of sorts, yes.”

“I’m failing miserably.” Said Justice grimly.

“Absolutely not.”

“I’m not remembering what I really want to. Maybe there’s a blessing in that. As long as I don’t remember, I have you.”

Gwen frowned at the comment, but said nothing.

“Justice, it’s your turn with Dr. Jefferson. He’s waiting down the hall.”

“I’ll see you later then.” She leaned in to give him a quick peck on the cheek. She headed down the hallway.

Joshua turned to Gwen. “We need to talk.”

“The worst four words in any relationship.”

“You knew this was coming.”

“A girl can hope, can’t she?”

“I’m sorry, Gwen.”

“Don’t be.” Said Gwen abruptly. “You love her. You’ve always loved her. I knew that from the start. I did what I felt I had to do. Just like you. I had to try. In the years to come, at least I can say that. “ She leaned forward and kissed Joshua on the other cheek. “Now, go. Go back to your wife. I won’t interfere. I’ll take my defeat gracefully.”

Around the corner and not out of earshot, Justice trembled at what she had heard. Without a word, she ran down the hallway.

---

Gwen limped back towards the command center. Her leg was bothering her this morning, worse than usual.

“You’re not usually quite that gimpy.” said a voice. Javier bounced up beside her, almost as if mocking Gwen’s lame leg.

“Not usually.” Replied Gwen. She ran her hand across his chest. “I see they gave you a uniform.”

“Yeah, and Hauptmann’s bars. I should be insulted.”

“Don’t be. There are warriors with greater experience and seniority in the Star Swords who would be envious of what you’ve been given.”

“He gave you a battalion command.”

“Would you stop looking for reasons to pick a fight? As if I don’t have enough on my mind.”

“What’s bothering you?”

“Well, the moment has come.”

“Joshua went back to her.”

Gwen nodded. “And I let him.”

“You gave up?”

“Yeah. I love him, Javier. Enough to let him go. She makes him happy, even with only half of her memories. Some times you just can’t fight fate.”

“I never thought I’d see the day. Well, seeing as there’s an opening on your social calendar….”

“Don’t even think it, Javier.” Said Gwen, storming past him.

“Oh, I’ll do more than think it, Gwendolyn. I’ll make it happen. I’ll make it all happen, everything that was meant to be mine will be.”

---

Joshua dashed down the hallway. When Dr. Jefferson came out looking for Justice, Joshua nearly panicked. Where could she have gone? She had just been there. Why didn’t she go to his office? Did she hear something of his conversation with Gwen and did it trigger something?

He found her outside, shivering on the sidewalk. She had not gotten far.

“Justice…” he said, approaching cautiously.

She spun around like lightning, landing a solid right hook into Joshua’s jaw. The blow sent him sprawling.

“That’s not my name!” she snarled.

“What the….Lisa?”

“You son of a bitch.” She growled. Rage was in her eyes. “You….” Suddenly her eyes turned to fear and she dropped to her knees.

Joshua scrambled over to her. “Lisa?”

Images, sights, sounds, feelings flashed across her mind. Daniel in the hospital bed. Reading the Comstar report of his death. Robert coming to her, the smell of him, feeling his breath on her neck. The touch of Richard’s neural lash and the sound of his sneering voice. All of it. All at once.

“Joshua, help me.” She stammered and pitched forward. Joshua took her hand. Her skin was cold as ice.

“Lisa, stay with me. Don’t give in to it. Fight it.”

But his voice seemed far away as the memories bombarded her, random in their order, painful in their intensity. Getting the renkesu ring. Napineo’s voice. Making love to Daniel. The massacre of the prisoners, including Kyle’s wife. The fall of New Belfast. The prison raid. The recording of Joshua and Gwen. The death of Matthew and Isaac on Garrison. Richard standing over her as Robert assaulted her. Javier and the stunstick. Getting married to Joshua. Giving birth to her son.

The two last images she clung to. She held onto them, forced them to the front of her mind. Savored them. Held on to the happiness. Suddenly the real world around her came back into focus. She could feel Joshua gripping her hand painfully tight. She could hear his voice.

“I’m….I’m okay.” She stuttered. Joshua reached over and touched her on the cheek. She looked him in the eye. “Let me….catch…my…breath.”

“You started to hyperventilate. I thought you were going to pass out.”

“I’m...okay now. I remember, Joshua. I remember it all.”

Joshua smiled. “Welcome home, my love.” Joshua took her other hand. “Can you stand?”

“I can try.”

With his help, she came to her feet. “Dr. Jefferson feared this might happen. Everything come flooding back at once, like a cork popping off a Champagne bottle.”

He led her over to a nearby bench. “Here, rest a bit. You had half a lifetime flood back into your mind at once.” She sat down and looked up at him.

“How could you?”

“I told you, when you were still Justice, that there are things I wish I could forget. I have no excuses to tell you, Lisa. I could give you reasons, rationales, but it doesn’t change what I did to you. I wronged you. I betrayed you. And there is nothing in my life I regret more.”

“And how could I?”

“Excuse me?”

“Look at what I did. Abandoned my family, my son. Who am I to accuse anyone of anything? Maybe I was better off as her, ignorant not just of the nightmares inflicted upon me, but also of those I’ve done to others. Did my punishment fit your crime? And of what crime, did Daniel deserve such punishment? Is that justice? There’s bitter irony in the name I chose for myself.” She leaned forward and put her face into her hands.

“I forgive you, Lisa. I don’t care about any of that anymore. You’re back, all of you. That’s all that matters.”

She sat back up and looked at him. “And I you, my love.” She pulled him close and kissed him. “Our nightmare is over.”

Joshua stood up. “Come, Lisa. There are a lot of people waiting to see you, the real you.”

Star Swords Command Center
New Belfast
Tamar March, Federated Commonwealth
10 July 3054

“General on deck.” Drilled Erik Iolair. As Joshua walked into the briefing room, he looked about at his senior officers, who had jumped to attention at Erik’s remark.

“At ease.” Said Joshua, “Everyone is so formal today.”

“First official meeting of the Swords command staff since Hesperus. We felt in the mood for ceremony.” Said Daisaku.

“Save that for later.” Said Joshua. “Well, it is official. The Star Swords are back at full functional capacity. In fact, we are stronger than before. The reorganization is complete. The 2nd Star Sword regiment shows ready for battle.

“As part of that reorganization, we welcome two new faces to this august group.” Joshua continued. “And one old one. Gwendolyn Laidir has assumed command of 3rd battalion, replacing Daisaku who now commands the 2nd regiment. Gwen also had assumed her duties as our new intelligence liaison. Javier Libereux has been given a company command in 3rd battalion, replacing Kou Fairchild, who’s been promoted to command 5th Battalion of the 2nd Swords. And lastly, and definitely not least, I am particularly grateful to welcome back my wife, Lisa MacLeod, to command the Star Swords 1st regiment.”

The room erupted in applause at that. Lisa nodded from her seat.

“Her military commission has been reactivated, with all rank and privilege reinstated. For the first time since we took back this planet, we are whole and ready to fight.”

“And about that, sir?” said Kou, leaning forward. “Got anything in mind?”

“Spoiling for battle, are we?” asked Joshua. “Well it may come sooner than you think. Prince Victor brought us back here for a reason. We’ve received reports that the Jade Falcons are also spoiling for a fight. You can bet Dal Pryde is going to be up to his old tricks. He hasn’t forgotten us, nor the fact that we kicked his ass the last several times we’ve faced off with him.

“Bearing that in mind. We’re going to sit tight for a while. Normally, I’d consider a preemptive attack on his garrison at Alyina, but there’s evidence the Falcons are shuffling their garrisons around. We might end up against someone else, and while I wouldn’t mind bloodying any Falcon’s nose, I’d much rather it be Pryde than anyone else. So we wait and let him come to us.”

“And we think he will?” asked Gwen.

“Yes, he will.” Answered Mechlanthon. “He still has not given up finishing the job he started six years ago.”

“Excuse me? The Swords didn’t exist six years ago.” Interjected Javier. “I may be the new guy, but even I know that. So what’s the story here?”

“Don’t be so dense, Javier. Where were most of us six years ago?” said Joshua.

“New Vision. Our homeworld in the periphery.”

“And who do you think led the attack on us that day?”

Javier straightened up as he realized the answer. “Exactly.” Continued Joshua. “He knows who and what we are, and while he seems to have had a hard time convincing anyone else of it, he has not let that stop him from carrying out a vendetta against us. Two of us he’s already killed: my friends Isaac Mizar and Matthew Jiwe. This time, when he sets foot on New Belfast soil, he will not leave it alive again. Too many of our people have died by his hand. It’s time he paid in blood for their lives.”

The officers assembled nodded in response.

“Is there anything else?” asked Joshua. There was not. “Staff dismissed.” Everyone got up and filtered out of the room. Only Javier and Joshua remained behind.

“A company command? Is that all you’ll trust me with?”

“You are an expert in small unit tactics, just like Ryan.”

“But he commands a battalion now. Gwen also, who has no more seniority within your unit than I do.”

“There are only so many positions of command available, Javier, and there were people in line ahead of you. I’m already taking heat for giving 3rd to Gwen instead of Mike Koren. He’s earned it, but the intelligence liaison gains a battalion command. That’s our precedent.”

“Why her and not me for that position? We were both ISF.”

“She got here first.”

“And she’s a lot prettier.”

“You overreach, Javier. Your ambition does not match your gifts.”

“No, this has nothing to do with that and everything to do with the fact that I’m Libereux and you’re a Messer. Everything to do with the fact that your father gave Gwen to me and not to you.”

“He had no authority….”

“He set it up. You knew that. Why else challenge me at your Trial?”

“All that was a long time ago, Javier. And irrelevant now. I’ve gone back to Lisa and Gwen has accepted that.”

“Yeah, they get promotions, commands, all for giving you a blowjob at some point.”

“…and you tried to kill me once. Also shattered my arm at the Trial Assembly to handicap me. I almost forgot about that one. Does it surprise you that I chose people who love me over you? But all that was a long time ago and I have given you a company of my best troops to command. Take what you’ve been given, Javier. If I was as vindictive as you accuse me of, you wouldn’t be standing here. Dismissed.”

“I should have known better. Everyone’s so willing to be forgiving of one another, I guess I shouldn’t have assumed you’d be so gracious to me.”

“You are dismissed, Hauptmann. Don’t make me repeat it a third time.” With that, Javier stormed out.

Alyina
Jade Falcon Occupation Zone, Federated Commonwealth
11 July 3054

“All preparations are made, Star Colonel.” said David. “Are you certain that you want to do this?”

“I have desired this action for six years, David. I earned my Bloodname for my actions on their homeworld of New Vision. “

“You will anger the ilKhan if you go.”

“I am aware of that. But he cannot legitimately oppose this holy crusade.”

“Then what is the plan?”

“We will jump into the New Belfast system via the pirate point here.” said Pryde pointing at a system map. We will drop in a remote location of New Belfast approximately 1500 miles northwest of MacLeod City. From there, we should be able to march to the city largely undetected.”

“What of their aerospace patrols?”

“They’ve only been on planet a week. It is doubtful that after such a long absence that all their security measures are in place. Now is our best time to strike. We must, for we may never have this opportunity again.”

“Very well, sir. We await your orders.”

“We launch within the hour.”

Star Swords Officer Club
New Belfast
Tamar March, Federated Commonwealth
11 July 3054

“May I join you, General?” asked Javier.

Daisaku motioned to the seat next to him. Javier took the seat.

“I’m curious about something that was brought up at the officer meeting yesterday. I though you might be able to help me.” Javier said.

“What is it?”

“Joshua said Pryde knew of our origins. How did that happen? How did he connect the dots between New Vision and the Star Swords? Am I correct when I say you have served the longest with Joshua, in terms of your service here in the Inner Sphere with the AFFC?”

“I have. Joshua and I both were posted to the 10th Donegal after graduation from NAMA.”

“And then you faced the 2nd Jaegers here on New Belfast?”

“Yes, Pryde’s force attacked this planet after we withdrew to here from Chateau.”

“Did Joshua do anything to tip Pryde off to his identity? Did he face him in single combat? Did he issue a Clan-style challenge?”

“Are you fishing for something, Hauptmann?”

“I am.” Said Javier bluntly. “I want to know if Joshua has put us at risk by violation of the First Edict. Pryde should not know what he knows.”

“And his knowledge dies with him.”

“Assuming, of course, he doesn’t escape again. But even if he does die, the Edicts are our highest law. A violation of one of them should not go uninvestigated.”

“The matter is resolved for the rest of us.” Said Daisaku.

“It is not for me.”

“If you pursue this, you will find no allies among us. Joshua is our Khan and our loyalty is to him.”

“Our loyalty is to Clan Wolverine.” Corrected Javier. “And the law is the law. If Joshua has broken our law, I will see him punished, stripped of command. I swear it.”

System G121
Jade Falcon Occupation Zone, Federated Commonwealth
13 July 3054

“Caesar has crossed the Rubicon.” Said Phelan Ward to Evantha Fetladral. “The 2nd Jaegers launched out-bound four days ago.”

“That would put them on New Belfast on the 16th. Just three days from now.”

“Prepare for the jump. We will meet them there.”

“Yes, my Khan.”

New Belfast
Tamar March, Federated Commonwealth
15 July 3054

Javier walked back inside the command center holding the data chip that contained all the information he needed. Logs, battle ROMs, everything pointed to the same inescapable conclusion: Joshua had as much told Dal Pryde of his identity as a Wolverine.

“You seem inordinately pleased with yourself.” Said Gwen.

“We each came here with a dream. You came hoping to create some happily-ever-after with Joshua like the old fairy tales used to tell. I came here with the hope what had once been promised to me might be mine.”

“And that is?”

“That I would be Khan. It is now within my grasp.”

“You were never promised the Khanship. Joshua’s father was playing you, and you know it.”

“Even so, I can make it happen.” He held up the data chip. “Contained on this chip is all the data I need to right renounce Joshua as a violator of the First Edict. He gave Pryde our identity. He broke our highest law.”

“Bullshit.”

“It’s not. It’s the truth. And I’m bringing it before the conclave of the Bloodnamed.”

“You wouldn’t dare.”

“I will. Joshua must stand for his crimes, crimes that have cost Wolverine warriors their lives and may cost us more before Pryde is through with us.”

“The others will not stand with you: Erik, Daisaku, Ryan. Their loyalty to Joshua is absolute.”

“And what of you, Gwen Laidir? You are part of the conclave. How will you decide? Will you see the evidence? See what Joshua has done to us with his shortsightedness? Or will the memory of his warmth within you make your choice for you? You have a decision to make, Gwen, a choice for the truth or for blind loyalty. Loyalty that already got two Wolverines killed when we are already so few. Don’t make the mistake they did.”

With that, he turned and left.